bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What does the tail of the distribution of current stock prices tell us about future economic activity?
Authors: Vicente José , Araujo Gustavo 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis paper proposes three leading indicators of economic conditions estimated using current stock returns. The assumption underlying our approach is that current asset prices reflect all the available information about future states of economy. Each of the proposed indicators is related to the tail of the cross‐sectional distribution of stock returns. The results show that the leading indicators have strong correlation with future economic conditions and usually make better out‐of‐sample predictions than two traditional competitors (random walk and the average of previous observations). Furthermore, quantile regressions reveal that the leading indicators have strong connections with low future economic activity.
Activating transcription factor 6α deficiency exacerbates oligodendrocyte death and myelin damage in immune‐mediated demyelinating diseases
Authors: Stone Sarrabeth , Wu Shuangchan , Jamison Stephanie , Durose Wilaiwan , Pallais Jean Pierre , Lin Wensheng 
Published: February 2018

AbstractEndoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR) play a critical role in immune‐mediated demyelinating diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), by regulating the viability of oligodendrocytes. Our previous studies show that activation of the PERK branch of the UPR protects myelinating oligodendrocytes against ER stress in young, developing mice that express IFN‐γ, a key pro‐inflammatory cytokine in MS and EAE, in the CNS. Several studies also demonstrate that PERK activation preserves oligodendrocyte viability and function, protecting mice against EAE. While evidence suggests activation of the ATF6α branch of the UPR in oligodendrocytes under normal and disease conditions, the effects of ATF6α activation on oligodendrocytes in immune‐mediated demyelinating diseases remain unknown. Herein, we showed that ATF6α deficiency had no effect on oligodendrocytes under normal conditions. Interestingly, we showed that ATF6α deficiency exacerbated ER stressed‐induced myelinating oligodendrocyte death and subsequent myelin loss in the developing CNS of IFN‐γ‐expressing mice. Moreover, we found that ATF6α deficiency increased EAE severity and aggravated EAE‐induced oligodendrocyte loss and demyelination, without affecting inflammation. Thus, these data suggest the protective effects of ATF6α activation on oligodendrocytes in immune‐mediated demyelinating diseases.
Sensorimotor network alterations in children and youth with prenatal alcohol exposure
Authors: Long Xiangyu , Little Graham , Beaulieu Christian , Lebel Catherine 
Published: February 2018

AbstractChildren with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) often have impaired sensorimotor function. While altered brain structure has been noted in sensorimotor areas, the functional brain alterations remain unclear. This study aims to investigate sensorimotor brain networks in children and youth with PAE using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI). A parcellation‐based network analysis was performed to identify brain networks related to hand/lower limb and face/upper limb function in 59 children and youth with PAE and 50 typically developing controls. Participants with PAE and controls had similar organization of the hand and face areas within the primary sensorimotor cortex, but participants with PAE had altered functional connectivity (FC) between the sensorimotor regions and the rest of the brain. The sensorimotor regions in the PAE group showed less connectivity to certain hubs of the default mode network and more connectivity to areas of the salience network. Overall, our results show that despite similar patterns of organization in the sensorimotor network, subjects with PAE have increased FC between this network and other brain areas, perhaps suggesting overcompensation. These alterations in the sensorimotor network lay the foundation for future studies to evaluate interventions and treatments to improve motor function in children with PAE.
Sarcomas of the sinonasal tract
Authors: Kauke Martin , Safi Ali‐Farid , Grandoch Andrea , Nickenig Hans‐Joachim , Zöller Joachim , Kreppel Matthias 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundSinonasal sarcomas are rare and heterogeneous in nature. Continuously collecting data influencing the prognosis is fundamental for optimizing therapeutic assessment of this highly destructive neoplasm.MethodsWe conducted a single‐institution retrospective cohort study considering 27 patients with sinonasal sarcoma.ResultsThe overall survival (OS) rates for 1 year and 5 years were calculated as 74% and 36%, respectively. Extent of the primary tumor (P = .010), nodal spread (P = .009), and age (P = .004) significantly reduced the OS. Disease‐free survival (DFS) was significantly reduced by age (P = .003), extent of the primary (P = .006), nodal (P = .004), and hematogenous (P = .048) spread. Multimodal therapy including surgery improved the OS and DFS rates (P < .05).ConclusionPrognosis is poor due to late disease recognition. However, multimodal therapeutic regimens, including surgery, may improve the outcome.
