bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is self‐reported physical functioning associated with incident cardiometabolic abnormalities or the metabolic syndrome?
Authors: Ylitalo Kelly R. , Karvonen‐Gutierrez Carrie , McClure Candace , El Khoudary Samar R. , Jackson Elizabeth A. , Sternfeld Barbara , Harlow Siobán D. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundPhysical functioning may be an important pre‐clinical marker of chronic disease, used as a tool to identify patients at risk for future cardiometabolic abnormalities. This study evaluated if self‐reported physical functioning was associated with the development of cardiometabolic abnormalities or their clustering (metabolic syndrome) over time.MethodsParticipants (n = 2,254) from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation who reported physical functioning on the Short Form health survey and had a metabolic syndrome assessment (elevated fasting glucose, blood pressure, triglycerides and waist circumference; reduced HDL cholesterol) in 2000 were included. Discrete survival analysis was used to assess the 10‐year risk of developing metabolic syndrome or a syndrome component through 2010.ResultsAt baseline, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 22.0%. Women with substantial limitations (OR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.12, 2.29) in physical functioning were significantly more likely to develop the metabolic syndrome compared with women reporting no limitations. Self‐reported physical functioning was significantly associated with incident hypertension and increased waist circumference.ConclusionsSimple screening tools for cardiometabolic risk in clinical settings are needed. Self‐reported physical functioning assessments are simple tools that may allow healthcare providers to more accurately predict the course of chronic conditions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic regulation of permissive histone modifications and GATA3 binding underpin acquisition of granzyme A expression by virus‐specific CD8+ T cells
Authors: Nguyen Michelle L. T. , Hatton Lauren , Li Jasmine , Olshansky Moshe , Kelso Anne , Russ Brendan E. , Turner Stephen J. 
Published: October 2015

Numerous studies have focused on the molecular regulation of perforin (PFP) and granzyme B (GZMB) expression by activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), but little is known about the molecular factors that underpin granzyme A (GZMA) expression. In vitro activation of naïve CD8+ T cells, in the presence of IL‐4, enhanced STAT6‐dependent GZMA expression and was associated with GATA3 binding and enrichment of transcriptionally permissive histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs) across the Gzma gene locus. While GZMA expression by effector influenza A virus specific CTLs was also associated with a similar permissive epigenetic signature, memory CTL lacked enrichment of permissive histone PTMs at the Gzma locus, although this was restored within recalled secondary effector CTLs. Importantly, GZMA expression by virus‐specific CTLs was associated with GATA3 binding at the Gzma locus, and independent of STAT6‐mediated signaling. This suggests regulation of GZMA expression is underpinned by differentiation‐dependent regulation of chromatin composition at the Gzma locus and that, given GATA3 is key for CTL differentiation in response to infection, GATA3 expression is regulated by a distinct, IL‐4 independent, signaling pathway. Overall, this study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms that control transcription of Gzma during virus‐induced CD8+ T‐cell differentiation.
Modulating Relaxation Dynamics of Dy2 Compounds through Carboxylate Coordination Modes
Authors: Lin Shuang‐Yan , Wu Jianfeng , Wang Chao , Zhao Lang , Tang Jinkui 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe reaction of the rigid polydentate Schiff‐base H3L with different dysprosium carboxylates afforded two novel centrosymmetrical dinuclear DyIII compounds, [Dy2(HL)2(CH3COO)2(DMF)2] (1) and [Dy2(HL)2(PhCOO)2(DMF)2]·4DMF (2) with differing carboxylate groups. The two differing carboxylate groups affect the magnetic interaction and/or local anisotropy of the Dy ion, and therefore we have two compounds showing dissimilar magnetic behaviour. The acetato bridging groups with a syn‐syn η1:η1:μ2 mode in compound 1 lead to the disappearance of slow magnetic relaxation under zero dc field. Nevertheless, typical SMM behaviour is observed for compound 2 with η2‐chelating benzoate ligands.
