bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Properties of the DASS‐21 in an Australian Community Adolescent Population
Authors: Shaw T. , Campbell M.A. , Runions K.C. , Zubrick S. R. 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundAlthough developed for adults, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales‐Short Version (DASS‐21) has been used in many research studies with adolescent samples. Evidence as to the applicability of the DASS subscale scores to represent the distinct states of depression, anxiety, and stress as experienced by adolescents is mixed, and the age at which it may be possible to differentiate these 3 states using the DASS‐21 has not yet been determined.ObjectiveThis study evaluated evidence for a multifactor structure in the DASS‐21 in adolescents and the specificity of the 3 subscales for adolescents in general and at different ages.MethodData were from a large cross‐sectional survey of 2,873 school students in Grades 6–12 (aged 12–18 years) in Australia. We conducted confirmatory bifactor analyses testing a general mental health distress factor and 3 domain‐specific factors for anxiety, depression, and stress for the whole sample and across gender by age groups. The internal consistency reliability of the DASS total and subscale scores was determined using omega coefficients.ResultsAnalyses identified that most of the variation in the items was explained by the dominance of a single, general factor and the subscales lacked specificity across all age groups.ConclusionThe DASS‐21 can be reliably used to measure general distress in adolescents, but the subscales fail to discriminate between the 3 states. Our results indicate that this lack of discrimination does not reduce with increasing age. These findings caution against the use of adult theoretical models and measures within adolescent populations.
Evaluation of brewer's spent grain as a substrate for production of hydrolytic enzymes by keratinolytic bacteria
Authors: Łaba Wojciech , Piegza Michał , Kawa‐Rygielska Joanna 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDBrewer's spent grain (BSG) is the most abundant by‐product of the brewery industry. The current massive output of BSG requires novel methods of bioconversion into added‐value products. Its composition and high biological value, i.e. high protein content, allows for various biotechnological applications.RESULTSHere, BSG was used as a substrate for submerged cultivation of keratinolytic bacteria, Bacillus cereus PCM 2849 and B. subtilis PCM 2850. The strains biosynthesized proteases to decompose proteins within the substrate and amylases to degrade residual starch. Enzymes degrading structural polysaccharides were also present. Bacillus cereus produced multiple proteases with high activity, predominantly with molecular weight (mw) >70 kDa, depending on the presence of minerals. Bacillus subtilis biosynthesised proteases of wide mw range, independently of the mineral components. Crude culture fluids of both bacteria exhibited proteolytic activity on a variety of proteins, including keratins. Structural deterioration of the BSG in microbial cultures was observed.CONCLUSIONThe BSG was a suitable medium component for the production of bacterial proteases and polysaccharide‐degrading enzymes. Two keratinolytic Bacilli, grown in the presence of BSG utilized residual proteins and biosynthesized proteases exhibiting keratinolytic activity. Bacillus cereus dominated in terms of protease production, while B. subtilis presented higher production of amylases, cellulases and xylanases. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Kinetic model selection to describe the growth curve of Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima in autotrophic cultures
Authors: Escalante Froylán ME , Reyna‐Angeles Karen Alejandra , Villafaña‐Rojas Juan , Aguilar‐Garnica Efrén 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDCurrently, microbial products are gaining worldwide importance. Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima is one of the most widely studied microorganisms whose industrial importance is due to its ability to accumulate high amounts of good‐quality proteins; as a consequence, research efforts of many health food and aquaculture industries are focused on the development of tools to optimize the commercial exploitation of this microalgae (cyanobacteria). Kinetic models can appropriately describe the patterns of growth and product formation, which are necessary for any biotechnological process using microorganisms. Some primary, secondary or even more complex kinetic models have been used to depict the growth of microalgae, but to the best of our knowledge, little has been done to choose the most appropriate one.RESULTSThe present contribution addresses the selection of a kinetic model to describe the growth curve of Arthrospira maxima by considering Akaike's weights as a measure that simultaneously considers the goodness‐of‐fit and the complexity of the model (i.e. number of parameters). Specifically, Haldane‐based, Monod‐based, and logistic kinetic models are considered as candidates to describe the growth of A. maxima under autotrophic conditions.CONCLUSIONThe logistic model, which is the most parsimonious, should be selected to describe the growth of A. maxima within a photobioreactor either in continuous light operation or in dark/light cycles at several light intensities. The selection of this model will allow implementation of simpler monitoring, control, and optimization schemes. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Characteristics of tinnitus in adolescents and association with psychoemotional factors
Authors: Kim So Young , Jeon Yung Jin , Lee Jun‐Young , Kim Young Ho 
Published: October 2016

