bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
St. John's wort relieves pain in an animal model of migraine
Authors: Galeotti N. , Ghelardini C. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundDespite the substantial improvement that antimigraine drugs brought to migraineurs, there is the need for a long‐acting and better tolerated migraine treatment than actual pharmacotherapy. St. John's wort (SJW), a medicinal plant endowed with a favourable tolerability profile, showed numerous bioactivities. We here investigated the pain‐relieving property of SJW and its main components, hypericin and flavonoids, in a mouse model induced by nitric oxide (NO) donors administration.MethodsThe NO donors nitroglycerin and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) induced allodynia (cold plate test) and hyperalgesia (hot plate test). Western blotting experiments were performed to detect c‐Fos and protein kinase C (PKC) expression within periaqueductal grey matter (PAG).ResultsA single oral administration of an SJW dried extract (5 mg/kg p.o.) produced a prolonged relief from pain hypersensitivity. Similarly, preventive SJW administration increased the latency to the induction of hyperalgesia and reduced the duration of the painful symptomatology. Among SJW main components, hypericin showed a similar profile of activity, whereas flavonoids were devoid of any antihyperalgesic effect. To clarify the cellular pathways involved in the SJW mechanism of action, we examined the effects induced by the herbal drug on PKC. NO donors' administration upregulated and increased phosphorylation of PKCγ and PKCε isoforms within PAG that was prevented by SJW treatment. The absence of behavioural side effects or altered animals' locomotor activity by SJW was demonstrated.ConclusionsThese results suggest SJW as a safe therapeutic perspective for migraine pain, and indicate PKC as an innovative target for antimigraine therapy.
Drug delivery from hydroxyapatite‐coated titanium surfaces using biodegradable particle carriers
Authors: Son Jun Sik , Choi Young‐Ae , Park Eui‐Kyun , Kwon Tae‐Yub , Kim Kyo‐Han , Lee Kyu‐Bok 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe goal of this study was to develop a functional titanium (Ti) implant loaded with bioactive molecules using biodegradable polymeric particles as drug delivery carrier for dental applications. In this study, dexamethasone (DEX)‐loaded poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) particles were electrostatically immobilized on a Ti disc surface coated with hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocrystals using a low temperature high speed collision (LTHSC) method. Resorbable blasting media (RBM) Ti discs (S1), HA‐Ti discs (S2), and HA‐Ti discs treated with DEX‐loaded PLGA particles (S3) were fabricated in this study as sample discs. To facilitate surface immobilization, PLGA particles were coated with polyethyleneimine (PEI) to produce a positive surface charge. This modification of PLGA particle surfaces, allowed DEX‐loaded PLGA particles to be immobilized on negatively charged S2 disc surface. It was found that DEX‐loaded PLGA particles were well dispersed and immobilized onto the S3 disc surfaces. Release profile studies of DEX from S3 discs in a 4‐week immersion study indicated an initial burst release followed by sustained release. In vitro evaluation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) cultured for 1 and 2 weeks on S3 discs showed greater BMSC differentiation than on S1 or S2 discs, demonstrating that this innovative delivery platform potently induced BMSC differentiation in vitro, and suggesting that it could be exploited for stem cell therapy purposes or to enhance in vivo osteogenesis. In addition, the results of the present study shows that various bioactive molecules that promote bone regeneration can be efficiently incorporated onto HA‐Ti surfaces using biodegradable polymeric particles. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
Wine Compounds as a Source for HTS Screening Collections. A Feasibility Study
Authors: Zhu Feng , Logan Gerard , Reynisson Jóhannes 
Published: November 2012

AbstractHigh throughput screening (HTS) is extensively used to identify hit and lead compounds in drug discovery programmes. Designing quality screening libraries is a challenge in terms of water solubility, stability and potential oral bioavailability of the compounds. Wines are widely consumed and wine compounds are inherently water soluble, stable and relatively non‐toxic. Furthermore, many wine compounds have been proved health‐beneficial. To evaluate the feasibility to use wine compounds 3317 were collected from the literature. Their physiochemical properties were evaluated with main stream molecular descriptors. According to the results ∼25 % of the compounds are lead‐like; nearly 80 % lie within drug‐like chemical space and finally 90 % conform to known drug space (KDS). The rotatable bonds descriptor was the most effective defining lead‐like space. The results suggest that many of the wine compounds are interesting and suitable candidates for screening libraries after suitable filtering.
