bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive review of the detection methods for synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones
Authors: Namera Akira , Kawamura Maho , Nakamoto Akihiro , Saito Takeshi , Nagao Masataka 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
A number of N-alkyl indole or indazole-3-carbonyl analogs, with modified chemical structures, are distributed throughout the world as synthetic cannabinoids. Like synthetic cannabinoids, cathinone analogs are also abused and cause serious problems worldwide. Acute deaths caused by overdoses of these drugs have been reported. Various analytical methods that can cope with the rapid changes in chemical structures are required for routine analysis and screening of these drugs in seized and biological materials for forensic and clinical purposes. Although many chromatographic methods to analyze each drug have been published, there are only a few articles summarizing these analytical methods. This review presents the various colorimetric detections, immunochemical assays, gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric methods, and liquid chromatographic–mass spectrometric methods proposed for the analysis of synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones.
Cardiac Findings and Events Observed in an Open-Label Clinical Trial of Tafamidis in Patients with non-Val30Met and non-Val122Ile Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis
Authors: Damy Thibaud , Judge Daniel P. , Kristen Arnt V. , Berthet Karine , Li Huihua , Aarts Janske 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
A phase 2, open-label study in 21 patients with non-Val30Met and non-Val122Ile hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis showed that tafamidis (20 mg daily for 12 months) stabilized these transthyretin variants. We assessed cardiac amyloid infiltration and cardiac abnormalities in this same study population. At baseline, median age was 64.3 years, 11 patients were in NYHA class II, 13 had conduction abnormalities, 14 N-terminal pro-hormone brain natriuretic peptide concentrations >300 pg/ml, and 17 interventricular septal thickness >12 mm. Mean (SD) left ventricular ejection fraction was 60.3 % (9.96). Patients with normal heart rate variability increased from 4/19 at baseline to 8/19 at month 12 (p < 0.05). Cardiac biomarkers remained stable. Although four patients had increases in interventricular septal thickness ≥2 mm, the remainder had stable septal wall thickness. There were no clinically relevant changes in mean echocardiographic/electrocardiographic variables and no safety concerns.
The effects of prenatal undernutrition and postnatal high‐fat diet on hypothalamic Kiss1 mRNA and serum leptin levels
Authors: Iwasa Takeshi , Matsuzaki Toshiya , Munkhzaya Munkhsaikhan , Tungalagsuvd Altankhuu , Yamasaki Mikio , Kuwahara Akira , Yasui Toshiyuki , Irahara Minoru 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPrenatal undernutrition and postnatal overnutrition increase the risk of some metabolic disorders in adulthood, and hypothalamic leptin resistance makes an important contribution to these effects. Leptin plays important roles in the maintenance of reproductive function, and its actions might be partially mediated by kisspeptin, which is a potent positive regulator of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone. In this study, the effects of prenatal undernutrition and postnatal overnutrition on reproductive parameters and sexual maturation during the peripubertal period were evaluated. Rats subjected to prenatal undernutrition (IUGR) and fed a postnatal high‐fat diet (HFD) (n = 7) exhibited 40% higher serum leptin levels and 30% lower hypothalamic Kiss1 (the gene encoding kisspeptin) mRNA levels than those subjected to prenatal undernutrition (IUGR) and fed a normal diet (n = 7). No such HFD‐induced postnatal alterations were observed in the rats fed a normal diet during the prenatal period (control) (n = 7 per group). Although the consumption of the HFD did not affect the serum luteinizing hormone levels or body weight of the IUGR or control rats, it did promote vaginal opening in both groups (evaluated in 14 rats per group). These findings indicate that hypothalamic leptin resistance might occur in IUGR‐HFD rats, but these changes do not influence downstream effectors of the reproductive endocrinological system. They also suggest that the relationships between nutritional conditions, body weight, reproductive factors, and sexual maturation are complex.
