bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomarker Ratios and Stablecarbon Isotopes to Describe Crude Oils Characteristics in the Murzuq Basin (Libya)
Authors: Aboglila S. , Abdulgader A. , Albaghdady A. , Hlal O. , Farifr E. 
Published: March 2019

This present paper includes a detailed evaluation of specific biomarkers together with stable carbon isotope (δ13C) by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and Gas Chromatograph–Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC–IR–MS). Eight crude oil samples were collected from the A, B, H (east) and H (west) Fields, located in the Murzuq Basin, Libya. Stable Carbon isotope data (δ13C) together with biomarker ratios data of individual hydrocarbons, n-alkanes, isoprenoids, terpenes, hopanes, steranes and aromatic have been determined in crude oils to delineate their bacterial degradation, source facies, organic matter precursors, depositional conditions and a variation of maturation. Based on source-specific parameters including n-C19 alkane, % C27S, %C28S, %C29S, %C23TT, %C30αβ, %rC28, DBT/P, CPI, Pr/Ph, Ts/Tm, dh 30/h 30, 1 MN, 2 MN, 26-27 DMN, 15 DMN, 236 TMN, 146-135 TMN, 125 TMN, 136 TMN ratios and δ13C‰ of saturates and aromatics fractions. Such oils showed non-biodegradation, n-C19 peak proved oils generated from a Lower Palaeozoic source rocks as emphasizedvian-C19 peak, the dominance of C29steranes over C27 and C28 with light Carbon isotope ratio (δ13C‰) values. The abundances of isosterane C29, C27, C28.Tricyclohexaprenol and bacteriohopane polyols and aminopolyols, recommended as mixture bioprecursors of tricyclic terpenes and hopanes, furthermore regular sterane ratio gives values characteristic of Lower Palaeozoic marine source rocks and holding green algae and most likely a quantity of contribution from acritarchs. Carbon preference indices (CPIs)>0.9 pointed to an anoxic deposition, dibenzothiophene to phenanthrene (DBT/Prange 0.49 - 0.58) recommend a siliciclastic source rather than carbonate and/or evaporate saline deposition. The ratios of CPIs, pristane/n-C17 and phytane/n-C18, n-alkanes (C16 to C22) against (C23 to C33), Ts/Tm, C30diahopane/C30hopane, methylnaphthalene, dimethyl naphthalene and trimethyl naphthalene indicated that the oils analysed are mature except the B Field oil being slightly less mature than the A, H (east) and H (west) Fields oils.
Usage of Information Technology on Employee Commitment: Airport & Aviation Industry in Sri Lanka (AASL)
Authors: Abeyrathna A. G. G. S. , Tissera P. V. S , Rajapakshe W. 
Published: March 2019

Aims: The objective of the study was to examine how Information Technology (IT) affects the commitment of employees in Airport & Aviation Industry in Sri Lanka (AASL).
Study Design: This study is primarily a survey research, relying mainly on the collection and analysis of primary data collected through a questionnaire.
Methodology: Based on the review of theoretical background and the literature and exploratory interviews with the participants, three determinant on commitment were identify in this study, including usage of IT, IT infrastructure, IT knowledge management. The population of study constituted of 4000 employees in 19 departments in AASL as a population of interest. The study employed purposive sampling method to select six department from 19 in the population and then random sampling method was used to select 250. Structured questionnaires were used in collecting data. The results of Cronbach’s alpha values are greater than 0.7 for all variables. To analysis data, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis were used.
Results: Four hypotheses were tested and all were accepted. Results indicate that employee background on IT, IT infrastructure and IT knowledge management are affecting by 50.4 percent to employee commitment. In addition, results showed that there is a positive and moderate relationship between employee background on IT and IT knowledge management with employee commitment. Moreover, there is a positive and weak relationship between IT infrastructure and employee commitment. The study concluded that Employee background on IT, IT infrastructure and IT knowledge management factors take part in a critical role in influencing the level of employee commitment is a conclusion that was made.
Effect of Anti-Hypertensive Drugs on Blood Pressure Lowering and Renal Function
Authors: Ajulo Olugbenga M. , Ajulo Oluwatoyin H. , Anietimfon Blessing W. , Umoh Idongesit O. 
