bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of ascorbic acid 2‐glucoside and alpha‐tocopherol on the characteristics of equine spermatozoa stored at 5°C
Authors: Sampaio Breno Fernandes Barreto , Nogueira Bruno Gomes , Souza Maria Inês Lenz , Silva Eliane Vianna da Costa e , Zúccari Carmem Estefânia Serra Neto 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of adding ascorbic acid 2‐glucoside (AA2G), a water‐soluble antioxidant and stable derivative of ascorbate, to the semen extender and compare it to the addition of vitamin C (Vit. C) and the fat‐soluble antioxidant α‐tocopherol (α‐Toh), both individually and in combination, on the seminal variables of equine sperm submitted to cooling for 72 h. We used two ejaculates from 10 stallions and evaluated them for motility, membrane integrity, chromatin fragmentation, mitochondrial activity and lipid peroxidation. In the analysis of lipid peroxidation, the control group showed 2506.2 ± 796.4 ng malondialdehyde/108 sperm, which was higher (P < 0.05) than the groups treated with antioxidants. The average value of motility in the AA2G group was 68.4 ± 18.1%, which was higher (P < 0.05) than that observed in the control group (62.1 ± 16.2%). The variables membrane integrity, chromatin fragmentation and mitochondrial activity did not show significant difference (P > 0.05) between treatments. It was concluded that the antioxidants protected sperm cells from lipid peroxidation and that AA2G was effective during the cooling process of equine semen at 5°C for72 h, providing increased levels of total motility.
Are Financial Reports Useful? The Views of New Zealand Public Versus Private Users
Authors: Ehalaiye Dimu , Laswad Fawzi , Botica Redmayne Nives , Stent Warwick , Cai Lei 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis study reports on surveys conducted with users of financial reports in New Zealand. We compare findings for users of reports of two types of for‐profit entities, namely those with public accountability (public entities) and those with no public accountability (private entities). The findings indicate that both types of users have similar perceptions regarding the usefulness of financial statements, with the income statement and balance sheet rated as the most useful components. Furthermore, both types of users, especially private users, perceive financial statements as the most important information source for decision making. Public users have a greater interest in supplementary information than private users. The findings of this study contribute to the debate around differential reporting for private companies and have policy implications with regard to the user‐needs approach to accounting standard setting.
The Effects of IFRS Adoption on the Unconditional Conservatism of Spanish Listed Companies
Authors: Fullana Olga , González Mariano , Toscano David 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis paper analyses the effects of the mandatory adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by Spanish listed companies in January 2005 on unconditional conservatism. The lack of robustness in previous evidence justifies analysis of this issue from a different perspective. To this end, we use, for the first time in this context, Ahmed and Duellman's (2007) methodology. These authors consider the impact of growth options and other future income, controlling for the idiosyncratic factors that the literature has found condition this type of conservatism. Additionally, beyond the pooled regression techniques usually used, we use econometric panel data techniques, which minimise the possible effect of endogeneity in the estimation of the proposed models. The results provide new evidence which supports our hypothesis that the adoption of IFRS has reduced the unconditional conservatism of Spanish listed companies.
Solidarity and the problem of structural injustice in healthcare
Authors: Gould Carol C. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe concept of solidarity has recently come to prominence in the healthcare literature, addressing the motivation for taking seriously the shared vulnerabilities and medical needs of compatriots and for acting to help them meet these needs. In a recent book, Prainsack and Buyx take solidarity as a commitment to bear costs to assist others regarded as similar, with implications for governing health databases, personalized medicine, and organ donation. More broadly, solidarity has been understood normatively to call for ‘standing with’ or assisting fellow community members and possibly also distant others in regard to their needs, whether for its own sake or in order to realize the demands of justice. I argue here that the understanding of solidarity in the existing bioethics literature is unduly restricted by not sufficiently theorizing the notion of structural (or systemic) injustice and its import for understanding solidarity. Extending traditional conceptions of labor and social movement solidarity, I contrast unitary solidarity within a given group with ‘networking solidarities’ across groups. I analyze the meaning of structural injustice and its significance for solidarity, including countering institutionally entrenched inequalities and economic exploitation. I then apply this broadened conception to healthcare, discussing structural problems with the U.S. insurance system and the solidarity movements addressing its deficiencies. I analyze some natural disasters and global health challenges that were aggravated by structural injustices, along with the solidarity movements they engendered. Finally, I revisit the questions of governing health databases and of personalized medicine with the enlarged conception of solidarity in view.
