bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of longitudinal data analysis allows to detect differences in pre‐breeding growing curves of 24‐month calving Angus heifers under two pasture‐based systems with differential puberty onset
Authors: Bonamy Martín , de Iraola Julieta J , Prando Alberto J , Baldo Andrés , Giovambattista Guillermo , Rogberg‐Muñoz Andrés 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDLongitudinal data analysis contributes to detect differences in the growing curve by exploiting all the information involved in repeated measurements, allowing to distinguish changes over time within individuals, from differences in the baseline levels among groups. In this research, longitudinal and cross‐sectional analysis were compared to evaluate differences in growth in Angus heifers under two different grazing conditions,ad libitum(AG) and controlled (CG) to gain 0.5 kg day−1.RESULTSLongitudinal mixed models show differences in growing curve parameters between grazing conditions, that were not detected by cross‐sectional analysis. Differences (P< 0.05) in first derivative of growth curves (daily gain) until 289 days were observed between treatments, AG being higher than CG. Correspondingly, pubertal heifer proportion was also higher in AG at the end of rearing (AG, 0.94; CG, 0.67).CONCLUSIONIn longitudinal studies, the power to detect differences between groups increases by exploiting the whole information of repeated measures, modelling the relation between measurements performed on the same individual. Under a proper analysis, valid conclusion can be drawn with fewer animals in the trial, improving animal welfare and reducing investigation costs. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A Micellar Mitotane Formulation with High Drug‐Loading and Solubility: Physico‐Chemical Characterization and Cytotoxicity Studies in 2D and 3D In Vitro Tumor Models
Authors: Haider Malik Salman , Schreiner Jochen , Kendl Sabine , Kroiss Matthias , Luxenhofer Robert 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAdrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare tumor and prognosis is overall poor but heterogeneous. Mitotane (MT) has been used for treatment of ACC for decades, either alone or in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy. Even at doses up to 6 g per day, more than half of the patients do not achieve targeted plasma concentration (14–20 mg L−1) even after many months of treatment due to low water solubility, bioavailability, and unfavorable pharmacokinetic profile. Here a novel MT nanoformulation with very high MT concentrations in physiological aqueous media is reported. The MT‐loaded nanoformulations are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and powder X‐ray diffraction which confirms the amorphous nature of the drug. The polymer itself does not show any cytotoxicity in adrenal and liver cell lines. By using the ACC model cell line NCI‐H295 both in monolayers and tumor cell spheroids, micellar MT is demonstrated to exhibit comparable efficacy to its ethanol solution. It is postulated that this formulation will be suitable for i.v. application and rapid attainment of therapeutic plasma concentrations. In conclusion, the micellar formulation is considered a promising tool to alleviate major drawbacks of current MT treatment while retaining bioactivity toward ACC in vitro.
Linking transformational leadership, patient safety culture and work engagement in home care services
Authors: Ree Eline , Wiig Siri 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimTo assess the relationship between transformational leadership, job demands, job resources, patient safety culture and work engagement in home care services.DesignCross‐sectional survey.MethodsHealthcare professionals in Norwegian home care services participated in the study (N = 139). Multiple regression analyses with patient safety culture and work engagement as outcomes and transformational leadership, job demands, job resources as predictors were conducted.ResultsThe transformational leadership model explained 35.7% of the variance in patient safety culture. Adding job demands and resources and work engagement to the model increased the explained variance to 53.5%. The job resource “skill utilization” was the strongest predictor of work engagement. The full model with all predictor variables explained 28.2% of work engagement.ConclusionTransformational leadership has a significant impact on patient safety culture and work engagement in home care services. Employees' perceptions of job demands, available resources and engagement also affect patient safety culture.
