bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facies analysis of the Middle and Late Quaternary sediment infill of the northern Weihe Basin, Central China
Authors: Rits Daniël S. , Prins Maarten A. , Troelstra Simon R. , van Balen Ronald T. , Zheng Yan , Beets Christiaan J. , Wang Bin , Li Xiaoqiang , Zhou Jie , Zheng Hongbo 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTA detailed study of the uppermost 221 m of drill core LYH‐1 – located in the northern part of the Weihe Basin – reveals considerable environmental variety over the past 1 Myr. Studied parameters include lithofacies, sedimentological properties and micropalaeontological content of selected core‐samples. Present‐day environments in the research area have been used as analogues for past conditions. The palaeoenvironments documented in the sedimentary record are interpreted as shallow lakes, fluvial settings, soils and aeolian environments. The temporal variation of the environments indicates a rapid alternation between climate‐driven wet and dry phases, suggesting that these fluctuations are related to changes in monsoon intensity. However, on a larger temporal scale, the sedimentation and accumulation of water is also affected by local tectonics. End‐member modelling shows that the siliciclastic grain‐size distributions can be ascribed to the mixing of six distinct end‐members. Most of the sediments in core LYH‐1 have similar characteristics to the loess deposits from the Central Loess Plateau. However, the much higher sedimentation rates and sedimentary structures suggest that these sediments consist for a large part of fluvially reworked loess. A broad subdivision of the core into three main intervals can be made, tentatively dated by magnetostratigraphy. From 162 to 221 m (690–1000 ka), brackish wetland conditions with a regular influence from fluvial and/or distal alluvial fan systems prevailed. The interval 90–162 m (330–690 ka) shows more terrestrial settings with occasional hypersaline lakes. From 0 to 90 m (0–330 ka), the environment was a shallow wetland, albeit with a relatively low diversity of aquatic and terrestrial microfossils compared to the lower interval.
Tonsillectomy in adults with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Holmlund Thorbjörn , Franklin Karl A. , Levring Jäghagen Eva , Lindkvist Marie , Larsson Torbjörn , Sahlin Carin , Berggren Diana 
Published: April 2016

Objectives/HypothesisTo study whether tonsillectomy is effective on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults with large tonsils.Study DesignA multicenter prospective interventional study.MethodsThe study comprised 28 patients with OSA, an apnea–hypopnea index of > 10, large tonsils (Friedman tonsil size 3 and 4), and age 18 to 59 years. They were derived from 41 consecutive males and females with large tonsils referred for a suspicion of sleep apnea to the ear, nose, and throat departments in Umeå, Skellefteå, and Sunderbyn in northern Sweden. The primary outcome was the apnea–hypopnea index, measured with polygraphic sleep apnea recordings 6 months after surgery. Secondary outcomes included daytime sleepiness, as measured with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and swallowing function, using video‐fluoroscopy.ResultsThe apnea–hypopnea index was reduced from a mean of 40 units per hour (95% confidence interval [CI] 28–51) to seven units per hour (95% CI 3–11), P < 0.001, at the 6‐month follow‐up after surgery. The apnea–hypopnea index was reduced in all patients and 18 (64%) were cured. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale was reduced from a mean of 11 (95% CI 8–13) to 6.0 (95% CI 4–7), P < 0.001. A swallowing dysfunction was found in seven of eight investigated patients before surgery. Of those, swallowing function improved in five patients after surgery, whereas no one deteriorated.ConclusionTonsillectomy may be effective treatment for adult patients with OSA and large tonsils. Tonsillectomy may be suggested for adults with OSA and large tonsils.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 126:2859–2862, 2016
Laryngeal ultrasound and vocal fold movement in the pediatric cardiovascular intensive care unit
Authors: Ongkasuwan Julina , Ocampo Elena , Tran Brandon 
Published: April 2016