INFRASTRUCTURE AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT WITH ENDOGENOUS SKILL ACQUISITION
Authors: Agénor Pierre‐Richard , Alpaslan Barış 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTThe link between infrastructure and industrial development is studied in an OLG model with endogenous skill acquisition. Industrial development is defined as a shift from an imitation‐based, low‐skill economy to an innovation‐based, high‐skill economy, where ideas are produced domestically. Imitation generates knowledge spillovers, which enhance productivity in innovation. Changes in industrial structure are measured by the ratio of the variety of imitation‐ to innovation‐based intermediate goods. The model also distinguishes between basic infrastructure, which helps to promote learning by doing and productivity in imitation activities, and advanced infrastructure, which promotes knowledge networks and innovation. Numerical experiments, based on a parameterized version for a stylized low‐income country, show that changes in the level and composition of public investment in infrastructure may have significant effects on the structure of the labour force and the process of industrial development.
Structural optimization of diphenylpyrimidine scaffold as potent and selective epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors against L858R/T790M resistance mutation in nonsmall cell lung cancer
Authors: Yi Yuanyuan , Wang Luhong , Zhao Dan , Huang Shanshan , Wang Changyuan , Liu Zhihao , Sun Huijun , Liu Kexin , Ma Xiaodong , Li Yanxia 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA new class of thiodiphenylpyrimidine analogs (Thio‐DPPY) were synthesized as potent and selective EGFR T790M inhibitors to overcome gefitinib resistance in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This structural optimization led to the identification of two potent EGFRT790M/L858R inhibitors, 14a and 14e, which possess IC50 values of 27.5 and 9.1 nM, respectively. Moreover, compounds 14a (SI > 36.4) and 14e (SI > 109.9) exhibited high selectivity and low activity against the wild‐type EGFR (IC50 > 1,000 nM). In particular, compound 14a also displayed strong potency against EGFRT790M‐mutated H1975 cells (IC50 = 0.074 μM), but weak activity toward normal cells HBE (IC50 > 40 μM) and LO‐2 (IC50 = 9.891 μM). It is important that compound 14a (SI = 52.6) significantly improved the selectivity against mutant H1975 cells over wild‐type A431 cells than rociletinib (SI = 6.0), thus revealing its slight cell cytotoxicity. This study provides a promising Thio‐DPPY derivative as enhanced EGFR T790M inhibitor, and also revealed valuable clues for further optimization of DPPY scaffold to overcome NSCLC resistance.
Adenine derivatives invert high glucose‐induced thioredoxin‐interacting protein overexpression
Authors: Zhong Li , Liu Qing , Ting Yan Sie , Thien Vun Yien , Binti Kalong Nurwafa Syafiqah , Yang Dehua , Wang Ming‐Wei 
Published: July 2018

AbstractOverexpression of thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP) is associated with reduced insulin sensitivity and β‐cell apoptosis. We have previously shown that W2476 inhibited high glucose‐induced TXNIP expression at both mRNA and protein levels in INS‐1E cells. In this study, we describe structural modification and optimization of W2476 leading to three more active derivatives, 8d, 8g, and 9h, capable of suppressing TXNIP expression in BG73 and INS‐1E cells, increasing insulin production, and reducing high glucose‐induced apoptosis in INS‐1E cells.
No Pharmacokinetic Interactions Between Elbasvir or Grazoprevir and Buprenorphine/Naloxone in Healthy Participants and Participants Receiving Stable Opioid Agonist Therapy
Authors: Feng Hwa‐Ping , Guo Zifang , Caro Luzelena , Marshall William L. , Liu Fang , Panebianco Deborah , Vaddady Pavan , Barbour April , Reitmann Christina , Jumes Patricia , Gilmartin Jocelyn , Wolford Dennis , Valesky Robert , Martinho Monika , Butterton Joan R. , Iwamoto Marian , Fraser Iain , Webster Lynn , Yeh Wendy W. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe aims of these phase I trials were to evaluate the pharmacokinetic interaction between elbasvir (EBR) or grazoprevir (GZR) and buprenorphine/naloxone (BUP/NAL). Trial 1 was a single‐dose trial in healthy participants. Trial 2 was a multiple‐dose trial in participants on BUP/NAL maintenance therapy. Coadministration of EBR or GZR with BUP/NAL had minimal effect on the pharmacokinetics of BUP/NAL, EBR, and GZR. The geometric mean ratios (GMRs (90% CI)) for BUP, norbuprenorphine, and NAL AUC0‐∞ were 0.98 (0.89–1.08), 0.97 (0.86–1.09), and 0.88 (0.78–1.00) in the presence/absence of EBR; 0.98 (0.81–1.19), 1.13 (0.97–1.32), and 1.10 (0.82–1.47) in the presence/absence of GZR. The GMRs (90% CI) for EBR and GZR AUC0‐∞ in the absence/presence of BUP/NAL were 1.22 (0.98–1.52) and 0.86 (0.63–1.18). In conclusion, no dose adjustment for BUP/NAL, EBR, or GZR is required for patients with HCV infection receiving EBR/GZR and BUP/NAL maintenance therapy.
Behavior of right atrial strain in high systolic pulmonary artery pressure
Authors: Deschle Héctor A. , Amenabar Agustina , Casso Norberto A. , Gantesti Jessica , Carnevalini Mariana , Alfie Laura , Torres Bianqui Carolina , Ottonello Pablo , Katib Maria Cristina 
Published: July 2018

AimsEvaluate the ability of right atrial (RA) strain to predict systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP).Methods and ResultsA total of 102 patients were prospectively enrolled. Conventional echocardiographic measures were performed. RA volume was calculated. Mean maximum right ventricle (RV) strain and lateral RA strain were obtained. Pearson's correlation test was used. A multivariate analysis was performed to compare SPAP with RA strain, RV strain, and baseline characteristics of the patients. RA strain was compared between patients with SPAP ≤ 37 mm Hg with those with SPAP > 37 mm Hg. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed. A P < 0.01 value was considered statistically significant.Age58.7 ± 15.7 years. Male: 46 (45.1%). The correlation coefficient between SPAP and RA strain was −0.64 (P < 0.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.75 to −0.50). Quadratic R2 coefficient = 0.52. In the multivariate analysis, RA strain was independently associated with SPAP level. There were significant differences in RA strain between patients with SPAP ≤ 37 mm Hg (63.3 ± 13.3%; 95% CI: 59.4%–65.1%) and >37 mm Hg (32.7 ± 11.1%; 95% CI: 26.5%–38.39%) (P < 0.01). RA strain < 42.5% was capable to predict a SPAP > 37 mm Hg with 93% sensitivity and 94% specificity, area under the curve (AUC) of 98% (95% CI: 94%–100%).ConclusionsRight atrial strain is independently associated with SPAP level. RA strain lower than 42.5% can predict a SPAP > 37 mm Hg with high sensitivity and specificity.
A standardized protocol to reliably visualize the left atrial appendage with intracardiac echocardiography: Importance of multiple imaging sites
Authors: Basman Craig , Alderwish Edris , Rambhatla Tarak , Vaishnav Aditi , Kronzon Itzhak , Mountantonakis Stavros E. 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundCurrently, there is no accepted protocol for left atrial appendage (LAA) imaging with intracardiac echocardiography (ICE).ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the utility of ICE to reliably visualize the entire cavity of the LAA and propose a specific procedural protocol to achieve the above objective.MethodsWe created a three‐dimensional reconstruction of the LAA, using two‐dimensional ICE sections obtained from three different location (the right atrium [RA], right ventricle inflow [RVI], and right ventricular outflow [RVOT]). We then compared the three‐dimensional LAA reconstruction by ICE with one obtained by cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for morphological and volume differences.ResultsThree‐dimensional reconstruction with ICE could reliably reproduce the LAA as visualized with CCTA but only when ICE sampling was performed from at least two catheter positions. There was no statistically significant difference between LAA volumes obtained with ICE and CCTA (P = 0.33). The contribution of each anatomical location to the total volume was 17% ± 16.6%, 74% ± 13.3%, and 33% ± 26% for RA, RVI, and RVOT, respectively.ConclusionIn comparison with CCTA, the LAA can be reliably visualized in its entity by ICE, but only if multiple imaging positions (RA, RV inflow, and RVOT) are used.
Managing the emergence of pathogen resistance via spatially targeted antimicrobial use
Authors: Okamoto Kenichi W. , Post David M. , Vasseur David A. , Turner Paul E. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractFrom agriculture to public health to civil engineering, managing antimicrobial resistance presents a considerable challenge. The dynamics underlying resistance evolution reflect inherently spatial processes. Resistant pathogen strains increase in frequency when a strain that emerges in one locale can spread and replace pathogen subpopulations formerly sensitive to the antimicrobial agent. Moreover, the strength of selection for antimicrobial resistance is in part governed by the extent of antimicrobial use. Thus, altering how antimicrobials are used across a landscape can potentially shift the spatial context governing the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance and provide a potent management tool. Here, we model how the efficacy of adjusting antimicrobial use over space to manage antimicrobial resistance is mediated by competition among pathogen strains and the topology of pathogen metapopulations. For several pathogen migration scenarios, we derive critical thresholds for the spatial extent of antimicrobial use below which resistance cannot emerge, and relate these thresholds to (a) the ability to eradicate antimicrobial‐sensitive pathogens locally and (b) the strength of the trade‐off between resistance ability and competitive performance where antimicrobial use is absent. We find that in metapopulations where patches differ in connectedness, constraining antimicrobial use across space to mitigate resistance evolution only works if the migration of the resistant pathogen is modest; yet, this situation is reversed if the resistant strain has a high colonization rate, with variably connected metapopulations exhibiting less sensitivity to reducing antimicrobial use across space. Furthermore, when pathogens are alternately exposed to sites with and without the antimicrobial, bottlenecking resistant strains through sites without an antimicrobial is only likely to be effective under a strong competition–resistance trade‐off. We therefore identify life‐history constraints that are likely to suggest which pathogens can most effectively be controlled by a spatially targeted antimicrobial regime. We discuss implications of our results for managing and thinking about antimicrobial resistance evolution in spatially heterogeneous contexts.
The legacies of the Sokoto Caliphate in contemporary Nigeria
Authors: Buba Malami 
Published: July 2018

AbstractContemporary Nigeria is a product of multiple historical experiences dating back to the antiquities. The nation's uncommon diversity of language, culture, and religion are mostly encapsulated in the foundation and continuing relevance of the Sokoto Caliphate, an Islamic polity founded on the principles of reform and restoration by Usman Dan Fodio in 1804. In this article, I explore how this immense geographical entity of intercontinental resonance was governed, and the lessons of history that Nigeria can draw from its success and tribulation.
Measuring the coefficient of thermal expansion of free‐standing enamel films
Authors: Velez Mariano , Gong Yuxuan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDigital image correlation (DIC) was applied to the measurement of the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of ceramic enamel films between 100 and 300°C. The CTE of four different enamels were measured by DIC, and the data were correlated with the residual stresses on fired enameled soda‐lime glass substrates. For validation, the CTE of a zinc‐containing alkali borosilicate glass was measured by DIC and push‐rod dilatometry. The results suggested that DIC is an effective technique for measuring the CTE of ceramic enamel films.
Authentication of dietary supplements through Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) spectroscopy
Authors: Masna Naren Vikram Raj , Zhang Fengchao , Chen Cheng , Mandal Soumyajit , Bhunia Swarup 
Published: July 2018

SummaryAs the industry grows, adulteration of many products by mislabelling, re‐branding and false advertising is becoming prevalent practice. Existing solutions for analysis often require extensive sample preparation or are limited in terms of detecting different types of integrity issues. We describe a novel authentication method based on Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) spectroscopy which is quantitative, non‐invasive and non‐destructive. It is sensitive to small deviation in the solid‐state chemical structure of a product, which changes the NQR signal properties. These characteristics are unique for different manufacturers, resulting in manufacturer‐specific watermarks. We show that nominally identical dietary supplements from different manufacturers can be accurately classified based on features from NQR spectra. Specifically, we use a machine learning‐based classification called support vector machines (SVMs) to verify the authenticity of products under test. This approach has been evaluated on three products using semi‐custom hardware and shows promising results, with typical classification accuracy of over 95%.
Effect of solids‐not‐fat content on dielectric properties of skim milk
Authors: Liu Qiang , Guo Wenchuan , He Hao , Zhu Xinhua 
Published: July 2018

SummaryDielectric constant (ε′) and loss factor (ε″) of skim milk samples at different total solids‐not‐fat contents were measured over the frequency range of 20–4500 MHz at 25 °C using a vector network analyser. The results showed that ε′ of skim milk decreased as frequency increased, and ε″ changed from decreasing to increasing and had minimums at about 2000 MHz. There was a linear relationship between ε′ and solids‐not‐fat content with correlation coefficient higher than 0.940 below 50 MHz and keeping at −0.990 above 150 MHz. ε″ had positive linear relationship with solids‐not‐fat content, and their correlation coefficient was higher than 0.970 at all investigated frequencies. Penetration depth of electromagnetic wave in milk decreased as increased frequency or solids‐not‐fat content. The study is helpful to know the relationship between solids‐not‐fat content and dielectric properties, and it provides information for developing solids‐not‐fat detector could be used in on‐line detection for skim milk production.
Inhibition of selected pathogens inoculated on the surface of catfish fillets by high molecular weight chitosan coating
Authors: Karsli Baris , Caglak Emre , Li Dapeng , Rubio Nancy K. , Janes Marlene , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon 
Published: July 2018

SummaryAntibacterial activity of high molecular weight water‐soluble (HMWWS) chitosan (800 kDa) was investigated against four Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio parahaemolyticus) and two Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) bacteria. Catfish fillets were surface‐inoculated with these food‐borne pathogens and coated with chitosan dissolved in aspartic acid (AS) or acetic acid (AC) solution at different concentrations (1% or 3%). Samples were stored at 4 °C for 8 days, except for those inoculated with Vibrio species (10 °C for 6 days). Overall, the most effective coating treatment was the 3% HMWWS chitosan in AS solution (800AS3%). Compared with the control, significant (P < 0.05) reductions caused by 800AS3% were observed for all tested pathogens at the end of storage. The growth of V. parahaemolyticus was completely suppressed by 800AS3%. This study demonstrated that HMWWS chitosan in AS solution could be used as an alternative antimicrobial coating for catfish fillets.
Colonisation of lettuce by Listeria Monocytogenes
Authors: Kyere Emmanuel O. , Palmer Jon , Wargent Jason J. , Fletcher Graham C. , Flint Steve 
Published: July 2018

AbstractFoodborne illnesses involving ready‐to‐eat vegetables are increasing. Lettuce is the third most consumed fresh vegetable in the United States with worth approximately $1.9 billion, making it the most valuable leafy crop. Previous reviews have described the survival of pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella on different ready‐to‐eat vegetables, but the colonisation of lettuce by Listeria has received limited attention. Listeria monocytogenes has high mortality compared to other foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella. This review summarises recent studies on the mechanisms of attachment and colonisation of Listeria on lettuce leaves. We discuss various factors that affect colonisation of lettuce by Listeria in terms of the number of bacteria that can be recovered after inoculation, the effect of washing, different radiation treatments and cultivation systems on the recovery of Listeria. We propose strategies that can be used to minimise the colonisation of lettuce by Listeria to enhance food safety.