bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of supplementation with Rhagodia preissii and Atriplex nummularia on wool production, mineral balance and enteric methane emissions of Merino sheep
Authors: Li X. , Norman H. C. , Hendry J. K. , Hulm E. , Young P. , Speijers J. , Wilmot M. G. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe Australian perennial shrubs, oldman saltbush (Atriplex nummularia) and rhagodia (Rhagodia preissii), can complement the diets of sheep grazing moderate‐quality cereal residues. We compared liveweight change, organic matter digestibility, nitrogen and mineral balance, wool growth and methane emissions of Merino wethers offered oaten hay (OMD 622 g kg−1 DM; N 9.74 g kg−1 DM) with and without shrub biomass (substituted at 25% of OM). Diets were fed at restricted levels for 1 month. Substituting hay with shrub biomass significantly decreased liveweight loss, increased clean wool growth and increased apparent absorption of phosphorus compared to the hay alone. Substitution of hay with both saltbush and rhagodia led to over 23% greater clean wool growth. Nitrogen balance and apparent digestion of organic matter, calcium and magnesium did not vary significantly between animals on the diets. Wethers on the rhagodia and hay diets had similar enteric methane emissions, while animals offered the saltbush diet had significantly higher emissions (L/OM intake). When methane is expressed in terms of wool growth, animals on the rhagodia diet produced 26% less methane for every gram of wool.
Nongenetically modified Lactococcus lactis‐adjuvanted vaccination enhanced innate immunity against Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Liu Wei , Tan Zhoulin , Liu Hai , Zeng Zhiqin , Luo Shuanghui , Yang Huimin , Zheng Lufeng , Xi Tao , Xing Yingying 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundGram‐positive enhancer matrix particles (GEM) produced by Lactococcus lactis can enhance vaccine‐induced immune response. However, the mechanism under which this adjuvant mounts the efficacy of orally administered vaccines remains unexplored.Materials and MethodsWe used a prophylactic mice model to investigate the mechanism of GEM‐adjuvanted vaccination. Helicobacter pylori urease‐specific antibody response was monitored and detected in murine serum by ELISA. Urease‐specific splenic cytokine profile was examined. Gastric inflammatory responses were measured on day 43 or 71 by quantitative real‐time PCR, flow cytometry and histology.ResultsWe found that GEM enhanced the efficiency of oral H. pylori vaccine by promoting innate immunity. The vaccine CUE‐GEM composed of GEM particles and recombinant antigen CTB‐UE provided protection of immunized mice against H. pylori insult. The protective response was associated with induction of postimmunization gastritis and local Th1/Th17 cell‐medicated immune response. We showed that innate inflammatory responses including neutrophil chemokines CXCL1‐2, neutrophils, and antimicrobial proteins S100A8 and MUC1 were significantly elevated. Within all infected mice, S100A8 and MUC1 levels were negatively correlated with H. pylori burden. Strikingly, mice receiving GEM also show reduction of colonization, possibly through natural host response pathways to recruit CD4+ T cells and promote S100A8 expression.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that GEM‐based vaccine may impact Th1/Th17 immunity to orchestrate innate immune response against H. pylori infection.
Identifying reasons, gaps and prevalence of diaper usage in an acute hospital
Authors: Tsang Lap Fung , Sham So Yuen Alice , Chan Sau Kuen 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTAre diaper usage overused in acute hospital settings? Are there ways to avoid unnecessary diaper usage? This study aimed to identify the prevalence of diaper usage and the reasons of using diaper as well as to suggest strategies to avoid unnecessary use of diaper. Diaper is widely used for patients in hospitals worldwide but is seldom to be report its prevalence. Some patients with medical issues need to use diaper but some who do not have those problems are still given a diaper to wear once admitted. This is a cross‐sectional prevalence survey study from 24 wards covering 3 major departments between 19 and 26 October 2016. Data were sourced from different means such as documents and interviewing patients/relative, nursing and nursing supporting staff. The study was approved by cluster general manager (nursing) who supported the study to improve patient care. The overall prevalence rate of diaper usage during admission was 37·9%. The top four reasons of diaper usage in all departments were faecal/urinary incontinence, poor patient condition, confusion and poor mobilization which accounted for 38, 15, 10 and 8% respectively. A total of 53 patients of those who had not used diapers before admission but were given diapers to wear, reported reasons as having poor mobilization and lower limb weakness. This is the first study ever to explore the prevalence and reasons of diaper usage in Hong Kong. Different reasons to use diapers after admission but patients did not use diaper upon admission could be identified in various department. A clinical guideline on proper use of diaper that identified some gaps of the prevailing practice and possible solutions was suggested to improve clinical practice.
