bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sediment composition, provenance, and Holocene paleoenvironmental evolution of the Southern Po River coastal plain (Italy)
Authors: Greggio Nicolas , Giambastiani Beatrice M.S. , Campo Bruno , Dinelli Enrico , Amorosi Alessandro 
Published: June 2017

Geochemistry, sediment provenance, and the Holocene paleoenvironmental evolution of the Southern Po River coastal plain (Italy) were examined based on the geochemical analysis of 279 sediment samples from 35 cores. The Holocene succession is subdivided into four major facies associations: back‐barrier, transgressive barrier, shallow‐marine, and beach‐ridge deposits. Bulk chemical composition shows remarkable differences between facies associations, and the poly‐modal behavior in the related frequency curves suggests distinct sources of sediment. Using MgO and Ni as geochemical tracers, changes in sediment provenance were assessed with the aim to reconstruct the Holocene paleoenvironmental evolution of the area. The Po River and the Apenninic rivers represented the main sources of sediment during the early stages of transgression and highstand sea‐level conditions, whereas transgressive barrier and early shallow‐marine facies associations exhibit a clear North Adriatic river (eastern Alpine) provenance. The Holocene paleoenvironmental evolution of the study area, between about 10 ky and the present, indicates the presence of a bypass zone in front of the Po River mouth between 9 and 6 ky BP. At that time, sediment supplied by the North Adriatic rivers was transported southward by the longshore drift, bypassed the weak Po River influx and accumulated close to the Apennines. Comparison between Holocene facies associations and current back‐barrier and shallow‐marine sediments confirms that the present‐day basin circulation is similar to the one that acted during the last episode of sea‐level rise.
Apolipoprotein E genotype impact on memory and attention in older persons: the moderating role of personality phenotype
Authors: Chapman Benjamin P. , Benedict Ralph H.B. , Lin Feng , Roy Shumita , Porteinsson Antoine , Szigeti Kinga , Federoff Howard , Mapstone Mark 
Published: June 2017

ObjectivesTo determine if phenotypic personality traits modify the association of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes with different domains of cognitive function.DesignCross‐sectional.Methods172 non‐demented older adults were administered the NEO‐Five Factor Inventory (NEO‐FFI), a battery of neuropsychological tests assessing memory, attention, executive function, language, and visuospatial ability, and underwent APOE genotyping. Multivariate (multiple‐dependent variable) regression models predicting cognitive domains tested APOE interactions with personality traits, adjusting for age, sex, and education.ResultsThe APOE ε4 allele showed small to modest main effects on memory and executive function (1/3 SD deficits for carriers, p < .05), with ε2 status evidencing minimal and non‐significant benefit. Neuroticism interacted with both ε2 and ε4 alleles in associations with attention scores (p = .001), with ε2 benefits and ε4 deficits being marked at high Neuroticism (Mean [M] covariate‐adjusted Z‐score = .39 for ε2, −.47 for ε4). The association of ε4 with memory was moderated by Conscientiousness (p < .001), such that ε4 memory deficits were apparent at low Conscientiousness (M = −.56), but absent at high levels of Conscientiousness. Weaker patterns (p < .05) also suggested ε4‐related detriments in executive function only at lower Conscientiousness, and ε2 memory benefits only at higher Openness.ConclusionsConscientiousness and Neuroticism moderate APOE associations with memory and executive function. As such, they may be useful phenotypic markers in refining the prognostic significance of this polymorphism. Effect‐modifying personality traits also provide clues about behavioral and psychological factors that influence the cognitive impact of APOE. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
WHO's Service Availability and Readiness Assessment of primary health care services of commune health centers in a rural district of Northern Vietnam
Authors: Van Huy Nguyen , Nam You‐Seon , Van Thanh Nguyen , Tuan Ngo Tri , Ha Nguyen Thi Thu , Hoat Luu Ngoc , Hoang Nguyen Minh , Hoa Do Mai 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe objective of this study was to assess the availability and readiness of the primary health care (PHC) services of commune health centers (CHCs) in Quoc Oai, a rural district of Northern Vietnam based on the World Health Organization's Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) tool. The study was done in 2 steps. First, the heads of the 21 CHCs of Quoc Oai district were interviewed using SARA, a quantitative survey, and the responses were then validated by direct observations of each facility. The results showed that although the average number of health staffs in each CHC met the national standards (at least 5 staffs per CHC), its allocation within each CHC was not properly met because some CHCs had only 2 health staffs. Several health equipment and facilities were not fully available in many CHCs, and although the majority of the PHC services were available at the CHCs, their readiness remained limited. Several significant correlates between the availability of health care workers and the availability of the facilities and the PHC services were observed, suggesting that they depend upon and affect one another in the health system. Using the SARA‐based inventory, the study helps health managers and policy makers to prioritize efforts and allocate resources more appropriately. To be effective, attention should be given to how to make facilities, services, and human resources for health ready for PHC activities—more investment and support from the system (from higher to lower level) and the government.
