bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
N1 lateralization and dyslexia: An event‐related potential study in children with a familial risk of dyslexia
Authors: van Setten Ellie R.H. , Maurits Natasha M. , Maassen Ben A.M. 
Published: November 2018

The rapid automatic specialized processing of printed words is signalled by the left‐lateralization of the N1 component in the visual event‐related potential (ERP). In the present study, we have investigated whether differences in N1 lateralization can be observed between Dutch children with and without (a familial risk of) dyslexia around the age of 12 years using a linguistic judgement task. Forty‐five participants were included in the ERP analysis, 18 in the low familial risk group without dyslexia, 15 in the high familial risk group without dyslexia, and 12 in the high familial risk group with dyslexia. The results showed that although the N1 peaked slightly earlier in the left hemisphere, the N1 amplitude was right‐lateralized in all groups. Moreover, there were no group differences in N1 amplitude or latency, and there was no relationship between reading (related) test scores and N1 characteristics. The results of the present study and our previous findings in adults suggest that print‐tuning lateralization is a process that is still developing in adolescence. Because other studies did find N1 lateralization in younger readers with a print versus nonprint contrast, the current results seem to indicate that differences in N1 lateralization also depend on the experimental paradigm.
Hydrological and thermal properties of moss and lichen species on rock barrens: Implications for turtle nesting habitat
Authors: Moore Paul A. , Smolarz Alanna G. , Markle Chantel E. , Waddington James M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn central Ontario, Canadian Shield rock barrens are a dominant geographic feature supporting at‐risk reptiles near their northern range limit. To better understand the characteristics of the organic soil that make Canadian Shield rock barrens suitable turtle nesting habitat, we measured moisture retention and evaporative potential and calculated the thermal properties of lichen (Cladonia) mats and moss (Sphagnum and Polytrichum) cushions, as well as their underlying mineral–organic soils. The upper soil profile consisted almost entirely of low density (14–49 kg m−3), high porosity (72–98%) organic matter (loss on ignition [LOI] of 84–99%), which transitioned rapidly to comparatively high density (304–815 kg m−3) mineral–organic soil (LOI of 10–85%). In contrast to Sphagnum and Cladonia, under laboratory conditions, Polytrichum was able to maintain an evaporation rate well above the open‐water potential for several days during a drying experiment. Overall, contrasts in composition and water retention between soil layers are likely to dampen diurnal temperature fluctuations. However, differences in potential water loss between species will have a direct impact on soil thermal dynamics, particularly if substantial water loss occurs in the mineral–organic layer. Because soil depth and temperature regulation by moisture content and soil composition are an important component of nesting habitat, this research provides evidence for the need to conserve moss/lichen‐dominated habitats within turtle species' home ranges. Understanding the ecohydrological controls and limits to how these key moss/lichen species develop and influence primary peat formation represents a critical research need for habitat restoration strategies.
Obesity and dysregulated central and peripheral macrophage–neuron cross‐talk
Authors: Boura‐Halfon Sigalit , Pecht Tal , Jung Steffen , Rudich Assaf 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe involvement of macrophages in the pathogenesis of obesity has been recognized since 2003. Early studies mostly focused on the role of macrophages in adipose tissue (AT) and in obesity‐associated chronic low‐grade inflammation. Lately, AT macrophages were shown to undergo intrinsic metabolic changes that affect their immune function (i.e., immunometabolism), corresponding to their unique properties along the range of pro‐ versus anti‐inflammatory activity. In parallel, recent studies in mice revealed critical neuronal–macrophage interactions, both in the CNS and in peripheral tissues, including in white and brown AT. These intercellular activities impinge on energy and metabolic homeostasis, partially by also engaging adipocytes in a neuronal–macrophage–adipocyte ménage à trois. Finally, neuropeptides (NP), such as NPY and appetite‐reducing NPFF, may prove as mediators in such intercellular network. In this concise review, we highlight some of these recent insights on adipose macrophage immunometabolism, as well as central and peripheral neuronal–macrophage interactions with emphasis on their impact on adipocyte biology and whole‐body metabolism. We also discuss the expanding view on the role of the NP, NPY and NPFF, in obesity.
Hybridizing kernel‐based fuzzy c‐means with hierarchical selective neural network ensemble model for business failure prediction
Authors: Liu Jiaming , Wu Chong 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMore and more ensemble models are used to forecast business failure. It is generally known that the performance of an ensemble relies heavily on the diversity between each base classifier. To achieve diversity, this study uses kernel‐based fuzzy c‐means (KFCM) to organize firm samples and designs a hierarchical selective ensemble model for business failure prediction (BFP). First, three KFCM methods—Gaussian KFCM (GFCM), polynomial KFCM (PFCM), and Hyper‐tangent KFCM (HFCM)—are employed to partition the financial data set into three data sets. A neural network (NN) is then adopted as a basis classifier for BFP, and three sets, which are derived from three KFCM methods, are used to build three classifier pools. Next, classifiers are fused by the two‐layer hierarchical selective ensemble method. In the first layer, classifiers are ranked based on their prediction accuracy. The stepwise forward selection method is employed to selectively integrate classifiers according to their accuracy. In the second layer, three selective ensembles in the first layer are integrated again to acquire the final verdict. This study employs financial data from Chinese listed companies to conduct empirical research, and makes a comparative analysis with other ensemble models and all its component models. It is the conclusion that the two‐layer hierarchical selective ensemble is good at forecasting business failure.
Anti‐fibrotic activity of Euglena gracilis and paramylon in a mouse model of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Nakashima Ayaka , Sugimoto Ryota , Suzuki Kengo , Shirakata Yuka , Hashiguchi Taishi , Yoshida Chikara , Nakano Yoshihisa 
Published: November 2018

