bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of dietary methylmercury on the dopaminergic system of adult fathead minnows and their offspring
Authors: Nielsen Kristin M. , Venables Barney , Roberts Aaron 
Published: September 2016

Abstract

Mercury (Hg) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant and potent neurotoxin, which may be transformed by bacteria in aquatic ecosystems to methylmercury (MeHg), an organic form which bioaccumulates and biomagnifies. Consequently, long-lived organisms at the top of the food web are at risk of dietary MeHg exposure, which can be actively transferred from mother to offspring. Exposure during neurodevelopment can lead to serious, irreversible neurological dysfunction, associated with a variety of cognitive and motor abnormalities. At low dietary concentrations, MeHg exposure has been associated with deficits in attention and hyperactivity in multiple species. Pathways associated with cognitive function and motor activity are primarily associated with the dopaminergic system. The present study used a model fish species, Pimephales promelas, to examine the effects of MeHg exposure on dopamine concentrations and monoamine oxidase activity in embryos and adult brains. Adult fatheads were exposed for 30 d to either a control or a treated diet (0.72 ppm Hg). Embryonic and larval exposures were a result of maternal transfer of dietary MeHg. The authors confirmed hyperactive behaviors in embryos and detected significant changes in embryonic dopamine concentrations. Similar effects on dopamine concentrations were seen in the telencephalon of adult brains. Exposure to MeHg also corresponded with a significant decrease in monoamine oxidase activity in both embryos and brain tissue. Collectively, these results suggest that current exposure scenarios in North America are sufficient to induce alterations to this highly conserved neurochemical pathway in offspring, which may have adverse effects on fish behavior and cognition. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1077–1084. © 2016 SETAC
Major prognostic value of complex karyotype in addition to TP53 and IGHV mutational status in first‐line chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Le Bris Yannick , Struski Stéphanie , Guièze Romain , Rouvellat Caroline , Prade Naïs , Troussard Xavier , Tournilhac Olivier , Béné Marie C. , Delabesse Eric , Ysebaert Loïc 
Published: September 2016

AbstractChronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a lymphoproliferative disorder of remarkable heterogeneity as demonstrated by cytogenetics and molecular analyses. Complex karyotype (CK), TP53 deletions and/or mutations (TP53 disruption), IGVH mutational status, and, more recently, recurrent somatic mutations have been identified as prognostic markers in CLL. On a cohort of 110 patients with CLL treated with first‐line fludarabin, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab treatment compared with 33 untreated (watch and wait) patients with CLL, we report more frequent complex karyotypes (34 vs 15%; P = .05), unmutated IGHV (70 vs 21%; P < .0001), ATM deletion (25 vs 6%, P = .02), and NOTCH mutation (3 vs 17%, P = .04). Among treated patients, 39 relapsed during the follow‐up period. These patients were characterized before treatment by a higher incidence of trisomy 12 (38 vs 11%, P < .001) and TP53 disruption (31 vs 4%, P = .0002). A significantly shorter 5‐year overall survival was found for treated patients with CK (72.4 vs 85.8%; P = .007), unmutated IGHV (70 vs 100%; P = .04), or TP53 disruption (55.7 vs 82.7%; P < .0001). Three risk groups were defined based on the status of TP53 disruption or unmutated IGVH, which differed significantly in terms of 5‐year overall survival. Moreover, the presence of CK impacted pejoratively 5‐year overall survival and progression‐free survival in all these 3 groups. Conventional karyotyping therefore appears to be of value, CK being an additional factor, undetectable in classical FISH, in patients with CLL at the stage when therapy becomes required.
The influence of fiscal rules on healthcare policy in the United States and the Netherlands
Authors: Schakel H. Christiaan , Jeurissen Patrick , Glied Sherry 
Published: September 2016