Comparison of the toxicity of the dyes Sudan II and Sudan IV to catalase
Authors: Li Tong , Hao Minglu , Pan Jie , Zong Wansong , Liu Rutao 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe mechanisms of the toxicity of Sudan dyes to the key antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT) were investigated by spectroscopic methods, calorimetry techniques, enzyme activity assay, and molecular docking. Results showed that Sudan dyes bound to CAT through hydrophobic force, which changed the microenvironment of tryptophan and tyrosine residues, leading to a conformational alteration and shrinkage of the protein. Enzyme activity assay and molecular docking revealed that the activity of CAT was slightly inhibited in the presence of Sudan dyes. In comparison, the binding of Sudan II with CAT was slightly stronger than Sudan IV. Also, Sudan II and Sudan IV showed a different impact on the microenvironment of aromatic amino acid residues. But the dyes had very similar effects on conformation and activity of the protein. This work provides an essential reference for the evaluation of Sudan dyes’ effects on body's antioxidant defense system and safe use of Sudan dyes.
Different Porosities of Chitosan Can Influence the Osteogenic Differentiation Potential of Stem Cells
Authors: Ardeshirylajimi Abdolreza , Delgoshaie Mahdieh , Mirzaei Samaneh , Khojasteh Arash 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTScaffolds porosity has an important role in in vitro and in vivo differentiation process of stem cells with given the amount of space available to the cells to proliferate and differentiate. In the present study, chitosan with three porosities including 10%, 15%, and 20% that created by gelatin were used for investigation of the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation potential of adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs). In order to be more like the scaffold to natural bone tissue, freeze‐drying method was used in the scaffold preparation. Scaffold morphology, cell attachment, and toxicity were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and MTT assay. Then, osteogenic differentiation potential of ADSCs cultured on chitosan with different porosities was evaluated by common osteogenic markers such as Alizarin red staining, ALP activity, calcium content, and osteogenic‐related genes expression via real‐time RT‐PCR. Although all scaffolds supported the proliferation and differentiation of ADSCs, but 10% scaffold demonstrated higher amount of osteogenic markers in comparison with the other porosities and control groups. Taking together, it can be concluded that osteogenic differentiation well done in the scaffolds with lower porosity because density of the cells will increase by forcing resulted from the scaffold, so osteogenic differentiation of the stem cells have an inverse association with scaffold porosity. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 625–633, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The IL‐1Ra gene variable number tandem repeat variant is associated with susceptibility to temporomandibular disorders in Turkish population
Authors: Tumer Mehmet Kemal , Nursal Ayse Feyda , Tekcan Akin , Yerliyurt Kaan , Geyko Anastasia , Yigit Serbulent 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundTemporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) are a group of disorders involving temporomandibular joint and related structures. Interleukine‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra) is an important anti‐inflammatory molecule that competes with other interleukin‐1 molecules. This study was designed to investigate the possible association of the IL‐1Ra VNTR variant with the risk of TMD in the Turkish population.MethodsPeripheral blood samples were collected from 100 patients with TMD (23 males, 77 females) and 110 healthy individuals (35 males, 75 females). Genotyping of IL‐1Ra 86 bp VNTR variant was evaluated by gel electrophoresis after polymerase chain reaction (PCR).ResultsOur results show that there is a statistically significant difference between TMD patients and control group with respect to IL‐1Ra genotype distribution and allele frequencies. 1.2, 1.4, and 4.4 genotypes were more common in patients, while 2.2 and 3.3 genotypes were rarer (P<.000). Frequency of alleles 1 and 4 was higher in patient groups (P<.000), whereas alleles 2 and 3 had a lower frequency in patients with TMD (P<.000).ConclusionsThis is the first correlation study that evaluates the association between IL‐1Ra gene VNTR variant and TMD. The VNTR variant related to IL‐1Ra gene showed a strong pattern of association with TMD that may have a potential impact on disease counseling and management. Larger studies with various ethnicities are needed to establish the impact of IL‐1Ra VNTR variant on risk of developing TMD.
