bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin E Supplementation and the Risk of Heart Failure in Women
Authors: Chae Claudia U. , Albert Christine M. , Moorthy M.V. , Lee I-Min , Buring Julie E. 
Published: March 2012

Background—
Oxidative stress may contribute to the development of heart failure (HF); however, an increased risk of HF has been observed with antioxidant therapy in secondary prevention trials. No large clinical trials have addressed the role of antioxidant therapy in the primary prevention of HF.

Methods and Results—

We examined the effect of vitamin E and HF risk in 39 815 initially healthy women, aged at least 45 years at baseline, who were enrolled in the Women's Health Study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of vitamin E (600 IU every other day). Over a median follow-up of 10.2 years, there were 220 incident HF events. In proportional hazards models, adjusting for age and randomized aspirin and beta carotene treatment, vitamin E assignment did not significantly affect HF risk (hazards ratio [HR], 0.93; 95% CI, 0.71–1.21;
P
=0.59). These results did not change with multivariate adjustment for other risk factors, including interim myocardial infarction. In a prespecified subgroup analysis, vitamin E was inversely related to developing HF with normal ejection fraction (≥50%) with HR 0.59 (95% CI, 0.38–0.92;
P
=0.02), but there was no statistically significant effect on the risk of developing systolic HF (HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.84–1.89;
P
=0.26).

Conclusions—
In this population of apparently healthy women, vitamin E did not affect the overall risk of HF. The possible benefit on diastolic HF requires confirmation in larger populations.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00000479.
The treatment outcome of psychotic disorders by traditional healers in central Sudan
Authors: Sorketti Ehab Ali , Zainal Nor Zuraida , Habil Mohamad Hussain 
Published: March 2012

Background: Alternative and traditional healing methods are common and popular in Sudan, particularly for treating people with mental disorders, but little information is available about the outcome of theses traditional healing approaches. Objectives: To study the outcome of treating patients with psychotic disorders by traditional healers, and to understand the type of services, interventions procedures and treatments methods used by traditional healers to manage patients with psychotic disorders. Method: A prospective follow-up quantitative study of a cohort of inpatients with psychotic disorders was carried out from admission until discharge. Subjects were people with psychotic disorders undergoing treatment in traditional healer centres in central Sudan. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to diagnose the psychotic disorders and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to assess the severity of psychotic symptoms on admission and discharge from the traditional healer centre. Results: We interviewed 129 inpatients with psychotic disorders on admission and discharge from the traditional healers centres. There was a significant reduction in the PANSS score ( p = .0001) after a mean period of stay of 4.5 months. The mean for the overall PANSS score was 118.36 on admission and 69.36 on discharge. Conclusion: Although traditional-healing approaches produce a significant improvement in the signs and symptoms of psychotic disorders measured on the PANSS, they need to be further investigated, assessed and studied.
Living with a depressed person in Denmark: A qualitative study
Authors: Hansen Jeppe Oute , Buus Niels 
Published: March 2012

Background: Strategies for coping with the burdens of living with a depressed person affect a family’s psychosocial environment. Aim: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore how relatives make personal sense of living with a depressed family member. Methods: Thirteen cohabitant relatives were interviewed either individually or in a focus group. The transcribed interviews were interpreted thematically. Results: Relatives went through a psychosocial transformation process driven by the twin challenges of their attitudes towards the depressed family member and of stigma. Conclusions: More could be done to resolve families’ need for information and for emotional and practical support promoting recovery.
Effect of nanoclay on thickness swelling behavior in the extrusion foaming of wood flour/polyethylene composites
Authors: Kord Behzad 
Published: March 2012

