bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The amelioration of phagocytic ability in microglial cells by curcumin through the inhibition of EMF-induced pro-inflammatory responses
Authors: He Gen-Lin , Liu Yong , Li Min , Chen Chun-Hai , Gao Peng , Yu Zheng-Ping , Yang Xue-Sen 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
Insufficient clearance by microglial cells, prevalent in several neurological conditions and diseases, is intricately intertwined with MFG-E8 expression and inflammatory responses. Electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure can elicit the pro-inflammatory activation and may also trigger an alteration of the clearance function in microglial cells. Curcumin has important roles in the anti-inflammatory and phagocytic process. Here, we evaluated the ability of curcumin to ameliorate the phagocytic ability of EMF-exposed microglial cells (N9 cells) and documented relative pathways.

Methods
N9 cells were pretreated with or without recombinant murine MFG-E8 (rmMFG-E8), curcumin and an antibody of toll-like receptor 4 (anti-TLR4), and subsequently treated with EMF or a sham exposure. Their phagocytic ability was evaluated using phosphatidylserine-containing fluorescent bioparticles. The pro-inflammatory activation of microglia was assessed via CD11b immunoreactivity and the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and nitric oxide (NO) via the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or the Griess test. We evaluated the ability of curcumin to ameliorate the phagocytic ability of EMF-exposed N9 cells, including checking the expression of MFG-E8, αvβ3 integrin, TLR4, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) using Western blotting.

Results
EMF exposure dramatically enhanced the expression of CD11b and depressed the phagocytic ability of N9 cells. rmMFG-E8 could clearly ameliorate the phagocytic ability of N9 cells after EMF exposure. We also found that EMF exposure significantly increased the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) and the production of NO; however, these increases were efficiently chilled by the addition of curcumin to the culture medium. This reduction led to the amelioration of the phagocytic ability of EMF-exposed N9 cells. Western blot analysis revealed that curcumin and naloxone restored the expression of MFG-E8 but had no effect on TLR4 and cytosolic STAT3. Moreover, curcumin significantly reduced the expression of NF-κB p65 in nuclei and phospho-STAT3 (p-STAT3) in cytosols and nuclei.

Conclusions
This study indicates that curcumin ameliorates the depressed MFG-E8 expression and the attenuated phagocytic ability of EMF-exposed N9 cells, which is attributable to the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory response through the NF-κB and STAT3 pathways.
How do leaf anatomies and photosynthesis of three Rhododendron species relate to their natural environments?
Authors: Cai Yan-Fei , Li Shi-Feng , Li Shu-Fa , Xie Wei-Jia , Song Jie 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background

Rhododendron is one of the most well-known alpine flowers. In order to identify performances relating to Rhododendron’s natural habitats we investigated the leaf anatomical structures and photosynthetic characteristics of R. yunnanense, R. irroratum and R. delavayi, which showed different responses after being transplanted into a common environment.

Results
When compared with R. irroratum and R. delavayi, R. yunnanense had lower leaf dry mass per unit area (LMA) and larger stomata, but smaller stomatal density (SD) and total stomata apparatus area percent (At), lower stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), light compensation point (LCP), light saturation point (LSP), light-saturated photosynthetic rate (Amax) and leaf nitrogen content per unit area (Na). LMA was positively correlated with Amax and maximum rates of carboxylation (Vcmax). However, leaf N content was not significantly correlated with Amax. Thus, the variation in leaf photosynthesis among species was regulated largely by changes in LMA, rather than the concent of nitrogen in leaf tissue.

