bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional connectivity between parietal cortex and the cardiac autonomic system in uremics
Authors: Liou Li‐Min , Ruge Diane , Kuo Mei‐Chuan , Tsai Jer‐Chia , Lin Che‐Wei , Wu Meng‐Ni , Hsu Chung‐Yao , Lai Chiou‐Lian 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAlthough the central autonomic network (CAN) has been well researched in animal models, the CAN in humans is still unclear, especially for cardiovascular control. This study aimed to investigate which areas of the cerebral cortices are associated with the peripheral cardiac autonomic control involved in the CAN in uremic patients with autonomic dysfunction and normal controls. The central and peripheral autonomic network in 19 uremic patients with significant autonomic dysfunction and 24 age‐ and sex‐matched controls [mean age ± standard deviation (SD), 55.16 ± 10.45 years and 55.42 ± 5.42 years, respectively] were evaluated by simultaneous spectral analysis of electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography recording (ECG), along with serial autonomic tests [autonomic questionnaire and orthostatic blood pressure (BP) change]. Only frequency‐domain heart rate variability (f‐HRV) during the deep‐breathing stage could differentiate the two groups. Although there is no significant difference in f‐HRV during the quiet‐breathing stage, different patterns of central oscillation and their correlation with peripheral cardiac autonomic indices could be found for the two groups. Although the power of specific EEG bands under electrode T3 and T6 correlated significantly with the power of peripheral HRV indices in the control group, those under electrodes P3 and Pz had significant correlations in the uremic group suggesting a role of functional connectivity between them. In addition, sympathetic activity is correlated with slow wave EEG (theta/delta) power whereas parasympathetic activity is correlated with fast wave EEG (beta) power. In conclusion, there is functional connectivity between the parietal cortex and the peripheral cardiac autonomic system (PAN) in uremics and the pattern of central autonomic connectivity differs between uremic patients with autonomic dysfunction and normal controls.
Design and validation of a high-voltage levitation circuit for electrostatic accelerometers
Authors: Li G. , Wu S. C. , Zhou Z. B. , Bai Y. Z. , Hu M. , Luo J. 
Published: December 2013

A simple high-voltage circuit with a voltage range of 0 to 900 V and an open-loop bandwidth of 11 kHz is realized by using an operational amplifier and a MOSFET combination. The circuit is used for the levitation of a test mass of 71 g, suspended below the top-electrodes with a gap distance of 57 μm, so that the performance of an electrostatic accelerometer can be tested on the ground. The translation noise of the accelerometer, limited by seismic noise, is about 4 × 10−8 m/s2/Hz1/2 at 0.1 Hz, while the high-voltage coupling noise is one-order of magnitude lower.
Operation status of the electron cyclotron resonance ion source at Gunma University
Authors: Souda H. , Yamada S. , Kanai T. , Takeshita E. , Muramatsu M. , Kitagawa A. , Kanazawa M. , Izumiya H. , Kano Y. 
Published: December 2013

