bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cumulative therapeutic effects of phytochemicals in Arnica montana flower extract alleviated collagen‐induced arthritis: inhibition of both pro‐inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress
Authors: Sharma Shikha , Arif Mohammad , Nirala Ranjeet Kumar , Gupta Ritu , Thakur Sonu Chand 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe plant Arnica montana is used in folk medicine to alleviate pain, inflammation and swelling of muscles and joints associated with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanism of action of A. montana flower methanol extract (AMME) against both inflammation and oxidative stress in a collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) rat model.RESULTSOral administration of AMME was found to reduce clinical signs and improve the histological and radiological status of the hind limb joints. AMME‐treated rats had lower expression levels of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukins (IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐12) and titer of anti‐type II collagen antibody compared with untreated CIA rats. Furthermore, by inhibiting these mediators, AMME also contributed towards the reversal of disturbed antioxidant levels and peroxidative damage.CONCLUSIONThe alleviation of arthritis in rats was very likely due to the combined action of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, the major constituents identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. The study also shed some light on mechanisms involved in diminution of inflammatory mediators and free radical‐generating toxicants and enhancement of the antioxidant armory, thereby preventing further tissue damage, injury and synovial hyperproliferation in arthritis. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Fluorescence Reporting of Binding Interactions of Target Molecules with Core–Shell‐Type Cortisol‐Imprinted Polymer Particles Using Environmentally Responsible Fluorescent‐Labeled Cortisol
Authors: Murase Nobuo , Taniguchi Shin‐Ichi , Takano Eri , Kitayama Yukiya , Takeuchi Toshifumi 
Published: May 2015

Core–shell‐type molecularly imprinted polymer particles (MIP‐NPs) bearing specific binding cavities for cortisol in their shell layers by two‐step emulsifier‐free emulsion polymerizations are synthesized, where both the strategies of semicovalent molecular imprinting and noncovalent molecular imprinting are concurrently performed using methacryloyl cortisol and itaconic acid as a template molecule and a functional monomer, respectively. Newly designed fluorescent reporter molecules, dansyl‐labeled cortisol, to investigate the binding capability of MIP‐NPs toward cortisol by fluorescence measurements are developed. The binding rate constant (ka) and affinity constant (Ka) of MIP‐NPs toward cortisol are successfully estimated by curve fitting for fluorescence spectral shift. The ka value of MIP‐NPs is 1.8 times larger than that of reference MIP‐NPs prepared using only methacryloyl cortisol without itaconic acid (semicovalent imprinting), indicating that the concurrent demonstration of both the semicovalent imprinting and noncovalent imprinting processes is effective for constructing high affinity binding cavities for cortisol.
image
Quiet and distortion‐free, whole brain BOLD fMRI using T2‐prepared RUFIS
Authors: Solana Ana Beatriz , Menini Anne , Sacolick Laura I. , Hehn Nicolas , Wiesinger Florian 
Published: May 2015

PurposeTo develop and evaluate a novel MR method that addresses some of the most eminent technical challenges of current BOLD‐based fMRI in terms of 1) acoustic noise and 2) geometric distortions and signal dropouts.MethodsA BOLD‐sensitive fMRI pulse sequence was designed that first generates T2‐weighted magnetization (using a T2 preparation module) and subsequently undergoes three‐dimensional (3D) radial encoding using a rotating ultrafast imaging sequence (RUFIS). The method was tested on healthy volunteers at 3T with motor, visual, and auditory tasks, and compared relative to standard gradient and spin echo planar imaging (EPI) methods.ResultsIn combination with parallel imaging the method achieves efficient and robust 3D whole brain coverage (3 mm isotropic resolution in 2.65 s scan time). Compared with standard EPI‐based fMRI, the method demonstrated 1) T2‐weighted imaging clean of geometrical distortions and signal dropout, 2) an acoustic noise reduction of ∼40 dB(A), and 3) a consistent BOLD response that is less sensitive (∼1.3% BOLD change) but spatially more specific.ConclusionT2‐prepared RUFIS provides quiet and distortion‐free whole brain BOLD fMRI with minimal demands on the gradient performance. In particular, auditory fMRI and/or studies involving brain regions near air–tissue interfaces are expected to greatly benefit from the proposed method, especially if performed at ultrahigh field strengths. Magn Reson Med 75:1402–1412, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ultra‐fast Steady‐State Free Precession Pulse Sequence for Fourier Decomposition Pulmonary MRI
Authors: Bauman Grzegorz , Pusterla Orso , Bieri Oliver 
Published: May 2015

PurposeTo assess whether ultra‐fast steady‐state free precession (ufSSFP) can improve image quality in Fourier decomposition (FD) MRI of lung ventilation and perfusion.MethodsSeries of two‐dimensional time‐resolved lung images were acquired in healthy volunteers at 1.5 Tesla (T) and 3T using an FD adapted ufSSFP. For comparison, the imaging protocol was complemented by a standard implementation of the FD MRI technique using balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP). Imaging parameters were evaluated to optimize the ufSSFP FD MRI protocol with respect to the signal intensity of the lung parenchyma and the severity of image artifacts.ResultsFD MRI with the adapted ufSSFP pulse sequence resulted in increased signal intensity in the lung tissue by 19% and significantly decreased banding artifacts due to shorter repetition times: 1.46 ms for ufSSFP and 1.90 ms for bSSFP. Despite improved image quality FD MRI is still problematic at 3T.ConclusionMRI of the lung with ufSSFP performs better than bSSFP in terms of signal and banding artifacts, and can be used to either increase resolution or overall image quality of FD images. Magn Reson Med 75:1647–1653, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Activity of Krebs cycle enzymes in mdx mice
