bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of cyclic olefin copolymer‐coated chitosan bilayer films containing nanocellulose and grape seed extract
Authors: Söğüt Ece , Seydim Atif Can 
Published: May 2018

This study evaluated the effect of applying cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) on the physico‐mechanical properties of chitosan (CH) film. Grape seed extract (GSE) (15%, w/w) was added to the CH film solutions to develop an active bilayer, while also adding nanocellulose (NC) (0% to 2%, w/w) to obtain better mechanical properties for CH. Characterization was carried out by contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical analysis, and tensile and water permeability tests. SEM images showed that there was a functional adhesion layer between the CH and the COC, while a detachment occurred for bilayer films with GSE. The formation of a COC layer on the CH surface with the addition of NC improved the water vapor permeability, while the addition of GSE had an adverse effect on the water vapor permeability. The addition of NC into the CH films reduced their water uptake and solubility. The CH film surface showed lower contact angle values, whereas higher contact angle values were observed for CH film surfaces with GSE and NC. The inclusion of NC resulted in an increased elastic modulus and a decrease in TS and ε (%) values. All film samples showed antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes. Moreover, film samples with added GSE showed antioxidant properties with 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity ranging from 14.33 ± 0.24 to 20.45 ± 0.07%. The bilayer films will have a potential use in transferring functional compounds as an active packaging material layer along with conventional polymers.
Improved XPS analysis by visual inspection of the survey spectrum
Authors: Tougaard Sven 
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we have revisited a well‐known issue in quantitative X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis: when quantitative XPS analysis is based solely on measured peak intensities, this can give rather confusing and misleading results. The problem is caused by peak intensity attenuation with photoelectron distance traveled in the sample and is an issue for samples where the atomic concentration varies substantially over the outermost ~5 nm. This is however the most significant depth range for many of the practical applications of nano‐structures which is today of increasing technological importance. We discuss 3 different methods to correct for the attenuation effect and their limitations. It is then pointed out how one can, by visually comparing observed peak shapes to a set of model spectra, often get a rough idea of the atom depth distribution in the surface region of the sample. This provides a practical tool to supplement the information obtained with XPS analysis based on peak intensities and chemical state information obtained from high‐resolution spectra.
Evidence‐Informed Improvement through Collaborative Professional Integration
Authors: Brown Stephanie T. , McGreevy Jeanette , Berigan Nick 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis chapter describes how any campus can use collaborative professional integration and three “data buckets” (pre‐college, during‐college, and post‐college buckets) to disaggregate assessment evidence, interpret findings contextually, and focus attention on realistic actions to improve student performance in the areas of leverage over which the campus has the most control.
Infrastructure Support for Using Assessment Data for Continuous Improvement
Authors: Matuga Julia M. , Turos Jessica M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis chapter describes essential components of an all‐in‐one assessment system used for learning outcomes assessment. The recent review, revision, and implementation of a new general education program led to important illustrations of how this assessment system contributes to course, program, and institutional alignment, access, action, and amelioration.
