bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IL‐12B and IL‐10 gene polymorphisms in the development of Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Authors: Gerenova J. , Stanilova S. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryFunctional genetic polymorphisms that altered gene expression of cytokines are candidate genetic factors that could modulate the development and progression of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). IL‐12B gene encoded the IL‐12p40 subunit, which is included in the pro‐inflammatory heterodimeric cytokines IL‐12p70 and IL‐23. IL‐10 is an important Treg cytokine suppressing inflammatory cytokine production and autoimmunity. This study was designed to compare −1082A/GIL‐10 and +1188A/C3′UTRIL‐12B genotype distribution in 130 patients with HT to a group of 157 healthy controls in attempts to determine an association with HT development. Genotyping for the 3′UTRA/C IL‐12B polymorphism was performed using RFLP‐PCR and genotyping for −1082A/G IL‐10 by ARMS‐PCR assay. Patients with HT were divided into euthyroid and hypothyroid stages. There were no significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of the IL‐12B polymorphism between patients with HT and controls. We observed higher euthyroid HT risk for individuals with CC genotype, unlike to develop hypothyroidism with OR = 1.68. Regarding the polymorphism rs1800896, it was shown the significantly higher frequency of homozygous genotype GG in cases vs controls (OR = 2.19; P = 0.024). Moreover, the combination of genotype AA of 3′UTRIL‐12B with GG of −1082IL‐10 was associated with a threefold increasing risk (OR = 3.188; P = 0.022) of developing HT compared to individuals with the presence of 3′UTR allele C (AC+CC) simultaneously with AA genotype of −1082IL‐10. Our data raise the possibility that the combined effect of polymorphisms from proinflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines may be more decisive to HT development.
The perceived value of clinical pharmacy service provision by pharmacists and physicians: an initial assessment of family medicine and internal medicine providers
Authors: Wietholter Jon P , Ponte Charles D , Long Dustin M 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundFew publications have addressed the perceptions of pharmacists and physicians regarding the value of clinical pharmacist services. A survey-based study was conducted to determine whether Internal Medicine (IM) and Family Medicine (FM) pharmacists and physicians differed in their attitudes regarding the benefits of collaboration in an acute care setting.ObjectivesThe primary objective was to evaluate perceived differences regarding self-assessment of value between IM and FM pharmacists. The secondary objective was to evaluate perceived differences of clinical pharmacist benefit between IM and FM physicians.MethodsAn eight-item questionnaire assessed the attitudes and beliefs of pharmacists and physicians regarding the value of clinical pharmacy services. Surveys were emailed and participants marked their responses using a 7-point Likert scale for each item. Demographic data and overall comments were collected from each participant.Key findingsOverall, 167 surveys were completed. When comparing cumulative physician and pharmacist responses, none of the eight questions showed significant differences. Statistically significant differences were noted when comparing IM and FM clinical pharmacists on five of the eight survey items; for each of these items, FM pharmacists had more favourable perceptions than their IM counterparts. No statistically significant differences were noted when comparing responses of IM and FM physicians.ConclusionsThis study found that FM pharmacists perceived a greater benefit regarding participation in inpatient acute care rounds when compared to their IM pharmacist counterparts. Future studies are necessary to determine if other medical specialties’ perceptions of clinical pharmacy provision differ from our findings and to evaluate the rationale behind specific attitudes and behaviours.