Core Entrustable Professional Activities in Clinical Pharmacology for Entering Residency: Biologics
Authors: Donnenberg Vera S. , Mandic Maja , Rhee John C. , Burns Timothy F. , Meibohm Bernd , Korth‐Bradley Joan M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBiologicals are a rapidly expanding class of medications used in the treatment of many different conditions. This article reviews the common characteristics of this class and the requirements for safe and effective use in patients. Several vignettes are included to illustrate common challenges.
Shape synthesis of a well‐plate for electromagnetic stimulation of cells
Authors: Di Barba Paolo , Fassina Lorenzo , Magenes Giovanni , Mognaschi Maria Evelina 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn the paper, a device for in vitro electromagnetic stimulation of cells at low frequency (75 Hz) is studied and synthesized. In particular, shape and position of a well plate are identified to obtain a homogeneous stimulation and to maximize the space allotted to cell culture.
Geochemical characterization (REE, Nd and Pb isotopes) of atmospheric mineral dust deposited in two maritime peat bogs from the St. Lawrence North Shore (eastern Canada)
Authors: Pratte Steve , De Vleeschouwer François , Garneau Michelle 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTDust deposited on two ombrotrophic peat bogs (Baie and IDH bogs) of the St. Lawrence Gulf and Estuary north shore (Quebec) was geochemically characterized using rare earth element (REE) concentrations, Nd and Pb isotopes along with particle grain size. Both cores display similar ɛNd values, which suggests either a common source or sources with similar signatures in both regions. Combining Nd isotope data with REE patterns and particle size allowed for better insights into the source of deposited dust and the inference of past environmental and climatic conditions in both regions. REEs, ɛNd and grain‐size distribution suggest that, over the last 2000 years, the Baie bog received more local dust due to increased local storminess in response to greater regional hydroclimatic variability. The same phenomenon occurred in the IDH bog since 620 cal a BP, i.e. during the Little Ice Age, where hydroclimatic and paleoecological changes have been previously documented. While the dust reconstructions and regional climatic records agree relatively well, the discrepancies between paleodust records highlight the complex and variable structure of late Holocene changes in paleoclimate and more particularly past dust deposition in eastern Canada.
