bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroblastoma causes alterations of the intestinal microbiome, gut hormones, inflammatory cytokines, and bile acid composition
Authors: Castellani Christoph , Singer Georg , Kaiser Margarita , Kaiser Thomas , Huang Jianfeng , Sperl Daniela , Kashofer Karl , Fauler Guenter , Guertl‐Lackner Barbara , Höfler Gerald , Till Holger 
Published: January 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effect of neuroblastoma (NB) on the intestinal microbiome, metabolism, and inflammatory parameters in a murine model.Materials and MethodsAthymic Hsd:Fox1nu mice received subperitoneal implantation of human NB cells (MHH‐NB11) (tumor group, TG) or culture medium (sham group). Following 10 weeks of tumor growth, all animals were sacrificed to collect total white adipose tissue (WAT). Luminex assays were performed for gut hormone and inflammation marker analysis. Bile acids were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry in feces and serum. The microbiome of the ileal content was determined by 16S rDNA next‐generation sequencing.ResultsAt 10 weeks, tumors masses in the TG reached a mean weight of 1.10 g (interquartile range 3.45 g) associated with a significant reduction in WAT. Furthermore, in the TG, there was a marked reduction in leptin and an increase in glucagon‐like peptide 1 serum levels. Moreover, the TG mice displayed a pro‐inflammatory profile, with significant increases in monocyte chemotactic protein 1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin‐10. Lithocholic acid, deoxycholic acid, and ursodeoxycholic acid were significantly decreased in the stool of TG mice. Significant alterations of the intestinal microbiome were found in the ileal contents of the TG.ConclusionsThe present study provides a first glimpse that human NB in a murine model induces tumor cachexia associated with alterations in metabolic and inflammatory parameters, as well as changes in the intestinal microbiota. Since the intestinal microbiome is known to contribute to the host's ability to harvest energy, a favorable modulation of the intestinal microbiome in tumor patients could potentially represent a novel therapeutic target to prevent tumor‐associated cachexia.
Assessing the accuracy of opioid overdose and poisoning codes in diagnostic information from electronic health records, claims data, and death records
Authors: Green Carla A. , Perrin Nancy A. , Janoff Shannon L. , Campbell Cynthia I. , Chilcoat Howard D. , Coplan Paul M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess positive predictive value (PPV), relative to medical chart review, of International Classification of Diseases (ICD)‐9/10 diagnostic codes for identifying opioid overdoses and poisonings.MethodsData were obtained from Kaiser Permanente Northwest and Northern California. Diagnostic data from electronic health records, submitted claims, and state death records from Oregon, Washington, and California were linked. Individual opioid‐related poisoning codes (e.g., 965.xx and X42), and adverse effects of opioids codes (e.g., E935.xx) combined with diagnoses possibly indicative of overdoses (e.g., respiratory depression), were evaluated by comparison with chart audits.ResultsOpioid adverse effects codes had low PPV to detect overdoses (13.4%) as assessed in 127 charts and were not pursued. Instead, opioid poisoning codes were assessed in 2100 individuals who had those codes present in electronic health records in the period between the years 2008 and 2012. Of these, 10/2100 had no available information and 241/2100 were excluded potentially as anesthesia‐related. Among the 1849 remaining individuals with opioid poisoning codes, 1495 events were accurately identified as opioid overdoses; 69 were miscodes or misidentified, and 285 were opioid adverse effects, not overdoses. Thus, PPV was 81%. Opioid adverse effects or overdoses were accurately identified in 1780 of 1849 events (96.3%).ConclusionsOpioid poisoning codes have a predictive value of 81% to identify opioid overdoses, suggesting ICD opioid poisoning codes can be used to monitor overdose rates and evaluate interventions to reduce overdose. Further research to assess sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive value are ongoing. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of maleinized linseed oil as biobased plasticizer in poly(lactic acid)‐based formulations
Authors: Ferri Jose M , Garcia‐Garcia Daniel , Montanes Nestor , Fenollar Octavio , Balart Rafael 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe use of maleinized linseed oil (MLO) as a potential biobased plasticizer for poly(lactic acid) (PLA) industrial formulations with improved toughness was evaluated. MLO content varied in the range 0–20 phr (parts by weight of MLO per hundred parts by weight of PLA). Mechanical, thermal and morphological characterizations were used to assess the potential of MLO as an environmentally friendly plasticizer for PLA formulations. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and differential scanning calorimetry revealed a noticeable decrease in the glass transition temperature of about 6.5 °C compared to neat PLA. In addition, the cold crystallization process was favoured with MLO content due to the increased chain mobility that the plasticizer provides. PLA toughness was markedly improved in formulations with 5 phr MLO, while maximum elongation at break was obtained for PLA formulations plasticized with MLO content in the range 15–20 phr. Scanning electron microscopy revealed evidence of plastic deformation. Nevertheless, phase separation was detected in plasticized PLA formulations with high MLO content (above 15–20 phr MLO), which had a negative effect on overall toughness. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Film deposition and consolidation during thin glove coagulant dipping
