bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of the endocrine disruptive potential of crude oil water accommodated fractions and crude oil contaminated surface water to freshwater organisms using in vitro and in vivo approaches
Authors: Truter J. Christoff , van Wyk Johannes H. , Oberholster Paul J. , Botha Anna-Maria , Mokwena Lucky M. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Knowledge regarding the potential impacts of crude oil on endocrine signaling in freshwater aquatic vertebrates is limited. The expression of selected genes as biomarkers for altered endocrine signaling was studied in African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, tadpoles and juvenile Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus, exposed to weathered bunker and unweathered refinery crude oil water accommodated fractions (WAFs). In addition, the expression of the aforementioned genes was quantified in X. laevis tadpoles exposed to surface water collected from the proximity of an underground oil bunker. The (anti)estrogenicity and (anti)androgenicity of crude oil, crude oil WAFs, and surface water were furthermore evaluated using recombinant yeast. Thyroid hormone receptor beta expression was significantly down-regulated in X. laevis in response to both oil WAF types, whereas a further thyroid linked gene, type 2 deiodinase, was up-regulated in O. mossambicus exposed to a high concentration of bunker oil WAF. In addition, both WAFs altered the expression of the adipogenesis-linked peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma in X. laevis. The crude oil and WAFs exhibited antiestrogenic and antiandrogenic activity in vitro. However, O. mossambicus androgen receptor 2 was the only gene, representing the reproductive system, significantly affected by WAF exposure. Estrogenicity, antiestrogenicity, and antiandrogenicity were detected in surface water samples; however, no significant changes were observed in the expression of any of the genes evaluated in X. laevis exposed to surface water. The responses varied among the 2 model organisms used, as well as among the 2 types of crude oil. Nonetheless, the data provide evidence that crude oil pollution may lead to adverse health effects in freshwater fish and amphibians as a result of altered endocrine signaling. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1330–1342. © 2016 SETAC
Synthesis of new functionalized mono‐ and diphosphonic acids with five‐membered aza‐heterocycles moieties
Authors: Prishchenko Andrey A. , Alekseyev Roman S. , Livantsov Mikhail V. , Novikova Olga P. , Livantsova Ludmila I. , Terenin Vladimir I. , Petrosyan Valery S. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe new functionalized hydroxymethylphosphonic and methylenediphosphonic acids are synthesized via unique reaction of tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphite and N‐formyl derivatives of five‐membered aza‐heterocycles at the presence of effective catalyst—trimethylsilyl triflate.
PSYCHOLOGY OF BOYS AT RISK: INDICATORS FROM 0–5
Authors: Golding Paul , Fitzgerald Hiram E. 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTIn utero and during the first 5 years of life, boys face unique risks as a result of neurobiological and environmental factors. This introductory article to the Special Issue describes the background of this gender‐specific inquiry and outlines some of those risks, drawing attention to the areas that will be covered in depth in the following contributions. We also describe the basis of this inquiry as the link between early life and the subsequent difficulties that adolescent boys and many young men face, and pay particular attention to the circumstances of young men of color and to the growing knowledge about the contributions of fathers to boys’ development.
Transnational Chinese Students’ Literacy and Networking Practices
Authors: Wang Xiqiao 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSituated in the context of a first‐year writing course at a Midwestern public university in the United States, this study examines Chinese international students' networking practices through the mediation of WeChat, a popular social networking application for smartphones. Based on interviews with 36 students and detailed accounts of one focal student's activities in WeChat study groups, this study shows that students' literacy practices and identities are dynamically co‐constructed with intersecting local and global forces. Social theories of identity and the Chinese concept ofguanxi(carefully cultivated personal connections that are used to gain social advantages) provide ways to examine identities at the intersection of local and distant circumstances and practices that span geographical and linguistic spaces. Findings reveal the implications of such identity work on students' social and academic experiences, while encouraging teachers to consider pedagogical practices that leverage students' rich cultural and linguistic knowledge.