An overview of the safety and biological effects of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry toxins in mammals
Authors: Rubio‐Infante Néstor , Moreno‐Fierros Leticia 
Published: November 2015

AbstractCrystal proteins (Cry) produced during the growth and sporulation phases of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacterium are known as delta endotoxins. These toxins are being used worldwide as bioinsecticides to control pests in agriculture, and some Cry toxins are used against mosquitoes to control vector transmission. This review summarizes the relevant information currently available regarding the biosafety and biological effects that Bt and its insecticidal Cry proteins elicit in mammals. This work was performed because of concerns regarding the possible health impact of Cry toxins on vertebrates, particularly because Bt toxins might be associated with immune‐activating or allergic responses. The controversial data published to date are discussed in this review considering earlier toxicological studies of B. thuringiensis, spores, toxins and Bt crops. We discussed the experimental studies performed in humans, mice, rats and sheep as well as in diverse mammalian cell lines. Although the term ’toxic‘ is not appropriate for defining the effects these toxins have on mammals, they cannot be considered innocuous, as they have some physiological effects that may become pathological; thus, trials that are more comprehensive are necessary to determine their effects on mammals because knowledge in this field remains limited. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proliferative activity of elastin‐like‐peptides depends on charge and phase transition
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Koria Piyush 
Published: October 2015

AbstractElastin‐like‐peptides (ELPs) are stimulus‐responsive protein‐based polymers and are attractive biomaterials due to their biocompatibility and unique properties. This study shows that in addition to their physical properties, ELPs have biological activities that are conducive to tissue regeneration. Specifically, we found that ELPs induce fibroblast proliferation via cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG). Furthermore, our data suggests that ELP based materials with differential proliferative potential can be designed by controlling the interaction of ELPs with HSPGs by incorporating either hydrophobic or positively charged residues within the ELP sequence. Fibroblast proliferation is important for granulation tissue formation which is important in chronic wounds as well as in healing of other tissues. The customizable biological activity of ELPs coupled with their unique physical properties will enable us to design novel, sustainable and cost effective therapies for different tissue regeneration applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 697–706, 2016.
Layer‐by‐layer inorganic/polymeric nanoparticles for kinetically controlled multigene delivery
Authors: Bishop Corey J. , Liu Allen L. , Lee David S. , Murdock Richard J. , Green Jordan J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractNonviral gene delivery methods represent a potential safe and effective approach for treating myriad diseases. For many gene therapy applications, delivering multiple exogenous genes and controlling the time profile that these genes are expressed would be advantageous. Polymeric nonviral gene carriers are versatile and can be readily tailored for particular therapeutic applications, have the ability to carry multiple large genes within each particle, and can be more easily manufactured than viruses used for gene delivery. A layer‐by‐layer (LbL) theranostic‐enabling nanoparticle was developed to incorporate two plasmid types which have differing expression time profiles. Temporally controlling the expression of exogenous DNA enables superior control over the microenvironment and could lead to better control over differentiation pathways and cell fate. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 707–713, 2016.
Intravoxel incoherent motion MRI for predicting early response to induction chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Xiao‐ping Yu , Jing Hou , Fei‐ping Li , Yin Hu , Qiang Lu , Lanlan Wang , Wei Wang 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundTo investigate the value of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW‐MRI) in predicting the early response to induction chemotherapy (IC) and chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).MethodsFifty NPC patients who received IC and CRT underwent an IVIM DW‐MRI on a 1.5‐Tesla MRI scanner. The pretreatment and posttreatment (20 days after IC initiation) IVIM‐based parameters (ADC, D, D*, and f), and their percentage changes (△%), were compared between the effective (complete response or partial response) and ineffective (stable disease) groups based on RECIST 1.1, and between the residual and nonresidual groups.ResultsNone of the perfusion‐related parameter' values showed significant differences between the effective and ineffective groups (p values for pref, postf, △%f, preD*, postD*, and △%D* were 0.364, 0.129, 0.792, 0.804, 0.167, and 0.428, respectively), or between the residual and nonresidual groups (P values for pref, postf, △%f, preD*, postD*, and △%D* were 0.328, 0.776, 0.546, 0.558, 0.214, and 0.414, respectively). The ineffective group exhibited higher preADC, higher preD and lower △%D values than the effective group (all P <  0.001). The nonresidual group had lower preD, lower preADC and higher △%D values (all P <  0.05) than the residual group. △%D had the highest area under curve (0.859) in predicting the response to IC, whereas preD had the highest area under curve (0.841) in predicting tumor residue after CRT.ConclusionDiffusion‐related IVIM‐based parameters might be more helpful than perfusion‐related parameters in predicting the early effects of IC and CRT for NPC. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:1179–1190.
