bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phosphorylated Polyacrylonitrile Fibers as an Efficient and Greener Acetalization Catalyst
Authors: Xu Gang , Cao Jian , Zhao Yali , Zheng Lishuo , Tao Minli , Zhang Wenqin 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA novel solid acid catalyst (PANEAPF) is developed by immobilization of phosphoric acid on polyacrylonitrile fiber through covalent bonding. Various characterization techniques such as elemental analysis (EA), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), etc. are utilized to confirm the successful grafting and the stability of the fiber catalysts during application. PANEAPF shows high catalytic activity in the acetalization of aldehydes owing to the high utilization efficiency of its functionalized acid sites. In addition, the strong polarity micro‐environment in the surface layers of PANEAPF make it highly suitable for catalytic application in both water and alcohol. Furthermore, the fiber catalyst can be applied to the acetalization of aldehydes in a continuous‐flow process at room temperature, and shows excellent reactivity and superior recyclability (over 20 times). The many advantages of PANEAPF such as simple preparation, convenient regulation of acid amount, high durability, and eco‐friendly process make it very attractive for fixed‐bed reactors in the chemical industry.
How to harvest the greatest length of tibialis posterior tendon for tendon transfer: A cadaveric study
Authors: Thamphongsri Korakot , Harnroongroj Thos , Jarusriwanna Atthakorn , Chuckpaiwong Bavornrit 
Published: July 2017

In anterior transfer of the tibialis posterior tendon, the tendon was harvested using two incisions, the first at its attachment point on the navicular bone and second on the medial side of the leg above the medial malleolus. To provide the maximum tendon length, the second incision needs to be as proximal as possible but injury to the muscle origin must be avoided. The purpose of this study is to establish the location of the second incision that yields the greatest tendon length. Forty‐five unpaired embalmed cadaveric legs were dissected. Demographic data, gender, age, and side of specimen were recorded. The distance between the tip of the medial malleolus and the muscle origin was measured. Mobile tendon length, muscle origin, foot length, tibial length, and position of ankle were also noted. The mean mobile tendon length was 11.1 (range 10.7–11.4) cm and the distance between the tip of the medial malleolus and the muscle origin was 6.8 (range 6.5–7.0) cm. The mean foot length was 22.2 cm (range 21.7–22.7), tibial length was 31.5 cm (range 30.8–32.2), and muscle origin was 23.7 cm (range 21.0–26.3). The mean angle position was 46 degrees plantar flexion (range 43–49). In subgroup analysis by gender, the mobile tendon length, distance between the tip of the medial malleolus and the muscle origin, and tibial length, were significantly greater in males than females. In conclusion, for anterior transfer of the tibialis posterior tendon, an incision 7.1 cm above the medial malleolus in the male and 6.4 cm above it in the female provides the longest mobile tendon without injury to its origin. Clin. Anat. 30:1083–1086, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Level of Evidence: V, Cadaveric descriptive study.
Synthetic Analogues of Nitrogenase Metallocofactors: Challenges and Developments
Authors: Sickerman Nathaniel S. , Tanifuji Kazuki , Hu Yilin , Ribbe Markus W. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractNitrogenase is the only known biological system capable of reducing N2 to NH3, which is a critical component of bioavailable nitrogen fixation. Since the discovery of discrete iron‐sulfur metalloclusters within the nitrogenase MoFe protein, synthetic inorganic chemists have sought to reproduce the structural features of these clusters in order to understand how they facilitate the binding, activation and hydrogenation of N2. Through the decades following the initial identification of these clusters, significant progress has been made to synthetically replicate certain compositional and functional aspects of the biogenic clusters. Although much work remains to generate synthetic iron–sulfur clusters that can reduce N2 to NH3, the insights borne from past and recent developments are discussed in this concept article.
