bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
(Sr1‐xCax)2TiO4 microwave dielectric ceramics with R‐P structure (x = 0~0.15)
Authors: Hameed Iqra , Liu Bing , Li Lei , Liu Xiao Qiang , Chen Xiang Ming 
Published: December 2018

Abstract(Sr1‐xCax)2TiO4 ceramics (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) were synthesized by a standard solid state reaction route. Tetragonal Ruddlesden‐Popper (R‐P) solid solutions (Sr1‐xCax)2TiO4 with space group I4/mmm were obtained in the composition range of x = 0~0.15, while Sr3Ti2O7 has been observed as secondary phase in x ≤ 0.10. In the present ceramics, both the dielectric constant ɛr and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency τf decreased at first and turned to increase again with increasing x, while the quality factor Qf decreased slightly at first and turned to decrease sharply after x = 0.1. The improved microwave dielectric properties with the best combination were obtained in (Sr1‐xCax)2TiO4 ceramics at x = 0.075: ɛr = 39.3, Qf = 93 550 GHz, τf = 119 ppm/°C The obvious improvement was achieved in temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (from 140 to 119 ppm/°C) with Ca2+‐substitution for Sr2+ in Sr2TiO4 ceramics due to the increased B‐site bond valance.
Clotting and chromogenic factor VIII assay variability in post‐infusion and spiked samples containing full‐length recombinant FVIII or recombinant factor VIII Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc)
Authors: Kitchen Steve , Jennings Ian , Makris Mike , Kitchen Dianne Patricia , Woods Timothy A. L. , Walker Isobel D. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionVariability in FVIII measurement is a recognized problem. There are limited data for samples containing recombinant Factor VIII Fc fusion protein (rFVIIIFc). Many studies use samples for which factor concentrate has been spiked into FVIII deficient plasma in vitro. This approach requires validation.Aim/MethodsFour samples were distributed in a UK National External Quality Assessment Scheme for Blood Coagulation (NEQAS BC) survey. One contained Advate (full‐length recombinant FVIII) (rFVIII) added to FVIII deficient plasma, one was from a severe haemophilia A patient after infusion of Advate, one was prepared by addition of rFVIIIFc (marketed as Elocta/Eloctate) to FVIII deficient plasma and the fourth was collected from a severe haemophilia A patient following rFVIIIFc (Eloctate) infusion. Fifty‐three haemophilia centres (UK and Scandinavia) performed one‐stage FVIII assays and 27 performed chromogenic FVIII assays.Results/ConclusionsOne‐stage assays gave significantly lower results than chromogenic assays by 7% (P < 0.01) and 13%(P < 0.001) for post‐Advate and Advate spiked samples, and by 22% (P < 0.001) and 23% (P < 0.001) for post‐rFVIIIFc and rFVIIIFc spiked samples. The interlaboratory variation was similar for all samples, with CVs of 12%‐16% (chromogenic) and 10%‐13% (one stage). The data indicate that either product can be safely monitored by one‐stage or chromogenic assay. Spiked samples behaved in a similar way to post‐infusion samples for both products and could be substituted for post‐infusion samples for use in proficiency testing exercises (ie, samples were commutable).
Barley varieties in semi‐controlled and natural conditions—Response to water shortage and changing environment
Authors: Surma Maria , Kuczyńska Anetta , Mikołajczak Krzysztof , Ogrodowicz Piotr , Adamski Tadeusz , Ćwiek‐Kupczyńska Hanna , Sawikowska Aneta , Pecio Alicja , Wach Damian , Józefaciuk Grzegorz , Łukowska Małgorzata , Zych Józef , Krajewski Paweł 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe yield potential of 60 spring barley varieties was examined under controlled drought and natural conditions in the years 2011–2013. The studied varieties were genotyped with the 1536‐SNP barley oligonucleotide assay. In experiments with controlled drought conditions, the grain yield, 1,000‐grain weight, number of productive tillers and length of the main stem were measured. Physicochemical properties such as the specific surface area, water adsorption energy, fractal dimension and nanopore radius of the plant leaves were determined and correlated with yield‐forming traits. Field trials were conducted over 3 years at 14 locations, where along with the yield‐related traits, monthly rainfall and average temperature were monitored. Five varieties of high yield and five varieties relatively stable under both semi‐controlled and natural conditions were distinguished. The yield‐related traits observed in various locations were related to environmental variables relevant to water availability. The sum of the rainfall in April and May was negatively correlated with the 1,000‐grain weight and positively with the plant height. Positive relationships were found between plant height and temperatures in June and July. Five markers detected earlier as linked to the quantitative trait loci in the mapping populations were identified to have a coherent effect among varieties of various pedigree.