Objectives/HypothesisVocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) is a known sequela of cardiovascular surgery. The gold standard for the evaluation of vocal fold movement is flexible nasolaryngoscopy (FNL). Although safe, FNL does cause measurable physiologic changes. Noxious stimuli in cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) neonates may cause imbalance between the pulmonary and systemic circulations and potentially circulatory collapse. The goals of this project were to determine the accuracy of laryngeal ultrasound (LUS) compared to FNL to identify VFMI in CVICU neonates and compare their physiologic impact.Study TypeCase control.DesignProspective case‐control study.MethodsForty‐six consecutive infants from the CVICU were recruited, 23 with VFMI and 23 without based on FNL findings. They then underwent LUS, which was subsequently reviewed by two pediatric radiologists blinded to the FNL results. Physiologic parameters were recorded before and after the procedures. Data analysis was performed with Cohen's kappa and Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.ResultsAgreement between LUS and FNL was substantial (κ = 0.78). Laryngeal ultrasound had a sensitivity of 0.84 and specificity of 0.95 for identifying VFMI. In terms of physiologic impact, LUS caused statistically significantly less change in diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.01), pulse (P = 0.001), and O2 saturation (P = 0.004) compared to FNL. Arytenoid rotation could be seen clearly, and the vocal fold–arytenoid angle in abduction was most predictive of symmetry and movement (P = 0.17). However, it was difficult to determine vocal fold closure patterns with LUS.ConclusionLaryngeal ultrasound is a comparable to FNL for evaluating vocal fold mobility with less physiologic impact.Level of Evidence3b. Laryngoscope, 127:167–172, 2017
Manual laryngeal reposturing as a primary approach for mutational falsetto
Authors: Roy Nelson , Peterson Elizabeth A. , Pierce Jenny L. , Smith Marshall E. , Houtz Daniel R. 
Published: April 2016

Objectives/HypothesisMutational falsetto is a functional voice disorder characterized by failure of the male high‐pitched preadolescent voice to transition to the lower pitch of adolescence and adulthood. Few objective outcomes data exist regarding the effectiveness of voice therapy for this poorly understood disorder. This study examined the immediate effects of a single therapy session using manual laryngeal reposturing as a primary approach in the management of mutational falsetto.Study DesignRetrospective case series, pre‐/posttreatment.MethodsManual circumlaryngeal techniques, including digital laryngeal reposturing maneuvers, were used as the primary approach to treat 12 consecutive males with mutational falsetto (mean age 17.5 yrs., range 14–25 years). Pre‐ and posttreatment audiorecordings of connected speech and sustained vowel samples were submitted to auditory‐perceptual and acoustic analysis to assess the effects of a single voice therapy session. Acoustic estimates of severity in both connected speech and sustained vowel productions were computed using the Cepstral Spectral Index of Dysphonia (CSID), a multivariate dysphonia summary tool that incorporates cepstral and spectral measures.ResultsPre‐ and posttreatment comparisons confirmed a significant change in the direction of normal vocal function within a single treatment session for both listener‐ and CSID‐based estimates of dysphonia severity.ConclusionBehavioral therapy using manual laryngeal reposturing by an experienced voice clinician is an effective and efficient primary approach for mutational falsetto.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 127:645–650, 2017
Warm‐season Grazing Benefits Species Diversity Conservation and Topsoil Nutrient Sequestration in Alpine Meadow
Authors: Gao‐Lin Wu , Dong Wang , Yu Liu , Lu‐Ming Ding , Zhen‐Heng Liu 
Published: April 2016

AbstractSeasonal grazing is one way of the moderate grazing regimes, but little information is available on compared study of seasonal grazing in alpine meadow. We studied the aboveground and belowground properties among warm‐seasonal grazing meadows and cold‐seasonal grazing meadows on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Results showed that the warm‐seasonal grazing increased forb functional group proportion, plant density and evenness index but decreased root biomass, plant height and graminoid functional group proportions. Grazing seasons affected variation in soil bulk density, soil water content, pH and soil nutrient content, and the variations caused the various of soil carbon and nitrogen density. The highest values of soil carbon and nitrogen contents and densities in the warm‐season grazing meadow occurred at the top 10‐cm soil, while the highest values in the cold‐season grazing meadow occurred at the depth of 30‐ to 50‐cm soil. Our results indicated that the warm‐season grazing is suitable for the species diversity conservation and the nutrient sequestration at the topsoil. However, the cold‐season grazing is suitable for the nutrient sequestration at the deep soil. This study implied that the warm‐season and cold‐season grazing might be exchanged regularly to practice continuous carbon and nitrogen sequestration. Periodic cold‐season and warm‐season grazing would be the suitable grazing regime to keep alpine meadow sustainability. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low Molecular Weight PEI‐Based Vectors via Acid‐Labile Ortho Ester Linkage for Improved Gene Delivery
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yu Min , Wang Jun , Tang Rupei , Yan Guoqing , Yao Weijing , Wang Xin 
Published: April 2016

