bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Evaluation of Blood Compatibility of Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Huang He , Lai Wenjia , Cui Menghua , Liang Ling , Lin Yuchen , Fang Qiaojun , Liu Ying , Xie Liming 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSilver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have tremendous potentials in medical devices due to their excellent antimicrobial properties. Blood compatibility should be investigated for AgNPs due to the potential blood contact. However, so far, most studies are not systematic and have not provided insights into the mechanisms for blood compatibility of AgNPs. In this study, we have investigated the blood biological effects, including hemolysis, lymphocyte proliferation, platelet aggregation, coagulation and complement activation, of 20 nm AgNPs with two different surface coatings (polyvinyl pyrrolidone and citrate). Our results have revealed AgNPs could elicit hemolysis and severely impact the proliferation and viability of lymphocytes at all investigated concentrations (10, 20, 40 μg/mL). Nevertheless, AgNPs didn’t show any effect on platelet aggregation, coagulation process, or complement activation at up to ~40 μg/mL. Proteomic analysis on AgNPs plasma proteins corona has revealed that acidic and small molecular weight blood plasma proteins were preferentially adsorbed onto AgNPs, and these include some important proteins relevant to hemostasis, coagulation, platelet, complement activation and immune responses. The predicted biological effects of AgNPs by proteomic analysis are mostly consistent with our experimental data since there were few C3 components on AgNPs and more negative than positive factors involving platelet aggregation and thrombosis.
Gluten-specific antibodies of celiac disease gut plasma cells recognize long proteolytic fragments that typically harbor T-cell epitopes
Authors: Dørum Siri , Steinsbø Øyvind , Bergseng Elin , Arntzen Magnus Ø. , de Souza Gustavo A. , Sollid Ludvig M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis study aimed to identify proteolytic fragments of gluten proteins recognized by recombinant IgG1 monoclonal antibodies generated from single IgA plasma cells of celiac disease lesions. Peptides bound by monoclonal antibodies in complex gut-enzyme digests of gluten treated with the deamidating enzyme transglutaminase 2, were identified by mass spectrometry after antibody pull-down with protein G beads. The antibody bound peptides were long deamidated peptide fragments that contained the substrate recognition sequence of transglutaminase 2. Characteristically, the fragments contained epitopes with the sequence QPEQPFP and variants thereof in multiple copies and they typically also harbored many different gluten T-cell epitopes. In the pull-down setting where antibodies were immobilized on a solid phase, peptide fragments with multivalent display of epitopes were targeted. This scenario resembles the situation of the B-cell receptor on the surface of B cells. Conceivably, B cells of celiac disease patients select gluten epitopes that are repeated multiple times in long peptide fragments generated by gut digestive enzymes. As the fragments also contain many different T-cell epitopes, this will lead to generation of strong antibody responses by effective presentation of several distinct T-cell epitopes and establishment of T-cell help to B cells.
Complementary learning systems within the hippocampus: A neural network modeling approach to reconciling episodic memory with statistical learning
Authors: Schapiro Anna C. , Turk-Browne Nicholas B. , Botvinick Matthew M. , Norman Kenneth A. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractA growing literature suggests that the hippocampus is critical for the rapid extraction of regularities from the environment. Although this fits with the known role of the hippocampus in rapid learning, it seems at odds with the idea that the hippocampus specializes in memorizing individual episodes. In particular, the Complementary Learning Systems theory argues that there is a computational trade-off between learning the specifics of individual experiences and regularities that hold across those experiences. We asked whether it is possible for the hippocampus to handle both statistical learning and memorization of individual episodes. We exposed a neural network model that instantiates known properties of hippocampal projections and subfields to sequences of items with temporal regularities. We found that the monosynaptic pathway — the pathway connecting entorhinal cortex directly to region CA1 — was able to support statistical learning, while the trisynaptic pathway — connecting entorhinal cortex to CA1 through dentate gyrus and CA3 — learned only individual episodes, with apparent representations of regularities resulting from associative reactivation through recurrence. Thus, in paradigms involving rapid learning, the computational trade-off between learning episodes and regularities may be handled by separate anatomical pathways within the hippocampus itself.