To stay or to return? Return migration intentions of Moroccans in Italy
Authors: Paparusso Angela , Ambrosetti Elena 
Published: August 2017

AbstractUsing data from the Statistics on Income and living conditions of families with migrants carried out by ISTAT in 2009, we empirically examine the effect of micro level determinants on Moroccans’ return migration intentions. Although Moroccans living in Italy do not have a clear aspiration to return, the socio‐economic and work conditions in Italy determine their migration intentions. Furthermore, our research led us to argue that macro‐level determinants should also be considered. In particular, emigration, immigration and integration policies represent key elements in the analysis of the dilemma between to stay or to return. Therefore, the promotion of long‐term immigration policies, which allow the achievement of a permanent residence in the host country, combined with institutional reforms, which make the origin country socially, economically and politically more attractive for migrants are essential to complete the debate about to stay or to return.
Back Pay for Trafficked Migrant Workers: An Indonesian Case Study
Authors: Palmer Wayne 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn 2015 the International Organization for Migration (IOM) identified almost 1,200 trafficked migrants working in slave‐like conditions on fishing boats in East Indonesia. The IOM helped the migrants and offered to cover the cost of repatriation to their countries of citizenship. The Indonesian government appreciated the financial support, not least because the victims’ embassies refused to pay. But most victims in one location refused to return to their home country without the wages owed to them by their trafficker‐cum‐employers. IOM policy states that migrants are eligible to use the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) service if they are unable or unwilling to remain in the host country. But another condition is that migrants must use the services voluntarily. The IOM could not force the migrants to leave the country, and national law prevented the Indonesian government from deporting the migrants because the IOM had identified them as victims of trafficking.
Open generification
Authors: Gizaw Abyot Asalefew , Bygstad Bendik , Nielsen Petter 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTo what extent can software ‘travel’ to organizations and countries for which it was not designed for, and how important are local contexts for a successful design and implementation of generic software? Information systems researchers have differing views on this, some emphasizing the strengths of the generic and others the importance of contextual aspects. Contributing to this debate, Pollock and Williams have coined the term generification in order to describe how large vendors succeed in globalizing software packages through management by community, content and social authority. In this paper, we explore an approach that we callopen generification, which extends Pollock and Williams' work in the sense that we acknowledge the need for and the feasibility of generic software, but propose an alternative model for the governance of it. Open generification is not about managing the community of users attached to a software package by homogenization or segmentation but aims at addressing the diverse needs of the community the software is expected to serve. Our empirical basis is a longitudinal study of the development of an open‐source health information system software (District Health Information software version 2), which is being used in more than 47 countries. Its success is attributed to a continuous interplay between generic and specific software and continuous cycles of embedding (implementing the global in the local context) and disembedding (taking local innovations into the global). We identify and discuss the contingent mechanisms of this interplay.
