bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interpersonal barriers to recovery from borderline personality disorder: A qualitative analysis of patient perspectives
Authors: Carmel Adam , Torres Nicole I. , Chalker Samantha , Comtois Katherine Anne 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSocial‐environmental factors have been found to be an integral part in the recovery process for individuals with psychiatric disabilities. There are few studies that have obtained patient perspectives of how their social and treatment environments help facilitate or impede the recovery process. The following study examined the self‐reported interpersonal barriers to recovery among a sample of individuals (N = 31) with borderline personality disorder who were receiving dialectical behaviour therapy. The goal of study was to identify self‐reported problematic behaviour that interferes with recovery goals and identify types of family, friend and/or provider behaviours that increased the likelihood of patients engaging in these problematic behaviours. A content analysis yielded three themes of problematic behaviour, and how these behaviours were reinforced by others, including (1) avoidance behaviours, (2) encouragement of negative coping and (3) communication of low behavioural expectations. Implications for the impact of these patterns of reinforcement within behavioural health settings are discussed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of and lipopolysaccharide binding to the E. coliLptC protein dimer
Authors: Schultz Kathryn M. , Klug Candice S. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractLipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) is the major component of the outer leaflet of the outer membrane of Gram‐negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. LPS is a large lipid containing several acyl chains as its hydrophobic base and numerous sugars as its hydrophilic core and O‐antigen domains, and is an essential element of the organisms' natural defenses in adverse environmental conditions. LptC is one of seven members of the lipopolysaccharide transport (Lpt) protein family that functions to transport LPS from the inner membrane (IM) to the outer leaflet of the outer membrane of the bacterium. LptC is anchored to the IM and associated with the IM LptFGB2 complex. It is hypothesized that LPS binds to LptC at the IM, transfers to LptA to cross the periplasm, and is inserted by LptDE into the outer leaflet of the outer membrane. The studies described here comprehensively characterize and quantitate the binding of LPS to LptC. Site‐directed spin labeling electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy was utilized to characterize the LptC dimer in solution and monitor spin label mobility changes at 10 sites across the protein upon addition of exogenous LPS. The results indicate that soluble LptC forms concentration‐independent N‐terminal dimers in solution, LptA binding does not change the conformation of the LptC dimer nor appreciably disrupt the LptC dimer in vitro, and LPS binding affects the entire LptC protein, with the center and C‐terminal regions showing a greater affinity for LPS than the N‐terminal domain, which has similar dissociation constants to LptA.
Density‐functional theory study of the interaction mechanism and optical properties of flavonols on the boron nitride nanotubes
Authors: Fan Guohong , Zhu Sheng , Xu Hong 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe flavonols are natural pigments with multiple colors. They are found ubiquitously in plants and are relevant to flower colors and the UV protection in plants. Their antioxidant, anticancer, and anti‐allergic features attract researchers much attention to explore their potential applications in biological and nanomedical areas. In this study, the interaction mechanism and optical properties of four representative flavonols, on both the surface and confined in the single‐walled boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), have been explored comparatively by self‐consistent density‐functional based tight‐binding method (SCC‐DFTB) and density‐functional theory (DFT). The results indicate a stronger binding when flavonols are confined inside the BNNTs. The influence of mutual interaction between flavonols and BNNTs on the excited properties and UV/vis feature of the complex structure was studied by time‐dependent DFT. Due to the interaction of flavonols with BNNTs and the weakness of the intramolecular hydrogen bond, our results indicate a red‐shift of the flavonol spectra when they are outside or inside the tube. The study concludes that the properties of flavonols can be fine‐tuned by the interaction with BNNTs.
Transport layer performance combining multipath and network coding in mobile satellite networks
Authors: Giambene Giovanni , Luong Doanh Kim , Le Van Anh , de Cola Tomaso , Muhammad Muhammad 
Published: October 2017

