bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial Shifts in Soil Microbial Activity and Degradation of Pasture Cover Caused by Prolonged Exposure to Cement Dust
Authors: Caravaca Fuensanta , Lozano Zenaida , Rodríguez‐Caballero Gema , Roldán Antonio 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe ascertained the relationship between the zonal pattern and the pasture vegetation of a volcanic soil polluted with dust from a cement factory after 70 years of operation, with parameters linked to soil microbial activity (soil basal respiration and hydrolases) and physical–chemical properties. Six sampling zones were established at distances of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 km away from the cement plant, considering the latter one as the zone where the pastures were unaffected by the cement dust. Plant cover was negatively affected by cement dust, showing a sharp decline with decreasing distance to the cement factory. The values of pH and extractable K were two units and 2·3‐fold higher, respectively, in the sampling zone nearest to the factory, in comparison with those in the unaffected zone. The levels of total Cr, Pb, Ni and Cd were normal and did not vary significantly with distance to the cement factory. Soil respiration and the protease, phosphomonoesterase and β‐glucosidase activities declined significantly with decreasing distance to the cement factory. Urease activity was only decreased in the zone nearest to the factory, in comparison with that in the unaffected zone. The soil respiration and hydrolase activities were correlated positively with soil organic matter and plant cover and negatively with soil pH and extractable K concentration. The prolonged exposure to cement dust has resulted in shifts in the soil microbial function, which follows a spatial pattern related to soil alkalization and the decrease in pasture production. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Established atherosclerosis might be a prerequisite for chicory and its constituent protocatechuic acid to promote endothelium‐dependent vasodilation in mice
Authors: Liu Chaoqun , Wang Wenting , Lin Weiqun , Ling Wenhua , Wang Dongliang 
Published: May 2016

ScopeChicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum, Belgian endive), a typical Mediterranean vegetable, and its constituent protocatechuic acid (PCA) can inhibit established atherosclerosis progression. We thus investigated whether chicory can improve vascular relaxation, a critical pathway for combating atherosclerosis, and whether PCA is a contributor to a chicory‐induced effect.Methods and resultsApolipoprotein E‐deficient (ApoE−/−) mice with established atherosclerosis and C57BL/6J mice without atherosclerosis were fed an AIN‐93G diet, or AIN‐93G plus 0.5% freeze‐dried chicory or 0.003% PCA for 1 wk. In ApoE−/− mice, both chicory and PCA consumption increased endothelium‐dependent vasodilation and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity independent of eNOS and phospho‐eNOS Ser1177 and Thr495 protein expression. Chicory‐ or PCA‐induced eNOS activities were associated with increased vascular tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) levels that result from reduced BH4 oxidation partially through preventing eNOS uncoupling. In C57BL/6J mice, neither chicory nor PCA consumption affected endothelium‐dependent vasodilation and eNOS activity. Notably, in vitro studies showed that PCA increases eNOS activity in mouse aortic endothelial cells in co‐culture with macrophage foam cells, but not in aortic endothelial cells alone.ConclusionsChicory improves eNOS‐mediated endothelium‐dependent vasodilation by increasing BH4 levels in mice with established atherosclerosis, which might be partially ascribed to its constituent PCA.
Electrodiagnostic reference values for upper and lower limb nerve conduction studies in adult populations
Authors: Chen Shan , Andary Michael , Buschbacher Ralph , Del Toro David , Smith Benn , So Yuen , Zimmermann Kuno , Dillingham Timothy R. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTIntroduction: To address the need for greater standardization within the field of electrodiagnostic medicine, the Normative Data Task Force (NDTF) was formed to identify nerve conduction studies (NCS) in the literature, evaluate them using consensus‐based methodological criteria derived by the NDTF, and identify those suitable as a resource for NCS metrics. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted of published peer‐reviewed scientific articles for 11 routinely performed sensory and motor NCS from 1990 to 2012. Results: Over 7,500 articles were found. After review using consensus‐based methodological criteria, only 1 study each met all quality criteria for 10 nerves. Conclusion: The NDTF selected only those studies that met all quality criteria and were considered suitable as a clinical resource for NCS metrics. The literature is, however, limited and these findings should be confirmed by larger, multicenter collaborative efforts. Muscle Nerve 54: 371–377, 2016
Interview mit Klaus Kümmerer
Authors: Leusmann Eliza , Osterath Brigitte 
Published: May 2016

