bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Real‐World Correlates of Performance on Heuristics and Biases Tasks in a Community Sample
Authors: Toplak Maggie E. , West Richard F. , Stanovich Keith E. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn the current study, we sought to examine whether performance on several heuristics and biases tasks and thinking dispositions was associated with real‐life correlates in a community sample of adults. We examined performance on five heuristics and biases tasks (ratio bias, belief bias in syllogistic reasoning, cognitive reflection, probabilistic and statistical reasoning, and rational temporal discounting), three thinking dispositions (actively open‐minded thinking, future orientation, and avoidance of superstitious thinking), and a questionnaire assessing real‐world correlates in several domains (substance use, driving behavior, financial behavior, gambling behavior, electronic media use, and secure computing). Our heuristics and biases tasks and thinking disposition measures were modestly associated with several real‐world outcomes, including the domains of secure computing, financial behaviors, and the total scores. That is, better performance on the heuristics and biases measures was associated with fewer negative outcomes. We found that the associations were generally higher in males than in females. Heuristics and biases performance and thinking dispositions were unique predictors of real‐world outcomes after statistically controlling for educational attainment and sex differences. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural and functional characterization of chimeric cyclotides from the Möbius and trypsin inhibitor subfamilies
Authors: Abdul Ghani Hafiza , Henriques Sónia Troeira , Huang Yen‐Hua , Swedberg Joakim E. , Schroeder Christina I. , Craik David J. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractCyclotides are plant‐derived host defense peptides displaying exceptional stability due to their cyclic cystine knot comprising three intertwined disulfide bonds and a cyclic backbone. Their six conserved cysteine residues are separated by backbone loops with diverse sequences. Prototypical cyclotides from the Möbius (kalata B1) and trypsin inhibitor (MCoTI‐II) subfamilies lack sequence homology with one another, but both are able to penetrate cells, apparently via different mechanisms. To delineate the influence of the sequences of the loops on the structure and cell internalization of these two cyclotide subfamilies, a series of Möbius/trypsin inhibitor loop‐chimeras of kalata B1 and MCoTI‐II were synthesized, and structurally and functionally characterized. NMR analysis showed that the structural fold of the majority of chimeric peptides was minimally affected by the loop substitutions. Substituting loops 3, 5, or 6 of MCoTI‐II into the corresponding loops of kalata B1 attenuated its hemolytic and cytotoxic activities, and greatly reduced its cell‐penetrating properties. On the other hand, replacing loops of MCoTI‐II with the corresponding loops of kalata B1 did not introduce cytotoxicity into the chimeras. Loops 2, 3, and 4 of MCoTI‐II were found to contribute little to cell‐penetrating properties. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the structural basis for the hemolytic, cytotoxic, and cell‐penetrating properties of kalata B1 and MCoTI‐II, which could be useful for future engineering of cyclotides to carry bioactive epitopes to intracellular targets.
Molecular self‐assembly using peptide nucleic acids
Authors: Berger Or , Gazit Ehud 
Published: August 2016

AbstractPeptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are extensively studied for the control of genetic expression since their design in the 1990s. However, the application of PNAs in nanotechnology is much more recent. PNAs share the specific base‐pair recognition characteristic of DNA together with material‐like properties of polyamides, both proteins and synthetic polymers, such as Kevlar and Nylon. The first application of PNA was in the form of PNA‐amphiphiles, resulting in the formation of either lipid integrated structures, hydrogels or fibrillary assemblies. Heteroduplex DNA–PNA assemblies allow the formation of hybrid structures with higher stability as compared with pure DNA. A systematic screen for minimal PNA building blocks resulted in the identification of guanine‐containing di‐PNA assemblies and protected guanine‐PNA monomer spheres showing unique optical properties. Finally, the co‐assembly of PNA with thymine‐like three‐faced cyanuric acid allowed the assembly of poly‐adenine PNA into fibers. In summary, we believe that PNAs represent a new and important family of building blocks which converges the advantages of both DNA‐ and peptide‐nanotechnologies.
