bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Barriers to conducting research: A survey of trainees in emergency medicine
Authors: Olaussen Alexander , Jennings Paul A , O'Reilly Gerard , Mitra Biswadev , Cameron Peter A 
Published: January 2017

AbstractObjectiveResearch underpins evidence‐based practice, but there are significant barriers to conducting research relevant to each clinical discipline. Understanding these barriers could allow strategies to reduce their impact. The present study was undertaken to understand specific barriers to research for emergency medicine (EM) trainees.MethodsEM trainees attending research short courses were surveyed. Free‐text responses were classified into themes and a list of pre‐specified potential barriers was used for ranking purposes.ResultsThe responders (n = 61/90; 67.8%) were young, mostly male with low confidence in leading a research project and limited previous research experience. There were 155 unique barriers identified from 55 respondents, which fitted into nine categories. The most frequently perceived barrier was time (29%), followed by skills (22.6%) and cultural factors (19.4%). Most trainees (n = 54/56, 96.4%) believed that the barriers could be overcome. Strategies suggested included protection of time, mentoring and education, as well as top‐down improved research culture.ConclusionsBarriers to research in EM are similar to other specialities and were perceived to be manageable. Reorganisation and refocus of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine training curriculum may be an option to foster an environment to promote research.
High Salinity Relaying to Reduce Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus in Chesapeake Bay Oysters (Crassostrea virginica)
Authors: Parveen Salina , Jahncke Michael , Elmahdi Sara , Crocker Helen , Bowers John , White Chanelle , Gray Stephanie , Morris Amanda C. , Brohawn Kathy 
Published: January 2017

AbstractCases of Vibrio infections in the United States have tripled from 1996 to 2009 and these infections are most often associated with the consumption of seafood, particularly oysters (Crassostrea virginica). Information is needed on how to reduce numbers of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus in bi‐valve molluscan shellfish (for example, oysters). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of high salinity relaying or treatment in recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) as methods to reduce the abundance of V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus in oysters. For relaying field trials, oysters were collected from approved harvest waters, temperature abused outside under a tarp for 4 h, and then transferred to high (29 to 33 ppt.) and moderate (12 to 19 ppt.) salinities. For RAS treatment trial, oysters were transferred to 32 to 34 ppt. salinity at 15 °C. After 7, 14, 21, and in some instances 28 d, oysters were collected and analyzed for V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus levels using multiplex real‐time PCR. Initial levels of V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus ranged from 3.70 to 5.64 log10 MPN/g, and were reduced by 2 to 5 logs after 21 to 28 d in high salinity water (29 to 34 ppt.). Oyster mortalities averaged 4% or less, and did not exceed 7%. Relaying of oysters to high salinity field sites or transfer to high salinity RAS tanks was more effective in reducing V. vulnificus compared with V. parahaemolyticus. These results suggest that high salinity relaying of oysters is more effective in reducing V. vulnificus than V. parahaemolyticus in the oyster species used in this study.
A Survey of the Peptide Profile in Prato Cheese as Measured by MALDI‐MS and Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Baptista Débora Parra , Araújo Francisca Diana da Silva , Eberlin Marcos Nogueira , Gigante Mirna Lúcia 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn this study, we describe the characterization of the peptide profile in commercial Prato cheese by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS) and capillary electrophoresis (CE). Ten commercial Prato cheese brands were characterized via their physicochemical composition and subjected to fractionation according to solubility at pH 4.6. The pH 4.6 insoluble fraction was evaluated by CE, whereas MALDI‐MS was applied to the fraction soluble at pH 4.6 and in 70% ethanol. CE revealed a characteristic pattern of hydrolysis, with formation of para‐κ‐casein, hydrolysis of αs1‐casein at the Phe23 ‐ Phe24 bond, and hydrolysis of β‐casein. For the MALDI‐MS data, a complex peptide profile was observed, with the identification of 44 peptides previously reported (24 peptides from αs1‐casein, 14 from β‐casein, 3 from κ‐casein, and 3 from αs2‐casein). It was also observed that cheeses with salt‐in‐moisture content greater than 5% showed an accumulation of a bitter‐tasting peptide (m/z 1536, αs1‐CN f1‐13), suggesting a relationship between the higher salt concentration and the abundance of this peptide. In conclusion, the results showed that even commercial cheeses produced with different raw material and processing conditions showed very similar peptide profiles when assessed at the molecular level, and only 9 peptides were responsible for discrimination of cheeses.
