bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The application of strand invasion phenomenon, directed by peptide nucleic acid (PNA) and single‐stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) for the recognition of specific sequences of human endogenous retroviral HERV‐W family
Authors: Machnik Grzegorz , Bułdak Łukasz , Ruczyński Jarosław , Gąsior Tomasz , Huzarska Małgorzata , Belowski Dariusz , Alenowicz Magdalena , Mucha Piotr , Rekowski Piotr , Okopień Bogusław 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe HERV‐W family of human endogenous retroviruses represents a group of numerous sequences that show close similarity in genetic composition. It has been documented that some members of HERV‐W–derived expression products are supposed to play significant role in humans' pathology, such as multiple sclerosis or schizophrenia. Other members of the family are necessary to orchestrate physiological processes (eg, ERVWE1 coding syncytin‐1 that is engaged in syncytiotrophoblast formation). Therefore, an assay that would allow the recognition of particular form of HERV‐W members is highly desirable. A peptide nucleic acid (PNA)–mediated technique for the discrimination between multiple sclerosis‐associated retrovirus and ERVWE1 sequence has been developed. The assay uses a PNA probe that, being fully complementary to the ERVWE1 but not to multiple sclerosis‐associated retrovirus (MSRV) template, shows high selective potential. Single‐stranded DNA binding protein facilitates the PNA‐mediated, sequence‐specific formation of strand invasion complex and, consequently, local DNA unwinding. The target DNA may be then excluded from further analysis in any downstream process such as single‐stranded DNA‐specific exonuclease action. Finally, the reaction conditions have been optimized, and several PNA probes that are targeted toward distinct loci along whole HERV‐W env sequences have been evaluated. We believe that PNA/single‐stranded DNA binding protein–based application has the potential to selectively discriminate particular HERV‐W molecules as they are at least suspected to play pathogenic role in a broad range of medical conditions, from psycho‐neurologic disorders (multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia) and cancers (breast cancer) to that of an auto‐immunologic background (psoriasis and lupus erythematosus).
Low‐methoxyl lemon pectin attenuates inflammatory responses and improves intestinal barrier integrity in caerulein‐induced experimental acute pancreatitis
Authors: Sun Yajun , He Yue , Wang Fei , Zhang Hao , de Vos Paul , Sun Jia 
Published: December 2016

ScopeAcute pancreatitis (AP) is a common clinical acute abdominal disease. The intestinal injury associated with AP will aggravate the condition retroactively. This study investigates whether the low‐methoxyl pectin (LMP) isolated from lemon could attenuate AP and associated intestinal injury.Methods and resultsExperimental AP was induced in BALB/c mice by caerulien (CAE) hyperstimulation. Nutritional prophylactic group was pre‐fed with 5% LMP supplemented forage 3 days before AP induction. We found that LMP supplementation attenuated the severity of AP as evidenced by reduced serum amylase and lipase levels, pancreatic edema and myeloperoxidase activity. The protective effect was also confirmed by histological examination of pancreatic damage. LMP suppressed the production of pancreatic proinflammatory cytokines including TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6. Moreover, LMP supplementation restored AP‐associated disruption of intestinal barrier integrity as evidenced by upregulation of tight junction modulatory proteins occludin, zonula occludens (ZO)‐1, antimicrobial peptides β‐defensin‐1 (DEFB1) and CRAMP as well as increase in SCFAs production. LMP supplemented mice with AP exhibited suppressed intestinal inflammation as shown by decreased ileal and colon cytokine production compared with CAE group.ConclusionOur results support dietary LMP supplementation as an effective nutritional intervention for AP and associated intestinal injury.
Separation and optical identification of semiconducting and metallic single‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Eremina Valentina A. , Obraztsov Petr A. , Fedotov Pavel V. , Chernov Alexander I. , Obraztsova Elena D. 