Evaluation of a novel point‐of‐care test kit, ABSOGEN™ PCT, in semi‐quantitative measurement of procalcitonin in whole blood
Authors: Kwon Hi Jeong , Lee Jehoon , Park Hae‐il , Han Kyungja 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundIn response to inflammation, procalcitonin plasma concentrations increase more rapidly than other acute‐phase reactants and higher values are associated with severe disease. Procalcitonin measurements assist in determining whether antibiotic therapy should be used. point‐of‐care testing (POCT) is performed for early decision making about additional testing or therapy. The ABSOGEN™ PCT (Bumyoungbio, Inc., Suwon, Korea) is a rapid novel semi‐quantitative immunochromatographic PCT assay that analyses whole blood samples. We compared the patient quantitative test results to ABSOGEN™ PCT test results.MethodsWhole blood was loaded onto an ABSOGEN™ PCT cartridge and incubated for 10 minutes. The color intensity of the band of the cartridge was measured using an accompanying device and with the naked eye. The results were graded as negative (<0.1 ng/mL), low (0.1 to <1.0 ng/mL), middle (1.0‐2.0 ng/mL), and high (>2.0 ng/mL). A total of 158 specimens with procalcitonin levels measured from 0 to 18.96 ng/mL were used for comparison study.ResultsThe concordance rate between ABSOGEN™ PCT using the reader and quantitative assay, between ABSOGEN™ PCT using naked eyes and quantitative assay, and between ABSOGEN™ PCT using the reader and naked eyes for the same category was 83.5% (P=.040), 78.5% (P<.001), and 82.3% (P=.001), respectively. The concordance rates for the ±1 categories were all 100%.ConclusionABSOGEN™ PCT is an accurate assay. It is easy to use, simple, fast, portable. The assay has potential value in clinical applications, especially in emergency care.
Serum TNF‐α levels in children with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass: A cohort study in China and a meta‐analysis of the published literature
Authors: Song Shu‐Tian , Bai Chuan‐Ming , Zhou Ji‐Wu 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveTo investigate the changes in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) serum levels after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in children with congenital heart disease (CHD), followed by a meta‐analysis to analyze the clinical value of TNF‐α in CPB.MethodsOur cohort study enrolled 67 CHD children, assigned into off‐pump group (n=32) and CPB group (n=35). The TNF‐α serum levels in two groups were detected by ELISA before the operation (T1), at the end of the operation (0 hour, T2), and after 24 hours of the operation (T3). For meta‐analysis, literature search was conducted to identify published case‐control articles about the changes of TNF‐α serum levels with CPB of CHD.ResultsThe TNF‐α levels in CPB group were lower than that in the off‐pump group at T3 (P=.006). TNF‐α level at T3 was significantly lower than that at T1 and T2 (all P<.05). Meta‐analysis results further confirmed that the TNF‐α levels of CHD children were dramatically decreased at T3 as compared to that at T1 and T2 (both P<.001).ConclusionThe TNF‐α serum levels showed a transient and dramatic decline after 24 hours of CPB, and it may act as an important biological indicator for monitoring the efficacy of CPB in CHD children.
Resveratrol attenuates mitochondrial dysfunction in the liver of intrauterine growth retarded suckling piglets by improving mitochondrial biogenesis and redox status
Authors: Zhang Hao , Li Yue , Su Weipeng , Ying Zhixiong , Zhou Le , Zhang Lili , Wang Tian 
Published: December 2016

ScopeEmerging evidence has identified mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation as potential targets for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome. This study investigated the effect of resveratrol (RSV) on hepatic mitochondrial function in intrauterine growth‐retarded (IUGR) suckling piglets.Methods and resultsSeven normal birth weight (NBW) and fourteen IUGR neonatal male piglets were selected. Piglets were fed control diets supplemented with 0 (NBW‐CON), 0 (IUGR‐CON), and 1.0 (IUGR‐RSV) g RSV per kg of milk dry matter from 7 to 21 days of age (n = 7), respectively. Mitochondrial function, swelling, and redox status in the liver were assessed. Compared with NBW, IUGR impaired hepatic mitochondrial biogenesis and energy homeostasis of the control piglets. IUGR control piglets showed overproduction of superoxide radicals, increased concentration of malondialdehyde, and marked swelling in the mitochondria. RSV improved mitochondrial DNA content, ATP production, and fatty acid oxidation in the liver of IUGR piglets, along with an increased activity of sirtuin 1. RSV inhibited mitochondrial superoxide anion accumulation, increased complex III and manganese superoxide dismutase activities, and ameliorated mitochondrial swelling and lipid peroxidation in the IUGR piglets.ConclusionRSV may have beneficial effects in improving hepatic mitochondrial function and redox status in the IUGR piglets.