Authors: Comim Clarissa M. , Hoepers Andreza , Ventura Letícia , Freiberger Viviane , Dominguini Diogo , Mina Francielle , Mendonça Bruna P. , Scaini Giselli , Vainzof Mariz , Streck Emílio L. , Quevedo João 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a degenerative disease of skeletal, respiratory, and cardiac muscles caused by defects in the dystrophin gene. More recently, brain involvement has been verified. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress may underlie the pathophysiology of DMD. In this study we evaluate Krebs cycle enzymes activity in the cerebral cortex, diaphragm, and quadriceps muscles of mdx mice. Methods: Cortex, diaphragm, and quadriceps tissues from male dystrophic mdx and control mice were used. Results: We observed increased malate dehydrogenase activity in the cortex; increased malate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase activities in the diaphragm; and increased citrate synthase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, and malate dehydrogenase activities in the quadriceps of mdx mice. Conclusion: This study showed increased activity of Krebs cycle enzymes in cortex, quadriceps, and diaphragm in mdx mice. Muscle Nerve 53: 91–95, 2016
A theoretical contribution to the fast implementation of null linear discriminant analysis with random matrix multiplication
Authors: Wu Gang , Feng Ting‐Ting 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThe null linear discriminant analysis method is a competitive approach for dimensionality reduction. The implementation of this method, however, is computationally expensive. Recently, a fast implementation of null linear discriminant analysis method was proposed in the paper of Sharmaet al.In this method, a random matrix multiplication with scatter matrix is used to produce the orientation matrix. In this paper, we consider whether the random matrix can be replaced by an arbitrary full rank matrix of appropriate size, and focus on the necessary and sufficient condition to guarantee full column rank of the orientation matrix. We investigate how to choose the matrix properly, such that the two criteria of the null linear discriminant analysis method are satisfied. Furthermore, we give a necessary and sufficient condition to guarantee full column rank of the orientation matrix, and describe the geometric characterization of this condition. Numerical experiments justify our theoretical analysis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
European Pond Turtles from Obříství (Bohemia, Czech Republic)
Authors: Kyselý R. , Čuláková K. , Pecinovská M. , Široký P. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe paper describes and analyses recent finds of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) from the archaeological sites at Obříství (Mělník District, at the confluence of the Elbe and Moldau rivers in the Bohemian Basin, Czech Republic). Turtle remains were found in three sunken features dated to the Late Bronze Age or to the Hallstatt period, and in one feature dated to the Neolithic. The high number of osteological finds, particularly the number of individuals found in one place, is unique within Bohemia and very rare for the Bronze Age to Iron Age in Europe. A large number of shell remains were identified, from at least 12 individuals in feature 1480, and from at least 5 individuals in feature 1483. The high numbers support the hypothesis that the European pond turtle was once a regular feature of the local fauna, even though the Bohemian basin is surrounded by mountains, which will have presented difficulties for the process of postglacial recolonization by semiaquatic thermophilous reptiles. The findings from Obříství show evidence of the exploitation of turtles for food. Signs of culinary procedures and the human consumption of turtles include anthropogenic chop marks, signs of burning and the apparently intentional segmentation of the turtle bodies. The quantity of turtle bones is still negligible, however, compared with those of mammals. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isotopic Evidence for Diet Among Historic Bedouin of Khirbat al‐Mudayna, Jordan
Authors: Gregoricka L. A. , Judd M. A. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractInterpreting the behaviours of nomadic groups from the archaeological record is particularly challenging owing to the ephemeral remains produced by their lifestyle. As such, human burials – even from isolated contexts – provide a wealth of information about these transient groups. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of a series of human skeletal remains (n = 22) from isolated burials were utilized to reconstruct the diet of historic (ca. 13th–19thcentury CE) Bedouin from the Khirbat al‐Mudayna vicinity in modern‐day Jordan. Carbon isotope values ranging from −17.7 to −12.5‰ point to variable dietary contributions from both C3‐ and C4‐based foods, while corresponding faunal δ13C ratios ( = −19.0 ± 1.7‰, 1σ) exhibit depletion in13C characteristic of a predominantly C3diet. While mean human δ15N values ( = 12.7 ± 1.9‰, 1σ) may suggest that the majority of protein consumed by these nomads came from animal and not plant sources, elevated δ15N ratios in some fauna may be indicative of15N‐enriched soils as reported in some arid desert environments. Considerable variability in both δ13C and δ15N values also points to differences in individual life histories and subsistence economies over time. Despite a lack of temporal cohesion, these data illustrate the information that can be gleaned from the isolated interments of nomadic or semi‐nomadic individuals. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resilience as a predictor for emotional response to the diagnosis and surgery in breast cancer patients
