bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Haemanthus coccineus extract and its main bioactive component narciclasine display profound anti‐inflammatory activities in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Fuchs Simone , Hsieh Louise T. , Saarberg Werner , Erdelmeier Clemens A. J. , Wichelhaus Thomas A. , Schaefer Liliana , Koch Egon , Fürst Robert 
Published: March 2015

AbstractHaemanthus coccineus extracts (HCE) have traditionally been used to treat a variety of diseases, like febrile colds or asthma. Since new therapeutic options against inflammatory processes are still urgently needed, we aimed to pharmacologically characterise the anti‐inflammatory potential of HCEin vitro and in vivo and to identify the underlying bioactive component(s). The action of HCE on oedema formation and leucocyte infiltration were analysed in two murine models of inflammation (dermal oedema induced by arachidonic acid and croton oil; kidney injury caused by unilateral ureteral obstruction). The interaction of leucocytes with endothelial cells (ECs) as well as the activation parameters of these two cell types were analysed. Moreover, the nuclear factor κB (NFκB) pathway was investigated in detail in ECs. Using different fractions of HCE, the bioactive principle was identified. In vivo, HCE (450 mg/kg orally or 2 mg/kg intraperitoneally) inhibited oedema formation, leucocyte infiltration and cytokine synthesis. In vitro, HCE (100–300 ng/ml) blocked leucocyte‐EC interaction as well as the activation of isolated leucocytes (cytokine synthesis and proliferation) and of primary ECs (adhesion molecule expression). HCE suppressed NFκB‐dependent gene transcription in the endothelium, but did not interfere with the NFκB activation cascade (IκB degradation, p65 nuclear translocation and NFκB DNA‐binding activity). The alkaloid narciclasine was elucidated as the bioactive compound responsible for the anti‐inflammatory action of HCE. Our study highlights HCE and its main alkaloid narciclasine as novel interesting approach for the treatment of inflammation‐related disorders.
Assessing Individual‐Level Impact of Interruptions During Online Testing
Authors: Sinharay Sandip , Wan Ping , Choi Seung W. , Kim Dong‐In 
Published: March 2015

With an increase in the number of online tests, the number of interruptions during testing due to unexpected technical issues seems to be on the rise. For example, interruptions occurred during several recent state tests. When interruptions occur, it is important to determine the extent of their impact on the examinees' scores. Researchers such as Hill and Sinharay et al. examined the impact of interruptions at an aggregate level. However, there is a lack of research on the assessment of impact of interruptions at an individual level. We attempt to fill that void. We suggest four methodological approaches, primarily based on statistical hypothesis testing, linear regression, and item response theory, which can provide evidence on the individual‐level impact of interruptions. We perform a realistic simulation study to compare the Type I error rate and power of the suggested approaches. We then apply the approaches to data from the 2013 Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress‐Plus (ISTEP+) test that experienced interruptions.
Effect of Wheat Bran Stabilization Methods on Nutritional and Physico‐Mechanical Characteristics of Cookies
Authors: Ertaş Nilgün 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWheat bran (WB) stabilized with hot‐air oven; microwave and autoclave, and all three stabilized WB (SWB) were added to cookie mix at the three different levels (10, 20 and 30% w/w). The changes in physical, chemical, nutritional and sensorial properties of the cookie samples were evaluated. Addition of 30% SWB increased the ash and protein content of cookies from 1.47 to 2.44%, and from 18.06 to 19.30%, respectively. The lowest phytic acid content of cookie sample was obtained with autoclave SWB‐added cookies (758.92 mg/100 g) among the various stabilization methods of WB. Cookie samples with added SWB were darker in color than the control cookie sample with no added WB. Microwave irradiated WB fortification at 30% level resulted in the best mineral and ash content while hot‐air oven SWB fortification at 10% level gave the best sensory properties such as color/appearance, taste/flavor and overall acceptability.Practical ApplicationsThe main utility of this study was the determination of the applicability of different stabilization methods in wheat bran and its uses in cookie making without an adverse effect. Wheat bran contains lipase and high‐lipase activity in bran quickly hydrolyzes the oil into fatty acids, and bran become rancid and perishable during storage period. When these processes occur in bran, undesirable odors and flavors can result. Heat treatment of wheat bran had pronounced effect on lipid oxidation inhibiting enzymes. Additionally, this improves the sensory characteristics and preservation conditions of the wheat bran cookies and allows us to successfully develop preserved wheat bran.
Cross‐sectional study of social support and psychological distress among displaced earthquake survivors in Japan
Authors: Teramoto Chie , Matsunaga Atsushi , Nagata Satoko 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimThis cross‐sectional study aims to explore the relationship between different types and sources of social support and psychological distress by age and sex among survivors living in temporary housing 10 months after the Great East Japan Earthquake.MethodsSelf‐reported questionnaires/structured interviews administered from January to March 2012 recorded demographic characteristics, damage involving participants' families, social support, and psychological distress.ResultsData on 296 participants aged 20 years or more from nine temporary housing complexes in Otsuchi were analyzed; K6 scores indicating psychological distress averaged 5.1 (standard deviation, 5.9; range, 0–24). Multiple logistic regression analyses indicated differences among types and sources of social support with regard to psychological distress by age and sex among disaster survivors. For men aged less than 65 years, social support by family was related to lower psychological distress. For women aged 65 years or more, emotional support from family, informational and instrumental support, and social companionship from friends in their own temporary housing complexes were related to less psychological distress.ConclusionDifferences in age and sex were related to different sources of social support in relation to psychological distress. It is necessary to pay more attention to those who lost family members in the disaster, especially men aged less than 65 years. It may also be necessary to support survivors in making friends when they relocate to temporary housing, especially women aged 65 years or more.
Regulatory Arbitrage and Cross‐Border Bank Acquisitions
Authors: KAROLYI G. ANDREW , TABOADA ALVARO G. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTWe study how differences in bank regulation influence cross‐border bank acquisition flows and share price reactions to cross‐border deal announcements. Using a sample of 7,297 domestic and 916 majority cross‐border deals announced between 1995 and 2012, we find evidence of a form of “regulatory arbitrage” whereby acquisition flows involve acquirers from countries with stronger regulations than their targets. Target and aggregate abnormal returns around deal announcements are positive and larger when acquirers come from more restrictive bank regulatory environments. We interpret this evidence as more consistent with a benign form of regulatory arbitrage than a potentially destructive one.
Sexual Health Care for People with Physical Disabilities
Authors: Rowen Tami Serene , Stein Sorah , Tepper Mitchell 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT

Background
People with physical disabilities make up a large and heterogeneous population, many with specific sexual health needs that differ from the general population.

Methods
To conduct a review of current definitions and statuses relating to the sexual well-being of people with physical disabilities. Medical, social, and behavioral literature was searched and included to address the specific sexual health needs and disparities in this population.

Results
People with physical disabilities encompass a broad population, including those with concomitant mental and cognitive impairments. People with physical disabilities have significant sexual and reproductive health disparities when compared with the general population and higher rates of sexual distress. There are specific sexual health concerns for men and women with physical disabilities and approach to their care needs to be interdisciplinary.

Conclusions
Sexual health needs for people with physical disabilities should be a priority for healthcare providers. Continued education is essential to ensure disparities and health needs are addressed and treated.
Redundancy and diversity of functional reef fish groups of the Mexican Eastern Pacific
Authors: Aguilar‐Medrano Rosalia , Calderon‐Aguilera Luis Eduardo 
Published: March 2015

AbstractCoral reefs are in crisis worldwide. Fish play a key role in the resilience of reefs because most of the biomass of the ecosystem flows through them. Evidence indicates that the response to stressors will vary markedly depending on the resilience of the ecosystem. In order to assess the functional groups of reef fishes, morphometric and ecomorphological analyses were carried out on the shape and diet of 117 reef fish species from the Mexican Eastern Pacific (MEP) from 23°N to 15°N, spanning the years 2009–2012. Six trophic groups were identified and subdivided into 19 functional groups: (A) detritus and plants consumers, three morphologies; (B) plants and zoobenthos consumers, four morphologies; (C) zoobenthos consumers, two morphologies; (D) zoobenthos and zooplankton consumers, three morphologies; (E) zooplankton and nekton consumers, three morphologies; and (F) nekton consumers, four morphologies. Our main conclusions are: (i) fish communities of the MEP have a high degree of ecological redundancy; (ii) fish diversity is not related to the coral cover; and (iii) the combination of using both morphology and diet produce a more effective classification of functional groups. Future studies such as these will allow a deeper understanding of environment and it will help illuminate the effects of fish morphology and diet on population structure.
A systematic review of motivational interviewing for weight loss among adults in primary care
Authors: Barnes R. D. , Ivezaj V. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryMotivational interviewing (MI) is a client‐centred method of intervention focused on enhancing intrinsic motivation and behaviour change. A previous review of the literature and meta‐analyses support the effectiveness of MI for weight loss. None of these studies, however, focused on the bourgeoning literature examining MI for weight loss among adults within primary care settings, which confers unique barriers to providing weight loss treatment. Further, the current review includes 19 studies not included in previous reviews or meta‐analyses. We conducted a comprehensive review of PubMed, MI review papers, and citations from relevant papers. A total of 24 adult randomized controlled trials were identified. MI interventions typically were provided individually by a range of clinicians and compared with usual care. Few studies provided adequate information regarding MI treatment fidelity. Nine studies (37.5%) reported significant weight loss at post‐treatment assessment for the MI condition compared with control groups. Thirteen studies (54.2%) reported MI patients achieving at least 5% loss of initial body weight. There is potential for MI to help primary care patients lose weight. Conclusions, however, must be drawn cautiously as more than half of the reviewed studies showed no significant weight loss compared with usual care and few reported MI treatment fidelity.
Unusual histology and morphology of the ribs of mosasaurs (Squamata)
