bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of canopy openness and meteorological factors on spatial variability of throughfall isotopic composition in a Japanese cypress plantation
Authors: Sun Xinchao , Onda Yuichi , Hirata Akiko , Kato Hiroaki , Gomi Takashi , Liu Xueyan 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSpatial variability of throughfall (TF) isotopic composition, used as tracer input, influences isotope hydrological applications in forested watersheds. Notwithstanding, identification of the dominant canopy factors and processes that affect the patterns of TF isotopic variability remains ambiguous. Here, we examined the spatio‐temporal variability of TF isotopic composition in a Japanese cypress plantation, in which intensive strip thinning was performed and investigated whether canopy structure at a fine resolution of canopy effect analysis is related to TF isotopic composition and how this is affected by meteorological factors. Canopy openness, as an index of canopy structure, was calculated from hemispherical photographs at different zenith angles. TF samples were collected in a 10 × 10 m experimental plot in both pre‐thinning (from July to November 2010) and post‐thinning (from May 2012 to March 2013) periods. Our results show that thinning resulted in a smaller alteration of input δ18O of gross precipitation, whereas the changes in deuterium excess varied in both directions. Despite the temporal stability of spatial patterns in TF amount, the spatial variability of TF isotopic composition was not temporally stable in both pre‐ and post‐thinning periods. Additionally, after thinning, the isotopic composition of TF was best related to canopy openness calculated at the zenith angle of 7°, exhibiting three different relationships, that is, significantly negative, significantly positive, and nonsignificant. Changes in meteorological factors (wind speed, rainfall intensity, and temperature) were found to affect the relationships between TF δ18O and canopy openness. The observed shifts in the relationships reveal different dominant factors (partial evaporation and the selection), and canopy water flowpaths control such differences. This study provides useful insights into the spatial variability of TF isotopic composition and improves our understanding of the physical processes of interception through canopy passage.
Estrogenic and anti‐estrogenic activity of butylparaben, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene and propyl gallate and their binary mixtures on two estrogen responsive cell lines (T47D‐Kbluc, MCF‐7)
Authors: Pop Anca , Drugan Tudor , Gutleb Arno C. , Lupu Diana , Cherfan Julien , Loghin Felicia , Kiss Béla 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe estrogenic and anti‐estrogenic effects of butylparaben (BuPB), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and propyl gallate (PG) were evaluated for individual compounds as well as for binary mixtures, using an estrogen‐dependent reporter gene assay in T47D‐Kbluc breast cancer cells and an estrogen‐dependent proliferation assay in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. In terms of estrogenicity the potency of the selected compounds increased from BHA < PG < BuPB in the luciferase assay (with BHT showing no significant estrogenic activity), while in the proliferation assay the following order was observed: BHT < BHA < BuPB (with PG showing no significant estrogenic activity). Non‐monotonic dose–response curves were obtained for BuPB (in both assays) and PG (in the luciferase assay), respectively. In the presence of estradiol, a significant anti‐estrogenic activity was observed in both cell lines for PG, BuPB and BHA, while BHT showed weak anti‐estrogenic activity only in T47D‐Kbluc cells. The evaluation of binary mixtures confirmed the endocrine disruptive potential of the compounds, their individual potency being correlated with that of the mixtures. All mixtures were able to reduce the estradiol‐induced luminescence or cell proliferation, an effect that was accurately predicted by the dose addition mathematical model, suggesting the same (or at least partially overlapping) modes of action for the tested compounds. The results of the present study emphasize the importance of a cumulative risk assessment of endocrine disruptors.
Human skin in vivo has a higher skin barrier function than porcine skin ex vivo—comprehensive Raman microscopic study of the stratum corneum
Authors: Choe ChunSik , Schleusener Johannes , Lademann Jürgen , Darvin Maxim E. 
