bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying and Managing Aqueous Film-Forming Foam-Derived Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Environment
Authors: Leeson Andrea , Thompson Timothy , Stroo Hans F. , Anderson Richard H. , Speicher Jason , Mills Marc A. , Willey Janice , Coyle Charles , Ghosh Rajat , Lebrón Carmen , Patton Cara 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) has resulted in the widespread occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater, drinking water, soils, sediments, and receiving waters throughout the United States and other countries. We present the research and development efforts to date by the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) to measure PFAS in the environment, characterize AFFF-associated sources of PFAS, understand PFAS fate and behavior in the environment, assess the risk to ecological receptors, develop in situ and ex situ treatment technologies for groundwater, treat soils and investigation-derived wastes, and examine the ecotoxicity of PFAS-free fire suppression formulations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:24–36. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Biomarker Responses of the Clam Ruditapes decussatus Exposed to a Complex Mixture of Environmental Stressors under the Influence of an Urban Wastewater-Treatment Plant
Authors: Silva Sofia , Cravo Alexandra , Ferreira Cristina , Correia Cátia , Almeida Cristina M.M. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
To evaluate the potential impact of an urban wastewater-treatment plant on Ria Formosa coastal lagoon, a sentinel species, the clam Ruditapes decussatus, was exposed along a gradient of the effluent's dispersal for 1 mo. Three exposure sites were selected to study the responses of 3 biomarkers: electron transport system, acetylcholinesterase, and lipid peroxidation. As complementary data, morphometric measurements, condition index, and lipid and protein content were considered together with in situ physicochemical characterization of the sites (temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen). Electron transport system activity levels were between 35.7 and 50.5 nmol O2/min g protein, acetylcholinesterase activity levels ranged from 2.6 to 3.8 nmol/min g protein, and lipid peroxidation ranged from 174.7 to 246.4 nmol malondialdehyde/g protein. The exposure sites shaped the response not only of biomarkers but also of “health” parameters (protein, lipids, and condition index). Lipid peroxidation was the most responsive biomarker also associated with electron transport system, especially at the closest site to the urban wastewater-treatment plant. Because of the presence of complex mixtures of contaminants in urban effluents, biomarker responses can provide valuable information in environmental assessment. However, it is vital to identify all biological and ecological factors induced by the natural life cycle of clams. Abiotic factors can mask or overlap the response of biomarkers and should be considered in a multibiomarker approach. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:272–283. © 2020 SETAC
Filling the trust gap of food safety in food trade between the EU and China: An interconnected conceptual traceability framework based on blockchain
Authors: Qian Jianping , Wu Wenbin , Yu Qiangyi , Ruiz‐Garcia Luis , Xiang Yang , Jiang Li , Shi Yun , Duan Yulin , Yang Peng 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGlobal food trade has become an increasingly crucial element for feeding the world's population. Enhancing bilateral or multilateral trust in food safety in international food trade is not only important for promoting the sustainable development of trade but is also beneficial for cooperation when facing a global food crisis. However, highly credible traceability systems (TSs) for the cross‐border movement of food are still absent in many countries and regions. Blockchain is regarded as a promising technology that can help build trust for transparency and security issues. In this paper, an interconnected conceptual traceability framework based on blockchain is proposed in order to increase trust in food safety during food trade. Taking the food trade between China and the European Union as an example, a conceptual framework is designed in order to take full advantage of existing TSs in these two locations, and the features of logistical flow, data flow, and blockchain flow are analyzed. Considering the data capacity and data privacy level, a hybrid data storage method combining on‐chain and off‐chain is adopted. Smart contracts according to the features of cross‐border food trade—including the recording of exportation data, exporter inspection data, shipment data, importer inspection data, importation data, and tracing queries—are packaged and deployed to a blockchain network. An effective operation mechanism involving the distribution of related rights for different roles is presented. The blockchain‐based TS framework has the advantages of enhancing bilateral trust in cross‐border food trade, providing a flexible and intelligent technical framework, and having effective operability. Future challenges, such as data security, special smart contracts, and consensus mechanisms, and interoperability with other systems, are discussed.
In vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of essential oils encapsulated in gelatin‐pectin particles against sugar, lipid and protein oxidation and amylase and glucosidase activity
Authors: Siahbalaei Roghayeh , Kavoosi Gholamreza , Shakeri Raheleh 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of Oliveria decumbens, Thymus kotschyanus, Trachyspermum ammi, and Zataria multiflora essential oils incorporated into gelatin‐pectin composite were investigated. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry characterization revealed that thymol (1.2%–86.4%), carvacrol (3.2%–52.4%), gamma‐terpinene (0.0%–12.7%), para‐cymene (3.2%–5.2%), geraniol (0.0%–14.5%), and spathulenol (0.0%–13.6%) are the major constituents of the essential oils. Gelatin‐pectin composite incorporated with the essential oils exhibited acidic pH (2.40–3.04), low conductivity (265–278 µS/cm), low surface tension (19.0–23.5 mN/m), low Newtonian viscosity (23.7–28.5 mPa.s), negative zeta‐potential (14.2–16.9 mV), and nanoscale particle size (313–336 nm). These rheological properties result in the production of globular gelatin‐pectin nanoparticles with a size range of 500–700 nm. The FTIR spectra of gelatin‐pectin and gelatin‐pectin‐essential oils to some extent were similar, suggesting the noncovalent interactions between them. Gelatin‐pectin composite incorporated with the essential oils displayed antiglucose oxidation (130–150 µg/ml) antilipid peroxidation (120–130 µg/ml), antiprotein oxidation (150–168 µg/ml), and antiprotein glycation (145–170 µg/ml) as well as antiamylase (216–230 µg/ml), and antiglucosidase (212–238 µg/ml) activity. The essential oils strongly improved the antioxidant capacity of the gelatin‐pectin composite so strongly which can be recommended as a natural compound for oxidative stress management.
The effectiveness of electronic health record promotion for healthcare providers in the United States since the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act: An empirical investigation
Authors: Yuan Bocong , Li Jiannan , Wu Peiguan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe US Government has embarked on the largest initiative to date to encourage widespread use of electronic health records (EHRs). Up to now, it is not yet clear that what the actual effectiveness of EHR promotion is like since the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act. As a response, this study analyzes the EHR conversion at the primary stage (sign‐up EHR→go‐live EHR) and the advanced stage (go‐live EHR→meaningful use of EHR) for different types of healthcare providers in the United States. With the data from the Office of National Coordinator for Health Information Technology—Regional Extension Centers Program, this study finds that healthcare providers have achieved progress in the EHR conversion at both the primary and advanced stage. However, the levels of progress made at different stages of EHR conversion vary for different providers. For rural and underserved healthcare settings, the progress made at the advanced stage is smaller than that at the primary stage, contrary to the case for other kinds of providers. Moreover, although the greater progress has been made at the advanced stage for some kinds of providers, the overall level of EHR conversion for various healthcare providers is far greater at the primary stage than at the advanced stage.
Addiction to inflation or to fiscal deficits? The Chilean experience of 1970s
Authors: Caputo Rodrigo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractLatin America is a region with very high income inequality and low social mobility. It has experienced several stagnation episodes and was plagued, from the mid‐1970s to the early 2000s, by hyperinflation. This phenomenon took place at different moments in time and with varying intensity. Using a novel data set for Chile, we identify the main drivers of fiscal reforms and seigniorage shocks that were crucial for inflation dynamics. We conclude that inflation, after the military coup that deposed Allende's socialist government, was used to finance defence spending non‐explicitly considered in the official figures. We interpret these fiscal expenditures as seigniorage shocks. Hence, the Chilean economy was addicted to fiscal deficits for most of the 1970s. Addiction to inflation, in the form of destabilizing inflation expectations that evolved independently of the level of seignorage, was not relevant.
