bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of attenuation and dispersion of propagating wave due to the coexistence of three fluid phases in the pore volume
Authors: Ahmad Qazi Adnan , Wu Guochen , Zhaoyun Zong , Jianlu Wu , Kun Li , Tianwei Du , Khan Nasir 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACTIn exploration geophysics, the efforts to extract subsurface information from wave characteristics exceedingly depend on the construction of suitable rock physics model. Analysis of different rock physics models reveals that the strength and magnitude of attenuation and dispersion of propagating wave exceedingly depend on wave‐induced fluid flow at multiple scales. In current work, a comprehensive analysis of wave attenuation and velocity dispersion is carried out at broad frequency range. Our methodology is based on Biot's poroelastic relations, by which variations in wave characteristics associated with wave‐induced fluid flow due to the coexistence of three fluid phases in the pore volume is estimated. In contrast to the results of previous research, our results indicate the occurrence of two‐time pore pressure relaxation phenomenon at the interface between fluids of disparate nature, that is, different bulk modulus, viscosity and density. Also, the obtained results are compatible with numerical results for the same 1D model which are accounted using Biot's poroelastic and quasi‐static equation in frequency domain. Moreover, the effects of change in saturation of three‐phase fluids were also computed which is the key task for geophysicist. The outcomes of our research reveal that pore pressure relaxation phenomenon significantly depends on the saturation of distinct fluids and the order of saturating fluids. It is also concluded that the change in the saturation of three‐phase fluid significantly influences the characteristics of the seismic wave. The analysis of obtained results indicates that our proposed approach is a useful tool for quantification, identification and discrimination of different fluid phases. Moreover, our proposed approach improves the accuracy to predict dispersive behaviour of propagating wave at sub‐seismic and seismic frequencies.
Learning through experimentation in an oligopoly market with asymmetric information
Authors: Ropero Miguel Ángel 
Published: September 2019

AbstractUnlike previous literature, in which firms compete in the market with the same information, this article analyses a two‐period duopoly game in which only one firm is completely informed about the market conditions, whereas the other firm is unaware of one parameter of the demand curve. In this setting, we describe how the informed firm uses its price set in period 1 in order to reveal or to hide its private information and how the uninformed firm uses its own price in period 1 in order to learn the market conditions when they are not revealed by its rival. Specifically, we obtained the conditions under which the informed firm sets a higher price than its optimum in the first period to hide its private information in certain cases and to reveal that information in others. Likewise, this paper describes the conditions under which the uninformed firm sets a lower price than its optimum in period 1 in order to learn the unknown parameter. We found that the informed firm's cost of revealing its private information to its rival is lower than the uninformed firm's cost of learning the market conditions.
Do educational practitioners invest in specialised discourses of autism? Professional knowledge landscapes of teachers and teaching assistants in mainstream schools
Authors: Conn Carmel 
Published: September 2019

A key metaphor used to describe the complexity of what teachers do is that of professional knowledge landscapes. This conveys the idea that effective practice should be explored in relation to how teachers perceive pupils, but also to how teachers see themselves and questions of professional identity. The research reported here was part of a larger study into inclusive pedagogy for autistic pupils. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was applied to transcripts of semi‐structured interviews with mainstream practitioners (n = 8) to identify constructions about practice. Findings show that specialised knowledge about autism was welcomed, but effective practice was seen to be based wholly on ongoing interactions with pupils and did not differ from practices used with other pupils. Findings from this research contest the idea that mainstream practitioners simply fall short in adopting certain practices for autistic pupils and indicate they have practices of their own which are aligned with ideas about inclusive education.