Authors: Groves Robert , Routh Alexander F. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTIn this article, we examine the rate of film build‐up and the evolution of polymer volume fraction in coagulant dipped films. The results are for nitrile and natural rubber compounds. We describe a model for the build‐up of a latex film that coagulates onto a former as a wet gel and consolidates by a wet sintering process. We achieve this by applying diffusion and reaction kinetics for the coagulant transporting from a former into the latex bath. Wet sintering, the underlying mechanism for serum exudation from the wet gel, is modelled for a consolidating aggregate of latex particles. The parameters used in the models are either measured in separate experiments or are available from the literature. We compare the model predictions with the experimental results. The first, rapid, stage of film build‐up is modelled successfully by simple diffusion of the coagulant cations. At longer dwell times, it is found that the reaction between coagulant and surfactant is the primary mechanism for the rate reduction. The rate of consolidation of the wet gel could be modelled reasonably well using a previously developed equation for latex film formation. The rate was chiefly dependent on the stress relaxation modulus of the polymer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1633–1648
Effect of aerobic exercise on cancer‐associated cognitive impairment: A proof‐of‐concept RCT
Authors: Campbell K.L. , Kam J.W.Y. , Neil‐Sztramko S.E. , Liu Ambrose T. , Handy T.C. , Lim H.J. , Hayden S. , Hsu L. , Kirkham A.A. , Gotay C.C. , McKenzie D.C. , Boyd L.A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundChange in cognitive ability is a commonly reported adverse effect by breast cancer survivors. The underlying etiology of cognitive complaints is unclear and to date, there is limited evidence for effective intervention strategies. Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function in older adults and animal models treated with chemotherapy. This proof‐of‐concept randomized controlled trial tested the effect of aerobic exercise versus usual lifestyle on cognitive function in postmenopausal breast cancer survivors.MethodsWomen, aged 40 to 65 years, postmenopausal, stages I to IIIA breast cancer, and who self‐reported cognitive dysfunction following chemotherapy treatment, were recruited and randomized to a 24‐week aerobic exercise intervention (EX; n = 10) or usual lifestyle control (CON; n = 9). Participants completed self‐report measures of the impact of cognitive issues on quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Cognitive version 3), objective neuropsychological testing, and functional magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and 24 weeks.ResultsCompared to CON, EX had a reduced time to complete a processing speed test (trail making test‐A) (‐14.2 seconds, P < .01; effect size 0.35). Compared to CON, there was no improvement in self‐reported cognitive function and effect sizes were small. Interestingly, lack of between‐group differences in Stroop behavioral performance was accompanied by functional changes in several brain regions of interest in EX compared to CON at 24 weeks.ConclusionThese findings provide preliminary proof‐of‐concept results for the potential of aerobic exercise to improve cancer‐related cognitive impairment and will serve to inform the development of future trials.
Borders and Barriers: challenges of Fisheries Management and Conservation in Open Systems
Authors: Siddons S. F. , Pegg M. A. , Klein G. M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractLarge rivers often bisect geopolitical boundaries where management goals may be at odds for a shared fishery, creating fragmented management zones. Fragmentation due to physical barriers may further impact the fishery by reducing fish passage. Our goal was to estimate basin‐wide parameters (i.e. movement, survival and capture probabilities) of a large‐river species known to move throughout watersheds. We tagged13 892 Channel Catfish in the Red River of the North (Red River) and Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada, and collected 553 recaptures. We estimated 2.2% of catfish are moving from the Red River to Lake Winnipeg each month and 9.4%, primarily large (>600 mm) individuals, moved upstream through a dam (monthly). Approximately 5.6% of catfish moved to the USA each month, and only one fish returned. Our results suggest the lower reaches of the Red River may be a source population for the USA, where survival is lower, and Lake Winnipeg. The complex movements of Channel Catfish throughout the Red River, across barriers and international boundaries, suggest conservation and management of fish populations should be watershed wide. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Boosted large-scale production and purification of a thermostable archaeal phosphotriesterase-like lactonase for organophosphate decontamination
Authors: Restaino Odile Francesca , Borzacchiello Maria Giovanna , Scognamiglio Ilaria , Porzio Elena , Manco Giuseppe , Fedele Luigi , Donatiello Cinzia , De Rosa Mario , Schiraldi Chiara 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Thermostable phosphotriesterase-like lactonases (PLLs) from extremophile archaea, like SsoPox from Sulfolobus solfataricus, are attractive biotechnological tools with industrial applications as organophosphate decontaminants, but their manufacturing still remains an unresolved issue because of the high costs and the low production yields. In this paper, for the first time, an efficient biotechnological process for the production and purification of a recombinant, engineered PLL, SsoPox W263F, expressed in E. coli, has been set up by studying new induction strategies, by designing high cell density cultivations and a new membrane-based downstream process. In fed batches, the enzyme production was boosted of 69-fold up to 4660.0 U L−1 using galactose as inducer in the replacement of IPTG; the process was scalable from 2.5 up to 150 L. By coupling a single thermo-precipitation step and an ultrafiltration process, a total enzyme recovery of 77% with a purity grade of almost 80% was reached.