Characterization of Date (Deglet Nour) Seed Free and Bound Polyphenols by High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Sirisena Sameera , Zabaras Dimitrios , Ng Ken , Ajlouni Said 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDate (Pheonix dactylifera L.) seeds are a valuable and abundant by‐product with various potential food applications. Free polyphenols (FPPs) and bound polyphenols (BPPs) of date seeds from Deglet Nour variety grown in Australia were investigated using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The FPP fraction contained the following main phenolic compounds per gram of date seed powder; procyanidin B1 (499.8 ± 7.8 μg), procyanidin B2 (288.6 ± 6.1 μg), catechin (167.6 ± 2.1 μg), epicatechin (39.44 ± 0.39 μg), and protocatechuic acid (1.77 ± 0.22 μg). Additionally, one of the 2 A‐type dimers was confirmed as procyanidin A2 (24.05 ± 0.12 μg/g). A‐type dimers have not been reported before in date seeds. The BPP fraction contained epicatechin (52.59 ± 0.76 μg/g) and procyanidin B2 (294.2 ± 3.7 μg/g), while several peaks exhibiting ESI− m/z of 153 indicated dihydroxybenzoic acid isomers including protocatechuic acid (2.138 ± 0.025 μg/g). These findings contributed to our knowledge of date seed phytochemicals and understanding of their contribution to the reported bioactivities.
Review: Use of Asian samples in genetic research of alcohol use disorders: Genetic variation of alcohol metabolizing enzymes and the effects of acetaldehyde
Authors: Matsushita Sachio , Higuchi Susumu 
Published: January 2017

Background and ObjectivesEpidemiological studies consistently find that Asian populations report lower rates of alcohol use disorders (AUD) compared with other racial groups. These differences result from a variety of biological, genetic, and environmental influences, some of which are related to the metabolism of alcohol. We will review several studies of these metabolic factors, including several alcohol clamping studies conducted in our laboratory, that provide further insight into the role of the alcohol metabolizing genes and drinking behavior among Japanese drinkers.MethodsThis manuscript reviewed studies investigating genetic variations of alcohol metabolizing enzymes among Asians and several mechanisms by which these genes are thought to give rise to differences in rates of alcohol dependence.ResultsThe inactive aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) and highly active alcohol dehydrogenase‐1B (ADH1B) genes are protective factors for the development of AUD. The inactive ALDH2 provides its protective effect through the accumulation of acetaldehyde after consuming alcohol, resulting in unpleasant effects, and heightened sensitivity to alcohol. However, the suppressive effects of inactive ALDH2 and highly active ADH1B for AUDs are only partial and interact with other factors, such as personality traits, psychiatric comorbidities, and environmental factors.Discussion and ConclusionsWhile Asians are excellent models for the study of certain genetic effects on the development and consequences of AUD, few clinical studies of this population have been conducted. Further exploration of the interactions between various genetic, individual, and environmental factors influencing drinking behavior and, thus affecting the risk of AUD, would enhance our understanding of how alcohol‐related problems develop.Scientific SignificanceThe heterozygous ALDH2*1/*2 genotype has only partial effects on limiting drinking behavior, suggesting the potential interaction with other factors. Therefore AUD patients with inactive ALDH2 may be a useful model to identify and to test a variety of other risk factors of AUD. (Am J Addict 2017;26:469–476)
Foreign Aid, Human Rights, and Democracy Promotion: Evidence from a Natural Experiment
Authors: Carnegie Allison , Marinov Nikolay 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDoes foreign aid improve human rights and democracy? We help arbitrate the debate over this question by leveraging a novel source of exogeneity: the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. We find that when a country's former colonizer holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union during the budget‐making process, the country is allocated considerably more foreign aid than are countries whose former colonizer does not hold the presidency. Using instrumental variables estimation, we demonstrate that this aid has positive effects on human rights and democracy, although the effects are short‐lived after the shock to aid dissipates. We adduce the timing of events, qualitative evidence, and theoretical insights to argue that the conditionality associated with an increased aid commitment is responsible for the positive effects in the domains of human rights and democracy.