Objectives/HypothesisThe characteristics and underlying mechanisms of tinnitus remain more elusive in the pediatric population than in adults. We investigated the prevalence of tinnitus, its characteristics, and associated factors, with a focus on psychoemotional problems in adolescents.Study DesignCross‐sectional studyMethodsIn total, 962 adolescents were surveyed for tinnitus and possibly related otologic and socioeconomic factors. The participants completed a visual analog scale (VAS) pertaining to various aspects of tinnitus, as well as the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), State Anxiety Inventory for Children, Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (TAIC), Internet Addiction Test, Conners' Abbreviated Parent Rating Scale, and a learning disability score. Characteristics of tinnitus were analyzed, and psychoemotional and other factors were compared between tinnitus and nontinnitus groups.ResultsApproximately one‐third of subjects reported experiencing tinnitus. A family history of tinnitus, subjective hearing loss, dizziness, and CDI and TAIC abnormalities were significantly associated with tinnitus. In the tinnitus‐always group, tinnitus showed significant relationships with subjective hearing loss, bilateral tinnitus, and VAS, CDI, and TAIC scores.ConclusionsThe results suggest that about one‐third of adolescents experience tinnitus, which may be related to psychoemotional factors. In particular, anxiety and depression may be important factors to consider in managing tinnitus in adolescents. Further study of tinnitus in adolescents, including efforts toward diagnosis and management, is needed to determine whether there is a causal relationship with anxiety and depression, and the extent to which adverse outcomes may be associated with these psychoemotional factors.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 127:2113–2119, 2017
PCL–PLLA Semi‐IPN Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs): Degradation and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Woodard Lindsay N. , Page Vanessa M. , Kmetz Kevin T. , Grunlan Melissa A. 
Published: October 2016

Thermoresponsive shape memory polymers (SMPs) based on poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) whose shape may be actuated by a transition temperature (T
trans) have shown utility for a variety of biomedical applications. Important to their utility is the ability to modulate mechanical and degradation properties. Thus, in this work, SMPs are formed as semi‐interpenetrating networks (semi‐IPNs) comprised of a cross‐linked PCL diacrylate (PCL‐DA) network and thermoplastic poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA). The semi‐IPN uniquely allows for requisite crystallization of both PCL and PLLA. The influence of PLLA (PCL:PLLA wt% ratio) and PCL‐DA molecular weight (n) on film properties are investigated. PCL–PLLA semi‐IPNs are able to achieve enhanced mechanical properties and accelerated rates of degradation.
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3D Lattice Structure Control of Ordered Macroporous Material by Self‐Assembly of Liquid Droplets
Authors: Iwai Yosuke , Uchida Yoshiaki , Yabu Hiroshi , Nishiyama Norikazu 
Published: October 2016

Microfluidic devices, which can continuously fabricate single emulsion with monodispersed droplets having a pore diameter of more than 100 μm in large numbers, can be applied to manufacture ordered macroporous films. 3D ordered macroporous films with a diameter of more than 100 μm can be fabricated using ordered arrays of the monodispersed droplets as templates of the macropores, which are self‐assembled in the space between two parallel flat glass plates. As the gap between the glass plates increases, the number of the layer increases. Furthermore, in the case with two or more layers, the lattice structure of the macroporous films also changes due to the confinement effects.
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Solvent‐Dependent Structure Formation in Drying P3HT:PCBM Films Studied by Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Negi Vikas , Lyulin Alexey , Bobbert Peter 
Published: October 2016

