bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eosinophilic esophagitis in children under the age of 5 years: Clinical characteristics
Authors: Sun Ravi W. , Bonilla‐Velez Juliana , Pesek Robert D. , Johnson Adam B. , Cleves Mario A. , Richter Gresham T. 
Published: September 2017

Objectives/HypothesisTo delineate clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in the youngest of children.Study DesignRetrospective chart review.MethodsA 7‐year retrospective chart review of children with clinicopathologic diagnosis of EoE was performed with specific analysis of patients under 5 years old. EoE was defined as the presence of symptoms of esophageal dysfunction with pathologically proven eosinophilic inflammation (≥15 eosinophils per high‐power field [EOS/HPF]) unresponsive to reflux therapy. Patient parameters and clinical results were systematically reviewed.ResultsOf 558 children diagnosed with EoE, 127 (22.8%) were younger than 5 years old (mean age 2.5 years). This subgroup presented with reflux symptoms (90.1%), vomiting (86.2%), diarrhea (55.3%), liquid dysphagia (52.0%), and constipation (50.0%), whereas food impaction (1.6%) was rare. Liquid dysphagia was present at all ages but significantly more common in younger children (P = .0101). The most common food and environmental allergens were egg whites (39.7%), cow's milk (36.5%), peanuts (34.9%), animal dander (15.1%), and weed pollen (11.1%). Patients were managed with antireflux medication (100%), elimination diet (83.5%), and steroid medication (68.5%). After treatment, 86% of parents reported symptom improvement. Mean reduction of EOS in pos‐treatment biopsy was 33.5 EOS/HPF (P < .0001), and 67 patients showed histologic resolution of EoE (56.8%, P < .0001).ConclusionsApproximately one‐quarter of children with EoE present under 5 years of age with multiple esophageal symptoms, comorbidities, and allergen‐sensitization profiles. These patients demonstrate substantial clinicohistologic improvement following therapy.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 128:798–805, 2018
Shrub Encroachment Effects on Habitat Heterogeneity and Beetle Diversity in a Mediterranean Coastal Dune System
Authors: Bird Tania L.F. , Dorman Michael , Ramot Adi , Bouskila Amos , Bar (Kutiel) Pua , Groner Elli 
Published: September 2017

AbstractCoastal dunes are fragile dynamic environments characterised by low productivity and high levels of bare and shifting sands. They are highly threatened by urbanisation and human development. The dunes in Nizzanim Dunes Nature Reserve, Israel, have additionally incurred shrub encroachment following exclusion of grazing and wood extraction from the area.The temporal changes over the last few decades have been monitored in the Nizzanim Long‐Term Ecological Research project and are reflected by spatial heterogeneity. Some dunes are fixed with high plant cover and associated characteristics, while other dunes are still in semi‐fixed and mobile states.Measures of beetle abundance, richness and diversity showed significant differences, among dune states. Cluster analysis and ordination of species composition revealed distinct assemblages for three different states, with more psammophilous species found in mobile dunes than in other dune states. Variation within a dune state was not significant for any dune state, while among states species composition was significantly different, demonstrating high β‐diversity between dune states.Landscape heterogeneity contributes to high β‐diversity and γ‐diversity in the coastal dunes and continued shrub encroachment, and the associated fixation of mobile dunes will lead to habitat homogenisation and a decline in γ‐diversity. This finding highlights the importance of disturbance in dynamic Mediterranean coastal dunes. We recommend a restorative intervention that promotes disturbance and heterogeneity at the landscape level by conserving all three dune states. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A method for characterizing and matching CT image quality across CT scanners from different manufacturers
Authors: Winslow James , Zhang Yakun , Samei Ehsan 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to quantitatively characterize the fundamental aspects of image quality (IQ) associated with different computed tomography (CT) reconstruction algorithms, the resolution, noise texture, noise magnitude per dose, and use those data to devise a methodology to match IQ between different CT systems.Methods and materialsThis study entailed a 3‐step methodology involving (a) characterizing the noise magnitude, texture, and resolution for a CT system‐reconstruction using the relationship between noise magnitude and Computed Tomography Dose Index (CTDI), noise power spectrum (NPS), and modulation transfer function (MTF), (b) developing clinically relevant strategies of weighting the differences among system‐reconstructions as a means to determine the best match (c) identifying for each target system‐reconstruction, system‐reconstructions with matched in terms of that minimum IQ differences. Images of the ACR CT phantom were acquired at two dose levels