This study investigates the effect of nanoclay on the cell morphology and thickness swelling behavior in the extrusion foaming of wood flour/polyethylene composites with a chemical blowing agent. To meet this objective, the nanoclay, high-density polyethylene, and coupling agent were compounded and then the granules were mixed with wood flour and blowing agent in a twin-screw extruder. Consequently, foaming process was completed in the injection stage. The amount of wood flour was fixed at 50 wt% for all samples. For nanoclay and chemical blowing agent, different levels of 0, 2, 4 per hundred resins (phr) and 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 phr were considered, respectively. The results indicate that the addition of clay generally reduces the cell size, increases the cell density, and facilitates foam expansion. Furthermore, the thickness swelling of the composite decreased with increase in nanoclay. The composites containing 1.5 phr of foaming agent exhibited higher thickness swelling value and swelling rate parameter ( KSR) than those containing nanoclay. The swelling model provided a good predictor of the hygroscopic thickness swelling process of wood flour/polyethylene/nanoclay hybrid foamed composites.
Using video feedback to improve early father–infant interaction: A pilot study
Authors: Lawrence Peter J. , Davies Beverley , Ramchandani Paul G. 
Published: March 2012

Preventive interventions with parents of infants have tended to focus on mothers. Recent research focused on fathers suggests that their involvement in interventions might enhance effectiveness. One effective approach with mothers is the brief, home-based Video-feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting (VIPP). This paper is a report of a pilot study of VIPP with fathers to assess its feasibility. Five fathers were recruited from an existing longitudinal study of parents. The primary outcome was acceptability, assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire after completion of the intervention. All fathers completed all sessions of the intervention. Fathers rated the intervention as having had a significant impact on their understanding of their child’s thoughts and feelings, and as having improved their communication and relationship with their baby. Fathers’ feedback was generally positive. The flexibility to conduct sessions at home (or at fathers’ places of work) and the flexible timing of sessions were identified as fundamental to successful delivery. The results of this pilot study are encouraging, as VIPP with fathers was feasible. In light of the modest sample size, and the use of a non-clinical sample, the intervention must be evaluated with larger, clinical samples to evaluate its efficacy with fathers.
Cotargeting signaling pathways driving survival and cell cycle circumvents resistance to Kit inhibitors in leukemia
Authors: Buet Dorothée , Gallais Isabelle , Lauret Evelyne , Denis Nicole , Lombard Bérangère , Guillonneau François , Kosmider Olivier , Loew Damarys , Dusanter-Fourt Isabelle , Guillouf Christel , Mayeux Patrick , Moreau-Gachelin Françoise 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Oncogenic mutations leading to persistent kinase activities are associated with malignancies. Therefore, deciphering the signaling networks downstream of these oncogenic stimuli remains a challenge to gather insights into targeted therapy. To elucidate the biochemical networks connecting the Kit mutant to leukemogenesis, in the present study, we performed a global profiling of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins from mutant Kit-driven murine leukemia proerythroblasts and identified Shp2 and Stat5 as proximal effectors of Kit. Shp2 or Stat5 gene depletion by sh-RNA, combined with pharmacologic inhibition of PI3kinase or Mek/Erk activities, revealed 2 distinct and independent signaling pathways contributing to malignancy. We demonstrate that cell survival is driven by the Kit/Shp2/Ras/Mek/Erk1/2 pathway, whereas the G1/S transition during the cell cycle is accelerated by both the Kit/Stat5 and Kit/PI3K/Akt pathways. The combined use of the clinically relevant drugs NVP-BEZ235, which targets the cell cycle, and Obatoclax, which targets survival, demonstrated synergistic effects to inhibit leukemia cell growth. This synergy was confirmed with a human mast leukemia cell line (HMC-1.2) that expresses mutant Kit. The results of the present study using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry analysis have elucidated signaling networks downstream of an oncogenic kinase, providing a molecular rationale for pathway-targeted therapy to treat cancer cells refractory to tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
The Ets-1 transcription factor is required for Stat1-mediated T-bet expression and IgG2a class switching in mouse B cells
Authors: Nguyen Hai Vu , Mouly Enguerran , Chemin Karine , Luinaud Romain , Despres Raymonde , Fermand Jean-Paul , Arnulf Bertrand , Bories Jean-Christophe 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn response to antigens and cytokines, mouse B cells undergo class-switch recombination (CSR) and differentiate into Ig-secreting cells. T-bet, a T-box transcription factor that is up-regulated in lymphocytes by IFN-γ or IL-27, was shown to regulate CSR to IgG2a after T cell–independent B-cell stimulations. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling this process remain unclear. In the present study, we show that inactivation of the Ets-1 transcription factor results in a severe decrease in IgG2a secretion in vivo and in vitro. No T-bet expression was observed in Ets-1–deficient (Ets-1−/−) B cells stimulated with IFN-γ and lipopolysaccharide, and forced expression of T-bet in these cells rescued IgG2a secretion. Furthermore, we identified a transcriptional enhancer in the T-bet locus with an activity in B cells that relies on ETS-binding sites. After IFN-γ stimulation of Ets-1−/− B cells, activated Stat1, which forms a complex with Ets-1 in wild-type cells, no longer binds to the T-bet enhancer or promotes histone modifications at this site. These results demonstrate that Ets-1 is critical for IgG2a CSR and acts as an essential cofactor for Stat1 in the regulation of T-bet expression in B cells.
Quality of experience evaluation of voice communication: an affect-based approach
Authors: Bhattacharya Abhishek , Wu Wanmin , Yang Zhenyu 
Published: March 2012

