bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RNA interference technology in crop protection against arthropod pests, pathogens and nematodes
Authors: Zotti Moises , dos Santos Ericmar Avila , Cagliari Deise , Christiaens Olivier , Taning Clauvis Nji Tizi , Smagghe Guy 
Published: November 2017

AbstractScientists have made significant progress in understanding and unraveling several aspects of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA)‐mediated gene silencing during the last two decades. Now that the RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism is well understood, it is time to consider how to apply the acquired knowledge to agriculture and crop protection. Some RNAi‐based products are already available for farmers and more are expected to reach the market soon. Tailor‐made dsRNA as an active ingredient for biopesticide formulations is considered a raw material that can be used for diverse purposes, from pest control and bee protection against viruses to pesticide resistance management. The RNAi mechanism works at the messenger RNA (mRNA) level, exploiting a sequence‐dependent mode of action, which makes it unique in potency and selectivity compared with conventional agrochemicals. Furthermore, the use of RNAi in crop protection can be achieved by employing plant‐incorporated protectants through plant transformation, but also by non‐transformative strategies such as the use of formulations of sprayable RNAs as direct control agents, resistance factor repressors or developmental disruptors. In this review, RNAi is presented in an agricultural context (discussing products that have been launched on the market or will soon be available), and we go beyond the classical presentation of successful examples of RNAi in pest‐insect control and comprehensively explore its potential for the control of plant pathogens, nematodes and mites, and to fight against diseases and parasites in beneficial insects. Moreover, we also discuss its use as a repressor for the management of pesticide‐resistant weeds and insects. Finally, this review reports on the advances in non‐transformative dsRNA delivery and the production costs of dsRNA, and discusses environmental considerations. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of exergaming on cardiovascular risk factors and adipokine levels in women
Authors: Amorim Maria Guadalupe Soares , de Oliveira Maurício Dias , Soares Daiane Santos , da Silva Borges Leandro , Dermargos Alexandre , Hatanaka Elaine 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of exergaming on the cardiovascular risk factors and adipokine levels of women engaged in the music video game Just Dance using the Xbox 360 Kinect console. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, FFA, CRP, TNF-α, Il-1β, IL-6, leptin, and resistin were measured in sedentary women before and 1 month after the practice of exergaming. We also evaluated anthropometric parameters. Our results indicate that total serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL were reduced by 64, 29, and 12%, respectively. HDL levels were not altered in the conditions of this study. A significant decrease was also found in the concentrations of TNF-α (57%), CRP (84.7%), resistin (68.4%), leptin (35%), FFA (90%), body mass index (10.5%), fat percentage (10.9%), weight (5.6%), abdominal circumference (2.3%), hip circumference (2.5%), and waist circumference (1.9%) after the training period. We concluded that exergaming was successful in reducing body fat, serum adipokine levels, and lipid profiles, thus reducing cardiovascular risks for women.
Jigsaw percolation on random hypergraphs
Authors: Bollobás Béla , Cooley Oliver , Kang Mihyun , Koch Christoph 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe jigsaw percolation process on graphs was introduced by Brummittet al.(2015) as a model of collaborative solutions of puzzles in social networks. Percolation in this process may be viewed as the joint connectedness of two graphs on a common vertex set. Our aim is to extend a result of Bollobáset al.(2017) concerning this process to hypergraphs for a variety of possible definitions of connectedness. In particular, we determine the asymptotic order of the critical threshold probability for percolation when both hypergraphs are chosen binomially at random.
The dietary diversity and stunting prevalence in minority children under 3 years old: a cross-sectional study in forty-two counties of Western China
Authors: Wang Anqi , Scherpbier Robert W. , Huang Xiaona , Guo Sufang , Yang Yuning , Josephs-Spaulding Jonathan , Ma Chuyang , Zhou Hong , Wang Yan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAs a key indicator of childhood malnutrition, few studies have focused on stunting in relation to various socio-economic factors in which disadvantaged groups face in China. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study incorporating forty-two rural counties in seven western provinces of China in 2011. In total, 5196 children aged 6–23 months were included. We used Poisson regression to examine risk factors for inadequate minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and stunting status, respectively. Overall, the proportion of children not meeting MDD was 44·5 %. Children aged 6–11 months (adjusted risk ratio (ARR)=1·39; 95 % CI 1·31, 1·49), with two siblings (ARR=1·09; 95 % CI 1·02, 1·17), delivered at home (ARR=1·30; 95 % CI 1·20, 1·41), within Yi (ARR=1·15; 95 % CI 1·04, 1·28) or Uighur groups (ARR=1·52; 95 % CI 1·36, 1·71), with an illiterate caregiver (ARR=2·12; 95 % CI 1·52, 2·96), receiving lowest income (ARR=1·32; 95 % CI 1·17, 1·50), and with breast-feeding in the last day (ARR=1·55; 95 % CI 1·44, 1·66) were more likely to have inadequate MDD. Moreover, inadequate MDD was positively associated with stunting (ARR=1·15; 95 % CI 1·01, 1·31). Other determinants for stunting were age, sex, place of delivery, minority group and income. The stunting prevalence and proportion of inadequate MDD remained high in Western China; to reduce stunting rates of ethnic minorities, further efforts addressing appropriate dietary feeding practices are needed, especially within these groups.
Iron, zinc, vitamin A and selenium status in a cohort of Indonesian infants after adjusting for inflammation using several different approaches
Authors: Diana Aly , Haszard Jillian J. , Purnamasari Dwi M. , Nurulazmi Ikrimah , Luftimas Dimas E. , Rahmania Sofa , Nugraha Gaga I. , Erhardt Juergen , Gibson Rosalind S. , Houghton Lisa 
Published: November 2017

