bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Superovulation protocols for dairy cows bred with SexedULTRA™ sex‐sorted semen
Authors: Dell’Eva Giuliana , Bolognini Davide , Iacono Eleonora , Merlo Barbara 
Published: February 2019

ContentsThe objective was to compare embryo yield and quality in lactating dairy cows superovulated (SO) with varying amounts of gonadotropins and FSH:LH ratios and inseminated with SexedULTRA™ sex‐sorted semen. The SO treatments (n = 77) involved 3 protocols: groups F700 and F1000 were given total doses of 700 and 1,000 IU of Folltropin (FSH:LH ratio 49:1), respectively, whereas group F700P300 was given 700 IU of Folltropin + 300 IU of Pluset (FSH:LH ratio 1:1). Cows were artificially inseminated 3 times over a 10‐hr interval with frozen‐thawed SexedULTRA™ sex‐sorted semen (total of 10 × 106 sex‐sorted sperm), starting 18 hr after onset of oestrus, with embryos/ova recovered 7 d after oestrus. Total number of recovered structures and transferable embryos were lower (p < 0.05) in F700 (4.7 ± 3.0 and 1.9 ± 1.7, respectively; mean ± SD) compared to F1000 (8.1 ± 3.8 and 4.4 ± 2.6) and F700P300 (8.5 ± 6.4 and 4.5 ± 3.3). Percentage of cows ovulating >50% of follicles ≥0.8 cm in diameter was lower (p < 0.05) in F700 (35.5%) than in F1000 (82.4%) and F700P300 (73.1%). Percentage of unfertilized oocytes was higher (p < 0.05) in F700 (45.0% vs. 27.7% for F1000 and 29.0% for F700P300) whereas percentage of morulae was higher (p < 0.05) in F1000 (19.3% vs. 8.7% for F700 and 12.2% for F700P300). Embryo quality was similar among groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, embryo production in lactating dairy cows was improved by increasing total dose of gonadotropins from 700 to 1,000 IU, with SexedULTRA™ sex‐sorted semen yielding satisfactory fertilization rates and embryo quality.
Having It All? Employment, Earnings, and Children*
Authors: Laun Tobias , Wallenius Johanna 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe study the effect of family policies on female employment, fertility, and the gender wage gap. We develop a life‐cycle model of heterogeneous households featuring endogenous labor supply, human capital accumulation, fertility, and home production. Our results suggest that human capital accumulation is important in accounting for the widening of the gender wage gap following children. We find that, in aggregate, childcare subsidies promote maternal employment and fertility, although the effects are heterogeneous across couples. A subsidy on home goods increases female employment, but primarily later in life. Thus, it does not dampen the widening of the gender gap.
Dynamics of crustal overthrust versus underthrust in the continental collision zones: Numerical modelling
Authors: Huangfu Pengpeng , Li Zhong‐Hai , Fan Weiming , Shi Yaolin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTrans‐plate crustal overthrust and underthrust are two unusual crustal architectures in nature, the mechanisms of which remain debated. Here, we construct a series of 2D numerical models to investigate the dynamics of trans‐plate crustal overthrust and underthrust. Model results indicate that the favourable conditions of crustal overthrust include low convergence rate, plastically strong crust, rheologically strong upper crust and hot subducting plate, which meanwhile contribute to the formation of ‘crocodile’ crustal structure. In contrast, a combination of a strong and buoyant subducting plate with a hot overriding plate facilitates crustal underthrust. The development of crustal overthrust shows no correlation with the subduction mode of lithospheric mantle, whereas crustal underthrust normally occurs in an advancing subduction system. Development conditions and crustal structures of the modelled overthrust and underthrust are consistent, on the first order, with the natural Dinarides orogen and the southern Tibetan plateau respectively.
Naturally propped fractures caused by quartz cementation preserve oil reservoirs in basement rocks
Authors: Baba Mas'ud , Parnell John , Bowden Stephen A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMuch silica precipitation in oil reservoirs occurred in the presence of hydrocarbons, evidenced by the entrapment of oil fluid inclusions in quartz. Also, silica in sedimentary basins is commonly precipitated at oil‐window temperatures. This spatial and temporal relationship between oil and quartz precipitation aids the entry of oil into fractured reservoirs, including fractured basement. Where quartz is precipitated as fracture linings, the fractures are propped open by bridging quartz crystals, creating high fracture porosity and permeability. Evidence from fossil fractured reservoirs shows a large proportion of oil residue is in such propped open fractures.
