bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequency-modulated solar rotational periodicity of geomagnetic indices
Authors: Chang Heon-Young 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Many attempts have been made to search for various timescales in the power spectrum of geomagnetic indices so that common periodicities in the solar activity and geomagnetic activity indices are identified. The spectral behavior of geomagnetic activity parameters may also provide invaluable information about physical processes involved. In this study we attempt to demonstrate that the frequency modulation associated with a long-term variation may cause extra sidelobes around the principal peak with a periodicity of ∼ 27 d in the observed power spectrum of geomagnetic activity indices, and/or may even split the peak into two adjacent peaks. We employ a straightforward model of an oscillation frequency-modulated by an arbitrary agent to consider the solar rotational periodicity of geomagnetic indices. As a result, we have found that the peak with the periodicity of ∼ 27 d in the observed power spectrum of geomagnetic indices seems likely frequency-modulated by the amount of 0.0026 d−1 which corresponds to a ∼ 1 yr period. We thus suggest that the fundamental period of the periodic perturbative agent is much longer than a year according to our analysis. Finally, we conclude by discussing the implications of what we have found.
Improving the moment approach for astrometric binaries: possible application to Cygnus X-1
Authors: Yamada Kei , Yamaguchi Masaki S. , Asada Hideki , Gouda Naoteru 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
A moment approach for orbital determinations of astrometric binaries from astrometric observations alone has been recently studied for a low signal-to-noise ratio (Iwama et al. 2013, PASJ, 65, 2). Through avoiding a direct use of the time-consuming Kepler equation, temporal information is taken into account to increase the accuracy of statistical moments. As numerical tests, 100 realizations are done and the mean value and the standard deviation are also evaluated. For a semimajor axis, the difference between the mean of the recovered values and the true value decreases to less than a tenth in the case of 10000 observed points. Therefore, the present approach works better than the previous one for orbital determinations when one has a large number of observed points. The present approach is thus applicable to Cyg X-1.
Superoutburst of SDSS J090221.35+381941.9: First measurement of mass ratio in an AM CVn-type object using growing superhumps
Authors: Kato Taichi , Ohshima Tomohito , Denisenko Denis , Dubovsky Pavol A. , Kudzej Igor , Stein William , de Miguel Enrique , Henden Arne , Miller Ian , Antonyuk Kirill , Antonyuk Oksana , Pit Nikolaj , Sosnovskij Aleksei , Baklanov Alex , Babina Julia , Pavlenko Elena P. , Matsumoto Kazunari , Fukushima Daiki , Takenaka Megumi , Kawabata Miho , Sakai Daisuke , Maeda Kazuki , Matsuda Risa , Matsumoto Katsura , Littlefield Colin , Oksanen Arto , Itoh Hiroshi , Masi Gianluca , Nocentini Francesca , Schmeer Patrick , Pickard Roger D. , Kiyota Seiichiro , Dvorak Shawn , Ulowetz Joseph , Maeda Yutaka , Michel Raúl , Shugarov Sergey Yu. , Chochol Drahomir , Novák Rudolf 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
We report on a superoutburst of the AM CVn-type object SDSS J090221.35+381941.9 [J0902; orbital period 0.03355(6) d] in 2014 March–April. The entire superoutburst consisted of a precursor outburst and the main superoutburst, followed by a short rebrightening. During the rising phase of the main superoutburst, we detected growing superhumps (stage A superhumps) with a period of 0.03409(1) d. During the plateau phase of the superoutburst, superhumps with a shorter period (stage B superhumps) were observed. Using the orbital period and the period of stage A superhumps, we were able to measure the dynamical precession rate of the accretion disk at the 3:1 resonance, and obtained a mass ratio (q) of 0.041(7). This is the first successful measurement of the mass ratio in an AM CVn-type object accomplished by the recently developed stage A superhump method. The value is generally in agreement with that based on the theoretical evolutionary model. The orbital period of J0902 is the longest among those of the outbursting AM CVn-type objects, and a period on the borderline between the outbursting system and the system with a stable cool disk appears to be longer than one supposed.