AbstractInflammation confounds the interpretation of several micronutrient biomarkers resulting in estimates that may not reflect the true burden of deficiency. We aimed to assess and compare the micronutrient status of a cohort of Indonesian infants (n230) at aged 6, 9 and 12 months by ignoring inflammation (unadjusted) and adjusting four micronutrient biomarkers for inflammation with C-reactive protein (CRP) andα-1-glycoprotein (AGP) using the following methods: (1) arithmetic correction factors with the use of a four-stage inflammation model; and (2) regression modelling. Prevalence of infants with any inflammation (CRP>5 mg/l and/or AGP>1 g/l) was about 25% at each age. Compared with unadjusted values, regression adjustment at 6, 9 and 12 months generated the lowest (P<0·001) geometric mean (GM) for serum ferritin (26·5, 14·7, 10·8 μg/l) and the highest GM for serum retinol-binding protein (0·95, 1·00, 1·01 μmol/l) and Zn (11·8, 11·0, 11·5 μmol/l). As a consequence, at 6, 9 and 12 months regression adjustment yielded the highest prevalence of Fe deficiency (20·3, 37·8, 59·5 %) and the lowest prevalence of vitamin A (26·4,16·6, 17·3 %) and Zn (16·9, 20·6, 11·0 %) deficiency, respectively. For serum Se, irrespective of adjustment, GM were low (regression: 0·73, 0·78, 0·81 μmol/l) with prevalence of deficiency >50 % across all ages. In conclusion, without inflammation adjustment, Fe deficiency was grossly under-estimated and vitamin A and Zn deficiency over-estimated, highlighting the importance of correcting for the influence of such, before implementing programmes to alleviate micronutrient malnutrition. However, further work is needed to validate the proposed approaches with a particular focus on assessing the influence of varying degrees of inflammation (i.e. recurrent acute infections and low-grade chronic inflammation) on each affected nutrient biomarker.
Assessing Hedonic Bias in Emotional Scene Memory
Authors: Bradley Margaret M. , Karlsson Marie , Lang Peter J. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Across studies, memory for emotional events has shown a positivity bias, a negativity bias, and/or an arousal bias, and different types of memory biases have been reported in patients diagnosed with anxiety and mood disorders. Here, we investigated hedonic bias in memory for emotionally evocative scenes in a large sample (n = 625) of healthy young adults, in order to provide normative data on effects of pleasure, arousal, and content on immediate free recall that could facilitate future clinical investigations. Participants first viewed and rated a set of 60 pictures, followed by an unexpected memory test. Across participants, memory data was obtained for 360 different pictures, which served as the unit of analysis. There was neither a systematic positivity nor negativity bias in free recall of emotionally arousing scenes. Rather, memory was enhanced for scenes rated as highly arousing, whether pleasant or unpleasant, with those depicting romantic/sexual love and death/violence remembered equally well, and significantly better than other hedonic contents. Gender differences were not strong. Taken together, these data provide a basic science foundation for assessing hedonic bias in clinical populations.
Modulation of the Neisseria gonorrhoeae drug efflux conduit MtrE
Authors: Tamburrino Giulia , Llabrés Salomé , Vickery Owen N. , Pitt Samantha J. , Zachariae Ulrich 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWidespread antibiotic resistance, especially of Gram-negative bacteria, has become a severe concern for human health. Tripartite efflux pumps are one of the major contributors to resistance in Gram-negative pathogens, by efficiently expelling a broad spectrum of antibiotics from the organism. In Neisseria gonorrhoeae, one of the first bacteria for which pan-resistance has been reported, the most expressed efflux complex is MtrCDE. Here we present the electrophysiological characterisation of the outer membrane component MtrE and the membrane fusion protein MtrC, obtained by a combination of planar lipid bilayer recordings and in silico techniques. Our in vitro results show that MtrE can be regulated by periplasmic binding events and that the interaction between MtrE and MtrC is sufficient to stabilize this complex in an open state. In contrast to other efflux conduits, the open complex only displays a slight preference for cations. The maximum conductance we obtain in the in vitro recordings is comparable to that seen in our computational electrophysiology simulations conducted on the MtrE crystal structure, indicating that this state may reflect a physiologically relevant open conformation of MtrE. Our results suggest that the MtrC/E binding interface is an important modulator of MtrE function, which could potentially be targeted by new efflux inhibitors.
16‐Element circular polarised antenna array based on sequential arrangement of non‐identical disc patches
Authors: Maddio S. , Pelosi G. , Righini M. , Selleri S. 
Published: November 2017