Establishing a perinatal red blood cell transfusion risk evaluation model for obstetric patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xing Zhun , He Yanjing , Ji Chao , Xu Chang , Zhang Wen , Li Yunhui , Tan Xiangqian , Zhao Ping , Wang Qiushi , Zheng Liqiang 
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUNDThe ability to predict risk factors for blood transfusion after postpartum hemorrhage could enhance the performance of lifesaving procedures in patients who experience postpartum hemorrhage. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate these risk factors and create a scoring system for blood transfusion evaluations and risk in obstetric patients.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSDiagnosis and blood transfusion data of 14,112 women who delivered between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2015, were analyzed. A binary logistic regression model was used. We conducted univariate analyses of each risk factor as well as multivariable logistic regression analysis. Data of obstetric patients in 2016 validated the receiver operating characteristic curve. A risk prediction score was generated from the transfusion risk factor β‐coefficients in the multivariable logistic regression model.RESULTSIn total, 392 (2.94%) of 13,328 patients received transfusions. After multivariable adjustment, polyembryony, anemia, thrombocytopenia, preeclampsia, placenta previa, placental implantation, uterine scarring, uterine rupture, retained placenta, stillbirth, and HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets) were significantly associated with perinatal transfusion. Heart disease and hemophilia were not related to transfusion risk. The blood transfusion risk evaluation table was well calibrated.CONCLUSIONSOur retrospective analysis revealed that diagnoses including polyembryony, anemia, thrombocytopenia, preeclampsia, placenta previa, placenta implantation, uterine scarring, uterine rupture, retained placenta, stillbirth, and HELLP syndrome are significantly associated with perinatal transfusion and are risk factors for blood transfusion. The blood transfusion scoring system could be beneficial for evaluating blood transfusion risk.
An objective flow cytometry method to rapidly determine cord blood potency in cryopreserved units
Authors: Simard Carl , Bonnaure Guillaume , Fournier Diane , Néron Sonia 
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUNDCord blood banks have to determine the regenerative potential of cord blood units (CBUs) on a representative sample of the cryopreserved product before release to the transplant center. Potency can be measured by using a colony‐forming unit (CFU) method, which delays the release of CBU by 7 to 14 days. To accelerate CBU qualification, we have developed a rapid method to assess the response of CD34 cells to interleukin (IL)‐3. Flow cytometry was used to measure IL‐3–induced STAT5 phosphorylation within CD34‐cells. This IL‐3 test was compared to the CFU method, as well as the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) enzyme‐based assay.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSTen cryopreserved CBUs were analyzed for their contents in CD34 and CD45 viable cells, total CFUs, ADLHbright cells, and IL‐3–responsive CD34+ cells. Extreme and mild warming event scenarios were simulated on CBUs and used as poor‐quality samples. Segments, tubes, and bags from five CBUs were compared for their potency using IL‐3 and CFU methods.RESULTSThe IL‐3 test was accurate in identifying the samples handled following standard operating procedures and those subjected to extreme warming events. Based on these results, a threshold of 55% of IL‐3–responsive CD34 cells was established to identify good‐quality samples. The IL‐3 test was also the most sensitive to detect samples subjected to milder warming events.CONCLUSIONSOur new method for determining CBU functionality is rapid, unbiased, and robust. The IL‐3 test described herein fulfills the requirements for validation, and we intend to implement this method in our cord blood bank facility.