Random fields of bounded variation and computation of their variation intensity
Authors: Galerne Bruno 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe main purpose of this paper is to define and characterize random fields of bounded variation, that is, random fields with sample paths in the space of functions of bounded variation, and to study their mean total variation. Simple formulas are obtained for the mean total directional variation of random fields, based on known formulas for the directional variation of deterministic functions. It is also shown that the mean variation of random fields with stationary increments is proportional to the Lebesgue measure, and an expression of the constant of proportionality, called thevariation intensity, is established. This expression shows, in particular, that the variation intensity depends only on the family of two-dimensional distributions of the stationary increment random field. When restricting to random sets, the obtained results give generalizations of well-known formulas from stochastic geometry and mathematical morphology. The interest of these general results is illustrated by computing the variation intensities of several classical stationary random field and random set models, namely Gaussian random fields and excursion sets, Poisson shot noises, Boolean models, dead leaves models, and random tessellations.
Comparison of time-inhomogeneous Markov processes
Authors: Rüschendorf Ludger , Schnurr Alexander , Wolf Viktor 
Published: January 2017

AbstractComparison results are given for time-inhomogeneous Markov processes with respect to function classes with induced stochastic orderings. The main result states the comparison of two processes, provided that the comparability of their infinitesimal generators as well as an invariance property of one process is assumed. The corresponding proof is based on a representation result for the solutions of inhomogeneous evolution problems in Banach spaces, which extends previously known results from the literature. Based on this representation, an ordering result for Markov processes induced by bounded and unbounded function classes is established. We give various applications to time-inhomogeneous diffusions, to processes with independent increments, and to Lévy-driven diffusion processes.
Uniform approximation of the Cox–Ingersoll–Ross process via exact simulation at random times
Authors: Milstein Grigori N. , Schoenmakers John 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn this paper we uniformly approximate the trajectories of the Cox–Ingersoll–Ross (CIR) process. At a sequence of random times the approximate trajectories will be even exact. In between, the approximation will be uniformly close to the exact trajectory. From a conceptual point of view, the proposed method gives a better quality of approximation in a path-wise sense than standard, or even exact, simulation of the CIR dynamics at some deterministic time grid.
A stochastic differential game for quadratic-linear diffusion processes
Authors: Luo Shangzhen 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn this paper we study a stochastic differential game between two insurers whose surplus processes are modelled by quadratic-linear diffusion processes. We consider an exit probability game. One insurer controls its risk process to minimize the probability that the surplus difference reaches a low level (indicating a disadvantaged surplus position of the insurer) before reaching a high level, while the other insurer aims to maximize the probability. We solve the game by finding the value function and the Nash equilibrium strategy in explicit forms.
A retrospective study comparing agar plate culture, indirect immunofluorescence and real-time PCR for the diagnosis ofStrongyloides stercoralisinfection
Authors: BUONFRATE DORA , PERANDIN FRANCESCA , FORMENTI FABIO , BISOFFI ZENO 
Published: January 2017

SUMMARYStrongyloides stercoralisis a parasite that can cause death in immunocompromised people. A proper diagnosis is hence essential. The real-time polymerase-chain reaction (RT–PCR) is a novel, promising diagnostic method, that detects the DNA of the parasite in stool samples. In this retrospective study, we compared the sensitivity of agar plate coproculture (APC), an in-house immunofluorescence test (IFAT) and an in-house RT–PCR for the diagnosis ofS. stercoralisinfection. The study sample was composed by 223 samples. Samples resulting positive to APC, IFAT and RT–PCR were 20, 140 and 25, respectively. When sensitivity was calculated against a composite reference standard, serology confirmed the best performance (sensitivity 95%), followed by RT–PCR (57%) and APC (45%). In conclusion, in a non-endemic setting, serology is the best screening method, while the combination of APC and RT–PCR does not seem a reasonable approach to increase sensitivity. Both methods can have a role as confirmatory tests for selected cases.