An ECR ion source of Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, so-called KeiGM [M. Muramatsu, A. Kitagawa, Y. Sakamoto, S. Sato, Y. Sato, H. Ogawa, S. Yamada, H. Ogawa, Y. Yoshida, and A. G. Drentje, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 76, 113304 (2005)], has been operated for cancer therapy and physical/biological experiment since 2010. KeiGM produces typically 230 μA of 10 keV/u C4+ ions from CH4 gases. The vacuum pressure is kept between 1.2 × 10−4 and 1.7 × 10−4 Pa so as to suppress the pulse-to-pulse current fluctuation within ±10%. The extraction electrode is cleaned every 6–8 months in order to remove deposited carbon, which increases the leak current and discharge. In order to investigate the possibility of long-term operation without such maintenances, oxygen aging for the cleaning of the extraction electrode has been tested in the test bench. The same-designed ion sources at National Institute of Radiological Sciences and SAGA Heavy Ion Medical Accelerator in Tosu (SAGA-HIMAT) are also operated with stable C4+ current, which are suitable for the continuous operation for cancer therapy.
REVIEW: Aroma of Wheat Bread Crumb
Authors: Birch Anja Niehues , Petersen Mikael Agerlin , Hansen Åse Solvej 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTBread aroma is an important parameter for bread quality, and this review aims to provide an overview of aroma compounds identified in bread crumb and how these compounds are formed. More than 150 volatile compounds were identified in bread crumb, and they mainly originated from the fermentative activity of yeast, from oxidation of flour lipids, and to a lower extent from Maillard reactions. Of those volatile compounds, 45 compounds can be characterized as aroma compounds, because they most likely can be sensed when the bread is eaten because of their high odor activity values and flavor dilution factors. The influence of ingredients and mixing conditions on bread aroma has scarcely been investigated. The fermentation conditions (yeast level and strain as well as fermentation temperature and time) were found to significantly influence the aroma of bread crumb. Yeast level and strain mainly influence formation of compounds directly related to the fermentative activity of yeast, whereas fermentation temperature and time also influence formation of compounds from oxidation of flour lipids.
Incubation of Isolated Wheat Starch with Proteolytic or Lipolytic Enzymes and Different Extraction Media Reveals a Tight Interaction Between Puroindolines and Lipids at Its Granule Surface
Authors: Pauly Anneleen , Pareyt Bram , De Brier Niels , Delcour Jan A. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTDifferences in hardness of wheat cultivars have been related to differences in interactions between the starch granule surface and the gluten protein matrix that are mediated by the proteins puroindoline (PIN) A and B. We examined whether or not PINs and (polar) lipids are associated at the starch granule surface, and, if so, how they interact with the starch granule surface itself. Starch was isolated from a soft wheat cultivar containing both wild‐type PINs and incubated with peptidases or lipases, or in extraction media (typically used for defatting). Protein, PIN, and lipid levels revealed that PINs and lipids are tightly associated together at the starch granule surface. Our results imply that PINs need lipids for binding to the granule surface but not vice versa.
Incidence of Dysphagia and Serial Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Findings After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Min Yusun , Kim Won-Seok , Kang Sung Shik , Choi Jin Man , Yeom Jin S. , Paik Nam-Jong 
Published: December 2013

Study Design:
Prospective study.

Objective:
To prospectively assess the incidence of dysphagia and to present the serial changes of each finding in the videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Summary of Background Data:
The reported incidence of dysphagia after ACDF has varied widely, and the serial changes of dysphagia using VFSS have not been clearly determined yet.

Methods:
Data of 47 patients preoperatively and at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively were used for the analyses. The Bazaz dysphagia score and VFSS were checked preoperatively and at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively. The presence of aspiration or penetration, amount of vallecular and pyriform sinus residues, functional dysphagia scale, temporal parameters of oral transit time, pharyngeal transit time, and pharyngeal delay time (PDT) were evaluated from the VFSS data.

Results:
Incidences of dysphagia measured by the Bazaz dysphagia score were 83.0% at 1 week and 59.6% at 1 month after ACDF. Although the incidence of aspiration was 4.3% and the incidence of penetration was 36.2% at 1 week and 25.5% at 1 month after surgery, none of the patients had aspiration pneumonia. The number of patients with vallecular and pyriform sinus residues significantly increased after ACDF. Further, there were no statistically significant changes at all time points in terms of oral transit time, pharyngeal transit time, and pharyngeal delay time.