Third-sector job quality: evidence from Finland
Authors: Ruuskanen Petri , Selander Kirsikka , Anttila Timo 
Published: May 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to study the perceived job quality and job satisfaction among third-sector employees and compare job quality in the third, public and private sector.Design/methodology/approach– The study is based on the quality of work life (QWL) survey data gathered by Statistics Finland. The QWL data are complemented with data set collected among third-sector employees. In the sector comparisons percentage shares were used to compare different dimensions of job quality between the sectors. Regression analysis was used to control the structural labour market differences between the sectors.Findings– The results show that job quality in the third sector differs substantially from that in both the public and private sectors. Employees in the third sector are less satisfied with their jobs than others. They perceive their work more autonomous than others. Compared to private-sector employees, third-sector employees perceive their jobs as less insecure. They also report more intensity and qualitative insecurity than employees in other sectors.Research limitations/implications– The sample consist only trade union members. The generalisability of results to non-unionized employees may be limited.Originality/value– Previously it has been stated that third-sector employees enjoy greater job satisfaction due to intrinsic work benefits related to non-profit work. There is, however, small number of empirical studies trying to compare systematically job quality between the sectors. The present analysis contradicts the previous findings of higher job satisfaction in the third sector.
The link between high performance work practices and organizational performance
Authors: Obeidat Shatha M. , Mitchell Rebecca , Bray Mark 
Published: May 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to better understand the relationship between high-performance work practices (HPWP) and organizational performance through a multi-dimensional model of the relationship between HPWP and performance, which conceptualizes HPWP according to the ability, motivation and opportunity (AMO) framework. HPWP are conceptualized as HR practices capable of enhancing the AMO of employees to contribute to organizational performance.Design/methodology/approach– Data were collected from 118 Jordanian firms operating in the financial and manufacturing sectors. A questionnaire completed by the HR director in each firm assessed HPWP adoption and their influence on organizational performance.Findings– The findings generate support for the link between HPWP and organizational performance and confirm the utility of the AMO model for conceptualizing HPWP and their impact on organizational performance.Research limitations/implications– While this study relies on cross-sectional data, it confirms the utility of the AMO framework as an appropriate conceptual basis for HPWP and provides substantial support for the relevance of HPWP in increasing organizational performance.Originality/value– The findings provide a basis for more consistent empirical investigation and better theory building for HPWP, and also provide a more robust basis for practical prescription. The empirical contribution is also significant as one of the few studies to investigate the link between HPWP and organizational performance in the Middle East.
Psychopathic features in young incarcerated females
Authors: Strand Susanne , Luebbers Stefan , Shepherd Stephane M. 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between psychopathic features as measured with the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV) and behavioural and emotional functioning in young female offenders in custody.

Design/methodology/approach
– This is a quantitative interview study investigating the relationship with psychopathic traits, measured with the PCL:YV (Forth et al., 2003), and different psychological characteristics as well as AD/HD, self-harm, and childhood trauma in adolescent offenders across genders. Data were collected from a sample of 40 female and 40 male adolescents who were incarcerated in Victoria, Australia.

Findings
– Results indicated that the behavioural subscales of the PCL:YV were associated with externalising behaviours possibly underpinned by histories of abuse and substantiated child protection incidences. The presence of AD/HD was strongly associated with affective deficits suggesting that the PCL:YV may be identifying young females with AD/HD rather than core psychopathic traits. Findings also indicate that female-specific manifestations of manipulation are likely being misidentified as behavioural phenomena precluding clinical recognition as a core interpersonal trait. Significant dissimilarities with a young male comparison group were identified and are discussed within.

Research limitations/implications
– The sample size is very small and the results should be seen as an indication rather than generalising.

Originality/value
– Studies on female juvenile offenders is rare and this study adds to the literature on the construct of psychopathy and its relationship to psychosocial factors as well as associations with AD/HD, self-harm, and childhood trauma, among incarcerated adolescents.