Establish a perioperative check forum for peripheral intravenous access to prevent the occurrence of phlebitis
Authors: Chiu Po‐Chun , Lee Ya‐Hui , Hsu Hung‐Te , Feng Yu‐Tung , Lu I‐Cheng , Chiu Shun‐Li , Cheng Kuang‐I 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe prevalence of intravenous (IV) catheter‐related infections is 0.5 per 1000 device days, and these infections cause tenderness, erythema, swelling and phlebitis. Catheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) may independently increase hospital costs and length of stay; the aim of the study was to set up a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the maintenance of peripheral vein catheter patency and the prevention of IV catheter‐related complications. This is a retrospective study, enrolling patients who received anesthesia between April 2010 and January 2011. The study included 1 month of pretest phase, and 3 months each of “notification” phase, “observation” phase and “end” phase, respectively. The cannulations were set up by surgical ward nurses following the SOP on establishing peripheral intravenous catheter in our hospital. The cannulation sites were then examined before surgery and postoperatively by registered nurse anesthetists using the Baxter Scale. We also tried to set up a feedback circuit to let ward nurses know about the IV patency rate. As a result, 14,682 patients were enrolled in the study. The incidence of IV therapy‐related adverse events was 0.78% in the notification phase, 0.43% in the observation phase, and 0.13% in the end phase. Overall IV therapy‐related events declined significantly (p < 0.01), and the presence of phlebitis was associated with age (p < 0.05). An SOP established to assess IV patency through a checklist can reduce phlebitis and improve quality. The checklist increases ward nurses' and nurse anesthetists' awareness of IV patency, and the feedback circuit substantially reduces IV event rate.
Hitting the right spot: Mechanism of action of OPB‐31121, a novel and potent inhibitor of the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3)
Authors: Brambilla Lara , Genini Davide , Laurini Erik , Merulla Jessica , Perez Laurent , Fermeglia Maurizio , Carbone Giuseppina M. , Pricl Sabrina , Catapano Carlo V. 
Published: March 2015

STAT3 is a key element in many oncogenic pathways and, like other transcription factors, is an attractive target for development of novel anticancer drugs. However, interfering with STAT3 functions has been a difficult task and very few small molecule inhibitors have made their way to the clinic. OPB‐31121, an anticancer compound currently in clinical trials, has been reported to affect STAT3 signaling, although its mechanism of action has not been unequivocally demonstrated. In this study, we used a combined computational and experimental approach to investigate the molecular target and the mode of interaction of OPB‐31121 with STAT3. In parallel, similar studies were performed with known STAT3 inhibitors (STAT3i) to validate our approach. Computational docking and molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) showed that OPB‐31121 interacted with high affinity with the SH2 domain of STAT3. Interestingly, there was no overlap of the OPB‐31121 binding site with those of the other STAT3i. Computational predictions were confirmed by in vitro binding assays and competition experiments along with site‐directed mutagenesis of critical residues in the STAT3 SH2 domain. Isothermal titration calorimetry experiments demonstrated the remarkably high affinity of OPB‐31121 for STAT3 with Kd (10 nM) 2–3 orders lower than other STAT3i. Notably, a similar ranking of the potency of the compounds was observed in terms of inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation, cancer cell proliferation and clonogenicity. These results suggest that the high affinity and efficacy of OPB‐31121 might be related to the unique features and mode of interaction of OPB‐31121 with STAT3. These unique characteristics make OPB‐31121 a promising candidate for further development and an interesting lead for designing new, more effective STAT3i.