Published: February 2018

Porcine skin is widely used as a human skin model in dermatology. For both, porcine stratum corneum (SC) ex vivo and human SC in vivo, the hydrogen bonding states of water, the secondary and tertiary structures of keratin, the natural moisturizing factor (NMF) concentrations and the intercellular lipids' (ICL) lateral organization are investigated depth‐dependently using confocal Raman microscopy. The SC depth profiles show that porcine SC ex vivo is characterized by lower hydrogen bonding states of water (10%‐30% SC depth), lower NMF concentration in the whole SC, more β‐sheet form of keratin (10%‐90% SC depth), more folded tertiary keratin structures (30%‐70% SC depth) and higher hexagonal lateral packing order of ICL (10%‐50% SC depth) compared to human SC in vivo. The results clearly show a higher value of skin barrier function of human SC in vivo than of porcine SC ex vivo. Thus, the human SC in vivo is less permeable for lipophilic and hydrophilic substances than porcine SC ex vivo. Considering the porcine SC as an ex vivo model of human SC in vivo, these findings should be taken into consideration.image
The in vivo effects of cefazolin, cefuroxime, and cefoperazon on the carbonic anhydrase in different rat tissues
Authors: Türkan Fikret , Huyut Zübeyir , Taslimi Parham , Gülçin İlhami 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this paper, the in vivo effects of some antibiotics including cefazolin, cefuroxime, and cefoperazon, on the activity of the carbonic anhydrase enzyme (CA) in heart, brain, eye, liver, and kidney tissues of rats were evaluated. For this purpose, 16 different groups, which each containing six rats (n = 6), were formed (control group, cefazolin groups, cefuroxime groups, and cefoperazon groups). The rats were necropsied 60 min after the intraperitoneal injection of the chemicals into the rats. The CA activities were measured for each tissue using esterase activity methods. The activity values for each tissue obtained were statistically calculated. The CA activities in the liver tissue were assessed, and the activities of the cefoperazon groups were decreased compared to the sham groups from the third hour (p < 0.05). In the cefuroxime and cefoperazon groups, the CA activities in the eye tissue were decreased during the first 3 h and then increased (p < 0.05).
N‐Acetyl‐cysteine mediated inhibition of spermatogonial cells apoptosis against malathion exposure in testicular tissue
Authors: Bhardwaj Jitender Kumar , Saraf Priyanka , Kumari Priya , Mittal Meenu , Kumar Vijay 
Published: February 2018

AbstractToxicological studies so far suggest that excessive use of malathion, an organophosphate insecticide, causes serious ill‐effects in mammalian reproductive physiology. The present study aims at assessing malathion‐induced toxicity in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner with mitigating effects of N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine. The testicular germ cell viability was monitored using MTT assay, where NAC, being an antioxidant significantly reduced malathion‐induced toxicity by enhancing the frequency of cell viability. The histomorphological analysis showed that NAC successfully diminished several apoptotic features in testicular cells, induced by malathion. The differential EB/AO staining revealed a significant decline in the percentage of apoptosis after NAC supplementation. NAC also diminished the malathion‐induced DNA fragmentation along with significantly reduction in oxidative stress parameters causing decrease in lipid peroxidation and enhancement of ferric reducing antioxidant power within testicular germ cells. Thus, NAC mitigated the malathion‐induced toxicity, proving its potential in infertility treatment.