AbstractVoice communication systems such as Voice-over IP (VoIP), Public Switched Telephone Networks, and Mobile Telephone Networks, are an integral means of human tele-interaction. These systems pose distinctive challenges due to their unique characteristics such as low volume, burstiness and stringent delay/loss requirements across heterogeneous underlying network technologies. Effective quality evaluation methodologies are important for system development and refinement, particularly by adopting user feedback based measurement. Presently, most of the evaluation models are system-centric (Quality of Service or QoS-based), which questioned us to explore a user-centric (Quality of Experience or QoE-based) approach as a step towards the human-centric paradigm of system design. We research an affect-based QoE evaluation framework which attempts to capture users' perception while they are engaged in voice communication. Our modular approach consists of feature extraction from multiple information sources including various affective cues and different classification procedures such as Support Vector Machines (SVM) and k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN). The experimental study is illustrated in depth with detailed analysis of results. The evidences collected provide the potential feasibility of our approach for QoE evaluation and suggest the consideration of human affective attributes in modeling user experience.
The RNA-binding landscapes of two SR proteins reveal unique functions and binding to diverse RNA classes
Authors: Änkö Minna-Liisa , Müller-McNicoll Michaela , Brandl Holger , Curk Tomaz , Gorup Crtomir , Henry Ian , Ule Jernej , Neugebauer Karla M 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Background
The SR proteins comprise a family of essential, structurally related RNA binding proteins. The complexity of their RNA targets and specificity of RNA recognition in vivo is not well understood. Here we use iCLIP to globally analyze and compare the RNA binding properties of two SR proteins, SRSF3 and SRSF4, in murine cells.

Results
SRSF3 and SRSF4 binding sites mapped to largely non-overlapping target genes, and in vivo consensus binding motifs were distinct. Interactions with intronless and intron-containing mRNAs as well as non-coding RNAs were detected. Surprisingly, both SR proteins bound to the 3' ends of the majority of intronless histone transcripts, implicating SRSF3 and SRSF4 in histone mRNA metabolism. In contrast, SRSF3 but not SRSF4 specifically bound transcripts encoding numerous RNA binding proteins. Remarkably, SRSF3 was shown to modulate alternative splicing of its own as well as three other transcripts encoding SR proteins. These SRSF3-mediated splicing events led to downregulation of heterologous SR proteins via nonsense-mediated decay.