Mullite‐glass and mullite‐mullite interfaces: Analysis by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and high‐resolution TEM
Authors: Adabifiroozjaei Esmaeil , Hart Judy N. , Koshy Pramod , Mitchell David R. G. , Sorrell Charles C. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe properties of mullite‐glass and mullite‐mullite interfaces have been investigated at 1800 K by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and high‐resolution TEM. The simulation showed that mullite‐glass interfaces typically have much lower interfacial energies than mullite‐mullite interfaces, which results from the structural flexibility of the glass and associated accommodation of interfacial mismatch. The (110)‐glass interface has the lowest energy of all interfaces studied, which is consistent with the observed dominance of this interface in experimental mullite‐glass samples examined by TEM. The simulation shows that the interfacial energies of the (100)‐glass and (010)‐glass interfaces are higher than that those of the (001)‐glass interface, so [100] and [010] would be expected to be the dominant growth directions. However, the growth of mullite in glass occurs predominantly in the [001] direction. This apparent discrepancy can be explained by the fact that growth in the [100] and [010] directions is limited by the slow growth of (110) plane (i.e., [110] direction), which facilitates [001] growth, which is confirmed by the TEM data.
Weight beliefs and messages: Mindsets predict body‐shame and anti‐fat attitudes via attributions
Authors: Burnette Jeni L. , Hoyt Crystal L. , Dweck Carol S. , Auster‐Gussman Lisa 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn two samples (N = 247, N = 291), we examined the link between beliefs and messages about the changeable (incremental theory) vs. fixed (entity theory) nature of weight, attributions for weight, and body shame. We recruited participants using online sampling, employing a correlational design in Study 1 and an experimental design in Study 2. Across both studies, we found evidence for the stigma‐asymmetry effect—incremental, relative to entity beliefs/messages of weight predicted both (a) stronger onset responsibility attributions, indirectly increasing body shame and (b) stronger offset efficacy attributions, indirectly decreasing body shame. Study 2 replicated the stigma‐asymmetry effect with anti‐fat attitudes. We discuss implications for public health obesity messages with the goal of reducing stigma.
When leaders are not who they appear: The effects of leader disclosure of a concealable stigma on follower reactions
Authors: Adams Gary A. , Webster Jennica R. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTwo studies examined follower reactions to disclosure of concealable stigma (i.e., transgender identity) by a leader. Using 109 employed participants, Study 1 showed followers rated leaders disclosing a stigma less likable and effective. This effect was both direct and indirect through relational identification with the leader. Using 206 employed participants, Study 2 found when a leader's stigma was involuntarily found out and disclosed later they received lower ratings of likability and effectiveness compared to leaders who voluntarily came out and disclosed earlier. Method (found out vs. came out) and timing of disclosure (later vs. earlier) had direct relationships with ratings of likability and effectiveness and method of disclosure had an indirect relationship with the outcomes via relational identification.
Finding diamonds in the rough: Analysts’ selective following of loss‐reporting firms
Authors: Byard Donal , Darrough Masako , Suh Jangwon , Tian Yao 
Published: August 2017

AbstractInvestors face greater difficulty valuing loss‐reporting than profit‐reporting firms: losses may be due to very different reasons (e.g., poor operating performance or investments in intangibles, and financial accounting information is of more limited use for valuing loss‐making firms than profit‐making firms. Because of increased uncertainty about loss firms’ future financial and business viability, we hypothesize that financial analysts will be more selective when choosing to follow loss firms than profit firms, with the result that “abnormal” analyst following will be more informative to investors regarding the future performance of loss firms than profit firms. Consistent with this prediction, we find that abnormal analyst coverage is useful for predicting firms’ future prospects, and is more strongly associated with future performance (stock returns and ROA) for loss firms than for profit firms. The market, however, does not seem to use this useful information when pricing loss firms: for loss firms a portfolio investment strategy based upon abnormal analyst following can generate positive excess returns over 1‐ to 3‐year holding periods. These results are stronger for persistent‐loss firms than for occasional‐loss firms. We conclude that abnormal analyst following contains useful information about firms’ future prospects, and even more so for loss firms than for profit firms.