A circular polarised antenna array based on the recursive application of the sequential rotation architecture is presented. The first level sequential arrangement is applied to a set of four non‐identical slightly detuned patches, resulting in a broadband improper array. At the second level, the sequential arrangement is applied to four identical first‐level sub‐arrays, regularising the structure. Experimental validations confirm a gain exceeding 10 dB from 5.35 to 7.25 GHz, with a maximum of 13 dB. Global bandwidth is 30% despite an area of only
Monodispersing Eu3+ and Li+ codoped CaF2 nanoparticles for efficient luminescence
Authors: Fan Ting , Lü Jiantao , Huang Yongfa , Li Guoji 
Published: November 2017

Monodisperse oleic acid (OA) modified Eu3+ and Li+ codoped CaF2 nanoparticles are presented in this work. The as‐obtained nanoparticles, with a hexagonal shape, can be well‐dispersed in organic apolar solvents. The incorporation of Li+ ions in CaF2 :Eu3+ does not lead to new crystalline phases. The main diffraction peaks are found to shift to small angles when codoped with 7 mol% Li+, while a reverse shift can be noted with the codoping amount increasing to 9 mol% Li+, indicating that the codoped Li+ enables the crystal field environment of Eu3+ to be changed. The excitation and luminescence intensities of all peaks indexed to Eu3+ have enhanced apparently when codoped with 7 mol% Li+ ions. The lifetime of the 5 D0 state of Eu3+ ions is also increased by introducing 7 mol% of Li+ ions.
Strain rate and orientation-dependent strain hardening of Mg–9Li–Al using crystal plasticity
Authors: Han M. C. , Sun C. Y. , Shi B. , Guo N. 
Published: November 2017

A crystal plasticity finite element model was proposed considering slip and twinning interactions. The grain morphology and crystallographic orientations were introduced into the model to describe the microstructure of duplex polycrystalline Mg–9Li–Al. The activation of the slip systems and the strain localisation with respect to initial grain orientations were investigated. In addition, the effects of phase distributions and volume fractions on the macroscopic responses and on strain hardening rates were analysed. The results show that the strain hardening is rate-dependent but the texture is less sensitive to strain rate. The distribution of a phase and its volume fraction play primary roles in governing the mechanical response. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Unit-Level Changes in Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infection Before and After Implementation of the Affordable Care Act and Mandatory Reporting Legislation
Authors: Woodward Benjamin C. , Umberger Reba A. 
Published: November 2017

Background:
Central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) prevention efforts have increased over the past decade because of implications of the Affordable Care Act and mandatory reporting laws. These legislative measures allow for reduced reimbursement to hospitals with high level of CLABSIs and other health care–associated infections.