AbstractRückstände von Arzneimitteln und anderen Chemikalien im Abwasser und in der Umwelt – wie werden wir die wieder los? Klaus Kümmerer, Professor für nachhaltige Chemie an der Universität Lüneburg, findet: Wir sollten schon bei der Herstellung dieser Substanzen etwas dafür tun. Den Nachrichten aus der Chemie stellte er seine Ideen vor.
A semi‐analytical curved element for linear elasticity based on the scaled boundary finite element method
Authors: Krome Fabian , Gravenkamp Hauke 
Published: May 2016

SummaryThis work introduces a semi‐analytical formulation for the simulation and modeling of curved structures based on the scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM). This approach adapts the fundamental idea of the SBFEM concept to scale a boundary to describe a geometry. Until now, scaling in SBFEM has exclusively been performed along a straight coordinate that enlarges, shrinks, or shifts a given boundary. In this novel approach, scaling is based on a polar or cylindrical coordinate system such that a boundary is shifted along a curved scaling direction. The derived formulations are used to compute the static and dynamic stiffness matrices of homogeneous curved structures. The resulting elements can be coupled to general SBFEM or FEM domains. For elastodynamic problems, computations are performed in the frequency domain. Results of this work are validated using the global matrix method and standard finite element analysis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of a community‐based behavioral weight loss program in Chinese adults: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang Zhengxiong , Yu Zhiping , Jiang Yingying , Bai Yamin , Miller‐Kovach Karen , Zhao Wenhua , Foster Gary D. , Chen Chunming 
Published: May 2016

ObjectiveWeight losses between a group of participants assigned to a weight loss program based in the community [i.e., specifically the methodology used by Weight Watchers (WW)] and a Nutrition Education (NE) control group were compared in this study.MethodsIn this 6‐month trial, 300 participants with overweight or obesity were recruited from Beijing city, China, and randomly assigned to the WW or NE group. Weight, waist circumference, and biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline and 6 months.ResultsAt 6 months, the majority of participants (79% for WW; 89% for NE) completed the study. WW participants lost significantly more weight than the NE group (−4.2 ± 5.6 kg vs. −0.6 ± 3.6 kg). More WW participants lost 5% or 10% of their starting weight [≥5%: 52.0% of WW participants vs. 11.3% of NE participants (odds ratio 8.15, 95% CI: 4.43–14.97)]; [≥10%: 26.0% of WW vs. 3.3% of NE participants (odds ratio 9.39, 95% CI: 3.55–24.83)]. In addition, WW participants reduced waist circumference by 3.9 ± 6.3 cm, while the NE group increased waist circumference by 0.6 ± 5.5 cm.ConclusionsThe WW program was associated with clinically significant weight loss, demonstrating its potential value as an intervention strategy, based in the community, for the treatment of obesity in China.
An Exploration of the Use of a Sensory Room in a Forensic Mental Health Setting: Staff and Patient Perspectives
Authors: Wiglesworth Sophie , Farnworth Louise 
Published: May 2016

AbstractDespite the increased use of sensory rooms, there is little published evidence related to their benefits. The purpose of this study was to explore staff and patient perspectives of the use of a sensory room in an Australian forensic mental health setting. Staff and patients on a forensic hospital unit were recruited for this study. Focus group data was obtained from the perspective of the healthcare staff. A sensory assessment identified patients' sensory preferences. The details of the patients sensory room use and stress experienced before and after using the sensory room were recorded. The results showed a mean decrease in stress that was attributed to the use of the sensory room. Stress reducing benefits of sensory room use may improve a patient's experience within a forensic mental health facility while applying a recovery approach. As a limitation of the study, patient stress was rated on an un‐validated scale. Further research is needed for greater insight and evidence in evaluating the use of sensory rooms in forensic mental health settings in reducing stress. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal and frictional properties of mesoporous silica SBA‐15/phenolic resin nanocomposites
Authors: Yu Chuanbai , Gao Man , Feng Jinwei , Liu Yuanli , Lv Jian , Liu Hongxia , Wei Chun 
Published: May 2016