Health status and self‐management in patients with inflammatory arthritis—A five‐year follow‐up study after nurse‐led patient education
Authors: Grønning Kjersti , Lim Siriwan , Bratås Ola 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to investigate changes in patients' self‐management and health status five years after nurse‐led patient education.DesignA longitudinal study.MethodsWe collected self‐reported data on physical function, pain, tiredness, disease activity, psychological status, patient activation and self‐efficacy from a sample of Norwegian‐speaking adults with inflammatory arthritis that had participated in a randomised controlled study investigating the effects of nurse‐led patient education. Changes and associations in patients' health status and self‐management were analysed with paired sample t tests and multivariable linear regression analyses, respectively.ResultsExcept from a small deterioration in patients' physical function, there were no changes in patients' health status 5 years after the nurse‐led patient education. Patients' self‐management skills were improved after 5 years. Self‐efficacy was positively associated with female gender, patient activation, less tiredness and less psychological distress.
Factors influencing the uptake of cervical cancer screening services in Tanzania: A health system perspective from national and district levels
Authors: Mugassa Anitha M. , Frumence Gasto 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimThis study aimed at examining factors influencing uptake of cervical cancer screening services among women in Tanzania.DesignExploratory qualitative study.MethodsIn‐depth interviews were used to obtain information from 10 key Informants. Of these, three were officials (policy makers) from the Reproductive Health‐Cancer Unit of Ministry of Health and Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children (MoHCDGEC), three were health managers working at Kinondoni Municipal health system reproductive and child health section and four were health workers from the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI). The study participants were purposively selected since they hold the responsibility of planning, coordinating and implementing the Tanzania cervical cancer prevention strategies at different levels of health system. The qualitative data analysis was done manually using thematic analysis.ResultsThe national health system factors influencing the early uptake of cervical cancer screening services include poor flow of information from national to lower level and inadequate availability of tools and instruments and shortage of skilled and competent staff. The district level health systems factors influencing uptake of cervical cancer screening services include inadequate number of partners, poor flow of information, poor collaboration with the private sector, no adequate provision of cervical cancer screening services due to lack of prioritization, poor creation of awareness and failure to use the health information system effectively.
Elucidating the roles of ASPM isoforms reveals a novel prognostic marker for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Timaner Michael , Shaked Yuval 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. Late diagnosis, desmoplastic tissue and intrinsic resistance to therapy are among the main reasons for its aggressive phenotype. In addition, it is now appreciated that cancer stem cells – a rare subpopulation of tumor cells highly resistant to therapy – are crucial players in PDAC initiation, progression and resistance to therapy. In a recent article in The Journal of Pathology, Hsu et al elucidated the specific roles of abnormal spindle‐like, microcephaly‐associated protein (ASPM) isoforms in PDAC. The authors reported that ASPM isoform I (ASPM‐iI) is mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of PDAC cells. Its expression is associated with the Wnt signaling pathway, which promotes stemness and maintains the cancer stem cell niche. Clinically, expression of ASPM‐iI correlates with poor survival in PDAC patients. Thus, this study revealed a novel prognostic marker as well as a potential therapeutic target for PDAC. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
USP Lasers: Key to Micromachining Miniaturized Medical Devices
Authors: Haloui Hatim , Wölzlein Roland 
Published: October 2019

AbstractTurnkey systems incorporating ultrashort pulse (USP) lasers support the fabrication of miniaturized devices with smaller features and superior surface quality. They enable cost‐effective micromachining a wide range of metals, plastics, and brittle materials; some examples include nitinol stents, plastic (e.g., PEEK) catheters, titanium parts for cochlea implants, as well as a variety of components based on platinum and tungsten.
Biophotonics, Medicine, and Medical Device Manufacturing
Authors: Merk Thomas 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe tasks contributing to the growing importance of biophotonics are many and varied. They include maintaining the health of an ageing global community, combating chronic diseases, and fulfilling the health needs of a growing global middle class. Its increasing significance is reflected in the growth rates on the whole biophotonics market. According to a study [1], the mean annual growth will be 7 % until the year 2020. Optical technologies are intended to find new, cost‐efficient, and effective solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and to respond to innovative trends like personalized medicine.