Conclusions
SRSF3 and SRSF4 display unique RNA binding properties underlying diverse cellular regulatory mechanisms, with shared as well as unique coding and non-coding targets. Importantly, CLIP analysis led to the discovery that SRSF3 cross-regulates the expression of other SR protein family members.
Wired to run: exercise-induced endocannabinoid signaling in humans and cursorial mammals with implications for the ‘runner’s high’
Authors: Raichlen David A. , Foster Adam D. , Gerdeman Gregory L. , Seillier Alexandre , Giuffrida Andrea 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARY
Humans report a wide range of neurobiological rewards following moderate and intense aerobic activity, popularly referred to as the ‘runner’s high’, which may function to encourage habitual aerobic exercise. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are endogenous neurotransmitters that appear to play a major role in generating these rewards by activating cannabinoid receptors in brain reward regions during and after exercise. Other species also regularly engage in endurance exercise (cursorial mammals), and as humans share many morphological traits with these taxa, it is possible that exercise-induced eCB signaling motivates habitual high-intensity locomotor behaviors in cursorial mammals. If true, then neurobiological rewards may explain variation in habitual locomotor activity and performance across mammals. We measured circulating eCBs in humans, dogs (a cursorial mammal) and ferrets (a non-cursorial mammal) before and after treadmill exercise to test the hypothesis that neurobiological rewards are linked to high-intensity exercise in cursorial mammals. We show that humans and dogs share significantly increased exercise-induced eCB signaling following high-intensity endurance running. eCB signaling does not significantly increase following low-intensity walking in these taxa, and eCB signaling does not significantly increase in the non-cursorial ferrets following exercise at any intensity. This study provides the first evidence that inter-specific variation in neurotransmitter signaling may explain differences in locomotor behavior among mammals. Thus, a neurobiological reward for endurance exercise may explain why humans and other cursorial mammals habitually engage in aerobic exercise despite the higher associated energy costs and injury risks, and why non-cursorial mammals avoid such locomotor behaviors.
Differentiation between benign and malignant breast tumors using kinetic features of real-time harmonic contrast-enhanced ultrasound
Authors: Saracco Ariel , Szabó Botond K , Aspelin Peter , Leifland Karin , Wilczek Brigitte , Celebioglu Fuat , Axelsson Rimma 
Published: March 2012

Background Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has gained interest because of its ability to gather vascular information in diverse organs. There is still a subject of debate concerning its value in breast lesions, especially as a differential diagnostic tool. Purpose To investigate whether kinetic parameters of CEUS can differentiate between malignant and benign breast lesions. Material and Methods We evaluated 75 malignant and 21 benign lesions in the breast or axilla. Contrast harmonic imaging (CHI) US was performed after the injection of a bolus dose of 2.4 mL of Sono Vue® (Bracco, Milano, Italy). The following parameters were calculated for kinetic analysis: initial slope, time to peak enhancement, wash-out ratios W21 and W50 (relative decrease in signal intensity from the peak enhancement to 21 s and 50 s, respectively). Results A significant difference was found between the benign and malignant lesions in time-to-peak ( P value <0.05) and wash-out ratios W21 ( P value <0.001) and W50 ( P value <0.001). The mean time-to-peak was 9.3 s for malignant and 14.6 s for benign lesions. The mean signal drop from peak to signal intensity measured at 50 s was 85% for malignant and 66% for benign lesions. There was no difference in absolute values of peak signal intensity and initial slope. The most significant difference between standardized benign and malignant wash-out curves was found at 21 s but statistical significance was reached in the range of 14–50 s. Conclusion Real-time CEUS can evolve into a new non-invasive option for differentiate malignant from benign breast lesions.
The evolution of the cerebral blood volume abnormality in patients with ischemic stroke: a CT perfusion study
Authors: d'Esterre Christopher D , Aviv Richard I , Lee Ting Yim 
Published: March 2012

