bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stable isotope records of sei whale baleens from Chilean Patagonia as archives for feeding and migration behavior
Authors: Reiss Lilian , Häussermann Verena , Mayr Christoph 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCarbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope variations in baleen plates of sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis) stranded after a mass mortality event in Chilean Patagonia were investigated to assess potential dietary and migratory patterns. Carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of seven baleens from six individuals were analyzed. The δ13C values ranged from − 19.1 to − 15.9‰ and the δ15N values from 8.7 to 15.4‰. Variations of up to 2.9‰ for δ13C and 5.3‰ for δ15N were observed within one baleen. Carbon and nitrogen isotope records of each baleen were significantly correlated and showed recurring oscillations confirmed by wavelet analyses. Oscillations slightly differed in periodicity indicating variable baleen growth rates between 10.0 and 16.5 cm/year. Food sources of the whales are discussed in terms of available isotope data for potential prey taxa and potential migratory behavior on the basis of latitudinal isotope gradients of particulate organic matter. Cyclicity could be explained by regular migrations of the sei whales from subtropical calving areas to high‐latitude foraging grounds. δ15N records of baleens differed between individuals eventually pointing to diverse feeding and migratory preferences among sei whale individuals.
QSPR Modeling of Potentiometric Mg2+/Ca2+ Selectivity for PVC‐plasticized Sensor Membranes
Authors: Martynko Ekaterina , Solov'ev Vitaly , Varnek Alexandre , Legin Andrey , Kirsanov Dmitry 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe development of novel ionophores for ion‐selective sensors is a time‐consuming and tedious process requiring synthesis of candidate substances, preparation of plasticized polymeric membranes, and their thorough characterization with traditional protocols to assess sensitivity, selectivity and detection limits for target ions. The vast amount of literature data accumulated on various ion‐selective sensors allows for significant facilitation of the development through in silico experiments. In this report, we performed the feasibility study on the prediction of potentiometric Mg2+/Ca2+ selectivity for various amide ligands using quantitative structure‐property relationship (QSPR) modeling. The approach proved to be promising for ionophore screening purposes with achieved precision in prediction of the selectivity coefficient logK(Mg2+/Ca2+) of 0.5 in the range from −1.7 to +2.3. The study also shows a route for prediction of new potential ionophores with high selectivity values.
Ablation of neuronal ADAM17 impairs oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination
Authors: Fredrickx Evelien , Colombo Elisa , Canevazzi Paolo , La Marca Rosa , Pellegatta Marta , Dina Giorgia , Podini Paola , Nave Klaus A. , Quattrini Angelo , Taveggia Carla 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMyelin, one of the most important adaptations of vertebrates, is essential to ensure efficient propagation of the electric impulse in the nervous system and to maintain neuronal integrity. In the central nervous system (CNS), the development of oligodendrocytes and the process of myelination are regulated by the coordinated action of several positive and negative cell‐extrinsic factors. We and others previously showed that secretases regulate the activity of proteins essential for myelination. We now report that the neuronal α‐secretase ADAM17 controls oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelin formation in the CNS. Ablation of Adam17 in neurons impairs in vivo and in vitro oligodendrocyte differentiation, delays myelin formation throughout development and results in hypomyelination. Furthermore, we show that this developmental defect is, in part, the result of altered Notch/Jagged 1 signaling. Surprisingly, in vivo conditional loss of Adam17 in immature oligodendrocytes has no effect on myelin formation. Collectively, our data indicate that the neuronal α‐secretase ADAM17 is required for proper CNS myelination. Further, our studies confirm that secretases are important post‐translational regulators of myelination although the mechanisms controlling CNS and peripheral nervous system (PNS) myelination are distinct.
Mitochondrial Double‐Stranded RNA in Exosome Promotes Interleukin‐17 Production Through Toll‐Like Receptor 3 in Alcohol‐associated Liver Injury
Authors: Lee Jun‐Hee , Shim Young‐Ri , Seo Wonhyo , Kim Myung‐Ho , Choi Won‐Mook , Kim Hee‐Hoon , Kim Ye Eun , Yang Keungmo , Ryu Tom , Jeong Jong‐Min , Choi Hei‐Gwon , Eun Hyuk Soo , Kim Seok‐Hwan , Mun Hyejin , Yoon Je‐Hyun , Jeong Won‐Il 
Published: December 2019

Background and Aims
Mitochondrial double‐stranded RNA (mtdsRNA) and its innate immune responses have been reported previously; however, mtdsRNA generation and its effects on alcohol‐associated liver disease (ALD) remain unclear. Here, we report that hepatic mtdsRNA stimulates toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3) in Kupffer cells through the exosome (Exo) to enhance interleukin (IL)‐17A (IL‐17A) production in ALD.

