bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automated E‐FRET microscope for dynamical live‐cell FRET imaging
Authors: ZHANG C. , LIU Y. , SUN H. , LIN F. , MA Y. , QU W. , CHEN T. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryAcceptor‐sensitised 3‐cube fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging (also termed as E‐FRET imaging) is a popular fluorescence intensity‐based FRET quantification method. Here, an automated E‐FRET microscope with user‐friendly interfaces was set up for dynamical online quantitative live‐cell FRET imaging. This microscope reduces the time of a quantitative E‐FRET imaging from 12 to 3 s. After locating cells, calibration of the microscope and E‐FRET imaging of the cells can be performed automatically by clicking ‘Capture’ button on interfaces. E‐FRET imaging was performed on the microscope for living cells expressing different FRET tandem constructs. Dynamical E‐FRET imaging on the microscope for live cells coexpressing CFP‐Bax and YFP‐Bax treated by staurosporine (STS) revealed three Bax redistribution stages: Bax translocation from cytosol to mitochondria within 10 min, membrane insertion with conformational change on mitochondrial membrane within about 30 min, and subsequent oligomerisation within about 10 min. Because of excellent user‐friendly interface and stability, the automated E‐FRET microscope is a convenient tool for quantitative FRET imaging of living cell.Lay DescriptionAcceptor‐sensitised 3‐cube fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) imaging (also termed as E‐FRET) is a popular fluorescence intensity‐based FRET quantification methods. E‐FRET measurements are currently performed manually, and a complete FRET measurement takes about 12 s. E‐FRET measurement necessitates not only a skilled operator and specialised equipment but also expertise in the interpretation of FRET signals, a considerable challenge in the application of FRET technology in living cells. Furthermore, manual E‐FRET microscope is hard to perform dynamical quantitative FRET measurement, the ever‐increasing applications in mapping the biochemical signal transduction within cells.Here, an automated E‐FRET microscope with user‐friendly interfaces was set up for dynamical online quantitative live‐cell FRET imaging. This microscope reduces the time of a quantitative E‐FRET imaging from 12 to 3 s. After locating cells, calibration of the microscope and E‐FRET imaging of the cells can be performed automatically by clicking ‘Capture’ button on interfaces. Because of excellent user‐friendly interface and stability, the automated E‐FRET microscope is a convenient tool for quantitative FRET imaging of living cell.
DATA GAPS, DATA INCOMPARABILITY, AND DATA IMPUTATION: A REVIEW OF POVERTY MEASUREMENT METHODS FOR DATA‐SCARCE ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: Dang Hai‐Anh , Jolliffe Dean , Carletto Calogero 
Published: January 2019

AbstractQuestions that often come up in contexts where household consumption data are unavailable or missing include: what are the best existing methods to obtain poverty estimates at a single snapshot in time? and over time? and what are the best available methods to study poverty dynamics? A variety of different techniques have been developed to tackle these questions, but unfortunately, they are presented in different forms and lack unified terminology. We offer a review of poverty imputation methods that address contexts ranging from completely missing and partially missing consumption data in cross‐sectional household surveys, to missing panel household data. We present the various existing methods under a common framework, with pedagogical discussion on their intuition. Empirical illustrations are provided using several rounds of household survey data from Vietnam. Furthermore, we also offer a practical guide with detailed instructions on computer programs that can be used to implement the reviewed techniques.
EXPLAINING DIFFERENCES IN EFFICIENCY: A META‐STUDY ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT LITERATURE
Authors: Aiello Francesco , Bonanno Graziella 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis paper reviews the literature on local government efficiency by meta‐reviewing 360 observations retrieved from 54 papers published from 1993 to 2016. The meta‐regression is based on a random‐effects model estimated with the two‐step random‐effects maximum likelihood (REML) technique proposed by Gallet and Doucouliagos. Results indicate that the study design matters when estimating a frontier in local government. We find that studies focusing on technical efficiency provide higher efficiency scores than works evaluating cost efficiency. The same applies when using panel data instead of cross‐section data. Interestingly, studies that use the Free Disposal Hull (FDH) approach yield, on average, higher efficiency scores than papers employing the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method, thereby suggesting that in this literature the convexity hypothesis of the production set is a matter. Finally, the efficiency of local government increases with the level of development of the analysed countries and is positively related to the national integrity of the legal system. The opposite holds when considering the corruption.