Hepatic Hepcidin Protects against Polymicrobial Sepsis in Mice by Regulating Host Iron Status
Authors: Zeng CongLi , Chen QiXing , Zhang Kai , Chen QingHua , Song ShengWen , Fang XiangMing 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAbstract
Disruption of mouse hepatic hepcidin expression led to significant increases in organ damage and mortality when sepsis was produced. Decreasing the iron levels in these mice improved survival.

Background:
Hepcidin is a master regulator of iron metabolism primarily produced by the liver. Markedly increased hepcidin levels have been observed in septic individuals, while decreased hepatic hepcidin expression has been demonstrated in liver diseases that tend to develop into sepsis. However, the role of liver hepcidin in sepsis remains unknown.

Methods:
Mouse hepatic hepcidin expression was silenced using adenovirus-mediated hepcidin-specific short hairpin RNA injected via the tail vein. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture, and the outcome (n = 23 for hepcidin knockdown mice, n = 15 for controls) and pathogenic changes (n = 5) related to sepsis were evaluated. The impact of alteration of iron status on the survival rate of hepatic hepcidin knockdown mice (n = 18 to 19) was also investigated.

Results:
Disruption of liver hepcidin expression increased serum iron level (537.8 ± 28.1 μg/dl [mean ± SD] vs. 235.9 ± 62.2 μg/dl; P < 0.05) and reduced iron content in the spleen macrophages at the steady state. Hepatic hepcidin knockdown mice not only showed increased 7-day mortality (73.9% vs. 46.7%; P < 0.05), but also had exacerbated organ damage and oxidative stress, as well as compromised host inflammatory responses and bacterial clearance at 24 h after polymicrobial sepsis. Treating the hepatic hepcidin knockdown mice with low-iron diet plus iron chelation decreased systemic iron content (serum level: 324.0 ± 67.4 μg/dl vs. 517.4 ± 13.4 μg/dl; P < 0.05) and rescued the mice from lethal sepsis (7-day survival: 36.8% vs. 83.3%; P < 0.01).

Conclusions:
Hepatic hepcidin plays an important role in sepsis through regulation of iron metabolism. The findings may have potential therapeutic implications for liver diseases in which hepcidin expression is decreased.
Market and technology orientations for service delivery innovation: the link of innovative competence
Authors: Tsou Hung-Tai , Chen Ja-Shen , Liao Wen-Hsuan 
Published: September 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to deploy an alternative way, drawing upon research in service innovation, to predict service delivery innovation from the extents of market and technology orientations and innovative competence.Design/methodology/approach– Five hypotheses were proposed. A two-part questionnaire was developed. One part of the questionnaire was completed by the sales manager and the other part by the marketing manager of select companies. The questionnaires were distributed to 533 information technology companies in Taiwan. Of the 533 questionnaires returned, 160 questionnaires were deemed usable. This study uses the partial least square analysis to test the hypotheses.Findings– Proactive market orientation and technology orientation affect exploratory and exploitative innovative competences; but, only exploitative innovation competence affects service delivery innovation.Practical implications– The findings indicate that managers need to understand the market trends and the technology availability and be able to customize corresponding service/product features which can further lead to stimulate exploitative innovative competence and facilitate service delivery innovation.Originality/value– The paper is among the first attempts to examine how market and technology orientations affect innovative competence and service delivery innovation. In addition, this study provides the explanatory variance missing in the literature that has not examined the black box relationship between market and technology orientations and service delivery innovation.
