bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lithium Isotope Composition of Marine Biogenic Carbonates and Related Reference Materials
Authors: Bastian Luc , Vigier Nathalie , Reynaud Stéphanie , Kerros Marie‐Emmanuelle , Revel Marie , Bayon Germain 
Published: May 2018

In this study, the accuracy and the precision corresponding to Li isotopic measurements of low level samples such as marine and coastal carbonates are estimated. To this end, a total of fifty‐four analyses of a Li‐pure reference material (Li7‐N) at concentrations ranging from 1 to 6 ng ml−1 were first performed. The average δ7Li values obtained for solutions with and without chemical purification were 30.3 ± 0.4‰ (2s, n = 19) and 30.2 ± 0.4‰ (2s, n = 36), respectively. These results show that the chosen Li chemical extraction and purification procedure did not induce any significant isotope bias. Two available carbonate reference materials (JCt‐1 and JCp‐1) were analysed, yielding mean δ7Li values of 18.0 ± 0.27‰ (2s, n = 6) and 18.8 ± 1.8‰ (2s, n = 9), respectively. Small powder aliquots (< 15 mg) of JCp‐1 displayed significant isotope heterogeneity and we therefore advise favouring JCt‐1 for interlaboratory comparisons. The second part of this study concerns the determination of δ7Li value for biogenic carbonate samples. We performed a total of twenty‐nine analyses of seven different tropical coral species grown under controlled and similar conditions (24.0 ± 0.1 °C). Our sample treatment prior to Li extraction involved removal of organic matter before complete dissolution in diluted HCl. Our results show (a) a constant δ7Li within each skeleton and between the different species (δ7Li = 17.3 ± 0.7‰), and (b) a Li isotope fractionation of −2‰ compared with inorganic aragonite grown under similar conditions. Comparison with literature data suggests a significant difference between samples living in aquaria and those grown in natural conditions. Finally, we investigate ancient (fossil) carbonate material and foraminifera extracted from marine sedimentary records. Different leaching procedures were tested using various HCl molarities. Results indicate that carbonate preferential dissolution must be carried out at an acid molarity < 0.18 mol l−1. Possible contamination from silicate minerals can be verified using the Al/Ca ratio, but the threshold value strongly depends on the carbonate δ7Li value. When the silicate/carbonate ratio is high in the sediment sample (typically > 2), contamination from silicates cannot be avoided, even at low HCl molarity (⪡ 0.1 mol l−1). Finally, bulk carbonate and foraminifera extracted from the same core sample exhibited significant discrepancies: δ7Li values of foraminifera were more reproducible but were significantly lower. They were also associated with lower Sr/Ca and higher Mn/Ca ratios, suggesting a higher sensitivity to diagenesis, although specific vital effects cannot be fully ruled out.
Effect of milling method on the chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of Tartary buckwheat flour
Authors: Liu Fang , He Caian , Wang Lijing , Wang Min 
Published: May 2018

SummaryTartary buckwheat has attracted increasing attention as a potentially functional food source because of its bioactive components and health benefits. However, little information is available concerning the effect of different milling methods (ultrafine milling (UM), roller milling (RM), stone milling (SM) and wet milling (WM)) on the chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of Tartary buckwheat flour. UM had an important role in reducing the average particle size and in brightening the colour of flour. SM and UM flour exhibited the largest amounts of crude protein, fibre and minerals. WM flour had the lowest moisture content. Rutin was the dominant phenolic compound in UM flour, SM flour and RM flour, whereas quercetin was the most abundant phenolic compound in WM flour. UM flour and SM flour contained higher total phenolic content and antioxidant activity as compared with those of RM flour and WM flour.
Fair draws for group rounds in sport tournaments
Authors: Laliena Pablo , López F. Javier 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe propose two draw systems for the group round of sport tournaments where there are some geographical and/or seeding restrictions. One of the systems, related to the equal‐sum partition problem, is “perfect,” since it yields perfectly balanced groups. The other system, which uses the classical scheme of extracting teams from pots, is heuristic and gives results where the groups have very similar scores. We apply our results to Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Soccer World Cups and show that our proposals are much better than the FIFA system and also outperform other recently developed systems.