Interrelationships among mediators of cellular zinc homeostasis in healthy and type 2 diabetes mellitus populations
Authors: Chu Anna , Foster Meika , Hancock Dale , Petocz Peter , Samman Samir 
Published: December 2016

ScopeThe involvement of zinc in multiple physiological systems requires tight control of cellular zinc concentration. This study aims to explore the relationships among selected mediators of cellular zinc homeostasis in an apparently healthy (AH) population and a cohort with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods and resultsBaseline data of three trials forming two cohorts, AH (n = 70) and T2DM (n = 42), were used for multivariate analyses to identify groupings within ten zinc transporter and metallothionein (MT) gene expressions, stratified by health status. Multiple regression models were used to explore relationships among zinc transporter/MT groupings and plasma zinc. Gene expression of zinc transporters and MTs, with the exception of ZnT6, were significantly lower in the T2DM cohort (p < 0.01). Cluster analysis showed that the groupings of zinc transporters and MTs were largely similar between the two cohorts, with the exception for ZnT1 and ZIP7. Zinc transporters and MTs were significant determinants of plasma zinc (r2 = 0.48, p = 0.001) in the AH cohort, but not in the T2DM cohort.ConclusionThe current study suggests altered cellular zinc homeostasis in T2DM and supports the use of multiple zinc transporters and MTs groupings to further understand zinc homeostasis in health and T2DM.
Network Formation by Free Radical Polymerization in Isothermal Continuous Flow Stirred Reactors
Authors: Nieves‐Remacha Maria Jose , Villa Carlos , Arriola Dan 
Published: December 2016

The authors apply the method of moments to the study of network formation in continuous flow stirred reactors when chain transfer to polymer and coupling are present in the reaction scheme. This approach leads to analytical solutions for the various moments involved. The authors start by assuming that the rate of coupling is proportional to the length of dead chains, which allow them to review and extend previous work in this area. This is followed by similar derivations when a coupling agent is present and the rate of coupling is proportional to the number of coupling groups that such agent leaves in dead polymer molecules, demonstrating that higher values of second order moments can be reached at lower levels of unreacted coupling agent.
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An ultrahigh‐performance chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry quantitative method for trace analysis of potential endocrine disrupting steroid hormones in estuarine sediments
Authors: Mulabagal Vanisree , Wilson Caleb , Hayworth Joel S. 
Published: December 2016

RationaleEstuaries are dynamic ecosystems, providing vital habitat for unique organisms of great ecological and commercial importance. The influx of natural and synthetic steroid hormones into estuaries poses risks to these organisms and to broader ecosystem health. However, detecting these trace level pollutants in estuarine water and sediment requires improved analytical techniques.MethodsWe describe an optimized ultrahigh‐performance chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC/MS/MS) method for simultaneous quantitation of four classes of steroid hormones (estrogens, glucocorticoids, androgens and progestins) in sediment samples collected from an Alabama estuary. Sediment samples were homogenized using Hydromatrix (HM) sorbent and extracted with methanol and water (70%, v/v). Centrifuged extracts were purified using an Agilent Bond Elut QuEChERS dispersive‐SPE kit to eliminate interfering substances that could negatively influence the ionization process. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Poroshell 120 Phenyl‐Hexyl column using an Agilent 1290 Infinity II UHPLC pump. Quantitation was carried out using an Agilent triple quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with a JetStream/ESI source in dual mode.ResultsChromatographic separation and better peak resolution were accomplished on an Agilent Poroshell 120 Phenyl‐Hexyl column using a binary gradient method with a mobile phase consisting of 1 mM ammonium fluoride in water and a mixture of methanol/acetonitrile. A dynamic multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method was developed by optimizing various MS parameters. The method was used to analyze target steroid hormones in estuarine sediments. A total of ten steroid hormones were detected at trace amounts in estuarine sediments.ConclusionsThe optimized analytical method described here involves reasonably simple sample preparation and simultaneous trace level quantitation of four classes (estrogens, glucocorticoids, androgens and progestins) of steroid hormones in a single experimental run. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing quality of life in Alzheimer's disease: Implications for clinical trials