Effects of forest structure and harvest‐induced edges on predation risk
Authors: Foggia Jenny R. , Rush Scott A. , Miller Darren A. , Wigley T. Bently , Martin James A. 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTManaged forest systems have implications for wildlife conservation because of their direct influence on condition and distribution of forest patches on the landscape. Spatial arrangement, structure, and composition of patches can influence reproductive outcomes for breeding birds by mediating nest site selection, survival, and predator–prey dynamics. Few studies have explored effects of local and adjacent forest‐stand structure and harvest‐induced edges on nest predation risk. Therefore, during summer 2014, we conducted artificial nest experiments within an intensively managed loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) landscape in Mississippi, USA. We used survival models to quantify effects of forest stand structure and proximity to harvest‐induced edges on apparent predation risk (APR). We conducted vegetation surveys and placed artificial nests (n = 146) at systematic distances from edges between 4 different pine stand types (Class 1: newly established stands; Class 2: 3–5 yr old; Class 3: 5–10 yr old; and Class 4: >10 yr old and postthinned). We sampled 4 stand pairs, each consisting of a Class 1 stand adjacent to a stand type of Class 1 (n = 4), 2 (n = 3), 3 (n = 4), or 4 (n = 4), and developed 15 a priori models relating APR to edge and vegetation characteristics. Apparent predation risk tended to be low and negatively related to edge where adjacent stands featured high proportion of shrub cover and vegetation density. We did not find strong evidence to support increased risk of nest predation near edges. These results were consistent with findings from studies in similar landscape contexts and suggest edges in forest‐dominated landscapes do not increase relative risk of nest predation. Rather, we found that APR was lowest in stands featuring dense shrub and vegetation cover that developed following clearcut harvest. Results of our study highlight some implications of forest harvest on reproductive success of birds, particularly those using early successional vegetation. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
A Cost Analysis of School-Based Lifestyle Interventions
Authors: Oosterhoff Marije , Bosma Hans , van Schayck Onno C.P. , Joore Manuela A. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
A uniform approach for costing school-based lifestyle interventions is currently lacking. The objective of this study was to develop a template for costing primary school-based lifestyle interventions and apply this to the costing of the “Healthy Primary School of the Future” (HPSF) and the “Physical Activity School” (PAS), which aim to improve physical activity and dietary behaviors. Cost-effectiveness studies were reviewed to identify the cost items. Societal costs were reflected by summing up the education, household and leisure, labor and social security, and health perspectives. Cost inputs for HPSF and PAS were obtained for the first year after implementation. In a scenario analysis, the costs were explored for a hypothetical steady state. From a societal perspective, the per child costs were €2.7/$3.3 (HPSF) and €− 0.3/$− 0.4 (PAS) per day during the first year after implementation, and €1.0/$1.2 and €− 1.3/$− 1.6 in a steady state, respectively (2016 prices). The highest costs were incurred by the education perspective (first year: €8.7/$10.6 (HPSF) and €4.0/$4.9 (PAS); steady state: €6.1/$7.4 (HPSF) and €2.1/$2.6 (PAS)), whereas most of the cost offsets were received by the household and leisure perspective (first year: €− 6.0/$− 7.3 (HPSF) and €− 4.4/$− 5.4 (PAS); steady state: €− 5.0/$− 6.1 (HPSF) and €− 3.4/$− 4.1 (PAS)). The template proved helpful for costing HPSF and PAS from various stakeholder perspectives. The costs for the education sector were fully (PAS) and almost fully (HPSF) compensated by the savings within the household sector. Whether the additional costs of HPSF over PAS represent value for money will depend on their relative effectiveness.
Re-envisioning the Nocturnal Sublime: On the Ethics and Aesthetics of Nighttime Lighting
Authors: Stone Taylor 
Published: May 2018

AbstractGrounded in the practical problem of light pollution, this paper examines the aesthetic dimensions of urban and natural darkness, and its impact on how we perceive and evaluate nighttime lighting. It is argued that competing notions of the sublime, manifested through artificial illumination and the natural night sky respectively, reinforce a geographical dualism between cities and wilderness. To challenge this spatial differentiation, recent work in urban-focused environmental ethics, as well as environmental aesthetics, are utilized to envision the moral and aesthetic possibilities of a new urban nocturnal sublime. Through articulating the aspirations and constraints of a new urban nocturnal experience, this paper elucidates the axiological dimensions of light pollution, draws attention to nightscapes as a site of importance for urban-focused (environmental) philosophy, and examines the enduring relevance of the sublime for both the design of nighttime illumination and the appreciation of the night sky.
