bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microparticle‐Mediated Delivery of BMP4 for Generation of Meiosis‐Competent Germ Cells from Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Esfandiari Fereshteh , Ashtiani Mohammad Kazemi , Sharifi‐Tabar Mehdi , Saber Maryam , Daemi Hamed , Ghanian Mohammad Hossein , Shahverdi Abdolhossein , Baharvand Hossein 
Published: October 2016

Producing meiosis‐competent germ cells (GCs) from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) is essential for developing advanced therapies for infertility. Here, a novel approach is presented for generation of GCs from ESCs. In this regard, microparticles (MPs) have been developed from alginate sulfate loaded with bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4). The results here show that BMP4 release from alginate sulfate MPs is significantly retarded by the sulfated groups compared to neat alginate. Then, BMP4‐laden MPs are incorporated within the aggregates during differentiation of GCs from ESCs. It is observed that BMP4‐laden MPs increase GC differentiation from ESCs at least twofold compared to the conventional soluble delivery method. Interestingly, following meiosis induction,Dazl, an intrinsic factor that enables GCs to enter meiosis, and two essential meiosis genes (Stra8andSmc1b) are upregulated significantly in MP‐induced aggregates compared to aggregates, which are formed by the conventional method. Together, these data show that controlled delivery of BMP4 during ESC differentiation into GC establish meiosis‐competent GCs which can serve as an attractive GC source for reproductive medicine.image
The BASALIT multicenter trial: Gly m 4 quantification for consistency control of challenge meal batches and toward Gly m 4 threshold data
Authors: Holzhauser Thomas , Franke Annegret , Treudler Regina , Schmiedeknecht Anett , Randow Stefanie , Becker Wolf‐Meinhard , Lidholm Jonas , Vieths Stefan , Simon Jan‐Christoph 
Published: October 2016

ScopeThe BASALIT clinical trial (EudraCT 2009‐011737‐27) investigated efficacy of birch allergen immunotherapy on lowest observed adverse effect levels after soy food challenge in patients with birch‐associated and Gly m 4 allergen mediated soy allergy. Thus, consistently stable Gly m 4 levels were required in standardized challenge meals.Methods and resultsSoy meal included soy protein isolate (SPI, 88% total protein). A Gly m 4 specific ELISA was developed and validated. Six SPIs and 24 meal batches were analyzed for Gly m 4. (Repeated‐measures) analyses of variance were done to identify potential changes between batches and time intervals. Gly m 4 was below the ELISA detection limit (2 ng/mL) in placebo batches. With <20% mean coefficient of variation, Gly m 4 levels were consistent in 24 soy meal batches and within individual 12‐wk shelf‐life.ConclusionThe novel Gly m 4 specific ELISA proved consistency of challenge meal batches over a 56‐month study period. With an average of 178 μg/g Gly m 4 in SPI, Gly m 4 lowest observed adverse effect level can be calculated once clinical lowest observed adverse effect level data based on SPI are available. Hence, sensitivity of patients can be correlated to the relevant allergen content instead of total protein of the allergenic source.