Improvement of the Antioxidant Activity, Water Solubility, and Dispersion Stability of Prickly Pear Cactus Fruit Extracts Using Argon Cold Plasma Treatment
Authors: Kim Su Yeon , Lee Seung Young , Min Sea C. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMicrowave‐powered cold plasma (CP) treatment was evaluated as a means to increase the antioxidant activity, water solubility, and dispersion stability of prickly pear cactus fruit (Opuntia ficus‐indica (L.) Mill.) extract. The extract (2 g) was treated at various CP generation powers and treatment times at 25 °C to 28 °C. The antioxidant activity of the prickly pear cactus fruit extract increased by 1.8% and 1.7% after CP treatment at 750 W for 40 min and 856 W for 36 min, respectively. Both the water solubility and dispersion stability (delta backscattering) of the extract increased by 2.4% and 0.1%, respectively, following CP treatment at 644 W for 36 min. These results suggest the potential of CP treatment to increase the applicability of the prickly pear cactus fruit extract and possibly other insoluble natural antioxidant compounds in foods by improving their antioxidant activities and solubility in water.Practical ApplicationPrickly pear cactus fruit is a functional food with a high antioxidant concentration. This study demonstrated that cold plasma treatment improved the water solubility and dispersion stability of prickly pear cactus fruit extract without altering or improving its antioxidant activity. The obtained results suggested the potential of applying cold plasma technology to improve the applicability of the extract, which is difficult to solubilize in food systems, to various processed foods.
Leveraging whole genome sequencing data for demographic inference with approximate Bayesian computation
Authors: Smith Chris C. R. , Flaxman Samuel M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAccounting for historical demographic features, such as the strength and timing of gene flow and divergence times between closely related lineages, is vital for many inferences in evolutionary biology. Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) is one method commonly used to estimate demographic parameters. However, the DNA sequences used as input for this method, often microsatellites or RADseq loci, usually represent a small fraction of the genome. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) data, on the other hand, have been used less often with ABC, and questions remain about the potential benefit of, and how to best implement, this type of data; we used pseudo‐observed data sets to explore such questions. Specifically, we addressed the potential improvements in parameter estimation accuracy that could be associated with WGS data in multiple contexts; namely, we quantified the effects of (a) more data, (b) haplotype‐based summary statistics, and (c) locus length. Compared with a hypothetical RADseq data set with 2.5 Mbp of data, using a 1 Gbp data set consisting of 100 Kbp sequences led to substantial gains in the accuracy of parameter estimates, which was mostly due to haplotype statistics and increased data. We also quantified the effects of including (a) locus‐specific recombination rates, and (b) background selection information in ABC analyses. Importantly, assuming uniform recombination or ignoring background selection had a negative effect on accuracy in many cases. Software and results from this method validation study should be useful for future demographic history analyses.
Targeted genotyping by sequencing: a new way to genome profile the cat
Authors: Longeri M. , Chiodi A. , Brilli M. , Piazza A. , Lyons L. A. , Sofronidis G. , Cozzi M. C. , Bazzocchi C. 
Published: September 2019

SummaryTargeted GBS is a recent approach for obtaining an effective characterization for hundreds to thousands of markers. The high throughput of next‐generation sequencing technologies, moreover, allows sample multiplexing. The aims of this study were to (i) define a panel of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the cat, (ii) use GBS for profiling 16 cats, and (iii) evaluate the performance with respect to the inference using standard approaches at different coverage thresholds, thereby providing useful information for designing similar experiments. Probes for sequencing 230 variants were designed based on the Felis_catus_8.0. 8.0 genome. The regions comprised anonymous and non‐anonymous SNPs. Sixteen cat samples were analysed, some of which had already been genotyped in a large group of loci and one having been whole‐genome sequenced in the 99_Lives Cat Genome Sequencing Project. The accuracy of the method was assessed by comparing the GBS results with the genotypes already available. Overall, GBS achieved good performance, with 92–96% correct assignments, depending on the coverage threshold used to define the set of trustable genotypes. Analyses confirmed that (i) the reliability of the inference of each genotype depends on the coverage at that locus and (ii) the fraction of target loci whose genotype can be inferred correctly is a function of the total coverage. GBS proves to be a valid alternative to other methods. Data suggested a depth of less than 11× is required for greater than 95% accuracy. However, sequencing depth must be adapted to the total size of the targets to ensure proper genotype inference.