Approach and Results
Following binge ethanol (EtOH) drinking, IL‐17A production primarily increased in γδ T cells of wild‐type (WT) mice, whereas the production of IL‐17A was mainly facilitated by CD4+ T cells in acute‐on‐chronic EtOH consumption. These were not observed in TLR3 knockout (KO) or Kupffer cell–depleted WT mice. The expression of polynucleotide phosphorylase, an mtdsRNA‐restricting enzyme, was significantly decreased in EtOH‐exposed livers and hepatocytes of WT mice. Immunostaining revealed that mtdsRNA colocalized with the mitochondria in EtOH‐treated hepatocytes from WT mice and healthy humans. Bioanalyzer analysis revealed that small‐sized RNAs were enriched in EtOH‐treated Exos (EtOH‐Exos) rather than EtOH‐treated microvesicles in hepatocytes of WT mice and humans. Quantitative real‐time PCR and RNA sequencing analyses indicated that mRNA expression of mitochondrial genes encoded by heavy and light strands was robustly increased in EtOH‐Exos from mice and humans. After direct treatment with EtOH‐Exos, IL‐1β expression was significantly increased in WT Kupffer cells but not in TLR3 KO Kupffer cells, augmenting IL‐17A production of γδ T cells in mice and humans.

Conclusions
EtOH‐mediated generation of mtdsRNA contributes to TLR3 activation in Kupffer cells through exosomal delivery. Consequently, increased IL‐1β expression in Kupffer cells triggers IL‐17A production in γδ T cells at the early stage that may accelerate IL‐17A expression in CD4+ T cells in the later stage of ALD. Therefore, mtdsRNA and TLR3 may function as therapeutic targets in ALD.
Novel polymeric microspheres: Synthesis, enzyme immobilization, antimutagenic activity, and antimicrobial evaluation against pathogenic microorganisms
Authors: Nartop Dilek , Demirel Birtane , Güleç Murat , Hasanoğlu Özkan Elvan , Kurnaz Yetim Nurdan , Sarı Nurşen , Çeker Selçuk , Öğütcü Hatice , Ağar Güleray 
Published: December 2019

AbstractNew polymeric microspheres containing azomethine (1a‐1c and 2a‐2c) were synthesized by condensation to compare the enzymatic properties of the enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx) and to investigate antimutagenic and antimicrobial activities. The polymeric microspheres were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectra (FT‐IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, thermal gravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. The catalytic activity of the glucose oxidase enzyme follows Michaelis‐Menten kinetics. Influence of temperature, reusability, and storage capacity of the free and immobilized glucose oxidase enzyme were investigated. It is determined that immobilized enzymes exhibit good storage stability and reusability. After immobilization of GOx in polymeric supports, the thermal stability of the enzyme increased and the maximum reaction rate (Vmax) decreased. The activity of the immobilized enzymes was preserved even after 5 months. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the polymeric microspheres were evaluated by well‐diffusion method against some selected pathogenic microorganisms. The antimutagenic properties of all compounds were also examined against sodium azide in human lymphocyte cells by micronuclei and sister chromatid exchange tests.
Differentiating unipolar and bipolar depression: Contribution of the Rorschach test (Comprehensive System)
Authors: Le Chevanton Tristan , Fouques Damien , Julien‐Sweerts Sabrina , Petot Djaouida , Polosan Mircea 
Published: December 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to contribute to differential diagnoses of unipolar and bipolar depression using cognitive variables of the Rorschach test (Comprehensive System).MethodOne hundred forty one depressed inpatients (71 bipolar, 70 unipolar; mean age = 46, SD = 15.8; 64% women) previously evaluated and comparable regarding clinical characteristics of their illness (including current mood symptoms) were blindly tested using the Rorschach test (C.S.).ResultsThe cognitive profile of bipolar depressed patients was more impaired than the cognitive profile of unipolar depressed patients. Combining four cognitive specificities (tolerance to ambiguity, discrimination failure, difficulties in controlling ideational impulses, and impulsive or negligent processing) in a logistic regression model allows the identification of bipolarity with acceptable accuracy.ConclusionsSome aspects of cognitive functioning, as assessed with the Rorschach test (CS), appear to be useful to capture some important cognitive specificities of bipolar depression and could contribute to differential diagnoses of mood disorders.