Coating and Thermal Kinetic Studies of PETN Particles with Multi‐Wall Carbon Nano Tube‐Triton X‐114 by the Solvent/Nonsolvent Process via Taguchi Design Optimization
Authors: Lemraski Masoomeh S. , Babaee Saeed 
Published: October 2019

AbstractOne way to reduce sensitivity and also adding special properties to explosives is a coating that depends on either the coating agent type or the usage process. In this work, an insensitive nanocomposite of PETN was prepared with multi‐wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and Triton X‐114 (TX114) by the solvent/nonsolvent method. Taguchi experimental design (orthogonal array, L9) using impact sensitivity (H50) investigation was applied to the process optimization. The variable effects of MWCNT mass fraction, solvent (acetone) flow rate, surfactant type and surfactant concentration were evaluated and then the results were quantified by the analysis of Variance (ANOVA). ANOVA data predicted the best H50 was 84.03±3.43 cm that was obtained for the optimum conditions of 5.0 wt% MWCNT, 1 mL min−1 flow rate, TX114 as surfactant with a concentration of 1.0×10−3 mol Lit−1. Practical results of H50 were obtained 84.0±0.5 cm that were in agreement with the predicted H50. Finally, thermal analysis and vacuum stability test were applied to the synthesized nanocomposite and the obtained results indicate MWCNT and TX114 are thermal adaptable and chemically compatible with PETN.
Homology modeling and docking study of diamondback moth ryanodine receptor reveals the mechanisms for channel activation, insecticide binding and resistance
Authors: Lin Lianyun , Hao Zhiyuan , Cao Peng , Yuchi Zhiguang 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDDiamide insecticides, including phthalic and anthranilic diamides, target insect ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and cause misregulation of calcium signaling in insect muscles and neurons. Several resistance mutations have been reported to reduce the efficacy of the diamides, but the exact binding sites and mechanism of resistance mutations are not clear.RESULTSThe recent breakthrough in structural studies of mammalian RyRs has deepened our understanding of these giant calcium‐release channels, but structural information about insect RyRs is still scarce. The only reported high‐resolution structure is from the N‐terminal domain of diamondback moth (DBM) RyR determined by our group. Here, we generate several homology models of full‐length DBM RyR representing different functional states and dock the diamide insecticides into the structural models using Schrodinger software. These models reveal the specific structural features, activation mechanism, structural difference between functional states, ligand‐binding sites and insecticide‐binding sites of DBM RyR. By comparing the structures of wild‐type and insecticide‐resistant mutants, we propose a model depicting how the mutations affect the insecticide binding. We also identify the key difference between mammalian and insect RyRs that may explain the species‐specific binding properties of diamides.CONCLUSIONThe binding sites for three activators Ca2+, ATP and caffeine, and regulator ryanodine are conserved in insect and mammalian RyRs, but the binding site for diamide insecticides is species‐specific. The phthalic and anthranilic diamides have distinct binding properties in DBM, which can be interfered by resistance mutations located in the transmembrane region. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Cold‐Responsive Nanocapsules Enable the Sole‐Cryoprotectant‐Trehalose Cryopreservation of β Cell–Laden Hydrogels for Diabetes Treatment
Authors: Cheng Yue , Yu Yunru , Zhang Yuntian , Zhao Gang , Zhao Yuanjin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIslet transplantation has been one promising strategy in diabetes treatment, which can maintain patient's insulin level long‐term and avoid periodical insulin injections. However, donor shortage and temporal mismatch between donors and recipients has limited its widespread use. Therefore, searching for islet substitutes and developing efficient cryopreservation technology (providing potential islet bank for transplantation on demand) is in great need. Herein, a novel cryopreservation method is developed for islet β cells by combining microfluidic encapsulation and cold‐responsive nanocapsules (CR‐NCs). The cryopreserved cell‐laden hydrogels (calcium alginate hydrogel, CAH) can be transplanted for diabetes treatment. During the freezing process, trehalose is released inside β cells through the CR‐NCs and serves as the sole cryoprotectant (CPA). Additionally, CAH helps cells to survive the freeze–thaw process and provide cells with a natural immune barrier in vivo. Different from traditional cryopreservation methods, this method combining the CR‐NCs and hydrogel encapsulation replaces the toxic CPAs with natural trehalose. Great preservation results are obtained and transplantation experiments of diabetic rats further prove the excellent glucose regulation ability of such β cell–laden hydrogels post cryopreservation. This novel cryopreservation method helps to establish a reliable and ready‐to‐use bank of biological samples for transplantation therapy and other biomedical applications.
