bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring Temperature Change at the Nanometer Scale on Gold Nanoparticles by Using Thermoresponsive PEGMA Polymers
Authors: Yavuz Mustafa S. , Citir Murat , Cavusoglu Halit , Demirel Gokhan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPlasmonic heating of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) under laser illumination is a highly desirable technique, especially for cancer therapy. However, significant drawbacks still remain including uncontrolled heat release from AuNPs, random exposure duration, and selection of the proper laser power without damaging normal healthy cells. Herein, we demonstrate a simple and versatile method to measure temperature variation on the surface of Au nanoparticles under laser irradiation based on a thermoresponsive polymer, poly(ethylene glycol) methylether methacrylate (PEGMA). In this context, a series of PEGMA polymers were synthesized to have different lower critical solution temperature (LCST) values (28–90 °C) and conjugated to the surface of spherical AuNPs by a gold–thiolate linkage. According to our strategy, the AuNPs first photothermally absorb light energy and convert it to heat owing to their tailored photothermal characteristics. The generated heat from the AuNPs subsequently dissipates into the surrounding thermoresponsive PEGMA polymer. When the temperature generated on the Au surface upon laser irradiation for a certain exposure time reaches the LCST value of the surrounding PEGMA polymer, the polymer chain collapses. Therefore, the hydrodynamic diameter of the PEGMA‐coated AuNPs changes, which can be easily monitored by using dynamic light scattering (DLS). We systematically measured the temperature (28–90 °C) generated on the AuNP surfaces by using different laser power densities with varying durations. We believe that the resulting strategy will be very valuable for oncologists to easily predict the minimum laser power and duration needed to destroy the cancer cells through the photothermal effect of Au nanostructures.
Promises and Challenges in Continuous Tracking Utilizing Amino Acids in Skin Secretions for Active Multi‐Factor Biometric Authentication for Cybersecurity
Authors: Agudelo Juliana , Privman Vladimir , Halámek Jan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe consider a new concept of biometric‐based cybersecurity systems for active authentication by continuous tracking, which utilizes biochemical processing of metabolites present in skin secretions. Skin secretions contain a large number of metabolites and small molecules that can be targeted for analysis. Here we argue that amino acids found in sweat can be exploited for the establishment of an amino acid profile capable of identifying an individual user of a mobile or wearable device. Individual and combinations of amino acids processed by biocatalytic cascades yield physical (optical or electronic) signals, providing a time‐series of several outputs that, in their entirety, should suffice to authenticate a specific user based on standard statistical criteria. Initial results, motivated by biometrics, indicate that single amino acid levels can provide analog signals that vary according to the individual donor, albeit with limited resolution versus noise. However, some such assays offer digital separation (into well‐defined ranges of values) according to groups such as age, biological sex, race, and physiological state of the individual. Multi‐input biocatalytic cascades that handle several amino acid signals to yield a single digital‐type output, as well as continuous‐tracking time‐series data rather than a single‐instance sample, should enable active authentication at the level of an individual.
Quality of randomized controlled trials in eating disorder prevention
Authors: Watson Hunna J. , Goodman Erica L. , McLagan Nicole B. , Joyce Tara , French Elizabeth , Willan Vivienne , Egan Sarah J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of eating disorder prevention.MethodA systematic literature search was conducted in Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Collaboration Library to January 2016. Studies were included if they were RCTs that tested an eating disorder prevention program. We identified 96 studies with a total 15,350 participants (91% female, M age = 17 years) and rated quality with the Quality Rating Scale (QRS; Moncrieff et al., 2001).ResultsThe mean QRS score was 62% (SD = 13%). Several standards of quality were not frequently fulfilled (i.e., failed to achieve an optimal rating), for example, power calculation (85%), intent‐to‐treat analysis (54%), blinding of assessor (75%), representative sample (78%), adequate sample size (75%), and appropriate duration of trial including follow‐up (67%). QRS was positively and significantly associated with publication year, number of authors, and PubMed‐indexation.DiscussionGiven the majority of eating disorder prevention studies had problems with trial quality, it is recommended that future RCTs follow quality checklists and CONSORT guidelines, that RCTs are registered, and protocols published in advance. In addition, funding bodies are called on to deliver the support needed to ensure that preventions for eating disorders are efficiently and cost‐effectively achieved.
Enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy for eating disorders adapted for a group setting
Authors: Wade Stephanie , Byrne Sue , Allen Karina 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveThis randomized control trial is an evaluation of the effectiveness of enhanced cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT‐E) for eating disorders adapted for a group setting. The study aimed to examine the effects of group CBT‐E on eating disorder psychopathology and additional maintaining pathology.MethodA transdiagnostic sample of individuals with eating disorders with a BMI ≥ 18 kg/m2 (N = 40) were randomized to an immediate‐start or delayed‐start condition so as to compare therapeutic effects of group CBT‐E with a waitlist control. Global Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) scores, BMI, and measures of Clinical Perfectionism, Self‐Esteem, Interpersonal Difficulties, and Mood Intolerance were measured across the 8‐week control period, throughout the group treatment and at 3‐months post‐treatment.ResultsOver 70% of those who entered the trial completed treatment. The first eight weeks of group CBT‐E were more effective at reducing Global EDE‐Q scores than no treatment (waitlist control). By post‐treatment, good outcome (a Global EDE‐Q within 1 SD of Australian community norms plus BMI ≥ 18.5) was achieved by 67.9% of treatment completers and 66.7% of the total sample. Symptom abstinence within the previous month was reported by 14.3% of treatment completers and 10.3% of the total sample. Significant reductions in Clinical Perfectionism, Self‐Esteem, Interpersonal Difficulties, and Mood Intolerance were also observed.DiscussionThis study demonstrated that a group version of CBT‐E can be effective at reducing eating disorder psychopathology in a transdiagnostic sample of individuals with eating disorders. Group CBT‐E could provide a means of increasing availability of evidence‐based treatment for eating disorders.
The relative contribution of drift and selection to phenotypic divergence: A test case using the horseshoe bats Rhinolophus simulator and Rhinolophus swinnyi
Authors: Mutumi Gregory L. , Jacobs David S. , Winker Henning 
Published: May 2017

AbstractNatural selection and drift can act on populations individually, simultaneously or in tandem and our understanding of phenotypic divergence depends on our ability to recognize the contribution of each. According to the quantitative theory of evolution, if an organism has diversified through neutral evolutionary processes (mutation and drift), variation of phenotypic characteristics between different geographic localities (B) should be directly proportional to the variation within localities (W), that is, B ∝ W. Significant deviations from this null model imply that non‐neutral forces such as natural selection are acting on a phenotype. We investigated the relative contributions of drift and selection to intraspecific diversity using southern African horseshoe bats as a test case. We characterized phenotypic diversity across the distributional range of Rhinolophus simulator (n = 101) and Rhinolophus swinnyi (n = 125) using several traits associated with flight and echolocation. Our results suggest that geographic variation in both species was predominantly caused by disruptive natural selection (B was not directly proportional to W). Evidence for correlated selection (co‐selection) among traits further confirmed that our results were not compatible with drift. Selection rather than drift is likely the predominant evolutionary process shaping intraspecific variation in traits that strongly impact fitness.
Engineering the nucleation of edible fats using a high behenic acid stabilizer
Authors: Kim Ga Y. , Marangoni Alejandro G. 