Early Anti-Coagulation after Ischemic Stroke due to Atrial Fibrillation is Safe and Prevents Recurrent Stroke
Authors: Hahn Christopher , Hill Michael D. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackground: Patients with acute cardio-embolic stroke from atrial fibrillation (AF) are at risk for recurrence with up to 50% of recurrent stroke occurring within two weeks of the index event. Anti-coagulation with heparinoids within 48 hours of stroke has been shown to increase risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) with no clear benefit on early stroke recurrence. Methods: This study was a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients who were admitted to the stroke service at the Foothills Medical Centre between 2009 and 2011. All patients with an acute stroke with a cardio-embolic etiology and a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation were reviewed. We hypothesized that anti-coagulation within two weeks of stroke, appropriately begun because of a diagnosis of AF, decreased rates of recurrent stroke without causing an increase in rates of symptomatic ICH. Results: Between 2009-2011, 324 patients were identified with cardio-embolic stroke secondary to AF. Within two weeks of stroke onset 61.4% (199/324) of patients were therapeutic on anti-coagulation. Patients who were anti-coagulated had a smaller median index stroke volume (3.2 ml vs 18.4 ml). Three (0.9%) patients suffered a clinically significant ICH. Recurrent stroke occurred in 11 patients (3.4%) within the two-week period. Therapeutic anti-coagulation within two weeks of initial stroke was associated with a decreased risk of recurrent stroke (RR 0.1, 95% CI 0.03-0.64). Conclusions: Anti-coagulation within two weeks of acute stroke in patients with AF appears to be safe among patients with smaller infarcts and prevents early recurrent infarction.
Influence ofNRGNrs12807809 polymorphism on symptom severity in individuals with schizophrenia in the Han population but not the Zhuang population of south China
Authors: Su Li , Long Jianxiong , Pan Runde , Xie Xinfeng , Mao Xixiang , Zhou Yang , Chen Qiang , Wei Bo 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundNRGNis one of the most promising candidate genes for schizophrenia based on function and position. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the genetic association of this polymorphism with schizophrenia in the Zhuang and Han populations of south China.Subjects and methodsA total of 282 patients (188 Han and 94 Zhuang) and 282 healthy subjects (188 Han and 94 Zhuang) were recruited. Of these, 246 schizophrenia patients underwent an assessment of psychotic symptoms using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). A TaqMan genotyping assay method was used to determine the genotypes.ResultsWe did not find a significant association of rs12807809 polymorphism with schizophrenia in the total pooled samples, or in the separate ethnic groups. However, in Han schizophrenia patients, quantitative data analyses showed that the CC genotype of the rs12807809 polymorphism was associated with PANSS aggression subscale score and activation subscale score. Furthermore, carriers of the C allele of rs12807809 polymorphism among Han schizophrenia patients had higher scores of general, activation, depression, aggression, and global symptoms than the T allele carriers.ConclusionIn conclusion rs12807809 polymorphism may not contribute to the risk of schizophrenia but influence the clinical symptoms of schizophrenia in the Han population.
Origination, extinction, invasion, and extirpation components of the brachiopod latitudinal biodiversity gradient through the Phanerozoic Eon
Authors: Powell Matthew G. , Moore Brandi R. , Smith Travis J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe geographic distribution of brachiopod genus occurrences over the Phanerozoic shows that secular declines in origination and extinction rates were paralleled by increases in invasion and extirpation rates. Origination and extinction rates declined in two phases, the first from the Cambrian to latest Permian Periods and the second from the latest Permian Period to the present, which were accompanied by concomitant increases in invasion and extirpation rates. In addition to the temporal correlation, an inverse correlation was also weakly evident among time-averaged latitudinal gradients of rates. Compared with faunas at higher latitudes, low-latitude faunas experienced higher origination and extinction rates, and lower invasion and extirpation rates. We suggest that progressive increases in migration ability lowered origination and extinction rates because species that were better equipped to track a preferred habitat, for example, by the ability to disperse larvae over large distances, were less likely to evolve or become extinct in response to local environmental changes. The two phases were separated by the end-Permian mass extinction, which reset to high levels the origination and extinction rates of a taxonomically and ecologically altered global brachiopod fauna. Our data also allow us to quantify the relative contributions of origination, extinction, invasion, and extirpation to regional diversity (quantified as 10° latitudinal zones) more generally. Overall, invasion and extirpation explained slightly more variation in diversity than in situ origination and extinction. The four variables usually occurred in combinations that maintained rather than altered the shape of the latitudinal diversity gradient. For most of the Phanerozoic Eon, the gradient was not the product of continuous renewal, but rather existed as a holdover from a previous interval.