Published: December 2016

In this work we demonstrate a large‐scale separation of arc single‐walled carbon nanotubes into semiconducting and metallic fractions by an aqueous two‐phase extraction technique. The identification of nanotube conductivity type and the estimation of content for both fractions have been based on UV–vis–NIR optical absorption and time‐resolved pump–probe data. The fraction containing up to 98% of semiconducting nanotubes has been obtained. Optimization of the separation technique for the one‐step formation of high‐purity fractions via either temperature control or regulation of polymer–surfactant concentrations in the mixture has been proposed. The fractions enriched with semiconducting nanotubes can be used for transistor and optoelectronics applications. The metallic fractions can be efficient for formation of electric bus lines.UV–vis–NIR absorbance spectrum of pure semiconducting fraction of arc‐SWCNTs with an average diameter of 1.4 nm and the photo of 30 ml of this suspension.
Emotional and motivational outcomes of lab work in the secondary intermediate track: The contribution of a science center outreach lab
Authors: Itzek‐Greulich Heike , Vollmer Christian 
Published: December 2016

AbstractStudents’ interest in science declines in secondary school. Therefore, motivating students to become competent and engaged in science topics that are relevant for their everyday lives is an important goal, so they can be better citizens and decision makers with socioscientific issues (e.g., climate change and waste disposal). The present study contributes to research on activity emotions (state) and motivational outcomes (situational interest and situational competence) in science education. The study compared three experimental groups in a guided inquiry lab work on the chemistry of starch and a control group. The three groups were (i) 13 science classes taught at school; (ii) 14 classes taught in a Science Center Outreach Lab (SCOL) visit; and (iii) 17 classes taught in a combined setting of (i) and (ii); the groups were taught on the same topic. The large sample of classes was randomly assigned to the experimental conditions and a control group and data were analyzed for the theoretical part and the practical part of the intervention. The nested data were analyzed using item response theory and multilevel analyses. The three lab‐work conditions were quite successful in comparison with the control group. There were some differences between the SCOL and school groups; the students experienced higher enjoyment in the theoretical part of the intervention in the school group and higher situational competence in the practical lab work at the combined setting. Especially low achievers profited from the intervention, supposedly because the topic was close to students’ everyday lives. Conscientiousness was a major predictor of emotional and motivational outcomes. In conclusion, experimental lab work at a SCOL can be seen as a supplement to a worthwhile STEM education. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 54: 3–28, 2017
Coronary artery plaque imaging: Comparison of black‐blood MRI and 64‐multidetector computed tomography
Authors: He Yi , Da Qin‐Yi , An Jing , Song Xian‐Tao , Li De‐Biao 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo comparatively evaluate black‐blood coronary arterial wall MRI and 64‐multidetector computed tomography (64‐MDCT) for detection and classification of coronary artery plaques.MethodsWe included 15 patients with confirmed coronary artery plaques in the proximal or middle segments of coronary arteries by 64‐MDCT, who underwent black‐blood coronary wall MRI at 1.5 T within 10 days. Cross‐sectional coronary wall images were acquired using a 2D double‐inversion‐recovery, electrocardiograph‐triggered, navigator‐gated, fat‐suppressed, turbo‐spin‐echo sequence on the coronary arteries with lesions from the ostium to the middle segment continuously without gap. The vessel cross‐sectional area (CSA), luminal CSA, maximal wall thickness, plaque burden, contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) were measured in each slice and subsequently compared with computed tomography angiography (CTA) images. CTA images were divided into 5‐mm segments for side‐by‐side comparison with MRI.ResultsOf the 15 patients, 12 were enrolled in the study. Coronary plaques were found in 46 slices on both CTA and MRI. Plaques were classified to 3 groups based on CTA: calcified plaques (n = 11), soft plaques (n = 23), and mixed plaques (n = 12). In MRI, the plaque burden, maximal wall thickness, SNR, and CNR in the coronary walls containing plaques were greater than in the normal coronary walls (0.83 ± 0.08 vs. 0.73 ± 0.08, 1.88 ± 0.51 vs. 1.51 ± 0.26 mm, 12.95 ± 2.78 vs. 9.93 ± 2.31, and 6.76 ± 2.52 vs. 3.89 ± 1.54, respectively; P < 0.05). The luminal CSA at the plaque was smaller than in normal coronary walls (2.50 ± 1.50 vs. 4.72 ± 2.28 mm2; P < 0.05). The SNR in the soft plaque was significantly greater than in calcified and mixed plaques (P < 0.05).ConclusionsCoronary wall MRI can identify coronary plaques in the proximal and middle segments and has the potential to differentiate plaque types based on signal intensity.