Invisible injustice: A review of punishment without crime: How our massive misdemeanor system traps the innocent and makes america more unequal by Alexandra Natapoff
Authors: Sterling Robin Walker 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMisdemeanors matter. Whether they end in high‐profile police shootings, or in fines, fees, and jail, misdemeanors amount to more than the minor inconveniences they are often made out to be. As Professor Alexandra Natapoff argues in Punishment Without Crime: How Our Massive Misdemeanor System Traps the Innocent and Makes America More Unequal, the current system for adjudicating misdemeanors looks more like a criminal processing system meant to generate revenue than a criminal justice system meant to generate fairness. Professor Natapoff makes important, trenchant and timely contributions to the national conversation about the country's misdemeanor processing system. She provides the most comprehensive mapping of the scope of the country's misdemeanor system to date, putting its contours at a massive 13 million cases processed across the country each year. She exposes the pretexts that allow the misdemeanor system to flourish: 1) misdemeanor proceedings are fair; 2) innocent people do not plead guilty; and 3) the punishment from misdemeanors is minor. And, she offers a range of solutions to begin to transform the misdemeanor system into a more just version of itself. This review discusses each of these major contributions in turn, and concludes with suggestions for reform based on Professor Natapoff's research.
A survey of U. S. state insurance commissioners concerning genetic testing and life insurance: Redux at 27
Authors: Golinghorst Dexter R. , Prince Anya E. R. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractNearly three decades ago, scientists set out on one of the largest research endeavors in modern history—mapping the human genome. The research not only sparked new technologies and genetic tests, but also concomitant concerns regarding ethical, legal, and social implications of the technologies. These developments ultimately resulted in an expanded role for genetic counselors to educate consumers about the possible consequences of receiving genetic test results. In particular, many individuals undergoing testing worry that the resulting information could be used by social actors, such as life insurers, in harmful ways. Because life insurance is regulated at the state level, there is significant variability across the United States in laws and enforcement protecting consumers’ genetic information. This article reports the results of a survey of U.S. state insurance commissioners regarding regulation of genetic testing and life insurance. The survey builds on a 1992 survey conducted by Jean E. McEwen et al. It returns to current U.S. state insurance commissioners to investigate changes in the climate surrounding genetic information use and risks of misuse within the insurance industry. In their 1992 survey, McEwen et al. found that: (a) genetic testing was not yet perceived to pose a significant problem for insurance rating, (b) life insurers had quite a bit of legal freedom to require and use genetic test results, and (c) insurance commissioners had received few consumers’ complaints about the use of genetic information. Twenty‐seven years later, our survey finds an increase in regulation protecting genetic information in insurance, but at a pace much slower than that of advances in new DNA technologies. This lag in policy to match technology increases potential risks for consumers. Our study further reveals certain inconsistencies in the letter of state law protecting consumers’ genetic information and how state insurance commissioners apply that law. The study also shows that despite empirical evidence in the literature demonstrating consumer fear about genetic discrimination, consumers do not report these concerns to their state insurance commissioner. We suggest genetic counselors are key stakeholders who can help fill current gaps between consumers and the insurance industry.