on each of two CT scanners. Images were reconstructed using all available reconstruction kernels and multiple iterative reconstruction (IR) settings. Each reconstruction was characterized as described above. Percent changes for each IQ metric were calculated for every possible pair of system‐reconstructions. Weighting functions, reflecting the human visual system's limit to discriminate between spatial frequencies with differences below 5%, were applied to the differences and the product of the weighted values was used to indicate the best match for each system‐reconstruction.ResultsNoise texture and resolution are governed by choice of reconstruction kernel and IR strength, while noise magnitude is additionally dependent on dose. Harder kernels have better resolution, finer noise texture, and increase the required dose for a given noise magnitude, and vice versa. Increasing IR strength generally improves resolution, coarsens noise texture, and lowers the required dose. Seventy‐one percent of Siemens matches for GE target reconstructions had percent changes in noise texture/resolution under 5%. Seventy‐three percent of GE matches for Siemens target reconstructions had percent changes in noise texture/resolution under 5%. ACR phantom images for each matched reconstruction pair appeared similar in both noise magnitude and noise texture.ConclusionMatching image appearance in terms of resolution, noise magnitude, and noise texture provides a quantitative and reproducible strategy to improve consistency in image quality among different CT scanners and reconstructions.
Commercial Programs' Online Weight‐Loss Claims Compared to Results from Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Vakil Rachit M. , Chaudhry Zoobia W. , Doshi Ruchi S. , Clark Jeanne M. , Gudzune Kimberly A. 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveTo characterize weight‐loss claims and disclaimers present on websites for commercial weight‐loss programs and compare them with results from published randomized controlled trials (RCTs).MethodsA content analysis of all home pages and testimonials available on the websites of 24 randomly selected programs was performed. Two team members independently reviewed each page and abstracted information from text and images to capture relevant content, including demographics, weight loss, and disclaimers. A systematic review was performed to evaluate the efficacy of these programs by searching MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the mean weight change from each RCT included was abstracted.ResultsOverall, the amount of weight loss portrayed in the testimonials was extreme across all programs examined (range median weight loss 10.7‐49.5 kg). Only 10 out of the 24 programs had eligible RCTs. Median weight losses reported in testimonials exceeded that achieved by trial participants. Most programs with RCTs (78%) provided disclaimers stating that the testimonial's results were nontypical and/or gave a range of typical weight loss.ConclusionsWeight‐loss claims within testimonials were higher than results from RCTs. Future studies should examine whether commercial programs' advertising practices influence patients' expectations or satisfaction with modest weight‐loss results.
Effects of Moxonidine and Low‐Calorie Diet: Cardiometabolic Benefits from Combination of Both Therapies
Authors: Lambert Elisabeth A. , Sari Carolina I. , Eikelis Nina , Phillips Sarah E. , Grima Mariee , Straznicky Nora E. , Dixon John B. , Esler Murray , Schlaich Markus P. , Head Geoffrey A. , Lambert Gavin W. 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveBecause sympathetic nervous system activity plays a detrimental role in metabolic and cardiovascular health, this study compared the effects of a centrally acting sympatholytic agent, the effects of a weight loss (WL) program using a low‐calorie diet, and the effects of a combination of both.MethodsYoung (18‐30 years) male subjects with overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2) were allocated to a WL program (n = 10), a moxonidine treatment course (M; n = 10, 0.4 mg/d), a combination of both (WL + M; n = 11), or to a control (C) group (n = 6) for 6 months. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), endothelial function, renal function (Cockcroft‐Gault formula), and the metabolic profile were assessed before and after intervention.ResultsWL occurred in the WL and WL + M groups (−7.6 ± 1.9 kg, P < 0.001 in both). MSNA and systolic blood pressure decreased similarly in the WL, M, and WL + M groups (by ∼10 bursts/min, P < 0.001, and by ∼9 mm Hg, P < 0.05). All other parameters for the WL, C, and M groups remained unchanged. In the WL + M group, decreased total cholesterol (−0.78 ± 0.23 mmol/L, P < 0.001), decreased low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (−0.49 ± 0.16 mmol/L, P < 0.01), decreased insulin (−6.5 ± 2.8 mmol/L, P < 0.05), and attenuated glomerular hyperfiltration (−19 ± 5 mL/min, P < 0.01) occurred.ConclusionsThe combination of moxonidine with a WL program has beneficial effects on aspects of the metabolic profile and end organ damage in young males with overweight.