Conclusions

R. yunnanense plants are vulnerable to moisture and light stress, while R. irroratum and R. delavayi are better suited to dry and high radiation environments. The present results contribute to our understanding physiological trait divergence in Rhododendron, as well benefit introduction and domestication efforts for the three species of Rhododendron studied in this work.
Quantification of verbascoside in medicinal species of Phlomis and their genetic relationships
Authors: Sarkhail Parisa , Nikan Marjan , Sarkheil Pantea , Gohari Ahmad R , Ajani Yousef , Hosseini Rohollah , Hadjiakhoondi Abbass , Saeidnia Soodabeh 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
The genus Phlomis (Lamiaceae) is introduced by its valuable medicinal species, of which 17 species are growing wildly and ten of them are exclusively endemic of Iran. The main phytochemical characteristic of this genus is presence of iridoid glycosides including ipolamide, auroside, lamiide and also phenylethanoids such as verbascoside (acetoside) found in Lamiales order.
Due to the broad range of biological and pharmacological activities of verbascoside and lack of any report on quantification of this compound within Iranian species of Phlomis, we conducted a research to achieve two main goals, finding a genetic biodiversity by RAPD (Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA), as well as detecting and quantifying verbascoside in nine species of Phlomis growing wildly in Iran.

Results
The results showed that various samples of P.olivieri possess different genetic distances from each other. Also, various species of P.olivieri display close relationships to P.anisodonta and P. persica. Phytoanalysis of Phlomis species by means of TLC scanner using verbascoside as a phytochemical marker showed that the highest concentration of verbascoside was found in P. anisodonta, however, P. bruguieri and P. olivieri (from Mazandaran) were in the second and third places. Interestingly, the lowest concentration of verbascoside was detected in P. olivieri (from Azerbayjan), exhibiting the effect of various growing areas and conditions on the measured levels of this compound.

Conclusions
verbascoside can be found in various species of Iranian Phlomis, of which P. anisodonta, P. bruguieri and P. olivieri might be the best choices. In addition, although the concentration of verbascoside in these plants may be affected by the growing areas and conditions, there are a good agreement between genetic relations and verbascoside levels.
Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to prostate and pelvic nodes—is pelvic lymph node coverage adequate with fiducial-based image-guided radiotherapy?
Authors: Eminowicz G , Dean C , Shoffren O , MacDougall N , Wells P , Muirhead R 
Published: March 2014

Objective:
There remains concern regarding the use of fiducial-based image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) in patients with high-risk prostate cancer also undergoing intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to pelvic nodes. By a retrospective study, we aim to ascertain the impact of the use of fiducial-based IGRT on lymph node planned target volume (PTV) coverage.

Methods:
30 consecutive IMRT prostate and pelvic node plans were reviewed, and dose was recalculated with 1-mm increment movements in anterior, posterior, superior, inferior, right and left directions up to 10 mm. All patients were treated with a full bladder after drinking 450–750 ml of water and empty rectum with the use of sodium citrate enemas daily. Dose–volume histogram parameters were recorded at each position, specifically nodal PTV V95%, V99% and V100%. A local IGRT database was used to identify the likelihood of a particular bony to fiducial offset in all directions. The combined data were used to calculate the percentage risk of underdosing the lymph node PTV on any given fraction.

Results:
The likelihood of an offset in the left, right and anterior directions occurring and resulting in a failure to cover the PTV was &lt;0.25%. The likelihood of a posterior offset occurring and resulting in inadequate coverage was slightly higher but remained &lt;1%.

Conclusion:
This study confirms the safety of fiducial-based image-guided IMRT (IG-IMRT) with a strict bowel and bladder protocol, allowing a reduction of the clinical target volume to PTV margin of the prostate volume and consequent reduction in rectal toxicity.