Further validation of the Genetic Counseling Self‐Efficacy Scale (GCSES): Its relationship with personality characteristics
Authors: Keller Haley , Wusik Katie , He Hua , Yager Geoffrey , Atzinger Carrie 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDemonstrating validity of a tool for genetic counseling self‐efficacy could help determine if this is a useful tool for training outcomes or other purposes in the field. The purpose of the current study was to describe the relationship between genetic counseling self‐efficacy, measured by scores on the Genetic Counseling Self‐Efficacy Scale (GCSES), personality characteristics, clinical characteristics, and performance on the American Board of Genetic Counselors (ABGC) board certification examination. Genetic counselors, recruited via email through the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Student Research Survey Program, completed an online questionnaire that included the GCSES, work locus of control (WLOC) scale, trait subscale of the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and questions related to board examination performance. Higher genetic counseling self‐efficacy factor scores for four of six factors were significantly associated with lower WLOC scores indicative of internal locus of control (p's < .05); higher genetic counseling self‐efficacy factor scores for all six factors were significantly associated with lower trait anxiety scores (p's < .05). In addition, increased years of experience and providing direct patient care were found to be significantly related to higher scores for all six‐factor scores on the GCSES (p's ≤ .05). Multiple linear regression models were performed to assess combined effects of predictor and demographic variables and demonstrated that professional factors were most significantly associated with GCSES factor scores. Findings from the current study provide additional validation for the GCSES and add clarity to the relationships between genetic counseling self‐efficacy, personality characteristics, and professional factors. Validation of the GCSES supports the usefulness of this tool as an outcome for genetic counseling training purposes. In addition, the GCSES could be used for self‐reflective practice for genetic counselors. Further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between genetic counseling self‐efficacy and genetic counselor competency.
Prevalence of reflux esophagitis in obese Japanese undergoing bariatric surgery
Authors: Takahashi Kodai , Seki Yosuke , Kasama Kazunori , Amiki Manabu , Baba Satoshi , Ito Masayoshi , Tanaka Tatsuro , Kanehira Eiji 
Published: December 2019

BackgroundCurrently, the data on the relationship between obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Asian populations are scarce.MethodsThe aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of reflux esophagitis (RE) among obese Japanese patients in each body mass index (BMI) range group. In addition, we aim to investigate the risk factors for RE in obese Japanese patients. The present retrospective cohort study included 674 obese Japanese patients who underwent bariatric surgery between January 2003 and April 2016. The patients were stratified into five groups based on BMI range.ResultsThe mean BMI was 42.7 ± 9.24 kg/m2. The prevalence of RE among each of the groups was as follows: Group 1 (BMI 30–34.9) = 20.7%; Group 2 (BMI 35–39.9) = 24.0%; Group 3 (BMI 40–44.9) = 25.2%; Group 4 (BMI 45–49.9) = 26.7%; and Group 5 (BMI ≥50) = 24.8%. Overall, the prevalence of RE was 24.2% in our study. Furthermore, no significant difference in BMI was noted between the RE and non‐RE groups (43.4 ± 9.3 kg/m2 and 42.5 ± 10.2 kg/m2, respectively; p = 0.24). According to the multivariate logistic regression model, gender, Helicobacter pylori infection status, GERD‐related symptoms, and hiatal hernia were significantly correlated with RE.ConclusionOur study shows that the prevalence of RE in severely obese Japanese patients was significantly higher than the average prevalence of RE in Japan. However, the prevalence of RE did not increase with BMI in our cohort.
Synthesis of novel 5‐substituted imidazolinones as insecticides against cotton leaf worm (Spodoptera littoralis)
Authors: Sofan Mamdouh A. , Abou Elmaaty Tarek M. , Elkafafy Abdel‐Kader M. , Abdel Mageed Ahmed E. M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn the light of using of 5‐imidazolinones in agriculture as safe and stable herbicides, the pesticide activities of some new synthesized derivatives 3‐18 of this ring system against “cotton leaf worm (Spodoptera littoralis)” have been investigated. The interpretation of the elemental and spectral analyses proved the correct structural formulae of the new synthesized compounds. The compounds 1, 5, 6a,b, 8a,c, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, and 18 showed higher potency than chlorpyrifos (dursban) recommended insecticide. While the derivatives 2, 3, 4, 7, 8b, 10, 13, and 14 showed toxicity values less than chlorpyrifos insecticide. The 5‐imidazolinones 9 and 12 may be potentially used as insecticides for treatment of cotton leaf worm.