A balanced approach to falls prevention: Application in the real world
Authors: Jancey Jonine , Wold Catrina , Meade Rachel , Sweeney Roisin , Davison Erica , Leavy Justine 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundFalls place a heavy burden on the health system, impacting on an individual's quality of life, often resulting in a fear of falling, reduction in independence and at times admission to residential care. This study aimed to determine health professionals’ confidence in discussing falls prevention strategies, topics discussed and the barriers and enablers to falls prevention discussions with clients aged 60 years and over.MethodA cross‐sectional self‐complete online survey was undertaken with a sample of health professionals (n = 191) who had engaged in the services of the Stay On Your Feet® programs delivered by the Injury Matters in Western Australia (WA).ResultsThe majority of participants were physiotherapists (25.7%), registered nurses (17.8%) and occupational therapists (11%) located in metropolitan (56%) and regional (44%) WA. Most health professionals (80.2%) were “highly” confident discussing falls prevention strategies. Discussion of falls prevention included the benefits of strength and balance exercises (83%), eating a healthy diet (78.7%), regular eyesight checks (64.5%), reviewing medications (54.8%) and exposure to sunlight (50.3%). The main enablers to falls prevention were knowledge (89.7%), skills to identify (77.7%) and implement (66.3%) falls prevention strategies, and access to printed resources (74.9%), while the main barrier was appointment times (14.6%).ConclusionHealth professionals’ indicated that they are confident in discussing falls prevention strategies, and although a range of falls prevention strategies were discussed, limited attention was directed at the pharmacists’ review of medications, eyesight checks and increasing vitamin D levels.So what?Health professionals are discussing falls prevention strategies with their clients. A more multifaceted approach should be encouraged with an emphasis on all prevention strategies.
Using stable isotopes 18O and 2H of lake water and biogeochemical analysis to identify factors affecting water quality in four estuarine Amazonian shallow lakes
Authors: da Cunha Alan Cavalcanti , Sternberg Leonel da Silveira Lobo 
Published: February 2018

AbstractStable isotopes analyses of oxygen and hydrogen of lake water were used to estimate the effect of evaporation (E) on the water quality of four shallow lakes in the Amapá State coast—Amazon/Brazil. These lakes, with different size and hydrologic conditions, were sampled during the course of the 2015/2016 El‐Niño (record‐breaking warming/drought in the Amazon rainforest). Hydrometeorological and water quality parameters were simultaneously performed to the isotopic sampling. The results showed that the evaporation process and the water quality can be explained by climate season and distances from the Atlantic Ocean. Lake evaporation losses ranged from ≈0–22% during the wet season in April/2016 and ≈35.7% during the dry season in November/2015. As expected, the evaporation of lake water was greater during the dry season, but it was higher for lakes farther away from the Atlantic Ocean compared with more coastal lakes due to tidal preponderance and the influence of major river channels. The more inland estuarine lakes showed a lower level of salinity (0.00–0.03 ppt) compared with those closer to the Atlantic Ocean (0.01–0.08 ppt). The El Niño phenomenon, with a lower precipitation in the Amazon basin, may initiate salinization of lakes closer to the Atlantic Ocean. Furthermore, strong mean seasonal variations of evaporation (0.06 ≤ E ≤ 0.22) and other hydrologic parameters were observed (precipitation, water temperature, and water depth), with significant effects on the water quality such as salinity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll (p < .05). We conclude that the occurrence of the extreme climatic events can disrupt the biogeochemical and hydrological balance of these aquatic ecosystems and salinization of lakes closer to the Atlantic Ocean.