A series of novel pH‐sensitive gene delivery vectors (POEI 1, 2, and 3) are synthesized through Michael addition from low molecular weight PEI (LMW PEI) via acid‐labile ortho ester linkage with terminal acrylates (OEAc) by various feed molar ratios. The obtained POEI 1 and POEI 2 can efficiently condense plasmid DNA into nanoparticles with size range of 200–300 nm and zeta‐potentials of about +15 mV while protecting DNA from enzymatic digestion compared with POEI 3. Significantly, ortho ester groups of POEI main‐chains can make an instantaneous degradation‐response to acidic endosomal pH (≈5.0), resulting in accelerated disruption of polyplexes and intracellular DNA release. MTT assay reveals that all POEIs exhibit much lower cytotoxicity in different cells than branched PEI (25 KDa). As expected, POEI 1 and POEI 2 perform improved gene transfection in vitro, suggesting that such polycations might be promising gene vectors based on overcoming toxicity‐efficiency contradiction.
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Ion Transport in Nanostructured Phosphonated Block Copolymers Containing Ionic Liquids
Authors: Jung Ha Young , Kim Onnuri , Park Moon Jeong 
Published: April 2016

The morphology and conductivity of poly(styrenephosphonate‐b‐methylbutylene) block copolymers containing ionic liquids are investigated. The block copolymers display a series of well‐defined self‐assembled morphologies, i.e., lamellae, gyroid, hexagonal cylinder (HEX), body‐centered cubic, and A15 lattice, in the absence and presence of ionic liquids. The observation of an equilibrium A15 lattice for linear diblock copolymers, in contrast to a number of theoretical studies, is ascribed to the packing frustration accompanied by prevailing electrostatic interactions. The samples having the A15 lattice show a substantially higher morphology factors (0.83–0.96) than those with the HEX phases (0.42–0.69). This indicates the structural advantage of the A15 lattice with a well‐defined 3D symmetry over the 2D HEX structure for constructing less tortuous ion‐conduction pathways. This unprecedented study portends the rational design of nanostructured phosphonated polymer membranes with improved conductivity.
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Physical activity and dietary intake in BMI discordant identical twins
Authors: Doornweerd Stieneke , IJzerman Richard G. , van der Eijk Lotte , Neter Judith E. , van Dongen Jenny , van der Ploeg Hidde P. , de Geus Eco J. 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveDespite the latest discovery of obesity‐associated genes, the rapid rise in global obesity suggests a major role for environmental factors. This study investigated the influence of environmental factors on physical activity and dietary intake independent of genetic effects.MethodsSixteen female monozygotic twins aged 48.8 ± 9.8 years (range 37‐70) with a mean BMI discordance of 3.96 ± 2.1 kg/m2 (range 0.7‐8.2) were studied. Physical activity was determined using 7‐day accelerometry and dietary intake using 3‐day 24‐h recalls.ResultsHeavier cotwins were generally less physically active (mean activity counts × 1,000 per day ± SD; 505.5 ± 155.1 vs. 579.6 ± 185.4, P = 0.047) and tended to spend 6.1 min/day less in moderate to vigorous physical activity than leaner cotwins (P = 0.09). Energy intake did not significantly differ within pairs. Total fat intake (en%; P = 0.03), specifically monounsaturated fat (P < 0.01) and polyunsaturated fat (P = 0.08), was higher in the heavier cotwins.ConclusionsAfter eliminating genetic effects, higher BMI is associated with lower overall and moderate to vigorous physical activity and higher intake of total fat, although the direction of causality cannot be determined. Future identification of the environmental factors responsible for these findings might contribute to developing new strategies in managing obesity.
A genome‐wide investigation of food addiction
Authors: Cornelis Marilyn C. , Flint Alan , Field Alison E. , Kraft Peter , Han Jiali , Rimm Eric B. , van Dam Rob M. 