‘Home and the World’: Cosmopolitan, transnational identities of courtly Indian women in the late imperialzenana
Authors: JHALA ANGMA D. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis article examines the cosmopolitan world of the colonialzenanathrough the marriages of two mid-twentieth-century royal Indian women, Maharani Brijraj Kumari of Dhrangadhra and Maharani Krishna Kumari of Jodhpur. In particular, it analyses the close connection betweenzenanawomen's education and emergent adolescent sexuality. These women ordinarily began their studies in mixed-gender classrooms with their brothers and male cousins as children. As they neared the age of menarche, girls were extracted from the formal schoolroom and undertook instruction in household management and childcare in preparation for their expected roles as wives and mothers. Despite being prematurely cut off from the childhood classroom, women's educational backgrounds (in both Western and Indic forms of knowledge) and future learning potential remained an important part of their postmarital identity. Young, anglicized Indian men increasingly desired wives who reflected the modernity that they hoped to represent as imperial subjects and were encouraged to adopt by British advisors and tutors. They required wives who would not wearpardahand thus reflect more Western ideals of companionate marriages of friendship, yet simultaneously live in gender-segregated palace quarters, uphold traditional kinship networks, perform religious duties, and engage in the maintenance of a large polygamous household. Definitions of sex, marriage, and domesticity were increasingly cross-cultural and pan-historical in nature, incorporating aspects both of the ‘modern’ and the ‘traditional’, the Indic and the European, the regional and the transnational.
Coaxial propagation of Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) and Gaussian beams in a plasma
Authors: Misra Shikha , Mishra Sanjay K. , Brijesh P. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis paper investigates the non-linear coaxial (or coupled mode) propagation of Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) (in particular L01 mode) and Gaussian electromagnetic (em) beams in a homogeneous plasma characterized by ponderomotive and relativistic non-linearities. The formulation is based on numerical solution of non-linear Schrödinger wave equation under Jeffreys–Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin approximation, followed by paraxial approach applicable in the vicinity of intensity maximum of the beams. A set of coupled differential equations for spot size (beam width) and phase evolution with space corresponding to coupled mode has been derived and numerically solved to determine the propagation dynamics. Using focusing equation a critical condition describing the self-trapped (i.e., spatial soliton) mode of laser beam propagation in the plasma has been discussed; as a consequence oscillatory focusing/defocusing of the beams in coupled mode propagation have been analyzed and presented graphically. As an important outcome, significant enhancement in the intensity of LG beam is noticed when it is coupled with the Gaussian mode.
Dementia and the population health approach: promise, pitfalls and progress. An Australian perspective
Authors: Travers Catherine , Lie David , Martin-Khan Melinda 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThe increasing prevalence of dementia in Australia (and worldwide) over the next few decades poses enormous social, health and economic challenges. In the absence of a cure, strategies to prevent, delay the onset of, or reduce the impact of dementia are required to contain a growing disease burden, and health and care costs. A population health approach has the potential to substantially reduce the impact of dementia. Internationally, many countries have started to adopt population health strategies that incorporate elements of dementia prevention. The authors examine some of the elements of such an approach and barriers to its implementation.International dementia frameworks and strategies were reviewed to identify options utilized for a population health approach to dementia.Internationally and nationally, dementia frameworks are being developed that include population health approaches. Most of the frameworks identified included early diagnosis and intervention, and increasing community awareness as key objectives, while several included promotion of the links between a healthy lifestyle and reduced risk for dementia.A poor evidence base (especially for illness prevention), diagnostic and technical limitations, and policy and implementation issues are significant barriers in maximizing the promise of population health approaches in this area.The review and analysis of the population health approach to dementia will inform national and jurisdictional policy development.
