bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing female allocation to reproductive technologies considering merit, inbreeding and cost in nucleus breeding programmes with genomic selection
Authors: Granleese Tom , Clark Samuel A. , Kinghorn Brian P. , van der Werf Julius H. J. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractFemale reproductive technologies such as multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) and juvenile in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (JIVET) have been shown to accelerate genetic gain by increasing selection intensity and decreasing generation interval. Genomic selection (GS) increases the accuracy of selection of young candidates which can further accelerate genetic gain. Optimal contribution selection (OCS) is an effective method of keeping the rate of inbreeding at a sustainable level while increasing genetic merit. OCS could also be used to selectively and optimally allocate reproductive technologies in mate selection while accounting for their cost. This study uses stochastic simulation to simulate breeding programmes that use a combination of artificial insemination (AI) or natural mating (N), MOET and JIVET with GS. OCS was used to restrict inbreeding to 1.0% increase per generation and also to optimize use of reproductive technologies, considering their effect on genetic gain as well as their cost. Two Australian sheep breeding objectives were used as an example to illustrate the methodology—a terminal sire breeding objective (A) and a dual‐purpose self‐replacing breeding objective (B). The objective function used for optimization considered genetic merit, constrained inbreeding and cost of technologies where costs were offset by a premium paid to the seedstock breeder investing in female reproductive technologies. The premium was based on the cumulative discounted expression of genetic merit in the progeny of a commercial tier in the breeding programme multiplied by the proportion of that benefit received by the breeder. With breeding objective B, the highest premium of 64% paid to the breeder resulted in the highest allocation of reproductive technologies (4%–10% for MOET and 19%–54% for JIVET) and hence the highest annual genetic gain. Conversely, breeding objective A, which had a lower dollar value of the breeding objective and a maximum of 5% mating types for JIVET and zero for MOET were optimal, even when highest premiums were paid. This study highlights that the level of investment in breeding technologies to accelerate genetic gain depends on the investment of genetic improvement returned to the breeder per index point gain achieved. It also demonstrates that breeding programmes can be optimized including allocation of reproductive technologies at the individual animal level. Accounting for revenue to the breeder and cost of the technologies can facilitate more practical decision support for beef and sheep breeders.
Lead perforation extending beyond the pericardium: Can we treat it percutaneously? Poke, pause, pray, and perform
Authors: Sabbag Avi , Deshmukh Abhishek J. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractCardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) are utilized in increasing number and in heterogeneous populations. With excellent training, checklists, and “muscle memory,” the implantation procedure is generally very safe and efficient. Nevertheless, significant and potentially life‐threatening complications can occur.
Unattended versus attended automated office blood pressure: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies using the same methodology for both methods
Authors: Kollias Anastasios , Stambolliu Emelina , Kyriakoulis Konstantinos G. , Gravvani Areti , Stergiou George S. 
Published: December 2018