Irrelevant Cultural Influences on Belief
Authors: McKenna Robin 
Published: December 2018

AbstractRecent work in psychology on ‘cultural cognition’ suggests that our cultural background drives our attitudes towards a range of politically contentious issues in science such as global warming. This work is part of a more general attempt to investigate the ways in which our wants, wishes and desires impact on our assessments of information, events and theories. Put crudely, the idea is that we confirm our assessments of the evidence for and against scientific theories with clear political relevance to our pre‐existing political beliefs and convictions. In this article, I explore the epistemological consequences of cultural cognition. What does it mean for the rationality of our beliefs about issues such as global warming? I argue for an unsettling conclusion. Not only are those on the ‘political right’ who reject the scientific consensus on issues like global warming unjustified in doing so, some of those on the ‘political left’ who accept the consensus are also unjustified in doing so. I finish by addressing the practical implications of my conclusions.
Functional and phylogenetic diversity of bird assemblages are filtered by different biotic factors on tropical mountains
Authors: Hanz Dagmar M. , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin , Ferger Stefan W. , Fritz Susanne A. , Neuschulz Eike Lena , Quitián Marta , Santillán Vinicio , Töpfer Till , Schleuning Matthias 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimIt is not yet clear whether similar mechanisms influence the assembly of ecological communities across different continents. Here, we investigated the functional and phylogenetic diversity of bird assemblages along elevational gradients in two biogeographic regions in order to identify how these are driven by biotic factors, such as food resources and vegetation structure, and abiotic factors, such as ambient temperature and precipitation.LocationTwo 2,000‐m elevational gradients in the Ecuadorian Andes and on Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.TaxonForest‐dwelling bird species.MethodsWe recorded bird species abundances on 18 and 30 plots in the Ecuadorian Andes and on Mount Kilimanjaro respectively. We measured 10 functional morphological traits, related to bird feeding and movement, and utilized bird phylogenies to compare observed values and null‐model corrected effect sizes of functional and phylogenetic diversity along elevational gradients and between biogeographic regions. Furthermore, we assessed how observed values and effect sizes of functional and phylogenetic diversity were associated with the underlying gradients in available food resources, vegetation structure, temperature and precipitation.ResultsFunctional and phylogenetic diversity were generally higher in species assemblages in the Ecuadorian Andes than on Mount Kilimanjaro. Both observed values and effect sizes of functional and phylogenetic diversity decreased significantly with increasing elevation in both biogeographic regions. Functional diversity consistently increased with increasing resource availability, whereas phylogenetic diversity increased with increasing vegetation heterogeneity and canopy closure in both biogeographic regions. Temperature and precipitation were not significantly associated with functional and phylogenetic diversity.Main conclusionsOur results suggest that in both mountain systems the diversity of functional traits in bird species assemblages is the result of environmental filtering by available food resources, whereas phylogenetic diversity is primarily limited by vegetation structure. These findings suggest important differences in the main drivers of functional and phylogenetic diversity. We conclude that biotic factors might be more important for driving bird diversity patterns than abiotic factors and that a loss of resource availability and vegetation structure, e.g., through human impacts, is likely to trigger changes in community assembly on tropical mountains.