Comparison of groundwater age models for assessing nitrate loading, transport pathways, and management options in a complex aquifer system
Authors: Koh Eun‐Hee , Lee Eunhee , Kaown Dugin , Green Christopher T. , Koh Dong‐Chan , Lee Kang‐Kun , Lee Seung Hyun 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn an aquifer system with complex hydrogeology, mixing of groundwater with different ages could occur associated with various flow pathways. In this study, we applied different groundwater age‐estimation techniques (lumped parameter model and numerical model) to characterize groundwater age distributions and the major pathways of nitrate contamination in the Gosan agricultural field, Jeju Island. According to the lumped parameter model, groundwater age in the study area could be explained by the binary mixing of the young groundwater (4–33 years) and the old water component (>60 years). The complex hydrogeologic regimes and local heterogeneity observed in the study area (multilayered aquifer, well leakage hydraulics) were particularly well reflected in the numerical model. The numerical model predicted that the regional aquifer of Gosan responded to the fertilizer applications more rapidly (mean age: 9.7–22.3 years) than as estimated by other models. Our study results demonstrated that application and comparison of multiple age‐estimation methods can be useful to understand better the flow regimes and the mixing characteristics of groundwater with different ages (pathways), and accordingly, to reduce the risk of improper groundwater management plans arising from the aquifer heterogeneity.
Derivation of a no‐significant‐risk‐level for tetrabromobisphenol A based on a threshold non‐mutagenic cancer mode of action
Authors: Pecquet Alison M. , Martinez Jeanelle M. , Vincent Melissa , Erraguntla Neeraja , Dourson Michael 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA no‐significant‐risk‐level of 20 mg day–1 was derived for tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). Uterine tumors (adenomas, adenocarcinomas, and malignant mixed Müllerian) observed in female Wistar Han rats from a National Toxicology Program 2‐year cancer bioassay were identified as the critical effect. Studies suggest that TBBPA is acting through a non‐mutagenic mode of action. Thus, the most appropriate approach to derivation of a cancer risk value based on US Environmental Protection Agency guidelines is a threshold approach, akin to a cancer safe dose (RfDcancer). Using the National Toxicology Program data, we utilized Benchmark dose software to derive a benchmark dose lower limit (BMDL10) as the point of departure (POD) of 103 mg kg–1 day–1. The POD was adjusted to a human equivalent dose of 25.6 mg kg–1 day–1 using allometric scaling. We applied a composite adjustment factor of 100 to the POD to derive an RfDcancer of 0.26 mg kg–1 day–1. Based on a human body weight of 70 kg, the RfDcancer was adjusted to a no‐significant‐risk‐level of 20 mg day–1. This was compared to other available non‐cancer and cancer risk values, and aligns well with our understanding of the underlying biology based on the toxicology data. Overall, the weight of evidence from animal studies indicates that TBBPA has low toxicity and suggests that high doses over long exposure durations are needed to induce uterine tumor formation. Future research needs include a thorough and detailed vetting of the proposed adverse outcome pathway, including further support for key events leading to uterine tumor formation and a quantitative weight of evidence analysis.
Ultrastructural description of the spermatogenesis and spermatozoa in Phaenocora unipunctata (Platyhelminthes, Neotyphloplanida)
Authors: Ponce de León Rodrigo , Volonterio Odile 
Published: February 2018

AbstractUltrastructural studies of spermiogenesis and sperm morphology have found many characters that are likely to provide clues to the phylogeny of the Platyhelminthes. However, the lack of information on many free‐living groups has been a limiting factor. There is a single description of the spermatogenesis and spermatozoa in a Phaenocora species, namely P. anomalocoela, therefore a similar analysis was made in Phaenocora unipunctata to compare the intrageneric variation of sperm ultrastructure and spermatogenesis in the Neotyphloplanida. The comparison of the two Phaenocora species shows that several characters have the potential to be relevant to hypothesize phylogenetic relationships at different taxonomic levels. The presence of superficially incorporated axonemes outside the ring of cortical microtubules in the mature sperm cell, resulting from the fusion of the axonemes with the median cytoplasmic process during spermiogenesis, as well as the presence of a constant number of microtubules in the different regions of the spermatozoon, seem to constitute apomorphies of the genus Phaenocora. Furthermore, the presence of an axonemal spur, the compression of cortical microtubules by the rotation of the basal bodies during spermiogenesis, and the presence of a connection between the nucleus and the plasma membrane in the mature spermatozoon, support previous proposals that these characters are apomorphies of Dalytyphloplanida. The comparison of spermatogenesis and spermatozoa of P. unipunctata and P. anomalocoela demonstrates that studying intrageneric variation can give valuable insights into the significance of many characters proposed for phylogenetic studies of the Rhabdocoela.