Mesoporous silica SBA‐15/phenolic resin hybrid materials (SBA‐15/PF) were fabricated through in situ polymerization of phenol and formaldehyde in the presence of SBA‐15 and subsequent SBA‐15/PF nanocomposites were prepared by compression moldings. The results revealed that the glass transition temperatures and thermal stability of SBA‐15/PF hybrid materials were obviously enhanced compared to pure PF. In addition, the dynamic mechanical and friction properties of SBA‐15/PF nanocomposites were improved remarkably. For SBA‐15/PF nanocomposites containing 5.0 wt% of SBA‐15, the glass transition temperature of the nanocomposite increased by 13.0°C. Moreover, the nanocomposite showed stable friction coefficient and decreased wear rate. The wear mechanism was a combination of adhesive wear and abrasive wear for PF/SBA‐15 nanocomposites, while for pure PF friction material was a combination of adhesive wear and fatigue wear. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:E351–E358, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Investigation of the thin film crystallization of a DNA copolymer hybrid composed of chitosan
Authors: Safir Ilyès , Chami Mohamed , Buergi Thomas , Nardin Corinne 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe describe for the first time the crystallization in thin films of a DNA copolymer composed of a low molecular weight chitosan backbone to which a sequence of nucleic acids is grafted (chitosan‐g‐ssDNA). As assessed by atomic force microscopy, optical microscopy and spectroscopy, crystallization occurs due to intermolecular hydrogen bonding in which the nucleic acid strands engage. The morphology of the crystals depends on the affinity for the surface of the polymer segments that compose the DNA copolymer hybrid. The nucleic acids adsorb on mica and silica on which side‐branched structures are observed whereas chitosan interacts preferentially with gold, and dendritic crystals are assembled. Attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy supports the high ordering of the structure and the establishment of strong intermolecular interactions by hydrogen bonding. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of the interactions of sulfur‐containing amino acids in membrane proteins
Authors: Gómez‐Tamayo José C. , Cordomí Arnau , Olivella Mireia , Mayol Eduardo , Fourmy Daniel , Pardo Leonardo 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe interactions of Met and Cys with other amino acid side chains have received little attention, in contrast to aromatic–aromatic, aromatic–aliphatic or/and aliphatic–aliphatic interactions. Precisely, these are the only amino acids that contain a sulfur atom, which is highly polarizable and, thus, likely to participate in strong Van der Waals interactions. Analysis of the interactions present in membrane protein crystal structures, together with the characterization of their strength in small‐molecule model systems at the ab‐initio level, predicts that Met–Met interactions are stronger than Met–Cys ≈ Met–Phe ≈ Cys–Phe interactions, stronger than Phe–Phe ≈ Phe–Leu interactions, stronger than the Met–Leu interaction, and stronger than Leu–Leu ≈ Cys–Leu interactions. These results show that sulfur‐containing amino acids form stronger interactions than aromatic or aliphatic amino acids. Thus, these amino acids may provide additional driving forces for maintaining the 3D structure of membrane proteins and may provide functional specificity.
Improving hybrid statistical and physical forcefields through local structure enumeration
Authors: Conway Patrick , DiMaio Frank 
Published: May 2016