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveEvidence of parallels between drug addiction and eating behavior continues to accumulate. Genetic studies of addictive substances have yielded a number of susceptibility loci that point to common higher order genetic pathways underlying addiction. It was hypothesized that a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of food addiction would yield significant enrichment in genes and pathways linked to addiction.MethodsA GWAS of food addiction, determined by the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale (mYFAS), was conducted among 9,314 women of European ancestry, and results for enrichment of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (n = 44), genes (n = 238), and pathways (n = 11) implicated in drug addiction were examined.ResultsTwo loci met GW‐significance (P < 2.5 × 10−8) mapping to 17q21.31 and 11q13.4 that harbor genes with no obvious roles in eating behavior. GW results were significantly enriched for gene members of the MAPK signaling pathway (P = 0.02). No candidate SNP or gene for drug addiction was significantly associated with food addiction after correction for multiple testing.ConclusionsIn the first GWAS of mYFAS, suggestive loci worthy of further follow‐up were identified, but limited support was provided for shared genetic underpinnings of food addiction and drug addiction. The latter might be due to limited study power and knowledge of the genetics of drug addiction.
Proinflammatory and lipid biomarkers mediate metabolically healthy obesity: A proteomics study
Authors: Doumatey Ayo Priscille , Zhou Jie , Zhou Ming , Prieto DaRue , Rotimi Charles N. , Adeyemo Adebowale 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveThe metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) phenotype is an important obesity subtype in which obesity is not accompanied by any metabolic comorbidity. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, a shotgun proteomics approach to identify circulating biomolecules and pathways associated with MHO was used.MethodsThe subjects were 20 African‐American women: 10 MHO cases and 10 metabolically abnormal individuals with obesity (MAO) controls. Serum proteins were detected and quantified using label‐free proteomics. Differential expression of proteins between the two groups was analyzed, and the list of differentially expressed proteins was analyzed to determine enriched biological pathways.ResultsTwenty proteins were differentially expressed between MHO and controls. These proteins included: hemoglobin subunits (HBA1, P = 6.00 × 10−18), haptoglobin‐related protein (HPR, P = 1.2 × 10−15), apolipoproteins (APOB‐100, P = 1.50 × 10−40; APOA4, P = 1.1 × 10−14), retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4, P = 7.1 × 10−08), and CRP (P = 2.0 × 10−04). MHO was associated with lower levels of proinflammatory and higher levels of anti‐inflammatory biomarkers when compared with MAO. Pathway analysis showed enrichment of lipids and inflammatory pathways, including LXR/RXR and FXR/RXR activation, and acute phase response signaling.ConclusionsThese findings suggested that protection from dysregulated inflammatory and lipid processes were primary molecular hallmarks of MHO. The candidate biomarkers (AHSG, RBP4, and APOA4) identified in this study are potential prognostic markers for MHO.
How preparation and modification parameters affect PB‐PEO polymersome properties in aqueous solution
Authors: Habel Joachim , Ogbonna Anayo , Larsen Nanna , Krabbe Simon , Almdal Kristoffer , Hélix‐Nielsen Claus 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTThe effect of formation and modification methods on the physical properties of polymersomes is critical for their use in applications relying on their ability to mimic functional properties of biological membranes. In this study, we compared two formation methods for polymersomes made from polybutadiene‐polyethylene oxide diblock copolymers: detergent‐mediated film rehydration (DFR) and solvent evaporation (SE). DFR‐prepared polymersomes showed a three times higher permeability compared to SE‐prepared polymersomes as revealed by stopped‐flow light scattering. SE‐prepared polymersomes broke down faster to structures <50 nm diameter when processed with extrusion, which was more pronounced at 5 mg mL−1, compared to 10, 20, and 25 mg mL−1. Our results indicate that the bilayer of SE‐prepared polymersomes has a lower apparent fluidity. We also investigated the role of n‐octyl‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside (OG), a detergent typically used for reconstitution of membrane proteins into lipid bilayers. Specifically, we compared dialysis and biobeads for OG removal to investigate the influence of these methods on bilayer conformation and polymer rearrangement following detergent removal. There was no significant difference found between method, temperature, or time within each method. Our findings provide insight on how biocompatible polymersome production affects the physical properties of the resulting polymersomes. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 1581–1592
Two Major Bile Acids in the Hornbills, (24R,25S)‐3α,7α,24‐Trihydroxy‐5β‐cholestan‐27‐oyl Taurine and Its 12α‐Hydroxy Derivative
Authors: Satoh Rika , Ogata Hiroaki , Saito Tetsuya , Zhou Biao , Omura Kaoru , Kurabuchi Satoshi , Mitamura Kuniko , Ikegawa Shigeo , Hagey Lee R. , Hofmann Alan F. , Iida Takashi 
Published: April 2016