A dialectical behavior therapy skills intervention for women with suicidal behaviors in rural Nepal: A single‐case experimental design series
Authors: Ramaiya Megan K. , McLean Caitlin , Regmi Upasana , Fiorillo Devika , Robins Clive J. , Kohrt Brandon A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundSuicide in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) accounts for 75% of the world's burden of suicide mortality and is the leading single cause of death among Nepali reproductive age women. To advance treatment for suicidal behaviors in LMICs, a single‐case experimental design (SCED) was conducted of a culturally adapted Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills intervention for Nepali populations (DBT‐N).MethodTen Nepali women with histories of suicidality participated in the 10‐session intervention. Outcomes of emotion regulation, suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety, resilience, and coping skills use were measured at multiple time points pre‐intervention, during, and at follow‐up. Qualitative interviewing assessed DBT‐N's feasibility and acceptability.ResultsParticipants showed improvements in emotion regulation over the course of treatment, which were associated with increased skills use. Rapid, sustained reductions in suicidal ideation and improvements in resilience were observed after DBT‐N initiation.ConclusionThis SCED supports conducting further evaluation of DBT‐N through controlled trials with emotion regulation as a target mechanism of action for reducing suicidal behaviors in LMICs.
A reexamination of the cognitive behavioral model of chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Sunnquist Madison , Jason Leonard A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe cognitive behavioral model of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) suggests that cognitions and reduced activity level perpetuate the fatigue and impairment that individuals with CFS experience. The two empirical evaluations of this model resulted in conflicting findings. The current study examines the influence of case definition fulfillment on the applicability of this model to CFS.MethodA moderated mediation analysis was conducted on 990 individuals with CFS to reexamine the behavioral pathway of this model. Case definition fulfillment was entered as a moderator.ResultsFindings were generally inconsistent with the cognitive behavioral model of CFS. Case definition fulfillment significantly moderated the relation between activity level and physical impairment (β = –0.08, p = 0.03); individuals who met more stringent case definitions demonstrated a weaker relation between activity level and impairment.ConclusionsThis model may not accurately represent the experience of individuals with CFS, particularly those who fulfill more stringent case definitions.
Community stigma, internalized homonegativity, enacted stigma, and HIV testing among young men who have sex with men
Authors: Goldenberg Tamar , Stephenson Rob , Bauermeister Jose 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHIV testing is an important HIV prevention strategy for young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in the United States, but the relationships between community‐ and individual‐level aspects of sexuality‐related stigma and HIV testing among YMSM are unknown. Data from a cross‐sectional survey included 334 HIV‐negative YMSM in Detroit. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine if place‐based community prejudice perceptions, internalized homonegativity, and sexuality‐related discrimination were associated with HIV testing. Increased perceptions of community prejudice were associated with lower odds of never testing, while increased internalized homonegativity was associated with greater odds of never testing. Experiences of discrimination had no association with HIV testing. Understanding the influence of sexuality‐related stigma (and especially place‐specific, community‐level stigma) on HIV testing could help improve public health messaging to increase HIV testing among YMSM.
Antimicrobial stewardship without infectious disease physician for patients with candidemia: A before and after study
Authors: Murakami Minoru , Komatsu Hirokazu , Sugiyama Masahide , Ichikawa Yuhei , Ide Kyoko , Tsuchiya Rumi , Kunieda Kenji , Magishi Akiko , Akiyama Gaku , Miura Fumihide , Okada Kunihiko , Ikezoe Masaya 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the effects of antimicrobial stewardship team (AST) without infectious disease physician (IDP) on clinical outcome in patients with candidemia.MethodsWe conducted a before and after study involving patients with hospital‐acquired candidemia at a tertiary hospital without IDPs. The AST consisted of physicians, pharmacists, nurse, microbiologist, and administrative staff. A candidemia care bundle was developed based on the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) guideline. The non‐IDP AST provided recommendations to the attending physicians whose patients developed candidemia during hospitalization. The primary outcome was 30‐day all‐cause mortality, while the secondary outcomes were adherence to the IDSA guidelines regarding the management of candidemia. Data of up to 3 years of preintervention and 3 years of intervention period were analyzed.ResultsBy 30 days, 11 of 46 patients (23.9%) in the intervention group and 7 of 30 patients (23.3%) in the preintervention group died (adjusted hazard ratio for the intervention group: 0.68 [95% CI 0.24‐1.91]). The non‐IDP AST was associated with appropriate empirical antifungal therapy (100% vs 60.0%; proportion ratio 1.67 [95% CI 1.24‐2.23]), appropriate duration of treatment (84.7% vs 43.3%; 1.96 [1.28‐3.00]), removal of central venous catheters (94.4% vs 70.8%; 1.33 [1.02‐1.74]), and ophthalmological examination (93.5% vs 63.3%; 1.48 [1.12‐1.96]).ConclusionsAlthough we found no significant difference in 30‐day mortality, the non‐IDP AST was associated with improved adherence to guidelines for management of candidemia.