Authors: Markovitz Sabine E. , Schrooten Ward , Arntz Arnoud , Peters Madelon L. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe purposes of the present study were to investigate the role of resilience in the prediction of emotional response in breast cancer patients and to examine whether this association is specific for women undergoing this emotionally taxing condition or whether resilience is more generally associated with higher levels of emotional well‐being.MethodsTwo hundred fifty‐three breast cancer patients and 211 healthy female controls completed four psychological questionnaires. Measures comprised the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and two happiness items. Cancer patients were assessed after diagnosis and surgery.ResultsCancer patients reported higher levels of anxiety, depression, and negative affect and lower levels of positive affect and current happiness compared with control women. There was no difference between the two groups in level of resilience. Higher levels of resilience were related to better emotional adjustment both in women with breast cancer and in control women, but this association was stronger within the sample of cancer patients. In fact, patients scoring high on resilience seemed to experience similar levels of anxiety, depression, and current happiness as healthy women.ConclusionOur results confirm that resilience may at least partially protect against emotional distress in cancer patients. Our findings suggest that resilience may be a relatively stable trait that is not affected by adversity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationships between parenting self‐efficacy and distress in parents who have school‐aged children and have been treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplant or have no cancer history
Authors: Cessna Julie M. , Pidala Joseph , Jacobsen Paul B. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectiveStudies demonstrate that parents with cancer experience distress and that parenting self‐efficacy (PSE) is related to distress among parents without cancer. However, no study to date has examined the relationships between PSE and psychological distress among parents with cancer. This study sought to address this issue by comparing parents with cancer who had undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to parents without cancer on measures of PSE and psychological distress.MethodsA sample of 57 patients diagnosed with cancer who had undergone HSCT and a control group of 57 parents with no history of cancer were recruited for participation in the study. Medical record reviews assessed clinical variables, and participants filled out self‐report measures of demographics, PSE, general self‐efficacy, and psychological distress.ResultsAs hypothesized, parents with cancer reported less PSE and more psychological distress than controls (all p‐values ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, findings indicated that both PSE and general self‐efficacy mediated the relationship between cancer status and psychological distress.ConclusionsFindings expand understanding of the potential sources of distress among parents with cancer who have been treated with HSCT and who have school‐aged children. They also suggest that interventions aimed at reducing distress in these individuals should seek to target both parenting and general self‐efficacy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cost‐effectiveness of a behavioral intervention for persistent urinary incontinence in prostate cancer patients
Authors: Zhang Amy Y. , Fu Alex Z. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of a behavioral intervention for urinary incontinence of prostate cancer patients. Study subjects were either participating in or eligible but declined (i.e., nonparticipating) the active intervention study.MethodsThe intervention‐participating subjects were randomized into three groups, including two intervention groups (support and telephone groups) and a usual care reference group. Intervention‐nonparticipating subjects were concurrently enrolled. Intervention effectiveness was assessed on the EQ‐5D measure. The costs included direct healthcare cost from medical billing data, patient out‐of‐pocket expense, caregiver expense, patient loss‐of‐work cost, and intervention cost. We calculated incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) from societal, provider, and patient perspectives.ResultsTwo hundred and sixty‐seven intervention‐participating and 69 intervention‐nonparticipating post‐cancer treatment patients were included. The support and telephone groups, but not the usual care group, had significantly higher EQ‐5D index scores (0.054, p = 0.033, and 0.057, p = 0.026, respectively) than the intervention‐nonparticipating group at month 6. Within 6 months, intervention cost per subject was $252 and $484, respectively, for providers, and $564 and $203, respectively, for the support and phone group subjects. The final ICERs were $16,759 per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) and $12,561/QALY for support and telephone groups, compared with those of the intervention‐nonparticipating group. These ICERs are much smaller than $50,000/QALY, the consensus threshold to determine cost‐effectiveness for society.ConclusionsThe study interventions are cost‐effective in consideration of eligible patients who declined the interventions. The interventions can provide meaningful outcome improvement on urinary continence at a low cost. This evidence provides critical information for future health policy decision‐making of healthcare providers and payers. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Have Innate Procoagulant Activity and Cause Microvascular Obstruction Following Intracoronary Delivery: Amelioration by Antithrombin Therapy