Why are the Indian monsoon transients short‐lived and less intensified during droughts vis‐à‐vis good monsoon years? An inspection through scale interactive energy exchanges in frequency domain
Authors: Agarwal N. K. , Naik S. S. , De S. , Sahai A. K. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTThe interannual variability of Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) is largely dictated by the continental tropical convergence zone (CTCZ), characterized by the frequent cyclogenetic tendency associated with the transitory low pressure systems (LPS(s) or monsoon transients) such as lows, depressions, cyclonic storms etc. A good monsoon is characterized by more intense and sustainable transients having longer westward propagation in comparison with the LPS(s) during weak monsoon. Now the questions arise from the energetics aspects – how does the energy favour the CTCZ to be more cyclogenetic during the good monsoon years? From where the monsoon transients are gaining energy to intensify and to sustain for longer durations during good monsoons compared with those in weak monsoons? The non‐linear scale interactions may possibly be the dynamical reason for the intensification and maintenance of LPS(s), but, the quantification of non‐linear interactions among the seasonal mean, low frequency oscillations, and synoptic scales are not revealed so far in previous studies. First time, the scale interactive energy exchanges in frequency domain have been explored to unravel the causes of weak LPS(s) during droughts vis‐à‐vis good monsoon years. It may be inferred from this study that the seasonal mean may play a crucial role for the generation of low and high frequency oscillations through mean–wave interaction whereas the wave–wave interactions have a significant contribution in intensification as well as the maintenance of monsoon transients. The dominant transfer of kinetic energy from the low frequency oscillations to synoptic scale observed over the large region of CTCZ favours the synoptic systems to intensify, survive for longer duration over that region before dissipation causing CTCZ to be more cyclogenetic during the good monsoon period with respect to those in weak monsoons attributing to the rainfall variability over the Indian landmass in contrasting monsoon seasons.
Governing GMOs in the USA: science, law and public health
Authors: Yang Y. Tony , Chen Brian 
Published: November 2015

AbstractControversy surrounds the production and consumption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Proponents argue that GMO food sources represent the only viable solution to food shortages in an ever‐growing global population. Science reports no harm from GMO use and consumption so far. Opponents fear the potentially negative impact that GMO development and use could have on the environment and consumers, and are concerned about the lack of data on the long‐term effects of GMO use. We discuss the development of GMO food sources, the history of legislation and policy for the labeling requirements of GMO food products, and the health, environmental, and legal rationale for and against GMO food labeling. The Food and Drug Administration regulates food with GMOs within a coordinated framework of federal agencies. Despite mounting scientific evidence that GMO foods are substantially equivalent to traditionally bred food sources, debate remains over the appropriateness of GMO food labeling. In fact, food manufacturers have mounted a First Amendment challenge against Vermont's passage of a law that requires GMO labeling. Mandatory GMO labeling is not supported by science. Compulsory GMO labels may not only hinder the development of agricultural biotechnology, but may also exacerbate the misconception that GMOs endanger people's health. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
A new two‐phase structure‐preserving doubling algorithm for critically singular M‐matrix algebraic Riccati equations
Authors: Huang Tsung‐Ming , Huang Wei‐Qiang , Li Ren‐Cang , Lin Wen‐Wei 
Published: November 2015