Infinite Concurrent Systems — I. The Relationship between Metric and Order Convergence
Authors: Stannett Mike 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
In recent years, Mazurkiewicz trace theory has become increasingly popular as a model of semantics for non-interleaving concurrency, and the theory is here further extended to allow descriptions of infinite behaviours based on alphabets of arbitrary cardinality. We describe an unconventional but nonetheless natural, ordering on trace space, and show that under this ordering, every nonempty set of traces has a greatest lower bound. Consequently, the ordering is consistently complete, i.e. if a set of traces has an upper bound, it has a least such bound. This parallels the result that traces over finite alphabets form a domain.
Kwiatkowska has demonstrated an ultrametric, definable on (standard) trace spaces, under which they become compact, and hence complete, topological spaces. For finite alphabets, thus ultrametric essentially agrees with that of Comyn and Dauchet, but for infinite alphabets they differ in behaviour. We investigate the structure of trace space under various topologies, demonstrate the relationship between order convergence and the various metric convergence regimes, and thereby explain apparent behaviourial anomalies.
A Principle for Sequential Reasoning about Distributed Algorithms
Authors: Stomp F. A. , de Roever W.-R 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Designers of network algorithms often give elegant informal descriptions of the intuition behind their algorithms (see [
GHS83
,
Hum83
,
MeS79
,
Seg82
,
Seg83
,
ZeS80
]). Usually these descriptions are structured as if subtasks are performed one after the other. Although these subtasks are performed
sequentially
from a logical point of view, they are performed
concurrently
from an operational point of view. The current paper presents a principle for formally designing and verifying these kinds of algorithms. It is formulated in Manna and Pnueli’s linear time temporal logic [
MaP83
,
MaP92
]. This principle is applicable to large classes of algorithms, such as those for computing minimum-paths, connectivity, network flow, and minimum-weight spanning trees.
The matrix element method at next-to-leading order
Authors: Campbell John M. , Giele Walter T. , Williams Ciaran 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis paper presents an extension of the matrix element method to next-to-leading order in perturbation theory, for electro-weak final states. To accomplish this we have developed a method to calculate next-to-leading order weights on an event-by-event basis. This allows for the definition of next-to-leading order likelihoods in exactly the same fashion as at leading order, thus extending the matrix element method to next-to-leading order. A welcome by-product of the method is the straightforward and efficient generation of unweighted next-to-leading order events. As examples of the application of our next-to-leading order matrix element method we consider the measurement of the mass of theZboson and also the search for the Higgs boson in the four lepton channel.
Increased glucocerebrosidase (GBA) 2 activity in GBA1 deficient mice brains and in Gaucher leucocytes
Authors: Burke Derek G. , Rahim Ahad A. , Waddington Simon N. , Karlsson Stefan , Enquist Ida , Bhatia Kailash , Mehta Atul , Vellodi Ashok , Heales Simon 
Published: November 2012

AbstractLysosomal glucocerebrosidase (GBA1) deficiency is causative for Gaucher disease. Not all individuals with GBA1 mutations develop neurological involvement raising the possibility that other factors may provide compensatory protection. One factor may be the activity of the non‐lysosomal β‐glucosidase (GBA2) which exhibits catalytic activity towards glucosylceramide and is reported to be highly expressed in brain tissue. Here, we assessed brain GBA2 enzymatic activity in wild type, heterozygote and GBA1 deficient mice. Additionally, we determined activity in leucocytes obtained from 13 patients with Gaucher disease, 10 patients with enzymology consistent with heterozygote status and 19 controls. For wild type animals, GBA2 accounted for over 85 % of total brain GBA activity and was significantly elevated in GBA1 deficient mice when compared to heterozygote and wild types (GBA1 deficient; 92.4 ± 5.6, heterozygote; 71.5 ± 2.4, wild type 76.8 ± 5.1 nmol/h/mg protein). For the patient samples, five Gaucher patients had GBA2 leucocyte activities markedly greater than controls. No difference in GBA2 activity was apparent between the control and carrier groups. Undetectable GBA2 activity was identified in four leucocyte preparations; one in the control group, two in the carrier group and one from the Gaucher disease group. Work is now required to ascertain whether GBA2 activity is a disease modifying factor in Gaucher disease and to identify the mechanism(s) responsible for triggering increased GBA2 activity in GBA1 deficiency states.
