bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
3D structure of oil droplets in hardened geopolymer emulsions
Authors: Davy Catherine A. , Hauss Gregory , Planel Bastien , Lambertin David 
Published: October 2018

AbstractGeopolymer (GP) cements have the ability to integrate huge amounts of organic oils by direct emulsion in the fresh paste. Moreover, the oil emulsion remains stable during GP hardening. This allows to design tailored GP/oil (GEOIL) composites for an array of industrial applications. Using 3D X‐ray micro‐Computed Tomography (micro‐CT), this research determines the spatial distribution of an industrial oil emulsion inside a GP cement (emulsification in the fresh state, imaging in the hardened state), depending on the oil volume fraction (from 5% to 60% total volume). The oil droplet size distribution, mean distance between droplets, and connectivity of the oil system are determined quantitatively.
Long‐term treatment with ivabradine in transgenic atrial fibrillation mice counteracts hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide gated channel overexpression
Authors: Wang Juan , Yang Yan‐min , Li Yang , Zhu Jun , Lian Hong , Shao Xing‐hui , Zhang Han , Fu Yi‐cheng , Zhang Lian‐feng 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntroductionRecent studies have demonstrated that ivabradine (IVA), is a selective inhibitor of funny current (If) and exerts antiarrhythmic effects in the settings of various diseases such as heart failure and myocardial ischemia. However, little is known regarding the effects of long‐term IVA treatment on If current and hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide gated (HCN) channel overexpression.Methods and ResultsWe investigated both the If current and HCN channel expression in wild‐type (WT) mice and transgenic (TG) atrial fibrillation (AF) mice (heart‐specific overexpressing of (pro) renin receptor TG mice) and examined the effects of IVA on the If current and HCN channel expression, and whether those effects were sufficient to prevent an AF episode. Compared with WT mice, the If current density (at −170 mV: TG, −39.6 ± 4.6 pA/pF; WT, −26.9 ± 3.0 pA/pF; P < 0.001) and activation kinetics (V1/2: TG, −109.45 ± 1.35 mV; WT, −128.20 ± 1.65 mV), as well as HCN2 and HCN4 messenger RNA expression and HCN4 protein expression were significantly increased in the atrial myocytes of TG mice. After 4 months of IVA treatment (7 mg/kg per day orally) the effects of IVA on TG AF mice were accompanied by the inhibition of upregulation of HCN2 and HCN4 protein expression in atrial tissue, and then resulted in a uniform If loss of function. Furthermore, we observed that ivabradine significantly decreased the incidence of AF in the TG mice (41.2% in TG mice, 16.7% in TG + IVA mice; P < 0.01).ConclusionIVA reduced the incidence of AF in mice, and the antiarrhythmic effects of IVA are not limited to heart rate reduction, as they partially counteract HCN overexpression and reverse electrophysiological cardiac remodeling by attenuating If gain‐of‐function.
Implementing the proclamation of stroke and potentially preventable dementias
Authors: Hachinski Vladimir , Ganten Detlev , Lackland Daniel , Kreutz Reinhold , Tsioufis Konstantinos , Hacke Werner ,   World Stroke Organization, the World Heart Federation, the World Hypertension League, the European Society of Hypertension
Published: October 2018

AbstractBrain health plays a central role in well‐being and in the management of chronic diseases. Stroke and dementia pose the two greatest threats to brain health, but recent developments suggest the possibility that preventing stroke may also prevent some dementias: (a) A large population study showed a 32% decrease in the incidence of stroke and a concomitant 7% reduction in the incidence of dementia; (b) the treatment of atrial fibrillation resulted not only in stroke reduction, but also a 48% decrease in dementia; (c) the hypothesis‐free analyses have shown that the first phase of Alzheimer disease involves vascular dysregulation, opening the door to new therapeutic approaches; (d) cognitive impairment, often treatable and reversible, accompanies heart and kidney failure. These developments, combined with the knowledge that stroke, dementia, and heart disease share the same major treatable risk factors, particularly hypertension, offer an opportunity for their joint prevention. This aspiration is expressed by a Proclamation of the World Stroke Organization on Stroke and Potentially Preventable Dementias and endorsed by the World Heart Federation, the World Hypertension League, Alzheimer Disease International, and 18 other international, regional, and national organizations as a call for action.