Phase separation in the donor‐acceptor blend poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl):[6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM) during evaporation of a solvent using coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulations is studied here. To this end, an equilibrated P3HT:PCBM:solvent mixture is placed in an elongated simulation box, after which solvent molecules are removed at regular time intervals from a region above the film. Three often‐used solvents are considered: chloroform (CFM), chlorobenzene (CLB), and orthodichlorobenzene (oDCB). The coarse‐grained solvent–solvent interaction parameters are tuned to reproduce the atmospheric boiling temperatures, while the PCBM–solvent interaction parameters are tuned to reproduce the PCBM solubilities. Other parameters are taken from the literature. During evaporation, the formation of a crust that is depleted of solvent, in which aggregation of P3HT and PCBM occurs, is observed. In agreement with experiment, the top region of the dry film is rich in PCBM for the cases of CLB and oDCB, and rich in P3HT for the case of CFM, while the very top layer of the film is always rich in P3HT. This vertical separation is ascribed to a competition between the tendency of P3HT to move to the surface due to its low surface energy and the different tendencies of PCBM to be dragged along to the surface by the evaporating solvent depending on its solubility. Also in agreement with experiment, the P3HT–PCBM interface area is larger for CLB and oDCB than for CFM. For CLB and oDCB, an indication for a spinodal P3HT–PCBM decomposition starting from the top and bottom surface is found, whereas for CFM the phase separation appears to be initiated in the bulk of the film.
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Evaluation and comparison of tools for diagnosing problematic prescription opioid use among chronic pain patients
Authors: Kovatch Merav , Feingold Daniel , Elkana Odelia , Lev‐Ran Shaul 
Published: October 2016

AbstractPrescription opioid medications are commonly used for the treatment of chronic pain. Assessments of problematic opioid use among pain patients are inconsistent across studies, partially due to differences between various measures. Therefore, the most appropriate measure to use is often unclear. In this study we assessed problematic opioid use in a sample of 551 individuals receiving treatment for chronic pain, using three questionnaires: the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule – Fourth Edition (AUDADIS‐IV), the Current Opioid Misuse Measure (COMM) questionnaire and Portenoy's criteria (PC). These questionnaires yielded discordant positive rates of problematic use: 52.6%, 28.7%, and 17.1%, respectively, which did not change substantially when excluding AUDADIS‐IV criteria of physical symptoms of tolerance and withdrawal. Although these three questionnaires share some statistically correlated content‐based congruent questions, positive response rates to them were significantly different based on construction features, including questionnaires' referred time‐frame, wording of questions and response alternatives. The findings of the present study illustrate strengths and limitations of the AUDADIS‐IV, COMM and PC in diagnosing problematic opioid use in a population of adults suffering from chronic pain, and highlight the importance of recognizing and addressing specific questionnaire and question‐related differences when identifying problematic opioid use in this population.
Experimental and CFD Study of a Vertically Stirred Tubular Reactor Designed for Suspension Polymerization Reactions
Authors: Nogueira André L. , Quadri Marintho B. , Machado Ricardo A. F. , Claumann Carlos A. 
Published: October 2016

A vertically stirred tubular reactor is designed and studied in this work to perform the styrene batch suspension polymerization. Computational fluid dynamic techniques are applied to acquire information regarding the heat transfer and fluid flow behavior along the reactor. The simulated findings are used to support the experimental results (particle size distribution—PSD) obtained by varying the stirring system configuration, stabilizing agent concentration, and system holdup (styrene/water ratio v/v). According to the results, an efficient temperature control is attained due to the tubular geometry of the equipment. In addition, the PSD broadens by increasing the size of the shaft and the number of impellers installed along the reactor. An evaluation of the particle sedimentation throughout the reaction demonstrates that the PSD and the stirring rate play an important role in the sedimentation kinetics. Such findings demonstrate the potential of the proposed reactor to be explored in order to perform suspension polymerizations semicontinuously or continuously by applying suitable operation strategies.
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Bulk Free‐Radical Copolymerization of n‐Butyl Acrylate and n‐Butyl Methacrylate: Reactivity Ratio Estimation
Authors: Ren Shanshan , Hinojosa‐Castellanos Laura , Zhang Lisha , Dubé Marc A. 
Published: October 2016

