bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation between testicular mast cell count and spermatogenic epithelium in non‐obstructive azoospermia
Authors: Abdel‐Hamid Ahmed A. M. , Atef Hoda , Zalata Khaled R. , Abdel‐Latif Atef 
Published: February 2018

SummaryAlthough there is emerging evidence that mast cells are involved in infertility, their exact role has not been elucidated clearly. Here we carried out a retrospective case–control study to find out whether there is a correlation between mast cell (MC) count and proliferation (Ki67 index) of the spermatogenic epithelium as well as of the Sertoli cells (vimentin‐positive) in non‐obstructive azoospermia (NOA). We assessed MCs, Ki67 and vimentin expression in Sertoli cells in testicular biopsies of germ cell aplasia (GCA, n = 14) and maturation arrest (MA, n = 14) vs. normal spermatogenesis (n = 14) cases. There was a significant decrease in the spermatogonial Ki67 index (1.25 ± 0.91, 4.21 ± 1.81 vs. 39.57 ± 3.92) and Johnsen score (2.48 ± 0.65, 4.89 ± 1.05 vs. 9.75 ± 0.30) as well as a significant increase (P < 0.001) in MC count (29.00 ± 4.11, 7.57 ± 1.95 vs. 3.00 ± 1.30) in seminiferous tubules of infertile cases with GCA and MA vs. controls. On the other hand, the percentage of vimentin‐expressing Sertoli cells was significantly decreased (P < 0.001) in biopsies of cases with MA (35.50 ± 15.62) compared to those of cases with GCA and controls (72.64 ± 10.67 and 98.57 ± 1.45 respectively). Additionally, a significant negative correlation was detected between MC count and Ki67 index as well as Johnsen score in the MA group which became more significant in the GCA group. The significant increase in MC count in the GCA group and to a lesser extent in the MA group indicates their possible role in NOA particularly at the spermatogonial proliferation level and this is supported by the significant negative correlation with the Ki67 index.
Mild diabetes: long‐term effects on gastric motility evaluated in rats
Authors: Hauschildt Andrieli T. , Corá Luciana A. , Volpato Gustavo T. , Sinzato Yuri K. , Damasceno Débora C. , Américo Madileine F. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryModerate hyperglycaemic levels seem to be related to abnormal gastric motility indiabetes mellitus. However, experimental models designed to evaluate the relationship between motility and diabetes over time are not yet well established. Our objective was to investigate the long‐term effects of mild diabetes on gastric motility in rats. Newborn male rats received streptozotocin (mild diabetes groups – MD) or vehicle (control groups – C), and both groups were evaluated after 3 (C3 and MD3) and 6 months (C6 and MD6) postinduction. Mild diabetic animals (MD3 and MD6) showed moderately elevated blood glucose and decreased insulin levels compared with control (C3 and C6). Insulin secretion was enhanced in MD6 compared with MD3, most likely due to partial β‐cell regeneration indicated by HOMA‐β. In HOMA‐IR, it was noticed that MD6 animals had impaired insulin response compared with MD3. Gastric emptying was faster, amplitude of contraction was stronger in MD6 compared with MD3, and in both groups, the differences were significant when compared with control animals. A significant abnormal rhythmic index was calculated for the mild diabetic groups, despite unchanged mean frequency of contraction. In conclusion, despite increased insulin levels over time, constant levels of moderate hyperglycaemia are also related to abnormal gastric motility and impairment of gastric function.
