bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Demographic and socioeconomic influences on Helicobacter pylori gastritis and its pre‐neoplastic lesions amongst US residents
Authors: Genta R. M. , Turner K. O. , Sonnenberg A. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryBackgroundGastric infection with Helicobacter pylori (Hp) can lead to chronic inactive gastritis, atrophy and intestinal metaplasia.AimsTo investigate in a cross‐sectional study these changes among different socioeconomic and ethnic groups within the USA.MethodsWe used the Miraca Life Sciences database, an electronic depository of clinicopathological records from patients distributed throughout the USA, to extract data from 487 587 patients who underwent oesophago‐gastro‐duodenoscopy with biopsy between 1/2008 and 12/2014. We then classified patients into ethnic and socioeconomic categories using previously validated algorithms, as well as ZIP code‐based information derived from the 2011‐2012 US Census.ResultsThe prevalence of Hp increased significantly until the age‐group 40‐49, before it leveled off and started a gradual decrease. The prevalence of chronic inactive gastritis, atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia increased significantly with age. The prevalence of Hp, chronic inactive gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and atrophy decreased significantly with the percentage of Whites per ZIP code. The prevalence of all four diagnoses also decreased significantly with rising levels of income or college education. Hp, chronic inactive gastritis, atrophy and intestinal metaplasia were more common among Hispanics and the influence of income or college education less pronounced than in the entire population. Hp, chronic inactive gastritis, atrophy, and intestinal metaplasia were also more common among East‐Asians, Hp and atrophy decreasing with rising income but remaining unaffected by levels of college education.ConclusionEthnicity and socioeconomic factors influence the occurrence of Hp gastritis, and its progression to chronic inactive gastritis, atrophy or intestinal metaplasia.
The effect of crate height on the behavior of female turkeys during commercial pre‐slaughter transportation
Authors: Di Martino Guido , Capello Katia , Stefani Anna Lisa , Tripepi Luca , Garbo Angelica , Speri Marina , Trolese Matteo , Brichese Michele , Marangon Stefano , Bonfanti Lebana 
Published: May 2017

AbstractLimited information is available on suitable height of transport crates for turkeys. We compared behaviors and physiological indicators of four groups of 10 female turkeys each confined in either conventional (38.5 cm height) or experimental (77 cm height) crates during six commercial pre‐slaughter transportations for 86 km (76 ± 4 min) along two tracts with one‐lane streets, crossroads, bends, roundabouts (S1 and S2) and a highway tract (H) between S1 and S2. Only 36% of birds in the higher crates maintained a standing position. In conventional versus experimental crates, the frequency of rising attempts was five/bird/hour versus less than one/bird/hour, while wing flapping was seven/bird/hour versus 20/bird/hour, and balance loss was one versus four/bird/hour. The behaviors of both groups differed significantly according to the route tract, with a lower frequency of stress‐related behaviors at H. No scratches, fractures or hematomas were detected in any birds after transportation. Crate height had no significant effect on hemato‐biochemical markers. These results suggest that crates enabling a standing position may increase potentially dangerous behaviors. Moreover, busy and curvy routes should be avoided, as they may contribute to increasing the frequency of stress‐related behaviors.
Education and process change to improve skin health in a residential aged care facility
Authors: Price Kay , Kennedy Kate J , Rando Tabatha L , Dyer Anthony R , Boylan Jo 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe report on an intervention and evaluation in relation to changes in staff knowledge, time spent on healing and wound prevention and proportion of wounds in the facilities before and after. A rapid review of recent peer‐reviewed literature (2006–2016) found 14 education‐based intervention articles and provided the background and context for this intervention. A cohort of 164 nurses and personal care workers and 261 residents at two aged care‐approved facilities contributed to this intervention on the effect of education, mentoring and practice change on staff knowledge and wound prevalence between 2015 and 2016. There was a significant decrease in pressure injury prevalence and an increase in the early identification of potential wounds between phase 1 and 3 across the two facilities. Overall, registered nurses and enrolled nurses showed significant increase in mean knowledge scores. There was a reorganisation of time spent on various wound care and prevention strategies that better represented education and knowledge. Wound management or prevention education alone is not enough; this study, using an educational intervention in conjunction with resident engagement, practice change, mentorship, onsite champions for healthy skin and product choice suggestions, supported by an organisation that focuses on a healthy ageing approach, showed improvement across two residential sites.