SummaryGovernments use fiscal rules to put a framework and limits on how budgetary challenges are addressed, but the rules themselves are still an understudied area among health policy scholars. For a long time, healthcare held a somewhat separate status because of the reliance on entitlements and dedicated revenue streams. However, the combined forces of advocates for integral decision‐making, central budget control and the increasing costs might shift healthcare towards budgetary frameworks that currently apply to other spending categories. In this paper, we study fiscal rules that the US and the Netherlands have adopted since 2010 and their impact on healthcare policy. Our analysis shows that fiscal rules can have an impact on the rationing of healthcare. In the studied timeframe, the rules seem to have more impact on budget outcomes than on the budget process itself. In addition, the convergence of fiscal and program policy objectives seems to be better accomplished in a budgetary system that applies enforceable budget ceilings. Budgeting for health entitlements requires a comprehensive and tailor‐made approach and the composition of traditional rules might not fully answer to the complexities of healthcare policy. This paper aims to contribute to that debate and the way we think about healthcare budgeting. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Symmetry‐based Study of MoS2 and WS2 Nanotubes
Authors: Damnjanović Milan , Vuković Tatjana , Milošević Ivanka 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe symmetry‐based study of MS2 (M=Mo, W) single‐wall nanotubes (SWNTs) is reviewed. First, the structure and symmetry of MS2 NTs is determined. Then, conserved quantum numbers and general forms of potentials are derived. The valence force‐field method implemented into the POLSym code is used to calculate phonon dispersions. Phonons characterized by a zero angular‐momentum quantum number are studied in detail. The functional dependence of the frequency of rigid layer modes on NT diameter and chirality are found, and Raman‐ and infrared‐active modes are singled out. Electronic band structure calculations are performed by the symmetry‐based density functional tight‐binding (DFTB) method. Changes in the band‐gap type and size with NT chirality and diameter are evaluated. Optical absorption spectra of individual NTs are calculated using DFTB wave functions for exact transition matrix element calculations. Diffraction patterns of MS2 are predicted and NT characterization by different diffraction methods is discussed.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Pongamia pinnata seed: Characterization, antibacterial property, and spectroscopic investigation of interaction with human serum albumin
Authors: Beg Maidul , Maji Anukul , Mandal Amit Kumar , Das Somnath , Aktara Mt Nasima , Jha Pradeep K. , Hossain Maidul 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIn recent years, green synthesized nanoparticles from plant extract have drawn a great interest due to their prospective nanomedicinal application. This study investigates a proficient, safer, and sustainable way for the preparation of AgNPs using medicinal plant Pongamia pinnata (family: Leguminoseae, species: Pinnata) seeds extract without using any external reducing and stabilizing agent. Both ultraviolet‐visible spectrum at λmax = 439 nm and energy dispersive X‐ray spectra proof the formation of AgNPs. An average diameter of the AgNPs was 16.4 nm as revealed from transmission electron microscope. Hydrodynamic size (d = ~19.6 nm) was determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Zeta potential of AgNPs was found to be −23.7 mV, which supports its dispersion and stability. Fourier transform infrared study revealed that the O ─ H, C ═ O, and C‐O‐C groups were responsible for the formation of AgNPs. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized AgNPs was checked against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. AgNPs at its LD50 dose exhibited synergistic effect with ampicillin. Because protein‐AgNPs association greatly affects its adsorption, distribution, and functionality and can also influence the functions of biomolecules. So in order to understand the adsorption and bioavailability, we investigated by fluorescence, ultraviolet‐visible, and circular dichroism spectroscopic methods the interaction of synthesized AgNPs toward human serum albumin. The binding affinity and binding sites of human serum albumin toward AgNPs were measured by using the fluorescence quenching data. The circular dichroism spectroscopic results revealed that there was a negligible change of α‐helical content in their native structure. Overall, these AgNPs show versatile biological activities and may be applied in the field of nanomedicine.
Effectiveness of Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy for U.S. Veterans With a History of Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Ragsdale Katie A. , Voss Horrell Sarah C. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThis retrospective analysis of previously existing nonrandomized clinical data examined the effectiveness of completing prolonged exposure (PE) or cognitive processing therapy (CPT) in a sample of 41 U.S. veterans at a Veterans Affairs medical center. The sample included 19 veterans with diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) and 22 veterans with PTSD only. Diagnostic groups did not significantly differ on PTSD and depression symptom reduction, F(2, 36) = 0.05, p = .951; Pillai's trace = 0.00, partial η2= .00. Veterans who completed PE showed greater symptom reduction than those who completed CPT, F(2, 36) = 12.10, p < .001; Pillai's trace = 0.40, partial η2 = .40, regardless of TBI status. Overall, our results suggested that TBI status should not preclude individuals from being offered trauma‐focused PTSD treatment.
Mechanically Robust and Transparent N‐Halamine Grafted PVA‐co‐PE Films with Renewable Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Si Yang , Cossu Andrea , Nitin Nitin , Ma Yue , Zhao Cunyi , Chiou Bor‐sen , Cao Trung , Wang Dong , Sun Gang 
Published: September 2016