Effect of deposition conditions on physical properties of sputtered silicon oxynitride thin films on float glass
Authors: Šimurka Lukáš , Čtvrtlík Radim , Roch Tomáš , Turutoğlu Tuncay , Erkan Selen , Tomaštík Jan , Bange Klaus 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSilicon oxynitride layers have been widely used to tailor the optical performance and mechanical resistance of multilayer optical coatings. The key issue for their reliable large‐scale application on a glass substrate is the effect of technological parameters on their performance. Here we report on the interrelationship between the conditions of the reactive magnetron deposition process and composition, structure and in turn optical and mechanical properties. The process gas composition and pressure level exhibit a strong influence on the film properties, whereas only moderate effect of magnetron power was observed. The O/(O+N) ratio of the films changes from 0.33 to 0.90 and the film density varies between 2.66 g.cm−3 and 1.85 g.cm−3 along with the increase in the process gas pressure from 0.58 Pa to 1.02 Pa. The refractive index shifts between 1.81 and 1.48 and the residual stress of the film varies in the range from compressive (−385 MPa) to tensile (26 MPa). Hardness and reduced modulus follow the same trend and decline with the increase in process pressure from 12.1 GPa to 2.1 GPa and from 120.3 to 31.6 GPa, respectively. The abrasive wear resistance decreases with the nitrogen content in the films.
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy using the lateral retroperitoneal approach: Is it a safe and feasible treatment option for pheochromocytomas larger than 6 cm?
Authors: Chung Ho Seok , Kim Myung Soo , Yu Ho Song , Hwang Eu Chang , Kim Sun‐Ouck , Oh Kyung Jin , Jung Seung Il , Kang Taek Won , Park Kwangsung , Kwon Dong Deuk 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesTo evaluate the surgical feasibility of laparoscopic adrenalectomy using the lateral retroperitoneal approach for the treatment of large pheochromocytomas, and to identify the preoperative risk factors for intraoperative hypertension.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 51 patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy using the lateral retroperitoneal approach for the treatment of pheochromocytomas. Patient characteristics and perioperative outcomes were analyzed and compared between the two study groups based on tumor size: group A (n = 27, ≤6 cm) and group B (n = 24, ˃6 cm).ResultsThere was no significant difference in preoperative characteristics between the two groups except for tumor size (P = 0.001) and urinary metanephrine (P = 0.011). Group B patients required longer operating time (P = 0.008), had a greater estimated blood loss (P = 0.001) and hemoglobin change (P = 0.002). However, no significant differences were observed in perioperative complications and mortality. Multivariate analysis showed that symptomatic pheochromocytomas (P = 0.004) and tumor size (P = 0.007) were significant risk factors for intraoperative hypertension.ConclusionsLaparoscopic adrenalectomy using the lateral retroperitoneal approach for pheochromocytomas can be regarded as a treatment option, even for tumors measuring >6 cm. Symptomatic pheochromocytomas and large tumor size seem to represent risk factors for intraoperative hypertension.
Coordination in a retailer‐dominated supply chain with a risk‐averse manufacturer under marketing dependency
Authors: Huang Fuyou , He Juan , Lei Qian 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this paper, a combined contract composed of option and cost sharing is proposed to investigate coordination and risk‐sharing issues of the supply chain consisting of a dominant retailer and a risk‐averse manufacturer. Demand faced by the retailer is stochastic in nature and dependent on marketing effort. We adopt the conditional value‐at‐risk (CVaR) criterion to model risk aversion of the manufacturer, and derive the optimal strategy for each member with a Stackelberg game in which the retailer acts as the leader. It is verified that the combined contract can coordinate the supply chain and achieve Pareto‐improvement. Moreover, the dominant retailer can allocate the system‐wide profit arbitrarily only by option price in the premise of coordination. It is worth mentioning that coordination of the supply chain is reachable only when the manufacturer is low in risk aversion, and the manufacturer's risk aversion is a significant element for contract design and profit allocation.
Training staff to promote self‐management in people with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Sandjojo Janice , Zedlitz Aglaia M. E. E. , Gebhardt Winifred A. , Hoekman Joop , Dusseldorp Elise , den Haan Jeanet A. , Evers Andrea W. M. 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundPeople with intellectual disabilities have increasing difficulties managing their daily affairs. This study examined the effectiveness of a staff training, which teaches staff to promote self‐management in people with intellectual disabilities.MethodEffectiveness was assessed with questionnaires addressing clients’ (n = 26) independence and self‐reliance, support needs and challenging behaviour, using a pre–posttest control group design. Additionally, focus groups were conducted with trained staff members 6 months after the training.ResultsIn the long term, the intervention group showed a significant increase in independence and self‐reliance, in contrast to the comparison group. No effect was found on support needs and challenging behaviour. Trained staff members reported limited benefits of the training, but had noticed changes in their attitude and method of working afterwards.ConclusionsFurther self‐management research is required to investigate how independence and self‐reliance can be promoted more effectively in this population. Future trainings should carefully consider their content, format, and implementation.