Role of single‐source‐precursor structure on microstructure and electromagnetic properties of CNTs‐SiCN nanocomposites
Authors: Liu Xingmin , Yu Zhaoju , Chen Lingqi , Xu Binbin , Li Shuang , Yin Xiaowei , Riedel Ralf 
Published: May 2017

AbstractNovel single‐source‐precursors (SSPs), namely carbon nanotube modified poly (methylvinyl) silazane (CNTs‐HTT 1800), were synthesized via amidation reaction of poly (methylvinyl) silazane (HTT 1800) with carboxylic acid functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs‐COOH) at the assistance of ZnCl2 catalyst, which was confirmed by means of Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT IR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Besides, the TEM results unambiguously show the homogeneous distribution of the CNTs in the matrix of SSPs while serious aggregation of the CNTs in the matrix of physically‐blended‐precursor. Crack‐free monolithic silicon carbonitride modified by carbon nanotubes ceramic nanocomposites (CNTs‐SiCN) were prepared through pyrolysis of the obtained SSP green bodies at 1000°C. Due to the strong influence of polymer structure on the microstructure of final ceramics, the SSP‐derived CNTs‐SiCN nanocomposites clearly show the homogeneous distribution of the CNTs in the SiCN matrix while the physically‐blended‐precursor derived CNTs‐SiCN nanocomposites exhibit serious aggregation and entangling of the CNTs in the SiCN matrix. With the same CNT content in the feed, the SSP‐derived CNTs‐SiCN nanocomposites possess significant improvements of electromagnetic (EM) absorbing properties compared to those from physically‐blended‐precursors, due to the quality of the dispersion of CNTs in the ceramic matrices.
Experimental and computational analysis of thermo‐oxidative‐structural stability of ZrB2–SiC–Ti during arc‐jet testing
Authors: Purwar Anupam , Thiruvenkatam Venkateswaran , Basu Bikramjit 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe development of new ultra‐high temperature ceramics for thermal protection system (TPS) of hypersonic cruise and re‐entry vehicles requires performance‐qualification testing under simulated flight conditions. The present work, encompassing experiments and computational analysis, critically analyzes the thermo‐oxidative‐structural stability of flat surface disks of spark plasma sintered ZrB2–18SiC–xTi composites (x=0, 10, 20; composition in wt%) under arc jet flow with heat flux of 2.5 MW/m2 for 30 seconds. Such testing conditions effectively simulate the aero‐thermal environment in ground facility, as experienced by hypersonic vehicles. Based on the extensive XRD, SEM‐EDS and electron probe microanalyzer based analysis of the surface/sub‐surface of arc jet exposed ceramics, the oxidation mechanisms are qualitatively discussed. Importantly, thick oxide layers (~400‐950 μm) were found to be adherent, thereby providing good structural stability of such ceramics for reusable TPS. The careful finite element (FE) analysis with high quality structural elements, being generated using HyperMesh, was conducted to understand the underlying reasons for observed oxidation. Such analysis allows us to determine the temporal evolution of through‐thickness temperature distribution. FE‐based calculations were subsequently validated using experimentally measured backwall temperatures. The thermodynamic feasibility of competing oxidation reactions at the analytically computed front wall temperatures was thereafter realistically assessed to support the oxidation mechanisms. Taken together, the present work provides guidelines for better understanding of the thermo‐oxidative‐structural stability of ceramics under arc jet testing and also establishes the good stability of ZrB2–18SiC–20Ti composites for potential application in TPS of hypersonic space vehicles.
Social Support and Academic Engagement Among Reconnected Youth: Adverse Life Experiences as a Moderator
Authors: Pan Jingtong , Zaff Jonathan F. , Donlan Alice E. 
Published: May 2017

Using motivational theories of engagement and adopting a multidimensional perspective of academic engagement, the authors investigate the associations among teacher and parent support, students’ academic self‐efficacy, and academic engagement among a sample of reconnected youth who have returned to academic pursuit after dropping out (N = 938, mean age = 16.50, SD = 1.78). In addition, they examine how youth's adverse life experiences moderate the pathways in this model, an analysis notably missing from much of the academic engagement literature. They find that students’ academic self‐efficacy mediates parent and teacher support and youth academic engagement. Moreover, participants’ adverse life experiences moderate the connections among perceived support from parents, academic self‐efficacy, and academic engagement. Implications for practice and future directions are discussed.