Twenty‐Four–Hour Diet recall and Diet records compared with 24‐hour urinary excretion to predict an individual’s sodium consumption: A Systematic Review
Authors: McLean Rachael M. , Farmer Victoria L. , Nettleton Alice , Cameron Claire M. , Cook Nancy R. , Woodward Mark , Campbell Norman R. C. ,   TRUE Consortium (in Ternational Consortium for Quality Research on Dietary Sodium/Salt)
Published: October 2018

This systematic literature review aimed to investigate whether 24 hour diet recall and diet records are reliable and valid ways to measure usual dietary sodium intake compared with 24 hour urinary assessment. We searched electronic databases Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Lilacs, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Library using pre‐defined terms Studies were eligible for inclusion if they assessed adult humans in free‐living settings, and if they included dietary assessment and 24 hours urinary collection for assessment of sodium intake in the same participants. Studies that included populations with an active disease state that might interfere with normal sodium metabolism were excluded. Results of 20 studies using 24 hour diet recall recall (including 14 validation studies) and 10 studies using food records (including six validation studies) are included in this review. Correlations between estimates from dietary assessment and urinary excretion ranged from 0.16 to 0.72 for 24 hour diet recall, and 0.11 to 0.49 for food diaries. Bland‐Altman analysis in two studies of 24 hour diet recall showed poor agreement with 24 hours urinary sodium excretion. These results show that 24 hour diet recall and diet records inaccurately measure dietary sodium intake in individuals compared with the gold standard 24 hours urinary excretion. Validation studies of dietary assessment methods should include multiple days of assessment and 24 hours urine collection, use relevant food composition databases and Bland‐Altman methods of analysis.
Review of the role of cigarette smoking in diabetic foot
Authors: Xia Nan , Morteza Afsaneh , Yang Fengyu , Cao Hong , Wang Aiping 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDiabetic foot ulceration has been a serious issue over the past decades in Asia, causing economic and social problems. Therefore, it is important to identify and reduce the risk factors of diabetic foot. Cigarette smoking has been reported to be associated with diabetes and its macrovascular complications, but the relationship between smoking and diabetic foot ulcers is still unclear. In the present review, we summarize the effects of cigarette smoking on diabetic foot ulcers with respect to peripheral neuropathy, vascular alterations and wound healing. One underlying mechanism of these impacts might be the smoking‐induced oxidative stress inside the cells. At the end of this review, the current mainstream therapies for smoking cessation are also outlined. We believe that it is urgent for all diabetic patients to quit smoking so as to reduce their chances of developing foot ulcers and to improve the prognosis of diabetic foot ulcers.
Five‐year success rate of resin‐bonded fixed partial dentures: A systematic review
Authors: Alraheam Islam Abd , Ngoc Caroline Nguyen , Wiesen Christopher A. , Donovan Terence E. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo assess and compare the 5‐year success rate of resin‐bonded fixed partial dentures (RBFPDs) fabricated from different materials.MethodsAn electronic search on 3 databases from January 1965 to March of 2017 was done for human randomized clinical trials (RCTs), and prospective and retrospective cohort studies. The key words used in the search were: Bridge OR bridges OR fixed partial OR fixed dental AND resin bonded OR Maryland OR ceramic bonded. Quality assessment was done using the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale. Success was defined as the RBFPDs remaining in situ and not having experienced debonding, biological failures, or mechanical failures at the examination visit.ResultsMeta analyses of the included studies showed an estimated 5‐year success rate of 88.18% for the metal framework RBFPDs and 84.41% for the nonmetal framework RBFPDs. The estimated 5‐year success rate for each nonmetal material category was 92.07% for zirconia, 94.26% for In‐Ceram alumina, and 84.83% for fiber‐reinforced composite. The failure rate was not statistically significant among the single, double, and multiple retainers RBFPDs (P > .05). Technical complications were the main reason for failures.ConclusionThe 5‐year clinical performance of RBFPDs is similar to the performance of conventional fixed partial dentures (FPDs) and implant‐supported crowns.Clinical SignificanceClinicians should consider using RBFPDs more often because their clinical performance is similar to the performance of conventional FPDs and implant‐supported crowns.