Britain's Maritime Empire
Authors: McAleer John 
Published: December 2016

A fascinating new study in which John McAleer explores the maritime gateway to Asia around the Cape of Good Hope and its critical role in the establishment, consolidation and maintenance of the British Empire in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Situated at the centre of a maritime chain that connected seas and continents, this gateway bridged the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, which, with its commercial links and strategic requirements, formed a global web that reflected the development of the British Empire in the period. The book examines how contemporaries perceived, understood and represented this area; the ways in which it worked as an alternative hub of empire, enabling the movement of people, goods, and ideas, as well as facilitating information and intelligence exchanges; and the networks of administration, security and control that helped to cement British imperial power.
Interpreting the Constitutional Debate Over Land Ownership in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (2012–2013)
Authors: LE Toan 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn 2012–2013, the people of Vietnam participated in a lengthy process of public consultation to amend the constitution and land law. This article analyzes the approach that party leaders took during the 2013 constitutional consultation and law-making period as the leaders responded to submissions calling for radical reforms of constitutional and legal arrangements of land ownership. This analysis will provide insights into how, if at all, the discussion in 2012–2013 was different from previous discussions in relation to reforming the constitutional and legal arrangements of land ownership in Vietnam. The article argues that despite unprecedented consultation and discussion, party leaders did not intend to make substantive changes to land ownership.
Emotional Burden, Quality of Life, and Coping Styles in Care Givers of Patients with Disorders of Consciousness Living in Italy: Preliminary Data
Authors: Romaniello Caterina , Simoni Chiara , Farinelli Marina , Bertoletti Erik , Pedone Vincenzo , Northoff Georg 
Published: December 2016

The literature about the care givers of patients with Disorders of Consciousness (DOCs) has highlighted the impact on both mental and physical dimensions of quality of life. This study aimed to: (1) describe emotional burden, quality of life, and coping styles in care givers of hospitalized patients with DOCs, compared to Italian normative data; (2) explore the relationships between these variables and their associations with socio-demographic features; and (3) describe their changes over time.Fifteen care givers of patients with DOCs, mostly middle-aged women, were assessed using the Family Strain Questionnaire, the SF-36 Health Survey, and the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced – Nuova Versione Italiana. Eleven subjects were also assessed after 6 and 12 months. Data were analysed through descriptive statistics, correlations, and nonparametric tests of group differences.Compared to the Italian normative data, our sample showed a worse outcome in mental health, social functioning, global mental component, and emotional role functioning. Furthermore, subjects with high emotional burden had more thoughts of death compared to subjects with low emotional burden. Follow-up analyses revealed no variables changed over time.These results highlight the need for psychological interventions and support, since care givers represent an important part of an all-embracing support and care network for patients with DOCs.
Endovascular Revascularization of a Symptomatic Common Carotid Artery Occlusion
Authors: Kromm Julie , Darsaut Tim E. , Khan Khurshid , Ashforth Robert , Ghrooda Esseddeeg 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAlthough the common carotid artery is the second most common site for extracranial carotid artery stenosis, complete symptomatic occlusion in the absence of devastating stroke is rare. We present a case of complete common carotid artery occlusion failing medical management and requiring endovascular intervention. The clinical presentation, diagnostic investigations, and management of complete carotid artery occlusions are discussed.