Machine learning algorithms improve the power of phytolith analysis: A case study of the tribe Oryzeae (Poaceae)
Authors: Cai Zhe , Ge Song 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPhytoliths, as one of the important sources of microfossils, have been widely used in paleobotany‐related studies, especially in the grass family (Poaceae) where abundant phytoliths are found. Despite great efforts, several challenges remain when phytoliths are used in various studies, including the accurate description of phytolith morphology and the effective utilization of phytolith traits in taxon identification or discrimination. In this study, we analyzed over 1000 phytolith samples from 18 taxa representing seven main genera in the tribe Oryzeae (subfamily Ehrhartoideae) and five taxa in the subfamilies Bambusoideae and Pooideae. By focusing on Oryzeae, which has been extensively investigated in terms of taxonomy and phylogeny, we were able to evaluate the discrimination power of phytoliths at lower taxonomic levels in grasses. With the help of morphometric analysis and by introducing several machine learning algorithms, we found that 87.7% of the phytolith samples could be classified correctly at the genus level. In spite of slightly different performances, all four machine learning algorithms significantly increased the resolving power of phytolith evidence in taxon identification and discrimination compared with the traditional phytolith analysis. Therefore, we propose a pipeline of phytolith analyses based on machine learning algorithms, including data collection, morphometric analysis, model building, and taxon discrimination. The methodology and pipeline presented here should be applied to various studies across different groups of plants. This study provides new insights into the utilization of phytoliths in evolutionary and ecology studies involving grasses and plants in general.
Evolution and developmental genetics of floral display—A review of progress
Authors: Ma Qing , Zhang Wenheng , (Jenny) Xiang Qiu‐Yun 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAngiosperms evolved a great diversity of ways to display their flowers for reproductive success by variation in floral color, size, shape, scent, arrangements, and flowering time. The various innovations in floral forms and the aggregation of flowers into different kinds of inflorescences can drive new ecological adaptations, speciation, and angiosperm diversification. Evolutionary developmental biology (evo‐devo) seeks to uncover the developmental and genetic basis underlying morphological diversification. Advances in the developmental genetics of floral display have provided a foundation for insights into the genetic basis of floral and inflorescence evolution. A number of regulatory genes controlling floral and inflorescence development have been identified in model plants (e.g.,Arabidopsis thaliana,Antirrhinum majus) using forward genetics and conserved functions of many of these genes across diverse non‐model species have been revealed by reverse genetics. Gene‐regulatory networks that mediated the developmental progresses of floral and inflorescence development have also been established in some plant species. Meanwhile, phylogeny‐based comparative analysis of morphological and genetic character has enabled the identification of key evolutionary events that lead to morphological complexity and diversification. Here we review the recent progress on evo‐devo studies of floral display including floral symmetry, petal fusion, floral color, floral scent, and inflorescences. We also review the molecular genetic approaches applied to plant evo‐devo studies and highlight the future directions of evo‐devo.
Modern observations of floccule ripples: Petitcodiac River estuary, New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Shchepetkina Alina , Gingras Murray K. , Pemberton S. George 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMud floccule ripples, small mud rip‐up clasts, erosional scars and tool marks are reported for the first time from the macrotidal Petitcodiac River estuary, New Brunswick, Canada. The ripples occur on the intertidal flats and are ebb‐oriented. Observations have been conducted during the spring low tide at high‐river and low‐river discharge. Floccule ripples forming during the high‐river flow are characterized by increased silt fraction, low relief and sinuous to lunate form. The ripples forming during the low flow are clay‐dominated, have very low relief and are characterized by narrow straight ridges and patchy distribution. The preserved mud floccule ripples manifest in interbedded silt‐rich and clay‐rich deposits with parallel, wavy, lenticular and current‐ripple lamination. Presented floccule ripples are current‐generated, non‐episodic in nature and are sedimentologically characterized. The ripple origin is constrained by morphometric and grain‐size analyses, and observed hydraulic processes. It is confirmed that mud floccule ripples originate under a similar range of hydraulic parameters as documented in previous flume studies. This study confirms application of work conducted in recent decades on mud‐dominated marginal‐marine environments and helps with understanding of properties and distribution of fine‐grained sediments in tidally influenced settings.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lytic Bacteriophage VPUSM 8 against O1 El Tor Inaba Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Al-Fendi Ali , Shueb Rafidah Hanim , Foo Phiaw Chong , Ravichandran Manickam , Yean Chan Yean 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

The complete genome sequence of bacteriophage VPUSM 8 against O1 El Tor Inaba
Vibrio cholerae
is reported here. The isolated VPUSM 8 has potential use in future phage therapy or as a biocontrol agent for the prevention and treatment of cholera.