The epidemiology of pain in children treated by paramedics
Authors: Lord Bill , Jennings Paul A , Smith Karen 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe present study aimed to describe paramedic assessment and management of pain in children in a large state‐wide ambulance service.MethodsA retrospective cohort study included paediatric patients (aged less than 15 years) treated and transported by paramedics in the Australian state of Victoria between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2011. Primary outcome measures were the frequency of analgesic administration and odds of receiving any analgesic (morphine, fentanyl or methoxyflurane). Data were analysed by descriptive statistics, χ2‐test and logistic regression to test the association between analgesic administration and the explanatory variables.ResultsThere were 38 167 cases that included a description of pain and where any pain scores were >0. Median age was 10 years (IQR 5–12), 59.2% were male and 15 090 (39.5%) received any analgesic. Of patients reported to have severe pain (verbal numeric rating scale 8–10), only 45% (n = 6084) received any analgesia. In unadjusted analysis, patients aged >9 years were more likely to receive analgesia than those aged <3 years (unadjusted odds ratio 4.39, 95% confidence interval 4.01–4.80). Multiple regression analysis found that significant predictors of analgesic administration were patient's sex, patient age, type of pain, initial pain score and case year.ConclusionDisparities in analgesic administration based on age and the low rate of pain scores documented in very young children identified in the present study should inform strategies that aim to improve the assessment and management of pain in children.
FMRP Mediates Chronic Ethanol‐Induced Changes in NMDA, Kv4.2, and KChIP3 Expression in the Hippocampus
Authors: Spencer Kathryn B. , Mulholland Patrick J. , Chandler L. Judson 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundExposure to chronic ethanol (EtOH) results in changes in the expression of proteins that regulate neuronal excitability. This study examined whether chronic EtOH alters the hippocampal expression and function of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) and the role of FMRP in the modulation of chronic EtOH‐induced changes in the expression of NMDA receptors and Kv4.2 channels.MethodsFor in vivo studies, C57BL/6J mice underwent a chronic intermittent EtOH (CIE) vapor exposure procedure. After CIE, hippocampal tissue was collected and subjected to immunoblot blot analysis of NMDA receptor subunits (GluN1, GluN2B), Kv4.2, and its accessory protein KChIP3. For in vitro studies, hippocampal slice cultures were exposed to 75 mM EtOH for 8 days. Following EtOH exposure, mRNAs bound to FMRP was measured. In a separate set of studies, cultures were exposed to an inhibitor of S6K1 (PF‐4708671 [PF], 6 μM) in order to assess whether EtOH‐induced homeostatic changes in protein expression depend upon changes in FMRP activity.ResultsImmunoblot blot analysis revealed increases in GluN1 and GluN2B but reductions in Kv4.2 and KChIP3. Analysis of mRNAs bound to FMRP revealed a similar bidirectional change observed as reduction of GluN2B and increase in Kv4.2 and KChIP3 mRNA transcripts. Analysis of FMRP further revealed that while chronic EtOH did not alter the expression of FMRP, it significantly increased phosphorylation of FMRP at the S499 residue that is known to critically regulate its activity. Inhibition of S6K1 prevented the chronic EtOH‐induced increase in phospho‐FMRP and changes in NMDA subunits, Kv4.2, and KChIP3. In contrast, PF had no effect in the absence of alcohol, indicating it was specific for the chronic EtOH‐induced changes.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that chronic EtOH exposure enhances translational control of plasticity‐related proteins by FMRP, and that S6K1 and FMRP activities are required for expression of chronic EtOH‐induced homeostatic plasticity at glutamatergic synapses in the hippocampus.
Safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of avoralstat, an oral plasma kallikrein inhibitor: phase 1 study
Authors: Cornpropst M. , Collis P. , Collier J. , Babu Y. S. , Wilson R. , Zhang J. , Fang L. , Zong J. , Sheridan W. P. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundAvoralstat is a potent small‐molecule oral plasma kallikrein inhibitor under development for treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE). This first‐in‐human study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of avoralstat.MethodsThis double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, ascending‐dose cohort trial evaluated avoralstat single doses of 50, 125, 250, 500, and 1000 mg and multiple doses up to 2400 mg daily (100, 200, 400, and 800 mg every 8 h [q8 h] up to 7 days).ResultsAvoralstat (n = 71) was generally well tolerated with no signals for a safety concern; there were no serious adverse events (AEs) or discontinuations due to AEs, and compared to placebo (n = 18), no notable difference in AEs. Four moderate severity AEs were reported in two subjects; syncope after a single 250 mg dose (one subject) and abdominal pain, back pain, and eczema after multiple doses of 800 mg avoralstat (one subject). For multiple‐dose cohorts, the incidence of gastrointestinal AEs was highest at the 2400 mg/day dose. Elimination of avoralstat was bi‐exponential with a terminal half‐life of 12–31 h. Inhibition of plasma kallikrein was observed at all doses, and the degree of inhibition was highly correlated with avoralstat concentrations (R = 0.93). Mean avoralstat concentrations at doses ≥400 mg q8 h met or exceeded plasma kallikrein EC50 values throughout the dosing interval.ConclusionAvoralstat was well tolerated, and drug exposure was sufficient to meet target levels for inhibition of plasma kallikrein. Based on these results, the 400 mg q8 h dose was selected for further evaluation in patients with HAE.
Feed‐derived volatile basic nitrogen increases reactive oxygen species production of blood leukocytes in lactating dairy cows
Authors: Tsunoda Ei , Gross Josef J. , Kawashima Chiho , Bruckmaier Rupert M. , Kida Katsuya , Miyamoto Akio 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe present study investigated over 9 months the changes of fermentative quality of total mixed rations (TMR) containing grass silage (GS) as a major component, associated with changes in the volatile basic nitrogen (VBN) levels in an experimental dairy farm. Effects of VBN levels in TMR on metabolic parameters, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and conception rates for dairy cows were analyzed. According to VBN levels in TMR during survey periods, three distinct phases were identified; phase A with low VBN; phase B with high VBN; and phase C with mid‐VBN. Metabolic parameters in blood were all within normal range. However, during phases B and C, nitrogen metabolic indices such as blood urea nitrogen and milk urea nitrogen showed higher levels compared to those in phase A, and a simultaneous increase in ROS production by blood PMNs and the load on hepatic function in metabolic parameters was observed in the cows with a lower conception rate. This suggests that feeding TMR with elevated VBN levels due to poor fermented GS results in stimulation of ROS production by PMNs by ammonia, and negatively affects metabolism and reproductive performance in lactating dairy cow.
Vitamin D treatment in Somali women living in Sweden – Two randomized, placebo‐controlled studies
Authors: Osmancevic Amra , Demeke Taye , Gillstedt Martin , Angesjö Eva , Sinclair Håkan , Abd El‐Gawad Gamal , Landin‐Wilhelmsen Kerstin 
Published: May 2016

SummaryObjectiveThere is limited information about the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and the effects of treatment on immigrants. The effects of oral vitamin D intake and UVB treatment on vitamin D status in healthy Somali women living in Sweden were analysed.DesignTwo studies were carried out; a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, with oral drops of 800 IU and 1600 IU cholecalciferol and similar amounts of placebo given daily during 12 weeks and a single‐blind, placebo‐controlled study, using UVB (4·3–8·7 J/cm2) or Woods lamp (placebo) on the upper body, or the face and hands.PatientsOne‐hundred fourteen Somali women, mean age 34 years, latitude 0–10°N, living in Sweden >2 years, latitude 57°N, participated.MeasurementsSerum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (S‐25(OH)D) was monitored before, every 6 weeks and at 3 months after treatment.ResultsThe majority of the women (n = 83, 73%) were vitamin D‐deficient, S‐25(OH)D < 25 nmol/l at start. There was a dose‐dependent increase in S‐25(OH)D levels (P = 0·001, stratified Jonckheere–Terpstra test) with a mean increase after twelve weeks in women treated with 800 IU/day and women treated with 1600 IU/day of 18 nmol/l (95% CI: 6–29, median = 17) and 29 nmol/l (95% CI: 17–42, median = 34), respectively. S‐25(OH)D decreased during follow‐up but remained above baseline levels. The placebo group remained unchanged throughout the study. UVB treatment increased S‐25(OH)D dose‐dependently after 6 weeks (P = 0·03, Jonckheere–Terpstra test).ConclusionsVitamin D deficiency was common in immigrants living at higher latitudes. Vitamin D treatment increased S‐25(OH)D levels dose‐dependently during 3 months. The effect was maintained for another 3 months. At least 1600 IU/day is recommended. The dropout rate was high.