Collagen Structure Deterioration in the Skin of Patients with Pelvic Organ Prolapse Determined by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Kotova Svetlana L. , Timashev Peter S. , Guller Anna E. , Shekhter Anatoly B. , Misurkin Pavel I. , Bagratashvili Victor N. , Solovieva Anna B. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWe used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to diagnose pathological changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of skin connective tissue in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). POP is a common condition affecting women that considerably decreases the patients’ quality of life. Deviations from normal morphology of the skin ECM from patients with POP occur including packing and arrangement of individual collagen fibers and arrangement of collagen fibrils. The nanoindentation study revealed significant deterioration of the mechanical properties of collagen fibril bundles in the skin of POP patients as compared with the skin of healthy subjects. Changes in the skin ECM appeared to correlate well with changes in the ECM of the pelvic ligament tissue associated with POP. AFM data on the ECM structure of normal and pathologically altered connective tissue were in agreement with results of the standard histological study on the same clinical specimens. Thus, AFM and related techniques may serve as independent or complementary diagnostic tools for tracking POP-related pathological changes of connective tissue.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ti Cold-Spray Splats Determined by Electron Channeling Contrast Imaging and Nanoindentation Mapping
Authors: Goldbaum Dina , Chromik Richard R. , Brodusch Nicolas , Gauvin Raynald 
Published: March 2015

AbstractCold spray is a thermo-mechanical process where the velocity of the sprayed particles affects the deformation, bonding, and mechanical properties of the deposited material, in the form of splats or coatings. At high strain rates, the impact stresses are converted into heat, a phenomenon known as adiabatic shear, which leads to grain re-crystallization. Grain re-crystallization and growth are shown to have a direct impact on the mechanical properties of the cold-sprayed material. The present study ties the microstructural features within the cold-sprayed Ti splats and the substrate to the bonding mechanism and mechanical properties. High-resolution electron channeling contrast imaging, electron backscatter diffraction mapping, and nanoindentation were used to correlate the microstructure to the mechanical properties distribution within the titanium cold-spray splats. The formation of nanograins was observed at the titanium splat/substrate interface and contributed to metallurgical bonding. An increase in grain re-crystallization within the splat and substrate materials was observed with pre-heating of the substrate. In the substrate material, the predominant mechanism of deformation was twinning. A good relationship was found between the hardness and distribution of the twins within the substrate and the size distribution of the re-crystallized grains within the splats.
Very Massive Stars in the local Universe
Authors: Vink Jorick S. , Heger Alexander , Krumholz Mark R. , Puls Joachim , Banerjee S. , Castro N. , Chen K.-J. , Chenè A.-N. , Crowther P. A. , Daminelli A. , Gräfener G. , Groh J. H. , Hamann W.-R. , Heap S. , Herrero A. , Kaper L. , Najarro F. , Oskinova L. M. , Roman-Lopes A. , Rosen A. , Sander A. , Shirazi M. , Sugawara Y. , Tramper F. , Vanbeveren D. , Voss R. , Wofford A. , Zhang Y. ,   the participants of JD2
Published: March 2015

AbstractRecent studies have claimed the existence of very massive stars (VMS) up to 300M⊙in the local Universe. As this finding may represent a paradigm shift for the canonical stellar upper-mass limit of 150M⊙, it is timely to discuss the status of the data, as well as the far-reaching implications of such objects. We held a Joint Discussion at the General Assembly in Beijing to discuss (i) the determination of the current masses of the most massive stars, (ii) the formation of VMS, (iii) their mass loss, and (iv) their evolution and final fate. The prime aim was to reach broad consensus between observers and theorists on how to identify and quantify the dominant physical processes.
Microflares to megaflares: Solar observations and modeling
Authors: Fletcher Lyndsay 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe observationally determined properties of solar flares such as overall energy budget and distribution in space, time and energy of flare radiation, have improved enormously over the last cycle. This has enabled precision diagnostics of flare plasmas and nonthermal particles in large and small events, informing and driving new theoretical models. The theoretical challenges in understanding flare are considerable, involving MHD and kinetic processes operating in an environment far from equilibrium. New observations have also provided some challenges to long-standing models of flare energy release and transport. This talk overviewed recent observational and theoretical developments, and highlighted some important questions for the future