Draft Genome Sequences of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli O103 Strains Isolated from Feces of Feedlot Cattle
Authors: Noll Lance W. , Worley Jay N. , Yang Xun , Shridhar Pragathi B. , Bai Jianfa , Meng Jianghong , Caragea Doina , Nagaraja T. G. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

Enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(EPEC) pathotype represents a minor proportion of
E. coli
O103 strains shed in the feces of feedlot cattle. The draft genome sequences of 13 strains of EPEC O103 are reported here. The availability of the genome sequences will help in the assessment of genetic diversity and virulence potential of bovine EPEC O103.
Genome Sequence of Acinetobacter lactucae OTEC-02, Isolated from Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Rogel-Hernandez Marco Antonio , Guerrero Gabriela , Rincón-Molina Clara Ivette , Ruiz-Valdiviezo Víctor Manuel , Cisneros-Pérez Crhistian , Castañón-Gonzalez José Humberto , López-López Aline , Martinez-Romero Esperanza , Rincón-Rosales Reiner 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

Acinetobacter lactucae
OTEC-02 was isolated from hydrocarbon-contaminated soils. Whole-genome sequence analysis was performed to learn more about the strain’s ability to degrade different types of recalcitrant toxic monoaromatic hydrocarbons. The genome of this bacterium revealed its genomic properties and versatile metabolic features, as well as a complete prophage.
Six-year outcomes of antivascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy
Authors: Hikichi Taiichi 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate the 6-year outcomes of anti-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) monotherapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).MethodsThe charts of 66 eyes of 66 patients with newly diagnosed, symptomatic, treatment-naive PCV were reviewed retrospectively. All patients were treated with 0.5 mg intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) injections for 3 months followed by as-needed reinjections based on monthly examinations until 3 years after the first IVR injection. Thereafter, anti-VEGF monotherapy was continued for another 3 years.ResultsThe mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved significantly (p=0.001) 3 months after the first IVR injection (0.24±0.30 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) VA; 20/35 Snellen VA) compared with the baseline BCVA (0.34±0.37 logMAR VA; 20/44 Snellen VA). However, the improved VA returned to 0.32±0.39 logMAR unit (20/42 Snellen VA), which was not significantly different at 3 years. This level was maintained to the end of 6 years (0.36±0.37 logMAR unit; 20/46 Snellen VA). The mean numbers of anti-VEGF injections administered annually during 6 years were 5.6±2.4 (including the initial three monthly injections), 3.3±2.2, 3.3±2.9, 3.6±3.2, 3.5±2.9 and 3.3±2.7, respectively. The mean total number of injections during 6 years was 21.5±10.1.ConclusionsThe results emphasised the efficacy of anti-VEGF therapy for preserving vision and the limitations of anti-VEGF therapy in that continuous treatment is required over an extended follow-up period.
Anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of vagal nerve stimulation combined with electroacupuncture in a rodent model of TNBS-induced colitis
Authors: Jin Haifeng , Guo Jie , Liu Jiemin , Lyu Bin , Foreman Robert D. , Yin Jieyun , Shi Zhaohong , Chen Jiande D. Z. 