Assessing the Psychometric Properties of Both a Global and a Domain-Specific Perceived Quality of Life Measure When Used with Youth Who Have Chronic Conditions
Authors: McDougall Janette , Wright Virginia , Nichols Megan , Miller Linda 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this paper was to assess the psychometric properties of the Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale (SLSS) and the Brief Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale (BMSLSS) when used with youth who have chronic conditions. Baseline data from a longitudinal study examining predictors of changes in perceived quality of life (PQOL) for youth with chronic conditions were used. SLSS and BMSLSS data were collected on over 400 youth aged 11–17 using youth self-report and parent proxy-report versions. Internal consistency, convergent validity, and factor structure were examined for both versions. Extent of agreement and magnitude of differences between youth and parent report were evaluated. Finally, gender, age, and condition group differences in youth report scores were examined for the SLSS and BMSLSS. Strong internal consistency was demonstrated for the youth and parent reports of both measures. As with normative samples, a single factor structure was found for youth and parent reports of the BMSLSS. However, both youth and parent reports of the SLSS had a two-factor structure: one consisting of five positively worded items, and the other, two negatively worded items. Youth reported their PQOL to be significantly higher than did their parents. Significant differences in PQOL scores for the youth report were not found by age, gender, or conditions. Findings show that, from a psychometric standpoint, the BMSLSS (both youth and parent report) is a promising measure of PQOL for use in population-based research with youth who have chronic conditions. The SLSS may need to be revised to exclude negative items when used with this population of youth.
Reduced clonal reproduction indicates low potential for establishment of hybrids between wild and cultivated strawberries (Fragaria vesca × F. × ananassa)
Authors: Schulze Juerg , Erhardt Andreas , Stoll Peter 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe genus Fragaria (Rosaceae) contains 24 species, including hybrid species such as the garden strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.). Natural hybridization between Fragaria species has repeatedly been reported, and studies on the hybridization potential between F. × ananassa and its wild relatives have become increasingly important with the outlook for genetically modified garden strawberries. In Europe, a candidate species for hybridization with garden strawberries is the common woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.). Although a previous field survey indicated that the potential for hybridization between F. vesca and F. × ananassa is low, it is not clear whether the lack of natural hybrids is caused by known pre‐ and postzygotic barriers, or whether hybrid plants lack the fitness to establish in natural F. vesca populations. We grew different F. vesca and F. vesca × F. × ananassa hybrid clones with and without competition in a greenhouse and assessed biomass production, clonal reproduction, and sexual reproduction of plants. While some hybrid clones exceeded F. vesca in biomass production, general clonal reproduction was much lower and delayed in hybrids. Furthermore, hybrids were sterile. These results demonstrate a mechanism by which the general lack of F. vesca × F. × ananassa hybrids in natural habitats can be explained, in addition to the known low hybridization potential between garden and woodland strawberries. We conclude that hybrids have a competitive disadvantage against co‐occurring F. vesca plants due to inferior and delayed clonal reproduction, and that the potential for hybrid establishment under natural conditions is low.