Serial cytokine alterations and abnormal neuroimaging in newborn infants with encephalopathy
Authors: O'Hare Fiona M. , Watson R William G. , O'Neill Amanda , Segurado Ricardo , Sweetman Deirdre , Downey Paul , Mooney Eoghan , Murphy John , Donoghue Veronica , Molloy Eleanor J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAimInflammatory cytokines may play a role in the final common pathway in the pathogenesis of hypoxic‐ischaemic injury in experimental models. We aimed to profile the systemic pro‐and anti‐inflammatory response over the first week of life in term infants at risk of neonatal encephalopathy.MethodIn a tertiary referral university neonatal intensive care unit, serial blood samples were analysed from 41 term infants (requiring resuscitation at birth) in this prospective observational pilot study. Serum levels of 10 pro‐and anti‐inflammatory cytokines were evaluated including interleukin(IL)‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, tumour necrosis factor(TNF)‐α, interferon (IFN)‐γ, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), granulocyte/colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) and granulocyte macrophage/colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF).ResultsInfants with neonatal encephalopathy and abnormal neuroimaging (n = 15) had significantly elevated granulocyte macrophage/colony‐stimulating factor at 0‐24 h and interleukin‐8, interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐10 at 24–48 hour. Tumour necrosis factor‐α and vascular endothelial growth factor levels were lower at 72–96 hour (p < 0.05). Significantly elevated levels of interleukin‐10 were associated with mortality.ConclusionSerum cytokine changes and innate immune dysregulation in the first week of life may be indicators of outcome in neonatal encephalopathy but require validation in larger studies.
Visuospatial training improves elementary students’ mathematics performance
Authors: Lowrie Tom , Logan Tracy , Ramful Ajay 
Published: January 2017

BackgroundAlthough spatial ability and mathematics performance are highly correlated, there is scant research on the extent to which spatial ability training can improve mathematics performance.AimsThis study evaluated the efficacy of a visuospatial intervention programme within classrooms to determine the effect on students’ (1) spatial reasoning and (2) mathematics performance as a result of the intervention.SampleThe study involved grade six students (ages 10–12) in eight classes. There were five intervention classes (n = 120) and three non‐intervention control classes (n = 66).MethodsA specifically designed 10‐week spatial reasoning programme was developed collaboratively with the participating teachers, with the intervention replacing the standard mathematics curriculum. The five classroom teachers in the intervention programme presented 20 hr of activities aimed at enhancing students’ spatial visualization, mental rotation, and spatial orientation skills.ResultsThe spatial reasoning programme led to improvements in both spatial ability and mathematics performance relative to the control group who received standard mathematics instruction.ConclusionsOur study is the first to show that a classroom‐based spatial reasoning intervention improves elementary school students’ mathematics performance.
When invasion may not be harmful: niche relations in a lizard assemblage
Authors: Winck Gisele R. , Almeida‐Santos Marlon , Dorigo Thiago A. , Telles Felipe B. , Rocha Carlos F. D. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSome studies have suggested that non‐native species invasions may threaten local diversity by creating homogenized environments. However, many studies have been based on limited or anecdotal data, and/or have failed to consider the influence of habitat modification together with possible influences of non‐native species on native ones. Hemidactylus mabouia (Squamata, Gekkonidae) likely invaded natural environments in Brazil hundreds of years ago. Yet, little is known about whether it affects native lizard fauna. We tested whether H. mabouia negatively influences native lizard species richness and abundance on a regional scale and locally through niche overlap. We analyzed species abundance and richness of nine lizard assemblages, in five of which H. mabouia occurred. We evaluated niche overlap of species in a lizard assemblage with high H. mabouia abundance through null models. Niche axes included spatial use, temporal activity and diet. Although species abundance did not differ among sites with and without the invasive species, the presence of H. mabouia seems constrained to the richer assemblages sampled. We observed significantly higher niche overlap in spatial (ɸobs = 0.63; ɸexp = 0.37; Pobs ≥ Pexp = 0.0002) and trophic axes (ɸobs = 0.46; ɸexp = 0.17; Pobs ≥ Pexp < 0.001), but not in activity. When we considered all axes (three‐dimensional niche), there was no overlapping among the lizard species. Our findings did not support the hypothesis that this non‐native species negatively influences other sympatric lizard species.