The reactivity ratios for the bulk free‐radical copolymerization of n‐butyl acrylate (BA)/n‐butyl methacrylate (BMA) are estimated at 80 °C. By performing a series of low conversion runs including replicate runs, the reactivity ratios are estimated as rBA = 0.460 and rBMA = 2.008. Runs to high conversions are then conducted at three different feed compositions (fBMA = 0.2, 0.5, and 0.8) to validate the reactivity ratios. The composition data from the high conversion experiments show good agreement with the estimated reactivity ratios in the integrated form of the Mayo–Lewis model. The molecular weight, gel content, and glass transition temperature of BA/BMA copolymers are also determined.
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Resting‐state functional MRI as a tool for evaluating brain hemodynamic responsiveness to external stimuli in rats
Authors: Paasonen Jaakko , Salo Raimo A. , Huttunen Joanna K. , Gröhn Olli 
Published: October 2016

PurposeAnesthesia is a major confounding factor in functional MRI (fMRI) experiments attributed to its effects on brain function. Recent evidence suggests that parameters obtained with resting‐state fMRI (rs‐fMRI) are coupled with anesthetic depth. Therefore, we investigated whether parameters obtained with rs‐fMRI, such as functional connectivity (FC), are also directly related to blood‐oxygen‐level–dependent (BOLD) responses.MethodsA simple rs‐fMRI protocol was implemented in a pharmacological fMRI study to evaluate the coupling between hemodynamic responses and FC under five anesthetics (α‐chloralose, isoflurane, medetomidine, thiobutabarbital, and urethane). Temporal change in the FC was evaluated at 1‐hour interval. Supplementary forepaw stimulation experiments were also conducted.ResultsUnder thiobutabarbital anesthesia, FC was clearly coupled with nicotine‐induced BOLD responses. Good correlation values were also obtained under isoflurane and medetomidine anesthesia. The observations in the thiobutabarbital group were supported by forepaw stimulation experiments. Additionally, the rs‐fMRI protocol revealed significant temporal changes in the FC in the α‐chloralose, thiobutabarbital, and urethane groups.ConclusionOur results suggest that FC can be used to estimate brain hemodynamic responsiveness to stimuli and evaluate the level and temporal changes of anesthesia. Therefore, analysis of the fMRI baseline signal may be highly valuable tool for controlling the outcome of preclinical fMRI experiments. Magn Reson Med 78:1136–1146, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Urinary incontinence, but not fecal incontinence, is a risk factor for admission to aged residential care of older persons in New Zealand
Authors: Schluter Philip J. , Ward Charlotte , Arnold Edwin P. , Scrase Richard , Jamieson Hamish A. 
Published: October 2016