Effect of Bonding and Rebonding on the Shear Bond Strength of Two‐Piece Implant Restorations
Authors: Putra Armand , Chung Kwok‐Hung , Guilherme Nuno Marques , Cagna David R. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the rebonding strength of ceramics to titanium alloy after disassembling by heat treatment.Materials and MethodsA total of 40 titanium alloy (titanium‐6 aluminum‐4 vanadium) disks (4.0 × 6.6 mm) and 20 zirconia (Lava Plus) disks were manufactured using computer‐aided design and computer‐aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. Twenty heat‐pressed lithium disilicate glass‐ceramic (IPS e.max Press LT) disks were fabricated and used as controls. Bonding protocol for each specimen surface was performed according to manufacturer's instructions. Specimens (n = 10) of zirconia/titanium alloy (ZR) and lithium disilicate/titanium alloy (LD) were bonded using adhesive resin cement (RelyX Ultimate) and then subjected to a heat treatment (HT, 320°C, 2 minutes) to disassemble the bonding complex, cleaned with aluminum oxide airborne‐particle abrasion, and rebonded following the initial protocol, group ZRHT and group LDHT, respectively. After 5000 cycles of thermal cycling, a shear bond test was conducted. A universal testing machine was used at a 5 mm/min crosshead speed. Failed specimens were examined with stereomicroscopy at 10× magnification to identify the mode of failure. One‐way ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests were applied for statistical analysis of the shear bond strength data, with statistical significance at α = 0.05.ResultsThe mean ± SD bond strength values ranged from 28.3 ± 7.2 to 45.9 ± 9.7 MPa. Statistically significant lower shear bond strength values were obtained from the LD group (p = 0.002, F = 5.89), while no statistically significant differences in bond strength were observed between the ZR and ZRHT groups (p > 0.05). Failure mode was predominantly mixed‐type failure pattern for all specimens.ConclusionsHeat and abrasion surface treatment increased the bond strength of lithium disilicate glass‐ceramics cemented to titanium alloy, but no effect was observed on zirconia/titanium alloy bonding.
Effects of iron glycine chelate on laying performance, antioxidant activities, serum biochemical indices, iron concentrations and transferrin mRNA expression in laying hens
Authors: Xie Chao , Elwan Hamada A. M. , Elnesr Shaaban S. , Dong Xinyang , Feng Jie , Zou Xiao‐ting 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis study was conducted to evaluate the effects of iron glycine chelate (Fe‐Gly) on laying performance, antioxidant enzyme activities, serum biochemical indices and iron concentrations in laying hens. A total of 810 laying hens (Hy‐Line Variety White, 26 weeks old) were randomly assigned to six groups with five replicates of 27 layers. Hens in the control group received diet supplemented with 60 mg Fe/kg as FeSO4, while hens in other five groups received the diet supplemented with 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 mg Fe/kg from Fe‐Gly respectively. The results showed that dietary Fe‐Gly treatments significantly influenced (p < 0.01) the laying rate and egg weight of layers, compared with the control group. Concerning to CuZn‐superoxide dismutase (CuZn‐SOD) and total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD) activity, Fe‐Gly groups (60, 80 mg Fe/kg) were promoted significantly (p < 0.01) compared with 0 mg Fe/kg group. The concentrations of Fe in serum, liver, kidney, spleen and ovary were increased significantly with the level dietary Fe‐Gly raised where Fe‐Gly groups (60, 80 mg Fe/kg) had observably higher Fe concentration than the control (p < 0.01) in serum, kidney and spleen. There was a trend that transferrin mRNA expression was decreased with the increase of Fe as Fe‐Gly in diets, and compared with the control, the expression was lower in the group fed diet with 60 mg/kg Fe as Fe‐Gly. In conclusion, Fe‐Gly (60 mg Fe/kg) had improved laying rate, egg weight, SOD enzyme activity, Fe absorption and protein synthesis in body and promoted iron metabolism in laying hens. Moreover, Fe‐Gly (40 mg/kg Fe) had the similar effect with control group. It revealed that FeSO4 could be substituted by lower concentration of Fe‐Gly and Fe‐Gly may be superior to FeSO4 for iron fortification to laying hens.