Evaluation of perforated demineralized dentin scaffold on bone regeneration in critical‐size sheep iliac defects
Authors: Kabir Md. Arafat , Murata Masaru , Akazawa Toshiyuki , Kusano Kaoru , Yamada Katsuhisa , Ito Manabu 
Published: January 2017

AbstractObjectivesRegenerating critical‐size bone injury is a major problem that continues to inspire the design of new graft materials. Therefore, tissue engineering has become a novel approach for targeting bone regeneration applications. Human teeth are a rich source of stem cells, matrix, trace metal ions, and growth factors. A vital tooth‐derived demineralized dentin matrix is acid‐insoluble and composed of cross‐linked collagen with growth factors. In this study, we recycled human non‐functional tooth into a unique geometric dentin scaffold, entitled perforated root‐demineralized dentin matrix (PR‐DDM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of PR‐DDM as the scaffold for regenerating bone in critical‐size iliac defects.Material and methodsArtificial macro‐pores (1 mm in diameter) were added to human vital wisdom tooth after removing the enamel and pulp portions. The modified tooth was demineralized in 0.34 N HNO3 for 30 min and is referred to as PR‐DDM scaffold. Critical‐size defect (10 mm × 15 mm × 9 mm Ø) was created in the iliac crest of six adult sheep. The in vivo bone regeneration by the scaffold was evaluated by micro‐CT, 3D micro‐CT, and histological examination at 2 and 4 months post‐implantation.ResultsPR‐DDM exhibited better bone ingrowth, especially in the artificial macro‐pores. The results of micro‐CT and 3D micro‐CT revealed good union between scaffold and native bone. New bone formation was observed in almost all portions of PR‐DDM. Higher bone volume inside the scaffold was detected at 4 months compared with 2 months. New bone ingrowth was ankylosed with PR‐DDM, and both osteoinduction and osteoconduction capability of PR‐DDM were confirmed histologically. The ratio of new bone formation was higher at 4 months compared with 2 months by histomorphometric analysis.ConclusionsAltogether, these results demonstrated that the human tooth‐derived graft material with a unique geometric structure, PR‐DDM, contributed to active bone ingrowth in critical‐size bone defects. This novel scaffold may have great utility in the near‐future clinical application.
Homophily in Human Resource Management Publishing
Authors: Barnes Stuart , Sang Katherine J.C. , Baruch Yehuda 
Published: January 2017

Existing theory suggests that social networks form a major factor in individual and team performance, including in academic collaborative research. However, there is currently a lack of a theoretical framework to explain the social network related factors that influence publication processes and decisions. We address this gap by adopting a theory‐building perspective, analysing a large data set on the impact of social networks. Using a case of one leading journal (Human Resource Management), we collected data on 10 years of publication, exploring 327 papers, written by 667 authors, which represent 839 ties. Examining individual demographic and institutional characteristics, we developed and tested a set of hypotheses, providing a framework for shaping and guiding future academic research collaborations. Our findings suggest that as albeit the intention, diverse collaboration is still at a low level. This contribution adds to the literature on understanding the factors influencing the type of collaborations that lead to publications in leading journals.