AimsTo determine if urinary incontinence (UI) and fecal incontinence (FI) were independent risk factors for aged resident care (ARC) admissions for older people, after controlling for confounders and applying apposite statistical methods.MethodsSince 2012, all community care recipients in New Zealand have undergone a standardized needs assessment using the Home Care International Residential Assessment Instrument (interRAI‐HC). The interRAI‐HC instrument elicits information on 236 questions over 20 domains, including UI and FI frequency within the last 3 days. Those aged 65+ years with an interRAI‐HC assessment between July 1, 2012 and May 31, 2014 were matched to national mortality and ARC databases, and competing‐risk regression models applied to those without collection devices or indwelling catheters who were admitted to ARC or alive 30+ days after their interRAI‐HC assessment.ResultsOverall, 32 285 people were eligible, with average age of 82.1 years (range 65, 105 years) of whom 20 627 (63.9%) were female. UI and FI was reported by 36.4% and 12.9% of people, respectively. By June 30, 2014, 5993 (18.6%) had an ARC admission and 5443 (16.9%) had died before any such admission. In the multivariable analysis, the subhazard ratio (SHR) for ARC admission was significant for UI (SHR = 1.11, 95%CI: 1.05, 1.18) but not for FI (SHR = 1.07, 95%CI: 0.99, 1.16).ConclusionsUI is a common, independent risk factor for ARC admissions. Identifying the extent of incontinence and its impact on ARC admissions is the first vital step in addressing the burgeoning need for better community continence services.
Pulmonary hypertension in childhood interstitial lung disease: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Bromley Susan , Vizcaya David 
Published: October 2016

SummaryChildhood interstitial lung disease (chILD) comprises a wide heterogeneous group of rare parenchymal lung disorders associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Pulmonary hypertension is a common comorbidity in adults with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and associated with poor survival. We aimed to systematically review the literature regarding the occurrence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in chILD, its effect on prognosis and healthcare use, and its treatment in clinical practice. Searches of PubMed and EMBASE databases (up to February 2016), and American Thoracic Society conference abstracts (2009–2015) were conducted using relevant keywords. References from selected articles and review papers were scanned to identify further relevant articles. A total of 20 articles were included; estimates of PH in chILD ranged from 1% to 64% with estimates among specific chILD entities ranging from 0% to 43%. Comparisons between studies were limited by differences in the study populations, including the size, age range, and heterogeneous composition of the ILD case series in terms of the nature and severity of the clinical entities, and also the methods used to diagnose PH. Three studies found that among patients with chILD, those with PH had a significantly higher risk (up to sevenfold) of death compared with those without PH. Information on the treatment of pulmonary hypertension in chILD or the effect of PH on healthcare use was not available. Data on the use and effectiveness of treatments for pulmonary hypertension in chILD are required to address this area of unmet need. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:689–698. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human CaaX protease ZMPSTE24 expressed in yeast: Structure and inhibition by HIV protease inhibitors
Authors: Clark Kathleen M. , Jenkins Jermaine L. , Fedoriw Nadia , Dumont Mark E. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe function and localization of proteins and peptides containing C‐terminal “CaaX” (Cys‐aliphatic‐aliphatic‐anything) sequence motifs are modulated by post‐translational attachment of isoprenyl groups to the cysteine sulfhydryl, followed by proteolytic cleavage of the aaX amino acids. The zinc metalloprotease ZMPSTE24 is one of two enzymes known to catalyze this cleavage. The only identified target of mammalian ZMPSTE24 is prelamin A, the precursor to the nuclear scaffold protein lamin A. ZMPSTE24 also cleaves prelamin A at a second site 15 residues upstream from the CaaX site. Mutations in ZMPSTE24 result in premature‐aging diseases and inhibition of ZMPSTE24 activity has been reported to be an off‐target effect of HIV protease inhibitors. We report here the expression (in yeast), purification, and crystallization of human ZMPSTE24 allowing determination of the structure to 2.0 Å resolution. Compared to previous lower resolution structures, the enhanced resolution provides: (1) a detailed view of the active site of ZMPSTE24, including water coordinating the catalytic zinc; (2) enhanced visualization of fenestrations providing access from the exterior to the interior cavity of the protein; (3) a view of the C‐terminus extending away from the main body of the protein; (4) localization of ordered lipid and detergent molecules at internal and external surfaces and also projecting through fenestrations; (5) identification of water molecules associated with the surface of the internal cavity. We also used a fluorogenic assay of the activity of purified ZMPSTE24 to demonstrate that HIV protease inhibitors directly inhibit the human enzyme in a manner indicative of a competitive mechanism.