Managers’ views of skilled support
Authors: Bradshaw Jill , Beadle‐Brown Julie , Richardson Lisa , Whelton Beckie , Leigh Jennifer 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundQuality of life of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities has been found to primarily depend on whether staff are providing facilitative and enabling support that helps to compensate for severity of disability. Managers have a key role in facilitating staff to provide such support.MethodQualitative interviews were conducted with 35 managers of supported accommodation services to explore service aims and the nature of, and challenges in providing, skilled support. Key themes were identified using a Thematic Networks Analysis.ResultsService aims were rarely formalised, were related to the individuals supported and not to the organisation. Managers found it difficult to define skilled support, other than by reference to individuals. Practice leadership roles were challenged as a result of austerity measures.ConclusionsFront‐line managers need more information and training in skilled support, with stronger leadership from senior management to provide the motivation and resources needed.
IFRS adoption, reporting incentives and financial reporting quality in private firms
Authors: Bassemir Moritz , Novotny‐Farkas Zoltán 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis study examines financial reporting quality (FRQ) effects around voluntary International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoptions by German private firms across two important dimensions, earnings quality and disclosure practices. To capture differences in the motivations for IFRS adoptions, we identify four different types of IFRS adopting firms based on a comprehensive set of firm characteristics. We observe earnings quality improvements around IFRS adoptions primarily for one type of firm, which is young, fast growing and seeking access to public equity markets. Using a matched sample of private German GAAP and IFRS reporting firms, we find some evidence suggesting that IFRS also contribute to higher earnings quality. Recognizing that our earnings quality metrics are only incomplete measures of FRQ, we also compare the disclosure practices of IFRS and German GAAP firms. We find that all IFRS firm types disclose significantly more information in their financial reports and show a higher propensity to publish their financial reports voluntarily on the corporate website. Our findings indicate that failure to identify earnings quality changes around IFRS adoption cannot be automatically interpreted as IFRS adoption having no effect on the FRQ of (private) firms. Collectively, our results suggest that both incentives and accounting standards shape private firms’ FRQ.
Successful stories and conflicts: A literature review on the effectiveness of flipped learning in higher education
Authors: Brewer R. , Movahedazarhouligh S. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAs technological advancements continue to revolutionize teaching, the use of technology in both college/university and K‐12 classrooms is making flipped learning a trending instructional model. “Flipping” the classroom reverses a traditional model of in‐class lecture followed by practice and homework. The roles and responsibilities of instructors and students often require a new or enhanced skill set where the instructor designs intentional learning experiences to engage students outside of the classroom. The learner is accountable for exploring materials outside of class in a self‐directed manner, attempting to gain foundational knowledge before class, and then actively applying it in the classroom. This review analyses the research on flipped learning and flipped classrooms in higher education from a variety of aspects including implementation, efficacy, and quality.
Manipulation of the energetic state of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar juveniles and the effect on migration speed
Authors: Persson L. , Leonardsson K. , Alanärä A. 
Published: February 2018

Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolts were produced with similar energetic states as wild S. salar and the effect of low energetic state on smolt migration was tested. The total energetic state of the fish (body lipids and proteins) in the spring was correlated with Fulton's condition factor (K). Fish at a low energetic state swam slower but migrated further than fish at a higher energetic state when tested in two experimental streams. During a period of starvation throughout the winter and spring, fish conserved their body‐lipid reserves at 1·5% by using more protein as an energy source and the metabolic shift occurred between 3·5 and 1·5% body lipids. An energetic state of approximately 3·5 kJ g−1 (K ≈ 0·65) appeared to be the critical limit for survival.