Authors: Kahle‐Wrobleski Kristin , Ye Wenyu , Henley David , Hake Ann Marie , Siemers Eric , Chen Yun‐Fei , Liu‐Seifert Hong 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIntroductionCharacterization of the quality of life (QOL) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) scale within the context of a clinical trial may inform its applicability in future trials.MethodsUsing data from 1322 patients enrolled in two phase‐III studies (EXPEDITION 1 [NCT00905372] and 2 [NCT00904683]) of intravenous solanezumab in outpatients with mild AD dementia, correlations between patient‐ and caregiver‐assessed QOL and between QOL and clinical outcome measures were examined. Longitudinal effects of solanezumab over 80 weeks were explored, controlling for patient and caregiver baseline characteristics.ResultsCaregivers rated patients' QOL worse than did patients themselves. Patients' QOL was correlated, albeit modestly, with clinical/health measures. Patients' QOL changed minimally over 80 weeks, although a treatment effect of solanezumab on QOL was detected.DiscussionFurther investigations are needed to determine the optimal measures with which to quantify and qualify QOL of patients with mild AD.
Internal wave attractors: different scenarios of instability
Authors: Brouzet C. , Ermanyuk E. , Joubaud S. , Pillet G. , Dauxois T. 
Published: December 2016

This paper presents an experimental study of different instability scenarios in a parallelogram-shaped internal wave attractor in a trapezoidal domain filled with a uniformly stratified fluid. Energy is injected into the system via the oscillatory motion of a vertical wall of the trapezoidal domain. Whole-field velocity measurements are performed with the conventional particle image velocimetry technique. In the linear regime, the total kinetic energy of the fluid system is used to quantify the strength of attractors as a function of coordinates in the parameter space defining their zone of existence, the so-called Arnold tongue. In the nonlinear regime, the choice of the operational point in the Arnold tongue is shown to have a significant impact on the scenario of the onset of triadic instability, most notably in terms of the influence of confinement on secondary waves. The onset of triadic resonance instability may occur as a spatially localized event similar to Scolan et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 110, 2013, 234501) in the case of strong focusing or in form of growing normal modes as in McEwan (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 50, 1971, pp. 431–448) for the limiting case of rectangular domain. In the present paper, we describe also a new intermediate scenario for the case of weak focusing. We explore the long-term behaviour of cascades of triadic instabilities in wave attractors and show a persistent trend toward formation of standing-wave patterns corresponding to some discrete peaks of the frequency spectrum. At sufficiently high level of energy injection the system exhibits a ‘mixing box’ regime which has certain qualitatively universal properties regardless to the choice of the operating point in the Arnold tongue. In particular, for this regime, we observe a statistics of events with high horizontal vorticity, which serve as kinematic indicators of mixing.
A ‘Rosetta Stone’ for Protoplanetary Disks: The Synergy of Multi-Wavelength Observations
Authors: Sicilia-Aguilar A. , Banzatti A. , Carmona A. , Stolker T. , Kama M. , Mendigutía I. , Garufi A. , Flaherty K. , van der Marel N. , Greaves J. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractRecent progress in telescope development has brought us different ways to observe protoplanetary disks: interferometers, space missions, adaptive optics, polarimetry, and time- and spectrally-resolved data. While the new facilities have changed the way we can tackle open problems in disk structure and evolution, there is a substantial lack of interconnection between different observing communities. Here, we explore the complementarity of some of the state-of-the-art observing techniques, and how they can be brought together to understand disk dispersal and planet formation.This paper was born at the ‘Protoplanetary Discussions’ meeting in Edinburgh, 2016. Its goal is to clarify where multi-wavelength observations converge in unveiling disk structure and evolution, and where they challenge our current understanding. We discuss caveats that should be considered when linking results from different observations, or when drawing conclusions from limited datasets (in terms of wavelength or sample). We focus on disk properties that are currently being revolutionized, specifically: the inner disk radius, holes and gaps and their link to large-scale disk structures, the disk mass, and the accretion rate. We discuss how their connections and apparent contradictions can help us to disentangle the disk physics and to learn about disk evolution.