Simultaneous and interleaved acquisition of NMR signals from different nuclei with a clinical MRI scanner
Authors: Meyerspeer Martin , Magill Arthur W. , Kuehne Andre , Gruetter Rolf , Moser Ewald , Schmid Albrecht Ingo 
Published: October 2016

PurposeModification of a clinical MRI scanner to enable simultaneous or rapid interleaved acquisition of signals from two different nuclei.MethodsA device was developed to modify the local oscillator signal fed to the receive channel(s) of an MRI console. This enables external modification of the frequency at which the receiver is sensitive and rapid switching between different frequencies. Use of the device was demonstrated with interleaved and simultaneous 31P and 1H spectroscopic acquisitions, and with interleaved 31P and 1H imaging.ResultsSignal amplitudes and signal‐to‐noise ratios were found to be unchanged for the modified system, compared with data acquired with the MRI system in the standard configuration.ConclusionInterleaved and simultaneous 1H and 31P signal acquisition was successfully demonstrated with a clinical MRI scanner, with only minor modification of the RF architecture. While demonstrated with 31P, the modification is applicable to any detectable nucleus without further modification, enabling a wide range of simultaneous and interleaved experiments to be performed within a clinical setting. Magn Reson Med 76:1636–1641, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Development of an Individualized Occupational Therapy Programme and its Effects on the Neurocognition, Symptoms and Social Functioning of Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Shimada Takeshi , Nishi Ai , Yoshida Tomotaka , Tanaka Sachie , Kobayashi Masayoshi 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWe described an individualized occupational therapy (IOT) programme and examined the effects of adding IOT to group OT (GOT) on improving neurocognition, symptoms and social functioning among recently hospitalized patients with schizophrenia. The Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia—Japanese version (BACS‐J), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Global Assessment of Functioning scale were used for outcome evaluations. Fifty‐one patients were voluntarily assigned to either the GOT + IOT (n = 30) or GOT alone (n = 21) groups based on their preferences. Retention in the GOT + IOT group was 100%. Three‐month baseline to discharge assessments in the GOT + IOT group showed significant improvements in BACS‐J verbal memory, working memory, verbal fluency, attention, executive function and composite score, and in PANSS positive subscale, general psychopathology subscale, and total score compared to the GOT alone group. Study limitations notwithstanding, the present findings provide preliminary support for the feasibility of implementing IOT and its effectiveness for improving cognitive impairment and symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. The results of this study indicate that IOT in psychiatric facilities may improve psychosocial treatment of schizophrenia. Additional study is warranted to replicate the effects of IOT as demonstrated in this Japanese study. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synergistic effects of hybrid carbon nanomaterials in room‐temperature‐vulcanized silicone rubber
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Lee Jin‐Yong , Lee Dong‐Joo 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis work examines nanocomposites based on nanofillers and room‐temperature‐vulcanized silicone rubber. The carbon nanofillers used were conductive carbon black (CB), carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene (GE). Vulcanizates for CB, GE, CNTs as the only filler and hybrid fillers using CNTs, CB and GE were prepared by solution mixing. The elastic modulus for CNT hybrid with CB at 15 phr (4.65 MPa) was higher than for CB hybrid with GE (3.13 MPa) and CNTs/CB/GE as the only filler. Similarly, the resistance for CNT hybrid with CB at 10 phr (0.41 kΩ) was lower than for CB (0.84 kΩ) at 20 phr and CNTs as the only filler. These improvements result from efficient filler networking, a synergistic effect among the carbon nanomaterials, the high aspect ratio of CNTs and the improved filler dispersion in the rubber matrix. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Is impaired glucose metabolism the missing piece in the obesity‐asthma puzzle?
Authors: Ali‐Dinar Tarig , Lang Jason E. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryObesity is a major risk factor for several conditions including atherosclerotic disease, metabolic syndrome, and upper airway dysfunction. However, the purported link between obesity and asthma has remained more difficult to define, in part due to limitations in past epidemiologic studies and the inherent challenge in accurately defining asthma in children. It is possible that obesity leads to asthma only in the presence of a mediating variable such as an obesity‐related conditions such as esophageal reflux or insulin resistance. The article by Karampatakis and colleagues in this week's edition of the journal is important because it addresses the hypothesis that altered glucose metabolism/insulin resistance associates with bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR), a central and objectively measured marker of asthma. They studied pre‐pubertal children with and without asthma with a range of body mass indices and found for the first time in pre‐pubertal asthmatic children that both insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance were more closely related to BHR than was obesity. Their work opens the way for directed mechanistic study of the effects of impaired glucose metabolism on airway development during childhood and airway responsiveness, and for the study of insulin sensitizing therapies in children to prevent lower airway disease. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:147–150. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deciphering metal ion preference and primary coordination sphere robustness of a designed zinc finger with high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Laitaoja Mikko , Isoniemi Sari , Valjakka Jarkko , Mándity István M. , Jänis Janne 
Published: October 2016

AbstractSmall zinc finger (ZnF) motifs are promising molecular scaffolds for protein design owing to their structural robustness and versatility. Moreover, their characterization provides important insights into protein folding in general. ZnF motifs usually possess an exceptional specificity and high affinity towards Zn(II) ion to drive folding. While the Zn(II) ion is canonically coordinated by two cysteine and two histidine residues, many other coordination spheres also exist in small ZnFs, all having four amino acid ligands. Here we used high‐resolution mass spectrometry to study metal ion binding specificity and primary coordination sphere robustness of a designed zinc finger, named MM1. Based on the results, MM1 possesses high specificity for zinc with sub‐micromolar binding affinity. Surprisingly, MM1 retains metal ion binding affinity even in the presence of selective alanine mutations of the primary zinc coordinating amino acid residues.