Review: Non‐Invasive Brain Stimulation in Behavioral Addictions: Insights from Direct Comparisons With Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Gomis‐Vicent Elena , Thoma Volker , Turner John J.D. , Hill Kevin P. , Pascual‐Leone Alvaro 
Published: September 2019

Background and ObjectivesTreatment models developed for substance use disorders (SUDs) are often applied to behavioral addictions (BAs), even though the correspondence between these forms of addiction is unclear. This is also the case for noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques being investigated as potential treatment interventions for SUDs and BAs. Objectives: to contribute to the development of more effective NIBS protocols for BAs.MethodsTwo literature searches using PubMed and Google Scholar were conducted identifying a total of 35 studies. The first search identified 25 studies examining the cognitive and neurophysiological overlap between BAs and SUDs. The second search yielded 10 studies examining the effects of NIBS in BAs.ResultsImpulsivity and cravings show behavioral and neurophysiologic overlaps between BAs and SUDs, however, other outcomes like working‐memory abilities or striatal connectivity, differ between BAs and SUDs. The most‐employed NIBS target in BAs was dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), which was associated with a decrease in cravings, and less frequently with a reduction of addiction severity.Conclusions and Scientific SignificanceDirect comparisons between BAs and SUDs revealed discrepancies between behavioral and neurophysiological outcomes, but overall, common and distinctive characteristics underlying each disorder. The lack of complete overlap between BAs and SUDs suggests that investigating the cognitive and neurophysiological features of BAs to create individual NIBS protocols that target risk‐factors associated specifically with BAs, might be more effective than transferring protocols from SUDs to BAs. Individualizing NIBS protocols to target specific risk‐factors associated with each BA might help to improve treatment interventions for BAs. (Am J Addict 2019;00:1–23)
Skin benefits of moisturising body wash formulas for children with atopic dermatitis: A randomised controlled clinical study in China
Authors: Xu Zigang , Liu Xiaoyan , Niu Yueqing , Shen Chunping , Heminger Kate , Moulton Laurie , Yu Amy , Allen Tina , Zhang Lesheng , Yue Feng , Liu Jiquan , Xu Ying , Zhao Helen , Li Lijuan , Cambron Tom , Xu Jian , Smith Ed , Wei Karl 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundIt acknowledged that skin care is an important part of atopic dermatitis therapy. However, clinical evidences are limited for the best bathing practices, especially the skin health performance of cleansing products on children's atopic dermatitis skin.MethodsA randomised controlled clinical study was conducted in China among 4‐ to 18‐year‐old children with mild‐to‐moderate atopic dermatitis to evaluate the skin health effect of three cleansing systems (a mild synthetic bar, an ultra‐mild body wash with lipids, and an ultra‐mild body wash with lipids and zinc pyrithione) by measuring SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), consumption of topical corticosteroid and the characteristics of microbiome.ResultsIncreased Staphylococcus aureus abundance and decreased microbial diversity were observed in atopic dermatitis lesion sites compared with healthy control sites. After 4 weeks of treatment, all three treatments showed clinically important improvement from baseline in SCORAD. Four‐week corticosteroid consumption was significantly lower for the two body wash groups than the bar group. A significant decrease in S. aureus abundance and increase in microbial diversity were observed in the lesion sites for the two body wash formulas, while the microbial diversity was statistically insignificant for the mild cleansing bar group. However, there were no incremental benefits provided by the body wash formulas based on the assessment of SCORAD.ConclusionsThese results demonstrated the safety and efficacy of using the investigational body wash formulas with lipids in reducing the needs for corticosteroid and improving the healthy composition of skin microbiome vs. the mild synthetic bar soap.
