bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The skill profile of the employees and the provision of flexible working hours in the workplace: a multilevel analysis across European countries
Authors: Riva Egidio , Lucchini Mario , den Dulk Laura , Ollier‐Malaterre Ariane 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis article investigates the relationship between the skill profile of the employees (i.e. the percentage of employees in highly skilled jobs) and the provision of flexible working hours in the workplace (i.e. the proportion of employees entitled to adapt, within certain limits, the time when they begin or finish their daily work according to their personal needs or wishes). Analyses draw on the 2009 European Company Survey, conducted on a representative sample (N = 26,640) of European establishments in 29 countries. Multilevel mixed‐effects linear regressions are used to study to what extent both workplace‐level and national‐level variables affect this relationship. Findings suggest a strong, positive and non‐linear relationship between the variables under scrutiny, which is moderated, at national level, by both unemployment and trade union density rates.
Shear‐induced brittle failure of titanium carbide from quantum mechanics simulations
Authors: Tang Bin , Shen Yidi , An Qi 
Published: April 2018

AbstractTitanium carbide (TiC) has a wide range of engineering applications such as structural components, protective coating materials for cutting tools and strengthening phase because of such superior properties as high wear resistance, high hardness, and good chemical resistance. However, the intrinsic failure mechanism of TiC remains unknown, which limits its extended engineering applications. Here, we used density‐functional theory (DFT) at the Perdew‐Burke‐Ernzerhof (PBE) level to examine the shear‐induced failure mechanism of TiC along various plausible slip systems. We found that the (110)[1 0] slip system has the lowest critical shear strength under both pure shear and indentation stress conditions, suggesting that it is the most plausible failure system under both conditions. The failure mechanism arises from the Ti–C bond stretching and finally breaking with the increase in shear strain. The deformation modes along other possible slip systems are also investigated, which illustrate the failure mechanism along other slip systems. Our results provide atomistic explanation of the brittle failure of TiC, which will be useful for designing TiC based hard materials with improved mechanical properties.
Effect of ligand field symmetry on upconversion luminescence in heat‐treated LaBGeO5:Yb3+, Er3+ glass
Authors: Ali Mohamed. A. , Ren Jinjun , Liu Xiaofeng , Qiu Jianrong 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we report upconversion (UC) luminescence enhancement in LaBGeO5:Yb3+, Er3+ glass‐ceramics (GCs), surface crystallized glass‐ceramics (SCGCs) and ceramics compared with the as‐melt glass fabricated by the conventional melt‐quenching technique. Based on structural investigations, we find that the nucleation and crystallization of trigonal stillwellite LaBGeO5:Yb3+, Er3+ nanocrystals occur first at the glass surface before the following volume crystallization. The local site symmetry around rare earth (RE) ions which was evaluated using the Eu3+ ions as a probe together with Judd‐Ofelt theory calculations exhibits a clear increase with the devitrification of the glass. Consequently, complete crystallization of the glass leads to largest enhancement in the UC emissions of the LaBGeO5:Yb3+, Er3+ ceramics. We ascribe the enhancement of UC luminescence in the LaBGeO5:Yb3+, Er3+ GCs, SCGCs, and ceramics to the structural ordering and the improvement of site symmetry surrounding RE ions that minimizes the rate of nonradiative relaxation process.
Association between periodontal disease and gestational diabetes mellitus—A prospective cohort study
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Sharma Deepika S. , Verma Mahesh , Lamba Arundeep Kaur , Gupta Madhavi M. , Sharma Shashi , Perumal Vanamail 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimThis study aimed to determine the association between periodontal disease and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the effect of this association on pregnancy outcome in North Indian population.Materials and MethodsA total of 584 primigravidae were recruited at 12–14 weeks of gestation. Their periodontal examination was carried out along with 75 g oral glucose load test at the time of recruitment. GDM was diagnosed as per the DIPSI (The Diabetes in Pregnancy Study group India) guidelines (≥140 mg/dl). Women with normal plasma glucose values underwent a repeat 75 g oral glucose load test at 24–28 weeks of gestation. All patients were followed up for pregnancy outcomes.ResultsOf 584 primigravida, 184 (31.5%) had gingivitis and 148 (25.3%) had periodontitis. Overall, 332 (56.8%) pregnant women had periodontal disease. It was associated with GDM with adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 2.85 (95%CI = 1.47–5.53). The occurrence of pre‐eclampsia was associated with periodontal disease with aHR of 2.20 (95%CI = 0.86–5.60). If primigravidae had periodontal disease along with GDM, the risk of pre‐eclampsia had shown increased aHR of 18.79 (95% CI = 7.45–47.40).ConclusionsThe study shows a significant association of periodontal disease with GDM and an increased risk of developing pre‐eclampsia due to this association.