Flora colonization and oral care in high‐risk newborns
Authors: Ahn Youngmee , Jun Yonghoon , Kim Namhee , Sohn Min 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPurposeA randomized intervention study was conducted to explore the impact of oral care with sterile normal saline to oral flora colonization of high‐risk newborns at the third day after birth.Design and MethodsNinety‐two newborns were allocated to either intervention or control group. After obtaining oral secretion for prepoint data, the intervention group received oral care with sterile normal saline only. Oral secretions for postpoint data were obtained 8 hr after the prepoint. Total 179 specimens were obtained during the study period.ResultsAmong the total 92 newborns, 44.6% were female and 57.6% were premature. Mean gestational age and weight was 35.9 ± 3.2 weeks and 2,545 ± 697.5 g. The most common colonized flora included Streptococcus (26.3%), methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, 16.2%), and coagulase‐negative Staphylococci (CNS, 13.4%). The oral care with normal saline did not change the number of flora type of newborns. The statistic results were not significant by group (F = 0.918, p = 0.514), time (F = 0.322, p = 0.672), and the interaction between time and group (F = 0.519, p = 0.472).Practice ImplicationsOral care with sterile saline did not change oral flora colonization among high‐risk newborns at early period of life. This intervention can be safely delivered to high‐risk newborns when they are at risk of infection and particularly breast milk is not available.
Hierarchical species distribution models in support of vegetation conservation at the landscape scale
Authors: Mateo Rubén G. , Gastón Aitor , Aroca‐Fernández María José , Broennimann Olivier , Guisan Antoine , Saura Santiago , García‐Viñas Juan Ignacio 
Published: January 2019

AbstractQuestionsSpecies distribution models (SDMs) based on habitat suitability and niche quantification are powerful tools in vegetation science. Recent findings suggest that they could be applied at the landscape scale as vegetation conservation tools, but that some environmental dimensions (e.g., climate) need to be considered at larger scales. What is the importance of applying hierarchical SDMs combining information from different scales to ensure consistent local vegetation management decisions?Study SiteMainland Spain and Biosphere Reserve of Sierra del Rincón (central Spain).MethodsWe generated SDMs for five tree species at the regional scale (mainland Spain) using climatic variables plus presence/absence data from the Spanish National Forest Inventory; and at the landscape scale (Sierra del Rincón Biosphere Reserve) using local environmental variables plus locally gathered vegetation presence/absence data. Predictions of both regional and landscape models were combined at the landscape scale following two different hierarchical approaches. The four resulting predictions were compared with correlation coefficients and independently evaluated with the AUC statistic and data collected in the study area.ResultsThe regional SDMs depict suitable climatic conditions for the tree species, while the landscape SDMs capture important local ecological drivers that influence habitat suitability at finer scales. Expectedly, the regional SDMs predict larger suitable areas than the landscape SDMs. The predictions from the hierarchical approaches are reliable and provide on average better results than non‐hierarchical ones.ConclusionsSDMs can be valuable tools for local plant conservation programs. We present examples of the applicability of a hierarchical modeling approach and conceptual and methodological solutions related to the use of these tools in local vegetation conservation programs. For example, we show that landscape SDMs could be used to determine the current distribution of endangered plant species, while a hierarchical approach would be better suited to define areas to re‐vegetate within a local restoration program.