Evolution of facial innervation in anomodont therapsids (Synapsida): Insights from X‐ray computerized microtomography
Authors: Benoit Julien , Angielczyk Kenneth D. , Miyamae Juri A. , Manger Paul , Fernandez Vincent , Rubidge Bruce 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAnomodontia was the most successful herbivorous clade of the mammalian stem lineage (non‐mammalian synapsids) during the late Permian and Early Triassic. Among anomodonts, Dicynodontia stands apart because of the presence of an osseous beak that shows evidence of the insertion of a cornified sheath, the ramphotheca. In this study, fourteen anomodont specimens were microCT‐scanned and their trigeminal canals reconstructed digitally to understand the origin and evolution of trigeminal nerve innervation of the ramphotheca. We show that the pattern of innervation of the anomodont “beak” is more similar to that in chelonians (the nasopalatine branch is enlarged and innervates the premaxillary part of the ramphotheca) than in birds (where the nasopalatine and maxillary branches play minor roles). The nasopalatine branch is noticeably enlarged in the beak‐less basal anomodontPatranomodon, suggesting that this could be an anomodont or chainosaur synapomorphy. Our analyses suggest that the presence or absence of tusks and postcanine teeth are often accompanied by corresponding variations of the rami innervating the caniniform process and the alveolar region, respectively. The degree of ossification of the canal for the nasal ramus of the ophthalmic branch also appears to correlate with the presence of a nasal boss. The nasopalatine canal is absent from the premaxilla in the Bidentalia as they uniquely show a large plexus formed by the internal nasal branch of the maxillary canal instead. The elongated shape of this plexus inLystrosaurussupports the hypothesis that the rostrum evolved as an elongation of the subnarial region of the snout. Finally, the atrophied and variable aspect of the trigeminal canals inMyosaurussupports the hypothesis that this genus had a reduced upper ramphotheca.
How does it feel and how does it look? The role of employee motivation in organizational learning type
Authors: Kauppila Olli‐Pekka 
Published: February 2018

SummaryEmployees' work outcomes vary as a function of their focus on exploring new possibilities versus exploiting current opportunities. But what determines how employees divide their attention between these contrasting work behaviors? Drawing on studies on work motivation and employees' impression management concerns, we examine how intrinsic work motivation and self‐enhancement motivation relate to the exploration–exploitation balance and how environmental dynamism moderates these relationships. Based on the analyses of a sample of 638 employees in 34 organizations in Finland, we find that intrinsic work motivation is positively associated with employees' focus on exploration relative to exploitation. By contrast, self‐enhancement motivation negatively associates with exploration relative to exploitation, but this relationship is nonlinear, such that as self‐enhancement motivation increases, its positive association with exploitation diminishes. The findings also show that the hypothesized nonlinear relationship between self‐enhancement motivation and exploration is particularly pronounced in stable business environments. Our findings contribute to organizational learning research and provide a new theoretical perspective on pursuing exploration and exploitation in organizations.