The impact of using old germplasm on genetic merit and diversity—A cattle breed case study
Authors: Eynard Sonia E. , Windig Jack J. , Hulsegge Ina , Hiemstra Sipke‐Joost , Calus Mario P. L. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractArtificial selection and high genetic gains in livestock breeds led to a loss of genetic diversity. Current genetic diversity conservation actions focus on long‐term maintenance of breeds under selection. Gene banks play a role in such actions by storing genetic materials for future use and the recent development of genomic information is facilitating characterization of gene bank material for better use. Using the Meuse‐Rhine‐Issel Dutch cattle breed as a case study, we inferred the potential role of germplasm of old individuals for genetic diversity conservation of the current population. First, we described the evolution of genetic merit and diversity over time and then we applied the optimal contribution (OC) strategy to select individuals for maximizing genetic diversity, or maximizing genetic merit while constraining loss of genetic diversity. In the past decades, genetic merit increased while genetic diversity decreased. Genetic merit and diversity were both higher in an OC scenario restricting the rate of inbreeding when old individuals were considered for selection, compared to considering only animals from the current population. Thus, our study shows that gene bank material, in the form of old individuals, has the potential to support long‐term maintenance and selection of breeds.
Methylation‐reprogrammed Wnt/β‐catenin signalling mediated prenatal hypoxia‐induced brain injury in foetal and offspring rats
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Zhang Mengshu , Li Lingjun , Wei Bin , He Axin , Lu Likui , Li Xiang , Zhang Lubo , Xu Zhice , Sun Miao 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPrenatal hypoxia (PH) is a common pregnancy complication, harmful to brain development. This study investigated whether and how PH affected Wnt pathway in the brain. Pregnant rats were exposed to hypoxia (10.5% O2) or normoxia (21% O2; Control). Foetal brain weight and body weight were decreased in the PH group, the ratio of brain weight to body weight was increased significantly. Prenatal hypoxia increased mRNA expression of Wnt3a, Wnt7a, Wnt7b and Fzd4, but not Lrp6. Activated β‐catenin protein and Fosl1 expression were also significantly up‐regulated. Increased Hif1a expression was found in the PH group associated with the higher Wnt signalling. Among 5 members of the Sfrp family, Sfrp4 was down‐regulated. In the methylation‐regulating genes, higher mRNA expressions of Dnmt1 and Dnmt3b were found in the PH group. Sodium bisulphite and sequencing revealed hyper‐methylation in the promoter region of Sfrp4 gene in the foetal brain, accounting for its decreased expression and contributing to the activation of the Wnt‐Catenin signalling. The study of PC12 cells treated with 5‐aza further approved that decreased methylation could result in the higher Sfrp4 expression. In the offspring hippocampus, protein levels of Hif1a and mRNA expression of Sfrp4 were unchanged, whereas Wnt signal pathway was inhibited. The data demonstrated that PH activated the Wnt pathway in the foetal brain, related to the hyper‐methylation of Sfrp4 as well as Hif1a signalling. Activated Wnt signalling might play acute protective roles to the foetal brain in response to hypoxia, also would result in disadvantageous influence on the offspring in long‐term.
LncRNA MALAT1/miR‐129 axis promotes glioma tumorigenesis by targeting SOX2
Authors: Xiong Zhiyong , Wang Luyang , Wang Qiangping , Yuan Ye 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe aimed to explore the interaction among lncRNA MALAT1, miR‐129 and SOX2. Besides, we would investigate the effect of MALAT1 on the proliferation of glioma stem cells and glioma tumorigenesis. Differentially expressed lncRNAs in glioma cells and glioma stem cells were screened out with microarray analysis. The targeting relationship between miR‐129 and MALAT1 or SOX2 was validated by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. The expressions of MALAT1, miR‐129 and SOX2mRNA in both glioma non‐stem cells and glioma stem cells were examined by qRT‐PCR assay. The impact of MALAT1 and miR‐129 on glioma stem cell proliferation was observed by CCK‐8 assay, EdU assay and sphere formation assay. The protein expression of SOX2 was determined by western blot. The effects of MALAT1 and miR‐129 on glioma tumour growth were further confirmed using xenograft mouse model. The mRNA expression of MALAT1 was significantly up‐regulated in glioma stem cells compared with non‐stem cells, while miR‐129 was significantly down‐regulated in glioma stem cells. MALAT1 knockdown inhibited glioma stem cell proliferation via miR‐129 enhancement. Meanwhile, miR‐129 directly targeted at SOX2 and suppressed cell viability and proliferation of glioma stem cells by suppressing SOX2 expression. The down‐regulation of MALAT1 and miR‐129 overexpression both suppressed glioma tumour growth via SOX2 expression promotion in vivo. MALAT1 enhanced glioma stem cell viability and proliferation abilities and promoted glioma tumorigenesis through suppressing miR‐129 and facilitating SOX2 expressions.