Towards prognostic biomarkers from BOLD fluctuations to differentiate a first epileptic seizure from new‐onset epilepsy
Authors: Gupta Lalit , Janssens Rick , Vlooswijk Mariëlle C. G. , Rouhl Rob P. W. , de Louw Anton , Aldenkamp Albert P. , Ulman Shrutin , Besseling René M. H. , Hofman Paul A. M. , van Kranen‐Mastenbroek Vivianne H. , Hilkman Danny M. , Jansen Jacobus F. A. , Backes Walter H. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryObjectiveThe diagnosis of epilepsy cannot be reliably made prior to a patient's second seizure in most cases. Therefore, adequate diagnostic tools are needed to differentiate subjects with a first seizure from those with a seizure preceding the onset of epilepsy. The objective was to explore spontaneous blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) fluctuations in subjects with a first‐ever seizure and patients with new‐onset epilepsy (NOE), and to find characteristic biomarkers for seizure recurrence after the first seizure.MethodsWe examined 17 first‐seizure subjects, 19 patients with new‐onset epilepsy (NOE), and 18 healthy controls. All subjects underwent clinical investigation and received electroencephalography and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The BOLD time series were analyzed in terms of regional homogeneity (ReHo) and fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (fALFFs).ResultsWe found significantly stronger amplitudes (higher fALFFs) in patients with NOE relative to first‐seizure subjects and healthy controls. The frequency range of 73–198 mHz (slow‐3 subband) appeared most useful for discriminating patients with NOE from first‐seizure subjects. The ReHo measure did not show any significant differences.SignificanceThe fALFF appears to be a noninvasive measure that characterizes spontaneous BOLD fluctuations and shows stronger amplitudes in the slow‐3 subband of patients with NOE relative first‐seizure subjects and healthy controls. A larger study population with follow‐up is required to determine whether fALFF holds promise as a potential biomarker for identifying subjects at increased risk to develop epilepsy.
Neurosteroid‐sensitive δ‐GABAA receptors: A role in epileptogenesis?
Authors: Joshi Suchitra , Rajasekaran Karthik , Williamson John , Kapur Jaideep 
Published: January 2017

SummaryObjectiveWe determined the role of the neurosteroid‐sensitive δ subunit–containing γ‐aminobutyric acid A receptors (δ‐GABARs) in epileptogenesis.MethodsStatus epilepticus (SE) was induced via lithium pilocarpine in adult rats, and seizures were assessed by continuous video–electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring. Finasteride was administered to inhibit neurosteroid synthesis. The total and surface protein expression of hippocampal δ, α4, and γ2 GABAR subunits was studied using biotinylation assays and Western blotting. Neurosteroid potentiation of the tonic currents of dentate granule cells (DGCs) was measured by whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique. Finally, the effects of inhibiting N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) during SE on the long‐term plasticity of δ‐GABARs, neurosteroid‐induced modulation of tonic current, and epileptogenesis were studied.ResultsThe inhibition of neurosteroid synthesis 4 days after SE triggered acute seizures and accelerated the onset of chronic recurrent spontaneous seizures (epilepsy). The down‐regulation of neurosteroid‐sensitive δ‐GABARs occurred prior to the onset of epilepsy, whereas an increased expression of the γ2‐GABAR subunits occurred after seizure onset. MK801 blockade of NMDARs during SE preserved the expression of neurosteroid‐sensitive δ‐GABARs. NMDAR blockade during SE also prevented the onset of spontaneous seizures.SignificanceChanges in neurosteroid‐sensitive δ‐GABAR expression correlated temporally with epileptogenesis. These findings raise the possibility that δ‐GABAR plasticity may play a role in epileptogenesis.
Adaptive evolution and demographic history contribute to the divergent population genetic structure of Potato virus Y between China and Japan
Authors: Gao Fangluan , Zou Wenchao , Xie Lianhui , Zhan Jiasui 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPotato virus Y (PVY) is an important plant pathogen causing considerable economic loss to potato production. Knowledge of the population genetic structure and evolutionary biology of the pathogen, particularly at a transnational scale, is limited but vital in developing sustainable management schemes. In this study, the population genetic structure and molecular evolution of PVY were studied using 127 first protein (P1) and 137 coat protein (CP) sequences generated from isolates collected from potato in China and Japan. High genetic differentiation was found between the populations from the two countries, with higher nucleotide diversity in Japan than China in both genes and a KST value of .216 in the concatenated sequences of the two genes. Sequences from the two countries clustered together according to their geographic origin. Further analyses showed that spatial genetic structure in the PVY populations was likely caused by demographic dynamics of the pathogen and natural selection generated by habitat heterogeneity. Purifying selection was detected at the majority of polymorphic sites although some clade‐specific codons were under positive selection. In past decades, PVY has undergone a population expansion in China, whereas in Japan, the population size of the pathogen has remained relatively constant.