SummarySatellite networks are expected to support multimedia traffic flows, offering high capacity with quality of service guarantees. In this paper, we consider future satellite networks able to exploit multiple paths to reach mobile users also by means of a terrestrial complementary coverage. The interest is to exploit the path diversity by adopting network coding at a shim layer between Internet protocol and media access control. We have proposed several variants of network‐coding schemes with different organizations in terms of interflow and intraflow encoding, where the packets generated by the encoder are split and sent on different paths. Our path‐based network coding (PBNC) techniques have been combined with multipath transmission control protocol (MPTCP) and TCP at transport layer, thus obtaining PBNC‐MPTCP and PBNC‐TCP. We have evaluated the performance of these techniques by means of Ns‐2 simulations. A cross‐layer criterion has been adopted to determine the settings of the encoders. Our PBNC‐based schemes have shown better goodput performance than a benchmark scheme considering 2 different scenarios (one with symmetrical paths and one with unbalanced paths) in the presence of GOOD/BAD mobile channels.
Phosphate‐Responsive Biomimetic Nanofluidic Diodes Regulated by Polyamine–Phosphate Interactions: Insights into Their Functional Behavior from Theory and Experiment
Authors: Pérez‐Mitta Gonzalo , Marmisollé Waldemar A. , Albesa Alberto G. , Toimil‐Molares María Eugenia , Trautmann Christina , Azzaroni Omar 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThere is currently high interest in developing nanofluidic devices whose iontronic output is defined by biological interactions. The fabrication of a phosphate responsive nanofluidic diode by using the biological relevant amine–phosphate interactions is shown. The fabrication procedure includes the modification of a track‐etched asymmetric (conical) nanochannel with polyallylamine (PAH) by electrostatic self‐assembly. PAH is the arcaetypical model of polyamine and it is further used to address the nanochannels with phosphate responsivity. In order to explore the influence that phosphate in solution has in the conductance of the modified nanochannels, current–voltage measurements using different concentrations of phosphates are performed. Furthermore, to have a complete physicochemical understanding of the system, experimental data is analyzed using a continuous model based on Poison–Nernst–Planck equations and compared with results obtained from stochastic Monte Carlo simulations.
Carbon Textile Decorated with Pseudocapacitive VC/VxOy for High‐Performance Flexible Supercapacitors
Authors: Van Lam Do , Shim Hyung Cheoul , Kim Jae‐Hyun , Lee Hak‐Joo , Lee Seung‐Mo 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIt is demonstrated that, via V2O5 coating by low temperature atomic layer deposition and subsequent pyrolysis, ubiquitous cotton textile can readily turn into high‐surface‐area carbon textile fully decorated with pseudocapacitive VxOy/VC widely usable as electrodes of high‐performance supercapacitor. It is found that carbothermic reduction of V2O5 (C + V2O5 → C′ + VC + CO/CO2(g)) leads to chemical/mechanical activation of carbon textile, thereby producing high‐surface‐area conductive carbon textile. In addition, sequential phase transformation and carbide formation (V2O5 → VxOy → VC) occurred by carbothermic reduction trigger decoration of the carbon textile with redox‐active VxOy/VC. Thanks to the synergistic effect of electrical double layer and pseudocapacitance, the supercapacitors made of the hybrid carbon textile exhibit far better energy density (over 30‐fold increase) with excellent cycling stability than the carbon textile simply undergone pyrolysis. The method can open up a promising and facile way to synthesize hybrid electrode materials for electrochemical energy storages possessing advantages of both electrical double layer and pseudocapacitive material.
Seroepidemiology and assessment of risk factors for the spread of avian influenza in birds in two Nigerian states
Authors: Waziri Musa Ibrahim , Abdu Paul A. , Sa'idu Lawal , Bello Mohammed 
Published: October 2017