Identification and characterization of microRNAs in the screwworm flies Cochliomyia hominivorax and Cochliomyia macellaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
Authors: Paulo D. F. , Azeredo‐Espin A. M. L. , Canesin L. E. C. , Vicentini R. , Junqueira A. C. M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that modulate gene expression through post‐transcriptional regulation. Here, we report the identification and characterization of miRNAs in two closely related screwworm flies with different feeding habits: Cochliomyia hominivorax and Cochliomyia macellaria. The New World screwworm, C. hominivorax, is an obligatory parasite of warm‐blooded vertebrates, whereas the secondary screwworm, C. macellaria, is a free‐living organism that feeds on decaying organic matter. Here, the small RNA transcriptomes of adults and third‐instar larvae of both species were sequenced. A total of 110 evolutionarily conserved miRNAs were identified, and 10 putative precursor miRNAs (pre‐miRNAs) were predicted. The relative expression of six selected miRNAs was further investigated, including miRNAs that are related to reproduction and neural processes in other insects. Mature miRNAs were also characterized across an evolutionary time scale, suggesting that the majority of them have been conserved since the emergence of the Arthropoda [540 million years ago (Ma)], Hexapoda (488 Ma) and Brachycera (195 Ma) lineages. This study is the first report of miRNAs for screwworm flies. We also performed a comparative analysis with the hereby predicted miRNAs from the sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina. The results presented may advance our understanding of parasitic habits within Calliphoridae and assist further functional studies in blowflies.
Local structure of network modifier to network former ions in soda‐lime alumino‐borosilicate glasses
Authors: Ha Ming‐Tai , Garofalini Stephen H. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe structure of soda‐lime alumino‐borosilicate glass was studied using molecular dynamics simulations of samples of varying compositions containing ~20 000 atoms each. Pair distribution functions (PDFs) of cations to oxygen were used for comparison to available experimental data to evaluate consistency between simulations and experiment. Additional PDFs and coordination of the network forming cations (Al/B/Si) to network modifiers (Ca/Na) were examined, which is difficult to measure experimentally. The results are consistent with available experimental data regarding cation‐oxygen bond lengths and network former to oxygen coordination numbers. Si and Al are predominantly 4‐coordinated, with a small concentration of overcoordinated species similar to experimental data. B varied as 3‐coordinated, BO3, and 4‐coordinated, BO4, as a function of the amount of Ca2+ and Na+ present, the ratio of Al2O3 to B2O3, and the fictive temperature of the sample, similar to experimental data. The simulations provide new information regarding the locations on the network modifiers to the +3 cations, Al and B. For instance, one Al ion can have multiple Na within 4 Å, but also the Na can be within 4 Å of several +3 cations. Such results would indicate a greater complexity of local structure that goes beyond the stoichiometric one +1 modifier ion near one +3 network former or one +2 modifier near two +3 formers in tetrahedral sites.
A one‐step way to novel carbon‐niobium nitride nanoparticles for efficient oxygen reduction
Authors: Lin Sen , Bi Ke , Pan Xiaolong , Hao Yanan , Du Yinxiao , Liu Jun , Fan Dongyu , Wang Yonggang , Lei Ming 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn recent years, researchers have been exploring various Pt‐free electrocatalysts to optimize the performance of regenerative fuel cell and rechargeable metal‐air battery. However, similar studies in ceramic fields are still stalled. In this work, as an efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalyst, carbon‐niobium nitride (C‐NbN) nanostructure was successfully synthesized via a facile solid phase method. Microstructure characteristic analysis include SEM, TEM and element mapping spectra visually demonstrated C‐NbN nanoparticles, and its unique carbon coating layer. Moreover, the state of the carbon layer of C‐NbN was investigated by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman scattering spectrum, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). After a series of electrochemical tests, it was found that such a novel carbon layer play two important roles in the ORR, leading to superior ORR performance (with 0.9 V onset potential, vs RHE) and outstanding durability (retained 97.02% of initial current for a duration of 10 000 second chronoamperometry test and excellent methanol tolerance) of C‐NbN catalyst. This method might could be implemented in the synthesis of other carbon‐transition nitride ceramics to enhance their ORR performance.