Published: March 2019

Aim: Study aimed at evaluating blood pressure (BP) lowering effect of antihypertensive medications and their effect on renal function.
Study Design: This was a progressive observational study, evaluating the lowering effect of selected antihypertensive agents on BP and renal functions of hypertensive patients. Study Location: The study involved moderately hypertensive patients who attended Cardiology clinic and were already receiving antihypertensive drug regimen at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom state, Nigeria. University of Uyo Teaching Hospital is a tertiary healthcare facility that was established in 1999.
Methods: Seventy hypertensive patients who received antihypertensive medications for at least 6 months were recruited for the study. The recruited participants were advised on adherence and were given adherence chart to record time of medication used. A 3 ml blood was collected and Omron digital BP meter was used to take three separate BP readings and the average was recorded. The blood samples were analysed in the laboratory for serum creatinine (Scr) by using Randox’s Scr and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) kits. The Scr was used to calculate the creatinine clearance (CrCl) by using Corkcroft-Gault equation. Participants were followed-up for three months consecutively. Statistical analysis was considered significant at p=.05. SPSS version 20 was used for the analysis.
Results: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) reduced from 130±2.64 mmHg in phase 1 to 120±1.13 mmHg in phase 3 while CrCl increased from 82.01±4.49 ml/min to 91.62±4.35 ml/min respectively. Both SBP and BUN were higher in females (131±3.30 mmHg and 2.67±0.19 µmol/l) while CrCl was higher in males (102.06±8.91 ml/min). Amlodipine (AM) reduced SBP by 9 mmHg, Lisinopril+Hydrochlorothiazide (LH) reduced SBP by 7 mmHg and Lisinopril+Amlodipine+Hydrochlorothiazide (LAH) reduced SBP by 22 mmHg. CrCl decreased among participants on AM, LH and LAH by 0.89 ml/min, 0.01 ml/min and 8 ml/min respectively. Conclusion: Antihypertensive medications reduced SBP especially in three-drug combinations but worsened renal function.
Progressively Exposing Active Facets of 2D Nanosheets toward Enhanced Pseudocapacitive Response and High‐Rate Sodium Storage
Authors: Xu Xin , Zhao Ruisheng , Chen Bo , Wu Lishu , Zou Chenji , Ai Wei , Zhang Hua , Huang Wei , Yu Ting 
Published: March 2019

AbstractSodium‐ion batteries are gradually regarded as a prospective alternative to lithium‐ion batteries due to the cost consideration. Here, three kinds of tin (IV) sulfide nanosheets are controllably designed with progressively exposed active facets, leading to beneficial influences on the Na+ storage kinetics, resulting in gradient improvements of pseudocapacitive response and rate performance. Interestingly, different forms of kinetics results are generated accompanying with the morphology and structure evolution of the three nanosheets. Finally, detailed density functional theory simulations are also applied to analyze the above experimental achievements, proving that different exposed facets of crystalline anodes possess dissimilar Na+ storage kinetics. The investigation experiences and conclusions shown in this work are meaningful to explore many other proper structure design routes toward the high‐rate and stable metal‐ions storage.
Inflorescence evolution in Santalales: integrating morphological characters and molecular phylogenetics
Authors: Nickrent Daniel L. , Anderson Frank , Kuijt Job 
Published: March 2019

Premise of the StudyThe sandalwood order (Santalales) includes members that present a diverse array of inflorescence types, some of which are unique among angiosperms. This diversity presents not only interpretational challenges but also opportunities to test fundamental concepts in plant morphology. Here we used modern phylogenetic approaches to address the evolution of inflorescences in the sandalwood order.MethodsPhylogenetic analyses of two nuclear and three chloroplast genes were conducted on representatives of 146 of the 163 genera in the order. A matrix was constructed that scored nine characters dealing with inflorescences. One character, “trios”, that encompasses any grouping of three flowers (i.e., both dichasia and triads) was optimized on samples of the posterior distribution of trees from the Bayesian analysis using BayesTraits. Three nodes were examined: the most recent common ancestors of (A) all ingroup members, (B) Loranthaceae, and (C) Opiliaceae, Santalaceae s.l., and Viscaceae.Key ResultsThe phylogenetic analysis resulted in many fully resolved nodes across Santalales with strong support for 18 clades previously named as families. The trios character was not supported for nodes A and C, whereas it was supported for node B where this partial inflorescence type is best described as a triad.ConclusionsEssentially every major inflorescence type can be found in Santalales; however, the dichasium, a type of partial inflorescence, is rarely seen and is not plesiomorphic for the order. In the family Erythropalaceae, inflorescences are mostly in small, axillary fascicles or cymes. Successive families show both cymose and racemose types and compound systems (e.g., thyrses). Inflorescences in Amphorogynaceae and Viscaceae are not dichasial and in general are difficult to compare to “standard” inflorescences.