Perception, attitude, and satisfaction of paediatric physicians and nurses towards clinical practice guidelines at a university teaching hospital
Authors: Amer Yasser Sami , Al Nemri Abdulrahman , Osman Mohamed Elfaki , Saeed Elshazaly , Assiri Asaad Mohamed , Mohamed Sarar 
Published: April 2018

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesTo explore perception, attitude, and satisfaction of paediatric clinicians, trainees, and nurses at King Khalid University Hospital towards clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) including the locally adapted diabetic ketoacidosis CPG (DKA‐CPG).MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was distributed to 260 doctors and nurses working in the paediatrics department.ResultsThe response rate was 95.4%. The respondents had a positive perception and attitude towards general CPGs and specifically for the DKA‐CPG; 98.7% thought CPGs were useful sources of advice, improved safety, and decreased risk, and reduced variation in practice.A total of 99.2% thought CPGs were good clinical tools, 98.3% satisfied with, had confidence in well‐developed CPGs, and would recommend them to their colleagues to use, and 94.6% agreed they were cost‐effective. The preferred format for CPGs was paper (46.6%) and electronic (42.9%). The DKA‐CPG helped in managing patients and respondents were all satisfied and had confidence with it (100%). The rationale and objectives of the DKA‐CPG were clear for 99.25%; 98.5% thought the layout was clear and well organized and user‐friendly (96.2%). Compared with nurses, physicians had a higher perception towards CPGs in general (P < .05) and the DKA‐CPG (P < .05).ConclusionsThe paediatric doctors, and nurses have a great perception and satisfaction and positive attitude towards CPGs in general, towards the paediatric diabetic ketoacidosis CPG in particular, which in turn had a positive impact on the acceptability and implementation of the CPGs. These findings could help in sustaining a safe and high‐quality health care environment through implementation of evidence‐based CPGs.
Valorization of hazelnut shells into natural antioxidants by ultrasound‐assisted extraction: Process optimization and phenolic composition identification
Authors: Yuan Bo , Lu Mei , Eskridge Kent M. , Hanna Milford A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to optimize the ultrasound‐assisted extraction for phenolic compounds from hazelnut shells and to quantify the individual phenolics. A central composite design was used to optimize extraction time, acetone concentration, and solid to liquid ratio (S/L), for the maximal yield of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities. The optimal conditions were 4.0 hr extraction time, 61% acetone, and 10 g/L S/L for the maximal total phenolic content (TPC, 11.23 mg gallic acid equivalents/g shell); 3.7 hr, 60.5% acetone, and 12.9 g/L for the highest ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP, 106.3 µmol Trolox equivalents/g shell); and 4.7 hr, 58.3% acetone, and 10 g/L for the highest DPPH radical scavenging capacity (DRSC, 101.83 µmol Trolox equivalents/g shell). Catechin, epicatechin gallate, and gallic acid were the most abundant phenolic compounds in the hazelnut shells. Ultrasound could be a good tool for accelerated recovery of polyphenols from hazelnut shells.Practical applicationsThere has been an increasing production and application of hazelnuts globally. As the main byproduct of hazelnut industry, hazelnut hard shells are a good source of high value polyphenols. The optimized process presented here will allow a better understanding in the extraction of polyphenols from hazelnut shells. The results of this study are expected to improve the extraction efficiency of phenolic compounds and to help with the development of industrial extraction processes of natural antioxidants from hazelnut shells and other hard shells of tree nuts.
Staphylococcal enterotoxin M causes intestine dysfunction via activating inflammation
Authors: Zhao Yanying , Tang Junni 
Published: April 2018

AbstractStaphylococcal enterotoxins are considered as causative agents for staphylococcal food poisoning. Although newly identified SEM exhibits mild emetic activity in a cynomolgus monkey, but the distinct role of it in staphylococcal foodborne diseases has not been deeply understood. In the present study, the secretion of SEM in vivo from a clinical S. aureus strain SA004 associated with food poisoning was assayed. Like S. aureus strain SA004, SEM also promoted interferon‐γ secretion into the blood of BALB/c mice and caused extensive inflammatory cell invasion, loss of epithelium, and villous blunting in the duodenums. The monoclonal antibody against it countered these detrimental effects and inhibited bacterial growth in mice. The results suggested that SEM might participate in triggering staphylococcal food poisoning via activating inflammatory reaction and causing intestine dysfunction.Practical applicationsThis study provides evidence for the biological properties of SEM and is in support of the in vivo biological activity of toxin‐specific monoclonal antibody. In this experiment, monoclonal antibody against SEM could neutralize SEM in blood secreted by S. aureus, inhibit inflammatory factor interferon‐γ production, depress bacterial growth, and protect the mice from duodenum damage. All these suggest that toxin‐neutralizing antibody could offer a successful opportunity to block virulence factors in vivo.