Spondias mombin supplementation attenuated cardiac remodelling process induced by tobacco smoke
Authors: Lourenço Maria Angélica Martins , Braz Mariana Gobbo , Aun Aline Garcia , Pereira Bruna Letícia Buzati , Figueiredo Amanda Menezes , da Silva Renata Aparecida Cândido , Kazmarek Elisa Moya , Alegre Patrícia Helena Correa , Bachiega Tatiana Fernanda , Zanati Silmeia Garcia , Azevedo Paula Schmidt , Polegato Bertha Furlan , Fernandes Ana Angélica Henrique , de Paiva Sergio Alberto Rupp , Zornoff Leonardo Antonio Mamede , Minicucci Marcos Ferreira 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate the influence of Spondias mombin (SM) supplementation on the cardiac remodelling process induced by exposure to tobacco smoke (ETS) in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: group C (control, n = 20) comprised animals not exposed to cigarette smoke and received standard chow; group ETS (n = 20) comprised animals exposed to cigarette smoke and received standard chow; group ETS100 (n = 20) received standard chow supplemented with 100 mg/kg body weight/d of SM; and group ETS250 (n = 20) received standard chow supplemented with 250 mg/kg body weight/d of SM. The observation period was 2 months. The ETS animals had higher values of left cardiac chamber diameters and of left ventricular mass index. SM supplementation attenuated these changes. In addition, the myocyte cross‐sectional area (CSA) was lower in group C compared with the ETS groups; however, the ETS250 group had lower values of CSA compared with the ETS group. The ETS group also showed higher cardiac levels of lipid hydroperoxide (LH) compared with group C; and, groups ETS100 and ETS250 had lower concentrations of LH compared with the ETS group. Regarding energy metabolism, SM supplementation decreased glycolysis and increased the β‐oxidation and the oxidative phosphorylation. There were no differences in the expression of Nrf‐2, SIRT‐1, NF‐κB, interferon‐gamma and interleukin 10. In conclusion, our results suggest that ETS induced the cardiac remodelling process. In addition, SM supplementation attenuated this process, along with oxidative stress reduction and energy metabolism modulation.
How Robust Are Popular Models of Nominal Frictions?
Authors: KEEN BENJAMIN D. , KOENIG EVAN F. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe consider alternative combinations of nominal price and wage frictions in dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models fit to U.S. data. Since inflation was unanchored in the 1970s, we divide the data into early, middle, and late samples (1955–68, 1969–79, and 1983–2007, respectively). We find that prices are reoptimized more frequently and exhibit greater indexation to past inflation in the middle sample than in the other two samples, while wages are reoptimized with increasing frequency and display less evidence of indexation over time. Differences in price and wage setting across samples have important implications for the economy's response to key shocks.
Outcomes after use of covered stents to treat coronary artery perforations. Comparison of old and new‐generation covered stents
Authors: Hernández‐Enríquez Marco , Lairez Olivier , Campelo‐Parada Francisco , Lhermusier Thibault , Bouisset Frédéric , Roncalli Jérôme , Elbaz Meyer , Carrié Didier , Boudou Nicolas 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesTo compare outcomes in patients receiving polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyurethane (PL) covered stents (CS) after coronary artery perforation (CAP).BackgroundThe prognosis of CAP has improved with the advent of CSs. Information is scarce about the outcomes of new‐generation CSs.MethodsSixty‐one patients were treated with CSs in a 5‐years period (age = 77 ± 8.75% males). Procedural and clinical data were retrospectively collected. The primary endpoint was procedural success. Secondary endpoints included death and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) defined as a composite of death, myocardial infarction, target vessel, and lesion revascularization and need for surgical repair).ResultsTwenty‐two (36%) received PL‐CSs and 39 (65%) PTFE‐CSs. There were no differences in procedural success (86% vs 69%, P = 0.216). Time to deliver was shorter with PL‐CS despite larger length of stents (8[11] vs 15[16] min, P = 0.001; 20[5] vs 16[3] mm, P < 0.001). This group had lower rate of pericardial effusion and cardiac arrest (41% vs 72%, P = 0.028; 5% vs 26%, P = 0.045). At 1‐year follow‐up, MACE rates were similar (58% vs 56%, P = 1.000) with atrend toward TVR in the PL‐CS arm (21% vs 5%, P = 0.083). No differences were found in mortality (26% vs 41%, P = 0.385). Each group had 1 stent thrombosis and in‐stent restenosis trended higher in the PL‐CS group (12% vs 3%, P = 0.223).ConclusionsTime to deliver was shorter with the PL‐CS and resulted in lower rate of pericardial effusion and cardiac arrest. However, there were no significant differences in procedural success and 1‐year follow‐up MACE in patients treated with PL‐CS or PTFE‐CS.