Objective:
The aim of this study was to explore the impact of legislation and mandatory reporting on CLABSI rates and reporting.

Methods:
The study team performed a retrospective review of medical intensive care unit patients in January 2008, 2012, and 2015 to examine changes in CLABSI reporting by 2 methods (International Classification of Diseases [ICD] by providers and Centers for Disease Control by infection prevention [IP]), as well as changes in central line use over time. Data were summarized and compared. Percent agreement and κ statistics were calculated for ICD- and IP-coded CLABSIs.

Results:
Among 465 intensive care unit patients, most were white (89.9%), males (52.0%), aged 58.7 ± 17.1 years. Only 3 new CLABSIs were reported during the study period: 2 by ICD and IP in 2008, 1 by ICD in 2012, and 0 by either method in 2015. The percent agreement (99.6%) and κ (0.799) represent excellent agreement. Central line usage was similar for each time period.

Discussion:
The number of CLABSIs decreased over time; however, the findings were limited, and a larger sample over a longer period is needed to draw conclusions about the influence of legislative changes. One discrepancy was observed between the 2 reporting methods, which is consistent with other studies. More research is needed to understand the complexity of provider coding practices and changes in central line use (eg, duration, type, location) over time.
Critical-Care Nurses’ Pain Experiences and the Prognostic Factors
Authors: Çelik Sevim , Taşdemir Nurten , Öksüzoğlu Ayşe , Dirimeşe Elif , Koçaşli Sema 
Published: November 2017

Objective:
The objective of this study was to determine the emergence of pain in critical-care nurses and the prognostic risk factors.

Design:
This study is a cross-sectional descriptive research.

Setting and Subjects:
This study was conducted with the participation of 111 critical-care nurses in Zonguldak province, Turkey.

Interventions:
The data were collected using a survey form and the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire between August and November 2015. The data were evaluated using frequency, average, Pearson correlation analysis, χ
2, logistic regression, and odds ratio tests.

Results:
The critical-care nurses were found to experience pain mostly in their lower backs (88.3%), upper backs (77.5%), right (76.6%) and left (78.4%) feet, necks (73.9%), and most infrequently in the right (28.8%) and left (28.8%) lower arms. Changing bed linens while the patient remained in bed and lifting, pulling, or pushing heavy materials caused those nurses who felt despondent and tired to feel significant pain in the shoulder, neck, upper arm, wrist, and knee (P < .05).

Conclusions:
These results were significant for placing emphasis on maintaining body mechanics while caring for patients, providing appropriate environmental conditions, and ensuring ergonomics to preserve the health of critical-care nurses who work in hospitals.
Risk Factors for Admission and Prolonged Length of Stay in Pediatric Isolated Skull Fractures
Authors: Williams Daniel C. , Selassie Anbesaw W. , Russell William S. , Borg Keith T. , Basco William T. 
Published: November 2017

Objectives
This study aimed to assess management of pediatric isolated skull fracture (ISF) patients by determining frequency of admission and describing characteristics associated with patients admitted for observation compared with patients discharged directly from the emergency department (ED) and those requiring a prolonged hospitalization.

Methods
We evaluated children younger than 5 years who presented with ISF using the South Carolina Traumatic Brain Injury Surveillance and Registry System data from 2001 to 2011. Outcomes analyzed included discharged from ED, admitted for less than 24 hours, and admitted for more than 24 hours (prolonged hospitalization). Bivariate analyses and a polytomous logistic regression model identified factors associated with patient disposition.

Results
Five hundred twenty-seven patients met the study criteria (ED discharge = 283 [53%]; inpatient <24 hours = 156 [29%]; inpatient >24 hours = 88 [18%]). The mean length of stay for admissions was 1.9 (SD, 1.5) days. In the regression model, ED discharges had greater odds of presenting to levels 2 to 3 hospitals (level 2: odds ratio [OR], 6.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.66–10.39; level 3: OR, 30.98; 95% CI, 10.92–87.91) and lower odds of a high poverty status (OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.10–0.40). Prolonged hospitalizations had greater odds of concomitant injuries (OR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.12–4.36).