There is increasing interest in unattended automated office blood pressure (OBP) measurement, which gives lower blood pressure values than the conventional auscultatory OBP. Whether unattended automated OBP differs from standardized attended automated OBP performed using the same device and measurement protocol remains uncertain. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies (aggregate data) comparing unattended vs attended automated OBP using the same device and measurement protocol (conditions, number of measurements, visits) was performed. Ten eligible studies (n = 1004, weighted age 60.8 ± 4.2 [SD] years, 55% males) were analyzed. Unattended OBP (pooled systolic/diastolic 133.9 [95% CI: 129.7, 138]/80.6 [95% CI: 77, 84.2] mm Hg) did not differ from attended OBP (135.3 [95% CI: 130.9, 139.6]/81 [95% CI: 77.6, 84.3] mm Hg); pooled systolic OBP difference −1.3, 95% CI: −4.3, 1.7 mm Hg and diastolic −0.4, 95% CI: −1.2, 0.3 mm Hg. Nine of ten studies achieved high quality score and no publication bias was identified. Meta‐regression analysis did not reveal any effect of age, gender, or attended systolic OBP on the unattended‐attended systolic OBP difference (P = NS for all). However, there was a trend toward higher attended than unattended OBP at higher OBP levels. These data suggest that, when the same device and measurement protocol are used, attended automated OBP provides similar blood pressure values as unattended automated OBP. Although unattended automated OBP is theoretically advantageous as it ensures that standardized conditions and measurement protocol are used, attended automated OBP, if carefully performed, appears to be a reasonable and practical alternative.
Pex11a deficiency causes dyslipidaemia and obesity in mice
Authors: Chen Congcong , Wang Hongwei , Chen Bicheng , Chen Deyuan , Lu Chaosheng , Li Haiyan , Qian Yan , Tan Yi , Weng Huachun , Cai Lu 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPeroxisomes play a central role in lipid metabolism. We previously demonstrated that Pex11a deficiency impairs peroxisome abundance and fatty acid β‐oxidation and results in hepatic triglyceride accumulation. The role of Pex11a in dyslipidaemia and obesity is investigated here with Pex11a knockout mice (Pex11a−/−). Metabolic phenotypes including tissue weight, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, cholesterol levels, fatty acid profile, oxygen consumption, physical activity were assessed in wild‐type (WT) and Pex11a−/− fed with a high‐fat diet. Molecular changes and peroxisome abundance in adipose tissue were evaluated through qRT‐PCR, Western blotting, and Immunofluorescence. Pex11a−/− showed increased fat mass, decreased skeletal muscle, higher cholesterol levels, and more severely impaired glucose and insulin tolerance. Pex11a−/− consumed less oxygen, indicating a decrease in fatty acid oxidation, which is consistent with the accumulation of very long‐ and long‐chain fatty acids. Adipose palmitic acid (C16:0) levels were elevated in Pex11a−/−, which may be because of dramatically increased fatty acid synthase mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, Pex11a deficiency increased ventricle size and macrophage infiltration, which are related to the reduced physical activity. These data demonstrate that Pex11a deficiency impairs physical activity and energy expenditure, decreases fatty acid β‐oxidation, increases de novo lipogenesis and results in dyslipidaemia and obesity.
Granulocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cell population increases with the severity of alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Gao Miaomiao , Huang Ang , Sun Zijian , Sun Ying , Chang Binxia , Zhang Ji‐yuan , Zou Zheng‐sheng 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAlcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a progressive liver disease that can cause a series of complications, including cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. Granulocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cell (gMDSC) populations have been observed to expand in various liver diseases and to inhibit innate and adaptive immunity in patients with liver disease. However, the characteristics of gMDSCs in patients with ALD have not been studied. We studied 24 healthy controls (HCs) and 107 patients with ALD and found an accumulation of gMDSCs in the peripheral blood of patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC). Furthermore, ALC patients with a poor prognosis displayed a significant increase in peripheral gMDSCs and showed an increased capacity for arginase I production compared to HCs. In contrast, plasma arginase I levels in ALC patients were negatively correlated with total bilirubin and international normalized ratio, two key parameters of liver damage. Importantly, gMDSCs accumulated in the livers of ALC patients, and the frequency of liver gMDSCs significantly correlated with that of peripheral gMDSCs. In addition, gMDSC enrichment in vitro significantly inhibited the function of natural killer (NK) cells, perhaps preventing the NK‐induced apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells. In summary, increased peripheral and intrahepatic gMDSC populations are present in patients with ALC and may contribute to enhancing the severity of liver cirrhosis.
Conditioned medium from amniotic cells protects striatal degeneration and ameliorates motor deficits in the R6/2 mouse model of Huntington's disease
Authors: Giampà Carmela , Alvino Alessandra , Magatti Marta , Silini Antonietta R. , Cardinale Antonella , Paldino Emanuela , Fusco Francesca R. , Parolini Ornella 
Published: December 2018