Patterns and biases in an Arctic herbarium specimen collection: Implications for phenological research
Authors: Panchen Zoe A. , Doubt Jennifer , Kharouba Heather M. , Johnston Mark O. 
Published: March 2019

Premise of the StudyHerbarium specimens are increasingly used in phenological studies. However, natural history collections can have biases that influence the analysis of phenological events. Arctic environments, where remoteness and cold climate govern collection logistics, may give rise to unique or pronounced biases.MethodsWe assessed the presence of biases in time, space, phenological events, collectors, taxonomy, and plant traits across Nunavut using herbarium specimens accessioned at the National Herbarium of Canada (CAN).ResultsWe found periods of high and low collection that corresponded to societal and institutional events; greater collection density close to common points of air and sea access; and preferences to collect plants at the flowering phase and in peak flower, and to collect particular taxa, flower colours, growth forms, and plant heights. One‐quarter of collectors contributed 90% of the collection.DiscussionCollections influenced by temporal and spatial biases have the potential to misrepresent phenology across space and time, whereas those shaped by the interests of collectors or the tendency to favour particular phenological stages, taxa, and plant traits could give rise to imbalanced phenological comparisons. Underlying collection patterns may vary among regions and institutions. To guide phenological analyses, we recommend routine assessment of any herbarium data set prior to its use.
Ultrahigh‐Content Nitrogen‐doped Carbon Encapsulating Cobalt NPs as Catalyst for Oxidative Esterification of Furfural
Authors: Wang Ting , Ma Hong , Liu Xin , Luo Yang , Zhang Shujing , Sun Yuxia , Wang Xinhong , Gao Jin , Xu Jie 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIt is an attractive and challenging topic to endow non‐noble metal catalysts with high efficiency via a nitrogen‐doping approach. In this study, a nitrogen‐doped carbon catalyst with high nitrogen content encapsulating cobalt NPs (CoOx@N‐C(g)) was synthesized, and characterized in detail by XRD, HRTEM, N2‐physisorption, ICP, CO2‐TPD, and XPS techniques. g‐C3N4 nanosheets act as nitrogen source and self‐sacrificing templates, giving rise to an ultrahigh nitrogen content of 14.0 %, much higher than those using bulk g‐C3N4 (4.4 %) via the same synthesis procedures. As a result, CoOx@N‐C(g) exhibited the highest performance in the oxidative esterification of biomass‐derived platform furfural to methylfuroate under base‐free conditions, achieving 95.0 % conversion and 97.1 % selectivity toward methylfuroate under 0.5 MPa O2 at 100 °C for 6 h, far exceeding those of other cobalt‐based catalysts. The high efficiency of CoOx@N‐C(g) was closely related to its high ratio of pyridinic nitrogen species that may act as Lewis basic sites as well as its capacity for the activation of dioxygen to superoxide radical O2.−.