Resonance wave pumping with surface waves
Authors: Carmigniani Remi A. , Benoit Michel , Violeau Damien , Gharib Morteza 
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we present a novel extension of impedance (Liebau) wave pumping to a free-surface condition where resonance pumping could be used for hydraulic energy harvesting. Similar pumping behaviours are reported. Surface envelopes of the free surface are shown and outline two different dynamics: U-tube oscillator and wave/resonance pumping. The latter is particularly interesting, since, from an oscillatory motion, a unidirectional flow with small to moderate oscillations is generated. A linear theory is developed to evaluate pseudo-analytically the resonance frequencies of the pump using eigenfunction expansions, and a simplified model is proposed to understand the main pumping mechanism in this type of pump. It is found that the Stokes mass transport is driving the pump. The conversion of energy from paddle oscillation to mean flow is evaluated. Efficiency up to 22 % is reported.
Beer-Purchasing Behavior, Dietary Quality, and Health Outcomes among U.S. Adults
Authors: Volpe Richard , McCullough Michael , Adjemian Michael K. , Park Timothy 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWe use rich IRI household- and individual-level data sets to examine the relationships between heart disease and type 2 diabetes with alcohol consumption. We control for a wide variety of potential confounders, including diet quality and lifestyle choices. Beer has long been studied in related literature to ambiguous outcomes. We explore the role of beer consumption in detail by separating craft beer from macrobeer and imported beer. The results indicate that most alcohol types could have protective effects against heart disease and diabetes, with the strongest effects occurring for craft beer and wine. Treating beer as a single, homogenous category in health studies likely leads to measurement error. (JEL Classifications: D12, I12, R20, L66, P36)
A randomised, placebo-controlled trial of transcranial pulsed electromagnetic fields in patients with multiple chemical sensitivity
Authors: Tran Marie Thi Dao , Skovbjerg Sine , Arendt-Nielsen Lars , Christensen Karl Bang , Elberling Jesper 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of transcranially applied pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on functional impairments and symptom severity in multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) patients.MethodsThe study was conducted as a nationwide trial in Denmark using a randomised, parallel-group, double-blind and placebo-controlled design. Sample size was estimated at 40 participants. Eligibility criteria were age 18–75 years and fulfilment of the MCS case criteria. Participants received either PEMF or placebo PEMF (no stimulation) applied transcranially for 6 weeks. The primary outcome was the Life Impact Scale (LIS) of the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI). Secondary outcomes were the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and the Chemical Intolerance Scale of QEESI.ResultsA total of 39 participants were randomised to PEMF or placebo treatment. No significant difference was observed on QEESI LIS between groups with a mean change score of −5.9 in the PEMF group compared with −1.5 in the placebo group (p=0.35, effect size=−0.31). However, a significant decrease was detected on QEESI SSS within and between groups with a mean change score of −11.3 in the PEMF group compared with −3.2 in the placebo group (p=0.03, effect size=−0.60).ConclusionPEMF treatment of 6 weeks showed no effect on functional impairments in MCS. However, a significant decrease in symptom severity was observed.
A Novel Sky-Subtraction Method Based on Non-negative Matrix Factorisation with Sparsity for Multi-object Fibre Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhang Long , Ye Zhongfu 
Published: December 2016

AbstractA novel sky-subtraction method based on non-negative matrix factorisation with sparsity is proposed in this paper. The proposed non-negative matrix factorisation with sparsity method is redesigned for sky-subtraction considering the characteristics of the skylights. It has two constraint terms, one for sparsity and the other for homogeneity. Different from the standard sky-subtraction techniques, such as the B-spline curve fitting methods and the Principal Components Analysis approaches, sky-subtraction based on non-negative matrix factorisation with sparsity method has higher accuracy and flexibility. The non-negative matrix factorisation with sparsity method has research value for the sky-subtraction on multi-object fibre spectroscopic telescope surveys. To demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm, experiments are performed on Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope data, as the mechanisms of the multi-object fibre spectroscopic telescopes are similar.
Controlled irrigation and nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium fertilization affect the biochemical composition and quality of Arabica coffee beans
Authors: VINECKY F. , DAVRIEUX F. , MERA A. C. , ALVES G. S. C. , LAVAGNINI G. , LEROY T. , BONNOT F. , ROCHA O. C. , BARTHOLO G. F. , GUERRA A. F. , RODRIGUES G. C. , MARRACCINI P. , ANDRADE A. C. 