Insertion and Presence of Fine‐Wire Intramuscular Electrodes to the Lumbar Paraspinal Muscles Do Not Affect Muscle Performance and Activation During High‐Exertion Spinal Extension Activities
Authors: Lee Szu‐Ping , Smith Jo Armour , Kimber Matthew , Houk Kelsey 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is commonly associated with paraspinal muscle dysfunctions. A method to study deep lumbar paraspinal (ie, multifidus) muscle function and neuromuscular activation pattern is intramuscular electromyography (EMG). Previous studies have shown that the procedure does not significantly impact muscle function during activities involving low‐level muscle contractions. However, it is currently unknown how muscular function and activation are affected during high‐exertion contractions.ObjectiveTo examine the effects of insertion and presence of fine‐wire EMG electrodes in the lumbar multifidus on muscle strength, endurance, and activation profiles during high‐exertion spinal extension muscle contractions.DesignSingle‐blinded, repeated measures intervention trial.SettingUniversity clinical research laboratoryParticipantsTwenty individuals between the ages of 18‐40 free of recent and current back pain.MethodsMuscle performance was assessed during 3 conditions (with [WI] and without [WO] presence of intramuscular electrodes, and insertion followed by removal [IO]). Isometric spinal extension strength was assessed with a motorized dynamometer. Muscle endurance was assessed using the Sorensen test with neuromuscular activation profiles analyzed during the endurance test.Main Outcome MeasurementsSpinal extensor muscle strength, endurance, and activation.ResultsOur data showed no significant difference in isometric strength (P = .20) between the 3 conditions. A significant difference in muscle endurance was found (P = .03). Post hoc analysis showed that the muscle endurance in the IO condition was significantly higher than the WO condition (161.3 ± 58.3 versus 142.1 ± 48.2 seconds, P = .04), likely due to a learning effect. All 3 conditions elicited minimal pain (range 0‐4/10) and comparable muscle activation profiles.ConclusionOur findings suggested the sonographically guided insertion and presence of fine‐wire intramuscular EMG electrodes in the lumbar multifidus muscles had no significant impact on spinal extension muscle function. This study provides evidence that implementing intramuscular EMG does not affect muscle performance during high‐exertion contractions in individuals with no current back pain.Level of EvidenceII
Safety of ferumoxytol in children undergoing cardiac MRI under general anaesthesia
Authors: Wise-Faberowski Lisa , Velasquez Nathalia , Chan Frandics , Vasanawala Shreyas , McElhinney Doff B. , Ramamoorthy Chandra 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundFerumoxytol, an “off-label” contrast agent, allows for better cardiac MRI quality as compared with gadolinium-based contrast agents. However, hypotension has been reported with the use of ferumoxytol for indications other than cardiac MRI. The purpose of our investigation was to evaluate the safety of ferumoxytol in children undergoing general anaesthesia for cardiac MRI.MethodsMedical records of children undergoing general anaesthesia for cardiac MRI were reviewed. Baseline demographic and medical characteristics, as well as imaging and anaesthetic duration and technique, were collected. The incidence of hypotension or other adverse events’, need for vasoactive support, or airway intervention throughout the anaesthetic, was recorded.ResultsA total of 95 patients were identified, 61 received ferumoxytol and 34 received gadolinium. There were no significant differences between groups with respect to age, weight, or baseline blood pressure. The incidence of low blood pressure – systolic or mean – after contrast administration did not differ between groups, and there was no difference in sustained hypotension or use of vasopressors between groups. One patient who received ferumoxytol had possible anaphylaxis. The image acquisition time (45 versus 68 min, p=0.002) and anaesthesia duration (100 versus 132 min, p=0.02) were shorter in the ferumoxytol group.ConclusionTransient low blood pressure was common in children undergoing cardiac MRI with anaesthesia, but the incidence of hypotension did not differ between ferumoxytol and gadolinium groups. The use of ferumoxytol was associated with significantly shorter scan time and anaesthesia duration, as well as a decreased need for airway intervention.
Novel SSR marker development and genetic diversity analysis of Cinnamomum camphora based on transcriptome sequencing
Authors: Li Zhiting , Zhong Yongda , Yu Faxin , Xu Meng 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCinnamomum camphora (Lauraceae) is a well-known multipurpose tree with aromatic oils, insect-repellent effects and ornamental value. In this study, a total of 74,289 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were found in 56,124 unigenes, of which 14,225 unigenes contained more than one SSR locus. Among these SSR loci, the mono-nucleotide repeats were the most frequent, with a frequency of 61.14%, followed by 24.87% di-nucleotide repeats and 12.87% tri-nucleotide repeats. Twenty-one polymorphic SSR markers were developed and validated in 45 camphor trees. The 21 loci were further examined for cross-species transferability in other six related species. The novel genic-SSR markers will not only benefit genetic diversity analysis and wild resources conservation of C. camphora, but also contribute to exploring the further evolutionary history and genetic differentiation pattern of Cinnamomum.