Antimicrobial polymeric films that are both mechanically robust and function renewable would have broad technological implications for areas ranging from medical safety and bioengineering to foods industry; however, creating such materials has proven extremely challenging. Here, a novel strategy is reported to create high‐strength N‐halamine incorporated poly(vinyl alcohol‐co‐ethylene) films (HAF films) with renewable antimicrobial activity by combining melt radical graft polymerization and reactive extrusion technique. The approach allows here the intrinsically rechargeable N‐halamine moieties to be covalently incorporated into polymeric films with high biocidal activity and durability. The resulting HAF films exhibit integrated properties of robust mechanical strength, high transparency, rechargeable chlorination capability (>300 ppm), and long‐term durability, which can effectively offer 3–5 logs CFU reduction against typical pathogenic bacterium Escherichia coli within a short contact time of 1 h, even at high organism conditions. The successful synthesis of HAF films also provides a versatile platform for exploring the applications of antimicrobial N‐halamine moieties in a self‐supporting, structurally adaptive, and function renewable form.
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Fabrication of Robust Hydrophobic and Super‐Hydrophobic Polymer Films with Onefold or Dual Inverse Opal Structures
Authors: Wu Yi , Zhou Shuxue , Wu Limin 
Published: September 2016

Hydrophobic and super‐hydrophobic materials have many important applications, but most of the artificially hydrophobic and super‐hydrophobic surfaces suffer from poor durability. Herein, a facile method is reported to fabricate robust hydrophobic and super‐hydrophobic polymer films through backfilling the silica colloidal crystal templates with the mixture of fluoropolymer, thermoset hydroxyl acrylate resins, and curing agent. After removal of the template, 3D ordered porous structures are obtained. The obtained polymer films have not only excellent hydrophobic or super‐hydrophobic properties but also good stability against temperatures, acids, and alkalis. Dual ordered porous structure can obviously enhance the hydrophobicity of polymer films compared to unitary one.
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Multitargeting Gene Delivery Systems for Enhancing the Transfection of Endothelial Cells
Authors: Yang Jing , Li Qian , Yang Xiao , Feng Yakai , Ren Xiangkui , Shi Changcan , Zhang Wencheng 
Published: September 2016

Gene therapy demonstrates promising prospects on cardiovascular diseases. However, nonviral gene delivery system has relatively low transfection efficiency, especially for endothelial cells (ECs). Herein, typical cell‐penetrating peptide (TAT), nuclear localization signals (NLSs), and REDV functional peptide have been used to prepare multitargeting complexes. These complexes exhibit higher transfection efficiency owing to the targeting sequences of REDV and NLSs as well as the cell‐penetrating function of TAT. The multifunction of the complexes provides high cell uptake, endo/lysosomal escape, and nucleus accumulation of the encapsulated DNA. Thus these multitargeting complexes can provide a potential platform for gene delivery, especially for EC transfection.image
Advancement of Sialyltransferase Inhibitors: Therapeutic Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Szabo Rémi , Skropeta Danielle 
Published: September 2016