Published: December 2016

SUMMARYControlled irrigation during the dry period associated with adequate nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) fertilization led to the accumulation of biochemical compounds in coffee beans considered as positive precursors of beverage quality. Adult plants of coffee (Coffea arabica ‘Rubi’) were cultivated using different water regimes (WR) and fertilization conditions under the dry climate of the Brazilian Cerrado. Coffee-bean physical characteristics were evaluated as well as biochemical composition by near-infrared analysis. The K treatment mostly affected bean biochemistry, lipid and chlorogenic acid (CGA) contents, which increased with increasing amounts of fertilizer. Caffeine contents increased with higher amounts of N, but no significant effects of P treatment on bean biochemical composition were observed. Sucrose and total lipid contents always appeared higher in beans of non-irrigated plants than those beans from plants grown with continuous irrigation. In contrast, caffeine and CGA contents were higher in beans of irrigated as compared with non-irrigated plants. For the first time, the current results showed that controlled management of irrigation during the dry period associated with reasonable NPK fertilization led to the accumulation of biochemical compounds in coffee beans considered as positive precursors of beverage quality.
Proposed power transmission lines in Cambodia constitute a significant new threat to the largest population of the Critically Endangered Bengal floricanHoubaropsis bengalensis
Authors: Mahood Simon P. , Silva João P. , Dolman Paul M. , Burnside Robert J. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe remaining Indochina population of the Critically Endangered Bengal floricanHoubaropsis bengalensisbreeds in the floodplain of Cambodia's Tonle Sap Lake. The population has declined substantially but survival rates have not been published previously. Survival could potentially be reduced by the planned construction of high-tension power transmission lines that may begin in 2016. Using data from 17 individuals monitored by satellite transmitters over 4 years we estimated the annual adult survival rate to be 89.9% (95% CI 82.2–97.6%), which is comparable to that of other bustards. Interrogation of movement paths revealed that for the 13 individuals for which we had sufficient data for non-breeding seasons, all annual migration routes between breeding and non-breeding areas crossed the proposed route of the transmission line. The route also impinged on the margins of one important and one minor breeding concentration. A review of bustard collision rates confirmed the vulnerability of bustards to power lines, and the proposed development therefore presents an additional threat to the future of this species in Indochina.
Further evidence of a cumulative effect of social disadvantage on risk of psychosis
Authors: Stilo S. A. , Gayer-Anderson C. , Beards S. , Hubbard K. , Onyejiaka A. , Keraite A. , Borges S. , Mondelli V. , Dazzan P. , Pariante C. , Di Forti M. , Murray R. M. , Morgan C. 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundA growing body of evidence suggests that indicators of social disadvantage are associated with an increased risk of psychosis. However, only a few studies have specifically looked at cumulative effects and long-term associations. The aims of this study are: To compare the prevalence of specific indicators of social disadvantage at, and prior to, first contact with psychiatric services in patients suffering their first episode of psychosis and in a control sample. To explore long-term associations, cumulative effects, and direction of effects.MethodWe collected information on social disadvantage from 332 patients and from 301 controls recruited from the local population in South London. Three indicators of social disadvantage in childhood and six indicators of social disadvantage in adulthood were analysed.ResultsAcross all the domains considered, cases were more likely to report social disadvantage than were controls. Compared with controls, cases were approximately two times more likely to have had a parent die and approximately three times more likely to have experienced a long-term separation from one parent before the age of 17 years. Cases were also more likely than controls to report two or more indicators of adult social disadvantage, not only at first contact with psychiatric services [odds ratio (OR) 9.5], but also at onset of psychosis (OR 8.5), 1 year pre-onset (OR 4.5), and 5 years pre-onset (OR 2.9).ConclusionsGreater numbers of indicators of current and long-term exposure are associated with progressively greater odds of psychosis. There is some evidence that social disadvantage tends to cluster and accumulate.