AbstractForcefields used in biomolecular simulations are comprised of energetic terms that are physical in nature, based on parameter fitting to quantum mechanical simulation or experimental data, or statistical, drawing off high‐resolution structural data to describe distributions of molecular features. Combining the two in a single forcefield is challenging, since physical terms describe some, but not all, of the observed statistics, leading to double counting. In this manuscript, we develop a general scheme for correcting statistical potentials used in combination with physical terms. We apply these corrections to the sidechain torsional potential used in the Rosetta all‐atom forcefield. We show the approach identifies instances of double‐counted interactions, including electrostatic interactions between sidechain and nearby backbone, and steric interactions between neighboring Cβ atoms within secondary structural elements. Moreover, this scheme allows for the inclusion of intraresidue physical terms, previously turned off to avoid overlap with the statistical potential. Combined, these corrections lead to a forcefield with improved performance on several structure prediction tasks, including rotamer prediction and native structure discrimination.
Susceptibility of Alphitobius diaperinus in Texas to permethrin‐ and β‐cyfluthrin‐treated surfaces
Authors: Lyons Brandon N , Crippen Tawni L , Zheng Le , Teel Pete D , Swiger Sonja L , Tomberlin Jeffery K 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDEffective control of the lesser mealworm beetle, Alphitobius diaperinus, relies heavily on insecticides. The susceptibility level of beetles to these insecticides can be dependent on active ingredient, population treated, formulation, surface treated and timing of observation. The susceptibility of adult beetles from six populations to β‐cyfluthrin was determined up to 48 h after exposure. The susceptibility of adult beetles to the label rate of β‐cyfluthrin and permethrin formulations on concrete, wood‐chip‐type particle board and pressure‐treated wood was determined up to 48 h post‐exposure.RESULTSVariation in LC50 values at 2 and 24 h was found within and between beetle populations from two regions of Texas. The permethrin formulation had lower mean mortality than the β‐cyfluthrin formulation on all surfaces tested. The permethrin formulation had high levels of recovery on all surfaces tested after 2 h. Surface affected the efficacy of the insecticides tested on killing adult beetles.CONCLUSIONPermethrin‐based insecticide had lower knockdown and persistence on various surfaces over time than β‐cyfluthrin‐based insecticide. Beetle recovery in less susceptible populations may necessitate longer observation periods for efficacy evaluations. Our study also shows that surfaces chosen can affect the efficacy of the compound on killing adult beetles. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Humanizing Digital Literacies: A Road Trip in Search of Wisdom and Insight
Authors: Rowsell Jennifer , Burke Anne , Flewitt Rosie , Liao Han‐Teng , Lin Angel , Marsh Jackie , Mills Kathy , Prinsloo Mastin , Rowe Deborah , Wohlwend Karen 
Published: May 2016

AbstractDigital literacies abound in playing a foundational role in the rhythm and pattern of our lives, yet debates continue about how to harness them to teach and learn literacy. In an effort to humanize digital literacies, this department column offers a vast array of topics, from participatory work that pushes educators and researchers to communicate in local and global spaces to ways of redefining core reading and literacy skills through a screen‐based, multimodal logic. This column also provides a venue for research and practical applications that depict technology use as a part of the fabric of being human. The column helps educators reconceptualize the ways that children learn with technology, media, and new communication systems; honors educator success stories and burning questions and issues; and reimagines literacy futures.
Social anxiety disorder: a critical overview of neurocognitive research
Authors: Cremers Henk R. , Roelofs Karin 
Published: May 2016

Social anxiety is a common disorder characterized by a persistent and excessive fear of one or more social or performance situations. Behavioral inhibition is one of the early indicators of social anxiety, which later in life may advance into a certain personality structure (low extraversion and high neuroticism) and the development of maladaptive cognitive biases. While there are several effective psycho‐ and pharmacotherapy options, a large number of patients benefit insufficiently from these therapies. Brain and neuroendocrine research can help uncover both the biological basis of social anxiety and potentially provide indicators, ‘biomarkers,’ that may be informative for early disease detection or treatment response, above and beyond self‐report data. Several large‐scale brain networks related to emotion, motivation, cognitive control, and self‐referential processing have been identified, and are affected in social anxiety. Social anxiety is further characterized by increased cortisol response and lower testosterone levels. These neuroendocrine systems are also related to altered connectivity patterns, such as reduced amygdala–prefrontal coupling. Much work is needed however to further elucidate such interactions between neuroendocrine functioning and large‐scale brain networks. Despite the great promise of brain research in uncovering the neurobiological basis of social anxiety, several methodological and conceptual issues also need to be considered. WIREs Cogn Sci 2016, 7:218–232. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1390This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Emotion and Motivation
Energy and development: the role of academia in education, research, and technological cooperation for sustainability
Authors: Colombo Emanuela , Mattarolo Lorenzo 
Published: May 2016