Yield, resource use efficiency and trace metal uptake of weeping lovegrass grown on municipal sludge‐amended soil
Authors: Tesfamariam Eyob H , Annandale John G , Steyn Martin J , Truter Wayne F , Debusho Legesse K , Talore Deribe G 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThere are concerns that fertilization using sludge in semi‐arid areas, where water is limiting, will compound the effect of drought, resulting in the decline of yield from potential salt accumulation. This study investigated impacts of annual sludge application at 0, 4, 8 and 16 Mg ha−1 on weeping lovegrass hay yield, crude protein (CP) content, rainfall use efficiency (RUE), nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and trace metal uptake over eight consecutive years.RESULTSBoth hay yield and RUE increased by 5–53% as the sludge rate increased. Hay yield was highest (13.3 Mg ha−1) during the wet season and RUE (27.1 kg mm−1) during the dry season. RUE was highest at sludge rates of 16 Mg ha−1 and NUE at 4 Mg ha−1. Similarly, municipal sludge application increased CP content as well as crop Cr and Zn uptake from the 16 Mg ha−1 treatment.CONCLUSIONResults from this study indicated that eight consecutive years of treated municipal sludge application increased weeping lovegrass hay yield, CP content and RUE. Similarly, trace metal uptake by crop did not differ between the zero control and the 16 Mg ha−1 treatment, except for Zn and Cr, which showed a slight increment. Nonetheless, all trace metals remained well below the maximum tolerable dietary concentrations for domestic animals. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of particle size on phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of two persimmon flours from Diospyros kaki Thunb. vars. ‘Rojo Brillante’ and ‘Triumph’ co‐products
Authors: Lucas‐González Raquel , Fernández‐López Juana , Pérez‐Álvarez José Ángel , Viuda‐Martos Manuel 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis contribution studies the influence of the particle size of persimmon flours (from two cultivars, ‘Rojo Brillante’ and ‘Triumph’) on their primary (sugars and organic acids) and secondary (polyphenols, flavonoids and carotenoids) metabolite content, and also on their antioxidant activity, to assess whether these flours could find applications in the food industry as a potential functional ingredient.RESULTSThe main sugars were fructose and glucose and the principal organic acid was malic acid. The highest content of total phenols, flavonoids and carotenoids was found in flour fractions from cv. ‘Rojo Brillante’. The phenol profile determined by HPLC identified six phenolic compounds in both persimmon flours, the most abundant being gallic acid. The greatest ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging capacity and ferric reducing power were found in flour fractions from cv. ‘Rojo Brillante’. Although the influence of particle size on all these properties was not always evident, in general, the higher bioactive compound content and antioxidant capacity were in the finest particles.CONCLUSIONCo‐products from cvs. ‘Rojo Brillante’ and ‘Triumph’ persimmon juice extraction can be processed to obtain flours rich in sugars, organic acids and bioactive compounds, suggesting their possible use as a functional ingredient (with antioxidant properties) in different food products. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Grand challenges for research in the Laurentian Great Lakes
Authors: Sterner Robert W. , Ostrom Peggy , Ostrom Nathaniel E. , Klump J. Val , Steinman Alan D. , Dreelin Erin A. , Vander Zanden M. Jake , Fisk Aaron T. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe Laurentian Great Lakes (LGL) constitute one of the largest freshwater systems in the world while providing social and economic value to two powerful nations. The spatial scale of these inland seas falls between two endpoints: small lakes and oceans. Lacustrine in many characteristics, the LGL often require a scientific approach with attributes similar to those of oceanography. There is a strong sense that within the LGL support for scientific research has not kept pace with the need for process‐oriented research and that we lack basic information needed to forecast change, mitigate impacts and restore and preserve the LGL. Consequently, 58 researchers met in September 2014 and identified five “Grand Challenges for Research in the LGL”: (1) How has this vast inland freshwater system responded to shifting climate in the past, and how will it respond in the future? (2) What is the current status of the most important ecosystem processes, including their variability in space and time? (3) What processes are characteristic only of large lakes, and how do the distinct habitats integrate into a whole? (4) What are the ecosystem responses to major anthropogenic forces such as nutrients and invasive species, and are these reversible? and (5) What are the small to large‐scale linkages and feedbacks among societal decisions, biological systems, and physicochemical dynamics? An urgent need exists for a unified scientific voice that articulates the Grand Challenges for research in the LGL and the need for associated funding. This treatise describing the Grand Challenges develops that voice.