Using Neural Network Classifier Approach for Statistically Forecasting Extreme Corn Yield Losses in Eastern United States
Authors: Mathieu J. A. , Aires F. 
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a statistical method for forecasting extreme corn yield losses caused by weather extremes. A neural network classifier approach is tested over the Eastern United States (time series of 35 years) to detect extreme yield losses for corn from weather‐related information. We first developed a methodology to rank a series of climate‐based predictors according to the accuracy with which they classify extreme from nonextreme yield losses. The classification methodology is adapted in order to be trained with a limited number of extreme cases. Using four weather predictors—the average temperature in July and August, and the SPEI (Standardized Precipitation‐Evapotranspiration Index) in June and July—71% of the extreme cases are well classified by this statistical model. Furthermore, the neural network output represents a good yield severity index and can provide an early quantitative warning for extreme yield anomalies.
A revised road map for the commitment of human cord blood CD34-negative hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Sumide Keisuke , Matsuoka Yoshikazu , Kawamura Hiroshi , Nakatsuka Ryusuke , Fujioka Tatsuya , Asano Hiroaki , Takihara Yoshihiro , Sonoda Yoshiaki 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe previously identified CD34-negative (CD34−) severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)-repopulating cells as primitive hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in human cord blood. In this study, we develop a prospective ultra-high-resolution purification method by applying two positive markers, CD133 and GPI-80. Using this method, we succeed in purifying single long-term repopulating CD34−HSCs with self-renewing capability residing at the apex of the human HSC hierarchy from cord blood, as evidenced by a single-cell-initiated serial transplantation analysis. The gene expression profiles of individual CD34+and CD34−HSCs and a global gene expression analysis demonstrate the unique molecular signature of CD34−HSCs. We find that the purified CD34−HSCs show a potent megakaryocyte/erythrocyte differentiation potential in vitro and in vivo. Megakaryocyte/erythrocyte progenitors may thus be generated directly via a bypass route from the CD34−HSCs. Based on these data, we propose a revised road map for the commitment of human CD34−HSCs in cord blood.
SETBP1 induces transcription of a network of development genes by acting as an epigenetic hub
Authors: Piazza Rocco , Magistroni Vera , Redaelli Sara , Mauri Mario , Massimino Luca , Sessa Alessandro , Peronaci Marco , Lalowski Maciej , Soliymani Rabah , Mezzatesta Caterina , Pirola Alessandra , Banfi Federica , Rubio Alicia , Rea Delphine , Stagno Fabio , Usala Emilio , Martino Bruno , Campiotti Leonardo , Merli Michele , Passamonti Francesco , Onida Francesco , Morotti Alessandro , Pavesi Francesca , Bregni Marco , Broccoli Vania , Baumann Marc , Gambacorti-Passerini Carlo 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSETBP1 variants occur as somatic mutations in several hematological malignancies such as atypical chronic myeloid leukemia and as de novo germline mutations in the Schinzel–Giedion syndrome. Here we show that SETBP1 binds to gDNA in AT-rich promoter regions, causing activation of gene expression through recruitment of a HCF1/KMT2A/PHF8 epigenetic complex. Deletion of two AT-hooks abrogates the binding of SETBP1 to gDNA and impairs target gene upregulation. Genes controlled by SETBP1 such as MECOM are significantly upregulated in leukemias containing SETBP1 mutations. Gene ontology analysis of deregulated SETBP1 target genes indicates that they are also key controllers of visceral organ development and brain morphogenesis. In line with these findings, in utero brain electroporation of mutated SETBP1 causes impairment of mouse neurogenesis with a profound delay in neuronal migration. In summary, this work unveils a SETBP1 function that directly affects gene transcription and clarifies the mechanism operating in myeloid malignancies and in the Schinzel–Giedion syndrome caused by SETBP1 mutations.