AbstractInflammation significantly impacts the progression of Huntington's disease (HD) and the mutant HTT protein determines a pro‐inflammatory activation of microglia. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) from the amniotic membrane (hAMSC), and their conditioned medium (CM‐hAMSC), have been shown to possess protective effects in vitro and in vivo in animal models of immune‐based disorders and of traumatic brain injury, which have been shown to be mediated by their immunomodulatory properties.In this study, in the R6/2 mouse model for HD we demonstrate that mice treated with CM‐hAMSC display less severe signs of neurological dysfunction than saline‐treated ones. CM‐hAMSC treatment significantly delayed the development of the hind paw clasping response during tail suspension, reduced deficits in rotarod performance, and decreased locomotor activity in an open field test. The effects of CM‐hAMSC on neurological function were reflected in a significant amelioration in brain pathology, including reduction in striatal atrophy and the formation of striatal neuronal intranuclear inclusions. In addition, while no significant increase was found in the expression of BDNF levels after CM‐hAMSC treatment, a significant decrease of microglia activation and inducible nitric oxide synthase levels were observed. These results support the concept that CM‐hAMSC could act by modulating inflammatory cells, and more specifically microglia.
Properties of soy protein isolate/nano‐silica bilayer films during storage
Authors: Xu Lina , Liu Yuanyuan , Yang Mingming , Cao Wenhui , Zhang Huajiang , Xia Ning , Li Tong , Zhao Xiaotong 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe development of bionanocomposite materials for packages has received increasing attention due to environmental pollution issues. However, storage results in many undesirable properties in films. This study evaluated the effects of storage on simple layer and bilayer soy protein isolate/nano‐silica (SPI/nano‐SiO2) films, which may reduce the migration of nanoparticles, and on the properties (mechanical, barrier, and optical) and parameters (moisture content, sulfhydryl content, and glycerol migration rate) of the films. Compared to SPI films, SPI/nano‐SiO2 films had a higher moisture content, higher sulfhydryl content, lower glycerol migration rate and better properties after storage. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that hydrogen bonding existed between SPI and nano‐SiO2 and that α‐helix, β‐sheet, β‐turn, and random coil structures transformed due to bond breaking and formation during storage. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that SS‐3‐2 film had better morphologies after storage. In conclusion, bilayer films are safer and may replace simple layer films in food packaging.Practical applicationsBased on an EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) scientific opinion, SiO2 is approved in the European Union. However, nanoparticles have been reported to process certain characteristics that pose a health hazard. To reduce the migration of nano‐SiO2, the contact area between the food and films with nano‐SiO2 must be reduced. SPI film is a biodegradable packaging material and has been widely studied due to its biodegradable properties, which are attributed to the lack of repeating units in peptides compared to petroleum synthetic polymers. However, the properties of SPI film change during storage, which limits its application. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of storage on the properties of simple layer and bilayer SPI/nano‐SiO2 films.
Evaluating food safety knowledge, practices, and microbial profile of meat in abattoirs and butchery shops in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Mallhi Iftikhar Younis , Sohaib Muhammad , Khan Azmat Ullah , Nawaz Muhammad , Abdullah  