Mesenchymal stem cell‐based treatments for stroke, neural trauma, and heat stroke
Authors: Hsuan Yogi Chang‐Yo , Lin Cheng‐Hsien , Chang Ching‐Ping , Lin Mao‐Tsun 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundMesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation has been reported to improve neurological function following neural injury. Many physiological and molecular mechanisms involving MSC therapy‐related neuroprotection have been identified.MethodsA review is presented of articles that pertain to MSC therapy and diverse brain injuries including stroke, neural trauma, and heat stroke, which were identified using an electronic search (e.g., PubMed), emphasize mechanisms of MSC therapy‐related neuroprotection. We aim to discuss neuroprotective mechanisms that underlie the beneficial effects of MSCs in treating stroke, neural trauma, and heatstroke.ResultsMSC therapy is promising as a means of augmenting brain repair. Cell incorporation into the injured tissue is not a prerequisite for the beneficial effects exerted by MSCs. Paracrine signaling is believed to be the most important mediator of MSC therapy in brain injury. The multiple mechanisms of action of MSCs include enhanced angiogenesis and neurogenesis, immunomodulation, and anti‐inflammatory effects. Microglia are the first source of the inflammatory cascade during brain injury. Cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, and interleukin‐6, are significantly produced by microglia in the brain after experimental brain injury. The proinflammatory M1 phenotype of microglia is associated with tissue destruction, whereas the anti‐inflammatory M2 phenotype of microglia facilitates repair and regeneration. MSC therapy may improve outcomes of ischemic stroke, neural trauma, and heatstroke by inhibiting the activity of M1 phenotype of microglia but augmenting the activity of M2 phenotype of microglia.ConclusionThis review offers a testable platform for targeting microglial‐mediated cytokines in clinical trials based upon the rational design of MSC therapy in the future. MSCs that are derived from the placenta provide a great choice for stem cell therapy. Although targeting the microglial activation is an important approach to reduce the burden of the injury, it is not the only one. This review focuses on this specific aspect.
Fatigue in myasthenia gravis: risk factors and impact on quality of life
Authors: Hoffmann Sarah , Ramm Johanna , Grittner Ulrike , Kohler Siegfried , Siedler Jana , Meisel Andreas 
Published: August 2016

AbstractObjectivesEmerging evidence suggests that fatigue in myasthenia gravis (MG) is a relevant problem that negatively impacts activities of daily living (ADL). The relationship between fatigue and quality of life (QoL) has never been systematically explored in MG patients. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of fatigue and its relation to ADL and QoL as well as to identify factors associated with fatigue in MG.Material and MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional observational study in patients with confirmed diagnosis of MG independent of disease severity. Prevalence of fatigue was assessed using the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFQ). Impact of fatigue on ADL and QoL was assessed by the MG activities of daily living profile (MG‐ADL) and the MG‐specific quality‐of‐life instrument (MG‐QoL), respectively. Association of fatigue with sociodemographics, clinical characteristics of MG, and comorbidities including mood and anxiety disorders as well as sleep disorders was investigated using multivariable logistic regression analyses.ResultsOverall, 200 MG patients were included. The observed rate of fatigue was 56.1%, of those 70.4% fulfilled the criteria of chronic fatigue (CF) with a duration of ≥6 months. Relevant fatigue was strongly associated to ADL and QoL. Factors associated with relevant fatigue were disease severity and depressive state. Furthermore, positive muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibody status showed a strong association with relevant fatigue.ConclusionsMG patients have a high prevalence of fatigue which negatively impacts ADL and QoL. MG‐specific clinical characteristics are related to fatigue and might help to identify MG patients at risk for fatigue.
Abdomen/pelvis computed tomography in staging of pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma: is it always necessary?