Similarities and differences between male and female novice designers on color‐concept associations for warnings, action required, and signs and equipment status messages
Authors: Ng Annie W. Y. , Chan Alan H. S. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis research examined the male and female novice designers toward color associations for the concepts used for ‘warnings’, ‘action required’, and ‘signs and equipment status’ through a questionnaire‐based study. A total of 178 Hong Kong Chinese final year undergraduate design students (89 males and 89 females) participated in the study. The test used required the participants to indicate their choice of one of nine colors to associations with each of 38 concepts in a color‐concept table, so that any one color could be associated with any one of the concepts. For both male and female groups of novice designers, chi‐square tests revealed a strong color association for each concept tested in this study (P < .05). The results showed males and females agreed on some color‐concept association stereotypes which were therefore gender neutral. The male and female novice designers had the same color associations and similar levels of stereotype strengths for 21 concepts. The nine strongest and therefore most useful color‐concept association stereotypes for both male and female novice designers were: red‐danger, red‐fire, red‐hot, red‐stop, red‐emergency, red‐error, blue‐cold, blue‐male, and green‐exit. However, the male and female novice designers had different color association stereotypes for the standby (green vs. yellow), emergency exit (green vs. red), and toxic (purple vs. black) concepts, and the strengths of the 14 remaining associations for both groups were not at equivalent levels. Overall, it is anticipated that the findings of this study will act as a useful reference for novice designers and other design practitioners to optimize color coding in the design of ‘warnings’, ‘action required’, and ‘signs and equipment status’ messages.
Drivers of woody canopy water content responses to drought in a Mediterranean‐type ecosystem
Authors: Paz‐Kagan Tarin , Asner Gregory P. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSevere droughts increase physiological stress in woody plant species, which can lead to mortality, fundamentally altering the composition, structure, and biogeography of forests in many regions. Little is known, however, about the factors determining the physiological response of woody plants to drought at landscape scales. Our objective was to understand woody plant species responses to ongoing changes in climate, using remotely sensed canopy water content (CWC) as an indicator of plant physiological and phenological status. We used fused imaging spectroscopy and light detection and ranging from the Carnegie Airborne Observatory to quantify the factors affecting species compositional changes in CWC in a diverse Mediterranean‐type ecosystem (Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, California, USA) between 2013 and 2015. Mapped CWC was spatially variable in both of the observation years, and proved to be most closely tied to species composition and distribution across the landscape. The secondary predictors of CWC were elevation and soil substrate. In contrast, we found that CWC change was much more related to environmental factors than to the species composition. We suggest that the effect of environment on CWC change is mediated through species resistance and resilience to drought. Monitoring CWC change with imaging spectroscopy is a powerful approach to identifying species‐level responses to climatic events and long‐term change, which may provide support for policy decisions and conservation at large spatial scales.
Clinical assessment of uterine contractions
Authors: Cohen Wayne R. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe assessment of uterine contractions is important in clinical decision‐making, but the precise role for appraising contractions remains controversial. Four clinical approaches to assessing contractions are available: manual palpation; intrauterine pressure determination; external tocodynamometry; and electrohysterography. Palpation is inexpensive and harmless but requires the constant bedside presence of a trained observer. Intrauterine pressure measurement is considered the most sensitive and specific technique, and has become the standard by which other methods are judged; however, its quantitative measurements are not always precise or reproducible. Moreover, the availability of intrauterine pressure measurements does not seem to improve maternal or neonatal outcomes in most situations. External tocodynamometry is the most widely used technique. It is easy to apply and provides reasonably accurate information about the frequency and duration of contractions, but not their amplitude. It can require frequent adjustment during labor and might not work well in patients who are obese. Electrohysterography is a recently available noninvasive technology that detects uterine electrical activity using electrodes placed on the mother's abdominal wall. This approach is at least as reliable and accurate as tocodynamometry.