AbstractDespite modified stamping out eradication policy adopted in Nigeria, there was resurgence in 2015 of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 with greater infectivity. A survey of the risk of spread of HPAI in two HPAI‐infected and ‐uninfected Nigerian states were studied. A cross‐sectional study to detect avian influenza (AI) H5 antibodies was conducted using haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 950 birds’ sera were tested for AI H5 antibodies. Questionnaires were also administered to evaluate risks of AI spread in two states of Nigeria in 2013. AI H5 seroprevalence of 3% and 5% were obtained in Bauchi and Gombe states, respectively. Free flying and captive wild birds had 15% and 11% seroprevalence, respectively. Ninety‐two per cent AI awareness and 90% preparedness to report outbreaks of poultry diseases were recorded. Veterinary personnel, radio and television contributed 87% to HPAI awareness. Of the 10 risk categories evaluated, Gombe state had 3 moderate and 1 high risk of AI virus spread. Bauchi state recorded 5 moderate and 1 high risk of AI virus spread. Chi‐square analysis showed associations of altitude, temperature, rainfall and presence of live bird markets (LBMs) (P < 0.05) to AI seroprevalence. Odds ratio at 95% CI (1.313–6.333) indicated LBMs presence to be three times more likely to influence AI occurrence. HPAI H5N1 resurged in many states and occurred for the first time in Gombe state in 2015. Veterinary personnel, radio and television may be reliable in changing farmers’ attitudes to adopt good biosecurity practices.
Human heterologous liver cells transiently improve hyperammonemia and ureagenesis in individuals with severe urea cycle disorders
Authors: Meyburg Jochen , Opladen Thomas , Spiekerkötter Ute , Schlune Andrea , Schenk Jens‐Peter , Schmidt Jan , Weitz Jürgen , Okun Jürgen , Bürger Friederike , Omran Tawfeg Ben , Abdoh Ghassan , Al Rifai Hilal , Monavari Ahmad , Konstantopoulou Vassiliki , Kölker Stefan , Yudkoff Marc , Hoffmann Georg F. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundUrea cycle disorders (UCDs) still have a poor prognosis despite several therapeutic advancements. As liver transplantation can provide a cure, liver cell therapy (LCT) might be a new therapeutic option in these patients.MethodsTwelve patients with severe UCDs were included in this prospective clinical trial. Patients received up to six infusions of cryopreserved human heterologous liver cells via a surgically placed catheter in the portal vein. Portal vein pressure, portal vein flow, and vital signs were monitored continuously. Calcineurin inhibitors and steroids were used for immunosuppression. In four patients, ureagenesis was determined with stable isotopes. Number and severity of hyperammonemic events and side effects of immunosuppression were analyzed during an observation period of up to 2 years.ResultsNo study‐related mortality was observed. The application catheter dislocated in two children. No significant side effects of catheter application or cell infusion were noted in the other ten patients. The overall incidence of infections did not differ significantly from a historical control group, and no specific side effects of immunosuppression were found. Seven patients were treated per protocol and could be analyzed for efficacy. Severe metabolic crises could be prevented in all of these patients, moderate crises in four of seven. Ureagenesis increased after cell infusion in all patients investigated.ConclusionsWe found a favorable safety profile with respect to catheter placement, intraportal liver cell infusion, and immunosuppression. More than half of the children treated per protocol experienced metabolic stabilization and could be safely bridged to liver transplantation.
Assessment of Current Genetic Counselor Practices in Post‐Visit Written Communications to Patients
Authors: VandenBoom Emily , Trepanier Angela M. , Carmany Erin P. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractProviding patients with post‐visit written communication (PVWC) is a long‐standing component of genetic counseling. However the depiction of this practice in today's clinical landscape is limited. To better describe this practice, we surveyed practicing clinical genetic counselors to ask if they send post‐visit communications to patients and if so, what are the types, the average length, and the average time spent writing. They were also asked the perceived purpose of providing PVWC, if/how the practice has changed over time, and factors influencing the practice. Eighty three percent (233/280) of participants reported sending patients PVWC. Of those, 93% sent at least one communication written in patient‐friendly language. The type of communication varied by specialty. Prenatal genetic counselors were less likely to send patient‐specific letters and hybrid letters (defined as letters with content intended for both a physician and a patient) than those in cancer genetics (p= 0.010,p= 0.001, respectively) or pediatric genetics (p= 0.001,p= 0.004, respectively). Prenatal genetic counselors spent less time on average writing post‐visit communications (19.0 min) relative to those in cancer and pediatric genetics (30.6 min,p= 0.027 and 37.7 min,p= 0.001, respectively). The most commonly cited purpose for sending PVWC was to provide patients a formal account of what happened during the appointment. These data suggest PWVC are still regularly sent to patients but the practice is variable and is influenced by numerous factors including specialty, years of experience, and time constraints.
The Sexual Event Diary (SED): Development and Validation of a Standardized Questionnaire for Assessing Female Sexual Functioning During Discrete Sexual Events
Authors: van Nes Yvonne , Bloemers Jos , van der Heijden Peter G.M. , van Rooij Kim , Gerritsen Jeroen , Kessels Rob , DeRogatis Leonard , Tuiten Adriaan 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

Background
The efficacy of on-demand drugs for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) or female sexual interest/arousal disorder (FSIAD) should be assessed using a validated instrument that assesses the discrete sexual events during which the on-demand drug is taken.

Aim
To develop and validate an event log for measuring sexual satisfaction and sexual functioning of discrete sexual events.

Methods
Psychometric assessment was carried out on data of 10,959 Sexual Event Diaries (SEDs) collected during three clinical trials in a total of 421 women with HSDD. Cognitive debriefing interviews were held with 16 women with HSDD.

Outcomes
Item scores of the SED at the event level and at the subject level, summarized item scores of women during the baseline establishment and active treatment periods, and score changes in women from baseline establishment to active treatment.

Results
Several items of the initial 16-item SED items showed weak validity. The 16-item SED was refined to the 11-item SED. The reliability, content, and convergent validity of the 11-item SED were confirmed. For most 11-item SED item scores, the ability to discriminate between known groups was confirmed. Larger mean score changes from the baseline establishment period were found in those with than in those without known benefit from the medication, and Guyatt effect sizes ranged from 0.73 to 1.58, thereby demonstrating the ability to detect change.

Clinical Translation
The SED is a good tool for assessing sexual function during a discrete sexual event and for assessing the sexual function of women over longer periods.