Conclusions:
Dysphagia is common until 1 month after ACDF. Although the incidence of aspiration or penetration in VFSS after ACDF was high, no patient had aspiration pneumonia, which may be because of the intact neurological swallowing mechanism. The typical pattern of dysphagia after ACDF included vallecular and pyriform sinuses filled with postswallow residue, which may result from soft tissue edema and weak constriction of pharyngeal muscles after ACDF.
Effect of glycogen synthase kinase-3 inactivation on mouse mammary gland development and oncogenesis
Authors: Dembowy Joanna , Adissu Hibret A. , Liu Jeff C. , Zacksenhaus Eldad , Woodgett James R. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractMany components of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway have critical functions in mammary gland development and tumor formation, yet the contribution of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3α and GSK-3β) to mammopoiesis and oncogenesis is unclear. Here, we report that WAP-Cre-mediated deletion of GSK-3 in the mammary epithelium results in activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and induces mammary intraepithelial neoplasia that progresses to squamous transdifferentiation and development of adenosquamous carcinomas at 6 months. To uncover possible β-catenin-independent activities of GSK-3, we generated mammary-specific knock-outs of GSK-3 and β-catenin. Squamous transdifferentiation of the mammary epithelium was largely attenuated, however mammary epithelial cells lost the ability to form mammospheres suggesting perturbation of stem cell properties unrelated to loss of β-catenin alone. At 10 months, adenocarcinomas that developed in glands lacking GSK-3 and β-catenin displayed elevated levels of γ-catenin/plakoglobin as well as activation of the Hedgehog and Notch pathways. Collectively these results establish the two isoforms of GSK-3 as essential integrators of multiple developmental signals that act to maintain normal mammary gland function and suppress tumorigenesis.
Determinants of root‐associated fungal communities within Asteraceae in a semi‐arid grassland
Authors: Wehner Jeannine , Powell Jeff R. , Muller Ludo A. H. , Caruso Tancredi , Veresoglou Stavros D. , Hempel Stefan , Rillig Matthias C. 
Published: December 2013

Summary

While plant–fungal interactions are important determinants of plant community assembly and ecosystem functioning, the processes underlying fungal community composition are poorly understood.

Here, we studied for the first time the root‐associated eumycotan communities in a set of co‐occurring plant species of varying relatedness in a species‐rich, semi‐arid grassland in Germany. The study system provides an opportunity to evaluate the importance of host plants and gradients in soil type and landscape structure as drivers of fungal community structure on a relevant spatial scale. We used 454 pyrosequencing of the fungal internal transcribed spacer region to analyse root‐associated eumycotan communities of 25 species within the Asteraceae, which were sampled at different locations within a soil type gradient. We partitioned the variance accounted for by three predictors (host plant phylogeny, spatial distribution and soil type) to quantify their relative roles in determining fungal community composition and used null model analyses to determine whether community composition was influenced by biotic interactions among the fungi.

We found a high fungal diversity (156 816 sequences clustered in 1100 operational taxonomic units (OTUs)). Most OTUs belonged to the phylum Ascomycota (35.8%); the most abundant phylotype best‐matched Phialophora mustea. Basidiomycota were represented by 18.3%, with Sebacina as most abundant genus. The three predictors explained 30% of variation in the community structure of root‐associated fungi, with host plant phylogeny being the most important variance component. Null model analysis suggested that many fungal taxa co‐occurred less often than expected by chance, which demonstrates spatial segregation and indicates that negative interactions may prevail in the assembly of fungal communities.

Synthesis. The results show that the phylogenetic relationship of host plants is the most important predictor of root‐associated fungal community assembly, indicating that fungal colonization of host plants might be facilitated by certain plant traits that may be shared among closely related plant species.
Investigating the experiences in a school‐based occupational therapy program to inform community‐based paediatric occupational therapy practice
Authors: Rens Lezahn , Joosten Annette 
Published: December 2013

Background/aimA collaborative approach with teachers is required when providing community‐based occupational therapy to educationally at risk children. Collaborators share common goals and interact and support each other but challenges arise in providing collaborative occupational therapy in settings outside the school environment. The aim of this study was to capture experiences of teachers and occupational therapists working within a school‐based occupational therapy program to determine if their experiences could inform collaborative practice.MethodIn this pilot study, participant responses to questionnaires (n = 32) about their experiences formed the basis for focus groups and individual interviews. Two focus group were conducted, one with teachers (n = 11) and one with occupational therapy participants (n = 6). Individual interviews were conducted with the supervising occupational therapist, school principal and two leading teachers. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data from closed questions, and thematic analysis using a constant comparison approach was used to analyse open ended questions, focus groups and interviews.ResultsThree main themes emerged: (i) the need for occupational therapists to spend time in the school, to explain their role, build relationships, understand classroom routines and the teacher role; (ii) occupational therapists need to not see themselves as the expert but develop equal partnerships to set collaborative goals and (iii) occupational therapists advocating for all parties to be informed throughout the occupational therapy process.ConclusionThe pilot study findings identified teacher and therapist experiences within the school setting that could inform improved collaborative practice with teachers and community‐based occupational therapists and these findings warrant further investigation.
Living tensions: Reconstructing notions of professionalism in occupational therapy
Authors: Mackey Hazel 
Published: December 2013