Overexpression of GαS in Murine Osteoblasts In Vivo Leads to Increased Bone Mass and Decreased Bone Quality
Authors: Zhang Lucia , Sugamori Kim S , Claridge Colin , dela Cruz Ariana , Grynpas Marc D , Mitchell Jane 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

GαS is a heterotrimeric G protein that transduces signals from activated G protein-coupled receptors on the cell surface to stimulate adenylyl cyclase/cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) signaling. GαS plays a central role in mediating numerous growth and maintenance processes including osteogenesis and bone turnover. Decreased GαS expression or activating mutations in GαS both affect bone, suggesting that modulating GαS protein levels may be important for bone health and development. To examine the effects of increased osteoblastic GαS expression on bone development in vivo, we generated transgenic mice with GαS overexpression in osteoblasts (HOM-Gs mice) driven by the 3.6-kilobase (kb) Col1A1 promoter. Both male and female HOM-Gs mice exhibit increased bone turnover with overactive osteoblasts and osteoclasts, resulting in a high bone mass phenotype with significantly reduced bone quality. At 9 weeks of age, HOM-Gs mice have increased trabecular number, volumetric BMD (vBMD), and bone volume; however, the bone was woven and disorganized. There was also increased cortical bone volume despite an overall reduction in size in HOM-Gs mice along with increased cortical porosity and brittleness. The skeletal phenotype of HOM-Gs mice progressed into maturity at 26 weeks of age with further accrual of trabecular bone, whereas WT mice lost trabecular bone at this age. Although cortical bone volume and geometry were similar between mature HOM-Gs and WT mice, increased porosity persisted and the bone was weaker. At the cellular level, these alterations were mediated by an increase in bone resorption by osteoclasts and an overwhelmingly higher increase in bone formation by osteoblasts. In summary, our findings demonstrate that high osteoblastic GαS expression results in aberrant skeletal development in which bone production is favored at the cost of bone quality. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
FAAH, but not MAGL, inhibition modulates acute TLR3‐induced neuroimmune signaling in the rat, independent of sex
Authors: Flannery Lisa E. , Henry Rebecca J. , Kerr Daniel M. , Finn David P. , Roche Michelle 
Published: July 2017

AbstractToll‐like receptor (TLR)3 is a key component of the innate immune response to viral infection. The present study firstly examined whether sex differences exist in TLR3‐induced inflammatory, endocrine, and sickness responses. The data revealed that TLR3‐induced expression of interferon‐ or NFkB‐inducible genes (IFN‐α/β, IP‐10, or TNF‐α), either peripherally (spleen) or centrally (hypothalamus), did not differ between male and female rats, with the exception of TLR3‐induced IFN‐α expression in the spleen of female, but not male, rats 8 hr post TLR3 activation. Furthermore, TLR3 activation increased plasma corticosterone levels, induced fever, and reduced locomotor activity and body weight — effects independent of sex. Thus, the acute‐phase inflammatory, endocrine, and sickness responses to TLR3 activation exhibit minimal sex‐related differences. A further aim of this study was to examine whether enhancing endocannabinoid tone — namely, 2‐arachidonylglycerol (2‐AG) or N‐arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA), exhibited similar effects on TLR3‐induced inflammatory responses in male versus female rats. Systemic administration of the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor MJN110 and subsequent increases in 2‐AG levels did not alter the TLR3‐induced increase in IP‐10, IRF7, or TNF‐α expression in the spleen or the hypothalamus of male or female rats. In contrast, the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor URB597 increased levels of AEA and related N‐acylethanolamines, an effect associated with the attenuation of TLR3‐induced inflammatory responses in the hypothalamus, but not the spleen, of male and female rats. These data support a role for FAAH, but not MAGL, substrates in the modulation of TLR3‐induced neuroinflammatory responses, effects independent of sex.
Implementation of a clinical pharmacy service in the Transfer Unit of a tertiary hospital: a clinical quality audit
Authors: Hare Monique P. , Teasdale Trudy L. , Crilly Julia 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimTo describe the nature and impact of a clinical pharmacist in the Transfer Unit of a tertiary hospital.MethodsA retrospective audit was conducted based on operational and clinical measures assessing patient flow and medication safety. Patient inclusion criteria included all patients (excluding outpatients) transferred to the Transfer Unit prior to discharge or admission to hospital over a 5 month period in 2014.ResultsThe increase in the average number of patients transiting through the Transfer Unit prior to 11:00 hours was 31 patients per month (42–73). The pharmacist performed a total of 41 medicine‐related interventions and identified 12 patient safety incidents.ConclusionThe implementation of a pharmacist in the Transfer Unit may have contributed to: (i) improving patient flow, particularly at the time of hospital discharge; and (ii) identifying adverse drug events. Further research is required regarding the cost‐effectiveness of the Transfer Unit pharmacist role.