Advances in knowledge:
This study strengthens the evidence supporting the safe implementation of fiducial-based IG-IMRT treating the prostate and pelvic nodes in high-risk prostate cancer.
A General Multiple Distributed Lag Framework for Estimating the Dynamic Effects of Promotions
Authors: Kappe Eelco , Stadler Blank Ashley , DeSarbo Wayne S. 
Published: March 2014

Game attendance resulting from ticket sales is the single largest revenue stream for Major League Baseball (MLB) teams. We propose a general multiple distributed lag framework following the Koyck family of models for estimating MLB attendance drivers and focus specifically on the differential direct and carryover effects of in-game promotions. By setting various model constraints, the proposed framework incorporates different forms of serial correlation and promotion-specific dynamic effects. Using information model-selection heuristics, we select an optimal model of attendance drivers for the Pittsburgh Pirates' 2010–2012 MLB seasons. We demonstrate that our newly proposed model with an unrestricted serial correlation structure performs best. We find that although kids promotions have the highest direct effect on attendance, giveaway and entertainment promotions have substantial carryover effects and the largest total effects. We use our results to optimize the Pirates' promotional schedule and find that a reallocation of resources across promotional categories can increase profits between 39% and 88%. Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2013.1856 . This paper was accepted by Eric Bradlow, special issue on business analytics.
Reviews
Authors: Alexander Mary S. , Cogan Brian , Hardenbergh Margot , Capo James A. , Keshishian Flora 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Bolter, Jay David and Richard Grusin. Remediation: Understanding New Media. Cambridge, MA: MIT P, 2000. 295 pp. Cloth $32.50, ISBN 0-262-02452-7. Paper $17.95, ISBN 0-262-52279.
Brown, Ray B., and Marshall W. Fishwick, eds. The Global Village: Dead or Alive? Bowling Green, OH: Bowling Green State U Popular P, 1999. 223 pp. Cloth $49.95, ISBN 0-879-72771-3. Paper $24.95, paper. ISBN 0-879-72772-1.
Gozzi, Raymond Jr. The Power of Metaphor in the Age of Electronic Media. Cresskill, NJ: Hampton P, 1999. 295 pp. Cloth $65.00, ISBN 1-57273-122-2. Paper $26.50, ISBN 1-57273-123-0.
Lessig. Lawrence. Code and Other Laws of Cyberspace. New York: Basic Books, 1999. 320 pp. Cloth $30.00, ISBN 0-465-03912-X. Paper $16.00, ISBN 0-465-03913.
Postman, Neil. Building a Bridge to the Eighteenth Century: How the Past Can Improve Our Future. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2000. 224 pp. Cloth $25.00, ISBN 0-375-40129-6. Paper $13.00, ISBN 0-375-70127-3.
Trading the Television for a Textbook?: High School Exit Exams and Student Behavior
Authors: Diette Timothy M. , Helms Sara E. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Approximately half of the states in the United States have some form of high school exit exam. One purpose of the exit exams is to create a clear bar which students must pass in order to graduate. Effective exit exams may encourage marginal students to spend additional time on schooling in order to pass the exam. This study exploits state-level variations in timing of implementation to understand how students have responded to the state exit exams. This study uses the American Time Use Survey (ATUS). The ATUS captures, in detail, how individuals spend their day. We find that exit exams are associated with an increase in the amount of time that students spend on educational activities by almost 20 minutes per day in the months in which exams are typically given. The increase comes mainly from an increase in time spent in school and not time spent outside of school on education-related activities. The additional time for education appears to be a trade-off with time spent watching television, which shows a significant drop in exam months for students facing exams.
Modeling of alkaline extraction chemistry and kinetics of softwood kraft pulp
Authors: Kuitunen Susanna , Tarvo Ville , Liitiä Tiina , Rovio Stella , Vuorinen Tapani , Alopaeus Ville 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
A comprehensive model for alkaline extraction (E) of chlorine dioxide delignified (D0) softwood kraft pulp (KP) is presented. The dynamics of the process is modeled by taking into account both irreversible and reversible chemical reactions and gas-liquid and liquid-liquid mass transfer. Equations linking molecular-scale composition (amounts of monomeric lignin and carbohydrate structures) and general engineering parameters [κ number (KN), brightness, intrinsic viscosity, total organic carbon (TOC), chemical oxygen demand (COD), etc.] are presented. The model is capable of reproducing the development of KN and brightness from the molecular-level kinetics. Reactions responsible for the darkening of chlorine dioxide bleached (D0) pulp in alkali, brightening of pulp due to the action of hydrogen peroxide and oxygen, and reduction in KN were identified. The model predicts the chemical composition of both fiber wall and filtrate. This feature enables studies concerning the interaction of the AE chemistry with upstream (D0 washing) and downstream (D1 stage) processes. Quantitative physicochemical modeling approach also points out shortcoming in the present knowledge.