Nest site selection patterns of a local Egyptian VultureNeophron percnopteruspopulation in Turkey
Authors: ŞEN BİLGECAN , TAVARES JOSÉ P. , BİLGİN C. CAN 
Published: January 2017

SummaryWe report the size and density of an Egyptian Vulture population in Turkey and provide insight into its nest site selection patterns. The study was carried out at Beypazarı (Turkey), holding one of the densest Egyptian Vulture populations (six pairs per 100 km2) in the Western Palearctic. Random Forests analysis revealed that human impact was a potential factor governing the distribution of nest sites, as the pairs clearly preferred to breed away from nearby villages, towns or roads. Utilisation of elevation gradient and aspect was similar to other studied populations, with the probability of nesting increasing at lower altitudes and for south-facing cliffs. Nearest-neighbour distance between nests was about 1.5 km, indicating territorial behaviour when choosing nest sites at the local scale. Our findings provide guidance for nature conservation NGOs and related government bodies for their various actions including designation of Important Bird Areas, regulation of mining practices and preparation of environmental impact assessments.
LIBERTY AND THE CONSTITUTION
Authors: Moore Michael S. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTThe article uses the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in the same-sex marriage caseObergefell v. Hodgesas the springboard for a general enquiry into the nature and existence of a constitutional right to liberty under the American Constitution. The discussion is divided into two main parts. The first examines the meaning and the justifiability of there being a moral right to liberty as a matter of political philosophy. Two such rights are distinguished and defended: first, a right not to be coerced by the state when the state is motivated by improper reasons (prominent among which are paternalistic reasons); and second, a right not to be coerced by the state when there are insufficient justifying reasons for the state to do so, irrespective of how such state coercion may be motivated. Neither right is regarded as “absolute,” and so it is morally permissible for the state to override such rights in certain circumstances. The second part of the article examines the distinct and additional considerations that must be taken into account when these two moral rights to liberty are fashioned into corresponding legal rights under American constitutional law. Both such rights survive the transformation, but each becomes altered somewhat in its content. This legal transformation includes recognition of the nonabsolute nature of moral rights, such recognition taking the form of some doctrine of “compelling state interests.” The discussion in these two main parts of the article is prefaced with a defense of the article's use of political philosophy to inform constitutional law, a defense motivated by Chief Justice Robert's denunciation of such an approach to constitutional law in his opinion inObergefell.
Disclosure of mental health problems: findings from an Australian national survey
Authors: Reavley N. J. , Morgan A. J. , Jorm A. F. 
Published: January 2017

Aims.The aim of the current study was to carry out a national population-based survey to assess the proportion of people disclosing mental health problems in a variety of settings. A further aim was to explore respondent characteristics associated with disclosure.Methods.In 2014, telephone interviews were carried out with 5220 Australians aged 18+, 1381 of whom reported a mental health problem or scored highly on a symptom screening questionnaire. Questions covered disclosure of mental health problems to friends, intimate partners, other family members, supervisors or other colleagues in the workplace, teachers, lecturers or other students in the educational institution, health professionals and others in the community. Other than for intimate partners or supervisors, participants were asked whether or not they told everybody, some people or no one. Multinomial logistic regression was used to model the correlates of disclosure in each setting.Results.For friends and family, respondents were more likely to disclose to some people than to everyone or to no one. In most other domains, non-disclosure was most common, including in the workplace, where non-disclosure to supervisors was more likely than disclosure. Disclosure was associated with having received treatment or with support in all settings except healthcare, while it was only associated with discrimination in two settings (healthcare and education).Conclusions.Disclosure of mental health problems does not appear to be linked to discrimination in most settings, and is typically associated with receiving support. Selective or non-disclosure may be particularly critical in workplaces, education and healthcare settings.
Shifting molecular localization by plasmonic coupling in a single-molecule mirage
Authors: Raab Mario , Vietz Carolin , Stefani Fernando Daniel , Acuna Guillermo Pedro , Tinnefeld Philip 
Published: January 2017

AbstractOver the last decade, two fields have dominated the attention of sub-diffraction photonics research: plasmonics and fluorescence nanoscopy. Nanoscopy based on single-molecule localization offers a practical way to explore plasmonic interactions with nanometre resolution. However, this seemingly straightforward technique may retrieve false positional information. Here, we make use of the DNA origami technique to both control a nanometric separation between emitters and a gold nanoparticle, and as a platform for super-resolution imaging based on single-molecule localization. This enables a quantitative comparison between the position retrieved from single-molecule localization, the true position of the emitter and full-field simulations. We demonstrate that plasmonic coupling leads to shifted molecular localizations of up to 30 nm: a single-molecule mirage.