Conclusions
Admission after ISF is high despite a low risk of deterioration. High-poverty patients presenting to high-acuity medical centers are more commonly admitted for observation. Only presence of concomitant injuries was clinically predictive of prolonged hospitalization. The ability to better stratify risk after pediatric ISF would help providers make more informed decisions regarding ED disposition.
Increasing Authenticity of Simulation-Based Assessment in Diagnostic Radiology
Authors: van der Gijp Anouk , Ravesloot Cécile J. , Tipker Corinne A. , de Crom Kim , Rutgers Dik R. , van der Schaaf Marieke F. , van der Schaaf Irene C. , Mol Christian P. , Vincken Koen L. , ten Cate Olle Th.J. , Maas Mario , van Schaik Jan P.J. 
Published: November 2017

Introduction
Clinical reasoning in diagnostic imaging professions is a complex skill that requires processing of visual information and image manipulation skills. We developed a digital simulation-based test method to increase authenticity of image interpretation skill assessment.

Methods
A digital application, allowing volumetric image viewing and manipulation, was used for three test administrations of the national Dutch Radiology Progress Test for residents. This study describes the development and implementation process in three phases. To assess authenticity of the digital tests, perceived image quality and correspondence to clinical practice were evaluated and compared with previous paper-based tests (PTs). Quantitative and qualitative evaluation results were used to improve subsequent tests.

Results
Authenticity of the first digital test was not rated higher than the PTs. Test characteristics and environmental conditions, such as image manipulation options and ambient lighting, were optimized based on participants’ comments. After adjustments in the third digital test, participants favored the image quality and clinical correspondence of the digital image questions over paper-based image questions.

Conclusions
Digital simulations can increase authenticity of diagnostic radiology assessments compared with paper-based testing. However, authenticity does not necessarily increase with higher fidelity. It can be challenging to simulate the image interpretation task of clinical practice in a large-scale assessment setting, because of technological limitations. Optimizing image manipulation options, the level of ambient light, time limits, and question types can help improve authenticity of simulation-based radiology assessments.
Inhibition of the Platelet-activating factor receptor for the treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?
Authors: Briones Marcelo R. S. , Snyder Amanda M. , Neely Elizabeth B. , Connor James R. , Broach James R. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCerebrospinal Fluids (CSF) of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients have increased levels of the inflammatory cytokine IL-18. Because IL-18 is produced by dendritic cells stimulated by the Platelet-activating factor (PAF), a major neuroinflammatory mediator, it is expected that PAF is involved in ALS. Pilot experimental data on amplification of PAF receptor (PAFR) mRNA by RT-PCR show that PAFR is overexpressed, as compared to age matched controls, in the spinal cords of transgenic ALS mouse model SOD1-G93A, suggesting PAF mediation. Although anti-inflammatory drugs have been tested for ALS before, no clinical trial has been conducted using PAFR specific inhibitors. Therefore, we hypothesize that administration of PAFR inhibitors, such as Ginkgolide B, PCA 4248 and WEB 2086, have potential to function as a novel therapy for ALS, particularly in SOD1 familial ALS forms. Because currently there are only two approved drugs with modest effectiveness for ALS therapy, a search for novel drugs and targets is essential.
The MALDI TOF E2/E3 ligase assay as an universal tool for drug discovery in the ubiquitin pathway
Authors: De Cesare Virginia , Johnson Clare , Barlow Victoria , Hastie James , Knebel Axel , Trost Matthias 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn many diseases, components of the ubiquitin system - such as E2/E3 ligases and deubiquitylases - are dysregulated. The ubiquitin system has therefore become an emergent target for the treatment of a number of diseases, including cancer, neurodegeneration and autoimmunity. Despite of the efforts in this field, primary screenings of compound libraries to individuate new potential therapeutic molecules targeting the ubiquitin pathway have been strongly limited by the lack of robust and fast high-throughput assays. Here we report the first label-free high-throughput screening (HTS) assay for ubiquitin E2 conjugating enzymes and E3 ligases based on Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight (MALDI TOF) mass spectrometry. The MALDI TOF E2/E3 assay allows us to test E2 conjugating enzymes and E3 ligases for their ubiquitin transfer activity, to identify E2/E3 active pairs, inhibitor potency and specificity and to screen compound librariesin vitrowithout synthesis of chemical or fluorescent probes. We demonstrate that the MALDI TOF E2/E3 assay is a universal tool for drug discovery screening in the ubiquitin pathway as it is suitable for working with all E3 ligase families and requires a reduced amount of reagents, compared to standard biochemical assays.