Periodontal disease and its connection to systemic biomarkers of cardiovascular disease in young American Indian/Alaskan natives
Authors: Delange Nicole , Lindsay Suzanne , Lemus Hector , Finlayson Tracy L. , Kelley Scott T. , Gottlieb Roberta A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundPeriodontal disease has been shown to be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). No known studies evaluate the relationship between periodontal disease status and biomarkers of CVD risk in the American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) population despite their disproportionately high rates of poor oral health and cardiovascular disease–related outcomes. This study compared levels of interleukin (IL)‐6 and C‐reactive protein (CRP) across increasing severity of periodontal disease status among younger adults between the ages of 21 and 43 years.MethodsPlasma levels of IL‐6 and CRP were measured in adult participants (ages 21 to 43 years) as part of a study of periodontal disease and CVD risk among an AI/AN population in southern California (n = 59). Periodontal evaluations were performed and disease status was classified into three categories based on highest probing depth (none/mild: < 3 mm; moderate: 4 to 5 mm; severe: ≥6 mm). Participants with known systemic disease or active infection were excluded.ResultsSevere periodontitis was significantly associated with increased levels of IL‐6 compared with those with none or mild periodontitis before controlling for other variables (P = 0.02), but lacked significance after controlling for sex, BMI, smoking status, and high‐density lipoprotein (P = 0.09). Moderate periodontal disease was positively associated with IL‐6 levels after controlling for potential confounders (P = 0.01). Periodontal status was not associated with CRP, before or after adjusting for covariates.ConclusionsIn this otherwise healthy AI/AN adult sample, moderate periodontal disease compared with none or mild periodontal disease was associated with increased levels of IL‐6. High levels of CRP found in this population warrant further research.
Aperture generation based on threshold segmentation for intensity modulated radiotherapy treatment planning
Authors: Yang Jie , Gui Zhiguo , Zhang Liyuan , Zhang Pengcheng 
Published: February 2018

PurposeTo reduce computation and decrease planning time with little or no loss in plan quality compared to the column‐generation‐based (cg) method, a simple method of aperture generation based on threshold segmentation (agts) is proposed.MethodsThe proposed agts strategy consists of two steps. First, a fuzzy controller is used for noise cancellation; then, new apertures are added using the threshold segmentation algorithm. We tested the proposed method on seven prostate tumor cases using the computational environment for radiotherapy research algorithms for the dose calculations and compared the results with those obtained by generating the plan aperture using the cg method. Specifically, the homogeneity index and conformity number of the planning target volume, organs at risk (OARs) sparing, and total planning time were compared among the two methods.ResultsThe proposed agts technique produced treatment plans approximating the cg solution. Furthermore, the planning time required by the agts method was approximately 58.61% ± 0.40 less than that required by the cg method.ConclusionsThe agts algorithm can decrease planning time with little or no loss in plan quality compared to the cg method.
International Continence Society supported pelvic physiotherapy education guideline
Authors: Bakker Els , Shelly Beth , Esch Fetske H. , Frawley Helena , McClurg Doreen , Meyers Peter 
Published: February 2018

AimTo provide a guideline of desired knowledge, clinical skills and education levels in Pelvic Physiotherapy (PT). Physiotherapy (PT) involves “using knowledge and skills unique to physiotherapists” and, “is the service only provided by, or under the direction and supervision of a physiotherapist.”1MethodsThe PT Committee, within the body of the International Continence Society (ICS), collected information regarding existing educational levels for pelvic floor PT. Through face to face and on on‐line discussion consensus was reached which was summarized in three progressive educational levels based on knowledge and skills and brought together in a guideline. The guideline was submitted to all physiotherapists and the Educational Committee of the ICS, and after approval, submitted to the Executive Board of the ICS.ResultThe guideline lists, in a progressive way, knowledge areas and skills to be achieved by education. It is broad and allows for individual interpretation based on local situations regarding education and healthcare possibilities. It is intended to be dynamic and updated on a regular basis.ConclusionThe proposed Pelvic PT education guideline is a dynamic document that allows course creators to plan topics for continuing course work and to recognize educational level of a therapist in the field of Pelvic PT. This education guideline can be used to set minimum worldwide standards resulting in higher skill levels for local pelvic physiotherapists and thereby better patient care outcome.