Study of the Properties of Thermoset Materials Derived from Epoxidized Soybean Oil and Protein Fillers
Authors: Fombuena Vicent , L Sánchez‐Nácher , MD Samper , D Juárez , R Balart 
Published: November 2012

AbstractNovel bio‐based thermoset formulations were prepared by using epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO), nadic methyl anhydride as a hardener and with different types of proteins as fillers. In the first part of the study, the effect of the protein‐type (wheat gluten, soy protein, casein and ovalbumin) on cured ESBO materials was investigated. Thermal and mechanical properties were characterized by flexural tests, Shore D hardness, Charpy impact tests, Vicat softening temperature and heat deflection temperature. In addition, a study of the morphology of fractured surfaces by scanning electron microscopy was carried out. In general, the addition of protein‐based fillers improved the mechanical and thermal properties. It was found that the highest increase of thermal and mechanical properties was achieved by ovalbumin. In the second part of the work, the effect of the total amount of ovalbumin filler was studied. Bio‐based thermoset materials from ESBO and 15 wt % ovalbumin improved flexural modulus more than 150 % when compared to the unfilled material. Similar evolution was observed for other mechanical properties. Moreover, the brittleness of this composition was the minimum from the studied systems. A direct relationship between energy absorption capacity and morphologies of the failure surface was evidenced by SEM.
Treatment with an equine chorionic gonadotrophin single dose restored spermatozoa production in an azoospermic pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) male: a case report
Authors: Ungerfeld Rodolfo 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAzoospermy was diagnosed after semen extraction in a pampas deer male, an endangered species. To determine the reproductive status, testicular fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), followed by a gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) challenge (8.4 μg of buserelin acetate) was performed. Blood samples were obtained to measure luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone by radioimmunoanalysis. No spermatozoa was visible in the cytology examination. LH and testosterone surges were observed after the GnRH challenge. Thereafter, 5,000 IU of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) were injected intramuscularly. A second FNAC was performed 2 months later, and semen was extracted 4 months after eCG administration. Spermatozoa were observed both in the smear and in the semen sample. In summary, although limited in number, after a single dose of 5,000 IU of eCG, spermatozoa production was restored. This opens an interesting therapeutical option to stimulate testicular activity.
Behavioral correlates of cerebrospinal fluid amino acid and biogenic amine neurotransmitter alterations in dementia
Authors: Vermeiren Yannick , Le Bastard Nathalie , Van Hemelrijck An , Drinkenburg Wilhelmus H. , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , De Deyn Peter P. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundBehavioral and psychological signs and symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are a heterogeneous group of behavioral and psychiatric disturbances occurring in dementia patients of any etiology. Research suggests that altered activities of dopaminergic, serotonergic, (nor)adrenergic, as well as amino acid neurotransmitter systems play a role in the etiopathogenesis of BPSD. In this study we attempted to identify cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurochemical correlates of BPSD to provide further insight into its underlying neurochemical pathophysiological mechanisms.MethodsPatients with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD; n = 202), probable AD with cerebrovascular disease (n = 37), probable frontotemporal dementia (FTD; n = 32), and probable dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB; n = 26) underwent behavioral assessment and lumbar puncture. CSF levels of six amino acids and several biogenic amines and metabolites were analyzed using ultraperformance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection and reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection.ResultsIn the AD patients, CSF homovanillic acid/5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (HVA/5HIAA) ratios correlated positively with anxieties/phobias, whereas CSF levels of taurine correlated negatively with depression and behavioral disturbances in general. In FTD patients, CSF levels of glutamate correlated negatively with verbally agitated behavior. In DLB patients, CSF levels of HVA correlated negatively with hallucinations.ConclusionsSeveral neurotransmitter systems can be linked to one specific behavioral syndrome depending on the dementia subtype. In addition to biogenic amines and metabolites, amino acids seem to play a major role in the neurochemical etiology of BPSD as well.