Published: May 2017

A stabilizer high in behenic acid (HBS) was used to control nucleation of edible fats. The addition of HBS led to an enhanced nucleation of anhydrous milk fat (AMF) and palm oil (PO) which had lower levels of high melting triacylglycerols (HMTs) (melting point >30°C, relative to the temperature used to crystallize samples) compared to other fats. With the addition of 1.5% HBS, there was an increase in crystallization onset temperatures and density of the microstructure in these two fats. Further studies were conducted to investigate the interactions between HBS and specific homogeneous triacylglycerols (TAGs) or a mixture of triacylglycerols. HBS displayed solid‐state incompatibility (eutectic behavior) with tripalmitin and tristearin, whereas it displayed compatibility (monotectic partial solid solution formation) behavior when mixed with the high‐melting milk fat fraction (HMF). This suggests two mechanisms for nucleation enhancement of HBS. One mechanism would involve surface nucleation on top of pre‐formed TAG surfaces, for tripalmitin and tristearin, while the other mechanism would involve additionally co‐crystallization with the nucleating agent, for the case of milkfat's HMF.Practical application: HBS may be used to accelerate the nucleation of PO, AMF, and HMF. A slow crystallization behavior of PO often leads to post‐hardening problems and a long α‐lifetime. Thus, HBS has a potential to solve these issues. Our results showed that HBS is more effective on fats with relatively low amounts of HMTs (20–50%). In addition, the nucleation enhancing mechanism of HBS was more effective in a mixture of TAGs, rather than in pure TAGs.High behenic acid stabilizers (HBS) are used to stabilize fat‐structured and oil‐rich food products. It is shown that HBS interacts with high‐melting triacylglycerols (HMTs) present in the fats and oils to be stabilized and reduces their free energy of nucleation, as shown in the graphical abstract. This leads to the formation of large numbers of smaller, stabilizing crystals in the system. Moreover, it also shown that HBS interacts differently with different HMTs. It displays incompatibility with tristearin and tripalmitin but displays compatibility with the high melting fraction of milkfat. A greater molecular compatibility is postulated to lead to greater stabilization.
Can solid-phase microextraction replace solvent extraction for water analysis in fish bioconcentration studies with highly hydrophobic organic chemicals?
Authors: Böhm Leonard , Düring Rolf-Alexander , Bruckert Hans-Jörg , Schlechtriem Christian 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

With the aim to refine water analysis in fish bioconcentration studies, automated solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was used as an alternative approach to conventional solvent extraction (liquid–liquid extraction [LLE]) for the extraction of 3 hydrophobic organic chemicals (HOCs; log KOW 5.5–7.8) from flow-through studies with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The results showed that total concentrations extracted by SPME combined with internal standards and LLE are equal. The results further verify the possibility of simultaneous extraction of total and freely dissolved HOC concentrations by SPME. Freely dissolved concentrations allow the assessment of sorption and bioavailability of HOCs in bioconcentration studies and their potential impact on resulting bioconcentration factors (BCFs). Reduction in freely dissolved water concentrations can result in an underestimation of BCFs if they are calculated based on total water concentrations. For polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) 153, a significant increase in BCF value was observed when freely dissolved concentrations were taken into account. However, log BCF values calculated based on freely dissolved concentrations did not correlate linearly with log KOW values above 5 to 6. This pointed to further influences besides a reduction in freely dissolved water concentrations by sorption to organic matter. The results can aid in assessment of the factors that influence bioconcentration systems and also give important information regarding the possible replacement of LLE by SPME for water analysis of highly HOCs in fish bioconcentration studies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2887–2894. © 2017 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Abstract
Impaired swim bladder inflation in early life stage fathead minnows exposed to a deiodinase inhibitor, iopanoic acid