Low‐grade ovarian serous carcinoma metastasis to the maxilla
Authors: Tocaciu S. , Fiddler C. , Krzys N. , Long E. , Chambers I. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe maxillofacial region is an uncommon site for metastases from distant primary tumours, representing only 1–2% of malignancies at this site. Such metastases usually present in the mandible rather than the maxilla. The most common sites of primary tumour are the breast, lung and kidney. We describe the clinical, radiological and histologic features of the first‐known case of a low‐grade serous carcinoma of the ovary metastasising to the posterior maxilla. Low‐grade serous carcinoma of the ovary is an uncommon entity and is biologically distinct from high‐grade serous carcinoma. Extra‐abdominal spread is uncommon and bony metastases are rare. Intraosseous metastases are often associated with disseminated disease and confer a poor prognosis.
Long‐term electrical performance of Attain Performa quadripolar left ventricular leads with all steroid‐eluting electrodes: Results from a large worldwide clinical trial
Authors: Lin Albert C. , Biffi Mauro , Exner Derek V. , Johnson W. Ben , Gras Daniel , Hussin Azlan , Singh Balbir , Yang Zhongping , Hine Douglas , Li Shelby , Crossley George H. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundSteroid‐eluting (SE) electrodes suppress local inflammation and lower pacing capture thresholds (PCT); however, their effectiveness on quadripolar left ventricular (LV) leads in the cardiac vein is not fully studied. We evaluated the effectiveness of SE on all four LV pacing electrodes in human subjects enrolled in the Medtronic Attain® Performa™ quadripolar LV lead study.MethodsA total of 1,097 subjects were included in this evaluation. At each follow‐up visit (1, 3, 6, and 12 months), LV PCT and pacing impedance were measured using either manual or automated testing methods. Summary statistics for PCT and impedance values were obtained for implant and each scheduled follow‐up visit for all lead models.ResultsAverage extended bipolar (LV electrode to right ventricular Coil) PCTs for the four LV SE pacing electrodes (LV1, LV2, LV3, and LV4) on the three shapes of the quadripolar LV leads were 1.06 ± 0.97 V, 1.38 ± 1.26 V, 1.51 ± 1.33 V, and 2.25 ± 1.63 V, respectively, at 0.5‐ms pulse width. PCTs remained low and stable throughout the 12‐month follow‐up period.ConclusionThis clinical trial demonstrated that SE on all LV pacing electrodes is associated with low and stable PCTs for all quadripolar LV lead electrodes, resulting in multiple viable vectors for LV pacing. The large number of available vectors facilitates basal pacing, avoidance of PNS, and potentially prolongs generator longevity due to lower PCTs.
The feasibility issue
Authors: Southwood Nicholas 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIt is commonly taken for granted that questions of feasibility are highly relevant to our normative thinking—and perhaps especially our normative thinking about politics. But what exactly does this preoccupation with feasibility amount to, and in what forms if any is it warranted? This article aims to provide an opinionated introduction to, and clearer characterisation of, the feasibility issue. I begin by discussing the question of how feasibility is to be understood. I then turn to the question of feasibility's role, suggesting that there are two quite different kinds of role questions that may be at play, though they are often run together: a question about feasibility's normative significance; and a question about its proper use in informing our normative thinking. Finally, I consider how the feasibility issue differs from certain other related issues: the demandingness issue; the issue of whether “ought” implies “can”; and the “ideal versus non‐ideal theory” issue.