AbstractProgression to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) manifests as hepatitis, fibrosis, and sometimes carcinoma, resulting in liver failure. Various clinical trials have indicated that several pharmacological agents, including angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) or farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists, are effective in NASH treatment. In addition, functional foods are expected to be important alternatives for treating or preventing NASH. Recently, focus has been directed toward microalgae as dietary supplements, mainly for lifestyle‐related diseases, because they contain various nutrients and functional ingredients. Specifically, a unicellular microalga Euglena gracilis stores a unique β‐1,3‐glucan particle called paramylon that stimulates the immune system. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Euglena and paramylon on NASH in Stelic Animal Model (STAM) mice using Sirius red staining and confirmed that oral administration of Euglena or paramylon inhibits the process of liver fibrosis. Moreover, compared with controls, paramylon decreased non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity scores related to inflammation. These results indicate that the oral administration of Euglena and paramylon inhibits fibrosis and ameliorates NASH.
Effect of chitosan‐based coatings enriched with savory and/or tarragon essential oils on postharvest maintenance of kumquat (Fortunella sp.) fruit
Authors: Hosseini Seyed F. , Amraie Milad , Salehi Mohammad , Mohseni Maedeh , Aloui Hajer 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe present study assessed the ability of chitosan‐based coatings incorporating savory and/or tarragon essential oils (EOs) to preserve the postharvest quality of kumquats. Changes in weight loss, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, and vitamin C content were determined over 30 days of storage at 7°C. Savory (Satureja hortensias L.) essential oil was characterized by thymol (29.1%), carvacrol (26.6%), and γ‐terpinene (24.72%) as major constituents. While, in the tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.) essential oil, estragol (81.89%), β‐cis‐Ocimene (4.62%), and β‐trans‐Ocimene (3.44%) were the main ones. The CH‐EOs coatings were effective in reducing weight loss of kumquats fruits during storage. Moreover, the tested composite coatings showed positive effects in maintaining vitamin C and fruits treated with CH‐oil coatings retained good sensory acceptability. The obtained results demonstrate the potential of the combined application of chitosan and savory and/or tarragon EOs as a promising postharvest treatment for maintaining the postharvest quality of kumquats fruits.
Key parameters of the structure and evolution of the Okinawa Trough: Modelling results constrained by heat flow observations
Authors: Zhang Liang , Luan Xiwu , Zeng Zhigang , Liu Hong 
Published: November 2018