Differences in the prevalence of sarcopenia in haemodialysis patients: the effects of gender and ethnicity
Authors: Yoowannakul S. , Tangvoraphonkchai K. , Vongsanim S. , Mohamed A. , Davenport A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundThere is no universal consensus definition of sarcopenia, although there is agreement that sarcopenia is a risk factor for mortality in haemodialysis (HD) patients. We aimed to determine the effect of using different operational definitions in a multiracial group of HD patients.MethodsWe measured hand grip strength (HGS) and appendicular lean mass (ALM) by segmental bioimpedance using the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Sarcopenia Project (FNIH), European Working Group on Sarcopenia (EWGS) and Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia definitions for HGS weakness and loss of appendicular lean mass.ResultsIn total, there were 600 HD patients: 373 men (62.2%), mean (SD) age 66.3 (14.7) years, 45.6% diabetic, ethnicity: 281 (48.5%) White, 167 (27.8%) Asian and 149 (24.8%) Black. On HGS criteria, 90.5% of Asian women and 88.5% of Asian men were weak according to EWGS compared to 62.3% of Black women and 52.5% of Black men and 64.5% of White women and 69.1% of White men by FNIH criteria (P < 0.001). On adding appendicular lean mass, the prevalence of sarcopenia was 68.3% for Asian, 27.1% for Black and 36.6% for White women by FNIH and 59.6% Asian, 21.3% Black and 39.9% White men by EWGS criteria.ConclusionsCurrent definitions of sarcopenia report a greater prevalence of muscle weakness compared to appendicular muscle loss in female compared to male HD patients and this is greater for Asian compared to Black and White patients. Because HGS weakness is a greater risk for death, definitions of sarcopenia may underestimate risk in HD patients.
Dietary Phosphorus Requirement of Fingerling Indian Major Carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton)
Authors: Musharraf Mohammad , Khan Mukhtar A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDietary phosphorus requirement of fingerling Labeo rohita (6.1 ± 0.13 cm; 1.88 ± 0.05 g) was quantified by feeding seven isonitrogenous (350 g/kg crude protein) and isocaloric (16.72 kJ/g gross energy) purified diets with different levels of phosphorus as 3.5 (basal diet), 4.6, 5.7, 6.5, 7.8, 8.9, and 10.1 g/kg. Triplicate groups of fish were fed at 0800, 1200, and 1600 h to apparent satiation for 8 wk. Live weight gain (LWG; 494.68%), specific growth rate (3.18%/d), feed conversion ratio (1.54), feed efficiency (0.65), protein gain (PG; 1.26 g/fish), protein efficiency ratio (1.86), and phosphorus utilization efficiency (98.78%) improved significantly (P < 0.05), with increasing dietary phosphorus level up to 6.5 g/kg. However, phosphorus contents of vertebrae and scale increased significantly up to 7.8 g/kg. Dietary phosphorus levels significantly affected serum phosphorus concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity. Broken‐line analysis based on LWG; PG; and whole‐body, vertebrae, and scale phosphorus against dietary phosphorus indicated the optimal phosphorus requirement of fingerling L. rohita at 6.56, 6.58, 6.56, 8.02, and 8.44 g/kg diet, respectively. In order to restrict superfluous phosphorus in the diet, inclusion of 6.56 g/kg phosphorus is recommended for optimal growth of fingerling L. rohita.