Free‐breathing dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI for assessment of pulmonary lesions using golden‐angle radial sparse parallel imaging
Authors: Chen Lihua , Liu Daihong , Zhang Jiuquan , Xie Bing , Zhou Xiaoyue , Grimm Robert , Huang Xuequan , Wang Jian , Feng Li 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundDynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) has been shown to be a promising technique for assessing lung lesions. However, DCE‐MRI often suffers from motion artifacts and insufficient imaging speed. Therefore, highly accelerated free‐breathing DCE‐MRI is of clinical interest for lung exams.PurposeTo test the performance of rapid free‐breathing DCE‐MRI for simultaneous qualitative and quantitative assessment of pulmonary lesions using Golden‐angle RAdial Sparse Parallel (GRASP) imaging.Study TypeProspective.PopulationTwenty‐six patients (17 males, mean age = 55.1 ± 14.4) with known pulmonary lesions.Field Strength/Sequence3T MR scanner; a prototype fat‐saturated, T1‐weighted stack‐of‐stars golden‐angle radial sequence for data acquisition and a Cartesian breath‐hold volumetric‐interpolated examination (BH‐VIBE) sequence for comparison.AssessmentAfter a dual‐mode GRASP reconstruction, one with 3‐second temporal resolution (3s‐GRASP) and the other with 15‐second temporal resolution (15s‐GRASP), all GRASP and BH‐VIBE images were pooled together for blind assessment by two experienced radiologists, who independently scored the overall image quality, lesion delineation, overall artifact level, and diagnostic confidence of each case. Perfusion analysis was performed for the 3s‐GRASP images using a Tofts model to generate the volume transfer coefficient (Ktrans) and interstitial volume (Ve).Statistical TestsNonparametric paired two‐tailed Wilcoxon signed‐rank test; Cohen's kappa; unpaired Student's t‐test.Results15s‐GRASP achieved comparable image quality with conventional BH‐VIBE (P > 0.05), except for the higher overall artifact level in the precontrast phase (P = 0.018). The Ktrans and Ve in inflammation were higher than those in malignant lesions (Ktrans: 0.78 ± 0.52 min−1 vs. 0.37 ± 0.22 min−1, P = 0.020; Ve: 0.36 ± 0.16 vs. 0.26 ± 0.1, P = 0.177). Also, the Ktrans and Ve in malignant lesions were also higher than those in benign lesions (Ktrans: 0.37 ± 0.22 min−1 vs. 0.04 ± 0.04 min−1, P = 0.001; Ve: 0.26 ± 0.12 vs. 0.10 ± 0.00, P = 0.063).Data ConclusionThis feasibility study demonstrated the performance of high spatiotemporal resolution free‐breathing DCE‐MRI of the lung using GRASP for qualitative and quantitative assessment of pulmonary lesions.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 1J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2018;48:459–468.
An artificial neural network‐based approach for the impedance modeling of piezoelectric energy harvesting devices
Authors: Zhao Sheng , Fu Hai‐Peng 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this paper, the equivalent series resistance (ESR) and capacitance (ESC) of piezoelectric energy harvesting devices have been modeled accurately over a wide frequency range for the first time. It is shown that the impedance modeling of the ESR and ESC is demonstrated as an important factor for the design of the Bias Flip (or the parallel synchronized switching harvesting on an inductor) interface circuit, which affects the performance of energy harvesting seriously. The conventional Butterworth‐Van Dyke (BVD) model and the modified BVD model are analyzed to state their imprecise modeling performance. To address this problem, an artificial neural network (ANN) technique with prior knowledge input method is employed to improve the model accuracy of the ESR and ESC. Also, a least‐squares curve fitting method is presented to compare with the ANN model. A good matching has been obtained between the measured and ANN‐predicted ESR and ESC in the frequency range of 2600 to 3600 Hz. The excellent performance on the accuracy of the proposed method is further illustrated through the comparison on the average relative error and maximum relative error with the conventional BVD, modified BVD model, and the curve fitting method.