Precise temporal regulation of alternative splicing during neural development
Authors: Weyn-Vanhentenryck Sebastien M. , Feng Huijuan , Ustianenko Dmytro , Duffié Rachel , Yan Qinghong , Jacko Martin , Martinez Jose C. , Goodwin Marianne , Zhang Xuegong , Hengst Ulrich , Lomvardas Stavros , Swanson Maurice S. , Zhang Chaolin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAlternative splicing (AS) is one crucial step of gene expression that must be tightly regulated during neurodevelopment. However, the precise timing of developmental splicing switches and the underlying regulatory mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we systematically analyze the temporal regulation of AS in a large number of transcriptome profiles of developing mouse cortices, in vivo purified neuronal subtypes, and neurons differentiated in vitro. Our analysis reveals early-switch and late-switch exons in genes with distinct functions, and these switches accurately define neuronal maturation stages. Integrative modeling suggests that these switches are under direct and combinatorial regulation by distinct sets of neuronal RNA-binding proteins including Nova, Rbfox, Mbnl, and Ptbp. Surprisingly, various neuronal subtypes in the sensory systems lack Nova and/or Rbfox expression. These neurons retain the “immature” splicing program in early-switch exons, affecting numerous synaptic genes. These results provide new insights into the organization and regulation of the neurodevelopmental transcriptome.
Vms1p is a release factor for the ribosome-associated quality control complex
Authors: Zurita Rendón Olga , Fredrickson Eric K. , Howard Conor J. , Van Vranken Jonathan , Fogarty Sarah , Tolley Neal D. , Kalia Raghav , Osuna Beatriz A. , Shen Peter S. , Hill Christopher P. , Frost Adam , Rutter Jared 
Published: May 2018

AbstractEukaryotic cells employ the ribosome-associated quality control complex (RQC) to maintain homeostasis despite defects that cause ribosomes to stall. The RQC comprises the E3 ubiquitin ligase Ltn1p, the ATPase Cdc48p, Rqc1p, and Rqc2p. Upon ribosome stalling and splitting, the RQC assembles on the 60S species containing unreleased peptidyl-tRNA (60S:peptidyl–tRNA). Ltn1p and Rqc1p facilitate ubiquitination of the incomplete nascent chain, marking it for degradation. Rqc2p stabilizes Ltn1p on the 60S and recruits charged tRNAs to the 60S to catalyze elongation of the nascent protein with carboxy-terminal alanine and threonine extensions (CAT tails). By mobilizing the nascent chain, CAT tailing can expose lysine residues that are hidden in the exit tunnel, thereby supporting efficient ubiquitination. If the ubiquitin–proteasome system is overwhelmed or unavailable, CAT-tailed nascent chains can aggregate in the cytosol or within organelles like mitochondria. Here we identify Vms1p as a tRNA hydrolase that releases stalled polypeptides engaged by the RQC.
The evolution of the temporal program of genome replication
Authors: Agier Nicolas , Delmas Stéphane , Zhang Qing , Fleiss Aubin , Jaszczyszyn Yan , van Dijk Erwin , Thermes Claude , Weigt Martin , Cosentino-Lagomarsino Marco , Fischer Gilles 
Published: May 2018

AbstractGenome replication is highly regulated in time and space, but the rules governing the remodeling of these programs during evolution remain largely unknown. We generated genome-wide replication timing profiles for ten Lachancea yeasts, covering a continuous evolutionary range from closely related to more divergent species. We show that replication programs primarily evolve through a highly dynamic evolutionary renewal of the cohort of active replication origins. We found that gained origins appear with low activity yet become more efficient and fire earlier as they evolutionarily age. By contrast, origins that are lost comprise the complete range of firing strength. Additionally, they preferentially occur in close vicinity to strong origins. Interestingly, despite high evolutionary turnover, active replication origins remain regularly spaced along chromosomes in all species, suggesting that origin distribution is optimized to limit large inter-origin intervals. We propose a model on the evolutionary birth, death, and conservation of active replication origins.