Authors: D'Emic Michael D. , Smith Kathlyn M. , Ansley Zachary T. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWe report the presence of two previously unrecognized features in the dorsal ribs of mosasaurs: first, the presence of extremely dense, pervasive extrinsic fibres (anchoring soft tissue to bone, sometimes called Sharpey's fibres); and second, high intraspecific variation in costal bone compactness. Extensive extrinsic fibres are developed in the dorsal ribs of the mosasaurs Tylosaurus proriger and Eonatator sternbergi. The dorsal ribs of these mosasaurs are also characterized by a longitudinally ridged texture that almost completely covers the bone. Pervasive extrinsic fibres and ridged textures are absent in the mosasaur Selmasaurus russelli as well as the dorsal ribs of extant semi‐aquatic reptiles (e.g. crocodyliforms) and mosasaurs' close extant relatives and analogues (e.g. snakes and varanids). Similar ridged textures characterize the dorsal ribs of several other mosasaur taxa but are developed to a lesser extent (e.g. Mosasaurus, Clidastes, Platecarpus and Ectenosaurus), but in no other taxa have pervasive extrinsic fibres been reported. We interpret these osteohistological features in T. proriger and E. sternbergi as evidence of tendinous attachment of extensive and highly differentiated axial musculature capable of producing great stresses, most likely related to stabilization of the trunk relative to contralateral movements of the tail during carangiform locomotion. We also report the compactness indices (percentage of space occupied by bone rather than cavities) for these large mosasaur ribs, which are much higher than previously reported. This suggests high intraspecific variation in bone compactness that complicates its use in reconstructing mosasaur palaeoecology.
Widely Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma Originating from Malignant Transformation of Hypertrophic Lichen Planus in a 24‐Year‐Old Woman: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Tong Lana X. , Weinstock Matthew J. , Drews Reed , Sheikine Yuri , Kim Caroline C. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractHypertrophic lichen planus (HLP) is a T‐cell‐mediated process typically presenting with hypertrophic or verrucous plaques on the lower limbs. We report the case of a 24‐year‐old woman with a history of HLP since age 3 years presenting with rapid malignant transformation of one lesion into a large squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Subsequent examination revealed progressive, widespread metastatic involvement, and the patient ultimately died from her disease. SCC associated with HLP is rare, with a review of the literature revealing fewer than 50 cases. This case highlights the need to be aware of suspicious changes in HLP and to educate patients as to when to be reevaluated.
Impact of traditional soil burning (guie) on Planosol properties and land‐use intensification in south‐western Ethiopia
Authors: Mertens K. , Tolossa A. R. , Verdoodt A. , Dumon M. , Deckers J. , Van Ranst E. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn the Gilgel Gibe catchment in Ethiopia, local farmers intensify land use on Planosols by adjusting a traditional soil burning practice known as guie. The burning practice used to be applied in a cycle of shifting cultivation. However, more recently, farmers burn small plots to make fertile seedbeds for Eucalyptus seedlings in the first year before these trees are transplanted to larger plots. The purpose of this research was to assess the physico‐chemical properties of Planosols that have been subjected to burning over the last 10 yrs and evaluate the contribution of guie to land‐use intensification of these soils. Transect studies and interviews of local farmers, followed by chemical, physical and micromorphological analyses of samples from selected plots were used to compare the soil properties of recently (0–2 yrs) and formerly (3–10 yrs) burnt Planosols with those of unburnt Planosols. The analytical results show that the burning practice improved nutrient availability in the first 2 yrs after guie. Increased amounts of exchangeable aluminium (Al) were reported in the long term. Charge fingerprints illustrate that the nutrient‐buffering capacity of the soil was high shortly after the practice but subsequently decreased with time. Given the population pressure on the formerly extensively used Planosols, it is argued that the current application of guie on small, localized plots for raising Eucalyptus seedlings is well adapted to the local socio‐economic context and promotes land‐use intensification on the Planosols. The increased exchangeable Al content of former Eucalyptus seedbeds merits further in‐depth research into the biophysical sustainability of the burning practice.
Sympathetic activity during passive heat stress in healthy aged humans
Authors: Gagnon Daniel , Schlader Zachary J. , Crandall Craig G. 
Published: March 2015