A multicentered evaluation of ablation at higher power guided by ablation index: Establishing ablation targets for pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Dhillon Gurpreet , Ahsan Syed , Honarbakhsh Shohreh , Lim Wei , Baca Marco , Graham Adam , Srinivasan Neil , Sawhney Vinit , Sporton Simon , Schilling Richard J. , Chow Anthony , Ginks Matthew , Sohal Manav , Gallagher Mark M. , Hunter Ross J. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundPulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using high power delivered by SmartTouch Surround Flow (STSF) catheters guided by ablation index (AI) was evaluated in a multicenter registry.MethodsPatients with paroxysmal AF underwent PVI with STSF catheters using 30 W on the posterior wall and 40 W elsewhere. AI targets were 350 posterior walls and 450 elsewhere. Procedures were compared with controls using conventionally irrigated contact force‐sensing catheters using conventional powers (25 W posterior wall and 30 W elsewhere) guided by force‐time integral (no agreed targets). The waiting period of 30 minutes was observed before adenosine administration to assess acute pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection.ResultsOne hundred patients from four centers were included: 50 patients in the high power ablation index (HPAI) group and 50 controls. Procedure time was 22% shorter in the HPAI group (156 [133.8‐179] vs 199 [178.5‐227] minutes; P < 0.001). Duration of the radiofrequency application was 37% shorter in the HPAI group (27.2 [21.5‐35.8] vs 43.2 [35.1‐52.1] minutes;
P < 0.001). Acute PV reconnection was reduced (28 of 200 [14%] vs 48 of 200 [24%] veins;
P = 0.015). Reconnection was predicted by a largest interlesion distance greater than 6 mm, a lesion with impedance drop less than 2.5 Ω, contact force less than 6 g, or less than 68% of the regional AI target (all
P < 0.001). Freedom from atrial arrhythmia at 1 year off antiarrhythmic drugs after a single procedure was 78% in the HPAI group vs 64% in the control group (
P = 0.186).ConclusionHigh‐powered ablation guided by AI was safe and led to shorter procedure times with reduced acute PV reconnection compared with conventional ablation.
An appraisal of the role of specific bacteria in the initial pathogenesis of periodontitis
Authors: Bartold Peter Mark , Van Dyke Thomas E. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundHistorically, inflammatory periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis) have been recognized as being primarily of bacterial origin. Bacteria are necessary for disease development, but the presence of specific bacteria does not guarantee progression to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a multifactorial disease; specific bacteria are associated with disease, but may not be the target of treatment. Gingivitis and periodontitis are inflammatory conditions associated with bacterial overgrowth.AimTo analyse evidence for established thought that specific bacteria directly participate in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and question the long‐held tenet that penetration of the periodontal connective tissues by bacteria and their products is a significant phase in the initial development of periodontitis.MethodsThe literature was searched for studies on initiation of gingivitis and periodontitis by specific pathogens. The search results were insufficient for a systematic review and have been summarized in a commentary instead.ResultsThere is very little evidence in the literature to support the commonly held concept that specific bacteria initiate periodontitis.ConclusionWe present evidence for a paradigm supporting the central role of inflammation, rather than specific microbiota, in the early pathogenesis of periodontitis, and discuss whether controlling the inflammation can influence the character and composition of the periodontal infection.
Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility, and virulence of Campylobacter jejuni isolated from chicken meat
Authors: Samad Abdul , Abbas Ferhat , Ahmed Zafar , Akbar Ali , Naeem Muhammad , Sadiq Muhammad Bilal , Ali Imran , Saima  , Roomeela  , Bugti Farah Sabeen , Achakzai Safiullah Khan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter jejuni isolated from retail chicken meat. The identification of Campylobacter isolates and the presence of virulence factor were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Furthermore, clove oil, cinnamon, and turmeric extracts were evaluated for the antimicrobial potential against Campylobacter isolates. Out of 200 chicken meat samples, 80 (40%) samples were found contaminated with Campylobacter jejuni. Antibacterial susceptibility testing indicated that out of 80 isolates 60 (75%) were resistant to tetracycline followed by 31 (38.75%) to ciprofloxacin, 12 (15%) to ampicillin, 8 (10%) to erythromycin, and 2 (2.5%) were resistant to chloramphenicol. Clove oil and cinnamon extract showed antibacterial potential against Campylobacter isolates. Furthermore, all the 80 isolates (100%) were found positive for virulence genes (cadF, flaA, and dnaJ). The presence of antibacterial resistance and virulence factors in C. jejuni highlighted the risk associated with retail poultry meat.Practical applications
Campylobacter jejuni is associated with foodborne illnesses such as gastrointestinal intestinal complications. This study demonstrated that raw chicken meat should be subjected to pretreatment to avoid the foodborne illnesses associated with multidrug‐resistant (MDR) Campylobacter jejuni. Moreover, the use of antibiotics should be strictly monitored in developing countries to avoid the emergence of multidrug‐resistant pathogens.
High‐resolution cost‐effective compact portable inverted light microscope
Authors: PURWAR P. , HAN S. , LEE Y. , SAHA B. , SANDHAN T. , LEE J. 
Published: December 2018

SummaryCommercial high‐resolution optical microscopes are essential for microscopy imaging; however, they are expensive and bulky, which limits their use in point‐of‐care devices, resource‐limited areas, and real‐time imaging of a sample in a large apparatus. In this study, we report a novel compact (10 cm × 5 cm × 5 cm, without the light source) lightweight (∼0.5 kg) submicron‐resolution inverted optical microscope at low cost (∼$ 300). Our technique utilises the proximity of the image sensor to a commercial microscope objective lens for compactness of the microscope. The use of an image sensor with a small pixel size helps to reduce the information loss, which provides high‐resolution images. Moreover, our technique offers a freedom to tailor the design of microscope according to the required resolution, cost, and portability for specific applications, which makes it a suitable candidate for affordable point‐of‐care devices. Images of several micron‐to‐submicron scale patterns and spherical beads are acquired to observe the resolution and quality of the images obtained using our microscope. In addition, we demonstrate the applications of our microscope in various fields such as recording of high‐speed water microdroplet formation inside a microfluidic device, high‐resolution live cell imaging inside an incubator, and real‐time imaging of crack propagation in a sample under stretching by a material testing system (MTS). Therefore, this portable and inexpensive microscope provides the essential functionalities of a bulky expensive high‐performance microscope at a lower cost.Lay DescriptionMicroscope is an essential tool in research allowing for observation of microsized objects and life forms. Contemporary commercial high‐resolution microscopes have long optical paths involving series of lenses and filters. Although this configuration precisely corrects for optical distortions and produces clear images, it makes modern microscopes very costly and bulky, restricting their usage to low‐funded research laboratories and at remote places. We have developed a simple digital microscope with high‐resolution but with much smaller size and lighter in weight at low cost by removing the long optical terrain. Our microscope consists of a commercial microscope objective lens for magnification and semiconductor image sensor with small pixels placed right after the lens, both of which are affordable and easily available. The small pixel size helps to translate the magnified analogue sample image to high‐resolution digital image. In our paper, we show that our microscope can view micro and submicron‐sized patterns and beads. Moreover, our fist‐sized microscope can be placed inside an incubator for real‐time imaging of cells or rotated sideways for recording submicron‐sized crack generation due stretching of novel materials, both of which could not be accomplished with the 2 feet tall laboratory microscopes.