Authors: Farruggia Piero , Puccio Giuseppe , Sala Alessandra , Todesco Alessandra , Terenziani Monica , Mura Rosamaria , D'Amico Salvatore , Casini Tommaso , Mosa Clara , Pillon Marta , Boaro Maria Paola , Bottigliero Gaetano , Burnelli Roberta , Consarino Caterina , Fedeli Fausto , Mascarin Maurizio , Perruccio Katia , Schiavello Elisabetta , Trizzino Angela , Ficola Umberto , Garaventa Alberto , Rossello Mario 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to determine if abdomen/pelvis computed tomography (CT) can be safety omitted in the initial staging of a subgroup of children affected by Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL). Every participating center of A.I.E.O.P (Associazione Italiana di Ematologia ed Oncologia Pediatrica) sent local staging reports of 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) and abdominal ultrasound (US) along with digital images of staging abdomen/pelvis CT to the investigation center where the CT scans were evaluated by an experienced pediatric radiologist. The local radiologist who performed the US was unaware of local CT and PET reports (both carried out after US), and the reviewer radiologist examining the CT images was unaware of local US, PET and CT reports. A new abdominal staging of 123 patients performed on the basis of local US report, local PET report, and centralized CT report was then compared to a simpler staging based on local US and PET. No additional lesion was discovered by CT in patients with abdomen/pelvis negativity in both US and PET or isolated spleen positivity in US (or US and PET), and so it seems that in the initial staging, abdomen/pelvis CT can be safety omitted in about 1/2 to 2/3 of children diagnosed with HL.
Thermometry of Guided Molecular Beams from a Cryogenic Buffer‐Gas Cell
Authors: Wu Xing , Gantner Thomas , Zeppenfeld Martin , Chervenkov Sotir , Rempe Gerhard 
Published: August 2016

AbstractA comprehensive characterisation of cold molecular beams from a cryogenic buffer‐gas cell, providing insight into the physics of buffer‐gas cooling, is presented. Cold molecular beams are extracted from a cryogenic cell by electrostatic guiding, which is also used to measure their velocity distribution. The rotational‐state distribution of the molecules is probed by radio‐frequency resonant depletion spectroscopy. With the help of complete trajectory simulations, yielding the guiding efficiency for all of the thermally populated states, it is possible to determine both the rotational and the translational temperature of the molecules at the output of the buffer‐gas cell. This thermometry method is demonstrated for various regimes of buffer‐gas cooling and beam formation as well as for molecular species of different sizes (CH3F and CF3CCH). Comparison of the rotational and translational temperatures provides evidence of faster rotational thermalisation for the CH3F/He system in the limit of low He density. In addition, the relaxation rates for different rotational states appear to be different.
The Influence of Zeolites on Radical Formation During Lignin Pyrolysis
Authors: Bährle Christian , Custodis Victoria , Jeschke Gunnar , van Bokhoven Jeroen A. , Vogel Frédéric 
Published: August 2016

AbstractLignin from lignocellulosic biomass is a promising source of energy, fuels, and chemicals. The conversion of the polymeric lignin to fuels and chemicals can be achieved by catalytic and noncatalytic pyrolysis. The influence of nonporous silica and zeolite catalysts, such as silicalite, HZSM5, and HUSY, on the radical and volatile product formation during lignin pyrolysis was studied by in situ high‐temperature electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (HTEPR) as well as GC–MS. Higher radical concentrations were observed in the samples containing zeolite compared to the sample containing only lignin, which suggests that there is a stabilizing effect by the inorganic surfaces on the formed radical fragments. This effect was observed for nonporous silica as well as for HUSY, HZSM5, and silicalite zeolite catalysts. However, the effect is far larger for the zeolites owing to their higher specific surface area. The zeolites also showed an effect on the volatile product yield and the product distribution within the volatile phase. Although silicalite showed no effect on the product selectivity, the acidic zeolites such as HZSM5 or HUSY increased the formation of deoxygenated products such as benzene, toluene, xylene (BTX), and naphthalene.