Sub‐clinical dose of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 does not precipitate rampant, sustained inflammatory response in bone wound healing
Authors: Grey Zachary J. , Howie R. Nicole , Durham Emily L. , Hall Sarah Rose , Helke Kristi L. , Steed Martin B. , LaRue Amanda C. , Muise‐Helmericks Robin C. , Cray James J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractLarge bone injuries, defects, and chronic wounds present a major problem for medicine. Several therapeutic strategies are used clinically to precipitate bone including a combination therapy delivering osteoinductive bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP‐2) via an osteoconductive scaffold (absorbable collagen sponge [ACS], i.e., INFUSE). Adverse side effects reportedly associated with rhBMP2 administration include rampant inflammation and clinical failures. Although acute inflammation is necessary for proper healing in bone, inflammatory cascade dysregulation can result in sustained tissue damage and poor healing. We hypothesized that a subclinical dose of rhBMP2 modeled in the murine calvarial defect would not precipitate alterations to inflammatory markers during acute phases of bone wound healing. We utilized the 5 mm critical size calvarial defect in C57BL6 wild‐type mice which were subsequently treated with ACS and a subclinical dose of rhBMP2 shown to be optimal for healing. Three and 7‐day postoperative time points were used to assess the role that rhBMP‐2 plays in modulating inflammation vs. ACS alone by cytokine array and histological interrogation. Data revealed that rhBMP‐2 delivery resulted in substantial modulation of several markers associated with inflammation, most of which decreased to levels similar to control by the 7‐day time point. Additionally, while rhBMP‐2 administration increased macrophage response, this peptide had a little noticeable effect on traditional markers of macrophage polarization (M1‐iNOS, M2‐Arg1). These results suggest that rhBMP‐2 delivered at a lower dose does not precipitate rampant inflammation. Thus, an assessment of dosing for rhBMP‐2 therapies may lead to better healing outcomes and less surgical failure.
NG-Test Carba 5 for Rapid Detection of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales from Positive Blood Cultures
Authors: Takissian Julie , Bonnin Rémy A. , Naas Thierry , Dortet Laurent 
Published: February 2019

The immunochromatographic assay, NG-test Carba 5 (NG Biotech), has been evaluated for detection of carbapenemase-producing
Enterobacterales
(CPE) from spiked blood cultures (
n
= 205). It detected and discriminated in less than 30 minutes KPC, IMP, VIM, NDM, and OXA-48-like producers with a sensitivity and specificity of 97.7% and 96.1%, respectively.
Right-angled vessels in macular telangiectasia type 2
Authors: Tzaridis Simone , Heeren Tjebo , Mai Clarissa , Thiele Sarah , Holz Frank G , Charbel Issa Peter , Herrmann Philipp 
Published: February 2019

PurposeTo evaluate the role of right-angled vessels (RAVs) during disease progression in macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel).MethodsIn this study, 100 eyes of 52 patients and 52 eyes of 26 age-related controls were examined using fundus photography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), OCT angiography (OCT-A) and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA). Two masked readers graded fundus photographs of patients’ eyes into five disease stages according to Gass and Blodi, and evaluated all eyes for the presence of RAVs. If RAVs were present, their course and origin (arterial vs venous) was evaluated with OCT-A and FFA, respectively. Additionally, we looked for morphological correlates of these vessels on SD-OCT scans. Neovascular eyes were analysed for the presence of RAVs and for morphological changes on formation of neovascularisations (NVs).ResultsIn OCT-A, RAVs were already detectable in eyes with early stages (1 to 2), could be tracked from superficial to outer retinal layers and were shown to form anastomoses in the outer retina with disease progression. These vessels were of both arterial and venous origin as shown by early phase FFA. Dilated capillaries and RAVs in OCT-A corresponded to hyper-reflective alterations of the outer retina on SD-OCT scans. In 19/19 eyes, NVs were associated with the presence of RAVs, and RAVs were shown to directly connect to neovascular complexes and to undergo morphological changes upon NV formation.ConclusionsThe results emphasise the role of RAVs during disease progression from an early stage on and demonstrate their involvement in the development of secondary NVs in MacTel.