Improvement of both lipid and biomass productivities of Qatar Chlorocystis isolate for biodiesel production and food security
Authors: Saadaoui Imen , Bounnit Touria , Muraikhi Maryam , Rasheed Rihab , Alghasal Ghamza , Al Jabri Hareb 
Published: May 2018

SUMMARYMicroalgae are considered a very promising alternative for biofuel production. Several strategies were developed to modulate and improve algae metabolites production to meet the requirements for biodiesel production. Most previous research evidenced that the increase of the lipid content is accompanied by a decrease of the biomass production, which increases the cost of the downstream processing. Hence, the challenge is to find special culture conditions that increase the lipid and the biomass productivities simultaneously. In the present work, we developed a strategy for the improvement of biomass and lipid productivities in a novel local microalga isolate, Chlorocystis sp. QUCCCM14, which was not previously known as a promising strain. Indeed, culturing QUCCCM14 using f/2 medium with 10× NaH2PO4 (0.15 g L−1 NaNO3 and 5.6 mg L−1 NaH2PO4) resulted in an improvement of 3.178 folds the lipid productivity reaching 56.121 mg L−1 day−1 and enhanced the biomass productivity reaching 141.363 mg L−1 day−1, simultaneously. Comparative analyses of the FAME profiles demonstrated that fed‐batch culture with phosphate or nitrate separately leads to a high production of the omega 3 fatty acids (Linolenic acid), whereas fed‐batch culture with phosphate and nitrate simultaneously increased the production of fatty acids suitable for biodiesel production.
Should I Text or Call Here? A Situation‐Based Analysis of Drivers’ Perceived Likelihood of Engaging in Mobile Phone Multitasking
Authors: Oviedo‐Trespalacios Oscar , Haque Md. Mazharul , King Mark , Washington Simon 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis study investigated how situational characteristics typically encountered in the transport system influence drivers’ perceived likelihood of engaging in mobile phone multitasking. The impacts of mobile phone tasks, perceived environmental complexity/risk, and drivers' individual differences were evaluated as relevant individual predictors within the behavioral adaptation framework. An innovative questionnaire, which includes randomized textual and visual scenarios, was administered to collect data from a sample of 447 drivers in South East Queensland‐Australia (66% females; n = 296). The likelihood of engaging in a mobile phone task across various scenarios was modeled by a random parameters ordered probit model. Results indicated that drivers who are female, are frequent users of phones for texting/answering calls, have less favorable attitudes towards safety, and are highly disinhibited were more likely to report stronger intentions of engaging in mobile phone multitasking. However, more years with a valid driving license, self‐efficacy toward self‐regulation in demanding traffic conditions and police enforcement, texting tasks, and demanding traffic conditions were negatively related to self‐reported likelihood of mobile phone multitasking. The unobserved heterogeneity warned of riskier groups among female drivers and participants who need a lot of convincing to believe that multitasking while driving is dangerous. This research concludes that behavioral adaptation theory is a robust framework explaining self‐regulation of distracted drivers.
Hemodiafiltration versus conventional hemodialysis: Should “conventional” be redefined?
Authors: Maduell Francisco 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn the 1980s, conventional hemodialysis was considered as dialysis with acetate dialysate, dialysis machines without volumetric control, low blood flow and low‐flux dialyzers; in the 1990s, the concept of conventional hemodialysis changed due to technological advances in dialysis machines, control of ultrafiltration and the widespread use of bicarbonate dialysate, which allowed an increase in blood flow and the use of synthetic high‐flux dialyzers. To avoid backfiltration‐induced adverse reactions, exogenous replacement fluid was promoted but its adoption was limited for technical and financial reasons. This scenario changed in 1995 with the development of on‐line hemodiafiltration (HDF) techniques using the dialysis fluid itself as a replacement fluid. Dialysis machines were modified to perform on‐line HDF, incorporating safety filters to ensure the quality of this replacement fluid (ultrapure dialysate). After more than two decades of clinical experience and technological development with high‐volume HDF, the present article discusses whether HDF can currently be considered as the standard conventional treatment for chronic hemodialysis patients. A review of the evidence indicates that the time has come to consider HDF as the conventional hemodialysis treatment for the following reasons: first, technological development in water treatment and advances in dialysis machines, as well as the widespread use of synthetic high‐flux dialyzers has made it a feasible proposition. Second, there is an absence of published literature showing any undesirable effects. Finally, scientific evidence is available showing the superiority of HDF over hemodialysis in overall and cardiovascular mortality in both prevalent and incident patients.