Monobenzoporphyrins as Sensitizers for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells: Observation of Significant Spacer‐Group Effect
Authors: Jinadasa R. G. Waruna , Li Bihong , Schmitz Benjamin , Kumar Siddhartha , Hu Yi , Kerr Lei , Wang Hong 
Published: August 2016

AbstractA series of monobenzoporphyrins (WH1–WH4) bearing different conjugated spacer groups were designed and synthesized as sensitizers for dye‐sensitized solar cells. Although a phenyl spacer only has a minimal impact on the absorption bands of the monobenzoporphyrin, an ethynylphenyl (WH3) or a vinyl (WH4) spacer redshifts and broadens the absorption bands of the dyes to result in much enhanced light‐harvesting ability. Dye‐sensitized solar cells based on these monobenzoporphyrin dyes displayed remarkable differences in power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). The monobenzoporphyrin bearing no spacer (WH1) resulted in a PCE of only 0.5 %; in contrast, the monobenzoporphyrin bearing vinyl spacers (WH4) achieved a PCE of 5.2 %. The high efficiency of the WH4 cell is attributed to the higher light‐harvesting ability, the lesser extent of aggregation on the TiO2 surface, and the more favorable electron‐density distributions of the HOMO and LUMO for electron injection and collection. This work demonstrates the exceptional tunability of benzoporphyrins as sensitizers for dye‐sensitized solar cells.
The Role of the Hydrogen Source on the Selective Production of γ‐Valerolactone and 2‐Methyltetrahydrofuran from Levulinic Acid
Authors: Obregón Iker , Gandarias Inaki , Al‐Shaal Mohammad G. , Mevissen Christian , Arias Pedro L. , Palkovits Regina 
Published: August 2016

AbstractA mechanistic study of the hydrogenation reaction of levulinic acid (LA) to 2‐methyltetrahydrofuyran (MTHF) was performed using three different solvents under reactive H2 and inert N2 atmospheres. Under the applied reaction conditions, catalytic transfer hydrogenation and hydrogenation with molecular H2 were effective at producing high yields of γ‐valerolactone. However, the conversion of this stable intermediate to MTHF required the combination of both hydrogen sources (the solvent and the H2 atmosphere) to achieve good yields. The reaction system with 2‐propanol as solvent and Ni–Cu/Al2O3 as catalyst allowed full conversion of LA and a MTHF yield of 80 % after 20 h reaction time at 250 °C and 40 bar of H2 (at room temperature). The system showed the same catalytic activity at LA feed concentrations of 5 and up to 30 wt%, and also when high acetone concentration at the beginning of the reaction were added, which confirmed the potential industrial applications of this solvent/catalyst system.
Shaping emotion regulation: attunement, symptomatology, and stress recovery within mother–infant dyads
Authors: Ostlund Brendan D. , Measelle Jeffrey R. , Laurent Heidemarie K. , Conradt Elisabeth , Ablow Jennifer C. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe foundations of emotion regulation are organized, in part, through repeated interactions with one's caregiver in infancy. Less is known about how stress physiology covaries between a mother and her infant within these interactions, leaving a gap in our understanding of how the biological basis of emotion regulation develops. This study investigated physiological attunement between mothers and their 5‐month‐old infants, as well as the influence of maternal depression and anxiety, during stress recovery. During the reengagement phase of the Still Face Paradigm, mother‐infant dyads exhibited negative attunement, as measured by inverse covariation of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). Increases in maternal RSA corresponded to decreases in infant RSA, underscoring dyadic adjustment during recovery. Moreover, infant regulation differed as a function of maternal anxiety, with more anxious mothers having infants with higher RSA during reengagement. Implications for the consolidation of regulatory capabilities within the context of the early caregiving relationship are discussed.