Background/aimReform of health organisations has brought significant changes to healthcare systems with attendant consequences for the definition and practice of professionalism. Occupational therapists must continually strive to provide excellent patient care, delivering positive patient outcomes whilst responding effectively to increasing fiscal constraint and changing organisational paradigms. This paper explores the experiences of occupational therapists as they reconstruct professionalism as a consequence of health care reform inEngland.MethodFourteen occupational therapists were interviewed over 12 months across five National Health Service organisations in England. Each participant was interviewed three times and was asked to keep a monthly diary of critical incidents. A process of narrative analysis was developed to analyse these data.ResultsFindings suggest that changes have occurred in the National Health Service which affects notions of professional values, expertise, status and accountability. However, far from seeing themselves as mere responders to stimuli, occupational therapists tell of mediating policies, of responding, experimenting and redefining choices whilst struggling to reconstruct professionalism.ConclusionsIt is suggested that professionalism can be conceived as a reflexive ethical concept in that it is through the process of reflecting on the discursive and behavioural options and values available that occupational therapists come to understand, and define their professional selves.
Investigating Flavonoids as Molecular Templates for the Design of Small‐Molecule Inhibitors of Cell Signaling
Authors: Wright Bernice , Tindall Marcus J. , Lovegrove Julie A. , Gibbins Jonathan M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractEpidemiological and clinical trials reveal compelling evidence for the ability of dietary flavonoids to lower cardiovascular disease risk. The mechanisms of action of these polyphenolic compounds are diverse, and of particular interest is their ability to function as protein and lipid kinase inhibitors. We have previously described structure–activity studies that reinforce the possibility for using flavonoid structures as templates for drug design. In the present study, we aim to begin constructing rational screening strategies for exploiting these compounds as templates for the design of clinically relevant, antiplatelet agents. We used the platelet as a model system to dissect the structural influence of flavonoids, stilbenes, anthocyanidins, and phenolic acids on inhibition of cell signaling and function. Functional groups identified as relevant for potent inhibition of platelet function included at least 2 benzene rings, a hydroxylated B ring, a planar C ring, a C ring ketone group, and a C‐2 positioned B ring. Hydroxylation of the B ring with either a catechol group or a single C‐4′ hydroxyl may be required for efficient inhibition of collagen‐stimulated tyrosine phosphorylated proteins of 125 to 130 kDa, but may not be necessary for that of phosphotyrosine proteins at approximately 29 kDa. The removal of the C ring C‐3 hydroxyl together with a hydroxylated B ring (apigenin) may confer selectivity for 37 to 38 kDa phosphotyrosine proteins. We conclude that this study may form the basis for construction of maps of flavonoid inhibitory activity on kinase targets that may allow a multitargeted therapeutic approach with analogue counterparts and parent compounds.
Broad Escovopsis‐inhibition activity of Pseudonocardia associated with Trachymyrmex ants
Authors: Meirelles Lucas A. , Mendes Thaís D. , Solomon Scott E. , Bueno Odair C. , Pagnocca Fernando C. , Rodrigues Andre 
Published: December 2013