AbstractTwo major bile acids were isolated from the gallbladder bile of two hornbill species from the Bucerotidae family of the avian order Bucerotiformes Buceros bicornis (great hornbill) and Penelopides panini (Visayan tarictic hornbill). Their structures were determined to be 3α,7α,24‐dihydroxy‐5β‐cholestan‐27‐oic acid and its 12α‐hydroxy derivative, 3α,7α,12α,24‐tetrahydroxy‐5β‐cholestan‐27‐oic acid (varanic acid, VA), both present in bile as their corresponding taurine amidates. The four diastereomers of varanic acid were synthesized and their assigned structures were confirmed by X‐ray crystallographic analysis. VA and its 12‐deoxy derivative were found to have a (24R,25S)‐configuration. 13 additional hornbill species were also analyzed by HPLC and showed similar bile acid patterns to B. bicornis and P. panini. The previous stereochemical assignment for (24R,25S)‐VA isolated from the bile of varanid lizards and the Gila monster should now be revised to the (24S,25S)‐configuration.
Novel Poly(linolenic acid) Graft Copolymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Electrical Properties
Authors: Allı Abdulkadir , Arı Yurdagül , Gökçen Muharrem 
Published: April 2016

AbstractA poly(linolenic acid)‐g‐poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) graft copolymer was synthesized from polymeric linolenic acid peroxide possessing peroxide groups in the main chain by free radical polymerization of tert‐butyl acrylate. Graft copolymers having structures of poly(linolenic acid)‐g‐poly(caprolactone)‐g‐poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) were synthesized from polymeric linolenic acid, possessing peroxide groups on the main chain by the combination of free radical polymerization of tert‐butyl acrylate and ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone in one‐pot. The obtained graft copolymers were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography, thermal gravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Furthermore, Au/n‐Si diodes were fabricated with and without poly(linolenic acid)‐g‐poly(caprolactone)‐g‐poly(tert‐butyl acrylate)‐4 to form a new interfacial polymeric layer for the purpose of investigating this polymer's conformity in electronic applications. Some main electrical characteristics of these diodes were investigated using experimental current–voltage measurements in the dark and at room temperature.
A Short Note on Some Historical Accounts from the IFAN Manuscripts Collection
Authors: Nobili Mauro 
Published: April 2016

Abstract:The IFAN manuscript collection, including severalfonds, is a very rich repository of mostly Arabic materials coming from different regions of the former Afrique Occidentale Française. Notwithstanding some of these manuscripts have been explored by historians since the colonial period, the potential of this collection is still untapped. This note focuses on some historical accounts from the Fonds Brevié, Fonds Vieillard, and Fonds Gaden.
Naringin ameliorates bone loss induced by sciatic neurectomy and increases Semaphorin 3A expression in denervated bone
Authors: Ma Xinlong , Lv Jianwei , Sun Xiaolei , Ma Jianxiong , Xing Guosheng , Wang Ying , Sun Lei , Wang Jianbao , Li Fengbo , Li Yanjun , Zhao Zhihu 
Published: April 2016

AbstractNaringin maintains bone mass in various osteoporosis models, while its effect on bone in disuse osteoporosis has not been reported. The present study explores whether naringin can prevent disuse osteoporosis induced by unilateral sciatic neurectomy (USN) and whether the Semaphorin 3A-induced Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway is involved in the osteoprotection of naringin. Naringin dose-dependently prevented the deterioration of bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular structure and biomechanical strength in femur due to USN. Naringin increased bone formation but inhibited resorption, as indicated by bone-turnover markers in blood and urine and the histological staining of Osteocalcin (OCN) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) in femur. Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) and active β-catenin protein decreased after USN and could be restored by naringin to the levels of the sham-operated rats. In addition, naringin in vitro promoted the differentiation of osteoblasts and inhibited osteoclastic differentiation. Our studies suggest that the down-regulation of Sema3A and the subsequent inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling may be some of the mechanisms involved in USN-induced osteoporosis. Naringin could increase the expression of Sema3A and the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling to prevent disuse osteoporosis induced by denervation. Thus, naringin functions in bone maintenance and could be a promising therapeutic alternative in preventing disuse osteoporosis.