Top‐down network analysis characterizes hidden termite–termite interactions
Authors: Campbell Colin , Russo Laura , Marins Alessandra , DeSouza Og , Schönrogge Karsten , Mortensen David , Tooker John , Albert Réka , Shea Katriona 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe analysis of ecological networks is generally bottom‐up, where networks are established by observing interactions between individuals. Emergent network properties have been indicated to reflect the dominant mode of interactions in communities that might be mutualistic (e.g., pollination) or antagonistic (e.g., host–parasitoid communities). Many ecological communities, however, comprise species interactions that are difficult to observe directly. Here, we propose that a comparison of the emergent properties from detail‐rich reference communities with known modes of interaction can inform our understanding of detail‐sparse focal communities. With this top‐down approach, we consider patterns of coexistence between termite species that live as guests in mounds built by other host termite species as a case in point. Termite societies are extremely sensitive to perturbations, which precludes determining the nature of their interactions through direct observations. We perform a literature review to construct two networks representing termite mound cohabitation in a Brazilian savanna and in the tropical forest of Cameroon. We contrast the properties of these cohabitation networks with a total of 197 geographically diverse mutualistic plant–pollinator and antagonistic host–parasitoid networks. We analyze network properties for the networks, perform a principal components analysis (PCA), and compute the Mahalanobis distance of the termite networks to the cloud of mutualistic and antagonistic networks to assess the extent to which the termite networks overlap with the properties of the reference networks. Both termite networks overlap more closely with the mutualistic plant–pollinator communities than the antagonistic host–parasitoid communities, although the Brazilian community overlap with mutualistic communities is stronger. The analysis raises the hypothesis that termite–termite cohabitation networks may be overall mutualistic. More broadly, this work provides support for the argument that cryptic communities may be analyzed via comparison to well‐characterized communities.
Divergent species richness and vocal behavior in avian migratory guilds along an elevational gradient
Authors: McGrann Michael C. , Furnas Brett J. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractClimate change is expected to disrupt the distribution and behavior of montane birds. Monitoring these impacts will be essential because the ecological effects of climate change are likely to be complex. Hiking trails that traverse montane regions provide an opportunity to efficiently survey bird diversity along elevation and other ecological gradients, and these data can be used to model climate‐related vulnerabilities of avian communities. In 2010, we surveyed a 697‐km segment of the Pacific Crest Trail in northern California, USA. We conducted point counts of birds at 404 sites during the breeding season when birds were readily detected by song and other vocalizations. To bolster our sampling effort, we left automated recorders at approximately half of the sites to make recordings for later interpretation of bird vocalizations. Using a multispecies occupancy model, we investigated how relationships between richness and elevation and between vocal activity and daily temperature differed among three migratory guilds—residents, altitudinal migrants, and Neotropical migrants. We found that richness decreased with increasing elevation for residents and Neotropical migrants, whereas it increased for altitudinal migrants. As temperature increased, residents and altitudinal migrants curtailed their vocal activity, but Neotropical migrants did not reduce vocal activity even though this behavior is energetically expensive on hot days. We also found that total species within each of three elevation zones was greatest at middle elevations (1200–1900 m). Altogether, these findings suggest that as global temperature rises there may be greater competition among birds previously separated by elevation and that Neotropical migrants may be at greater risk of heat stress during the breeding season. Furthermore, the conservation of structurally complex, middle‐elevation forests could provide birds a refugium to the impacts of climate change.
Liquid Chromatography Electrochemical Determination of Nicotine in Third‐Hand Smoke
Authors: Peng Xianglu , Giltrow Danielle , Bowdler Paul , Honeychurch Kevin C. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThird‐hand smoke (THS) can be defined as the contamination of surfaces by second‐hand smoke. This residue can form further pollutants which can be re‐suspended in dust or be re‐emitted into the gas phase. THS is a complex mixture and as a result studies have focused on nicotine as a marker of THS, it being the most abundant and indicative organic compound deposited. In this present study, the extraction of dust wipe samples and the subsequent chromatographic conditions required for the separation of nicotine by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection were investigated and optimised. The optimum chromatographic conditions were identified as a 150 mm×4.6 mm, 5 µm C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of 65 % methanol, 35 % pH 8 20 mM phosphate buffer. Hydrodynamic voltammetry was used to optimise the applied potential which was identified to be +1.8 V (vs. stainless steel). Under these conditions, a linear range for nicotine of 13 to 3240 µg/L (0.26 ng–65 ng on column) was obtained, with a detection limit of 3.0 µg/L (0.06 ng on column) based on a signal‐to‐noise ratio of three. Dust wipe samples were extracted in methanol with the aid of sonication. Mean recoveries of 98.4 % (% CV=7.8 %) were found for dust wipe samples spiked with 6.50 µg of nicotine. Musk ketone, urea and stearic acid were found not to interfere. Communal entrance ways were found to be contaminated with THS nicotine levels of between 66.8 and 156 µg/m2.