AbstractHypersialylation of tumor cell surface proteins along with a marked upregulation of sialyltransferase (ST) activity is a well‐established hallmark of cancer. Due to the critical role of STs in tumor growth and progression, ST inhibition has emerged as a potential new antimetastatic strategy for a range of cancers including pancreatic and ovarian. Human STs are divided into subtypes based on their linkage and acceptor molecule, with each subtype controlling the synthesis of specific sialylated structures with unique biological roles. This has important implications for inhibitor development, as STs also play significant roles in immune responses, inflammation, viral infection, and neurological disorders. Thus, the current goal in order to advance to the clinic is the development of subtype selective, cell‐permeable and synthetically accessible, small‐molecule ST inhibitors. Herein is a comprehensive review of the latest developments in ST inhibitors from design, Nature, and high‐throughput screening, addressing both the challenges and opportunities in targeting cell surface sialylation. The review features an overview of the biological evaluation methods, computational and imaging tools, inhibitor molecular diversity, and selectivity toward ST subtypes, along with the emerging role of ST inhibitors as diagnostic tools for disease imaging.
Safety and pain in electrodiagnostic studies
Authors: London Zachary N. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTDiscomfort is an unavoidable part of electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies. The most readily modifiable mediator of electromyography (EMG)‐associated pain is muscle selection. Interventions that may reduce pain include vapocoolant spray, ibuprofen, and techniques such as slapping or stretching the skin. Needlestick injuries to health care workers carry the risk of transmitting bloodborne illnesses, but other infectious complications of EDX studies are very rare. EMG probably contributes to asymptomatic hemorrhage in approximately 1% of patients, but clinically significant bleeding has only been reported a few times. Therapeutic anticoagulation does not significantly increase this risk. With standard procedures, there have been no reports of patients developing cardiac arrhythmia from nerve conduction studies. No special precautions are necessary in patients with implantable cardiac devices or intravenous lines. There is a small risk of pneumothorax associated with EMG of the diaphragm and chest wall muscles. Several techniques have been suggested to improve the safety of diaphragm EMG. Muscle Nerve 55: 149–159, 2017
Three‐dimensional thermal annealing: An unconventional method to fabricate monodisperse polymer nanoparticles from polymer films
Authors: Chiu Yu‐Jing , Kuo Tyng‐Yow , Cheng Ming‐Hsiang , Tseng Hsiao‐Fan , Lo Yu‐Ching , Chen Jiun‐Tai 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWe develop a simple and feasible method to fabricate polymer nanoparticles by annealing polymer films in a uniform environment. Different from the conventional methods, no extra additive or emulsifier is needed in the preparation processes. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films are used as a model system and annealed at elevated temperatures in ethylene glycol, which provides a uniform three‐dimensional annealing environment and acts as stabilizers once the nanoparticles are formed. After the annealing process, PMMA nanoparticles with monodisperse diameters are formed. By examining the remaining films after the annealing process, the formation mechanism, which involves surface undulation and detachment of polymer nanoparticles, is proposed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 2471–2475
The flagellar motor adapts, optimizing bacterial behavior
Authors: Berg Howard C. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractA short review is given of recent work showing that the flagellar rotary motor of the bacterium Escherichia coli remodels to match its operating point (the fraction of time that it spins clockwise) to the requirements of the chemotaxis signaling network, and to provide the torque necessary to operate at different viscous loads.
Surface acting and exhaustion: The moderating role of eudaimonia
Authors: Pătraş Luminiţa , Martínez‐Tur Vicente , Gracia Esther , Moliner Carolina 
Published: September 2016