Heat flow data (664 measurements) in the Okinawa Trough and adjacent areas are edited and analysed in this study. The distribution of heat flow in the study area is obviously correlated with tectonic zones. The heat flow is extremely high and variable in the back‐arc basin and extremely low in the trench. A 2D transient heat conduction‐advection model is used to test and determine the thermal structure and evolution of the Okinawa Trough under the heat flow distribution constraint. The results show that (a) high sedimentation rates can reduce heat flow by 30–35%; lower heat flow in the southern than in the central‐northern Okinawa Trough might be caused by the thick sediment covering due to the Taiwan orogenic uplift. (b) Heat flow can be enhanced dramatically by mantle upwelling, but magma intrusion accompanied by ascending fluid is necessary for the extremely high heat flow along the central Okinawa Trough axis. A magma intrusion age of 0.5 Ma, an intrusion depth of 1 km, and a fluid flow speed in the magma of 9 cm/year are the best fit parameters for the central Okinawa Trough. (c) Given the distribution of heat flow, we suggest that the evolutionary model differs between the central‐northern and the southern Okinawa Trough. The rifting in the central‐northern Okinawa Trough began at 10 Ma with a mean rate of 0.4 cm/a, while the rifting in the south Okinawa Trough started at 6 Ma with a higher rate of 0.6 cm/a. (d) A double magma chamber may exist underneath the axis of the Okinawa Trough at depths of 10 and 24–30 km beneath the seafloor. The temperatures and pressures at these depths support the existence of partial melting, which became the primary basis for maintaining the extremely high heat flow currently observed in the Okinawa Trough.
Challenges of implementation: Strategic purchasing in Iran Health Insurance Organization
Authors: Kalantari Ali Reza , Jafari Sirizi Mohammad , Mehrolhassani Mohammad Hossein , Dehnavieh Reza 
Published: November 2018

SummaryBackgroundStrategic purchasing has been introduced as a key strategy for solving the problems faced by insurance companies. In Iran, the government has mandated the Iran Health Insurance Organization (IHIO) to implement this strategy. However, there are serious challenges to achieving that. The present study aims to identify these challenges.MethodsIn this qualitative study, a semi‐structured interview was conducted on 27 health managers and experts at the national level. The dimensions of the A. Preker model were used to analyze the data.ResultsChallenges of strategic purchasing in the IHIO were categorized into five concepts—political economy, policy design, organizational structure, organizational environment, and management capacity; within these concepts, 22 challenges were identified.ConclusionsImproving strategic purchasing in Iran requires adopting a coherent approach and taking into account all the affecting factors. By revising some policies, and modifying and defining the rules needed to solve the infrastructural problems, the success of strategic purchasing can be obtained.
The ethnographer as health service leader: An insider's view of organisational change
Authors: Ong Bie Nio 
Published: November 2018

SummaryPurposeThe conceptual presentation of a detailed case study of structural reorganisation in the English NHS illustrates what factors lead to productive or unproductive organisational change.FindingsThis autoethnography of a NHS Trust chair provides an account of two reorganisations over an 8‐year period. The paper is based on diaries that allow for the presentation of examples that highlight different processes and outcomes. The various actors in the two reorganisations gave complex and multilayered meanings to structural changes and their impact. Two theoretical frameworks helped to analyse the dynamics of productive and unproductive changes.ConclusionIt is argued that structural change rarely delivers and that working through people and paying due attention to their motivations and moral imperatives will more likely produce benefits to organisations, staff, and patients.
Sustainability in the Chemistry Curriculum: A Call for Action
Authors: Middlecamp Catherine H. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSustainable development and sustainability are two widely used umbrella concepts, both “brilliantly ambiguous.” Many fields of study, including engineering, business, the humanities, and the sciences offer opportunities for instructors to connect content with sustainability. As the central science, chemistry is surely one of them. This paper issues a call for action to chemistry instructors to build stronger connections in the college chemistry curriculum to the local, regional and global challenges that we face on our planet. These challenges, multi‐faceted and multi‐disciplinary, include providing clean energy, protecting the environment and stewarding its resources, employing wise agricultural practices to supply food, and insuring clean water and clean air to those in all communities. As a chemical concept, the carbon cycle connects to challenges such as these. It is presented as a possibility for building stronger connections to sustainability in the curriculum.
Digitising Teaching and Learning – Additional Perspectives for Chemistry Education
Authors: Bernholt Sascha , Broman Karolina , Siebert Sara , Parchmann Ilka 
Published: November 2018