Using fire regimes to delineate zones in a high-resolution lake sediment record from the western United States
Authors: Morris Jesse L. , Brunelle Andrea , DeRose R. Justin , Seppä Heikki , Power Mitchell J. , Carter Vachel , Bares Ryan 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPaleoenvironmental reconstructions are important for understanding the influence of long-term climate variability on ecosystems and landscape disturbance dynamics. In this paper we explore the linkages among past climate, vegetation, and fire regimes using a high-resolution pollen and charcoal reconstruction from Morris Pond located on the Markagunt Plateau in southwestern Utah, USA. A regime shift detection algorithm was applied to background charcoal accumulation to define where statistically significant shifts in fire regimes occurred. The early Holocene was characterized by greater amounts of summer precipitation and less winter precipitation than modern. Ample forest fuel and warm summer temperatures allowed for large fires to occur. The middle Holocene was a transitional period between vegetation conditions and fire disturbance. The late Holocene climate is characterized as cool and wet reflecting an increase in snow cover, which reduced opportunities for fire despite increased availability of fuels. Similarities between modern forest fuel availability and those of the early Holocene suggest that warmer summers projected for the 21st century may yield substantial increases in the recurrence and ecological impacts of fire when compared to the fire regime of the last millennium.
Benefits of earth observation data for conservation planning in the case of European wetland biodiversity
Authors: JANTKE KERSTIN , SCHLEUPNER CHRISTINE , SCHNEIDER UWE A. 
Published: November 2012

SUMMARYTo evaluate the status of biodiversity and to determine how current conservation efforts can be improved, biodiversity monitoring is crucial. An important aspect of data quality lies in its spatial resolution. It is unclear how finer scale land cover and land value information might further benefit biodiversity conservation. This paper aimed to assess the impacts of scale by modelling the conservation of endangered European wetland species and their corresponding habitats. Fine-scale datasets were derived by integrating existing geographical, biophysical and economic data. A habitat allocation model, based on principles from systematic conservation planning and economic theory, was developed to estimate area requirements and opportunity costs of habitat protection in Europe. Coarse-scale and fine-scale simulations were compared by inputting both resolutions into the model. Habitat locations were restricted either only by historical species occurrence data at UTM 50 resolution or additionally by explicit wetland data at 1-km2 resolution. Coarse country-average land rents were contrasted with spatially detailed land rent estimates at a 5ʹ resolution. Costs of habitat protection and area requirements for reserves may be severely underestimated when conservation planning relies only on coarse-scale data, which may result in notable shortcomings in conservation target achievement. Improvements in conservation benefits far outweigh the additional costs of acquiring fine-scale data.
Source and formation of the upper halocline of the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Anderson Leif G. , Andersson Per S. , Björk Göran , Peter Jones E. , Jutterström Sara , Wåhlström Iréne 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe upper halocline of the Arctic Ocean has a distinct chemical signature with high nutrient concentrations as well as low oxygen and pH values. This signature is formed in the Chukchi and East Siberian seas, by a combination of mineralization of organic matter and release of decay products to the sea ice brine enriched bottom water. Salinity and total alkalinity data show that the fraction of sea ice brine in the nutrient‐enriched upper halocline water in the central Arctic Ocean is up to 4%. In the East Siberian Sea the bottom waters with exceptional high nutrient concentration and low pH have typically between 5 and 10% of sea ice brine as computed from salinity and oxygen‐18 values. On the continental slope, over bottom depths of 150–200 m, the brine contribution was 6% at the nutrient maximum depth (50–100 m). At the same location as well as over the deeper basin the silicate maximum was found over a wider salinity range than traditionally found in the Canada Basin, in agreement with earlier observations east of the Chukchi Plateau. A detailed evaluation of the chemical and the temperature‐salinity properties suggests at least two different areas for the formation of the nutrient‐rich halocline within the East Siberian Sea. This has not been observed before 2004 and it could be a sign of a changing marine climate in the East Siberian Sea, caused by more open water in the summer season followed by more sea ice formation and brine production in the fall/winter.
Evaluation of an instrumental method to reduce error in canopy water storage estimates via mechanical displacement
Authors: Van Stan John T. , Martin Kael , Friesen Jan , Jarvis Matthew T. , Lundquist Jessica D. , Levia Delphis F. 
Published: November 2012

Key Points
Evaluated method may allow removal of multidirectional bending strains
Canopy water loading signal may be isolated using the evaluated method
Sample storms show water loading response to rainfall until storage capacity