The inhibition of hypoxia‐induced angiogenesis and metastasis by cinnamaldehyde is mediated by decreasing HIF‐1α protein synthesis via PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Patra Kartick , Jana Samarjit , Sarkar Arnab , Mandal Deba P. , Bhattacharjee Shamee 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTumor hypoxia is positively correlated with tumor aggressiveness and hence is a negative prognostic factor in cancer. As normal cells usually do not experience such low oxygen levels, hypoxic cell signaling has attracted significant attention for the development of tumor‐selective treatment strategies. In response to hypoxia, the master transcriptional regulator, HIF‐1α plays central role in cellular adaptation by transactivating several crucial downstream target genes, which are involved in angiogenesis, metastasis, and EMT. In this study, we investigated the effect of cinnamaldehyde (CA), the main active ingredient of Cinnamon cassia bark extract, on hypoxia‐induced angiogenesis and metastasis. The study in vitro comprised two cell lines, viz, sarcoma 180 and B16F10 melanoma, which were further confirmed in their respective transplantable in vivo models. Results show that CA administration inhibited tumor angiogenesis, EMT, and metastasis. At the molecular level, this was accompanied by a reduction in VEGF secretion, VEGF receptor (FLK) phosphorylation, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, and activity as well as a reduction in the EMT‐related factors TWIST and ZEB1. Next, we focused our study particularly on the modulation of HIF‐1 α by CA, which revealed that CA decreased HIF‐1 α protein level by inhibiting its synthesis without affecting its proteasomal degradation. Furthermore, the PI3/Akt/mTOR pathway, which plays an important role in HIF‐1α transcription and translation, was also inhibited by CA both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, it can be concluded that CA decreased angiogenesis and metastasis in tumor cells by inhibiting HIF‐1α protein accumulation probably by targeting the PI3/Akt/mTOR pathway. © 2019 BioFactors, 45(3):401–415, 2019
Re‐exploring immune‐related side effects of docetaxel in an observational study: Blood hypereosinophilia
Authors: Hamdan Diaddin , Leboeuf Christophe , Le Foll Christine , Bousquet Guilhem , Janin Anne 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDocetaxel is a major anticancer drug that can induce hypersensitivity reactions leading to deleterious treatment interruptions. Blood hypereosinophilia could be a biological sign, potentially lethal, of delayed visceral hypersensitivity reactions. We hypothesized this biological event is probably underreported. In this prospective observational study, we followed up 149 patients treated with docetaxel monotherapy for breast or lung cancer. For each patient, blood eosinophil counts were recorded during docetaxel treatment and up to 3 months after the end of docetaxel treatment. For all patients, blood eosinophil counts significantly increased under docetaxel chemotherapy (P < 0.01). Seven percent had persistent eosinophilia after the end of treatment. Four patients had blood eosinophil counts over 1000/mm3 with severe cardiac, cutaneous and digestive toxicities, and docetaxel imputability was confirmed using drug‐imputability scales. For two of these four patients, tissue biopsies were performed during the time of hypereosinophilia and of severe toxicities. Specific immunostainings and electron microscopy found numerous degranulating mast cells and eosinophils. Our study demonstrated that eosinophilia is frequent under docetaxel and could lead to severe complications, implicating eosinophils and mast cells, and possibly IgE. One way of treating hypersensitivity reactions could be by targeting IgEs with omalizumab, an anti‐IgE monoclonal antibody approved for the treatment of severe allergic asthma, and successfully used in food and poison‐induced anaphylactic reactions.
Evaluation of failed prosthetic valves in the valve‐in‐valve era: Potential for utilizing positron emission tomography/computed tomography to recognize infective endocarditis
Authors: Lam David H. , Itani Malak , Dvir Danny 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBioprosthetic valve dysfunction was treated in the past with redo open heart surgery. The need to identify occult leaflet infection was not an important requirement as all valve tissue was removed during surgery. With the dramatic growth in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) valve‐in‐valve (ViV) therapy, identification of occult infection is of major significance. TAVR should be rarely performed in infected prosthetic valves and the optimal approach should include open heart surgery and removal of infected tissue. With surgical implants, it can be challenging to distinguish infection from degeneration. The use of advanced imaging modalities, including 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography, in the diagnosis of occult infection is emerging. We report the use of this imaging modality to identify or exclude endocarditis in patients with prosthetic valves who were candidates for ViV therapy.
What lurks in the shadows of the openness hyperbole for biopharmaceuticals?