SummaryAttine ants maintain an association with antibiotic‐producing Actinobacteria found on their integuments. Evidence supports these bacteria as auxiliary symbionts that help ants to defend the fungus gardens against pathogens. Using Pseudonocardia strains isolated from Trachymyrmex ants, we tested whether the inhibitory capabilities of such strains are restricted to Escovopsis parasites that infect gardens of this ant genus. Twelve Pseudonocardia strains were tested in in vitro bioassays against Escovopsis strains derived from fungus gardens of Trachymyrmex (n = 1) and leaf‐cutting ants (n = 3). Overall, significant differences were observed in the mycelial growth among each Escovopsis strain in the presence of Pseudonocardia. Particularly, Escovopsis from Acromyrmex and Trachymyrmex were the most inhibited strains in comparison to Escovopsis isolated from Atta. This result suggests that Pseudonocardia isolated from Trachymyrmex possibly secrete antimicrobial compounds effective against diverse Escovopsis strains. The fact that Trachymyrmex ants harbour Pseudonocardia strains with broad spectrum of activity and its defensive role on attine gardens are discussed.
Initial reactions to tobacco and cannabis smoking: a twin study
Authors: Agrawal Arpana , Madden Pamela A. F. , Bucholz Kathleen K. , Heath Andrew C. , Lynskey Michael T. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimsInitial subjective reactions to cannabis and tobacco, broadly classified as positive or negative, have previously been explored for their associations with onset and maintenance of subsequent abuse/dependence. We examine (i) the factorial architecture of self‐reported initial reactions to cannabis and tobacco; (ii) whether these factors associate with concurrently reported age at onset of DSM‐IV diagnosis of nicotine dependence and cannabis abuse/dependence; and (iii) estimate heritable variation in and covariation between the factors.DesignFactorial and exploratory structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the factor structure of initial reactions. Cox proportional hazards modeling was employed to examine their association with time to onset of diagnosis of DSM‐IV nicotine dependence and cannabis abuse/dependence. Classical twin modeling, using univariate and multivariate models, was used to parse variance in each factor (and the covariance between factors) to their additive genetic, shared environmental and non‐shared environmental sources.Setting and ParticipantsGeneral population sample of Caucasian female twins aged 18–32 years, with a life‐time history of tobacco [n = 2393] and cannabis [n = 1445] use.MeasurementSelf‐report of initial subjective reactions to tobacco (cigarettes) and cannabis the first time they were used and time to onset of life‐time history of DSM‐IV diagnosis of abuse (cannabis) and dependence (cannabis or nicotine).FindingsFactors representing putatively positive and negative reactions to cannabis and tobacco emerged. Initial reactions to tobacco were associated with onset of DSM‐IV diagnosis of nicotine dependence and cannabis abuse/dependence while initial reactions to cannabis were associated with onset of DSM‐IV diagnosis of cannabis abuse/dependence alone. Genetic factors played a moderate role in each factor (heritability of 27–35%, P < 0.05), with the remaining variance attributed to individual–specific environment. Covariation across the factors indexing positive and negative initial reactions was attributable to genetic sources (0.18–0.58, P < 0.05) and to overlapping individual‐specific environmental factors (−0.16 to 0.36, P < 0.05).ConclusionsInitial subjective reactions to tobacco are associated with onset of DSM‐IV diagnosis of nicotine dependence and cannabis abuse/dependence while initial subjective reactions to cannabis are only associated with onset of diagnosis of DSM‐IV cannabis abuse/dependence. Genetic and environmental factors underpin the overlap across the factors representing initial reactions, both positive and negative.
Progesterone Induced Blocking Factor Isoforms in Normal and Failed Murine Pregnancies
Authors: Bogdan Agnes , Polgar Beata , Szekeres‐Bartho Julia 
Published: December 2013

ProblemProgesterone induced blocking factor (PIBF) is required for successful pregnancy. Alternative splicing produces PIBF isoforms with different functions. The full‐length (90 kDa) PIBF is involved in cell cycle regulation, whereas smaller secreted forms act as cytokines. We aim to examine the PIBF exon pattern and protein isoform profile in normal and failed murine pregnancies.Method of studyPregnant Balb/c mice were killed on gestation days 12–14 or 17–19. Normal and resorbed fetuses, placentae, and uterine tissue were used for RNA and protein analysis with RT‐PCR and Western blot, respectively.ResultsLate pregnancy and resorption were associated with lower expression of the N‐terminal exons, together with significantly reduced production of the full‐length protein.ConclusionReduced production of the full‐length PIBF protein might result in disturbed cell cycle regulation and dysregulated trophoblast invasion, while the absence of PIBF isoforms containing exon 2–4 coded sequences might lead to the loss of local immunosuppression.