Thermochronology quantifying exhumation history of the Wudang Complex in the South Qinling Orogenic Belt, central China
Authors: SHEN CHUANBO , HU DI , SHAO CHUN , MEI LIANFU 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe Wudang Complex located in the central part of South Qinling, has been inferred to be a segment of the Yangtze Craton involved in the orogen. In this study, the cooling/exhumation history of the Wudang Complex is revealed through combined published geochronology data and new apatite fission-track results. Three rapid exhumation episodes related to relevant geodynamic events have been identified. Previous40Ar–39Ar and (U–Th)/He data indicate that the most significant exhumation, induced by the collision between the North and South China Blocks, occurred fromc.237 to 220 Ma after long-term subsidence and sedimentation of the passive continental margin. The second exhumation event, related to the long-distance effect of the Pacific subduction, occurred during the period fromc.126 to 90 Ma. Following the late Cretaceous – Eocene peneplanation stage, the final late Cenozoic exhumation sincec.15 Ma may be attributed to the combined effect of the eastward growth of the Tibetan Plateau uplift and the Asian monsoon.
Freedom and Patronage in the Athenian Democracy
Authors: Alwine Andrew T. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract:To ask a question about ‘patronage’ is to view the issue from a top-down, broadly-conceived theoretical perspective. To understand Athenian political thought, we need to take an emic approach, to consider the perspective of the Athenian citizenry, which was concerned with present realities rather than complex, abstract models. The Athenian system's protection of individual citizens incidentally put broad restrictions on elite patronage, but, despite these limitations, relationships of patronage persisted throughout the Classical period albeit in non-threatening forms. Measures that ensured financial independence for the poor came only ad hoc and gradually. This article pursues three theses: (1) Athenians cared more about securing the freedoms of individual citizens than abolishing patronage, (2) patronage (as we would call it) existed in Athens but only in forms not threatening to civic freedoms and (3) in Athenian thinking political freedom was prior to financial independence. This article also explores the possibility of patronage systems existing in Greek poleis outside Athens, arguing that patronage-limiting practices were typical of democratic regimes but unusual for oligarchies.
Herodotus, Polycrates – and Maybe Stesimbrotus Too?
Authors: Pelling Christopher 
Published: December 2016

Abstract:The late fifth-century or sixth-century AD writer Fulgentius appears to quote Stesimbrotus of Thasos for a grisly detail of the death of Polycrates, describing how his corpse was carried away on a stretcher. Fulgentius is not a source to command confidence, and Jacoby dismisses this fragment as ‘unecht’ without further discussion. There is a case for being more cautious. It is not impossible that Stesimbrotus described Polycrates’ death, and, if so, Herodotus may be setting himself against that narrative when he says that Polycrates was killed ‘in a way which does not bear mentioning’. There may be a broader sense too in which both Herodotus and Thucydides are ‘defining their narratives against’ the work of Stesimbrotus among others.
Croesus and the Oracles
Authors: Thonemann Peter 
Published: December 2016

Abstract:Herodotus’ narrative of the testing of various Greek oracles by King Croesus of Lydia (1.46–54) has long been viewed with justifiable scepticism. A newly published verse dedication from the sanctuary of Apollo Ismenios at Thebes (Papazarkadas 2014: 233–48) sheds welcome light on Herodotus’ sources for this part of his Croesus-narrative. Herodotus’ account of Croesus’ testing of the oracle of Amphiaraus at Thebes appears to have been an imaginative extrapolation from the text of this inscription. But there is good reason to believe that Herodotus significantly misinterpreted the historical context and significance of the epigraphic text he had before him; in particular, the real author of the dedication is unlikely to have been King Croesus of Lydia, and may instead have been an Athenian aristocrat of the Alcmaeonid family. The new inscription from Thebes sheds light both on Herodotus’ use of documentary evidence and on the creative misreading of early epigraphic texts by Theban sanctuary personnel in the mid fifth century BC.