VGLUT3 gates psychomotor effects induced by amphetamine
Authors: Mansouri‐Guilani Nina , Bernard Véronique , Vigneault Erika , Vialou Vincent , Daumas Stéphanie , El Mestikawy Salah , Gangarossa Giuseppe 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSeveral subtypes of modulatory neurons co‐express vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs) in addition to their cognate vesicular transporters. These neurons are believed to establish new forms of neuronal communication. The atypical VGLUT3 is of particular interest since in the striatum this subtype is found in tonically active cholinergic interneurons (TANs) and in a subset of 5‐HT fibers. The striatum plays a major role in psychomotor effects induced by amphetamine. Whether and how VGLUT3‐operated glutamate/ACh or glutamate/5HT co‐transmissions modulates psychostimulants‐induced maladaptive behaviors is still unknown. Here, we investigate the involvement of VGLUT3 and glutamate co‐transmission in amphetamine‐induced psychomotor effects and stereotypies. Taking advantage of constitutive and cell‐type specific VGLUT3‐deficient mouse lines, we tackled the hypothesis that VGLUT3 could gate psychomotor effects (locomotor activity and stereotypies) induced by acute or chronic administration of amphetamine. Interestingly, VGLUT3‐null mice demonstrated blunted amphetamine‐induced stereotypies as well as reduced striatal ∆FosB expression. VGLUT3‐positive varicosities within the striatum arise in part from 5HT neurons. We tested the involvement of VGLUT3 deletion in serotoninergic neurons in amphetamine‐induced stereotypies. Mice lacking VGLUT3 specifically in 5HT fibers showed no alteration to amphetamine sensitivity. In contrast, specific deletion of VGLUT3 in cholinergic neurons partially phenocopied the effects observed in the constitutive knock‐out mice. Our results show that constitutive deletion of VGLUT3 modulates acute and chronic locomotor effects induced by amphetamine. They point to the fact that the expression of VGLUT3 in multiple brain areas is pivotal in gating amphetamine‐induced psychomotor adaptations.Open Science BadgesThis article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. The complete Open Science Disclosure form for this article can be found at the end of the article. More information about the Open Practices badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.
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Dermoscopic pre‐ and posttreatment evaluation in patients with androgenetic alopecia on platelet‐rich plasma—A prospective study
Authors: Shetty Vinma H. , Goel Saumya 
Published: December 2018

SummaryBackgroundPlatelet‐rich plasma is rich in growth factors that promote differentiation and growth of dermal papilla cells by various signaling pathways. Dermoscopy is handy, bedside tool that helps to improve diagnostic accuracy in various hair disorders.ObjectivesTo evaluate and study the role of dermoscopy in patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) pre‐ and posttreatment with platelet‐rich plasma (PRP).MethodsIt is a prospective comparative study. Twenty male patients with AGA, aged 18‐45 years with modified Norwood‐Hamilton classification grade II‐VI were included in this study. Patients were given platelet‐rich plasma injections every 3 week for a period of 3 months. Dermoscopy was performed with 10 x magnifications in polarized mode at baseline and at 3 months from the baseline and photographs were taken. Patients were evaluated based on following dermoscopic findings (a) hair count, (b) hair density, (c) hair diameter diversity, perifollicular pigmentation, yellow dots, multi‐hair follicular units, honeycomb pigment pattern and white dots, (d) patient's hair growth assessment score.ResultsPosttherapy, patients showed significant improvement in hair count (27.4%), hair diversity (84.2%), increase in number of thick, terminals hairs, reduction in yellow dots (60%), perifollicular pigmentation (92.3%) was appreciated. Hair pull test negative after treatment in 10 patients (50%). Patient's hair growth assessment score showed 50%‐75% improvement in 7 (35%) patients.ConclusionDermoscopy helps to easily evaluate and compare the therapeutic response pre‐ and posttreatment which can be easily documented and visualized at every visit.
Sentiment Metrics and Investor Demand
Authors: DeVAULT LUKE , SIAS RICHARD , STARKS LAURA 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTRecent work suggests that sentiment traders shift from safer to more speculative stocks when sentiment increases. Exploiting these cross‐sectional patterns and changes in share ownership, we find that sentiment metrics capture institutional rather than individual investors’ demand shocks. We investigate the underlying economic mechanisms and find that common institutional investment styles (e.g., risk management, momentum trading) explain a significant portion of the relation between institutions and sentiment.