Authors: Cavallin Jenna E. , Ankley Gerald T. , Blackwell Brett R. , Blanksma Chad A. , Fay Kellie A. , Jensen Kathleen M. , Kahl Michael D. , Knapen Dries , Kosian Patricia A. , Poole Shane T. , Randolph Eric C. , Schroeder Anthony L. , Vergauwen Lucia , Villeneuve Daniel L. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Inflation of the posterior and/or anterior swim bladder is a process previously demonstrated to be regulated by thyroid hormones. We investigated whether inhibition of deiodinases, which convert thyroxine (T4) to the more biologically active form, 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3), would impact swim bladder inflation. Two experiments were conducted using a model deiodinase inhibitor, iopanoic acid (IOP). First, fathead minnow embryos were exposed to 0.6, 1.9, or 6.0 mg/L or control water until 6 d postfertilization (dpf), at which time posterior swim bladder inflation was assessed. To examine anterior swim bladder inflation, a second study was conducted with 6-dpf larvae exposed to the same IOP concentrations until 21 dpf. Fish from both studies were sampled for T4/T3 measurements and gene transcription analyses. Incidence and length of inflated posterior swim bladders were significantly reduced in the 6.0 mg/L treatment at 6 dpf. Incidence of inflation and length of anterior swim bladder were significantly reduced in all IOP treatments at 14 dpf, but inflation recovered by 18 dpf. Throughout the larval study, whole-body T4 concentrations increased and T3 concentrations decreased in all IOP treatments. Consistent with hypothesized compensatory responses, deiodinase-2 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was up-regulated in the larval study, and thyroperoxidase mRNA was down-regulated in all IOP treatments in both studies. These results support the hypothesized adverse outcome pathways linking inhibition of deiodinase activity to impaired swim bladder inflation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2942–2952. Published 2017 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Abstract
Exposure to the deiodinase inhibitor, iopanoic acid, results in impaired anterior and posterior swim bladder inflation during early development in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas).
How do individual differences in children's domain specific and domain general abilities relate to brain activity within the intraparietal sulcus during arithmetic? An fMRI study
Authors: Matejko Anna A. , Ansari Daniel 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPrevious research has demonstrated that children recruit the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) during arithmetic, which has largely been attributed to domain‐specific processes such as quantity manipulations. However, the IPS has also been found to be important for domain‐general abilities, such as visuo‐spatial working memory (VSWM). Based on the current literature it is unclear whether individual differences in domain‐specific skills, domain‐general skills, or a combination of the two, are related to the recruitment of the IPS during arithmetic. This study examines how individual differences in both domain general and domain specific competencies relate to brain activity in the IPS during arithmetic, and whether the relationships are related to how brain activity is measured. In a sample of 44 school‐aged children, we found that VSWM was only weakly related to a neural index of arithmetic complexity (neural problem size effect), whereas symbolic number processing skills (symbolic comparison and ordering) were related to overall arithmetic activity (both small and large problems). By simultaneously examining multiple domain‐general and domain specific measures, we were also able to determine that symbolic skills were a stronger predictor of brain activity within the IPS than domain general skills such as VSWM and domain specific skills such as non‐symbolic number processing. Together, these findings highlight that neural problem size effect may reflect different cognitive processes than brain activity across both small and large arithmetic problems, and that symbolic number processing skills are a critical predictor of variability in IPS activity during arithmetic. Hum Brain Mapp 38:3941–3956, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Active application of primer acid on acid‐treated enamel: Influence on the bond effectiveness of self‐etch adhesives systems
Authors: Araújo Cíntia Tereza Pimenta , Prieto Lúcia Trazzi , Costa Daiane Cristianismo , Bosso Mariana Avalone , Coppini Erick Kamiya , Dias Carlos Tadeu Santos , Paulillo Luis Alexandre Maffei Sartini 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAim: Evaluate the composite‐to‐enamel bond after passive or active application of self‐etching primer systems on polished or pre‐etched enamel with phosphoric acid. Materials and Methods: Two self‐etch adhesives systems (SEAS) were used: Clearfil SE Bond and Easy Bond. Third human molars were divided into 8 groups (N = 10). The crown of each tooth was sectioned into halves and the mesial/distal surfaces were used. The adhesives were actively or passively applied on enamel with or without prior phosphoric‐acid etching. Resin composite cylinders were built after adhesive application. After stored in relative humidity for 24 hr/37°C the specimens were subjected to microshear test in universal testing a machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute. The results were analyzed with three‐way ANOVA and the Tukey test. The enamel‐etching pattern was evaluated under SEM. Results: The 2‐step SEAS system presented significantly higher adhesive bond strength means (47.37 MPa) than the 1‐step (36.87 MPa). A poor enamel‐ etching pattern was observed in active mode showing irregular and short resin tags, however there was not compromised the bond strength. Conclusion: Active or passive application produced similar values of bond strength to enamel regardless of enamel pretreatment and type of SEAS.