Nanosecond time‐resolved Raman spectroscopy for solving some Raman problems such as luminescence or thermal emission
Authors: Fotso Gueutue E.S. , Canizares A. , Simon P. , Raimboux N. , Hennet L. , Ammar M.‐R. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRaman spectroscopy is experimentally widely available and relatively simple to perform at room temperature. Some difficulties nevertheless remain, as for instance separating some various contributions from the Raman spectrum, such as thermal emission for high temperature measurements or luminescence. Here, an optimized time‐resolved Raman spectroscopy system based on a gated detection and a nanosecond pulsed laser excitation (30 ns width, 532 nm wavelength) is described. The system allows contactless Raman measurements, at high temperatures, of some materials such as zirconia and yttria. An example of Raman spectra collected on yttria at very high temperature up to 2100 °C is provided. This optimized system may also be used to discriminate between Raman scattering and luminescence as demonstrated in zirconia material.
The effect of greenhouse covering materials on phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity of tomato cultivars
Authors: Ahmadi Latifeh , Hao Xiuming , Tsao Rong 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe effect of light transmission (direct and diffuse) on the phenolic compounds of five tomato cultivars was investigated under controlled conditions in greenhouses covered with different covering materials.RESULTSThe type of covering material and type of diffusion of light simultaneously affected the reducing power of cultivars. Two‐way analysis of variance showed statistically significant differences in total phenolic content for the different cultivars (P < 0.05) but not for the covering materials. Analysis by ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry showed the presence of major phenolic acid compounds such as chlorogenic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid/rutin, caffeic acid, ferulic acid and coumaric acid as well as flavonoid compounds such as myricetin, quercetin and naringenin. Most of the identified compounds showed a significant difference in different treatments due to both cultivar and covering material (P < 0.05). Statistical analysis showed that the type of covering material used influenced the total carotenoid and lycopene content (P < 0.05); however, the amount of lutein was not influenced by the type of covering material (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONThis study showed that the use of solar energy transmission could positively affect the reducing power of cultivars and alter the biosynthesis of certain phytochemicals that are health‐beneficial. Further study could lead to applications for producing greenhouse vegetables with greater health attributes. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Graphene‐doped electrochemical copolymer coating of 2,2‐bithiophene and 3‐methylthiophene for the highly effective solid‐phase microextraction of volatile benzene homologues
Authors: Guo Xiafei , Zhao Faqiong , Zeng Baizhao 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe report the electrochemical fabrication of a poly(2,2‐bithiophene‐co‐3‐methylthiophene)‐graphene composite coating and its application in the headspace solid‐phase microextraction and gas chromatography determination of benzenes (i.e., bromobenzene, 4‐bromotoluene, 2‐nitrotoluene, 3‐nitrotoluene and 1,2,4‐trichlorobenzene). The coating was uniform and showed cauliflower‐like microstructure. It had high thermal stability (up to 375°C) and could be used for at least 180 times of solid‐phase microextraction without a decrease in extraction performance. Furthermore, it presented high extraction capacity for the benzenes due to the hydrophobic effect and π–π interaction between the analytes and the coating. Under optimized extraction conditions, good linearity (correlation coefficients higher than 0.9946), wide linear range (0.01–50 μg/L), and low limits of detection (5.25–12.5 ng/L) were achieved for these analytes. The relative standard deviation was lower than 5.7% for five successive measurements with one fiber, and the relative standard deviation for fiber‐to‐fiber was 4.9–6.8% (n = 5). The solid‐phase microextraction and gas chromatography method was successfully applied for the determination of three real samples, and the recoveries for standards added were 89.6–106% for nail polish, 85.8–110% for hair dye, and 90–106.2% for correction fluid, respectively.