Short Panicle 3 controls panicle architecture by upregulating APO2/RFL and increasing cytokinin content in rice
Authors: Huang Yong , Bai Xufeng , Luo Meifang , Xing Yongzhong 
Published: October 2018

AbstractInflorescence architecture is a major determinant of spikelet numbers per panicle, a key component of grain yield in rice. In this study, Short Panicle 3 (SP3) was identified from a short panicle 3 (sp3) mutant in which T‐DNA was inserted in the promoter of SP3, resulting in a knockdown mutation. SP3 encodes a DNA binding with one finger (Dof) transcriptional activator. Quantitative real time (qRT)‐PCR and RNA in situ hybridization assays confirmed that SP3 is preferentially expressed in the young rice inflorescence, specifically in the branch primordial regions. SP3 acts as a negative regulator of inflorescence meristem abortion by upregulating APO2/RFL. SP3 both up‐ and downregulates expression of genes involved in cytokinin biosynthesis and catabolism, respectively. Consequently, cytokinin concentrations are decreased in young sp3 panicles, thereby leading to small panicles having fewer branches and spikelets. Our findings support a model in which SP3 regulates panicle architecture by modulating cytokinin homeostasis. Potential applications to rice breeding, through gene‐editing of the SP3 promoter are assessed.
DETERMINANTS OF THE PERFORMANCE OF MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Hermes Niels , Hudon Marek 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMicrofinance institutions (MFIs) generally aim at improving the access of the poor to financial services while at the same time being financially sustainable. But what do we know about how MFIs reach and combine these two goals? We carry out a systematic review of close to 170 papers discussing the determinants of the financial and social performance of MFIs. The review shows that the most important determinants addressed in the literature are MFI characteristics (size, age and type of organization), their funding sources, the quality of organizational governance and the MFIs’ external context such as macro‐economic, institutional and political conditions. The evidence on these issues is rather mixed. Moreover, the direction of the relationship between these drivers and MFI performance depends on the context, particularly the country‐specific context. Finally, there is a lack of consensus in the literature on the measurement of financial and social performance. Due to the complexity of the concept, we argue that social performance should only be assessed by using a multidimensional perspective. This can be done either by applying recent and holistic social performance measures such as the SPI4, or at least by using a combination of proxies, such as outreach, gender and rural measures.
The Qualities of Same‐Sex and Different‐Sex Couples in Young Adulthood
Authors: Joyner Kara , Manning Wendy , Prince Barbara 
Published: October 2018

Objective: The recognition of sexual minorities in social science research is growing, and this study contributes to knowledge on this population by comparing the qualities of same‐sex and different‐sex relationships among young adults.Background: The findings of studies on this topic may not be generalizable because they are limited to coresidential unions and based on convenience samples. This study extends prior research by examining multiple relationship qualities among a nationally representative sample of males and females in dating and cohabiting relationships.Method: The authors compare young adults in same‐sex and different‐sex relationships with respect to relationship quality (commitment, satisfaction, and emotional intimacy) and sexual behavior (sexual frequency and sexual exclusivity). Drawing on the 4th wave of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (
http://www.cpc.unc.edu/projects/addhealth), they use multiple regression to compare: male respondents with different‐sex partners, male respondents with same‐sex partners, female respondents with different‐sex partners, and female respondents with same‐sex partners.Results: Consistent with previous research, the authors find that respondents in same‐sex relationships experience similar levels of commitment, satisfaction, and emotional intimacy as their counterparts in different‐sex relationships. They also corroborate the finding that male respondents in same‐sex relationships are less likely than other groups of respondents to indicate that their relationship is sexually exclusive.Conclusion: This study provides an empirical basis for understanding the relationships of sexual minority young adults.