Plant Growth–Promoting Bacteria (PGPB): Isolation and Screening of PGP Activities
Authors: Ambrosini Adriana , Passaglia Luciane M. P. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPlant roots are associated with numerous and diverse types of beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms. Plant growth–promoting (rhizo)bacteria (PGPB or PGPR) are isolated from plants crops worldwide, and many of them are used as agricultural inoculants. Agricultural biofertilization and biocontrol of pathogens are eco‐friendly alternatives to chemical usage and have less energy, environmental, and economic costs. PGPB isolation and evaluation are essentials steps for determining bacteria that are able to improve plant development and productivity. In this unit, we present protocols to isolate bacteria from soil and plant roots (“putative” diazotrophic and endospore‐forming bacteria), as well to evaluate some of their beneficial characteristics for the promotion of plant growth (e.g., nitrogen fixation, production of indolic compounds and siderophores, phosphate solubilization, and 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate deaminase activity). © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cycloheptyl‐fused NNO‐ligands as electronically modifiable supports for M(II) (M = Co, Fe) chloride precatalysts; probing performance in ethylene oligo‐/polymerization
Authors: Bariashir Chantsalnyam , Wang Zheng , Du Shizhen , Solan Gregory A. , Huang Chuanbing , Liang Tongling , Sun Wen‐Hua 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTThe N,N,O‐cobalt(II), [2,3‐{C4H8C(NAr)}:5,6‐{C4H8C(O)}C5HN]CoCl2 (Ar = 2,6‐(CHPh2)2‐4‐MeC6H2 Co1, 2,6‐(CHPh2)2‐4‐EtC6H2 Co2, 2,6‐(CHPh2)2‐4‐ClC6H2 Co3, 2,6‐(CHPh2)2‐4‐FC6H2 Co4) and N,N,O‐iron(II) complexes, [2,3‐{C4H8C(NAr)}:5,6‐{C4H8C(O)}C5HN]FeCl2 (Ar = 2,6‐(CHPh2)2‐4‐MeC6H2 Fe1, 2,6‐(CHPh2)2‐4‐EtC6H2 Fe2, 2,6‐(CHPh2)2‐4‐ClC6H2 Fe3, 2,6‐(CHPh2)2‐4‐FC6H2 Fe4), each containing one sterically enhanced but electronically modifiable N‐2,6‐dibenzhydryl‐4‐R2‐phenyl group, have been prepared by a one‐pot template approach using α,α′‐dioxo‐2,3:5,6‐bis(pentamethylene)pyridine, the corresponding aniline along with the respective cobalt or iron salt in acetic acid. Distorted square pyramidal geometries are a feature of the molecular structures of Co1–Co4. Upon activation with MAO or MMAO, Co1–Co4 show good activities (up to 2.2 × 105 g mol−1(Co) h−1) affording short chain oligomers (C4–C30) with good α‐olefin selectivity. By contrast, Fe1–Fe4, in the presence of MMAO, displayed moderate activities (up 10.9 × 104 g(PE) mol−1(Fe) h−1) for ethylene polymerization forming low‐molecular‐weight linear polymers (up to 13.0 kg mol−1) incorporating saturated n‐propyl and i‐butyl chain ends. For both cobalt and iron, the precatalysts incorporating the more electron withdrawing 4‐R2‐substituents [Cl (Co3/Fe3), F (Co4/Fe4)] deliver the best catalytic activities, while with cobalt, these types of substituents additionally broaden the oligomeric distribution. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 3980–3989
Spin‐labeling of polymeric micelles and application in probing micelle swelling using EPR spectroscopy
Authors: Pan Yanxiong , Neupane Sunanda , Farmakes Jasmin , Liu Bingqing , Sun Wenfang , Yang Zhongyu 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTPolymer structure and conformational dynamics are essential to polymer macroscopic properties, but are challenging to probe. We report here a synthetic pathway to chemically add a nitroxide moiety onto block polymers in a mild, aqueous environment and demonstrate its use in a series of polymeric micelles using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The micelles were characterized with several analytical approaches and EPR findings were in general consistent with other approaches. Upon exposure to organic solvents, the line shape changes reflected the micelle swelling and EPR spectral simulations revealed structural information of the swelled micelles. The label introduced via our method can be cleaved and replaced with other probes to report different information site‐specifically. The mild conditions facilitate the future use of EPR in solving biopolymer problems. In combination with other labeling approaches, one can perform polymer spin labeling with different chemistry, so that various information about polymers can be obtained site‐specifically. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1770–1782