How can mobile phone usage affect micro and small enterprises' performance in Saudi Arabia?
Authors: Alharthi Majed , Islam Md. Mazharul 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe use of mobile phones for business purposes has revolutionized various sub‐sectors of the economy, including micro and small enterprises in both Saudi Arabia, the context of this study, and other countries. This study uncovers how the use of mobile phones has affected the performance of micro and small enterprises in both monetary and nonmonetary terms. Using a survey instrument, data were collected from 300 micro and small enterprise owners across Saudi Arabia and then analyzed using SmartPLS. Among the major findings, we suggest that no direct correlation exists between mobile phone usage and micro and small enterprises' monetary performance. However, mobile phones were found to have a significant influence on the nonmonetary performance of micro and small enterprises. This study contributes to the literature on technology adoption and economic performance by providing further evidence of the relationship between mobile phones and micro and small enterprises' performance. These findings can help micro and small enterprise owners, telecommunications companies, policymakers in related authorities (such as the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology and the Ministry of Commerce) and academics to make informed decisions. Conclusions and recommendations are drawn, and priorities are proposed for continuing research.
Impact of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus on Skeletal Integrity and Strength in Adolescents as Assessed by HRpQCT
Authors: Devaraja Janani , Jacques Richard , Paggiosi Margaret , Clark Carolyn , Dimitri Paul 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTAdults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are at risk of premature osteoporosis and fractures. The onset of T1DM typically starts during childhood and adolescence. Thus, the effects of DM on the skeleton may be established during this period. Studies in children with T1DM primarily use DXA with conflicting results. We present the first study in adolescents assessing the impact of T1DM on skeletal microstructure and strength using HRpQCT. We recruited 22 patients aged 12 to 16 years with T1DM who were matched by age, gender, and pubertal stage with healthy controls. Paired t tests were applied to assess differences in cortical and trabecular microarchitecture measurements from HRpQCT, and skeletal strength from HRpQCT‐derived microfinite element analysis. Subtotal body, lumbar, and pelvic parameters were assessed using DXA. There was no significant difference in subtotal body, lumbar spine, and pelvic BMD between T1DM and control pairs. However, tibial trabecular thickness was lower (−0.005 mm; 95% CI, −0.01 to −0.001; p = 0.029) and trabecular loading was lower at the distal radius (ratio of the load taken by the trabecular bone in relation to the total load at the distal end (Tb.F/TF) distal: −6.2; 95% CI, −12.4 to −0.03; p = 0.049), and distal and proximal tibia (Tb.F/TF distal: −5.2, 95% CI, −9.2 to −1.2; p = 0.013; and Tb.F/TF proximal: −5.0, 95% CI, −9.8 to −0.1; p = 0.047) in T1DM patients. A subanalysis of radial data of participants with duration of T1DM of at least 2 years and their matched controls demonstrated a reduced trabecular bone number (−0.15, 95% CI, −0.26 to −0.04; p = 0.012), increased trabecular separation (0.041 mm, 95% CI, 0.009–0.072; p = 0.015), an increased trabecular inhomogeneity (0.018, 95% CI, 0.003–0.034; p = 0.021). Regression models demonstrated a reduction in tibial stiffness (−0.877 kN/mm; p = 0.03) and tibial failure load (−0.044 kN; p = 0.03) with higher HbA1C. Thus, in adolescents with T1DM, detrimental changes are seen in tibial and radial microarchitecture and tibial and radial strength before changes in DXA occur and may result from poor diabetic control. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Functional Assessment of Coding and Regulatory Variants From the DKK1 Locus