Determination of the ribosome structure to a resolution of 2.5 Å by single‐particle cryo‐EM
Authors: Liu Zheng , Gutierrez‐Vargas Cristina , Wei Jia , Grassucci Robert A. , Sun Ming , Espina Noel , Madison‐Antenucci Susan , Tong Liang , Frank Joachim 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWith the advance of new instruments and algorithms, and the accumulation of experience over decades, single‐particle cryo‐EM has become a pivotal part of structural biology. Recently, we determined the structure of a eukaryotic ribosome at 2.5 Å for the large subunit. The ribosome was derived from Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan pathogen of Chagas disease. The high‐resolution density map allowed us to discern a large number of unprecedented details including rRNA modifications, water molecules, and ions such as Mg2+ and Zn2+. In this paper, we focus on the procedures for data collection, image processing, and modeling, with particular emphasis on factors that contributed to the attainment of high resolution. The methods described here are readily applicable to other macromolecules for high‐resolution reconstruction by single‐particle cryo‐EM.
Positron probing of disordered regions in neutron‐irradiated silicon
Authors: Arutyunov Nikolay , Bennett Nick , Wight Neil , Krause‐Rehberg Reinhard , Emtsev Vadim , Abrosimov Nikolay , Kozlovski Vitalii 
Published: October 2016

The vacancy‐rich disordered regions (DR) playing a key role in improving the thermoelectric figure‐of‐merit of silicon thermoelectric generators by reducing (by ∼90%) the thermal conductivity, have been probed with positrons. The DR were created by irradiating n‐Cz‐Si(P) material with the fast reactor neutrons. The parameter of the electron density rs′ ≈ 2.18 a.u. contacting positrons in DR has been reconstructed using the data of the angular correlation of the annihilation radiation (ACAR); the amendments to the rs′ value associated with the ion core electrons were taken into account. It is argued that the ion cores of atoms of silicon as well as the ones of the as‐grown impurities (O, C) are involved in the open vacancy volume to be probed with positrons: a relaxation of the ion cores directed inward toward the vacancy volume seems to take place. These positron traps are formed beyond the vacancy‐rich area of the disordered region. In the course of isochronal annealing, the traps are stable up to Tanneal. ≈ 520 °C when a recovery of ACAR parameters begins and then it continues up to ∼1050 °C.A vacancy center containing positrons in the open vacancy volume beyond the vacancy‐rich area of the disordered region is shown schematically. The emission of electron–positron annihilation gamma‐quanta dominates from within these positron traps. The values of both the electron–positron ion core radius (rm) and electron density (parameter rs′) suggest a relaxation directed toward inwards the open vacancy volume: the impurity atoms of oxygen and carbon are, perhaps, involved in the center.
Creation of an IEC 62304 compliant software development plan
Authors: Rust Peter , Flood Derek , McCaffery Fergal 
Published: October 2016

AbstractOrganizations engaged in medical device software development are required to demonstrate compliance with a set of medical device standards and regulations before the device can be marketed. One such standard IEC 62304, Medical Device Software—Software Life Cycle Processes, defines the processes that are required in order to develop safe software. Demonstrating compliance with IEC 62304 can be problematic for organizations that are new to or have limited experience in the domain. The standard defines what processes must be carried out but does not state how. In a review of a number of such organizations, it was found that the development of a software development plan proved to be a difficult task. In this work we have created a software development plan template to assist organizations with this arduous task. The software development plan template will be validated with these organizations as part of the future work.