Post hoc analyses of surrogate markers of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes in a digitally supported continuous care intervention: an open-label, non-randomised controlled study
Authors: Vilar-Gomez Eduardo , Athinarayanan Shaminie J , Adams Rebecca N , Hallberg Sarah J , Bhanpuri Nasir H , McKenzie Amy L , Campbell Wayne W , McCarter James P , Phinney Stephen D , Volek Jeff S , Chalasani Naga 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveOne year of comprehensive continuous care intervention (CCI) through nutritional ketosis improves glycosylated haemoglobin(HbA1c), body weight and liver enzymes among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Here, we report the effect of the CCI on surrogate scores of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver fibrosis.MethodsThis was a non-randomised longitudinal study, including adults with T2D who were self-enrolled to the CCI (n=262) or to receive usual care (UC, n=87) during 1 year. An NAFLD liver fat score (N-LFS) >−0.640 defined the presence of fatty liver. An NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) of >0.675 identified subjects with advanced fibrosis. Changes in N-LFS and NFS at 1 year were the main endpoints.ResultsAt baseline, NAFLD was present in 95% of patients in the CCI and 90% of patients in the UC. At 1 year, weight loss of ≥5% was achieved in 79% of patients in the CCI versus 19% of patients in UC (p<0.001). N-LFS mean score was reduced in the CCI group (−1.95±0.22, p<0.001), whereas it was not changed in the UC (0.47±0.41, p=0.26) (CCI vs UC, p<0.001). NFS was reduced in the CCI group (−0.65±0.06, p<0.001) compared with UC (0.26±0.11, p=0.02) (p<0.001 between two groups). In the CCI group, the percentage of individuals with a low probability of advanced fibrosis increased from 18% at baseline to 33% at 1 year (p<0.001).ConclusionsOne year of a digitally supported CCI significantly improved surrogates of NAFLD and advanced fibrosis in patients with T2D.Trial registration numberNCT02519309; Results.
Statins reduce the progression of non-advanced adenomas to colorectal cancer: a postcolonoscopy study in 187 897 patients
Authors: Cheung Ka-Shing , Chen Lijia , Chan Esther W , Seto Wai-Kay , Wong Ian C K , Leung Wai K 
Published: February 2019

Background and aimsPostcolonoscopy colorectal cancer (PCCRC) accounts for up to 9% of all CRCs. Statins have been shown to be associated with a lower CRC risk. We aimed to investigate whether PCCRC risk was also lower among statin users.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study using a territory-wide electronic healthcare database in Hong Kong including patients aged 40 years or above who had undergone colonoscopies between 2005 and 2013. Exclusion criteria included prior colorectal cancer (CRC), inflammatory bowel disease, prior colectomy and CRC detected within 6 months of index colonoscopy. We defined statin use as at least 90-day use before index colonoscopy. Medication use was traced up to 5 years before index colonoscopy. PCCRC-3y was defined as cancer diagnosed between 6 and 36 months after index colonoscopy. Sites of CRC were categorised as proximal (proximal to splenic flexure) and distal cancer. The subdistribution HR (SHR) of PCCRC-3y with statin use was derived by propensity score matching based on covariates (including patient factors, concurrent medication use and endoscopy centre’s performance).ResultsOf 187 897 eligible subjects, 854 (0.45%) were diagnosed with PCCRC-3y. Statin use was associated with a lower PCCRC-3y risk (SHR: 0.72; 95% CI 0.55 to 0.95; p=0.018). Subgroup analysis shows that SHRs were 0.50 (95% CI 0.28 to 0.91; p=0.022) for proximal and 0.80 (95% CI 0.59 to 1.09; p=0.160) for distal cancer. Older (>60 years) patients, women and those without diabetes mellitus or polyps appeared to benefit more from statins.ConclusionsStatins were associated with a lower PCCRC risk, particularly for proximal cancer.
w = 1/3 to w = −1 evolution in a Robertson–Walker space-time with constant scalar curvature
Authors: Molinari Luca Guido , Mantica Carlo Alberto 
Published: February 2019

The Ricci tensor of a Robertson–Walker (RW) space-time is here specified by requiring constancy of the scalar curvature and a vanishing spatial curvature. By entering this Ricci tensor in Einstein’s equations (without cosmological constant), the cosmological fluid shows a transition from a pure radiation to a Lambda equation of state. In other words, the RW geometry with constant scalar curvature and flat space fixes the limit values [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], without any hypothesis on the cosmological fluid. The value of the scalar curvature fixes the time-scale for the transition.For this reason, we investigate the ‘toy-universe’ with Hubble parameter [Formula: see text] and temperature [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]K. The model predicts an age of the universe in the range 7.3–13.7[Formula: see text]Gyr.
