bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toxicity of single‐wall carbon nanotubes functionalized with polyethylene glycol in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos
Authors: Girardi Felipe A. , Bruch Gisele E. , Peixoto Carolina S. , Dal Bosco Lidiane , Sahoo Sangram K. , Gonçalves Carla O. F. , Santos Adelina P. , Furtado Clascídia A. , Fantini Cristiano , Barros Daniela M. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractSingle‐wall carbon nanotubes functionalized with polyethylene glycol (SWCNT‐PEG) are promising materials for biomedical applications such as diagnostic devices and controlled drug‐release systems. However, several questions about their toxicological profile remain unanswered. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the action of SWCNT‐PEG in Danio rerio zebrafish embryos at the molecular, physiological and morphological levels. The SWCNT used in this study were synthesized by the high‐pressure carbon monoxide process, purified and then functionalized with distearoyl phosphatidylethanolamine block copolymer‐PEG (molecular weight 2 kDa). The characterization process was carried out with low‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and Raman spectroscopy. Individual zebrafish embryos were exposed to the SWCNT‐PEG. Toxic effects occurred only at the highest concentration tested (1 ppm) and included high mortality rates, delayed hatching and decreased total larval length. For all the concentrations tested, the alkaline comet assay revealed no genotoxicity, and Raman spectroscopy measurements on the histological slices revealed no intracellular nanotubes. The results shown here demonstrate that SWCNT‐PEG has low toxicity in zebrafish embryos, but more studies are needed to understand what mechanisms are involved. However, the presence of residual metals is possibly among the primary mechanisms responsible for the toxic effects observed, because the purification process was not able to remove all metal contamination, as demonstrated by the thermogravimetric analysis. More attention must be given to the toxicity of these nanomaterials before they are used in biomedical applications. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urinary N-telopeptide and Rate of Bone Loss Over the Menopause Transition and Early Postmenopause
Authors: Shieh Albert , Ishii Shinya , Greendale Gail A , Cauley Jane A , Lo Joan C , Karlamangla Arun S 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of urinary N-telopeptide (U-NTX) to gauge rate of bone loss across and after the menopause transition (MT). U-NTX measurement was measured in early postmenopause in 604 participants from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN). We examined the association between U-NTX and annualized rates of decline in lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) across the MT (1 year before the final menstrual period [FMP] to time of U-NTX measurement), after the MT (from time of U-NTX measurement to 2 to 4 years later), and over the combined period (from 1 year before FMP to 2 to 4 years after U-NTX measurement). Adjusted for covariates in multivariable linear regression, every standard deviation (SD) increase in U-NTX was associated with 0.6% and 0.4% per year faster declines in lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD across the MT; and 0.3% (lumbar spine) and 0.2% (femoral neck) per year faster declines over the combined period (across and after the MT) (all p &lt; 0.01). Each SD increase in U-NTX was also associated with 44% and 50% greater risk of fast bone loss in the lumbar spine (defined as BMD decline in the fastest 16% of the distribution) across the MT (p &lt; 0.001, c-statistic = 0.80) and over the combined period (across and after the MT) (p = 0.001, c-statistic = 0.80), respectively. U-NTX measured in early postmenopause is most strongly associated with rates of bone loss across the MT, and may aid early identification of women who have experienced fast bone loss during this critical period. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Coadministration of Rifampin Significantly Reduces Odanacatib Concentrations in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Stoch S. Aubrey , Ballard Jeanine , Gibson Christopher , Kesisoglou Filippos , Witter Rose , Kassahun Kelem , Zajic Stefan , Mehta Anish , Brandquist Christine , Dempsey Cynthia , Stypinski Daria , Reitman Marc L. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThis open‐label 2‐period study assessed the effect of multiple‐dose administration of rifampin, a strong cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) and P‐glycoprotein inducer, on the pharmacokinetics of odanacatib, a cathepsin K inhibitor. In period 1, 12 healthy male subjects (mean age, 30 years) received a single dose of odanacatib 50 mg on day 1, followed by a 28‐day washout. In period 2, subjects received rifampin 600 mg/day for 28 days; odanacatib 50 mg was coadministered on day 14. Blood samples for odanacatib pharmacokinetics were collected at predose and on day 1 of period 1 and day 14 of period 2. Coadministration of odanacatib and rifampin significantly reduced odanacatib exposure. The odanacatib AUC0–∞ geometric mean ratio (90% confidence interval) of odanacatib + rifampin/odanacatib alone was 0.13 (0.11–0.16). The harmonic mean ± jackknife standard deviation apparent terminal half‐life (t½) was 71.6 ± 10.2 hours for odanacatib alone and 16.0 ± 3.4 hours for odanacatib + rifampin, indicating greater odanacatib clearance following coadministration with rifampin. Samples were collected in period 2 during rifampin dosing (days 1, 14, and 28) and after rifampin discontinuation (days 35, 42, and 56) to evaluate the ratio of plasma 4β‐hydroxycholesterol to total serum cholesterol as a CYP3A4 induction biomarker; the ratio increased ∼5‐fold over 28 days of daily dosing with 600 mg rifampin, demonstrating sensitivity to CYP3A4 induction.