Mesenchymal stem cells deliver exogenous miR‐21 via exosomes to inhibit nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis and reduce intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Cheng Xiaofei , Zhang Guoying , Zhang Liang , Hu Ying , Zhang Kai , Sun Xiaojiang , Zhao Changqing , Li Hua , Li Yan Michael , Zhao Jie 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAlthough mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation into the IVD (intervertebral disc) may be beneficial in inhibiting apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) and alleviating IVD degeneration, the underlying mechanism of this therapeutic process has not been fully explained. The purpose of this study was to explore the protective effect of MSC‐derived exosomes (MSC‐exosomes) on NPC apoptosis and IVD degeneration and investigate the regulatory effect of miRNAs in MSC‐exosomes and associated mechanisms for NPC apoptosis. MSC‐exosomes were isolated from MSC medium, and its anti‐apoptotic effect was assessed in a cell and rat model. The down‐regulated miRNAs in apoptotic NPCs were identified, and their contents in MSC‐exosomes were detected. The target genes of eligible miRNAs and possible downstream pathway were investigated. Purified MSC‐exosomes were taken up by NPCs and suppressed NPC apoptosis. The levels of miR‐21 were down‐regulated in apoptotic NPCs while MSC‐exosomes were enriched in miR‐21. The exosomal miR‐21 could be transferred into NPCs and alleviated TNF‐α induced NPC apoptosis by targeting phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) through phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)‐Akt pathway. Intradiscal injection of MSC‐exosomes alleviated the NPC apoptosis and IVD degeneration in the rat model. In conclusion, MSC‐derived exosomes prevent NPCs from apoptotic process and alleviate IVD degeneration, at least partly, via miR‐21 contained in exosomes. Exosomal miR‐21 restrains PTEN and thus activates PI3K/Akt pathway in apoptotic NPCs. Our work confers a promising therapeutic strategy for IVD degeneration.
Lipopolysaccharide inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis in rats: The role of immune cells
Authors: Tanaka Hiroshi , Nishikawa Yoshikazu , Fukushima Toru , Taniguchi Ataru , Fujita Yoshihito , Tsuda Kinsuke , Inagaki Nobuya , Hosokawa Masaya 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAims/IntroductionBacterial septicemia has diverse clinical symptoms including severe hypoglycemia. However, sepsis‐induced hypoglycemia has not yet been examined in detail. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying hypoglycemia in sepsis.Materials and MethodsWe induced endotoxin shock in rats using lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After an intraperitoneal injection of LPS, we measured gluconeogenesis using the pyruvate tolerance test. The effects of LPS on glucose metabolism were investigated in perfused livers and isolated hepatocytes. Furthermore, its effects on the production of inflammatory cytokines were examined in isolated splenocytes. The interaction between splenocytes and hepatocytes in response to LPS was investigated in vitro using a co‐culture of splenocytes and hepatocytes.ResultsIn the pyruvate tolerance test, the pretreatment with LPS decreased gluconeogenesis. The in vivo pretreatment of rats with LPS did not inhibit glucose production in perfused livers. The in vitro treatment of isolated hepatocytes with LPS did not decrease hepatic gluconeogenesis. Although LPS increased the production of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α, interferon‐γ, interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐10) and nitric oxide in isolated splenocytes, only nitric oxide significantly inhibited gluconeogenesis in isolated hepatocytes. When splenocytes and hepatocytes were co‐cultured in medium containing LPS, the messenger ribonucleic acid expression of glucose‐6‐phosphatase in hepatocytes was suppressed.ConclusionsLPS reduced hepatic gluconeogenesis, at least in part, by stimulating the production of nitric oxide in splenocytes. This effect could contribute to the mechanisms responsible for septicemia‐induced hypoglycemia.
New and current preventive treatment options in actinic keratosis
Authors: Arenberger P. , Arenbergerova M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractActinic keratosis (AK) is a characteristic skin lesion on skin areas of subjects with mainly phototype I and phototype II, or with specific genetic factors and who are exposed to prolonged ultraviolet radiation. AK may be considered a precursor of in situ squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). However, it is still not possible to predict which AK lesions will develop into SCC. Early treatment of AK is therefore recommended. Despite the increasing number of patients with AK developing into SCC, to date, there is still no clear suggestion of therapeutic strategy for AK. Current treatment consists of a multitude of topical lesion‐directed or field‐directed therapies or a combination of both. Recently, orally administered nicotinamide has shown to significantly reduce rates of new NMSC and AK in high‐risk patients. This study aims to provide an update on the most relevant information about AK and to provide an insight into current and new treatment options.