Arterial Spin Labeling MRI to Measure Cerebral Blood Flow in Untreated Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Crisi Girolamo , Filice Silvano , Scoditti Umberto 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThis study aims to investigate the significance of regional hyperperfusion (RH) detected by arterial spin labeling (ASL) in a group of untreated stroke patients, within 24‐36 hours after symptom onset. The relationship between RH volume and infarcted volume (DIV) as defined on diffusion weighted images (DWIs) was evaluated.METHODSOf the 346 consecutive acute stroke patients who attended our center, we retrospectively reviewed MRI studies of 47 patients who were ineligible for standard treatment with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator. The MRI study included ASL and DWI. The ASL‐derived cerebral blood flow (CBF) maps were coregistered on the DWI images. RH volume and DIV were calculated and compared. Patient NIHSS scores were also evaluated at admission, discharge, and after 1 and 6‐month follow‐up.RESULTSTwenty‐two patients showed RH with CBF twice than baseline. In all 22 patients, RH overlaps with DWI infarcted area. No significant difference (P = .94) between RH volume and DIV was found (7.2 ± 9.6 and 9.0 ± 11.9 cm3). The Pearson's correlation coefficient between RH and DIV was .93. On univariate analysis, a significant difference was found between patient's groups on NIHSS at any time points, after covariates adjustment NIHSS difference was significant only at admission.CONCLUSIONSThe study showed that ASL perfusion could be an integral part of the MRI examination in the assessment of 24‐36 hours not‐treated stroke patients as sustained RH group had improved outcomes. More importantly, ASL perfusion may provide evidence of beneficial effects of reperfusion induced by recanalization treatment.
Functional Brain Network Changes Following Use of an Allostatic, Closed‐Loop, Acoustic Stimulation Neurotechnology for Military‐Related Traumatic Stress
Authors: Lee Sung W. , Laurienti Paul J. , Burdette Jonathan H. , Tegeler Catherine L. , Morgan Ashley R. , Simpson Sean L. , Gerdes Lee , Tegeler Charles H. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEPost‐traumatic stress disorder is associated with connectivity changes in the default mode, central executive, and salience networks, and other brain regions. This study evaluated changes in network connectivity associated with usage of High‐resolution, relational, resonance‐based electroencephalic mirroring (HIRREM®; Brain State Technologies, Scottsdale, AZ), a closed‐loop, allostatic, acoustic stimulation neurotechnology, for military‐related traumatic stress.METHODSEighteen participants (17 males, mean age 41 years [SD = 7], 15 active duty) enrolled in an IRB approved pilot trial for symptoms of military‐related traumatic stress. Participants received 19.5 (1.1) HIRREM sessions over 12 days. Symptoms, physiological and functional measures, and whole brain resting MRI were collected before and after HIRREM. Six whole brain functional networks were evaluated using summary variables and community structure of predefined networks. Pre to postintervention change was analyzed using paired‐sample statistical tests.RESULTSPostintervention, there was an overall increase in connectivity of the default mode network (P = .0094). There were decreases of community structure in both the anterior portion of the default mode (medial prefrontal cortex, P = .0097) and in the sensorimotor (P = .005) network. There were no statistically significant changes at the whole brain level, or in the central executive, salience, or other networks analyzed. Participants demonstrated significant improvements in clinical symptoms, as well as autonomic cardiovascular regulation, which have been reported previously.CONCLUSIONSUse of closed‐loop, allostatic, acoustic stimulation neurotechnology (HIRREM) was associated with connectivity changes in the default mode and sensorimotor networks, in directions that may have explained the subjects’ clinical improvements.