Cost–benefit analysis of flood‐zoning policies: A review of current practice
Authors: Hudson Paul , Botzen W. J. Wouter 
Published: October 2019

AbstractOne commonly proposed method to limit flood risk is land‐use or zoning policies which regulates construction in high‐risk areas, in order to reduce economic exposure and its vulnerability to flood events. Although such zoning regulations can be effective in limiting trends in flood risk, they also have adverse impacts on society, for instance by limiting local development of areas near the water. In order to judge whether proposed land‐use or zoning policies are a net benefit to society, they should be accepted or rejected based on a societal cost–benefit analysis (CBA). However, conducting a CBA of zoning regulation is complex and comprehensive guidelines of how to do such an analysis are lacking. We offer guidelines for good practice. In order to assess the costs and benefits of zoning as a climate change adaption strategy, they should be assessed at a societal level in order to account for public good features of flood risk reduction strategies, and because costs in one area can be benefits in another region. We propose a multistep process: first, determine the spatial extent of the zoning policy and how interconnected the zoned area is to other locations; second, conduct a CBA using monetary costs and benefits estimated from an integrated hydro‐economic model to investigate if total benefits exceed total costs; third, conduct a sensitivity analysis regarding the main assumptions; fourth, conduct a multicriteria analysis (MCA) of the normative outcomes of a zoning policy. A desirable policy is preferred in both the CBA and MCA.This article is categorized under:
Engineering Water > Planning Water
Human Water > Value of Water
Science of Water > Water Extremes
Human Water > Methods
Non-abelian Quantum Statistics on Graphs
Authors: Maciążek Tomasz , Sawicki Adam 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWe show that non-abelian quantum statistics can be studied using certain topological invariants which are the homology groups of configuration spaces. In particular, we formulate a general framework for describing quantum statistics of particles constrained to move in a topological spaceX. The framework involves a study of isomorphism classes of flat complex vector bundles over the configuration space ofXwhich can be achieved by determining its homology groups. We apply this methodology for configuration spaces of graphs. As a conclusion, we provide families of graphs which are good candidates for studying simple effective models of anyon dynamics as well as models of non-abelian anyons on networks that are used in quantum computing. These conclusions are based on our solution of the so-called universal presentation problem for homology groups of graph configuration spaces for certain families of graphs.
Dietary Estimated Intake of Trace Elements: Risk Assessment in an Italian Population
Authors: Filippini Tommaso , Tancredi Stefano , Malagoli Carlotta , Malavolti Marcella , Bargellini Annalisa , Vescovi Luciano , Nicolini Fausto , Vinceti Marco 
Published: October 2019

AbstractDietary intake to trace elements may represent the most relevant source of exposure for the general, non-occupationally population, but some of them have been rarely evaluated. We measured content of fifteen trace elements (antimony, barium, beryllium, boron, cobalt, lithium, molybdenum, nickel, silver, strontium, tellurium, thallium, titanium, uranium, and vanadium) in 908 food and beverage samples through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We estimated their dietary intake using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire collected from a population of the Emilia-Romagna Region in Northern Italy. We compared our estimates with tolerable upper intake levels reported by international agencies and we assessed the non-carcinogenic risk through calculation of total hazard quotient for each trace element according to the US-EPA approach. Overall, estimates of their dietary intake were substantially similar to those reported from other countries, and they fell below the tolerable upper intake levels provided by international agencies. The total hazard quotient for each trace element was below 1. Our findings provide updated estimates of food levels and dietary intake of trace elements far frequently evaluated in a sample of Italian adult consumers. They also suggest that any non-carcinogenic risk associated with intake of investigated trace elements may be ruled out in our population.