Performance of basophil activation test and specific IgG4 as diagnostic tools in nonspecific lipid transfer protein allergy: Antwerp‐Barcelona comparison
Authors: Decuyper Ine I. , Pascal Mariona , Van Gasse Athina L. , Mertens Christel , Díaz‐Perales Araceli , Araujo Giovanna , Torradeflot Maria , Rius Josefina , Balsells Sara , Muñoz‐Cano Rosa M. , Bartra Joan , Li Lynne , Sabato Vito , Hagendorens Margo M. , Bridts Chris H. , De Clerck Luc S. , Ebo Didier G. , Faber Margaretha A. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies show that nsLTP sensitization is not limited to the Mediterranean basin and can present diverse clinical phenotypes. It remains challenging to predict clinical outcome when specific IgE antibodies (sIgE) to nsLTPs are present. This study compares both clinical and in vitro allergy characteristics but also diagnostic performance of a basophil activation test (BAT) and sIgG4 in nsLTP‐sensitized patients from Antwerp (ANT, Belgium) and Barcelona (BCN, Spain).MethodsAdult subjects with positive sIgE rPru p 3 and/or rMal d 3 ≥ 0.10 kUA/L (n = 182) and healthy controls (n = 37) were included. NsLTP‐sensitized individuals were stratified according to clinical symptoms with peach/apple, respectively. BAT rPru p 3 and rMal d 3 were performed and sIgG4 antibodies to both components quantified.ResultsIn BCN, only ratios of sIgG4/sIgE rMal d 3 and BAT rMal d 3 (0.001 µg/mL) can identify clinically relevant Mal d 3 sensitization (sensitivity of 60%‐63% and a specificity of 75%‐67%, respectively). In ANT, only the sIgE/total IgE rPru p 3 ratio shows added value (sensitivity 60% and specificity 83%). Finally, it appears that symptomatic patients in BCN are more sensitive to lower allergen concentrations compared to ANT. In addition, it was shown that ANT patients were more often sensitized to pollen and that specific pollen sources differed between regions.ConclusionsNsLTP‐related allergy profiles and diagnostic performance differ significantly between regions and are component‐specific, which makes extrapolation of data difficult to do. In addition, it seems that basophil sensitivity might show geographical differences. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings.
Pollen exposure weakens innate defense against respiratory viruses
Authors: Gilles Stefanie , Blume Cornelia , Wimmer Maria , Damialis Athanasios , Meulenbroek Laura , Gökkaya Mehmet , Bergougnan Carolin , Eisenbart Selina , Sundell Nicklas , Lindh Magnus , Andersson Lars‐Magnus , Dahl Åslög , Chaker Adam , Kolek Franziska , Wagner Sabrina , Neumann Avidan U. , Akdis Cezmi A. , Garssen Johan , Westin Johan , van't Land Belinda , Davies Donna E. , Traidl‐Hoffmann Claudia 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundHundreds of plant species release their pollen into the air every year during early spring. During that period, pollen allergic as well as non‐allergic patients frequently present to doctors with severe respiratory tract infections. Our objective was therefore to assess whether pollen may interfere with antiviral immunity.MethodsWe combined data from real‐life human exposure cohorts, a mouse model and human cell culture to test our hypothesis.ResultsPollen significantly diminished interferon‐λ and pro‐inflammatory chemokine responses of airway epithelia to rhinovirus and viral mimics and decreased nuclear translocation of interferon regulatory factors. In mice infected with respiratory syncytial virus, co‐exposure to pollen caused attenuated antiviral gene expression and increased pulmonary viral titers. In non‐allergic human volunteers, nasal symptoms were positively correlated with airborne birch pollen abundance, and nasal birch pollen challenge led to downregulation of type I and ‐III interferons in nasal mucosa. In a large patient cohort, numbers of rhinoviruspositive cases were correlated with airborne birch pollen concentrations.ConclusionThe ability of pollen to suppress innate antiviral immunity, independent of allergy, suggests that high‐risk population groups should avoid extensive outdoor activities when pollen and respiratory virus seasons coincide.
The role of inflammatory parameters (neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte‐to‐eosinophil ratio) in patients with Peyronie's disease
Authors: Özbir S. , Değirmentepe R. B. , Atalay H. A. , Alkan İ. , Çakır S. S. , Ötünçtemur A. , Canat H. L. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of the study was to investigate the ability of the systemic inflammatory parameters to predict the discrimination of the phases of Peyronie's disease (PD).Materials and methodsDemographic, clinical, and laboratory data from 156 patients with PD were analyzed. A complete blood count (CBC) was obtained for every patient, and the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte‐to‐eosinophil ratio (MER) were calculated for every men. Subsequently, patients were divided into two groups based upon the phase of the disease.ResultsThe mean age was 51.9 ± 9.6 in all study population. The mean duration between symptom onset and patient evaluation was 4.2 ± 3.2 months in acute phase group, while it was 32.7 ± 31.7 months in chronic phase group (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the groups according to comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, lipid abnormalities, ischemic heart disease, smoking, and alcohol consumption. There was a statistically significant difference in NLR and PLR between two groups (p = 0.008, p = 0.008, respectively). NLR and PLR were significantly correlated with discrimination status in univariate analysis (p = 0.003, p = 0.005, respectively). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that NLR was the only independent risk factor for discrimination of the phases of PD (p < 0.001). The ROC analysis revealed a cutoff value of 1.8 (AUC 0.712, p < 0.001; sensitivity 61.1%; specificity 75.0%) for the NLR.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that NLR could be helpful to differentiate the chronic phase from the acute phase in patients with PD. Therefore, NLR could be used as an objective biomarker to the management of the disease and choosing the appropriate treatment.