Strengths and Limitations
The validation of the SED was performed on data from nearly 11,000 sexual events, gathered as part of a drug development program for HSDD and FSIAD. This amount of data provides very robust results when related to drug use for HSDD and FSIAD, but caution is advised when generalizing the validity of the SED directly to other areas of research (eg, recreational drug use and sexual risky behaviors), because such data were not used in this validation.

Conclusions
The 11-item SED is a reliable, valid, and responsive instrument and suitable for use in evaluating the effects of on-demand drugs in women with HSDD or FSIAD.
Real interest parity: Evidence from trade partnerships
Authors: Boamah Mustapha Ibn 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis study investigates real interest parity (RIP) in trade partnerships, and whether RIP depends on the type of trade partnership, using short term interest rates and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) obtained from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) database between 1975 and 2016. The investigation employs unit root and stationarity tests on interest rate differentials to study RIP between countries using Germany, United States, and Japan as base countries for selected countries in the European Union (EU), member countries of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and selected Asian countries respectively. The results show evidence in favor of RIP in the selected EU countries. The interest rate differentials of Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and the UK with respect to Germany confirms a long‐run relationship and real interest rate parity. There is also evidence to support the RIP in the other trade partnerships. With the exception of Mexico, the interest rate differentials for all the countries are stationary, and each quickly reverts to its mean.
Prevalence of suicidal behaviour and associated factors in a large sample of Chinese adolescents
Authors: Liu X. C. , Chen H. , Liu Z. Z. , Wang J. Y. , Jia C. X. 
Published: October 2017

Aims.Suicidal behaviour is prevalent among adolescents and is a significant predictor of future suicide attempts (SAs) and suicide death. Data on the prevalence and epidemiological characteristics of suicidal behaviour in Chinese adolescents are limited. This study was aimed to examine the prevalence, characteristics and risk factors of suicidal behaviour, including suicidal thought (ST), suicide plan (SP) and SA, in a large sample of Chinese adolescents.Method.This report represents the first wave data of an ongoing longitudinal study, Shandong Adolescent Behavior and Health Cohort. Participants included 11 831 adolescent students from three counties of Shandong, China. The mean age of participants was 15.0 (s.d. = 1.5) and 51% were boys. In November–December 2015, participants completed a structured adolescent health questionnaire, including ST, SP and SA, characteristics of most recent SA, demographics, substance use, hopelessness, impulsivity and internalising and externalising behavioural problems.Results.The lifetime and last-year prevalence rates were 17.6 and 10.7% for ST in males, 23.5 and 14.7% for ST in females, 8.9 and 2.9% for SP in males, 10.7 and 3.8% for SP in females, 3.4 and 1.3% for SA in males, and 4.6 and 1.8% for SA in females, respectively. The mean age of first SA was 12–13 years. Stabbing/cutting was the most common method to attempt suicide. Approximately 24% of male attempters and 16% of female attempters were medically treated. More than 70% of attempters had no preparatory action. Female gender, smoking, drinking, internalising and externalising problems, hopelessness, suicidal history of friends and acquaintances, poor family economic status and poor parental relationship were all significantly associated with increased risk of suicidal behaviour.Conclusions.Suicidal behaviour in Chinese adolescents is prevalent but less than that previously reported in Western peers. While females are more likely to attempt suicide, males are more likely to use lethal methods. Multiple child and family factors are associated with suicidal behaviour. These findings highlight the importance of early screening and intervention of suicidal behaviour in Chinese adolescents.
Escin induces caspase-dependent apoptosis and autophagy through the ROS/p38 MAPK signalling pathway in human osteosarcoma cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zhu Jian , Yu Wei , Liu Bing , Wang Yitian , shao Jianlin , Wang Junjie , Xia Kaishun , Liang Chengzhen , Fang Weijing , Zhou Chenhe , Tao Huimin 
Published: October 2017

AbstractOsteosarcoma is one of the most malignant neoplasms in adolescents, and it generally develops multidrug resistance. Escin, a natural mixture of triterpene saponins isolated from Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut), has demonstrated potent anti-tumour potential in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we found that escin inhibited osteosarcoma proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Additionally, escin-induced apoptosis was evidenced by the increased expression of caspase-related proteins and the formation of apoptotic bodies. Escin also induced autophagy, with elevated LC3, ATG5, ATG12 and Beclin expression as well as autophagosome formation. Inhibition of escin-induced autophagy promoted apoptosis. Moreover, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were activated by escin. A p38 MAPK inhibitor partially attenuated the autophagy and apoptosis triggered by escin, but a ROS scavenger showed a greater inhibitory effect. Finally, the therapeutic efficacy of escin against osteosarcoma was demonstrated in an orthotopic model. Overall, escin counteracted osteosarcoma by inducing autophagy and apoptosis via the activation of the ROS/p38 MAPK signalling pathway; these findings provide evidence for escin as a novel and potent therapeutic for the treatment of osteosarcoma.