Authors: Martínez‐Gil Núria , Roca‐Ayats Neus , Atalay Nurgül , Pineda‐Moncusí Marta , Garcia‐Giralt Natàlia , Van Hul Wim , Boudin Eveline , Ovejero Diana , Mellibovsky Leonardo , Nogués Xavier , Díez‐Pérez Adolfo , Grinberg Daniel , Balcells Susanna 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTThe DKK1 gene encodes an extracellular inhibitor of the Wnt pathway with an important role in bone tissue development, bone homeostasis, and different critical aspects of bone biology. Several BMD genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) have consistently found association with SNPs in the DKK1 genomic region. For these reasons, it is important to assess the functionality of coding and regulatory variants in the gene. Here, we have studied the functionality of putative regulatory variants, previously found associated with BMD in different studies by others and ourselves, and also six missense variants present in the general population. Using a Wnt‐pathway‐specific luciferase reporter assay, we have determined that the variants p.Ala41Thr, p.Tyr74Phe, p.Arg120Leu, and p.Ser157Ile display a reduced DKK1 inhibitory capacity as compared with WT. This result agrees with the high‐bone‐mass (HBM) phenotype of two women from our cohort who carried mutations p.Tyr74Phe or p.Arg120Leu. On the other hand, by means of a circularized chromosome conformation capture‐ (4C‐) sequencing experiment, we have detected that the region containing 24 BMD‐GWA variants, located 350‐kb downstream of DKK1, interacts both with DKK1 and the LNCAROD (LncRNA‐activating regulator of DKK1, AKA LINC0148) in osteoblastic cells. In conclusion, we have shown that some rare coding variants are partial loss‐of‐function mutations that may lead to a HBM phenotype, whereas the common SNPs associated with BMD in GWASs belong to a putative long‐range regulatory region, through a yet unknown mechanism involving LNCAROD. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Mps1 controls spindle assembly, SAC, and DNA repair in the first cleavage of mouse early embryos
Authors: Ju Jia‐Qian , Li Xiao‐Han , Pan Meng‐Hao , Xu Yi , Xu Yao , Sun Ming‐Hong , Sun Shao‐Chen 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMonopolar spindle‐1 (Mps1) is a critical interphase regulator that also involves into the spindle assembly checkpoint for the cell cycle control in both mitosis and meiosis. However, the functions of Mps1 during mouse early embryo development is still unclear. In this study, we reported the important roles of Mps1 in the first cleavage of mouse embryos. Our data indicated that the loss of Mps1 activity caused precocious cleavage of zygotes to 2‐cell embryos; however, prolonged culture disturbed the early embryo development to the blastocyst. We found that the spindle organization was disrupted after Mps1 inhibition, and the chromosomes were misaligned in the first cleavage. Moreover, the kinetochore–microtubule attachment was lost and Aurora B failed to accumulate to the kinetochores, indicating that the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) was activated. Furthermore, the inhibition of Mps1 activity resulted in an increase of DNA damage, which further induced oxidative stress, showing with positive γ‐H2A.X signal and increased reactive oxygen species level. Ultimately, irreparable DNA damage and oxidative stress‐activated apoptosis and autophagy, which was confirmed by the positive Annexin‐V signal and increased autophagosomes. Taken together, our data indicated that Mps1 played important roles in the control of SAC and DNA repair during mouse early embryo development.
Hall effect sensors using polarized electron cloud spin orientation control
Authors: Arumona Arumona Edward , Garhwal Anita , Youplao Phichai , Amiri Iraj Sadegh , Ray Kanad , Punthawanunt Suphanchai , Yupapin Preecha 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA silicon microring circuit embedded gold film with unique characteristics is proposed for Hall effect, current, and temperature sensing applications. The microring circuit is operated by the input polarized laser sources, in which the space–time distortion control can be employed. A gold film is embedded at the microring center. The whispering gallery mode (WGM) is generated and applied for plasmonic waves, from which the trapped electron cloud oscillation is formed. Through the input port, the input polarized light of 1.55 μm wavelength fed into the space–time control circuit. Spin‐up |↑〉(|0〉) and spin‐down |↓〉(|1〉) of polarized electrons result when the gold film is illuminated by the WGM. The electric current passing through the gold film generates a magnetic field (B), which is orthogonal to the electric field. Hall voltage is obtained at the output of the circuit, from which the microring space–time circuit can operate for Hall's effect, current, and temperature sensing device. The simulation results obtained have shown that when the input power of 100–500 mW is applied, the optimum Hall effect, current, and temperature sensitivities are 0.12 μVT−1, 0.9 μVA−1, and 6.0 × 10−2 μVK−1, respectively. The Hall effects, current, and temperature sensors have an optimum response time of 1.9 fs.