Authors: Neethu R. , Minssen Timo 
Published: March 2019

AbstractRecent advances in transparency initiative signify laudable developments. Yet, a closer look on the legal developments indicates that commercially confidential information and personal data will continue to pose persisting challenges for clinical trial transparency and drug development. This article depicts these developments with a particular focus on European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Biologics. We argue that in order to promote the development of innovative biologics and biosimilars, the EMA will need to carefully consider and address such challenges.
Direct and indirect effects of forest microclimate on pathogen spillover
Authors: Dillon Whalen W. , Meentemeyer Ross K. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDisease dynamics are governed by variation of individuals, species, and environmental conditions across space and time. In some cases, an alternate reservoir host amplifies pathogen loads and drives disease transmission to less competent hosts in a process called pathogen spillover. Spillover is frequently associated with multi‐host disease systems where a single species is more tolerant of infection and more competent in pathogen transmission compared to other hosts. Pathogen spillover must be driven by biotic factors, including host and community characteristics, yet biotic factors interact with the abiotic environment (e.g., temperature) to create disease. Despite its fundamental role in disease dynamics, the influence of the abiotic environment on pathogen spillover has seldom been examined. Improving our understanding of disease processes such as pathogen spillover hinges on disentangling the effects of interrelated biotic and abiotic factors over space and time. We applied 10 yr of fine‐scale microclimate, disease, and tree community data in a path analysis to investigate the relative influence of biotic and abiotic factors on pathogen spillover for the emerging infectious forest disease sudden oak death (SOD). Disease transmission in SOD is primarily driven by the reservoir host California bay laurel, which supports high foliar pathogen loads that spillover onto neighboring oak trees and create lethal canker infections. The foliar pathogen load and susceptibility of oaks is expected to be sensitive to forest microclimate conditions. We found that biotic factors of pathogen load and tree diversity had relatively stronger effects on pathogen spillover compared to abiotic microclimate factors, with pathogen load increasing oak infection and tree diversity reducing oak infection. Abiotic factors still had significant effects, with greater heat exposure during summer months reducing pathogen loads and optimal pathogen conditions during the wet season increasing oak infection. Our results offer clues to possible disease dynamics under future climate change where hotter and drier or warmer and wetter conditions could have opposing effects on pathogen spillover in the SOD system. Disentangling direct and indirect effects of biotic and abiotic factors affecting disease processes can provide key insights into disease dynamics including potential avenues for reducing disease spread and predicting future epidemics.
Invasive earthworm and soil litter response to the experimental removal of white‐tailed deer and an invasive shrub
Authors: Mahon Michael B. , Crist Thomas O. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractRecent studies have shown that complex species interactions can regulate above‐ and belowground processes in terrestrial systems. Ungulate herbivory and invasive species are known to have strong effects on plant communities in some systems, but their impacts on soil biota and belowground processes are lesser known. Growing evidence suggests white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and invasive plants facilitate increased abundance of exotic earthworms in temperate forests of the eastern United States. We conducted an experimental study that manipulated deer access and the presence of an invasive understory shrub in an eastern deciduous forest of southwestern Ohio,USA, from 2013 to 2017. Earthworm density and biomass, and standing litter biomass were measured in five paired deer access and exclosure plots, each with a split‐plot removal of Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii). Earthworm density declined in response to the experimental exclusion of deer, with earthworm density decreasing over time in the deer exclosure plots relative to deer access plots. Deer exclusion produced greater variation in earthworm species composition relative to access plots. Multivariate analyses indicated that larger earthworms in the genusLumbricuswere associated with deer exclosure plots, while smaller endogeic species were ubiquitous in both treatments. Standing litter biomass decreased over time in the deer‐access plots. In contrast, honeysuckle removal had little effect on earthworm density and standing litter biomass. There was an interaction between deer and honeysuckle treatments on earthworm biomass, with honeysuckle removal reducing earthworm biomass when deer were excluded. Our results demonstrate strong effects of herbivores on invasive earthworms and ecosystem processes, but indicate a weaker influence of invasive shrubs. Further, our findings suggest that the effects of deer overabundance in forest ecosystems are potentially reversible with long‐term intervention.