A lysine-methionine exchange in a coronavirus surface protein transforms a retention motif into an endocytosis signal
Authors: Paul André , Trincone Anna , Siewert Sandra , Herrler Georg , Schwegmann-Weßels Christel 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) is an enveloped (+) RNA virus belonging to the family Coronaviridae. Among the viral membrane proteins, the spike (S) protein mediates receptor recognition/attachment to the host cell and fusion of viral and cellular membranes. The cytoplasmic tail of the S protein contains a tyrosine-dependent sorting signal with the consensus sequence YXXΦ. In the context of the S protein of TGEV (1440YEPI1443), this motif acts as a retention signal, preventing surface expression of the protein. Here, we show that a chimeric S protein, containing the six C-terminal amino acids of the glycoprotein G of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is no longer retained intracellularly, despite the presence of the tyrosine tetrapeptide motif. Following transport to the cell surface, the chimeric protein was rapidly endocytosed. Analysis of mutant proteins generated by site-directed mutagenesis revealed that a single amino acid exchange (1445K/M, position: +2 downstream of the tyrosine-based motif) was responsible for the altered sorting behavior.
Crustal deformation study in the Canary Archipelago by the analysis of GPS observations
Authors: Martín Adriana , Sevilla Miguel , Zurutuza Joaquín 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe Canary Archipelago is an active volcanic region located in the African plate, at 100 Km of the northwest coast of Africa. The Complutense University of Madrid, Institute of Astronomy and Geodesy (CSIC-UCM) and University of Jaén, established a GPS Network in this region and carried out six observations campaigns from 2002 to 2009. The focus of thiswork is processing and analyzing these observations to study the geodynamic behavior of the stations of this network. The data have been computed with the Bernese GPS Software Version 5.0 obtaining individual solutions of coordinates for each session and campaign, the coordinate velocities of the stations and the time series of baselines formed between them. Results show consistency of station velocities compared to behaviour of areas permanent stations and baselines stability. No deformations could be detected.
Parametric Optimization of Electric Discharge Machining by GA-based Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Majumder Arindam 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Electric Discharge Machining (EDM) is one
of the most popular non-conventional machining
processes. During Electric Discharge Machining
(EDM) the process parameters plays a very
important role in deciding the electrode wear
rate. In the present investigation the process
parameters of electric discharge machining
have been optimized for minimum electrode wear
rate. The machining parameters used in this
study are spark-current, pulse-on duration and
pulse-off duration. The relation between
electrode wear rate and machining parameters
has been developed by using Response Surface
Methodology. The mathematical model thus
developed was then employed on genetic
algorithm to optimize the process
parameters. This relation was also being used
to find the effect of machining parameters on
the electrode wear rate during Electric
Discharge Machining (EDM) process.
Multi-Objective Optimization of MRR, TWR and Radial Overcut of EDMed AISI D2 Tool Steel Using Response Surface Methodology, Grey Relational Analysis And Entropy Measurement
Authors: Pradhan Dr. Mohan Kumar 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
This article illustrates an application of a hybrid optimization approach for the determination of the optimum machining parameters to achieve better productivity without negotiating the qualities and accuracy of the EDMed components. A synergy of Response Surface Methodology (RSM), Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) coupled with Energy measurement method has been applied that maximises Material Removal Rate (MRR) and simultaneously minimises Tool Wear Rate (TWR) & Radial overcut or Gap(G) during Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) of AISI D2 Tool steel. The input process parameters considered are pulse current (Ip), pulse duration (Ton), duty cycle (Tau) and discharge voltage (V). A face centered Central Composite Design (CCD) has been adopted for conducting the experiments. The designed experimental results were used in grey relational analysis, and the weights of the quality characteristics were decided by utilizing the entropy measurement method. The significant parameters are obtained by accomplishing Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Based on the RSM results, it is found that the grey relational grades are considerably influenced by the machining parameters and some of their interactions. Ip is found to be most influencing parameter with 35.02%contribution followed by interaction of Ip×Ton and Tau with 21.74%and 17.73%contribution respectively. The coefficient of determination (R2