Variability of precipitation extremes and dryness/wetness over the southeast coastal region of China, 1960–2014
Authors: Wang Ren , Chen Jianyao , Chen Xingwei , Wang Yuefeng 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTThe spatio‐temporal variability of precipitation extremes was investigated over the southeast coastal region of China, based on daily precipitation records from 73 meteorological stations for the period of 1960–2014. The standardized precipitation index (SPI), rotated empirical orthogonal function (REOF), and wavelet analysis methods were used to assess the characteristics of dryness/wetness patterns, as well as their correlations with the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Most of the extreme indices exhibited increasing trends at the regional scale over the past 55 years and generally had larger magnitudes than in other regions, with heavy precipitation that was more concentrated in time. The annual total wet day precipitation (PRCPTOT), total precipitation on very wet days (R95p), and total precipitation on extremely wet days (R99p) displayed sharp increases, with magnitudes of 22.60 (P = 0.33), 21.50 (P = 0.02) and 7.80 (P = 0.06) mm decade−1, respectively. In contrast, the regional averaged maximum consecutive wet days (CWD) decreased by −0.10 days decade−1 (P = 0.48). The stations with sharp increases in extreme heavy precipitation were mainly located in the north and coastal areas. In addition, three dominant dryness/wetness patterns (REOFs) corresponding to different climatic partitions were identified. With regard to the time coefficients (PCs) of each REOF, no significant trend in PC1 was detected, while an increasing trend (P < 0.001) in PC2 and decreasing trend (P < 0.001) in PC3 were found. The evolution of dryness/wetness occurred over a 4‐ to 12‐year period in the first three REOFs, and their PCs all had significant positive correlations with ENSO at a 12‐month lag time. This study suggests that the risks of heavy precipitation and flooding are likely to increase in southeast China, particularly in the northern and coastal areas, and extreme events may be strengthened in the southern subtropical zone during certain seasons.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial evaluating the role of systemic antihistamine therapy for the reduction of adverse effects associated with topical 5‐aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy
Authors: Vanaman Wilson Monique J. , Jones Isabela T , Wu Douglas C. , Goldman Mitchel P. 
Published: May 2017

Background and ObjectiveFollowing photodynamic therapy with 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA‐PDT), patients experience inflammation that may be partially attributable to H1 histamine receptor activation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of antihistamines upon adverse effects following ALA‐PDT.Study Design/Materials and MethodsThis was a randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial conducted at a single study site. Twenty subjects with facial actinic keratoses were randomized to ALA‐PDT plus cetirizine 10 mg (n = 10) versus placebo daily (n = 10) from 3 days pre‐treatment to 3 days post‐treatment for a total of 7 days. Signs of inflammation including erythema, edema, crusting, exudation, vesiculation, and erosion were evaluated on post‐treatment days 1, 2, 3, 7, 30, 90, and 180. Actinic keratosis counts, investigator‐rated Global Assessment Improvement Score (GAIS), healing, tolerability, and subject satisfaction were also assessed.ResultsErythema, edema, crusting, exudation, vesiculation, and erosion were not different between treatment groups. Actinic keratoses were significantly reduced by day 30 in both the antihistamine and placebo groups (P = 0.01 and 0.0009, respectively), with results sustained to day 60 in the antihistamine group and day 180 for the placebo group. However, counts were not different between groups at any time point. Investigator‐rated GAIS, subject satisfaction, healing, and tolerability were similar between treatment groups.ConclusionThis study suggests that while H1 antihistamines do not impair the efficacy of ALA‐PDT, they also do not relieve post‐treatment inflammation and discomfort. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:738–742, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.