AbstractSurface acting (faking emotions) is one of the stressors experienced by contact employees during service interactions with customers, and it has implications for workers' exhaustion. One challenge of research and practice is to identify moderators that help to better understand the positive relationships between surface acting and exhaustion. The present study proposes the two dimensions of eudaimonia beliefs about well‐being (self‐development and contribution‐to‐others beliefs) as moderators between surface acting and exhaustion. We performed regression analyses with 817 contact employees working in 118 health‐care organizations providing services to people with intellectual disability. Results confirmed the hypotheses, showing that contribution‐to‐others strengthens the link from surface acting to exhaustion, whereas self‐development weakens this relationship. Therefore, self‐development beliefs act as a protector for workers when they have to deal with situations that require surface acting.
Refactoring technical support to reduce interrupts of developers
Authors: Kelemen Zádor Dániel , Tódor Balázs , Hodosi Sándor , Somfai Ákos 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIn this paper an analysis of a technical support data with the goal of identifying process improvement actions for reducing interrupts is presented. A technical support chat is established and used to provide internal developer support to other development teams, which use the software code developed by a core team. The paper shows how data analysis of a 6‐month support time helped to identify gaps and action items for improving the technical support process to minimize interrupts from other developer teams. We show that developers are interrupted through the investigated technical support chat multiple times a day and the interruptions come during the peak working hours. We also show that these interruptions can be prevented with the introduction of multiple tools such as a dispatcher service policy, a dispatcher role, and an FAQ page among others. The paper also shows effects (advantages and drawbacks) of the technical support refactor actions taken on the basis of this analysis.
Turbulence-particle interactions under surface gravity waves
Authors: Paskyabi Mostafa Bakhoday 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
The dispersion and transport of single inertial particles through an oscillatory turbulent aquatic environment are examined numerically by a Lagrangian particle tracking model using a series of idealised test cases. The turbulent mixing is incorporated into the Lagrangian model by the means of a stochastic scheme in which the inhomogeneous turbulent quantities are governed by a one-dimensional k- ε turbulence closure scheme. This vertical mixing model is further modified to include the effects of surface gravity waves including Coriolis-Stokes forcing, wave breaking, and Langmuir circulations. To simplify the complex interactions between the deterministic and the stochastic phases of flow, we assume a time-invariant turbulent flow field and exclude the hydrodynamic biases due to the effects of ambient mean current. The numerical results show that the inertial particles acquire perturbed oscillations traced out as time-varying sinking/rising orbits in the vicinity of the sea surface under linear and cnoidal waves and acquire a non-looping single arc superimposed with the high-frequency fluctuations beneath the nonlinear solitary waves. Furthermore, we briefly summarise some recipes through the course of this paper on the implementation of the stochastic particle tracking models to realistically describe the drift and suspension of inertial particles throughout the water column.
Predictive Genetic Testing of Children for Adult‐Onset Conditions: Negotiating Requests with Parents
Authors: Fenwick Angela , Plantinga Mirjam , Dheensa Sandi , Lucassen Anneke 
Published: September 2016

AbstractHealthcare professionals (HCPs) regularly face requests from parents for predictive genetic testing of children for adult‐onset conditions. Little is known about how HCPs handle these test requests, given that guidelines recommend such testing is deferred to adulthood unless there is medical benefit to testing before that time. Our study explored the process of decision‐making between HCPs and parents. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 34 HCPs in 8 regional genetic services across the UK, and data were thematically analysed. We found that instead of saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to such requests, many HCPs framed the consultation as an opportunity to negotiate the optimal time of testing. This, they argued, facilitates parents’ considered decision‐making, since parents’ eventual decisions after requesting a test was often to defer testing their child. In cases where parents’ requests remained a sustained wish, most HCPs said they would agree to test, concluding that not testing would not serve the child's wider best interest. As a strategy for determining the child's best interest and for facilitating shared decision‐making, we recommend that HCPs re‐frame requests for testing from parents as a discussion about the optimal time of testing for adult‐onset disease.