Effects of selected myofibrillar protein activities on beef tenderization process based on electrophoretic analysis
Authors: Onopiuk Anna , Półtorak Andrzej , Sun Da‐Wen , Wierzbicka Agnieszka 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMeat aging process involves in changes in the microstructure of muscle fibers and calpains (cysteine endopeptidase) are responsible for this process, as calpains have direct access to myofibrils in a cell. The electrophoretic analysis (SDS–PAGE) presented in the current study aimed at investigating the impact of calpain system and troponin T on the changes in the Warner–Bratzler shear force in selected semitendinosus (ST) and psoas major (PM) muscles taken from 9 Holstein Frisian × Limousin crossbreed carcasses aged 25 ± 1 months. The presence of calpains, calpastatin, and troponin T was verified based on the western blot method using monoclonal antibodies for tracing specific proteins. The results also confirmed significant correlations between the amount of µ‐ and m‐calpains and troponin T degradation products and the shear force values and thus the tenderization process during beef aging.Practical applicationsBeef aging is an important process of preparing beef for consumption. During aging, the increase in the tenderness is affected by the changes in troponin T. The measurement of the amount of this protein can be an indicator of the changes of hardness during aging. The current results indicated that the tenderness of beef increased when the beef contained a greater amount of 30 kDa protein product and when the muscles had longer sarcomeres. The information available in the current study should be very useful to the meat industry for early prediction of beef quality especially beef tenderness during the aging process.
Validation of a Geriatric Trauma Prognosis Calculator: A P.A.L.Li.A.T.E. Consortium Study
Authors: Cook Allyson C. , Joseph Bellal , Mohler M. Jane , Inaba Kenji , Bruns Brandon R. , Nakonezny Paul A. , Kerby Jeff D. , Brasel Karen J. , Wolf Steven E. , Cuschieri Joseph , Paulk M. Elizabeth , Rhodes Ramona L. , Brakenridge Scott C. , Ekeh A. Peter , Phelan Herb A. 
Published: August 2017

Background/ObjectivesThe P.A.L.Li.A.T.E. (prognostic assessment of life and limitations after trauma in the elderly) consortium has previously created a prognosis calculator for mortality after geriatric injury based on age, injury severity, and transfusion requirement called the geriatric trauma outcome score (GTOS). Here, we sought to create and validate a prognosis calculator called the geriatric trauma outcome score ii (GTOS II) estimating probability of unfavorable discharge.DesignRetrospective cohort.SettingFour geographically diverse Level 1 trauma centers.ParticipantsTrauma admissions aged 65 to 102 years surviving to discharge from 2000 to 2013.InterventionNone.MeasurementsAge, injury severity score (ISS), transfusion at 24 hours post‐admission, discharge dichotomized as favorable (home/rehabilitation) or unfavorable (skilled nursing/long term acute care/hospice). Training and testing samples were created using the holdout method. A multiple logistic mixed model (GTOS II) was created to estimate the odds of unfavorable disposition then re‐specified using the GTOS II as the sole predictor in a logistic mixed model using the testing sample.ResultsThe final dataset was 16,114 subjects (unfavorable discharge status = 15.4%). Training (n = 8,057) and testing (n = 8,057) samples had similar demographics. The formula based on the training sample was (GTOS II = Age + [0.71 × ISS] + 8.79 [if transfused by 24 hours]). Misclassification rate and AUC were 15.63% and 0.67 for the training sample, respectively, and 15.85% and 0.67 for the testing sample.ConclusionGTOS II estimates the probability of unfavorable discharge in injured elders with moderate accuracy. With the GTOS mortality calculator, it can help in goal setting conversations after geriatric injury.