Cyanate distribution and uptake in North Atlantic coastal waters
Authors: Widner Brittany , Mulholland Margaret R. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractCyanate (OCN−) is a reduced nitrogen compound that may be a source of nitrogen and carbon for marine phytoplankton. Cyanate is produced photochemically and through organic matter degradation but its distribution in marine systems is poorly defined because, until recently, there was no method to measure its concentration in marine environments. Here, we report results from the first regional oceanographic survey of cyanate distributions and uptake. Cyanate concentrations ranged from below detection (0.4 nM) to 11 nM in the coastal North Atlantic Ocean along the North American continental shelf and were slightly higher in nearshore surface waters than offshore surface waters. Subsurface cyanate maxima were observed at many stations suggesting a nonconservative distribution. Subsurface cyanate peak concentrations were tightly correlated with chlorophyll a concentrations integrated throughout the water column (R2 = 0.79). Cyanate N and C uptake were measurable in all regions and seasons sampled. Cyanate N uptake was significantly higher than cyanate C uptake for all cruises (1.3 ± 1.9 nmol L−1 h−1 and 0.4 ± 0.6 nmol L−1 h−1 for N and C, respectively). However, cyanate N uptake was significantly lower in November than in June and August, and cyanate C uptake was significantly higher in November than during June and August. Spatial trends in cyanate distribution and uptake, along with the correlation between depth‐integrated Chl a concentrations and cyanate maxima, suggest that cyanate is taken up in the euphotic zone and is likely produced by degradation of phytoplankton‐derived organic matter in subsurface waters.
Influence of invasive quagga mussels, phosphorus loads, and climate on spatial and temporal patterns of productivity in Lake Michigan: A biophysical modeling study
Authors: Rowe Mark D. , Anderson Eric J. , Vanderploeg Henry A. , Pothoven Steven A. , Elgin Ashley K. , Wang Jia , Yousef Foad 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe applied a three‐dimensional biophysical model to Lake Michigan for the years 2000, 2005, and 2010 to consider the mechanisms controlling spatial and temporal patterns of phytoplankton abundance (chlorophyll a) and lake‐wide productivity. Model skill was assessed by comparison to satellite‐derived Chl a and field‐measured water quality variables. We evaluated model sensitivity to scenarios of varying mussel filter feeding intensity, tributary phosphorus loads, and warm vs. cool winter‐spring climate scenarios. During the winter‐spring phytoplankton bloom, spatial patterns of Chl a were controlled by variables that influenced surface mixed layer depth: deep mixing reduced net phytoplankton growth through light limitation and by exposing the full water column to mussel filter feeding. Onset of summer and winter stratification promoted higher surface Chl a initially by increasing mean light exposure and by separating the euphotic zone from mussels. During the summer stratified period, areas of relatively high Chl a were associated with coastal plumes influenced by tributary‐derived nutrients and coastal upwelling‐downwelling. While mussels influenced spatial and temporal distribution of Chl a, lake‐wide, annual mean primary production was more sensitive to phosphorus and warm/cool meteorology scenarios than to mussel filter feeding scenarios. Although Chl a and primary production declined over the quagga mussel invasion, our results suggest that increased nutrient loads would increase lake‐wide productivity even in the presence of mussels; however, altered spatial and temporal patterns of productivity caused by mussel filter feeding would likely persist.
Advancing the science of patient input throughout the regulatory decision‐making process
Authors: Tegenge Million A. , Moncur Megan M. , Sokolic Robert , Forshee Richard A. , Irony Telba 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) understands the value of patient input in the regulatory decision‐making process and has worked to enhance meaningful engagement. In recent years, there has been an increased scientific demand for more systematic and quantitative approaches to incorporate patient input throughout the medical product lifecycle, including to inform regulatory benefit‐risk assessments. The use of patient preference information (PPI), elicited using established scientific methods, is a promising strategy for accomplishing this.Although much of the science behind PPI is not new, its application in a regulatory setting will require adapting and advancing the science of identifying, collecting, and evaluating patient input for informing regulatory decision making. Patient input and empowerment are foundational to a learning healthcare system. A learning healthcare system paradigm can also help us better understand and continuously improve the incorporation of the patient perspective in regulatory decision making.In this article, we highlight the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research experience and current initiatives on advancing the science of patient input in a regulatory setting, in particular, PPI. We provide a use case that explores how the principles and benefits of PPI applied in shared clinical decision making can be realized and leveraged to enhance regulatory evaluation of innovative therapies. To further advance the application of the science of patient input in our regulatory framework, we compiled a list of example resources that support stakeholders in designing and conducting PPI studies. More collaborative research among stakeholders is needed to establish best practice approaches, ensure scientific validity, and continuously learn and improve the systematic incorporation of scientific patient input throughout the regulatory decision‐making process.