AbstractChemistry requires and combines both observable and mental representations. Still we know that learners often struggle in combining these perspectives successfully, especially when experimental observations contradict the model‐based explanations, e. g. in interpreting the chemical equilibrium as dynamic processes while observing a static system without any visible changes. Digital media offer potentials that might not have been accessible to this degree until now. However, we do not know enough with regard to the degree and effects these media tools have in supporting learning processes but perhaps also in hindering them. This article presents four approaches on how to potentially make use of digital media in learning processes based on theoretical considerations and empirical investigations. The projects will explore applications of media as visualization, learning and investigation tools in chemistry education, embracing techniques from virtual realities to eye‐tracking.
Effect of body mass index on the outcome of IVF cycles among patients with poor ovarian response
Authors: Maged Ahmed M. , Fahmy Radwa M. , Rashwan Hamsa , Mahmood Maryam , Hassan Sarah M. , Nabil Hala , Hany Ayman , Lotfy Rehab , Lasheen Yossra S. , Dahab Sherif , Darwish Mohamed 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effects of body mass index (BMI) on the outcome of IVF cycles among poor responders.MethodsA prospective cohort study in Egypt enrolled 185 poor responders who underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection via an antagonist protocol between 2012 and 2017. Participants were classified into three groups by BMI (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters): 18.5–24.9 (normal, n=48); 25–29.9 (overweight, n=54); 30 or higher (obese, n=83). Outcomes were clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, chemical pregnancy rate, gonadotropin dose, number of oocytes and embryos, and cancellation rate.ResultsThere was no significant difference among the three groups in gonadotropin dose; duration of stimulation; endometrial thickness on trigger day; number of oocytes retrieved, injected, or fertilized; number of embryos, transferred embryos, or frozen embryos; or day of embryo transfer. Frequency of implantation (11/81 [14%] vs 6/96 [6%] or 5/155 [3%]), chemical pregnancy (20 [42%] vs 14 [30%] or 12 [14%]) and clinical pregnancy (15 [31%] vs 12 [22%] and 9 [11%]) was significantly higher for normal than for overweight or obese women, respectively.ConclusionImplantation, chemical pregnancy, and clinical pregnancy rates were inversely related to increasing BMI.ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03457233
Corrosion behavior and biocompatibility evaluation of a novel zinc‐based alloy stent in rabbit carotid artery model
Authors: Lin Song , Ran Xiaolin , Yan Xinhao , Yan Wenhua , Wang Qilong , Yin Tieying , Zhou Jack G , Hu Tingzhang , Wang Guixue 
Published: November 2018