S100A12 as a marker of worse cardiac output and mortality in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Tzouvelekis Argyrios , Herazo‐Maya Jose D. , Ryu Changwan , Chu Jen‐Hwa , Zhang Yingze , Gibson Kevin F. , Adonteng‐Boateng Percy K. , Li Qin , Pan Hongyi , Cherry Benjamin , Ahmad Ferhaan , Ford Hubert J. , Herzog Erica L. , Kaminski Naftali , Fares Wassim H. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveMolecular biomarkers are needed to refine prognostication and phenotyping of pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients. S100A12 is an emerging biomarker of various inflammatory diseases. This study aims to determine the prognostic value of S100A12 in PH.MethodsExploratory microarray analysis performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) collected from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients suggested an association between S100A12 and both PH and mortality. So the current study was designed to evaluate for an association between S100A12 in peripheral blood collected from two well‐phenotyped PH cohorts in two other centres to derive and validate an association between S100A12 protein serum concentrations and mortality.ResultsThe majority of the patients in the discovery and validation cohorts were either World Health Organization (WHO) group 1 (pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)) or 3 (lung disease‐associated) PH. In the discovery PH cohort, S100A12 was significantly increased in patients with PH (n = 51) compared to controls (n = 22) (29.8 vs 15.7 ng/mL, P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with cardiac output (r = −0.58, P < 0.001) in PH patients. When S100A12 data were pooled from both cohorts, PAH and non‐PAH PH patients had higher S100A12 compared to healthy external controls (32.6, 30.9, 15.7 ng/mL; P < 0.001). S100A12 was associated with an increased risk in overall mortality in PH patients in both the discovery (n = 51; P = 0.008) and validation (n = 40; P < 0.001) cohorts.ConclusionS100A12 levels are increased in PH patients and are associated with increased mortality.
EFFECTS OF N-ACETYL-CYSTEINE SUPPLEMENTATION ON EX-VIVO CLONOGENICITY AND OXIDATIVE PROFILE OF LINEAGE-COMMITTED HEMATOPOIETIC STEM/PROGENITOR CELLS
Authors: Chin Yi Chan , Abd Hamid Zariyantey , Taib Izatus Shima , Hui Yee Tan , Wak Harto Muhd Khairul Akmal , Paik Wah Chow 
Published: April 2018

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) are exposed to oxidative damage acquired during ex vivo expansion which affects their therapeutic potency. Efforts to overcome this limitation includes the use of antioxidants. The effects of N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) supplementation for 48 hours on maintenance of ex vivo HSPCs was investigated by examining the cell viability at concentrations of 0.125 µM, 0.25 µM, 0.5 µM, 1.0 µM and 2.0 µM, followed by clonogenicity and oxidative status assessments of lineage-committed progenitors (myeloid, erythroid and pre-B lymphoid) at selected NAC concentrations (0.25 µM, 0.5 µM, 2.0 µM). NAC supplementation significantly (p< 0.05) enhanced viability of HSPC at 0.25 µM, 0.5 µM, 2.0 µM. The clonogenicity of each progenitor was not affected as no significant changes of Colony Forming Units (CFUs) counts was noted between NAC-supplemented group than control. NAC showed no significant effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels of respective progenitors as compared to control. Conclusively, NAC shows potential property as antioxidant supplement for ex vivo maintenance of HSPCs by promoting survivability and maintaining clonogenicity.
COMPARISON STUDY ON LIGHT STRUCTURE MODAL PARAMETER USING EXPERIMENTAL MODAL ANALYSIS METHOD VIA PIEZOFILM SENSOR
Authors: Ramli Mohd Irman , Nuawi Mohd. Zaki , Abdullah Shahrum , Mohammad Rasani Mohammad Rasidi , Boejang Hambali , Basar Mohd Farriz , Ko Seng Kho 
Published: April 2018

This study determines the effect of modal parameters namely natural frequencies and mode shapes of aluminum 6061 (Al6061)through free dynamic vibration analysis and testing. The simulation procedures was conducted via ANSYS software while the experimental work was performed through impact hammer testing. Three types of specimens in the form of circular, square and triangular- shapes were used to determine the vibration parameters. Two sensors i.e. piezoelectric film and accelerometer were used. The results for circular shape were ya = 270.55x – 134.82 (accelerometer) and yp = 280.89x – 215.05 (piezofilm); for square shape were ya = 316.42x – 104.13 (accelerometer) and yp = 309.63x – 43.20 (piezofilm); and for triangular shape were ya = 329.77x – 142.87 (accelerometer) and yp = 305x + 15 (piezofilm). The ya (accelerometer) and yp (piezofilm) are represented as a linear equation of which the data were plotted in mode shape versus natural frequency graph accordingly. By applying the simultaneous equation, the regression ratio can be obtained. The relation between natural frequency and mode shape of accelerometer and piezofilm for the circular-shaped specimen was ya = 0.96yp + 72.3; square-shaped specimen was ya = 1.02yp – 59.98; and triangle-shaped specimen was ya = 1.08yp – 159.08 respectively. The results for the natural frequency from the experimental test were used to compare with the results from the simulation. It was understood that the regression ratios of 0.96, 1.02 and 1.08 of circular-shaped, square-shaped and triangular-shaped were closed to 1.0. The outcome showed that the piezoelectric film sensor is a potential candidate to be used as an alternative sensor for the accelerometer.