Variations in preterm stabilisation practices and caffeine therapy between two European tertiary level neonatal units
Authors: Belkhatir Khadidja , Zivanovic Sanja , Lumgair Heather , Knaack Daniel , Wimberger Ralf , Sallmon Hannes , Roehr Charles C. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAimTo investigate interinstitutional differences in preterm infant stabilisation between two European tertiary neonatal centres with particular focus on intubation timing, surfactant administration, caffeine therapy and neonatal morbidity and mortality.MethodsRetrospective (2012‐2014) study of very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants admitted to John Radcliffe Hospital (UK centre) and Charité Medical Centre (German centre). Timing of intubation, surfactant and caffeine administration and respiratory outcomes were examined.ResultsGestational age, birth weight and five‐minute Apgar scores of VLBW infants from the UK centre (n = 86) were comparable to those from the German centre (n = 96). Significant differences in antenatal steroid therapy, intubation timing and surfactant therapy were noted. Timing of caffeine initiation differed significantly between centres (median 0 [0‐2.5] UK vs. 2 [1.5‐4] days German centre); however, caffeine was discontinued at a similar corrected gestational age of 34.7 weeks. Mechanical ventilation was significantly longer at the UK centre, but there was no difference in bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (44% UK vs. 36% German centre) or mortality (15% UK vs. 13% German centre).ConclusionTiming of primary intubation and caffeine therapy differed significantly between centres. However, earlier intubation and caffeine administration in the UK centre were not associated with a changed incidence of BPD.
Eucalyptus citriodora leaf extract‐mediated biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles: broad antimicrobial spectrum and mechanisms of action against hospital‐acquired pathogens
Authors: Paosen Supakit , Jindapol Sarunporn , Soontarach Rosesathorn , Voravuthikunchai Supayang Piyawan 
Published: September 2019

Pathogen resistance to conventional antibiotics has become a serious clinical and public health problem, making the development of an alternative mean a very urgent issue. Recently, biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was successfully accomplished in the presence of Eucalyptus citriodora leaf extract as a reducing agent. In this study, the antimicrobial mechanisms of AgNPs against important hospital‐acquired pathogens, including Gram‐positive, Gram‐negative bacteria, and fungi were further assessed. The results indicated that AgNPs could enhance a broad antimicrobial spectrum against drug‐resistant organisms, with a range of minimum inhibitory concentration from 0.02 to 0.36 μg/mL. Time‐kill assay showed that AgNPs produced bactericidal effects on the microorganisms. AgNPs could significantly reduce biofilm production in pathogens without affecting growth of the pathogens (p < 0.05). AgNPs inhibited cell viability and biofilm formation in a dose‐dependent manner. Cell membrane damage in microorganisms resulting from effects of AgNPs was observed. A significant increase in per cent uptake of crystal violet was observed in all isolates treated with AgNPs when compared with the control (p < 0.05). Upon treatment with AgNPs, the surface charge of the reference strains and clinical isolates of pathogens moved towards neutral. The alteration of surface potential after exposure to AgNPs could contribute to membrane disruption and cell viability. Scanning electron microscopy further confirmed morphological cell changes and disrupted the cell membrane. Increasing resistance to AgNPs was not induced by stepwise isolation of the bacteria after 45 passages on Luria‐Bertani agar supplemented with AgNPs. Furthermore, AgNPs was not toxic to red blood cells.