Extreme Performance and Functional Robustness of Movement are Linked to Muscle Architecture: Comparing Elastic and Nonelastic Feeding Movements in Salamanders
Authors: Scales Jeffrey A. , Stinson Charlotte M. , Deban Stephen M. 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTMuscle‐powered movements are limited by the contractile properties of muscles and are sensitive to temperature changes. Elastic‐recoil mechanisms can both increase performance and mitigate the effects of temperature on performance. Here, we compare feeding movements in two species of plethodontid salamanders,Bolitoglossa frankliniandDesmognathus quadramaculatus, across a range of body temperatures (5–25°C) to better understand the mechanism of elastically powered, thermally robust movements.Bolitoglossaexhibited ballistic, elastically powered tongue projection with a maximum muscle mass specific power of 4,642 W kg−1whileDesmognathusdemonstrated nonballistic, muscle‐powered tongue projection with a maximum power of 359 W kg−1. Tongue‐projection performance inBolitoglossawas more thermally robust than that ofDesmognathus, especially below 15°C. The improved performance and thermal robustness ofBolitoglossawas associated with morphological changes in the projector muscle, including elaborated collagen aponeuroses and the absence of myofibers attaching directly to the tongue skeleton. The elongated aponeuroses likely increase the capacity for elastic energy storage, and the lack of myofibers inserting on the tongue skeleton permits ballistic projection. These results suggest that relatively simple changes in myofiber architecture and the amount of connective tissue can improve the performance and functional robustness of movements in the face of environmental challenges such as variable temperature.
Timing of Maternal Immunization Affects Immunological and Behavioral Outcomes of Adult Offspring in Siberian Hamsters (Phodopus sungorus)
Authors: French Susannah S. , Chester Emily M. , Demas Gregory E. 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTMaternal influences are an important contributing factor to offspring survival, development, and behavior. Common environmental pathogens can induce maternal immune responses and affect subsequent development of offspring. There are likely sensitive periods during pregnancy when animals are particularly vulnerable to environmental disruption. Here we characterize the effects of maternal immunization across pregnancy and postpartum on offspring physiology and behavior in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus). Hamsters were injected with the antigen keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) (1) prior to pairing with a male (premating), (2) at separation (postmating), (3) at midpregnancy, or (4) after birth (lactation). Maternal food intake, body mass, and immunity were monitored throughout gestation, and litters were measured weekly for growth until adulthood when social behavior, hormone concentrations, and immune responses were determined. We found that immunizations altered maternal immunity throughout pregnancy and lactation. The effects of maternal treatment differed between male and female offspring. Aggressive behavior was enhanced in offspring of both sexes born to mothers treated postmating and thus early in pregnancy relative to other stages. In contrast, maternal treatment and maternal stage differentially affected innate immunity in males and females. Offspring cortisol, however, was unaffected by maternal treatment. Collectively, these data demonstrate that maternal immunization affects offspring physiology and behavior in a time‐dependent and sex‐specific manner. More broadly, these findings contribute to our understanding of the effects of maternal immune activation, whether it be from environmental exposure or immunization, on immunological and behavioral responses of offspring.