Acceptability of locally‐produced Ready‐to‐Use Supplementary Food (RUSF) for children under two years in Cambodia: A cluster randomised trial
Authors: Borg Bindi , Mihrshahi Seema , Griffin Mark , Sok Daream , Chhoun Chamnan , Laillou Arnaud , Wieringa Frank T. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn Cambodia, existing food products for treating or preventing undernutrition have met with limited success. Therefore, in 2014, alternative ready‐to‐use foods were developed. This trial aimed to assess the acceptability of the novel ready‐to‐use supplementary food (RUSF) as a snack or mixed with borbor (white rice porridge), compared with corn–soy blend plus plus (CSB++) and borbor fortified with micronutrient powder (MNP). The nonblinded, randomised 4 × 4 crossover trial recruited 95 children aged 9–23 months from communities in peri‐urban Phnom Penh. Small quantities (100 g for porridges, 42 g for snack) of each food were offered for three consecutive days at testing sites (homes of health volunteers). Main outcomes were children's consumption, caregivers' assessment of children's preferences, and caregivers' ranking of the foods. Median percentage consumed of the test food servings ranged from 21 to 50% (p = 0.003). The odds of children consuming over 50% were greatest for borbor fortified with MNP versus RUSF snack (unadjusted OR = 6.79, CI = 2.80–16.47, p < 0.001). However, the median energy children received when consuming the RUSF with borbor (57 kcals) or as a snack (48 kcals) was greater than with CSB++ (15 kcals) or borbor fortified with MNP (18 kcals; p < 0.001). Therefore, although children ate less RUSF, it provided approximately three times more kilocalories. Caregivers reported that their children had the highest preference for borbor fortified with MNP. Caregivers themselves ranked the novel RUSF snack highest. Thus, the innovative RUSF was considered sufficiently acceptable to proceed to an effectiveness trial.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens divisome proteins regulate the transition from polar growth to cell division
Authors: Howell Matthew , Aliashkevich Alena , Sundararajan Kousik , Daniel Jeremy J. , Lariviere Patrick J. , Goley Erin D. , Cava Felipe , Brown Pamela J.B. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryThe mechanisms that restrict peptidoglycan biosynthesis to the pole during elongation and re‐direct peptidoglycan biosynthesis to mid‐cell during cell division in polar‐growing Alphaproteobacteria are largely unknown. Here, we explore the role of early division proteins of Agrobacterium tumefaciens including three FtsZ homologs, FtsA and FtsW in the transition from polar growth to mid‐cell growth and ultimately cell division. Although two of the three FtsZ homologs localize to mid‐cell, exhibit GTPase activity and form co‐polymers, only one, FtsZAT, is required for cell division. We find that FtsZAT is required not only for constriction and cell separation, but also for initiation of peptidoglycan synthesis at mid‐cell and cessation of polar peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Depletion of FtsZAT in A. tumefaciens causes a striking phenotype: cells are extensively branched and accumulate growth active poles through tip splitting events. When cell division is blocked at a later stage by depletion of FtsA or FtsW, polar growth is terminated and ectopic growth poles emerge from mid‐cell. Overall, this work suggests that A. tumefaciens FtsZ makes distinct contributions to the regulation of polar growth and cell division.
(Non‐)Participation in deliberation at work: a case study of online participative decision‐making
Authors: Schiavo Gianluca , Villafiorita Adolfo , Zancanaro Massimo 
Published: January 2019

Social media are implemented by organisations to enhance productivity and knowledge sharing among employees, but they can also support group deliberation and employee voice. This paper presents a case study of an online deliberation initiative involving the discussion of a contentious internal policy within an organisation of around 550 knowledge workers. The deliberation process lasted 5 weeks and actively involved 167 employees. Different sources of information (user interaction logs, activity patterns, questionnaire responses) were analysed to investigate the impact of participation, or non‐participation, on the level of satisfaction with the deliberation, and on the understanding of the issue discussed. The findings suggest that (1) interest is a driver for participation, but it does not explain active participation, (2) participation, either active or passive, positively influences the understanding of the issue and (3) satisfaction with the outcome is not related to participation, but it may support participation in future initiatives.