High throughput newborn screening for aromatic ʟ‐amino‐acid decarboxylase deficiency by analysis of concentrations of 3‐O‐methyldopa from dried blood spots
Authors: Brennenstuhl Heiko , Kohlmüller Dirk , Gramer Gwendolyn , Garbade Sven F. , Syrbe Steffen , Feyh Patrik , Kölker Stefan , Okun Jürgen G. , Hoffmann Georg F. , Opladen Thomas 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAromatic l‐amino‐acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is an inherited disorder of biogenic amine metabolism with a broad neurological phenotype. The clinical symptoms overlap with other diseases resulting in an often delayed diagnosis. Innovative disease‐changing treatment options, particularly gene therapy, have emphasised the need for an early diagnosis. We describe the first method for 3‐O‐methyldopa (3‐OMD) analysis in dried blood spots (DBS) suitable for high throughput newborn screening (NBS). We established a novel tandem mass spectrometry method to quantify 3‐OMD in DBS and successfully tested it in 38 888 unaffected newborns, 14 heterozygous DDC variant carriers, seven known AADC deficient patients, and 1079 healthy control subjects. 3‐OMD concentrations in 38 888 healthy newborns revealed a mean of 1.16 μmol/L (SD = 0.31, range 0.31‐4.6 μmol/L). 1079 non‐AADC control subjects (0‐18 years) showed a mean 3‐OMD concentration of 0.78 μmol/L (SD = 1.75, range 0.24‐2.36 μmol/L) with a negative correlation with age. Inter‐ and intra‐assay variability was low, and 3‐OMD was stable over 32 days under different storage conditions. We identified seven confirmed AADC deficient patients (mean 3‐OMD 9.88 μmol/L [SD = 13.42, range 1.82‐36.93 μmol/L]). The highest concentration of 3‐OMD was found in a NBS filter card of a confirmed AADC deficient patient with a mean 3‐OMD of 35.95 μmol/L. 14 DDC variant carriers showed normal 3‐OMD concentrations. We demonstrate a novel high‐throughput method to measure 3‐OMD in DBS, which allows integration in existing NBS programs enabling early diagnosis of AADC deficiency.
Promoting Photocatalytic Cleaning Efficiency of Textile Finishing Solutions with Nanoboron as a p‐Type Dopant
Authors: Cerhan‐Haink Asena , Basim Gul Bahar 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBoron is a commonly used p‐type dopant for semiconductor and photonic applications. In this study, standard photocatalytic titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles were doped with nanosized boron particles and coated on textiles to bring the photocatalytic light intensity closer to the visible light range. Boron/titania nanoparticle composites were initially prepared in DI water solutions and studied for their photocatalytic response through a statistical central composite design. To determine the most effective titania and nanoboron particle blend for photocatalytic textile coating, absorbance and stain bleach analyses were performed by UV light exposure. The performance of the composite particles at the optimal concentration has also been evaluated in the finishing solution and compared with the performances of the pure titania particles. It was found that the textiles coated with 0.08 wt% anatase doped with 0.16 wt% nanoboron as a p‐type dopant provided improvement in self‐cleaning ability under the visible light range in the DI water environment. Energy band gap calculations further verified the nanoboron‐doped titania blend to have a lower energy barrier as compared with the 0.1 wt% anatase in agreement with the photocatalytic activity improvements. Nanoboron is shown to be a strong candidate as a p‐type dopant to titania for photocatalytic textile coatings.
Developing a novel packed in‐tube solid‐phase extraction method for determination ∆9‐tetrahydrocannabinol in biological samples and cannabis leaves
Authors: Asiabi Hamid , Yamini Yadollah , Shamsayei Maryam , Baheri Tahmine 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA novel plate‐like nano‐sorbent based on copper/cobalt/chromium layered double hydroxide was synthesized by a simple coprecipitation method. The synthesized nanoparticels were introduced into a stainless steel cartridge using a dry packing method. Then, the packed cartridge was introduced as a novel on‐line “packed in‐tube” configuration and followed by high performance liquid chromatography for the determination of trace amounts of ∆9‐tetrahydrocannabinol from biological samples and cannabis leaves. The as‐prepared sorbent exhibited long lifetime, good chemical stability, and high anion‐exchange capacity. Several important factors affecting the extraction efficiency, such as extraction and desorption times, pH of the sample solution and flow rates of the sample and eluent solutions, were investigated and optimized. Under optimized conditions, this method showed good linearity for ∆9‐tetrahydrocannabinol in the ranges of 0.09–500, 0.3–500, and 0.4–500 µg/L with coefficients of determination of 0.9999, 0.9991, and 0.9994 in water, serum and plasma samples, respectively. The inter‐ and intra‐assay precisions (n = 3) were respectively in the ranges of 1.8–4.6% and 1.9–4.0% at three concentration levels of 10, 50, and 100 µg/L. The limits of detection were also in the range of 0.02–0.1 µg/L.