Personal need for structure as a boundary condition for humor in leadership
Authors: Pundt Alexander , Venz Laura 
Published: June 2016

SummaryRecent research has established a positive relationship between humor in leadership and organizational behavior variables. However, neither the mechanisms nor the boundary conditions of the positive effects of humor in leadership are completely understood. In this study, we contribute to these questions by investigating the relationship between humor in leadership and follower commitment and burnout in more detail. We propose that these relationships unfold via a relational process and specified this relational process in terms of leader–member exchange. Moreover, we assume that these relationships depend on followers' personal need for structure. We tested the hypothesized moderated‐mediation model in a two‐wave survey study with 142 employees. Our results support the proposed model. We found the predicted indirect effect of humor on commitment and disengagement to be stronger for followers low in need for structure. However, we did not find the proposed effects for emotional exhaustion. We discuss implications for leadership theory, humor theory, and for leadership training and practice. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of visco‐elastic properties of conditioned wheat kernels and their doughs using a compression test under small strain
Authors: Ponce‐García Néstor , Ramírez‐Wong Benjamín , Torres‐Chávez Patricia I , Figueroa‐Cárdenas Juan de Dios , Serna‐Saldívar Sergio O , Cortez‐Rocha Mario O , Escalante‐Aburto Anayansi 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe aim of this research was to evaluate the visco‐elastic properties of conditioned wheat kernels and their doughs by applying the compression test under a small strain. Conditioned wheat kernels and their doughs, from soft and hard wheat classes were evaluated for total work (Wt), elastic work (We) and plastic work (Wp).RESULTSSoft wheat kernels showed lower We than Wp, while the hard wheat kernels had a We that was higher than Wp. Regarding dough visco‐elasticity, cultivars from soft and hard wheat showed higher Wp than We. The degree of elasticity (DE%) of the conditioned wheat kernel related to its dough decreased ∼46% in both wheat classes. The Wt, We and Wp from the soft wheat kernel and dough correlated with physico‐chemical and farinographic flour tests. The Wt, Wp and the maximum compression force (Fmax) of the dough from hard wheat class presented highly significant negative correlations with wet gluten.CONCLUSIONThe visco‐elasticity parameters from compression test presented significant differences among conditioned wheat classes and their doughs. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimal pretreatment determination of kiwifruit drying via online monitoring
Authors: Nadian Mohammad Hossein , Abbaspour‐Fard Mohammad Hossein , Sadrnia Hassan , Golzarian Mahmood Reza , Tabasizadeh Mohammad 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDPre‐treating is a crucial stage of drying process. The best pretreatment for hot air drying of kiwifruit was investigated using a computer vision system (CVS), for online monitoring of drying attributes including drying time, colour changes and shrinkage, as decision criteria and using clustering method. Slices were dried at 70 °C with hot water blanching (HWB), steam blanching (SB), infrared blanching (IR) and acid ascorbic 1% w/w (AA) as pretreatments each with three durations of 5, 10 and 15 min.RESULTSThe results showed that the cells in HWB‐pretreated samples stretched without any cell wall rupture, while the highest damage was observed in AA‐pretreated kiwifruit microstructure. Increasing duration of AA and HWB significantly lengthened the drying time while SB showed opposite results. The drying rate had a profound effect on the progression of the shrinkage. The total colour change of pretreated samples was higher than those with no pretreatment except for AA and HWB. The AA could well prevent colour change during the initial stage of drying. Among all pretreatments, SB and IR had the highest colour changes.CONCLUSIONHWB with a duration of 5 min is the optimum pretreatment method for kiwifruit drying. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimum condition of producing crisp osmotic banana using superheated steam puffing
Authors: Tabtiang Surapit , Prachayawarakorn Somkiat , Soponronnarit Somchart 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDPuffing can improve textural property of snacks. Nevertheless, high temperature puffing accelerates non‐enzymatic browning reactions. The osmotic treatment using sucrose solution potentially retards the browning, but the high amount of sucrose gain causes hard texture. The objective of this work was therefore to study the effects of osmotic time, puffing time and puffing temperature on banana qualities such as colour, shrinkage and textural property.RESULTSThe experimental results showed that puffing temperature, puffing time and osmotic time significantly affected colour, shrinkage and textual properties.CONCLUSIONThe optimisation using response surface methodology was used for a trade‐off between colour and textural properties. To obtain a good quality product, the puffed osmotic banana should be operated at the osmotic time of 43 min and puffing temperature of 220 °C and puffing time of 2 min. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Transoral robotic surgery for upper airway pathology in the pediatric population
Authors: Zdanski Carlton J. , Austin Grace K. , Walsh Jonathan M. , Drake Amelia F. , Rose Austin S. , Hackman Trevor G. , Zanation Adam M. 