Authors: Gleeson Birgitta M. , Martin Kenneth , Ali Mohammed T. , Kumar Arun H. S. , Pillai M. Gopala-Krishnan , Kumar Sujith P. G. , O'Sullivan John F. , Whelan Derek , Stocca Alessia , Khider Wisam , Barry Frank P. , O'Brien Timothy , Caplice Noel M. 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are currently under investigation as tools to preserve cardiac structure and function following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, concerns have emerged regarding safety of acute intracoronary (IC) MSC delivery. This study aimed to characterize innate prothrombotic activity of MSC and identify means of its mitigation toward safe and efficacious therapeutic IC MSC delivery post-AMI. Expression of the initiator of the coagulation cascade tissue factor (TF) on MSC was detected and quantified by immunofluorescence, FACS, and immunoblotting. MSC-derived TF antigen was catalytically active and capable of supporting thrombin generation in vitro. Addition of MSCs to whole citrated blood enhanced platelet thrombus deposition on collagen at arterial shear, an effect abolished by heparin coadministration. In a porcine AMI model, IC infusion of 25 × 106 MSC during reperfusion was associated with a decrease in coronary flow reserve but not when coadministered with an antithrombin agent (heparin). Heparin reduced MSC-associated thrombosis incorporating platelets and VWF within the microvasculature. Heparin-assisted therapeutic MSC delivery also reduced apoptosis in the infarct border zone at 24 hours, significantly improved infarct size, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, LV volumes, wall motion, and attenuated histologic evidence of scar formation at 6 weeks post-AMI. Heparin alone or heparin-assisted fibroblast control cell delivery had no such effect. Procoagulant TF activity of therapeutic MSCs is associated with reductions in myocardial perfusion when delivered IC may be successfully managed by heparin coadministration. This study highlights an important mechanistic insight into safety concerns associated with therapeutic IC MSC delivery for AMI. Stem Cells 2015;33:2726–2737
Action at an attentional distance: A study of children's reasoning about causes and effects involving spatial and attentional discontinuity
Authors: Grotzer Tina A. , Solis S. Lynneth 
Published: May 2015

AbstractSpatial discontinuity between causes and effects is a feature of many scientific concepts, particularly those in the environmental and ecological sciences. Causes can be spatially separated from their effects by great distances. Action at a distance, the idea that causes and effects can be separated in physical space, is a well‐studied concept in developmental psychology. However, the extant literature has focused largely on cases where causes and effects are separated in physical space but are contained within the same attentional space, for instance, how magnets on a table interact or how a lamp projected against an object creates a shadow despite the spatial gap between the lamp, object, and shadow. This paper considers the understanding of causes and effects that are separated both in physical and attentional space—a concept referred to here as “action at an attentional distance.” Findings from an in‐depth study of second, fourth and sixth graders' (n = 10) reasoning about action at an attentional distance are presented. Children tended to reason locally, but when they did reason about action at an attentional distance, they relied upon mechanism information and prior knowledge. The implications for causal explanation and instructional design are considered. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 52: 1003–1030, 2015.
Golgi post‐translational modifications and associated diseases
Authors: Potelle Sven , Klein André , Foulquier François 
Published: May 2015

AbstractFor non specialists, Golgi is a very well known subcellular compartment involved in secretion and correct targeting of soluble and transmembrane proteins. Nevertheless, Golgi is also specifically involved in many different and diverse post‐translational modifications. Through its diverse functions, Golgi is not only able to modify secreted and transmembrane proteins but also cytoplasmic proteins. The Golgi apparatus research field is so broad that an exhaustive review of this organelle is not doable here. The goal of this review is to cover the main post‐translational modifications occurring at the Golgi level and present the identified associated diseases.
Titanium effect on the microstructure and properties of laminated high boron steel plates
Authors: Yuan Lin-lin , Han Jing-tao , Liu Jing , Wei Dong-bin , Abathun Mehari Zelalem 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
High-boron steel is an important material used for thermal neutron shielding. The appropriate amount of added boron must be determined because excessive boron may deteriorate the steel’s workability. A uniform microstructure can be formed by adding titanium to boron steel. In this study, casting and hot rolling were used to fabricate laminated high-boron steel plates whose cores contained 2.25wt% boron and 0wt%–7.9wt% titanium. The effects of titanium content and hot-rolling and heat-treatment processes on the microstructure and properties of the laminated plates were studied. The results indicated that the optimum titanium content was 5.7wt% when the boron content was 2.25wt%, and that the best overall properties were obtained after heat treatment at 1100°C for 4 h. The tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation at the specified temperature and holding time were as high as 526.88 MPa, 219.36 MPa, and 29%, respectively.