No Association Between Active Commuting to School, Adiposity, Fitness, and Cognition in Spanish Children: The MOVI‐KIDS Study
Authors: Ruiz‐Hermosa Abel , Martínez‐Vizcaíno Vicente , Alvarez‐Bueno Celia , García‐Prieto Jorge C. , Pardo‐Guijarro María J. , Sánchez‐López Mairena 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDWalking and bicycling (active commuting) to school may be a useful strategy to increase the daily amount of physical activity, and, potentially, improve children's health. However, it is unclear whether active commuting to school (ACS) has the potential to improve physical health and cognitive performance in children. Our aim was to examine the relationship between ACS with adiposity indicators, physical fitness, and cognitive performance in 4‐ to 7‐year‐old children.METHODSWe conducted a cross‐sectional study with 1159 children from the provinces of Cuenca and Ciudad Real, Spain. ACS was self‐reported by parents. Adiposity (body mass index, waist circumference, body fat mass, and triceps skinfold thickness) and physical fitness (cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness) were measured by standard procedures. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Battery of General and Differential Aptitudes. Data analysis included analysis of covariance.RESULTSWe found no differences in adiposity, physical fitness, and cognitive performance between active commuters and nonactive commuters.CONCLUSIONSWalking to school had no positive impact on adiposity, physical fitness, and cognition in 4‐ to 7‐year‐old children. Future studies should examine the intensity and duration of walking to school needed to provide benefits in health and cognitive performance.
Leaf and infructescence fossils of Alnus (Betulaceae) from the late Eocene of the southeastern Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xu He , Su Tao , Zhou Zhe‐Kun 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPlant fossils from the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP), China are critical to understand not only the diversification history of plants there, but also the paleoenvironmental conditions. Alnus are deciduous trees, mainly distributed in temperate and subtropical regions of Eurasia and North America, and they are well known in the fossil records throughout the Cenozoic in the Northern Hemisphere. We collected numerous well‐preserved Alnus leaf and infructescence fossils from the Lawula Formation (∼34.6 Ma with 40Ar/39Ar dating) at the present elevation of 3910 m a.s.l. in the southeastern QTP. Based on detailed morphological comparisons with existing and fossil species, these fossils show closest affinity to Alnus ferdinandi‐coburgii C. K. Schneid., and we refer to these fossils as A. cf. ferdinandi‐coburgii. These specimens comprise the oldest megafossil record of Alnus in the QTP, and provide solid evidence for the distribution of Alnus there as early as the late Eocene. Extant A. ferdinandi‐coburgii is distributed in areas with mean annual temperature values between 9.7 °C and 16.9 °C, and mean annual precipitation values ranging from 896.2 mm to 1161.2 mm; therefore, fossils of A. cf. ferdinandi‐coburgii suggest a much warmer and wetter climate during the late Eocene than today in the southeastern QTP. This finding is consistent with other evidence for continued uplift of the southeastern QTP after the late Eocene that might be due to the eastward extension of the QTP.
Aggregate demand deficiency, labor unions, and long‐run stagnation
Authors: Murota Ryu‐ichiro 
Published: October 2018

AbstractUsing a money‐in‐the‐utility‐function model, this paper considers long‐run stagnation where insatiable demand for money persistently creates aggregate demand deficiency and consequent unemployment in the presence of nominal wage stickiness attributed to union wage setting. In this long‐run stagnation, generous unemployment benefits reduce unemployment. Moreover, paradoxically, unemployment declines if labor unions give weight to nominal wage gains rather than employment increases.
Functional Analysis at the Fin de Siècle: Genre, Compositional Process and the Demonic in the Rondo of Elgar's Second Symphony
Authors: RILEY MATTHEW 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTThe most interesting recent developments in formal function theory have tested its application on nineteenth‐century repertoire. Hitherto, however, functional analysis has touched only lightly on the post‐Wagnerian symphony from around 1900. When music analysis addresses this repertoire today, it is usually by means of the approaches that have become ‘Sonata Theory’. Functional analysis brings different insights, switching the focus to syntax and local formal process. The third‐movement ‘Rondo’ from Elgar's Second Symphony (1911) exemplifies the challenges inherent in progressive Romantic repertoire: while functional analysis can illuminate the syntax and formal processes of this music, it must be applied with an ear to shifting and overlapping functional meanings. The Rondo manifests parallel ambiguities at the levels of paratext and genre. The syntactic continuity and instability foregrounded by functional analysis resonate directly with the movement's thematisation of the demonic and the uncanny through paratext, topic, cyclic reminiscence and generic ambiguity. This article uses the concepts of functional theory to open and discuss questions of genre and compositional process and to reframe the Rondo's programmatic themes from an analytically informed perspective.