A new sample preparation and separation combination for the precise, accurate, and simultaneous determination of uracil and dihydrouracil in human plasma by reversed‐phase HPLC
Authors: Pan Wen , Li Yuandong , Feng Yan , Yang Fan , Liu Haizhou 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe have developed an efficient procedure and detection method using reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography for the simultaneous measurement of uracil and dihydrouracil in human plasma. The procedure, including chromatographic conditions and sample preparation, was optimized and validated. Optimization of the sample preparation included deproteinization, extraction, and cleanup. A new sample preparation method which resulted in an improved extraction yield of analytes and significantly reduced interference at low‐wavelength UV detection was developed. The developed method was validated for specificity, linearity, limits of detection and quantitation, precision, and accuracy. All calibration curves showed excellent linear regression (R2 > 0.9990) within the testing range. The limit of detection for uracil and dihydrouracil was 2.5 and 5.0 ng/mL, respectively. The extraction yields were >94% for uracil and 91% for dihydrouracil. Intra‐ and interassay precision and accuracy for uracil and dihydrouracil were lower than 8% at all tested concentrations. The proposed method was successfully applied to measure plasma concentrations of uracil and dihydrouracil in colorectal cancer patients scheduled to receive fluoropyrimidine‐based chemotherapy.
Implication of the Middle Jurassic Pholadomyoids of Kachchh in the Palaeobiogeography of the Middle East and South Asia: A Review
Authors: Jaitly Anand K. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT
The Kachchh basin is known world over for its rich occurrence of the Middle to Late Jurassic mollusks. The Middle Jurassic sediments in Kachchh range in age from Bajocian (possibly Aalenian) to Callovian. Amongst the Middle Jurassic benthic communities of Kachchh, the pholadomyoid bivalves are one of the dominant groups in both diversity and number. These are represented by 13 genera and 30 constituent species. Distribution of these bivalves was much affected by the evolutionary history of the basin which has been created due to inundation by Tethys sea owing to the opening of Arabian sea sometime in Middle Jurassic. By and large these fauna are typical of the southern Hemisphere and belonged to east African biochore of the Tethyan realm or to the so called Ethiopian faunal province. Analyzing the (palaeo-) autecological behavior of the studied pholadomyoid bivalves and their distribution pattern, an attempt has been made to ascertain the usefulness of these pholadomyoids in evaluating the Middle Jurassic paleobiogeography.
Sensitivity of Nasal Bone as Aneuploidy Marker—First Trimester versus Second Trimester Assessment
Authors: Lakshmy Selvaraj Ravi , Shobana Umapathy , Rose Nity 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjective To assess the reliability of nasal bone (NB) as an aneuploidy marker in the first trimester vs. second trimester and to highlight the technical difficulties in evaluating the nasal bone at 11–14 week scan.Methods Nasal bone was examined in 4478 women who enrolled for nuchal translucency (NT) scan and NB was assessed in both midsagittal and coronal planes. Risk assessment was done based on serum biochemistry and NT without including the NB status. Absence of NB was confirmed at 17 week and aneuploidy risk was modified from the obtained first trimester risk. The midsagittal images from the cases with absent NB were randomly assorted among 81 normal ones and were peer reviewed.Results Nineteen fetuses had absent NB in the first trimester, of which five had NT above the 90th percentile. In the remaining 14 cases followed up at second trimester, nasal bone was present in 3 cases in the subsequent scan. Five of 11 cases were screen positive after modifying the risk and were counseled appropriately. In retrospective evaluation of the 100 images, concordance was obtained only in 76%, reflecting the observer variability. Down’s syndrome was confirmed in 4 cases of which three also had an increased NT.Conclusions Routine inclusion of NB in first trimester risk assessment with conventional midsagittal view alone in all cases may lead to an increased number of false positives. Inclusion in the second trimester would still have the same detection rate but would eliminate technical difficulties of imaging NB in the first trimester.
Appraisal of the Preparedness of Midwives and Nurses in Bahrain to Conduct Early Screening for Zika Virus Infection in Pregnant Women
Authors: G. V. Asokan , Nama Mariam Mohammed Baqer , Salman Feryal Juma , AlGhareeb Zainab Habib Ali , Almoosawi Ali Moosa , Al Hammam Ridha Abdulla , Awadhalla Muyssar Sabri 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo appraise the awareness and knowledge levels of midwives and nurses concerning early screening for Zika virus (ZIKV) infection among pregnant women attending health care facilities in Bahrain.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional, purposely chosen study of Bahraini and expatriate midwives, nurses, and supervisors employed in gynecology/obstetrics and labor wards of Salmanya hospital, a maternity hospital, 4 private hospitals, and health centers in Bahrain. The chosen individuals were invited to participate in a survey on awareness and knowledge of early screening for ZIKV infection.ResultsOf 266 midwives and nurses employed in the study sites, 170 (64%) consented to participate in the study. Of those who agreed to participate, 76 were midwives and 94 were nurses. Admittedly, 39% of midwives and nurses were unaware of ZIKV infection. The grand mean knowledge score in the study was 39%. Expatriate midwives and nurses scored better than did Bahrainis (P<0.001). The grand mean knowledge scores of evening and night shift duty participants were significantly higher than those of the day duty participants.ConclusionsThe awareness and knowledge scores of midwives and nurses concerning ZIKV infection were inadequate, which supported our hypothesis. By harnessing modern technology and support systems, lifelong learning can be used as a means to enhance preparedness for public health crises such as ZIKV. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:7–13)
On the Age and Origin of Lake Ejagham, Cameroon, and Its Endemic Fishes
Authors: Curt Stager Jay , Alton Kenneth , Martin Christopher H. , King David T. , Petruny Lucille W. , Wiltse Brendan , Livingstone Daniel A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractLake Ejagham is a small, shallow lake in Cameroon, West Africa, which supports five endemic species of cichlid fishes in two distinct lineages. Genetic evidence suggests a relatively young age for the species flocks, but supporting geologic evidence has thus far been unavailable. Here we present diatom, geochemical, mineralogical, and radiocarbon data from two sediment cores that provide new insights into the age and origin of Lake Ejagham and its endemic fishes. Radiocarbon ages at the base of the longer core indicate that the lake formed approximately 9 ka ago, and the diatom record of the shorter core suggests that hydroclimate variability during the last 3 millennia was similar to that of other lakes in Cameroon and Ghana. These findings establish a maximum age of ca. 9 cal ka BP for the lake and its endemic species and suggest that repeated cichlid speciation in two distinct lineages occurred rapidly within the lake. Local geology and West African paleoclimate records argue against a volcanic, chemical, or climatic origin for Lake Ejagham. Although not conclusive, the morphometry of the lake and possible signs of impact-induced effects on quartz grains are instead more suggestive of a bolide impact.
PEARL MILLET PRODUCTION PRACTICES IN BRAZIL: A REVIEW
Authors: DE ASSIS RENATO LARA , DE FREITAS ROGÉRIO SOARES , MASON STEPHEN C. 
Published: July 2017

SUMMARYPearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum(L.) R. Br.] is grown as a forage, cover and grain crop in Brazil. Historically, forage production has the most important use, but during the last 30 years, the use as a cover crop in no-till soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merrill] production systems has expanded greatly and is currently used on over 5 million ha. Grain production as livestock feed is presently of minor importance but expanding. This review cites 125 references and documents pearl millet research conducted in Brazil which is largely published in Portuguese. The review addresses recommended pearl millet production practices for different uses, including stand establishment, row spacing and plant population, fertiliser and pest management, and the use of pearl millet in rotation and as a cover crop between soybean or maize (Zea maysL.) production to reduce crop losses from nematode infestation. It is concluded that greater research investment in crop improvement, fertiliser and pest management, nematode management, and forage/grain utilisation is needed to fully take advantage of pearl millet to meet feed, food and soil improvement needs in Brazil. In addition, creation of a database on pearl millet production, marketing and utilisation to assist farmers and grain merchandisers, and increased extension programming on pearl millet production is needed.