Published: June 2016

Objectives/HypothesisThe purpose of this study is to present one of the largest case series of pediatric transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in the upper airway demonstrating a wide range of ages and indications.Study DesignA retrospective case series at an academic tertiary referral center from August 2010 to September 2014.MethodsThe da Vinci surgical robot (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) was used on 16 pediatric patients for 18 procedures. A variety of upper airway pathologies and reconstructions in children with a wide range of ages and weights were treated. No lingual tonsillectomies or base‐of‐tongue reductions were included.ResultsSixteen children (6 males) underwent 18 TORS procedures, including resection of hamartoma (n = 1), repair of laryngeal cleft (n = 7), removal of saccular cyst (n = 2), release of pharyngeal or esophageal strictures (n = 2), and excision of lymphatic malformations (n = 4). Patient ages ranged from 14 days to 15 years. There were no intraoperative complications. All patients had successful robotic access, and no patients had conversions to open or traditional endoscopic surgery. Hospital courses varied with duration ranging from 1 to 20 days. The median follow up was 22 months.ConclusionApplying TORS to the pediatric population can be feasible and safe for appropriate airway pathologies. Because many patients are small in size, there is inherent risk in using robotic instruments and scopes transorally. Pearls in this series include a standardized two‐robot experienced attending team and longitudinal airway follow‐up.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 127:247–251, 2017
Aquatic methane dynamics in a human‐impacted river‐floodplain of the Danube
Authors: Sieczko Anna Katarzyna , Demeter Katalin , Singer Gabriel Andreas , Tritthart Michael , Preiner Stefan , Mayr Magdalena , Meisterl Karin , Peduzzi Peter 
Published: June 2016

AbstractRiver‐floodplain systems are characterized by changing hydrological connectivity and variability of resources delivered to floodplain water bodies. Although the importance of hydrological events has been recognized, the effect of flooding on CH4 concentrations and emissions from European, human‐impacted river‐floodplains is largely unknown. This study evaluates aquatic concentrations and emissions of CH4 from a highly modified, yet partly restored river‐floodplain system of the Danube near Vienna (Austria). We covered a broad range of hydrological conditions, including a 1‐yr flood event in 2012 and a 100‐yr flood in 2013. Our findings demonstrate that river‐floodplain waters were supersaturated with CH4, hence always serving as a source of CH4 to the atmosphere. Hydrologically isolated habitats in general have higher concentrations and produce higher fluxes despite lower physically defined velocities. During surface connection, however, CH4 is exported from the floodplain to the river, suggesting that the main channel serves as an “exhaust pipe” for the floodplain. This mechanism was especially important during the 100‐yr flood, when a clear pulse of CH4 was flushed from the floodplain with surface floodwaters. Our results emphasize the importance of floods differing in magnitude for methane evasion from river‐floodplains; 34% more CH4 was emitted from the entire system during the year with the 100‐yr flood compared to a hydrologically “normal” year. Compared to the main river channel, semi‐isolated floodplain waters were particularly strong sources of CH4. Our findings also imply that the predicted increased frequency of extreme flooding events will have significant consequences for methane emission from river‐floodplain systems.
Investigations into localized re‐treatment of the retina with a 3‐nanosecond laser
Authors: Chidlow Glyn , Plunkett Malcolm , Casson Robert J. , Wood John P.M. 
Published: June 2016

Background and ObjectivesSubvisual retinal lasers necessarily cause clinically invisible lesions, hence, they could intentionally or inadvertently be targeted at precisely the same or an overlapping location during repeat laser treatment. Herein, we investigated the structural integrity and cellular responses of localized re‐treatment using a nanosecond laser (2RT) currently in trials for early age‐related macular degeneration.Materials and MethodsRats were randomly assigned to one of five groups: sham, subvisual 2RT, subvisual 2RT re‐treatment, visual effect 2RT, visual effect 2RT re‐treatment. Re‐treatment groups were lasered on days 0 and 21; single laser groups were only lasered on day 21. All rats were euthanized at day 28 and eyes were then dissected and processed for immunohistochemistry. For re‐treatment, the laser was targeted at precisely the same locations on both delivery occasions. Analytical endpoints included monitoring of retinal vascular integrity overlying lesions, investigation into any potential choroidal neovascularization, assessment of the RPE, quantification of collateral injury to photoreceptors or other neuronal classes, and delineation of glial reactivity.ResultsRepeat laser administration to rats caused ostensibly identical retinal‐RPE‐choroid responses to those obtained in age‐matched rats that received only a single application. Specifically, 7 days after treatment, RPE cells were re‐populating lesion sites. No obvious consistent differences were evident between the single and repeat laser groups. Moreover, repeat laser caused no (measurable) additive injury to photoreceptors or other retinal neuronal classes from single laser treatment. In re‐lasered animals, there was no increase in microglial activity overlying and adjacent to lesion sites relative to single lasered rats. Finally, there was no evidence of choroidal neovascularization after repeat laser treatment.ConclusionsThe overall results provide a measure of confidence that re‐treatment of patients with 2RT should not provide any additional risk of developing visual scotomas, choroidal neovascularizations, or inflammatory events. Indeed, the collated results indicate that the metabolic and structural disruption to the RPE‐retina caused by short pulse duration laser treatment is resolved within a short time frame such that re‐treatment elicits a phenotype indistinguishable from single treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:602–615, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.