Published: May 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects and mechanisms of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) and additive effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on colonic inflammation in a rodent model of IBD. Chronic inflammation in rats was induced by intrarectal TNBS (2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid). The rats were then treated with sham ES (electrical stimulation), VNS, or VNS + EA for 3 wk. Inflammatory responses were assessed by disease activity index (DAI), macroscopic scores and histological scores of colonic tissues, plasma levels of TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity of colonic tissues. The autonomic function was assessed by the spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) derived from the electrocardiogram. It was found that 1) the area under curve (AUC) of DAI was substantially decreased with VNS + EA and VNS, with VNS + EA being more effective than VNS ( P < 0.001); 2) the macroscopic score was 6.43 ± 0.61 in the sham ES group and reduced to 1.86 ± 0.26 with VNS ( P < 0.001) and 1.29 ± 0.18 with VNS + EA ( P < 0.001); 3) the histological score was 4.05 ± 0.58 in the sham ES group and reduced to 1.93 ± 0.37 with VNS ( P < 0.001) and 1.36 ± 0.20 with VNS + EA ( P < 0.001); 4) the plasma levels of TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, and MPO were all significantly decreased with VNS and VNS + EA compared with the sham ES group; and 5) autonomically, both VNS + EA and VNS substantially increased vagal activity and decreased sympathetic activity compared with sham EA ( P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, chronic VNS improves inflammation in TNBS-treated rats by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines via the autonomic mechanism. Addition of noninvasive EA to VNS may enhance the anti-inflammatory effect of VNS. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to address and compare the effects of vagal nerve stimulation (VNS), electrical acupuncture (EA) and VNS + EA on TNBS (2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid)-induced colitis in rats. The proposed chronic VNS + EA, VNS, and EA were shown to decrease DAI and ameliorate macroscopic and microscopic damages in rats with TNBS-induced colitis via the autonomic pathway. The addition of EA to VNS provided a significant effect on the behavioral assessment of inflammation (DAI, CMDI, and histological score) but not on cytokines or mechanistic measurements, suggesting an overall systemic effect of EA. View this article’s corresponding video summary at https://youtu.be/-rEz6HMkErM .
Influence of maximal fat oxidation on long-term weight loss maintenance in humans
Authors: Dandanell Sune , Husted Karina , Amdisen Signe , Vigelsø Andreas , Dela Flemming , Larsen Steen , Helge Jørn Wulff 
Published: May 2017

Impaired maximal fat oxidation has been linked to obesity and weight regain after weight loss. The aim was to investigate the relationship between maximal fat oxidation (MFO) and long-term weight loss maintenance. Eighty subjects [means (SD): age, 36(13) yrs; BMI, 38(1) kg/m2] were recruited from a total of 2,420 former participants of an 11- to 12-wk lifestyle intervention. Three groups were established based on percent weight loss at follow-up [5.3(3.3) yr]: clinical weight loss maintenance (CWL), >10% weight loss; moderate weight loss (MWL), 1–10% weight loss; and weight regain (WR). Body composition (dual X-ray absorptiometry) and fat oxidation (indirect calorimetry) during incremental exercise were measured at follow-up. Blood and a muscle biopsy were sampled. At follow-up, a U-shaped parabolic relationship between MFO and percent weight loss was observed ( r = 0.448; P < 0.001). Overall differences between CWL, MWL, and WR were observed in MFO (mean [95% confidence interval], in g/min, respectively: 0.46 [0.41–0.52]; 0.32 [0.27–0.38]; 0.45 [0.38–0.51]; P = 0.002), maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max, in ml·min−1·FFM−1, respectively; 49 [46–51]; 43 [40–47]; 41 [39–44]; P = 0.007), HAD-activity (in µmol·g−1·min−1, respectively: 123 [113–133]; 104 [91–118]; 97 [88–105]; P < 0.001), muscle protein content of CD36 (in AU, respectively: 1.1 [1.0–1.2]; 0.9 [0.8–1.0]; 0.9 [0.8–0.9]; P = 0.008) and FABPpm (in AU, respectively, 1.0 [0.8–1.2]; 0.7 [0.5–0.8]; 0.7 [0.5–0.9]; P = 0.008), body fat (in %, respectively: 33 [29–38]; 42 [38–46]; 52 [49–55]; P < 0.001), and plasma triglycerides (in mM, respectively: 0.8 [0.7–1.0]; 1.3 [0.9–1.7]; 1.6 [1.0–2.1]; P = 0.013). CWL and WR both had higher MFO compared with MWL, but based on different mechanisms. CWL displayed higher V̇o2maxand intramuscular capacity for fat oxidation, whereas abundance of lipids at whole-body level and in plasma was higher in WR.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Impaired maximal fat oxidation has been linked to obesity and weight regain after weight loss. Noteworthy, maximal fat oxidation was equally high after clinical weight loss maintenance and weight regain compared with moderate weight loss. A high maximal fat oxidation after clinical weight loss maintenance was related to higher maximal oxygen updake, content of key proteins involved in transport of lipids across the plasma membrane and β-oxidation. In contrast, a high maximal fat oxidation after weight regain was related to higher availability of lipids, i.e., general adiposity and plasma concentration of triglycerides.