AbstractZinc (Zn) and its alloys have been proved to be promising candidate materials for biodegradable cardiovascular stents. In this study, a novel extruded Zn–0.02 Mg–0.02Cu alloy was prepared. Compared with pure Zn, the Zn‐based alloy showed higher mechanical properties, and the Zn‐based alloy could significantly accelerate Zn2+ release, reaching 0.61 ± 0.11 μg/mL at 15 days of immersion. In vitro biocompatibility studies demonstrated that the Zn‐based alloy had excellent cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility, including low hemolysis rate (0.63 ± 0.12%) and strong inhibitory effect on platelet adhesion. Subsequently, the Zn‐based alloy stent was implanted into the left carotid arteries of New Zealand white rabbits for 12 months. All the rabbits survived without any adverse clinical events, and all the stented arteries were patent during the study period. Rapid endothelialization at 1 week of implantation was observed, suggesting a low cytotoxicity and thrombosis risk. The stent corroded slowly and no obvious intimal hyperplasia was observed for 6 months, after which corrosion accelerated at 12 months. In addition, no obvious thrombosis and systemic toxicity during implantation period were observed, indicating its potential as the backbone of biodegradable cardiovascular stents. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 1814–1823, 2019.
Influence of vascular access devices upon efficiency of therapeutic plasma exchange
Authors: Ritzenthaler Thomas , Beraud Mickael , Gobert Florent , Dailler Frédéric 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundAn efficient vascular access is mandatory for the proper conduction of therapeutic plasma exchanges (TPE). Peripheral and central venous catheters may be used, with respective advantages and limitations. In this study, vascular access devices (IV catheter, dialysis cannula, central venous catheter) and anatomic vein characteristics were evaluated.MethodFrom January to June 2016, 162 TPE in 29 patients were reviewed. Only TPE using centrifugation method (Spectra Optia apheresis system) were evaluated. Volume exchanged, procedure duration, mean flow rate, number of inlet, and return pressure pauses were recorded. Site, width, and depth of punctured veins were studied.ResultsMedian exchange volume planned was 3500 mL, and 152 (94%) procedures could be completed. Peripheral venous catheter was inserted in 103 (64%) cases (IV catheter: 61, dialysis cannulae: 42). Ultrasound guidance was used in 12 (11%) cases. Median procedure duration was shorter with central venous catheter (94 minutes), rather than dialysis cannula (133 minutes) or IV catheter (133 minutes). Median numbers of inlet pressure pauses were lower with central venous catheter (0) and dialysis cannulae (6), rather than IV catheter (10). There were no complications with peripheral venous access. There were no anatomic differences between catheterized veins with IV catheter or dialysis cannula.ConclusionThe use of peripheral venous access is possible in most of TPE, for emergency and during maintenance therapy. Dialysis cannulae are good compromise between classic IV catheters and central venous catheters, as it allows high flow rates, are easy to insert and associated with few complications.
Cultural values, coping, and hope in Yup'ik communities facing rapid cultural change
Authors: Rivkin Inna , Lopez Ellen D. S. , Trimble Joseph E. , Johnson Samuel , Orr Eliza , Quaintance Tonie 
Published: November 2018

AbstractHistorical trauma and rapid cultural change contribute to a high burden of stress in Alaska Native communities. The goal of the Yup'ik Experiences of Stress and Coping Project was to better understand stress and coping in Yup'ik communities and the role of cultural values and practices in coping. Sixty Yup'ik adults aged 18–84 years took part in semistructured interviews. They discussed how they coped with salient stressful experiences and shared the things that bought them hope and peace. Interview themes were identified and inter‐relationships between themes were explored through social network analysis. Participants discussed the importance of cultural traditions in coping, including subsistence, dancing and drumming, intergenerational transmission of knowledge, and reflective awareness of interconnections with others. Participants found strength in family relationships, spirituality, helping others, and coming together as a community. Three coping clusters emerged: Ilaliurucaraq (be welcoming) involved opening one's frame of mind and building connections; Yuuyaraq (Yup'ik way of life) focused on Yup'ik traditions and values; and Assircaarturluni Yuuyaraq (try to live a better life) involved healing from historical trauma. Findings illustrate the resilience and evolving strengths of rural Yup'ik communities facing a continually changing cultural landscape and provide information for developing community‐driven culturally based interventions.
Compare the microscopic characteristics of stems of the 24 Dendrobium species utilized in the traditional Chinese medicine “Shihu”
Authors: Zhao Yujiao , Zha Liangping , Han Bangxing , Peng Huasheng 
Published: November 2018

AbstractShihu is a famous Chinese Materia Medica derived from species of the Dendrobium. In order to differentiate 24 Dendrobium species, microscopic features of the 24 Dendrobium species were systemically observed, including the trend of vascular bundle number with different internodes and the transverse section characteristics of stem. The results indicate that the thickness of cuticle, the level of thickening of epidermal cells and cell types, the number of vascular bundles, the shape of vascular bundle sheath, the type and distribution of calcium oxalate crystals, the presence or absence of silica masses can be used to authenticate the 24 Dendrobium species. In addition, the number of vascular bundles in stems of 24 Dendrobium species also have changed at different internodes, and showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. For some specific species, the vascular bundle numbers had typical differences, which can provide some support for the identification of Dendrobium plants. Thus, using the multiple microscopic characteristics of stems can identify the Dendrobium plants effectively and quickly.