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe current study envisaged to assess food safety knowledge and practices of abattoirs and butchery shops workers to handle meat and to determine bacterial load in meat available in Lahore, Pakistan. Accordingly, descriptive survey was used via questionnaire to access status of food hygiene and sanitation practices by interviewing workers. The bacterial load of meat samples was accessed by determining total plate count (TPC) and Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella were detected in collected meat samples. The findings indicate poor food safety practice as 94.8% of workers had no health certificate and nonavailability of sanitizers at premises. Also, 80% butchers do not use protective clothes during meat handling that can be a major source of contamination. Mean values of total plate count for beef, mutton, and chicken were 6.25 × 10, 3.87 × 107and 4.27 × 107 cfu/g, respectively that also indicates higher values as compared to those set by the Punjab Food Authority which is regulatory body of Pakistan. Study concludes meat handlers have poor knowledge regarding food safety and practices as well as microbial load in samples was also higher compared to standards of world health organization. Therefore, it is highly recommended that regulatory authorities should pay attention to improve food safety situation for meat in Lahore city.Practical applicationsFoodborne diseases are rampant in developing countries mainly due to poor handling and sanitation practices that can lead to development of contaminated food products. Pakistani being meat loving peoples prefer to consume fresh meat sold in butchery shops and retail outlets. However, the fresh meat could be a source for foodborne disease due to lack of poor safety practices at the abattoirs, butchery, shops, and retail outlets. In this context, present study was conducted to assess food safety knowledge, practices of workers, and to determine microbial level of meat sold in Lahore. The findings of this study are useful for regulatory bodies to devise effective strategies to improve prevailing poor food safety knowledge and practices and to reduce bacterial load especially of pathogenic microbes to protect consumer's health.
Asymmetry, Complementarities, and State Dependence in Federal Reserve Forecasts
Authors: CAUNEDO JULIETA , DICECIO RICCARDO , KOMUNJER IVANA , OWYANG MICHAEL T. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractForecasts are a central component of policymaking; the Federal Reserve's forecasts are published in a document called the Greenbook. Previous studies of the Greenbook's inflation forecasts have found them to be rationalizable but asymmetric if considering particular subperiods, for example, before and after the Volcker appointment. In these papers, forecasts are analyzed in isolation, assuming policymakers value them independently. We analyze the Greenbook forecasts in a framework in which the forecast errors for different variables are allowed to interact. We find that allowing the losses to interact makes the unemployment forecasts virtually symmetric, the output forecasts symmetric prior to the Volcker appointment, and the inflation forecasts symmetric after the onset of the Great Moderation.
Neuroprotective effect of mogrol against Aβ1–42-induced memory impairment neuroinflammation and apoptosis in mice
Authors: Chen Gangling , Liu Caihong , Meng Guoliang , Zhang Chunteng , Chen Fang , Tang Susu , Hong Hao , Zhang Chaofeng 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Objectives
Cognitive impairment is the main character of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study mainly focused on whether mogrol, a tetracyclic triterpenoids compound of Siraitia grosvenorii Swingle, can ameliorate the memory impairment induced by Aβ1–42.