Asymptotic solution for expanding universe with matter-dominated evolution
Authors: Mijajlović Žarko , Pejović Nadežda , Radović Viktor 
Published: February 2019

We applied the theory of regularly varying (RV) functions to the analysis of the cosmological parameters for the [Formula: see text]CDM model with the matter-dominated evolution. Carroll et al. proved in 1992 that for this type of universe with the curvature [Formula: see text], the expression [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] is the Hubble parameter) depends solely on the density parameter [Formula: see text]. Using this result, we infer for such universe the complete asymptotics of all main cosmological parameters. More specifically, the following is derived. If the limit [Formula: see text] does exist and [Formula: see text], then the cosmological constant [Formula: see text] is equal to [Formula: see text]. If [Formula: see text], then for the expansion scale factor [Formula: see text] of a flat universe, we have [Formula: see text]. On the other hand, if the limit [Formula: see text] does not exist, then [Formula: see text] bounces between two power functions and therefore has infinitely many flexion points. Hence, the deceleration parameter in this case changes the sign infinitely many times.
The Effectiveness of Urban Irrigation Day Restrictions in California
Authors: Hayden Hanna , Tsvetanov Tsvetan 
Published: February 2019

We analyze the impact of restricting outdoor irrigation using monthly data from 408 urban water suppliers in California during the final years of the 2012–2017 drought. Our estimates suggest that assigning an additional no-irrigation day per week leads to a decrease in average monthly residential water consumption by approximately 0.8 gallons per capita-day. There is substantial heterogeneity in this impact. First, the marginal effect of a stricter irrigation policy varies depending on the existing level of outdoor watering restrictions — while initial restrictions lead to considerable conservation gains, tightening these measures further does not bring additional gains unless 6 weekly no-irrigation days are implemented. Furthermore, the policy is more effective in areas where residential water use represents a larger share of total urban water consumption and areas which perform better at reaching the 25% state conservation target.
Status Quo in Requirements Engineering
Authors: Wagner Stefan , Fernández Daniel Méndez , Felderer Michael , Vetrò Antonio , Kalinowski Marcos , Wieringa Roel , Pfahl Dietmar , Conte Tayana , Christiansson Marie-Therese , Greer Desmond , Lassenius Casper , Männistö Tomi , Nayebi Maleknaz , Oivo Markku , Penzenstadler Birgit , Prikladnicki Rafael , Ruhe Guenther , Schekelmann André , Sen Sagar , Spínola Rodrigo , Tuzcu Ahmed , Vara Jose Luis De La , Winkler Dietmar 
Published: February 2019

Requirements Engineering (RE) has established itself as a software engineering discipline over the past decades. While researchers have been investigating the RE discipline with a plethora of empirical studies, attempts to systematically derive an empirical theory in context of the RE discipline have just recently been started. However, such a theory is needed if we are to define and motivate guidance in performing high quality RE research and practice.
We aim at providing an empirical and externally valid foundation for a theory of RE practice, which helps software engineers establish effective and efficient RE processes in a problem-driven manner.
We designed a survey instrument and an engineer-focused theory that was first piloted in Germany and, after making substantial modifications, has now been replicated in 10 countries worldwide. We have a theory in the form of a set of propositions inferred from our experiences and available studies, as well as the results from our pilot study in Germany. We evaluate the propositions with bootstrapped confidence intervals and derive potential explanations for the propositions.
In this article, we report on the design of the family of surveys, its underlying theory, and the full results obtained from the replication studies conducted in 10 countries with participants from 228 organisations. Our results represent a substantial step forward towards developing an empirical theory of RE practice. The results reveal, for example, that there are no strong differences between organisations in different countries and regions, that interviews, facilitated meetings and prototyping are the most used elicitation techniques, that requirements are often documented textually, that traces between requirements and code or design documents are common, that requirements specifications themselves are rarely changed and that requirements engineering (process) improvement endeavours are mostly internally driven.
Our study establishes a theory that can be used as starting point for many further studies for more detailed investigations. Practitioners can use the results as theory-supported guidance on selecting suitable RE methods and techniques.