Hepatitis C virus infection and the risk of Sjögren or sicca syndrome: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Yan , Dou Hengli , Liu Guowei , Yu Lili , Chen Shimin , Min Yan , Zhao Kanghai , Wang Xingjuan , Hu Chengjin 
Published: September 2014

AbstractPrevious studies have suggested an association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and the development of Sjögren's syndrome (SS), also known as sicca syndrome. The main objective of this study was to summarize the existing evidence and quantitatively evaluate the association between hepatitis C virus infection and SS/sicca syndrome by performing a meta‐analysis of observational studies. MEDLINE and PubMed (January 1980–August 2013) were searched to identify relevant studies in English. Outcomes were calculated and are reported as odds risk (OR) and 95% CIs based on a random‐effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics. Quality assessment was performed with the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Based on meta‐analysis of five cross‐sectional and five cohort studies, a significant positive relationship between HCV infection and development of SS/sicca syndrome was found, the pooled random effects OR being 3.31 (95% CI, 1.46–7.48; P < 0.001). In subset analyses, the studies that used European diagnostic criteria showed a higher summary OR than did studies that adopted other diagnostic criteria. When the data were stratified by source of controls, significant associations were also observed when healthy people (OR = 9.44; 95% CI = 2.67–33.40; P = 0.204) or subjects with hepatitis B virus infection (OR = 6.57; 95% CI = 1.21–35.57; P = 0.5) were used as controls, but not when the controls were hospital‐based (OR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.61–1.61; P = 0.169). In summary, the findings suggest that HCV infection is associated with SS/sicca syndrome. The observed increased risk in studies in which European diagnostic criteria and healthy controls were used and the decreased risk in studies with hospital‐based controls may be attributable to selection bias or other unknown factors.
Abuse potential and adverse cognitive effects of mitragynine (kratom)
Authors: Yusoff Nurul H. M. , Suhaimi Farah W. , Vadivelu Raja K. , Hassan Zurina , Rümler Anne , Rotter Andrea , Amato Davide , Dringenberg Hans C. , Mansor Sharif M. , Navaratnam Visweswaran , Müller Christian P. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMitragynine is the major psychoactive alkaloid of the plant kratom/ketum. Kratom is widely used in Southeast Asia as a recreational drug, and increasingly appears as a pure compound or a component of ‘herbal high’ preparations in the Western world. While mitragynine/kratom may have analgesic, muscle relaxant and anti‐inflammatory effects, its addictive properties and effects on cognitive performance are unknown. We isolated mitragynine from the plant and performed a thorough investigation of its behavioural effects in rats and mice. Here we describe an addictive profile and cognitive impairments of acute and chronic mitragynine administration, which closely resembles that of morphine. Acute mitragynine has complex effects on locomotor activity. Repeated administration induces locomotor sensitization, anxiolysis and conditioned place preference, enhances expression of dopamine transporter‐ and dopamine receptor‐regulating factor mRNA in the mesencephalon. While there was no increase in spontaneous locomotor activity during withdrawal, animals showed hypersensitivity towards small challenging doses for up to 14 days. Severe somatic withdrawal signs developed after 12 hours, and increased level of anxiety became evident after 24 hours of withdrawal. Acute mitragynine independently impaired passive avoidance learning, memory consolidation and retrieval, possibly mediated by a disruption of cortical oscillatory activity, including the suppression of low‐frequency rhythms (delta and theta) in the electrocorticogram. Chronic mitragynine administration led to impaired passive avoidance and object recognition learning. Altogether, these findings provide evidence for an addiction potential with cognitive impairments for mitragynine, which suggest its classification as a harmful drug.
Role of Cytokine Signaling in Group B Streptococcus‐Stimulated Expression of Human Beta Defensin‐2 in Human Extraplacental Membranes
Authors: Boldenow Erica , Hogan Kelly A. , Chames Mark C. , Aronoff David M. , Xi Chuanwu , Loch‐Caruso Rita 
Published: September 2014

ProblemGroup B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. We tested the hypothesis that the choriodecidua plays a role in GBS‐stimulated human beta defensin(HBD)‐2 increases in amnion cells through a secreted factor of choriodecidual origin.Method of studyHuman amnion epithelial cells were treated with choriodecidual GBS‐conditioned medium, live GBS, lipoteichoic acid (LTA), or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), with and without IL‐1 inhibitors.ResultsChoriodecidual tissue punches released IL‐1α and IL‐1β in response to GBS and this medium significantly stimulated release of HBD‐2 by amnion cell cultures. Inhibitors of IL‐1 significantly impaired the release of HBD‐2 from amnion cells treated with GBS choriodecidual conditioned medium. Direct stimulation of amnion cells with GBS, LTA, or LPS did not increase HBD‐2 release.ConclusionParacrine signaling involving IL‐1 of choriodecidual origin is likely a critical driver for amnion HBD‐2 increases in response to GBS infection of extraplacental membranes.