On Wittgenstein's and Carnap's Conceptions of the Dissolution of Philosophical Problems, and against a Therapeutic Mix: How to Solve the Paradox of the Tractatus
Authors: Kuusela Oskari 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn this article, I distinguish Wittgenstein's conception of the dissolution of philosophical problems from that of Carnap. I argue that the conception of dissolution assumed by the therapeutic interpretations of the Tractatus is more similar to Carnap's than to Wittgenstein's for whom dissolution involves spelling out an alternative in the context of which relevant problems do not arise. To clarify this I outline a non‐therapeutic resolute reading of the Tractatus that explains how Wittgenstein thought to be able to make a positive contribution to logic and the philosophy thereof without putting forward any (ineffable) theses. This explains why there is no paradox in the Tractatus.
A New Paradox of Time Travel
Authors: Kelly Connor R. , Kincanon Eric A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractTime travel and its associated paradoxes are a topic of academic discussion that has historically been of interest only in physics and philosophy. This paper presents a new paradox of time travel that puts psychological issues at the forefront. The new time traveller faces conflicts between agency and agency awareness that are not addressed in other paradoxes. Further, in considering these other paradoxes it is seen how concerns about the time traveller's psychological state can lead to new challenges to the accepted deterministic paradox resolutions.
On the exposure of the BRIC countries to global economic shocks
Authors: Belke Ansgar , Dreger Christian , Dubova Irina 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe financial crisis led to a deep recession in many industrial countries. While large emerging countries recovered relatively quickly, their performance deteriorated in recent years, despite the modest recovery in advanced economies. The higher divergence of business cycles is closely linked to the Chinese economy. During the crisis, the Chinese fiscal stimulus prevented an abrupt decline in GDP growth not only in that country, but also in resource‐rich economies. Due to lower commodity demand, the environment became more challenging for many emerging markets in recent years. This view is supported by Bayesian structural VARs specified for the individual BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. The results reveal a strong impact of the international economy on GDP growth. However, in contrast to the other countries, China plays a crucial role in determining global trade and oil prices. Therefore, the Chinese economy exerts significant spillovers to the other countries under analysis. The change in the Chinese growth strategy puts additional reform pressure especially in countries with abundant natural resources.
Effect of a mindfulness exercise on stress in veterinary students performing surgery
Authors: Stevens Brenda S. , Royal Kenneth D. , Ferris Kelli , Taylor Abigail , Snyder Amy M. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo determine students' stress while performing surgery and evaluate the ability of a mindfulness intervention to reduce this stress.Study designQuasi‐experimental design.Sample populationEighteen fourth‐year DVM program students (n = 9 student/group).MethodsUtilizing a quasi‐experimental design, students were randomly assigned to a control or treatment group. The treatment group performed a 5‐minute breathing (mindfulness) exercise immediately prior to performing surgery. Each student provided 3 samples of saliva, at time 0, at 10 minutes before surgery, and at 10 minutes after surgery. Students' salivary cortisol and α‐amylase levels were compared between groups. Students' self‐reported mood measures were also correlated to levels of salivary biomarkers.ResultsCortisol and α‐amylase levels of students in both groups greatly exceeded normative reference groups (>90th percentile) prior to surgery and diminished to average levels (50th‐60th percentile) after surgery but did not differ between groups at any time point. Immediately prior to surgery when stress values were likely to peak, salivary α‐amylase levels decreased approximately 30 U/L units for students in the treatment group compared with an increase of approximately 10 U/L units for students in the control group. Students in the treatment group reported being more calm (mean [M] 2.67, SD 1.03, d = 0.75) and relaxed (M 2.33, SD 1.51, d = 0.90) than students in the control group (M 3.44, SD 1.01 and M 3.44, SD 0.88, respectively).ConclusionThis study provides some evidence that the mindfulness intervention temporarily decreased stress levels and improved students' sense of calmness and relaxation immediately before operating on a live animal.Clinical impactStudents who are experiencing less stress may be less likely to commit a medical error and negatively impact animal health. This study, the first of its kind in veterinary surgery, may serve as a model for related future studies.