Over the last decades, the interest of the international community for the multiple interconnections among energy, environment, and society has widely increased. Today, the close link between energy and development is officially recognized. The 2030 development agenda identifies energy access as a necessary precondition for human and social promotion, as well as an instrumental right to fight poverty. Nevertheless access to sufficient, affordable, efficient, reliable, safe and clean energy is not yet an opportunity for all. In developing countries, the problem is critical, but evidence has also risen in emerging countries and, more recently, even in developed countries. A new culture of energy is needed at global level. Innovative solutions and strategies to match the economic growth with the multidimensional targets of sustainability, including environmental preservation and social inclusion, need to be developed. In this scenario, the academia and the scientific community may play a key role by reshaping and updating their traditional mission, based on education, research, and community outreach, with a vision of the society where the human being is settled back at the center of the stage. WIREs Energy Environ 2017, 6:e215. doi: 10.1002/wene.215This article is categorized under:

Energy Policy and Planning > Economics and Policy
Energy and Development > Economics and Policy
Utilizing citizen science to document a mange epidemic in western gray squirrels in California
Authors: Rudd Jaime , Stephenson Nicole , Clifford Deana L. , Konde Lora , Villepique Jeffrey T. , Foley Janet 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTCitizen science allows for economical collection of data across large geographic areas. However the degree of expertise required, inter‐observer consistency, and strategies for compiling and disseminating results may affect the quality of the project data. We used citizen science to recreate spatio‐temporal characteristics of an outbreak of notoedric mange (Notoedres centrifera) in western gray squirrels (Sciurus griseus anthonyi) in the San Bernardino Mountains of California, USA, and evaluated strengths and limitations of citizen science to collect these data. In June 2012, we deployed an online survey asking local residents to record location, date, and details of past squirrel sightings (prior to the epidemic), and recent sightings of sick and healthy squirrels. Respondents provided 160 historical observations, 83.8% of which had sufficient information for inclusion. Although there was an eventual decay in reporting, these data allowed us to detect spatial clusters of mange, a west to east spread, and the presence of some unaffected squirrels after the epidemic. Respondents reported mange cases earlier than rehabilitators and at least a year ahead of a noticeable decline, while 76.3% observed the decline after 2010. Residents who lived in the study area for more than half the year were 2.3 times more likely to observe a gray squirrel with mange. After the start of the survey, there were 6 reports of gray squirrels with signs suggestive of mange but 188 reports of healthy gray squirrels, indicating the peak of infection in this mange epidemic was over by 2012. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Systems medicine in colorectal cancer: from a mathematical model toward a new type of clinical trial
Authors: Castagnino Nicoletta , Maffei Massimo , Tortolina Lorenzo , Zoppoli Gabriele , Piras Daniela , Nencioni Alessio , Moran Eva , Ballestrero Alberto , Patrone Franco , Parodi Silvio 
Published: May 2016

Current colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment guidelines are primarily based on clinical features, such as cancer stage and grade. However, outcomes may be improved using molecular treatment guidelines. Potentially useful biomarkers include driver mutations and somatically inherited alterations, signaling proteins (their expression levels and (post) translational modifications), mRNAs, micro‐RNAs and long noncoding RNAs. Moving to an integrated system is potentially very relevant. To implement such an integrated system: we focus on an important region of the signaling network, immediately above the G1‐S restriction point, and discuss the reconstruction of a Molecular Interaction Map and interrogating it with a dynamic mathematical model. Extensive model pretraining achieved satisfactory, validated, performance. The model helps to propose future target combination priorities, and restricts drastically the number of drugs to be finally tested at a cellular, in vivo, and clinical‐trial level. Our model allows for the inclusion of the unique molecular profiles of each individual patient's tumor. While existing clinical guidelines are well established, dynamic modeling may be used for future targeted combination therapies, which may progressively become part of clinical practice within the near future. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2016, 8:314–336. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1342This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Signaling
Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods
Translational, Genomic, and Systems Medicine > Translational Medicine