Analysis of 62 synthetic cannabinoids by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry with photoionization
Authors: Akutsu Mamoru , Sugie Ken-ichi , Saito Koichi 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) in electron ionization (EI) mode is one of the most commonly used techniques for analysis of synthetic cannabinoids, because the GC–EI-MS spectra contain characteristic fragment ions for identification of a compound; however, the information on its molecular ions is frequently lacking. To obtain such molecular ion information, GC–MS in chemical ionization (CI) mode is frequently used. However, GC–CI-MS requires a relatively tedious process using reagent gas such as methane or isobutane. In this study, we show that GC–MS in photoionization (PI) mode provided molecular ions in all spectra of 62 synthetic cannabinoids, and 35 of the 62 compounds showed only the molecular radical cations. Except for the 35 compounds, the PI spectra showed very simple patterns with the molecular peak plus only a few fragment peak(s). An advantage is that the ion source for GC–PI-MS can easily be used for GC–EI-MS as well. Therefore, GC–EI/PI-MS will be a useful tool for the identification of synthetic cannabinoids contained in a dubious product. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to use GC–PI-MS for analysis of synthetic cannabinoids.
Sesame Oil and Rice Bran Oil Ameliorates Adjuvant‐Induced Arthritis in Rats: Distinguishing the Role of Minor Components and Fatty Acids
Authors: Yadav Nayana Venugopal , Sadashivaiah  , Ramaiyan Breetha , Acharya Pooja , Belur Lokesh , Talahalli Ramaprasad Ravichandra 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThough present in small amounts, the minor constituents of dietary oils may supplement the dietary therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Hence, in the present study, we assessed the effect of minor constituents from sesame oil (SO) and rice bran oil (RBO) and their fatty acids on the severity of adjuvant‐induced arthritis in experimental rats. Rats were gavaged with 1 mL of SO or RBO or groundnut oil (GNO, control) with or without its minor components for a period 15 days before and 15 days after the induction of arthritis. Oxidative stress, markers of RA, eicosanoids, cytokines, paw swelling and joint integrity were measured in experimental and control rats. Results demonstrated that native SO and RBO but not SO and RBO stripped of their minor components decreased severity of paw inflammation, oxidative stress (lipid peroxides, protein carbonyls, nitric oxide), RA markers (RF and CRP), inflammatory eicosanoids (PGE2, LTB4 and LTC4) and cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, MCP‐1 and TNF‐α) compared to control rats. Native SO and RBO inhibited hydrolytic enzymes (collagenase, elastase and hyaluronidase) in the synovial tissue compared to SO and RBO without minor components. The arthritic scores assessed based on the digital and X‐ray images indicated that native oils but not those without their minor components reduced the paw swelling and bone loss. Our results indicated that minor components of SO and RBO possess a significant degree of an anti‐arthritic effect and are responsible for down regulating inflammation in the experimentally induced arthritis in rats.
Using evidence to strengthen accountability for health financing in Sierra Leone
Authors: Lebbie Sowo A. , Le Voir Rosanna , Tom‐Kargbo Joanna , Yilla Mohamed Drissa , Kamara Abu Bakarr , Nam Sara L. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn 2012, the government of Sierra Leone cut the national budget allocation to the health sector. Civil society organizations planned a nationwide health budget advocacy campaign, coinciding with the 2012 general elections, to hold future leaders to account on financing for women's and children's health. As part of the campaign, Evidence for Action produced district health budget tracking scorecards. The scorecards presented Ministry of Finance data on the allocation and disbursement of health funds in each district. The data were communicated using simple, non‐technical language so that citizens could understand the key messages and take action. A total of 5600 scorecards were shared at district electoral forums attended by political candidates, community members, and health activists. Since the election, the proportion of the total government budget allocated to health increased from 7.4% in 2012 to 11.2% in 2014. However, transforming politicians’ commitments and pledges into implementation has been challenging, confirming that accountability is a long‐term process.