Sediment and fecal indicator bacteria loading in a mixed land use watershed: Contributions from suspended sediment and bedload transport
Authors: Bradshaw J. Kenneth , Snyder Blake , Spidle David , Sidle Roy C. , Sullivan Kathleen , Molina Marirosa 
Published: October 2020

AbstractOverland transport of fecal bacteria in water and their resuspension from bed sediments are important transport mechanisms that help explain the transport of enteric pathogens in watersheds. In this study, multiyear monitoring along with regression relationships between sediment and fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) were used to investigate annual loading in the South Fork Broad River watershed, located in northeastern Georgia, USA. Suspended transport was the dominant transport mechanism contributing to in‐stream total annual loads for sediment (81.4–98.1%) and FIB (>98%). Annual bedload transport of FIB was small and Escherichia coli (up to 1.8%) contributed more to annual bedload FIB than enterococci (≤0.03%). Bedload contributions of FIB increased with the duration of critical discharge exceedance, indicating a prolonged risk of exposure to enteric pathogens during extended periods of high flows, which is important during major storm events. The risk of exposure to enteric pathogens through pathways such as recreational use and drinking water treatment could be much greater because fecal bacteria are released from sediment during higher flows and dominantly transported in suspension when bedload are not actively moving. Therefore, the combined contribution of fecal bacteria from overland and bedload‐associated transport should be considered in risk assessments. Discharge, bedload, and FIB data collected over 2 yr in this study can supplement future hydrologic modeling and microbial risk assessment modeling efforts.
Characterizing standardized patients and genetic counseling graduate education
Authors: Kessler Lisa Jay , LaMarra Denise , MacFarlane Ian M. , Heller Melissa , Valverde Kathleen D. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractStandardized patients (SPs) are laypersons trained to portray patients, family members, and others in a consistent, measurable manner to teach and assess healthcare students, and to provide practice for emotionally and medically challenging cases. SP methodology has been studied with practicing genetic counselors; however, there is minimal empirical evidence characterizing its use in genetic counseling (GC) education. The Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) Standards of Accreditation for Graduate Programs in Genetic Counseling include SP sessions as one way to achieve up to 20% of the 50 participatory cases required for graduation. The purpose of the current project was to determine the scope, frequency, and timing of SP methodology in ACGC‐accredited programs to establish baseline usage, which happened prior to the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. A 40‐item investigator‐created survey was developed to document the scope and frequency of SP use among programs. The survey was distributed through the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors’ (AGCPD) listserv to 43 accredited and 6 programs under development. Surveys were analyzed from 25 accredited programs (response rate = 58%). Seventeen of these programs report inclusion of SP methodology in the curricula (68%), of which 13 report working with an established SP program. SPs are used predominantly for role‐plays (70.6%), individualized instruction and remediation (29.4%), and for other reasons such as lecture demonstration, final examinations, practicing skills, and assessing students’ goals. Sixteen of the participating programs use SPs to give GC students experience disclosing positive test results. Other details vary among the GC programs including the use of trained SPs, volunteer or paid SPs, actors with and without SP training, or GC students acting as patients. This study demonstrates that GC program SP experiences differ, but are largely viewed as valuable by the programs. Many GC programs report using SP encounters to create multiple opportunities for students to practice and refine clinical skills similar to SPs in medical school.