) is found to be 91.1%which is quite satisfactory. These results furnish useful information to control the responses and ensure the high productivity and accuracy of the component. This method is simple with easy operability, and moreover the results have also been confirmed by running the confirmation tests.
Recursive Adjustment for General Deterministic Components and Improved Cointegration Rank Tests
Authors: Born Benjamin , Demetrescu Matei 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis paper discusses tests for the cointegration rank of integrated vector autoregressions when the series are recursively adjusted for deterministic components. To this end, the asymptotic properties of recursive, or adaptive, procedures for the removal of general additive deterministic components are analyzed in two different, complementary, situations. When the stochastic component of the examined time series is weakly stationary (as would be the equilibrium errors), the effect of recursive adjustment vanishes with increasing sample size. When the suitably normalized stochastic component converges weakly to some limiting continuous-time process with integrable paths (as would be the case with the common stochastic trends), recursive adjustment has a permanent effect even asymptotically: the normalized recursively adjusted process converges weakly to a recursively adjusted version of the limiting process. The null limiting distributions of the cointegration rank tests can be expressed in terms of recursively adjusted Brownian motions. Moreover, the finite-sample properties of the cointegration rank tests with recursive adjustment are examined in cases of empirical relevance: the considered deterministic components are a constant, and a constant and a linear trend, respectively. Compared to the likelihood ratio tests or the tests with generalized least squares adjustment, improvements in terms of empirical rejection frequencies under the null are found in finite samples; improvements are found under the alternative as well, with the likelihood ratio test performing increasingly better as the magnitude of the initial condition increases. Regarding rank selection, a very simple combination of the three testing procedures with different adjustments performs best.
Nonlinear spectroscopy in the near-field: time resolved spectroscopy and subwavelength resolution non-invasive imaging
Authors: Namboodiri Mahesh , Khan Tahirzeb , Karki Khadga , Kazemi Mehdi Mohammad , Bom Sidhant , Flachenecker Günter , Namboodiri Vinu , Materny Arnulf 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe combination of near-field microscopy along with nonlinear optical spectroscopic techniques is presented here. The scanning near-field imaging technique can be integrated with nonlinear spectroscopic techniques to improve spatial and axial resolution of the images. Additionally, ultrafast dynamics can be probed down to nano-scale dimension. The review shows some examples for this combination, which resulted in an exciton map and vibrational contrast images with sub-wavelength resolution. Results of two-color femtosecond time-resolved pump-probe experiments using scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM) on thin films of the organic semiconductor 3,4,9,10 Perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) are presented. While nonlinear Raman techniques have been used to obtain highly resolved images in combination with near-field microscopy, the use of femtosecond laser pulses in electronic resonance still constitutes a big challenge. Here, we present our first results on coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (fs-CARS) with femtosecond laser pulses detected in the near-field using SNOM. We demonstrate that highly spatially resolved images can be obtained from poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) nano-structures where the fs-CARS process was in resonance with the P3HT absorption and with characteristic P3HT vibrational modes without destruction of the samples. Sub-diffraction limited lateral resolution is achieved. Especially the height resolution clearly surpasses that obtained with standard microCARS. These results will be the basis for future investigations of mode-selective dynamics in the near-field.