SummaryAmong numerous iterative methods for solving the minimal nonnegative solution of an M‐matrix algebraic Riccati equation, the structure‐preserving doubling algorithm (SDA) stands out owing to its overall efficiency as well as accuracy. SDA is globally convergent and its convergence is quadratic, except for the critical case for which it converges linearly with the linear rate 1/2. In this paper, we first undertake a delineatory convergence analysis that reveals that the approximations by SDA can be decomposed into two components: the stable component that converges quadratically and the rank‐one component that converges linearly with the linear rate 1/2. Our analysis also shows that as soon as the stable component is fully converged, the rank‐one component can be accurately recovered. We then propose an efficient hybrid method, called the two‐phase SDA, for which the SDA iteration is stopped as soon as it is determined that the stable component is fully converged. Therefore, this two‐phase SDA saves those SDA iterative steps that previously have to have for the rank‐one component to be computed accurately, and thus essentially, it can be regarded as a quadratically convergent method. Numerical results confirm our analysis and demonstrate the efficiency of the new two‐phase SDA. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictors of workplace violence among ambulance personnel: a longitudinal study
Authors: van der Velden Peter G. , Bosmans Mark W.G. , van der Meulen Erik 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimTo examine predictors of repeated confrontations with workplace violence among ambulance personnel, the proportion of exposure to potentially traumatic events that are aggression‐related and to what extent personnel was able to prevent escalations. Although previous research assessed the prevalences among this group, little is known about predictors, to what extent PTE's are WPV‐related and their abilities to prevent escalations.DesignA longitudinal study with a 6 months' time interval (N = 103).MethodsAt T1 demographics, workplace violence and potentially traumatic events in the past year, mental health, personality, handling of rules, coping and social organizational stressors were assessed. Confrontations with aggression were also examined at T2.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analyses showed that only problems with superiors independently predicted repeated verbal aggression and that only the (absence of the) ability to compromise very easily predicted repeatedly being on guard and repeatedly confronted with any form of aggression. Due to very low prevalences, we could not examine predictors of repeated confrontations with physical aggression (N = 5) and serious threat (N = 7). A large majority reported that in most workplace violence cases they could prevent further escalations. About 2% reported a potentially traumatic event in the year before T1 that was WPV related and perceived as very stressful.
Dose response of exercise training following roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery: A randomized trial
Authors: Woodlief Tracey L. , Carnero Elvis A. , Standley Robert A. , Distefano Giovanna , Anthony Steve J. , Dubis Gabe S. , Jakicic John M. , Houmard Joseph A. , Coen Paul M. , Goodpaster Bret H. 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveRoux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery can cause profound weight loss and improve overall cardiometabolic risk factors. Exercise (EX) training following RYGB can provide additional improvements in insulin sensitivity (SI) and cardiorespiratory fitness. However, it remains unknown whether a specific amount of EX post‐RYGB is required to achieve additional benefits.MethodsWe performed a post hoc analysis of participants who were randomized into either a 6‐month structured EX program or a health education control (CON). The EX group (n = 56) was divided into tertiles according to the amount of weekly exercise performed, compared with CON (n = 42): low‐EX = 54 ± 8; middle‐EX = 129 ± 4; and high‐EX = 286 ± 40 min per week.ResultsThe high‐EX lost a significantly greater amount of body weight, total fat mass, and abdominal deep subcutaneous abdominal fat compared with CON (P < 0.005). SI improved to a greater extent in both the middle‐EX and high‐EX compared with CON (P < 0.04). Physical fitness (VO2 max) significantly improved in the high‐EX (9.3% ± 4.2%) compared with CON (−6.0 ± 2.4%) (P < 0.001). Skeletal muscle mitochondrial State 4 (P < 0.002) and 3 (P < 0.04) respiration was significantly higher in the high‐EX compared with CON.ConclusionsA modest volume of structured exercise provides additional improvements in insulin sensitivity following RYGB, but higher volumes of exercise are required to induce additional weight loss, changes in body composition, and improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity.