Theoretical Extensions of Minority Stress Theory for Sexual Minority Individuals in the Workplace: A Cross‐Contextual Understanding of Minority Stress Processes
Authors: Holman Elizabeth Grace 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMinority stress theory posits that stress processes specific to a sexual minority orientation can affect the psychological health and well‐being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, or queer‐identified (LGBQ) individuals. In the workplace, LGBQ employees experiencing minority stress report poor mental health outcomes and decreased job satisfaction and commitment. However, few scholars have examined the cross‐contextual effects minority stressors that individuals experience in the workplace may have on couples. That is, given the literature highlighting the work‐family interface, how do minority stressors at work affect the sexual minority employee within the family dynamics of same‐sex couples at home? The purpose of this article is to propose a multi‐theoretical approach which includes elements of minority stress theory and work–family border theory to guide future research in examining the cross‐contextual effects of minority stress for couple‐ and family‐level outcomes.
Sole Mothers in the Workforce: A Systematic Review and Agenda for Future Work–Family Research
Authors: Robinson Laura D. , Magee Christopher A. , Caputi Peter 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSole mothers potentially experience greater difficulties in meeting the challenges of combining employment and family than do partnered mothers, although there is remarkably little research on the work–family interface of sole mothers. A systematic review of quantitative literature on employed mothers is presented in this article to provide a case for further research on sole employed mothers, in particular for more comparative studies with partnered mothers. Conservation‐of‐resources theory is proposed as a theoretical framework for exploring these differences, research propositions are offered, and the implications of future research are discussed.
Living with family: perceptions of health and subjective well‐being of adults with an intellectual disability
Authors: Grey J. M. , Totsika V. , Hastings R. P. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the role of living circumstances to the perception of subjective well‐being (SWB) and health of adults with intellectual disability (ID). The aim of the present study was to examine whether living circumstances impact differently on the perception of health and SWB and whether potential differences persist after accounting for other variables (e.g. level of support needs and reporting method).MethodsSecondary data analysis was undertaken of a large national survey of adults with an ID in England, aged 16 years and over. Participants were identified as living with family (N = 1528) or living out of home (N = 874).ResultsThe results of t‐test and chi‐square revealed that levels of health and SWB were perceived as being higher for people living with family than those living in out‐of‐home settings. Multiple linear regression analyses fitted to explore factors associated with these reported differences revealed that, when controlling for other variables, living with family was highly associated with reports of better SWB. Multiple logistic regression revealed that whilst the health status of people living with families were perceived as better, this was only true when their support needs were low. Poorest health outcomes were found for people with highest support needs who lived with family.ConclusionsOn the whole, the health and well‐being of adults living with family were perceived more positively than those living out of home. However, potential health disparities exist for those with high support needs who live with family. Further longitudinal research is needed to explore causes and potential solution to these inequalities.
Transcriptional control of O6‐methylguanine DNA methyltransferase expression and temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma
Authors: Happold Caroline , Stojcheva Nina , Silginer Manuela , Weiss Tobias , Roth Patrick , Reifenberger Guido , Weller Michael 
Published: February 2018

AbstractO6‐methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation is a predictive biomarker for benefit from alkylating chemotherapy, specifically temozolomide (TMZ), in glioblastoma, the most common malignant intrinsic brain tumor. Glioma‐initiating cells (GIC) with stem‐like properties have been associated with resistance to therapy and progression. We assessed the levels of MGMT mRNA and MGMT protein by real‐time PCR and immunoblot and evaluated the impact of MGMT on TMZ sensitivity in clonogenicity assays in GIC sphere cultures (S) or differentiated adherent monolayer cultures (M). Nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling was assessed by reporter assay and immunoblot. Compared to M cells, S cells expressed higher levels of MGMT. Differentiation of GIC induced by S‐to‐M transition resulted in a gradual loss of MGMT expression and increased TMZ sensitivity. This transcriptional regulation of MGMT was restricted to cell lines without MGMT promoter methylation and was not coupled to any specific neurobasal (NB) stem cell medium supplement or loss of cell adhesion. Expression levels of p50/p65 subunits of NF‐κB, a transcriptional regulator of MGMT, were increased in S cells. Inhibition of NF‐κB by the small molecule inhibitor, BAY 11‐7082, or siRNA‐mediated gene silencing, reduced MGMT levels. In summary, alkylator resistance of S cells is mainly promoted by over‐expression of MGMT which results from increased activity of the NF‐κB pathway in this cell culture model of glioma stem‐like cells.