Effect of compost formulation and postharvest management on quality parameters of button mushroom
Authors: Ranjbar Mohammad Ebrahim , Ghahremani Zahra , Carrasco Jaime 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Purpose
The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of compost formulation made from agricultural by-products and thermal treatment of fresh mushrooms on the postharvest quality parameters.

Methods
Quail manure was evaluated as an alternative ingredient to the broadly used chicken manure for compost preparation. In addition, the treatment of fresh mushrooms by hot water to extend shelf-life was tested. Quality parameters including color (browning due to microbial activity), cap opening and the weight loss (senescence) were evaluated.

Results
The nature of the manure employed as base material in the substrate can affect the postharvest browning ratio of mushroom. However, no significant differences in Δb value, weight loss or cap opening were noticed between two different substrates during storage of harvested mushrooms. The cap opening ratio was further retarded while applying thermal treatment to the mushrooms at 55 °C.

Conclusions
The use of chicken manure as base material to prepare mushroom substrate reduces mushroom browning during storage compared to quail manure, although mushrooms from quail compost are whiter at picking. Postharvest treatment at 45 °C for 4 min was the best to minimize the weight loss.
Synthesis of thermoelectric magnesium-silicide pastes for 3D printing, electrospinning and low-pressure spray
Authors: Marques A. C. , Miglietta Davide , Gaspar G. , Baptista A. C. , Gaspar A. , Perdigão P. , Soares I. , Bianchi C. , Sousa D. , Faustino B. M. Morais , Amaral V. S. , Santos T. , Gonçalves A. P. , da Silva R. C. , Giorgis Fabrizio , Ferreira I. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
In this work, eco-friendly magnesium-silicide (Mg2Si) semiconducting (n-type) thermoelectric pastes for building components concerning energy-harvesting devices through 3D printing, spray and electrospinning were synthetized and tested for the first time. The Mg2Si fine powders were obtained through the combination of ball milling and thermal annealing under Ar atmosphere. While the latter process was crucial for obtaining the desired Mg2Si phase, the ball milling was indispensable for homogenizing and reducing the grain size of the powders. The synthetized Mg2Si powders exhibited a large Seebeck coefficient of ~ 487 µV/K and were blended with a polymeric solution in different mass ratios to adjust the paste viscosity to the different requirements of 3D printing, electrospinning and low-pressure spray. The materials produced in every single stage of the paste synthesis were characterized by a variety of techniques that unequivocally prove their viability for producing thermoelectric parts and components. These can certainly trigger further research and development in green thermoelectric generators (TEGs) capable of adopting any form or shape with enhanced thermoelectric properties. These green TEGs are meant to compete with common toxic materials such as Bi2Te3, PbTe and CoSb that have Seebeck coefficients in the range of ~ 290–700 μV/K, similar to that of the produced Mg2Si powders and lower than that of 3D printed bulk Mg2Si pieces, measured to be ~ 4866 μV/K. Also, their measured thermal conductivities proved to be significantly lower (~ 0.2 W/mK) than that reported for Mg2Si (≥ 4 W/mK). However, it is herein demonstrated that such thermoelectric properties are not stable over time. Pressureless sintering proved to be indispensable, but difficultly achievable by long thermal annealing (even above 32 h) in inert atmosphere at 400 °C, at least for bulk Mg2Si pieces constituted by a mean grain size of 2–3 μm. Hence, for overcoming this sintering challenge and become the silicide’s extrusion viable in the production of bulk thermoelectric parts, alternative pressureless sintering methods will have to be further explored.