Pulmonary hypertension and its management in patients undergoing non‐cardiac surgery
Authors: Pilkington S. A. , Taboada D. , Martinez G. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryPulmonary hypertension is a complex disorder of the pulmonary vasculature that leads to increased peri‐operative morbidity and mortality. Non‐cardiac surgery constitutes a significant risk in patients with pulmonary hypertension. The management of right ventricular failure is inherently challenging and fraught with life‐threatening consequences. A thorough understanding of the pathophysiology, the severity of the disease and its treatment modalities is required to deliver optimal peri‐operative care. This review provides an evidence‐based overview of the definition, classification, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension and focuses on the peri‐operative management and treatment of pulmonary hypertensive crises in a non‐cardiac setting.
Blocking blue light during mania – markedly increased regularity of sleep and rapid improvement of symptoms: a case report
Authors: Henriksen Tone EG , Skrede Silje , Fasmer Ole Bernt , Hamre Børge , Grønli Janne , Lund Anders 
Published: September 2014

ObjectiveAvailable pharmacological treatment of mania is insufficient. Virtual darkness therapy (blue light‐blocking treatment by means of orange‐tinted glasses) is a promising new treatment option for mania. The basis for this might be the recently identified blue light‐sensitive retinal photoreceptor, which is solely responsible for light stimulus to the circadian master clock. This is the first case report describing the clinical course of a closely monitored, hospitalized patient in a manic episode first receiving clear‐lensed, and then blue light‐blocking glasses.MethodsA 58‐year‐old Caucasian man, with bipolar I disorder and three previous manic episodes, was hospitalized during a manic episode. In addition to pharmacological treatment, he was treated with clear‐lensed glasses for seven days, then one day without glasses, followed by six days of blue light‐blocking glasses. During the entire observational period, he wore an actigraph with internal light sensors.ResultsManic symptoms were unaltered during the first seven days. The transition to the blue‐blocking regime was followed by a rapid and sustained decline in manic symptoms accompanied by a reduction in total sleep, a reduction in motor activity during sleep intervals, and markedly increased regularity of sleep intervals. The patient's total length of hospital stay was 20 days shorter than the average time during his previous manic episodes.ConclusionsThe unusually rapid decline in symptoms, accompanied by uniform sleep parameter changes toward markedly increased regularity, suggest that blue‐blockers might be targeting a central mechanism in the pathophysiology of mania that needs to be explored both in clinical research and in basic science.
Multiple independent IgE epitopes on the highly allergenic grass pollen allergen Phl p 5
Authors: Levin M. , Rotthus S. , Wendel S. , Najafi N. , Källström E. , Focke‐Tejkl M. , Valenta R. , Flicker S. , Ohlin M. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryBackgroundGroup 5 allergens are small proteins that consist of two domains. They belong to the most potent respiratory allergens.ObjectiveTo determine the binding sites and to study allergic patients' IgE recognition of the group 5 allergen (Phl p 5) from timothy grass pollen using human monoclonal IgE antibodies that have been isolated from grass pollen allergic patients.MethodsUsing recombinant isoallergens, fragments, mutants and synthetic peptides of Phl p 5, as well as peptide‐specific antibodies, the interaction of recombinant human monoclonal IgE and Phl p 5 was studied using direct binding and blocking assays. Cross‐reactivity of monoclonal IgE with group 5 allergens in several grasses was studied and inhibition experiments with patients' polyclonal IgE were performed.ResultsMonoclonal human IgE showed extensive cross‐reactivity with group 5 allergens in several grasses. Despite its small size of 29 kDa, four independent epitope clusters on isoallergen Phl p 5.0101, two in each domain, were recognized by human IgE. Isoallergen Phl p 5.0201 carried two of these epitopes. Inhibition studies with allergic patients' polyclonal IgE suggest the presence of additional IgE epitopes on Phl p 5.Conclusions & Clinical RelevanceOur results reveal the presence of a large number of independent IgE epitopes on the Phl p 5 allergen explaining the high allergenic activity of this protein and its ability to induce severe allergic symptoms. High‐density IgE recognition may be a general feature of many potent allergens and form a basis for the development of improved diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in allergic disease.
Normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism due to a novel homozygous nonsense c.C969A (p.Y323X) mutation in the KISS1R gene in three unrelated families
Authors: Demirbilek Huseyin , Ozbek M. Nuri , Demir Korcan , Kotan L. Damla , Cesur Yasar , Dogan Murat , Temiz Fatih , Mengen Eda , Gurbuz Fatih , Yuksel Bilgin , Topaloglu A. Kemal 
Published: September 2014

SummaryObjectiveThe spectrum of genetic alterations in cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism continue to expand. However, KISS1R mutations remain rare. The aim of this study was to understand the molecular basis of normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.MethodsClinical characteristics, hormonal studies and genetic analyses of seven cases with idiopathic normosmic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (nIHH) from three unrelated consanguineous families are presented.ResultsOne male presented with absence of pubertal onset and required surgery for severe penoscrotal hypospadias and cryptorchidism, while other two males had absence of pubertal onset. Two of four female cases required replacement therapy for pubertal onset and maintenance, whereas the other two had spontaneous pubertal onset but incomplete maturation. In sequence analysis, we identified a novel homozygous nonsense (p.Y323X) mutation (c.C969A) in the last exon of the KISS1R gene in all clinically affected cases.ConclusionsWe identified a homozygous nonsense mutation in the KISS1R gene in three unrelated families with nIHH, which enabled us to observe the phenotypic consequences of this rare condition. Escape from nonsense‐mediated decay, and thus production of abnormal proteins, may account for the variable severity of the phenotype. Although KISS1R mutations are extremely rare and can cause a heterogeneous phenotype, analysis of the KISS1R gene should be a part of genetic analysis of patients with nIHH, to allow better understanding of phenotype–genotype relationship of KISS1R mutations and the underlying genetic basis of patients with nIHH.
Association between habitual physical activity and brown adipose tissue activity in individuals undergoing PET‐CT scan
Authors: Dinas Petros C. , Nikaki Alexandra , Jamurtas Athanasios Z. , Prassopoulos Vassilios , Efthymiadou Roxani , Koutedakis Yiannis , Georgoulias Panagiotis , Flouris Andreas D. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryObjectiveAugmented brown adipose tissue (BAT) mass and activity lead to higher basic metabolic rate which is beneficial against obesity. Our aim was to investigate whether habitual (i.e. usual weekly participation) physical activity is linked with BAT activity and mass in humans, in a group of patients undergoing 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scanning.DesignCross‐sectional study.PatientsForty patients with cancer [26 male; 14 female; age 52·7 ± 17·5; body mass index (BMI) 26·4 ± 4·5].MeasurementsPatients completed the ‘usual week’ form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and underwent assessment of BAT activity/mass via 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT.ResultsWe detected a significant association between habitual physical activity (METs‐minute/week) and BAT activity [normalized by body weight (BW) (τ = 0·28, P = 0·02), body surface area (BSA) (τ = 0·29, P = 0·02) and lean body mass (LBM) (τ = 0·38, P = 0·002)]. We also found a significant negative relationship between BMI and BAT activity [normalized by BW (τ = −0·30, P = 0·006), BSA (τ = −0·31, P = 0·004) and LBM (τ = −0·45, P = 0·001)] as well as a significant negative relationship between age and BAT activity [normalized by LBM (τ = −0·28, P = 0·01)]. The results also indicate significant differences between low/moderate/high levels of habitual physical activity and BAT activity (P < 0·05). Moreover, BAT activity was different across the BMI categories (normal/overweight/obese) in both sexes (P < 0·05). Finally, BAT activity was greater in women than in men (P < 0·05).ConclusionsIncreased participation in habitual physical activity is associated with higher BAT activity. Moreover, individuals with normal BMI demonstrate higher BAT activity compared to overweight and obese individuals. Finally, age is inversely linked with BAT activity, while women demonstrate higher BAT activity than men.