Integrated ultrafiltration process for the recovery of bromelain from pineapple waste mixture
Authors: Nor M. Z. M. , Ramchandran L. , Duke M. , Vasiljevic T. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe two‐stage ultrafiltration (UF) process was recently successfully applied to purify bromelain from pineapple crude waste mixture (CWM); however, further process improvements were required. Effects of manipulating transmembrane pressure (TMP) and cross‐flow velocity (ʋ) on the flux profile, enzyme recovery and enzyme purity were investigated at TMP of 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 bar and ʋ of 0.16, 0.24, or 0.30 m/s. High TMP and ʋ resulted in high flux in both UF stages. Performing the process at the highest TMP and ʋ of 2.0 bar and 0.30 m/s, respectively, yielded the highest enzyme recovery in UF stage 1 (76.9%), but the lowest purity fold in UF stage 2 (1.4‐fold). The effects were inverted at reduced TMP and ʋ conditions. For appropriate flux and enzyme separation effectiveness, the process should be conducted at 2.0 bar and 0.30 m/s in UF stage 1, and 1.5 bar and 0.24 m/s in UF stage 2.Practical applicationsAn efficient purification technique is needed for bromelain production in order to improve the quality of purified enzyme as well as to reduce the overall processing cost. Thus, a developed membrane‐based process has been further improved for bromelain purification in effort to establish process feasibility, practicality and effectiveness. In‐depth deliberation on the effect of selected processing conditions (TMP and ʋ) on membrane performance and bromelain separation in a two‐stage UF process system has been presented in this work. It provides insight into the flux performance, fouling formation as well enzyme separation during the membrane process. Hence, the best processing conditions can be selected, which would bring to and even lower cost system suitable for large‐scale bromelain production.
MW‐MTM: A mobile wireless monitoring and traceability management system for water‐free live transport of aquatic products
Authors: Zhang Yongjun , Fu Zetian , Xiao Xinqing , Zhang Xiaoshuan , Li Daoliang 
Published: October 2016

AbstractLow temperature water‐free keep live transport is a new method for transportation of aquatic products. The fish or other aquatic products will be suspended animation of the dormant state, by the appropriate gradient cooling of in their corresponding ecological ice temperature zone, to reduce respiration and metabolism to improve the survival rates. The article developed a mobile wireless monitoring and traceability management system to acquire micro‐ambient gas, humidity, and temperature intelligently in logistics and control them automatically to release transport stress, guarantee the keep alive rates and meat quality of aquatic products. Finally, through test of live Chinese sturgeon water‐free keep live transport under the management of MW‐MTM system, the survival rate was increased by 5% to reach 99.5% after using this system, reduced the labor force 10% and visualized the traceability of transportation based on Baidu map system.Practical applicationsAquatic products water‐free live transport in ecological ice temperature zone by the appropriate gradient cooling, to make aquatic products in suspended animation in the dormant state, reduce respiration, and metabolism to improve the survival rate. Through the implementation of the monitoring online metabolic gas and controlling of temperature, humidity of cold chain so as to control and trace the quality of the live transport. Those applications of live fish transport provided the theoretical basis for the tracing and optimization of cold chain logistics for live aquatic products.
Geochronological challenges posed by continuously developing tectonometamorphic systems: insights from Rb–Sr mica ages from the Cycladic Blueschist Belt, Syros (Greece)
Authors: Cliff R. A. , Bond C. E. , Butler R. W. H. , Dixon J. E. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIs metamorphism and its causative tectonics best viewed as a series of punctuated events or as a continuum? This question is addressed through examination of the timing of exhumation of the Cycladic Blueschist Belt (CBB). The cause of scatter beyond analytical error in Rb–Sr geochronology was investigated using a suite of 39 phengite samples. Rb–Sr ages have been measured on phengite microsamples drilled from specific microstructures in thin sections of calcschists and metabasites from the CBB on Syros. The majority are from samples that have well‐preserved blueschist facies mineral assemblages with limited greenschist facies overprint. The peak metamorphic temperatures involved are below the closure temperature for white mica so that crystallization ages are expected to be preserved. This is supported by the coexistence of different ages in microstructures of different relative age; in one sample phengite from the dominant extensional blueschist facies fabric preserves an age of 35 Ma while post‐tectonic mica, millimetres away, has an age of 26 Ma. The results suggest that micro‐sampling techniques linked to detailed microstructural analysis are critical to understanding the timing and duration of deformation in tectonometamorphic systems. North of the Serpentinite Belt in northern Syros, phengite Rb–Sr ages are generally between 53 and 46 Ma, comparable to previous dates from this area. South of the Serpentinite Belt phengite in blueschist facies assemblages associated with extensional fabrics linked to exhumation have ages that range from 42 Ma down to c. 30 Ma indicating that extensional deformation while still under blueschist facies conditions continued until 30 Ma. No age measurements on samples with unambiguous evidence of deformation under greenschist facies conditions were made; two rocks with greenschist facies assemblages gave phengite ages that overlap with the younger blueschist samples, suggesting blueschist facies phengite is preserved in these rocks. Two samples yielded ages below 27 Ma; one is from a post‐tectonic microstructure, the other from a greenschist in which the fabric developed during earlier blueschist facies conditions. These ages are consistent with previous evidence of greenschist facies conditions from c. 25 Ma onwards. The data are consistent with a model of deformation that is continuous on a regional scale.