Background Accurate identification of the acute infarct core abnormality is important for guiding acute stroke treatment. Abnormality volumes from diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) and CT perfusion (CTP)-cerebral blood volume (CBV) are highly correlated. DWI lesions have been shown to be reversible at 24 h. Purpose To examine the temporal profile of the CT perfusion (CTP)-derived CBV abnormality out to 7 days post ischemic stroke. Material and Methods Twenty-six patients were included. Group A ( n = 13) underwent a non-contrast CT (NCCT), CTP/CT angiography (CTA) within 6 h of stroke onset, CTP/CTA at 24 h, and CTP/NCCT at 5–7 days post stroke. Group B ( n = 13) underwent a NCCT, CTP/CTA within 6 h of stroke onset, and NCCT at 5–7 days. Recanalization status was established in all patients. For both groups, infarct volumes were traced on 5–7 day NCCT images and superimposed onto all CTP-CBV functional maps to determine CBV. Group B ( n = 13) admission images were used to define CBV infarct thresholds for gray and white matter. CBV-lesion over-estimation was determined for Group A using the thresholds from Group B. Results CBV (mL·100g− 1; mean ± stdev) for gray/white matter, within confirmed infarcted regions (CBVI) at admission, 24 h, and 5–7 days were 1.82 ± 0.56, 1.56 ± 0.42, 1.75 ± 0.31, and 1.38 ± 0.65, 1.13 ± 0.31, 1.32 ± 0.44, respectively, when averaged over all patients ( P > 0.05). Four patients had tissue time-density curves from ischemic lesions (TDCi) with an incomplete contrast medium wash-out phase (truncation) at admission and/or 24 h. Compared to admission, gray matter CBVI was higher at 5–7 days for patients with TDCi truncation ( P < 0.05). There were no significant CBVI increases for the eight patients without truncation ( P > 0.05). Over-estimation of acute CBV lesion was present in 3/4 (75%) and 1/9 (11%) of patients with/without TDCi truncation, respectively. Conclusion CTP-derived CBV lesion reversal is associated with TDCi truncation during the acute stroke phase.
Mammographic density and urbanization: a population-based screening study
Authors: Viel Jean-François , Rymzhanova Raouchan 
Published: March 2012

Objectives The high incidence of female breast cancer that has been consistently reported in urban areas could be mediated by breast density, which is considered to reflect the cumulative exposure of breast tissues to hormones. The aim of this study was to assess how mammographic density varies by the degree of urbanization. Setting The population consisted of 55,597 cancer-free women, aged 50–59 years, who participated in a French breast cancer screening programme (Franche-Comté region) between 2005 and 2009. Methods Ordered logistic regression was run with mammographic density as the outcome, and degree of urbanization as the independent variable, while adjusting for some known confounding factors. Multiple imputation was used to deal with missing data. Results A significant positive linear trend with urbanization was found in a univariate approach ( P trend <10−3), and after adjusting for risk factors ( P trend = 10−3). A negative and highly significant association with mammographic density was highlighted both for age at the time of mammography (odds ratio (OR) 0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39–0.43, per 10 years), and for low socioeconomic status (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.67–0.75). The OR for hormone replacement therapy use was 1.51 (95% CI 1.43–1.58). Conclusions Knowledge of this urbanization gradient in density (whatever its mechanism) may help to identify women who may require full-field digital mammography for the early detection of breast cancer, and could assist primary care providers in recommending the best screening strategy in a risk factor-based approach.
Lower Bounds and Heuristics for Supply Chain Stock Allocation
Authors: Marklund Johan , Rosling Kaj 
Published: March 2012

Assume that m periods with stochastic demand remain until the next replenishment arrives at a central warehouse. How should the available inventory be allocated among N retailers? This paper presents a new policy and a new lower bound for the expected cost of this problem. The lower bound becomes tight as N → ∞ . The infinite horizon problem then decomposes into N independent m-period problems with optimal retailer ship-up-to levels that decrease over the m periods, and the warehouse is optimally replenished by an order-up-to level that renders zero (local) warehouse safety stock at the end of each replenishment cycle. Based on the lower bound solution, we suggest a heuristic for finite N. In a numerical study it outperforms the heuristic by Jackson [Jackson, P. L. 1988. Stock allocation in a two-echelon distribution system or what to do until your ship comes in. Management Sci. 34(7) 880–895], and the new lower bound improves on Clark and Scarf's [Clark, A. J., H. Scarf. 1960. Optimal policies for a multi-echelon inventory problem. Management Sci. 6(4) 475–490] bound when N is not too small. Moreover, the warehouse zero-safety-stock heuristic is comparable to Clark and Scarf's warehouse policy for lead times that are not too long. The suggested approach is quite general and may be applied to other logistical problems. In the present application it retains some of the risk-pooling benefits of holding central warehouse stock.