Flash DSC crystallization study of blown film grade bimodal high density polyethylene (HDPE) resins. Part 2. Non‐isothermal kinetics
Authors: Treviño‐Quintanilla Cecilia D. , Krishnamoorti Ramanan , Bonilla‐Ríos Jaime 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTNon‐isothermal ultra‐fast cooling crystallization tests were conducted on three blown film grade bimodal high density polyethylene (HDPE) resins using a fast differential scanning calorimeter, the Flash DSC. Non‐isothermal tests were performed at cooling rates between 50 and 4000°K/s, and the data were analyzed using the modified Avrami model by Jeziorny (Polymer, 1978, 19, 1142). Non‐isothermal data were used to propose a new method named crystallization–time–temperature–superposition, and the two activation energies were obtained for each of the resins. This is very useful for obtaining theoretical crystallization kinetics data at different cooling rates, allowing its use in ultra‐fast cooling polymer processes such as blown film. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1822–1827
Nerve growth factor inhibitor with novel‐binding domain demonstrates nanomolar efficacy in both cell‐based and cell‐free assay systems
Authors: Kennedy Allison E. , Laamanen Corey A. , Ross Mitchell S. , Vohra Rahul , Boreham Douglas R. , Scott John A. , Ross Gregory M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractNerve growth factor (NGF), a member of the neurotrophin family, is known to regulate the development and survival of a select population of neurons through the binding and activation of the TrkA receptor. Elevated levels of NGF have been associated with painful pathologies such as diabetic neuropathy and fibromyalgia. However, completely inhibiting the NGF signal could hold significant side effects, such as those observed in a genetic condition called congenital insensitivity to pain and anhidrosis (CIPA). Previous methods of screening for NGF‐inhibitors used labeling techniques which have the potential to alter molecular interactions. SPR spectroscopy and NGF‐dependent cellular assays were utilized to identify a novel NGF‐inhibitor, BVNP‐0197 (IC50 = 90 nmol/L), the first NGF‐inhibitor described with a high nanomolar NGF inhibition efficiency. The present study utilizes molecular modeling flexible docking to identify a novel binding domain in the loop II/IV cleft of NGF.
Surveillance study on the tolerability and safety of Flebogamma®DIF (10% and 5% intravenous immunoglobulin) in adult and pediatric patients
Authors: Alsina Laia , Mohr Andreas , Montañés Maria , Oliver Xènia , Martín Esperanza , Pons Jaime , Drewe Elizabeth , Papke Jens , Günther Georg , Chee Ronnie , Gompels Mark ,   the investigators of the Flebogamma DIF PASS Study Group
Published: September 2017

AbstractDirect comparisons of tolerability and safety of concentrated intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) versus less concentrated products are scarce. In this postauthorization, prospective, observational, multicenter study, a systematic comparison of 10% and 5% concentrations of Flebogamma® DIF IVIG was performed in both adult and pediatric patients treated with the studied IVIG products according to the approved indications under routine conditions. Dose of product administered, adverse events (AEs), physical assessments, laboratory tests, and concomitant therapy were analyzed. Patient recruitment in the 10% and 5% product groups was, respectively, 34 (32 analyzed, 13 of them children, receiving 130 IVIG infusions) and 35 (34 analyzed, receiving 135 IVIG infusions). Twenty‐four infusions (18.5%; 95% CI: 11.8, 25.1) with the 10% product and 3 (2.2%; 95% CI: −0.3, 4.7) with the 5% product were associated with potentially treatment‐related AEs (P < 0.0001). Nine patients (28.1%) infused with the 10% product and 3 (8.8%) infused with the 5% product presented, respectively, 33 and 8 treatment‐related AEs (of which 7 and 6, respectively, were serious AEs, experienced by only three hypersensitive patients). The profile of AEs occurring with the infusion of 10% and 5% products were comparable. The most frequent treatment‐related AEs were headache (n = 17, 3 patients; 15 episodes, 1 patient) and pyrexia (n = 6, 4 patients). In conclusion, no unpredictable risk was detected for both Flebogamma DIF 10% and 5% concentrations, which were therefore deemed as safe and well‐tolerated IVIG in the studied population. The frequency of infusions associated with treatment‐related AEs was lower with the 5% concentration.