Methods
Memory impairment mice model was made by stereotactic intra-hippocampal microinjection of Aβ1–42 (410 pm/mouse). Mogrol (20, 40, 80 mg/kg) was given to mice by intragastric administration at 3 days after Aβ1–42 injection for totally 3 weeks. Morris water maze test and Y-maze test were operated to evaluate the therapeutic effect of morgrol on Aβ1–42-induced memory impairments. Immunohistochemical analyses and Hoechst 33258 assay were used to evaluate effect of morgrol on Aβ1–42-induced microglia overactivation and apoptotic response in hippocampus of mice. Western blotting assay was used to evaluate effect of mogrol on the Aβ1–42-activated NF-κB signaling.

Key findings
Mogrol could significantly alleviate Aβ1–42-induced memory impairments, inhibit Aβ1–42-induced microglia overactivation and prevent Aβ1–42-triggered apoptotic response in the hippocampus. Mogrol also could suppress Aβ1–42-activated NF-κB signaling, reduce the production of proinflammatory cytokines.

Conclusions
This study suggested that mogrol would ameliorate the memory impairment induced by Aβ1–42, which is involved in anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis in the brain.
Sleep well. Untangling the role of melatonin MT1 and MT2 receptors in sleep
Authors: Gobbi Gabriella , Comai Stefano 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe pharmacological potential of targeting selectively melatonin MT1 or MT2 receptors has not yet been exploited in medicine. Research using selective MT1/MT2 receptor ligands and MT1/MT2 receptor knockout mice has indicated that the activation of MT2 receptors selectively increases non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep whereas MT1 receptors seem mostly implicated in the regulation of REM sleep. Moreover, MT1 knockout mice show an increase in NREM sleep, while MT2 knockout a decrease, suggesting an opposite role of these two receptors. A recent paper in mice by Sharma et al (J Pineal Res, 2018, e12498) found that MT1 but not MT2 receptors are expressed on orexin neurons in the perifornical lateral hypothalamus (PFH). Moreover, after injecting melatonin or luzindole into the mouse PFH, the authors suggest that melatonin promotes NREM sleep because activates PFH MT1 receptors, which in turn inhibit orexin neurons that are important in promoting arousal and maintaining wakefulness. In this commentary, we have critically commented on some of these findings on the bases of previous literature. In addition, we highlighted the fact that no conclusions could be drawn on the melatonin receptor subtype mediating the effects of melatonin on sleep because the authors used the non‐selective MT1/MT2 receptors antagonist luzindole. More solid research should further characterize the pharmacological function of these two melatonin receptors in sleep.
Probabilistic updating of fishbone model for assessing seismic damage to beam–column connections in steel moment‐resisting frames
Authors: Li Xiaohua , Kurata Masahiro 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis article presents a probabilistic method of updating fishbone models for assessing seismic damage on beam–column connections in steel moment‐resisting frames. Fishbone models enable explicitly identifying the rotational stiffness of beams, which is not possible with a shear building model commonly used in Bayesian model updating approaches. Necessary formulations to utilize fishbone models for model updating with measured floor accelerations under small‐amplitude loadings including ambient excitations were first formulated. To accommodate the incompleteness of modal data to update unknown parameters of fishbone models, that is, the stiffness of rotational springs, a hierarchical Bayesian model updating algorithm is implemented. Seismic damage of beam–column connections are estimated by making a comparison of the identified rotational stiffness of springs in the fishbone models before and after earthquakes. The effectiveness of the proposed method is first examined with numerical simulations using a 10‐story building model. Then, the applicability to realistic beam damage, that is, not artificially introduced, is evaluated through a full‐scale steel frame test at the E‐Defense shaking table facility. The article also discusses coefficients of variation of the identified stiffness and influence of modeling error on estimation of realistic damage to check the credibility of the method for real‐life applications.
Multilab EcoFAB study shows highly reproducible physiology and depletion of soil metabolites by a model grass
Authors: Sasse Joelle , Kant Josefine , Cole Benjamin J. , Klein Andrew P. , Arsova Borjana , Schlaepfer Pascal , Gao Jian , Lewald Kyle , Zhalnina Kateryna , Kosina Suzanne , Bowen Benjamin P. , Treen Daniel , Vogel John , Visel Axel , Watt Michelle , Dangl Jeffery L. , Northen Trent R. 
Published: December 2018

Summary

There is a dynamic reciprocity between plants and their environment: soil physiochemical properties influence plant morphology and metabolism, and root morphology and exudates shape the environment surrounding roots. Here, we investigate the reproducibility of plant trait changes in response to three growth environments.

We utilized fabricated ecosystem (EcoFAB) devices to grow the model grass Brachypodium distachyon in three distinct media across four laboratories: phosphate‐sufficient and ‐deficient mineral media allowed assessment of the effects of phosphate starvation, and a complex, sterile soil extract represented a more natural environment with yet uncharacterized effects on plant growth and metabolism.

Tissue weight and phosphate content, total root length, and root tissue and exudate metabolic profiles were consistent across laboratories and distinct between experimental treatments. Plants grown in soil extract were morphologically and metabolically distinct, with root hairs four times longer than with other growth conditions. Further, plants depleted half of the metabolites investigated from the soil extract.

To interact with their environment, plants not only adapt morphology and release complex metabolite mixtures, but also selectively deplete a range of soil‐derived metabolites. The EcoFABs utilized here generated high interlaboratory reproducibility, demonstrating their value in standardized investigations of plant traits.