Key points
Cardiovascular adjustments to heat stress are attenuated in healthy aged individuals, which could contribute to their greater prevalence of heat‐related illnesses and deaths during heat waves.
The attenuated cardiovascular adjustments in the aged could be due to lower increases in sympathetic nerve activity during heat stress.
We examined muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and plasma catecholamine concentrations in healthy young and aged individuals during whole‐body passive heat stress.
The main finding of this study is that increases in MSNA and plasma catecholamine concentrations did not differ between young and aged healthy individuals during passive heating. Furthermore, the increase in these variables did not differ when a cold pressor test and lower body negative pressure were superimposed upon heating.
These findings suggest that attenuated cardiovascular adjustments to heat stress in healthy aged individuals are unlikely to be related to attenuated increases in sympathetic activity.
AbstractCardiovascular adjustments during heat stress are generally attenuated in healthy aged humans, which could be due to lower increases in sympathetic activity compared to the young. We compared muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) between 11 young (Y: 28 ± 4 years) and 10 aged (A: 70 ± 5 years) subjects prior to and during passive heating. Furthermore, MSNA responses were compared when a cold pressor test (CPT) and lower body negative pressure (LBNP) were superimposed upon heating. Baseline MSNA burst frequency (Y: 15 ± 4 vs. A: 31 ± 3 bursts min−1, P ≤ 0.01) and burst incidence (Y: 26 ± 8 vs. A: 50 ± 7 bursts (100 cardiac cycles (CC))−1, P ≤ 0.01) were greater in the aged. Heat stress increased core temperature to a similar extent in both groups (Y: +1.2 ± 0.1 vs. A: +1.2 ± 0.0°C, P = 0.99). Absolute levels of MSNA remained greater in the aged during heat stress (burst frequency: Y: 47 ± 6 vs. A: 63 ± 11 bursts min−1, P ≤ 0.01; burst incidence: Y: 48 ± 8 vs. A: 67 ± 9 bursts (100 CC)−1, P ≤ 0.01); however, the increase in both variables was similar between groups (both P ≥ 0.1). The CPT and LBNP further increased MSNA burst frequency and burst incidence, although the magnitude of increase was similar between groups (both P ≥ 0.07). These results suggest that increases in sympathetic activity during heat stress are not attenuated in healthy aged humans.
On the endogeneity of political preferences: Evidence from individual experience with democracy
Authors: Fuchs-Schündeln Nicola , Schündeln Matthias 
Published: March 2015

Political preferences provide economic capital
Longer periods of democratic government favor economic growth, which in turn stabilizes democracy. But is this relationship a given? Fuchs-Schundeln and Schundeln collected individual-level data from more than 100 countries over two decades. Support for democracy did indeed increase as the length of time lived in a democratic system increased.

Science
, this issue p.
1145
Isolation and Characterization of Porcine Deltacoronavirus from Pigs with Diarrhea in the United States
Authors: Hu Hui , Jung Kwonil , Vlasova Anastasia N. , Chepngeno Juliet , Lu Zhongyan , Wang Qiuhong , Saif Linda J. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT
Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is a novel coronavirus that causes diarrhea in nursing piglets. Following its first detection in the United States in February 2014, additional PDCoV strains have been identified in the United States and Canada. Currently, no treatments or vaccines for PDCoV are available. In this study, U.S. PDCoV strain OH-FD22 from intestinal contents of a diarrheic pig from Ohio was isolated in swine testicular (ST) and LLC porcine kidney (LLC-PK) cell cultures by using various medium additives. We also isolated PDCoV [OH-FD22(DC44) strain] in LLC-PK cells from intestinal contents of PDCoV OH-FD22 strain-inoculated gnotobiotic (Gn) pigs. Cell culture isolation and propagation were optimized, and the isolates were serially propagated in cell culture for >20 passages. The full-length S and N genes were sequenced to study PDCoV genetic changes after passage in Gn pigs and cell culture (passage 11 [P11] and P20). Genetically, the S and N genes of the PDCoV isolates were relatively stable during the first 20 passages in cell culture, with only 5 nucleotide changes, each corresponding to an amino acid change. The S and N genes of our sequenced strains were genetically closely related to each other and to other U.S. PDCoV strains, with the highest sequence similarity to South Korean strain KNU14-04. This is the first report describing cell culture isolation, serial propagation, and biological and genetic characterization of cell-adapted PDCoV strains. The information presented in this study is important for the development of diagnostic reagents, assays, and potential vaccines against emergent PDCoV strains.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Characterization among Escherichia coli Clinical Isolates Causing Severe Obstetric Infections in Pregnant Women
Authors: Guiral Elisabet , Sáez-López Emma , Bosch Jordi , Goncé Anna , López Marta , Sanz Sergi , Vila Jordi , Soto Sara M. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT

The virulence markers and the antimicrobial resistance profiles of 78
Escherichia coli
isolates causing obstetric infections accompanied by sepsis or not were studied. Adhesion-related virulence factors were the most prevalent markers. Low rates of resistance to the antimicrobial agents used as first-line therapy suggest their correct implementation in stewardship guidelines.