The Host Antimicrobial Protein Calgranulin C Participates in the Control of Campylobacter jejuni Growth via Zinc Sequestration
Authors: Shank Janette M. , Kelley Brittni R. , Jackson Joseph W. , Tweedie Jessica L. , Franklin Dana , Damo Steven M. , Gaddy Jennifer A. , Murphy Caitlin N. , Johnson Jeremiah G. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

Campylobacter jejuni
is a leading cause of bacterially derived gastroenteritis worldwide.
Campylobacter
is most commonly acquired through the consumption of undercooked poultry meat or through drinking contaminated water. Following ingestion,
Campylobacter
adheres to the intestinal epithelium and mucus layer, causing toxin-mediated inflammation and inhibition of fluid reabsorption. Currently, the human response to infection is relatively unknown, and animal hosts that model these responses are rare. As such, we examined patient fecal samples for the accumulation of the neutrophil protein calgranulin C during infection with
Campylobacter jejuni
. In response to infection, calgranulin C was significantly increased in the feces of humans. To determine whether calgranulin C accumulation occurs in an animal model, we examined disease in ferrets. Ferrets were effectively infected by
C. jejuni
, with peak fecal loads observed at day 3 postinfection and full resolution by day 12. Serum levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) significantly increased in response to infection, which resulted in leukocyte trafficking to the colon. As a result, calgranulin C increased in the feces of ferrets at the time when
C. jejuni
loads decreased. Further, the addition of purified calgranulin C to
C. jejuni
cultures was found to inhibit growth in a zinc-dependent manner. These results suggest that upon infection with
C. jejuni
, leukocytes trafficked to the intestine release calgranulin C as a mechanism for inhibiting
C. jejuni
growth.
Functional Relevance of the Transmembrane Domain and Cytoplasmic Tail of the Pseudorabies Virus Glycoprotein H for Membrane Fusion
Authors: Vallbracht Melina , Fuchs Walter , Klupp Barbara G. , Mettenleiter Thomas C. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT
Herpesvirus membrane fusion depends on the core fusion machinery, comprised of glycoproteins B (gB) and gH/gL. Although gB structurally resembles autonomous class III fusion proteins, it strictly depends on gH/gL to drive membrane fusion. Whether the gH/gL complex needs to be membrane anchored to fulfill its function and which role the gH cytoplasmic (CD) and transmembrane domains (TMD) play in fusion is unclear. While the gH CD and TMD play an important role during infection, soluble gH/gL of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) seems to be sufficient to mediate cell-cell fusion in transient assays, arguing against an essential contribution of the CD and TMD. To shed more light on this apparent discrepancy, we investigated the role of the CD and TMD of the related alphaherpesvirus pseudorabies virus (PrV) gH. For this purpose, we expressed C-terminally truncated and soluble gH and replaced the TMD with a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (gpi) anchor. We also generated chimeras containing the TMD and/or CD of PrV gD or HSV-1 gH. Proteins were characterized in cell-based fusion assays and during virus infection. Although truncation of the CD resulted in decreased membrane fusion activity, the mutant proteins still supported replication of gH-negative PrV, indicating that the PrV gH CD is dispensable for viral replication. In contrast, PrV gH lacking the TMD, membrane-anchored via a lipid linker, or comprising the PrV gD TMD were nonfunctional, highlighting the essential role of the gH TMD for function. Interestingly, despite low sequence identity, the HSV-1 gH TMD could substitute for the PrV gH TMD, pointing to functional conservation.

IMPORTANCE
Enveloped viruses depend on membrane fusion for virus entry. While this process can be mediated by only one or two proteins, herpesviruses depend on the concerted action of at least three different glycoproteins. Although gB has features of bona fide fusion proteins, it depends on gH and its complex partner, gL, for fusion. Whether gH/gL prevents premature fusion or actively triggers gB-mediated fusion is unclear, and there are contradictory results on whether gH/gL function requires stable membrane anchorage or whether the ectodomains alone are sufficient. Our results show that in pseudorabies virus gH, the transmembrane anchor plays an essential role for gB-mediated fusion while the cytoplasmic tail is not strictly required.