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Socio‐economic transitions and everyday life changes in the rural world: Pyrenean households and their contemporary economic history
Authors: del Mármol Camila , Celigueta Gemma , Vaccaro Ismael 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis article focuses on understanding rural life and how agrarian everyday life changes as a consequence of the radical socio‐economic transformations that, across the world, have accompanied rural communities in their transition from economies of subsistence to industrial production, and, in some areas, from there to providers of service to the tourism‐oriented leisure economy. In the last century in the Alt Urgell District (Spanish Pyrenees), many communities went from a production model based on subsistence farming and livestock breeding first to a specialization in milk production and later to tourism. The industrialization of milk production, the radical transformation of the scale of their operations, and the monetization of life transformed the identity and structure of these communities. The subsequent transformation of many of these farms to accommodate the leisure industry changed the shape of these households again. This paper reflects on how science, governance, commodification, and technology played a role on the transformation of the rural mountain areas, their people, and their everyday life.
Building a Dam, Constructing a Nation: The ‘drowning’ of Capel Celyn
Authors: Atkins Ed 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThroughout history, the planning and construction of a dam has become symbolic of wider political events and processes. This paper investigates how the Tryweryn scheme in north‐west Wales in the 1950s and 1960s became a central signifier within the emergent Welsh nationalism of the period. The project, providing water to the city of Liverpool, flooded the village of Capel Celyn and displaced its 48 residents. However, the opposition to the project extended beyond this rural community, with the scheme becoming a focal point for Welsh nationalism. This paper explores this significance, arguing that the Tryweryn scheme was articulated in a number of ways that elevated the project from a local issue to a national outcry, resulting in the term ‘Tryweryn’ having a resonance that continues to this day.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Late‐Onset Krabbe Disease: No Evidence of Worsening Demyelination and Axonal Loss 4 Years Post‐allograft
Authors: Laule Cornelia , Vavasour Irene M. , Shahinfard Elham , Mädler Burkhard , Zhang Jing , Li David K. B. , MacKay Alex L. , Sirrs Sandra M. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSELate‐onset adult Krabbe disease is a very rare demyelinating leukodystrophy, affecting less than 1 in a million people. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) strategies can stop the accumulation of toxic metabolites that damage myelin‐producing cells. We used quantitative advanced imaging metrics to longitudinally assess the impact of HSCT on brain abnormalities in adult‐onset Krabbe disease.METHODSA 42‐year‐old female with late‐onset Krabbe disease and an age/sex‐matched healthy control underwent annual 3T MRI (baseline was immediately prior to HSCT for the Krabbe subject). Imaging included conventional scans, myelin water imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy.RESULTSBrain abnormalities far beyond those visible on conventional imaging were detected, suggesting a global pathological process occurs in Krabbe disease with adult‐onset etiology, with myelin being more affected than axons, and evidence of wide‐spread gliosis. After HSCT, our patient showed clinical stability in all measures, as well as improvement in gait, dysarthria, and pseudobulbar affect at 7.5 years post‐transplant. No MRI evidence of worsening demyelination and axonal loss was observed up to 4 years post‐allograft.CONCLUSIONSClinical evidence and stability of advanced MR measures related to myelin and axons supports HSCT as an effective treatment strategy for stopping progression associated with late‐onset Krabbe disease.