Associations of Caspase‐3 gene polymorphism with lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Fang Yi , Qiu Jun , Jiang Zong‐Bin , Xu Sheng‐Rong , Zhou Zeng‐Hua , He Rui‐Lin 
Published: October 2016

AbstractTo investigate Caspase‐3 gene polymorphisms (rs4647693 G/A, rs4647610 A/G, and rs12108497 T/C) and susceptibility to lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LDH). The genotype frequency distributions of the polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism in 107 LDH patients (case group) and 121 healthy individuals (control group). SHEsis software was used to conduct gene linkage disequilibrium and haplotype analysis. Regression analysis was used to analyze possible risk factors for LDH. Statistically significant differences in family history of LDH, amateur sports, leisure activities, bed types, and spine load grade were found between the case and control groups. The distribution of allele and genotype frequencies of rs4647693 G/A, rs4647610 A/G, and rs12108497 T/C polymorphisms of Caspase‐3 were significantly different between the case and control groups. Haplotype analysis showed that the G‐G‐C (rs4647693‐rs4647610‐rs12108497) haplotype might be a risk factor for LDH, whereas the A‐A‐T haplotype might be a protective factor (p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that the GA+AA genotype of rs4647693 was negatively associated with the risk of LDH, whereas high spine load grade was positively associated with the risk of LDH. These findings revealed that rs4647693 G/A, rs4647610 A/G, and rs12108497 T/C polymorphisms of Caspase‐3 may be associated with susceptibility to LDH and that interaction and modification effects may exist between Caspase‐3 polymorphisms.
Systemic risk, macro-prudential regulation and organizational diversity in banking
Authors: Butzbach Olivier 
Published: October 2016

Abstract
Since the 2007–2008 global banking crisis, systemic risk has become the central target of policy design in banking regulation in many countries. At the same time, a growing attention has been paid to the systemic importance of bank heterogeneity. The need for diversity has even found its way into official policy documents, both at the European and national level. However, most of the new thinking on the regulatory reforms targeting systemic risk has been conducted within the framework of macro-prudential regulation, which may not be adequate to deal with diversity-related causes of systemic risk. This paper aims, therefore, at contributing to the growing literature on the relationship between systemic risk and banking regulation by (i) explicating the links between systemic risk and banking diversity; (ii) discussing the adequacy of macro and micro-prudential policy instruments to address diversity-related causes of systemic risk in banking; and (iii) laying out a basic framework for diversity-enhancing policies.
A MIXTURE MODEL FOR PAYMENTS AND PAYMENT NUMBERS IN CLAIMS RESERVING
Authors: Gigante Patrizia , Picech Liviana , Sigalotti Luciano 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWe consider a Tweedie's compound Poisson regression model with fixed and random effects, to describe the payment numbers and the incremental payments, jointly, in claims reserving. The parameter estimates are obtained within the framework of hierarchical generalized linear models, by applying theh-likelihood approach. Regression structures are allowed for the means and also for the dispersions. Predictions and prediction errors of the claims reserves are evaluated. Through the parameters of the distributions of the random effects, some external information (e.g. a development pattern of industry wide-data) can be incorporated into the model. A numerical example shows the impact of external data on the reserve and prediction error evaluations.
Hegel, Liberalism and the Pitfalls of Representative Democracy
Authors: Ferro Bernardo 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAlthough Hegel is very critical of representative democracy, his views on political participation are in many ways richer and more sophisticated than the ones favoured today by most Western societies. The present paper aims to shed light on this apparent paradox by dispelling some of the misunderstandings still associated with Hegel’s ethical and political thought. I argue, on the one hand, that Hegel’s emphasis on the notion of freedom does not amount to an endorsement of political liberalism, but to a critique of its underlying principles. On the other hand, I show that the Hegelian theory of the modern state, albeit falling short of a fully democratic constitutional solution, is by no means opposed to social justice or political pluralism. Hegel views political freedom as the result of a global web of mutual recognition, embodied by social institutions destined to bridge the gap between private and communal interests. Despite the ambiguous and outdated elements of Hegel’s description, I believe his overall solution remains uniquely relevant, and an important source for the ongoing debate about the merits and limitations of contemporary democracies.