REGIONAL TECHNOLOGICAL DYNAMISM AND NONCOMPETE CLAUSES: EVIDENCE FROM A NATURAL EXPERIMENT
Authors: Berger Thor , Frey Carl Benedikt 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we examine the causal impact of enforceable covenants not to compete (CNCs) on labor market matching and the technological dynamism of regions. Exploiting the fact that the Michigan Antitrust Reform Act (MARA) of 1985 inadvertently repealed Michigan' s prohibition on CNC enforcement, we show that technical professionals in Michigan became increasingly likely to switch industry relative to similar workers in other U.S. states after prohibition. Workers switching industries after the introduction of MARA also earned lower wages, implying that they shifted into technical fields where their skills from previous employment were less productive. Estimates further show that the technological dynamism of Michigan declined in tandem, as fewer workers shifted into new types of jobs associated with recent technological advances. These findings are consistent with the view that skilled professionals that are subject to CNCs are more likely to leave their field of work postemployment to avoid lawsuits.
Development of hemiacetal esterified levofloxacin to prevent chelation with metal-containing drugs
Authors: Otori Toru , Matzno Sumio , Kawase Atushi , Iwaki Masahiro , Kimachi Tetsutaro , Nishiwaki Keiji , Figoni William C , Tominaga Ryuta , Asahide Mai , Nishikata Mayumi , Ishii Yoshikazu , Matsuyama Kenji 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Objectives
To avoid the chelate formation between levofloxacin (LVFX) and aluminium hydroxide in gastrointestinal tract, an ethoxycarbonyl 1-ethyl hemiacetal ester of levofloxacin (LVFX-EHE) was synthesised as a prodrug.

Methods
The effects of aluminium hydroxide on the bioavailability of LVFX following oral administration of LVFX-EHE were investigated in rats. Furthermore, the effects of aluminium hydroxide on small intestinal absorption of LVFX and LVFX-EHE when subjected to a hydrolysis experiment using in situ everted gut sac were investigated, and the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of LVFX and LVFX-EHE for various intestinal bacteria were measured.

Key findings
When LVFX-EHE was co-administered with and without aluminium hydroxide, the AUC0–4 h values of LVFX hydrolysed from LVFX-EHE were similar to that of LVFX alone. In everted gut sac experiments, LVFX-EHE was efficiently absorbed even in the presence of aluminium ions after 1 h of incubation, whereas the absorption of LVFX decreased significantly in the presence of aluminium ions. MIC values of LVFX-EHE were far higher than LVFX.

Conclusions
This study suggests the benefit of ethoxycarbonyl 1-ethyl hemiacetal esterification of the carboxyl group of new quinolone as a prodrug which is able to avoid chelate formation.