Characterization and antimicrobial properties of metal complexes of polypropylene fibers grafted with acrylic acid using gamma irradiation
Authors: Hassan Mahmoud S. , Ibrahim Haytham M. M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPolypropylene fibers were treated against microbial effects by gamma radiation‐induced grafting of acrylic acid, followed by metal complexation with Zn2+ or Ag+ metal ions. The treated polypropylene fibers were characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The effect of the treatment on the thermal stability was investigated by using thermogravimetric analysis, in which a slight increase in the major thermal stability was observed. The antimicrobial activity of the treated fibers was also evaluated. On the basis of the obtained results, it was found that the antimicrobial properties of the treated fibers were enhanced both qualitatively, as indicated by the distinct inhibition zone diameter towards Gram‐positive as well as Gram‐negative bacterial strains under study, and quantitatively, in which 100% inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was achieved. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PERC+: industrial PERC solar cells with rear Al grid enabling bifaciality and reduced Al paste consumption
Authors: Dullweber Thorsten , Kranz Christopher , Peibst Robby , Baumann Ulrike , Hannebauer Helge , Fülle Alexander , Steckemetz Stefan , Weber Torsten , Kutzer Martin , Müller Matthias , Fischer Gerd , Palinginis Phedon , Neuhaus Holger 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPassivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) solar cells are currently being introduced into mass production. In this paper, we report a novel PERC solar cell design that applies a screen‐printed rear Al finger grid instead of the conventional full‐area aluminum (Al) rear layer while using the same PERC manufacturing sequence. We name this novel cell concept PERC+ because it offers several advantages. In particular, the Al paste consumption of the PERC+ cells is drastically reduced to 0.15 g instead of 1.6 g for the conventional PERC cells. The Al fingers create 2‐µm‐deeper aluminum back surface fields, which increases the open‐circuit voltage by 4 mV. The five‐busbar Al finger grid enables bifacial applications of the PERC+ cells with front‐side efficiencies up to 20.8% and rear‐side efficiencies up to 16.5% measured with a black chuck. The corresponding bifaciality is 79%. When applied in monofacial modules where the white back sheet acts as external rear reflector, the efficiency of the PERC+ cells is estimated to 20.9%, which is comparable with conventional PERC cells. Whereas Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin developed the aforementioned PERC+ results, SolarWorld independently pioneered a very similar bifacial PERC+ cell process starting in 2014. Transfer into mass production has been successfully accomplished, and novel glass–glass bifacial PERC+ modules have been launched at the Intersolar 2015 based on a most simple, lean, and cost‐effective bifacial cell process. These new bifacial PERC+ modules show an increase in annual energy yield between 5% and 25% in simulations, which is confirmed by first outdoor measurements. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Leaf application of a sprayable bioplastic‐based formulation of biocontrol Aspergillus flavus strains for reduction of aflatoxins in corn
Authors: Accinelli Cesare , Abbas Hamed K , Vicari Alberto , Shier W Thomas 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDApplying non‐aflatoxin‐producing Aspergillus flavus isolates to the soil has been shown to be effective in reducing aflatoxin levels in harvested crops, including peanuts, cotton and corn. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of controlling aflatoxin contamination using a novel sprayable formulation consisting of a partially gelatinized starch‐based bioplastic dispersion embedded with spores of biocontrol A. flavus strains, which is applied to the leaf surfaces of corn plants.RESULTSThe formulation was shown to be adherent, resulting in colonization of leaf surfaces with the biocontrol strain of A. flavus, and to reduce aflatoxin contamination of harvested kernels by up to 80% in Northern Italy and by up to 89% in the Mississippi Delta. The percentage of aflatoxin‐producing isolates in the soil reservoir under leaf‐treated corn was not significantly changed, even when the soil was amended with additional A. flavus as a model of changes to the soil reservoir that occur in no‐till agriculture.CONCLUSIONSThis study indicated that it is not necessary to treat the soil reservoir in order to achieve effective biocontrol of aflatoxin contamination in kernel corn. Spraying this novel bioplastic‐based formulation to leaves can be an effective alternative in the biocontrol of A. flavus in corn. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry