bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
3D nanopetrography and chemical imaging of datable zircons by synchrotron multimodal X-ray tomography
Authors: Suuronen J.-P. , Sayab M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractZircon is the most widely used mineral in petrochronology and provides key information about magmatic and crustal differentiation history of plutonic rocks, transport paths of clastic material ‘from source to sink’ and significantly contributes in the reconstruction of enigmatic planetary-scale tectonic episodes since the Archaean. However, detailed textural analysis of this accessory mineral has always been hampered by two-dimensional (2D) analytical limitations. With the advancements in X-ray nanotomography technology, it is now possible to non-destructively, yet digitally, cut, visualize, compare and quantify internal textures within zircons, their growth and zoning patterns and chemical distribution of trace elements in three dimensions (3D). We present a novel multimodal approach of using a synchrotron radiation nanobeam to perform 3D nanopetrography of < 100 µm zircons at ~100 nm resolution, demonstrating the capabilities of the technique by analysis of Paleoproterozoic zircons from the Central Finland Granitoid Complex. The integrated X-ray absorption, diffraction and fluorescence tomography revealed sector and oscillatory zoning patterns in 3D as well as differences in zoning pattern between trace elements, in addition to lattice parameters and inclusion composition within zircons. The multimodal synchrotron nanotomography elucidates the 3D nanopetrography and trace element composition of submillimeter-sized zircons in unprecedented detail.
Social isolation and all-cause mortality: a population-based cohort study in Denmark
Authors: Laugesen Kristina , Baggesen Lisbeth Munksgård , Schmidt Sigrún Alba Jóhannesdóttir , Glymour M. Maria , Lasgaard Mathias , Milstein Arnold , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Adler Nancy E. , Ehrenstein Vera 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSocial isolation is associated with increased mortality. Meta-analytic results, however, indicate heterogeneity in effect sizes. We aimed to provide new evidence to the association between social isolation and mortality by conducting a population-based cohort study. We reconstructed the Berkman and Syme’s social network index (SNI), which combines four components of social networks (partnership, interaction with family/friends, religious activities, and membership in organizations/clubs) into an index, ranging from 0/1 (most socially isolated) to 4 (least socially isolated). We estimated cumulative mortality and adjusted mortality rate ratios (MRR) associated with SNI. We adjusted for potential important confounders, including psychiatric and somatic status, lifestyle, and socioeconomic status. Cumulative 7-year mortality in men was 11% for SNI 0/1 and 5.4% for SNI 4 and in women 9.6% for SNI 0/1 and 3.9% for SNI 4. Adjusted MRRs comparing SNI 0/1 with SNI 4 were 1.7 (95% CI: 1.1–2.6) among men and 1.6 (95% CI: 0.83–2.9) among women. Having no partner was associated with an adjusted MRR of 1.5 (95% CI: 1.2–2.1) for men and 1.7 (95% CI: 1.2–2.4) for women. In conclusion, social isolation was associated with 60–70% increased mortality. Having no partner was associated with highest MRR.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Forensic characterization of 15 autosomal STRs in four populations from Xinjiang, China, and genetic relationships with neighboring populations
Authors: Zhan Xiaoni , Adnan Atif , Zhou Yuzhang , Khan Amjad , Kasim Kadirya , McNevin Dennis 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China (XUARC) harbors 47 ethnic groups including the Manchu (MCH: 0.11%), Mongols (MGL: 0.81%), Kyrgyz (KGZ: 0.86%) and Uzbek (UZK: 0.066%). To establish DNA databases for these populations, allele frequency distributions for 15 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci were determined using the AmpFlSTR Identifiler PCR amplification kit. There was no evidence of departures from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in any of the four populations and minimal departure from linkage equilibrium (LE) for a very small number of pairwise combinations of loci. The probabilities of identity for the different populations ranged from 1 in 1.51 × 1017(MCH) to 1 in 9.94 × 1018(MGL), the combined powers of discrimination ranged from 0.99999999999999999824 (UZK) to 0.9999999999999999848 (MCH) and the combined probabilities of paternal exclusion ranged from 0.9999979323 (UZK) to 0.9999994839 (MCH). Genetic distances, a phylogenetic tree and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the MCH, KGZ and UZK are genetically closer to the Han population of Liaoning and the Mongol population of Mongolia while the MGL are closer to Han, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Hong Kong Han and Russians living in China.
Dimensional crossover and incipient quantum size effects in superconducting niobium nanofilms
Authors: Pinto Nicola , Rezvani S. Javad , Perali Andrea , Flammia Luca , Milošević Milorad V. , Fretto Matteo , Cassiago Cristina , De Leo Natascia 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSuperconducting and normal state properties of Niobium nanofilms have been systematically investigated as a function of film thickness, on different substrates. The width of the superconducting-to-normal transition for all films is remarkably narrow, confirming their high quality. The superconducting critical current density exhibits a pronounced maximum for thickness around 25 nm, marking the 3D-to-2D crossover. The magnetic penetration depth shows a sizeable enhancement for the thinnest films. Additional amplification effects of the superconducting properties have been obtained with sapphire substrates or squeezing the lateral size of the nanofilms. For thickness close to 20 nm we measured a doubled perpendicular critical magnetic field compared to its large thickness value, indicating shortening of the correlation length and the formation of small Cooper pairs. Our data analysis indicates an exciting interplay between quantum-size and proximity effects together with strong-coupling effects and the importance of disorder in the thinnest films, placing these nanofilms close to the BCS-BEC crossover regime.
Measurement of plasma choline in acute coronary syndrome: importance of suitable sampling conditions for this assay
Authors: Ohkawa Ryunosuke , Kurano Makoto , Sakai Noboru , Kishimoto Tatsuya , Nojiri Takahiro , Igarashi Koji , Hosogaya Shigemi , Ozaki Yukio , Dohi Tomotaka , Miyauchi Katsumi , Daida Hiroyuki , Aoki Junken , Okubo Shigeo , Ikeda Hitoshi , Tozuka Minoru , Yatomi Yutaka 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBlood choline has been proposed as a predictor of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), however different testing procedures might affect the choline concentration because the lysophospholipase D activity of autotaxin (ATX) can convert lysophosphatidylcholine to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and choline in human blood. Although the influences of ATX on LPA levels are well known in vivo and in vitro, those on choline have not been elucidated. Therefore, we established suitable sampling conditions and evaluated the usefulness of plasma choline concentrations as a biomarker for ACS. Serum LPA and choline concentrations dramatically increased after incubation depending on the presence of ATX, while their concentrations in plasma under several conditions were differently modulated. Plasma choline levels in genetically modified mice and healthy human subjects, however, were not influenced by the ATX level in vivo, while the plasma LPA concentrations were associated with ATX. With strict sample preparation, the plasma choline levels did not increase, but actually decreased in ACS patients. Our study revealed that ATX increased the choline concentrations after blood sampling but was not correlated with the choline concentrations in vivo; therefore, strict sample preparation will be necessary to investigate the possible use of choline as a biomarker.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease accelerates kidney function
decline in patients with chronic kidney disease: a cohort study
Authors: Jang Hye Ryoun , Kang Danbee , Sinn Dong Hyun , Gu Seonhye , Cho Soo Jin , Lee Jung Eun , Huh Wooseong , Paik Seung Woon , Ryu Seungho , Chang Yoosoo , Shafi Tariq , Lazo Mariana , Guallar Eliseo , Cho Juhee , Gwak Geum-Youn 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the association of nonalcoholic fatty
liver disease (NAFLD) and its severity with the decline in kidney function in
patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We conducted a cohort study of 1,525 CKD
patients who underwent repeated health check-up examinations from January 2003
through December 2013. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasonography and its severity was
assessed by the NAFLD fibrosis score. At baseline, the prevalence of NAFLD was
40.9%, and the mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was
59.1 ml/min/1.73 m2. The average follow-up was 6.5
years. The age- and sex-adjusted decline in eGFR was greater in patients with NAFLD
(−0.79% per year, 95% CI −1.31%, −0.27%) compared to those without it (0.30%, 95% CI
−0.14%, 0.76%; p = 0.002). In multivariable adjusted models, the average difference
in annual percent change in decline in eGFR comparing patients with NAFLD to those
without NAFLD was −1.06% (−1.73%, −0.38%; p = 0.002). The decline in eGFR associated
with NAFLD was greater in patients with higher NAFLD fibrosis score, in those with
proteinuria or with low eGFR at baseline
( <45 ml/min/1.73 m2), and in those who were smokers
and hypertensive. Therefore, NAFLD is independently associated with CKD
progression.
Characterization of porcine milk oligosaccharides over lactation between primiparous and multiparous female pigs
Authors: Wei Jinhua , Wang Zhuo A. , Wang Bing , Jahan Marefa , Wang Zhongfu , Wynn Peter C. , Du Yuguang 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMilk oligosaccharides (MOs) are complex carbohydrates with multifunctional health benefits for the neonate. Poor reproductive performance in primiparous gilts limits their productivity. Changes in the structure and abundance of porcine MO (PMOs) through lactation with parity remains unknown and may explain superior new-born growth in litters from multiparous sows relative to gilts. We report 55 PMOs structures, of which 25 are new (17 sialylated and 8 neutral). Their incidence in gilt and sow colostrum was almost identical (53 vs. 54), but not in transitional milk (48 vs. 53) nor mature milk (41 vs. 47). These PMOs including neutral-, sialyl- and fucosyl- MOs in colostrum were more abundant in the gilt than the sow, but always decreased during lactation. Structural diversity decreased, although fucosylated MO were conserved. In conclusion, high diversity and levels of MO in porcine milk is parity dependent. Given the similarity between porcine and human MO profiles, our findings may help define key roles for MOs as potential dietary additives to improve growth of neonates from first pregnancies in both human and sows.
PIBF+ extracellular vesicles from mouse embryos affect IL-10 production by CD8+ cells
Authors: Pallinger Eva , Bognar Zoltan , Bogdan Agnes , Csabai Timea , Abraham Hajnalka , Szekeres-Bartho Julia 
Published: March 2018

AbstractEarlier evidence suggests, that the embryo signals to the maternal immune system. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are produced by all types of cells, and because they transport different kinds of molecules from one cell to the other, they can be considered as means of intercellular communication. The aim of this work was to test, whether the embryo is able to produce sufficient amounts of EVs to alter the function of peripheral lymphocytes. Embryo-derived EVs were identified by their Annexin V biding capacity, and sensitivity to Triton X dependent lysis, using flow cytometry. Transmission electron microscopy was used to detect EVs at the implantation site. Progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF) expression in embryo-derived EVs was demonstrated with immuno-electron microscopy. The % of IL-10 + murine lymphocytes was determined by flow cytometry. EVs were present in embryo culture media, but not in empty media. Mouse embryo-derived EVs adhere to the surface of both CD4+ and CD8+ murine peripheral T lymphocytes, partly, via phosphatidylserine binding. The number of IL-10+ murine peripheral CD8+ cells increases in the presence of embryo-derived EVS, and this effect is counteracted by pre-treatment of EVs with an anti-PIBF antibody, suggesting that the embryo communicates with the maternal immune system via EVs.
Association between localized geohazards in West Texas and human activities, recognized by Sentinel-1A/B satellite radar imagery
Authors: Kim Jin-Woo , Lu Zhong 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWest Texas’ Permian Basin, consisting of ancient marine rocks, is underlain by water-soluble rocks and multiple oil-rich formations. In the region that is densely populated with oil producing facilities, many localized geohazards, such as ground subsidence and micro-earthquakes, have gone unnoticed. Here we identify the localized geohazards in West Texas, using the satellite radar interferometry from newly launched radar satellites that provide radar images freely to public for the first time, and probe the causal mechanisms of ground deformation, encompassing oil/gas production activities and subsurface geological characteristics. Based on our observations and analyses, human activities of fluid (saltwater, CO2) injection for stimulation of hydrocarbon production, salt dissolution in abandoned oil facilities, and hydrocarbon extraction each have negative impacts on the ground surface and infrastructures, including possible induced seismicity. Proactive continuous and detailed monitoring of ground deformation from space over the currently operating and the previously operated oil/gas production facilities, as demonstrated by this research, is essential to securing the safety of humanity, preserving property, and sustaining the growth of the hydrocarbon production industry.
Species Level Description of the Human Ileal Bacterial Microbiota
Authors: Villmones Heidi Cecilie , Haug Erik Skaaheim , Ulvestad Elling , Grude Nils , Stenstad Tore , Halland Adrian , Kommedal Øyvind 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe small bowel is responsible for most of the body’s nutritional uptake and for the development of intestinal and systemic tolerance towards microbes. Nevertheless, the human small bowel microbiota has remained poorly characterized, mainly owing to sampling difficulties. Sample collection directly from the distal ileum was performed during radical cystectomy with urinary diversion. Material from the ileal mucosa were analysed using massive parallel sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Samples from 27 Caucasian patients were included. In total 280 unique Operational Taxonomic Units were identified, whereof 229 could be assigned to a species or a species group. The most frequently detected bacteria belonged to the genera Streptococcus, Granulicatella, Actinomyces, Solobacterium, Rothia, Gemella and TM7(G-1). Among these, the most abundant species were typically streptococci within the mitis and sanguinis groups, Streptococcus salivarius, Rothia mucilaginosa and Actinomyces from the A. meyeri/odontolyticus group. The amounts of Proteobacteria and strict anaerobes were low. The microbiota of the distal part of the human ileum is oral-like and strikingly different from the colonic microbiota. Although our patient population is elderly and hospitalized with a high prevalence of chronic conditions, our results provide new and valuable insights into a lesser explored part of the human intestinal ecosystem.
100 milliards de rayons cosmiques détectés dans l’expérience AMS-02
Authors: Aupetit Sandy , Maurin David , Poireau Vincent 
Published: March 2018

Notre planète est bombardée en permanence par le rayonnement cosmique, un ensemble de particules en provenance de l’espace.
Orbitant à 400 km au-dessus de la Terre depuis la station spatiale internationale, l’expérience AMS-02 a déjà détecté plus de 100 milliards de particules depuis son installation, le 19 mai 2011.
Ces données, d’une précision inégalée, permettent aujourd’hui des avancées majeures en astrophysique, et apportent de précieux indices dans la recherche de la mystérieuse matière noire.
Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Sensitivity/Resistance Pattern Towards Antimicrobial Agents in Primary and Simple Urinary Tract Infection Patients Visiting University Hospital of Jamia Hamdard New Delhi
Authors: Rizwan Mohd , Akhtar Mohd , Najmi Abul , Singh Kuldeep 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Aim This study was carried out to record the sensitivity/resistance pattern of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae towards antimicrobial drugs prescribed to urinary tract infection (UTI) patients.
Materials and Methods A total of 68 bacteriologically proven simple UTI patients were included in the study, based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects demographics, antibiotics prescribed, sensitivity pattern of antibiotics towards the urinary pathogens were recorded in drug utilization and documentation form.
Results The mean age of the patients was 29.32 years. The maximum number of patients fell under the age group 21–30 years. The maximum no of male and female patients belonged to the age group 21–30 years, 82.35% were females and 17.64% were males. E. coli found to be the most common uropathogens followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae. Nitrofurantoin was the most commonly prescribed drug followed by ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and amoxicillin + clavulanic acid and amikacin. E. coli isolates showed high resistance for ampicillin followed by cotrimoxazole, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, tetracycline and ceftazidime and least resistance to amikacin, nitrofurantoin. Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were highly resistant against ceftazidime, ampicilline, cotrimoxazole, nitrofurantoin, gentamicin, amoxicillin + sulbactam. Overall, the antibiotic against with high resistance found was ampicillin followed by cotrimoxazole, gentamicin, ceftazidime, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, levofloxacin, cefepime and least resistance to amikacin, netilmicin and nitrofurantoin.
Conclusion Majority of UTIs in this study were caused by E. coli followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae. The high resistance was found with ampicillin (75%). Nitrofurantoin was the most commonly prescribed drug followed by other flouroquinolones.
Qualitätsmanagement und Qualitätssicherung im
Gesundheitswesen – Theorie und Status Quo gesetzlicher Regelungen in
Deutschland
Authors: Große Caroline , Radic Dubravko , Radic Marija 
Published: March 2018

Zusammenfassung
Zielsetzung Im Rahmen der vorliegenden Arbeit wird untersucht, inwieweit
die gesetzlichen Vorgaben für das Qualitätsmanagement und die Qualitätssicherung
in den einzelnen Sektoren des deutschen Gesundheitssystems mit den theoretischen
Anforderungen an Qualitätsmanagement übereinstimmen.
Methodik Ausgangspunkt sind die theoretischen Grundlagen verschiedener
Qualitätsmanagement-Ansätze, deren Gemeinsamkeiten herausgearbeitet werden. In
der Folge werden die gesetzlichen Regelungen dargestellt, um sie dann mit der
Theorie zusammenzuführen. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf der externen
Qualitätssicherung.
Ergebnisse Es stellt sich heraus, dass die grundsätzlichen QM-Elemente in
den gesetzlichen Vorgaben der externen Qualitätssicherung der Rehabilitation am
weitesten berücksichtigt werden. Im stationären Sektor und bei der Pflege werden
die Elemente noch teilweise berücksichtigt, im ambulanten und zahnärztlichen
Bereich finden sie sich kaum in den gesetzlichen Vorgaben zur externen
Qualitätssicherung wieder.
Schlussfolgerung Der wichtige Aspekt der Kunden- und Patientenorientierung
wird bei der externen Qualitätssicherung nur im Reha-Sektor umfassend
berücksichtigt. Vor diesem Hintergrund besteht in den anderen Sektoren starker
Nachholbedarf bei der Ausrichtung der Qualitätssicherung an den Bedürfnissen und
Präferenzen der Patienten.
Levels of Nitric Oxide Metabolites and Myeloperoxidase in Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on Metformin Therapy *
Authors: Jelić-Knezović Nevenka , Galijašević Semira , Lovrić Mila , Vasilj Marina , Selak Sanja , Mikulić Ivanka 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Introduction Endothelial dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus type 2, diabetic complications and preceded clinical manifestation of cardiovascular complications. Increased myeloperoxidase activity has been linked to a number of pathologies with compelling evidence in initiation and progression of inflammatory events. The aim of this study was to compare concentrations of metabolite nitric oxide and myeloperoxidase in the plasma of diabetes mellitus type 2 patients on metformin therapy, without clinical signs of cardiovascular disease and healthy subjects, as well as evaluation of concentrations of analytes in association with glycemic control.
Materials and methods Forty four study subjects with diabetes mellitus type 2 and thirty healthy subjects were included in this study. The concentration of myeloperoxidase was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the concentration of nitrate and nitrite with high performance liquid chromatography method. Student's t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis.
Results The mean concentration of myeloperoxidase was significantly higher in the diabetic group compared to the control group (16.2±4.9 vs. 3.7±1.8; P<0.001).The nitrite concentration was comparable in both groups while the concentration of nitrate was significantly higher in the diabetic group (41.2 [42.9] vs 31.9 [23]; P=0.017). In this study, plasma myeloperoxidase (Spearman's rho=0.421; P=0.004) and nitrate concentration was significantly positively associated with the HbA1c levels while nitrate concentration (Spearman's rho=− 0.308; P=0.047) were was significantly positively negatively associated with the HbA1c levels.
Conclusion Concertation of MPO and nitric oxide were significantly increased in a T2DM subject even when on metformin therapy. However, increased concentration of NO strongly correlates with lower levels of HbA1c showing a postive effect of a gylcemic control on endothelial dysfuction. Increased concentrations of NO3- in T2DM subject compared to control, indicates the variety of NO pathways that should be taken into consideration win relation to endothelial function.
S2k-Leitlinie Meniskuserkrankung: konservative und operative Therapie
Authors: Siebert Christian , Becker Roland , Buchner Matthias , Förster Jürgen , Frosch Karl-Heinz , Losch Andreas , Niemeyer Philipp , Scheffler Sven 
Published: March 2018

ZusammenfassungDie Diagnose „Meniskusverletzung“ darf auch heutzutage nicht automatisch zur Stellung einer Operationsindikation führen. Die konservative Therapie hat trotz aller Entwicklungen in der arthroskopischen Chirurgie weiterhin einen hohen Stellenwert. In diesem 2. Auszug aus der neuen Leitlinie sollen die Behandlungsmöglichkeiten dargestellt werden, um die Entscheidungsfindung für Behandler und Patienten zu erleichtern. Anhaltspunkte für den jeweiligen individuellen Therapiealgorithmus werden dargestellt. Im Auftrag der Fachgesellschaften haben sich Vertreter der verschiedenen deutschsprachigen Gruppierungen „rund um das Kniegelenk“ auf diese Leitlinie verständigt.
The Housing Sector in Africa: Setting the Scene
Authors: Bah El-hadj M. , Faye Issa , Geh Zekebweliwai F. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractOwning a decent house is still an unattainable goal for many African households. The lack of affordable housing finance, high costs of urban land and weak tenure security, rising construction costs, and prevalence of slums are major challenges to efforts to alleviate the continent’s housing crisis. This chapter provides the reader with a comprehensive overview of the continent’s housing market dynamics. In particular, the chapter shows the importance of the housing sector in African economies. It identifies the key constraints to the sector’s development, and the outlook for the market, as well as opportunities and bottlenecks in terms of governance.