Metformin confers risk reduction for developing hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver resection
Authors: Chan Kun‐Ming , Kuo Chang‐Fu , Hsu Jun‐Te , Chiou Meng‐Jiun , Wang Yu‐Chao , Wu Tsung‐Han , Lee Chen‐Fang , Wu Ting‐Jung , Chou Hong‐Shiue , Lee Wei‐Chen 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma recurrence following liver resection remains a great concern. The study aims to examine the chemopreventive effect of metformin in patients undergoing liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma from a population‐based study.MethodsAll patients registered as having hepatocellular carcinoma between January 1995 and December 2011 in a nationwide database were retrospectively analysed. Outcomes related to liver resection and the presence of diabetes mellitus were assessed. Prognosis in terms of the use of metformin was further explored, in which only patients in the long‐term follow‐up starting at 2 years were included for analysis.ResultsPatients with diabetes mellitus had a significantly poorer outcome than patients without diabetes mellitus. Among diabetes mellitus patients, metformin users had significantly better survival curves in both recurrence‐free survival (P<.0001) and overall survival (P<.0001) after liver resection. The hazard ratio of metformin use in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with diabetes mellitus was 0.65 (P<.05, 95% CI=0.60‐0.72) for hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence and 0.79 (P<.05, 95% CI=0.72‐0.88) for overall survival after liver resection. The risk reduction in hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver resection was significantly associated with a dose/duration dependent of accumulated metformin usage.ConclusionDiabetes mellitus has an adverse effect on patients with hepatocellular carcinoma regardless of treatment modality. The use of metformin significantly reduces the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence and improves the overall outcome of patients after liver resection if patients survives the initial 2 years. Nonetheless, a prospective controlled study is recommended for validating the metformin use on preventing postoperative hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence.
Survival by genotype: patterns at Mc1r are not black and white at the White Sands ecotone
Authors: Des Roches S. , Sollmann R. , Calhoun K. , Rothstein A. P. , Rosenblum E. B. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMeasuring links among genotype, phenotype and survival in the wild has long been a focus of studies of adaptation. We conducted a 4‐year capture–recapture study to measure survival by genotype and phenotype in the Southwestern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus cowlesi) at the White Sands ecotone (transition area between white sands and dark soil habitats). We report several unanticipated findings. First, in contrast with previous work showing that cryptic blanched coloration in S. cowlesi from the heart of the dunes is associated with mutations in the melanocortin‐1 receptor gene (Mc1r), ecotonal S. cowlesi showed minimal association between colour phenotype and Mc1r genotype. Second, the frequency of the derived Mc1r allele in ecotonal S. cowlesi appeared to decrease over time. Third, our capture–recapture data revealed a lower survival rate for S. cowlesi individuals with the derived Mc1r allele. Thus, our results suggest that selection at the ecotone may have favoured the wild‐type allele in recent years. Even in a system where a genotype–phenotype association appeared to be black and white, our study suggests that additional factors – including phenotypic plasticity, epistasis, pleiotropy and gene flow – may play important roles at the White Sands ecotone. Our study highlights the importance of linking molecular, genomic and organismal approaches for understanding adaptation in the wild. Furthermore, our findings indicate that dynamics of natural selection can be particularly complex in transitional habitats like ecotones and emphasize the need for future research that examines the patterns of ongoing selection in other ecological ‘grey’ zones.
Parasite genetic distance and local adaptation in co‐evolving bacteria–bacteriophage populations
Authors: Scanlan Pauline D. , Hall Alex R. , Buckling Angus 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAntagonistic co‐evolution between hosts and parasites can lead to local adaptation (LA) such that parasite fitness is greatest in sympatric hosts (or vice versa). The magnitude of LA typically increases with geographical distance, which is assumed to be because genetic (and hence phenotypic) distance increases with geographical distance. Here, we explicitly test the relationships between parasite genetic and phenotypic distance and LA using isolates of co‐evolved viral parasites (lytic bacteriophage ϕ2) and the host bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25. We find positive relationships between parasite genotype and infectivity phenotype, but the strength of the relationship was greater when infectivity was defined by the identity of hosts that could be infected rather than the actual number of hosts infected (host range), and when measurements were compared within rather than among populations. Crucially, we find a monotonic relationship between LA and genetic distance across phage isolates from different populations, although in contrast to many geographical studies, parasite LA decreased with genetic distance. These results can be explained by the fact that bacteria can rapidly adapt to phage infectivity mutations, but that evolved resistance has a degree of specificity to the local phage population. Our results show that antagonistic co‐evolution alone can result in predictable links between genetic distance and host–parasite local adaptation.