Representations of numerical and non‐numerical magnitude both contribute to mathematical competence in children
Authors: Lourenco Stella F. , Bonny Justin W. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractA growing body of evidence suggests that non‐symbolic representations of number, which humans share with nonhuman animals, are functionally related to uniquely human mathematical thought. Other research suggesting that numerical and non‐numerical magnitudes not only share analog format but also form part of a general magnitude system raises questions about whether the non‐symbolic basis of mathematical thinking is unique to numerical magnitude. Here we examined this issue in 5‐ and 6‐year‐old children using comparison tasks of non‐symbolic number arrays and cumulative area as well as standardized tests of math competence. One set of findings revealed that scores on both magnitude comparison tasks were modulated by ratio, consistent with shared analog format. Moreover, scores on these tasks were moderately correlated, suggesting overlap in the precision of numerical and non‐numerical magnitudes, as expected under a general magnitude system. Another set of findings revealed that the precision of both types of magnitude contributed shared and unique variance to the same math measures (e.g. calculation and geometry), after accounting for age and verbal competence. These findings argue against an exclusive role for non‐symbolic number in supporting early mathematical understanding. Moreover, they suggest that mathematical understanding may be rooted in a general system of magnitude representation that is not specific to numerical magnitude but that also encompasses non‐numerical magnitude.
Evolution determines how global warming and pesticide exposure will shape predator–prey interactions with vector mosquitoes
Authors: Tran Tam T. , Janssens Lizanne , Dinh Khuong V. , Op de Beeck Lin , Stoks Robby 
Published: May 2016

AbstractHow evolution may mitigate the effects of global warming and pesticide exposure on predator–prey interactions is directly relevant for vector control. Using a space‐for‐time substitution approach, we addressed how 4°C warming and exposure to the pesticide endosulfan shape the predation on Culex pipiens mosquitoes by damselfly predators from replicated low‐ and high‐latitude populations. Although warming was only lethal for the mosquitoes, it reduced predation rates on these prey. Possibly, under warming escape speeds of the mosquitoes increased more than the attack efficiency of the predators. Endosulfan imposed mortality and induced behavioral changes (including increased filtering and thrashing and a positional shift away from the bottom) in mosquito larvae. Although the pesticide was only lethal for the mosquitoes, it reduced predation rates by the low‐latitude predators. This can be explained by the combination of the evolution of a faster life history and associated higher vulnerabilities to the pesticide (in terms of growth rate and lowered foraging activity) in the low‐latitude predators and pesticide‐induced survival selection in the mosquitoes. Our results suggest that predation rates on mosquitoes at the high latitude will be reduced under warming unless predators evolve toward the current low‐latitude phenotype or low‐latitude predators move poleward.
Integration strategies of emerging multinational corporations: Theoretical approach
Authors: Klimek Artur 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe traditional approach to multinational corporations typically assumes that advanced economies are sources of foreign direct investment, while emerging economies are merely passive recipients of the foreign capital. This paper presents a new model of multinational corporations originating in emerging countries. The new approach assumes that headquarters are located in a less developed country and production can be internationally dispersed. The paper attempts to define an optimal strategy of foreign production with respect to different levels of input prices, productivity of firms and market sizes.