Efficacy of an acoustic hailing device as an avian dispersal tool
Authors: Schlichting Peter E. , Holland Amanda E. , Beasley James C. , Bryan Albert L. , Kennamer Robert A. , DeVault Travis L. , Blackwell Bradley F. , Rhodes Olin E. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTBird strikes are a major safety and financial concern for modern aviation. Audible stimuli are common bird dispersal techniques, but their effectiveness is limited by the saliency and relevance of the stimulus. Furthermore, high ambient sound levels present at airfields might require that effective audible stimuli rely more on total volume (i.e., exceeding physiological tolerances) than ecological relevance. Acoustic hailing devices (AHD) are capable of sound output with a narrow beam width and at volumes high enough to cause physical discomfort at long distances. We tested the effectiveness of an AHD as a dispersal tool on free‐ranging birds recognized as hazardous to aviation safety at the Savannah River Site and Phinizy Swamp Nature Park in South Carolina and Georgia, USA, respectively, between October 2013 and March 2015. Our study design included experimental trials with timed‐interval counts of birds directly before and after AHD treatment. For most species, counts of birds associated with treatment periods (use of AHD) and control periods (no use of AHD) occurred on different days. Sound treatments yielded variable success at dispersing birds. Specifically, AHD treatment was effective for dispersing vultures (Coragyps atratus and Cathartes aura) and gulls (Laridae), but ineffective for dispersing blackbirds (Icteridae), diving ducks (Aythya spp., Bucephala spp., Oxyura spp.), and coots (Fulica americana). Trials were conducted in a relatively quiet environment with birds that were unhabituated to excessive noise; thus, we cannot unequivocally recommend an AHD as a universally effective avian dispersing tool. However, future research should consider AHD testing integrated with other methods, as well as investigation of treatments that might be salient to specific target species. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Xeronine structure and function: computational comparative mastery of its mystery
Authors: Sanni David Morakinyo , Fatoki Toluwase Hezekiah , Kolawole Ayodele Oluseyi , Akinmoladun Afolabi Clement 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMorinda citrifolia (Noni) fruit has a long history of dietary use in tropical regions of the world. Pharmacological properties that have been attributed to the fruit include anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties. Xeronine, a small alkaloid which has been patented (US4543212) is one of the bioactive compounds of Noni fruit, which is believed to be capable of modifying the molecular structure of specific inactive proteins thereby regulating proper folding to active enzymes. Despite reports of the potential of Xeronine as therapeutic agent, its presence is controversial and its structure has not been explored. In this study, standard chemoinformatics tools and servers such as ChemSketch, ChemMine, Swisstargetprediction, SwissADME and Swisssimilarity have been employed to predict its possible structure. In addition, synthetic xeronine structures based on the known bioactive components of Noni fruit were designed. Results showed that the hypothetical structure of xeronine provided by the patent inventor is a mystery based on its <5% probable protein targets and no similarity match to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs and experimental compounds by in silico evaluation. By constrast, final designed xeronine structure possess all the features that were described in the patent document, and has >40% probable protein targets related to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which possibly justifies the key function stated in the patent.
Mothers', fathers', and siblings' perceptions of parents' differential treatment of siblings: Links with family relationship qualities
Authors: Jensen Alexander C. , McHale Susan M. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTA family systems perspective directs attention to the potentially different experiences and perspectives of family members. This study examined parents' differential treatment (PDT) of siblings, discrepancies between parent and youth reports of PDT, and their links with relationships between adolescents and their mothers and fathers across three years. Participants were first‐ (Time 1 M age = 15.71, SD = 1.07) and secondborn (Time 1 M age = 13.18, SD = 1.29) siblings from 381, predominately white, working and middle class families. Analyses revealed that siblings' perceptions of being favored predicted less conflict with and greater warmth from both mothers and fathers, primarily for secondborn adolescents. Larger discrepancies between maternal and youth reports of differential affection were linked to more maternal conflict and less warmth for firstborns. These findings may suggest a hierarchy within families: parents may serve as referents for firstborns and firstborns as referents for secondborns.