bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parents who wait: Acknowledging the support needs and vulnerabilities of approved adopters during their wait to become adoptive parents
Authors: Rogers Ruth 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThere is a significant amount of existing research exploring adoption policies, processes, and the experiences and safeguarding of children. However, although much research has children at the focus, little research has been conducted into the experiences of approved and waiting adopters. Where research has included adopters, focus tends to be on how adopters can aid an adoptive placement and what support they can provide to an adoptive child. In this article, the experiences of approved and waiting adopters are at the centre. This article reports on a digital ethnographic research project, which used unobtrusive methods to conduct a thematic analysis of over 600 posts made by waiting adopters on publically available UK online adoption forums in 2015. Online posts discussed the perceived over‐recruitment of adopters; the decision‐making behind adopters' initial preferences; and the negative emotional effects of the waiting period following approval. This article argues that more consideration needs to be given to the needs of and support for approved adopters whilst they wait for an adoptive child.
Context Effects and Spoken Word Recognition of Chinese: An Eye‐Tracking Study
Authors: Yip Michael C. W. , Zhai Mingjun 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis study examined the time‐course of context effects on spoken word recognition during Chinese sentence processing. We recruited 60 native Mandarin listeners to participate in an eye‐tracking experiment. In this eye‐tracking experiment, listeners were told to listen to a sentence carefully, which ended with a Chinese homophone, and look at different visual probes (Chinese characters or different line‐drawing pictures) presented concurrently on the computer screen naturally. Different types of context and probe types were manipulated in the experiment. The results showed that (1) preceding sentence context had an early effect on spoken word recognition processes and (2) phonological information of the distracters had only a negligible effect on the spoken word recognition processes. Finally, the patterns of eye‐tracking results seemed to favor an interactive approach in spoken word recognition.
Proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells on scaffolds containing chitosan, calcium polyphosphate and pigeonite for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Dhivya S. , Keshav Narayan A. , Logith Kumar R. , Viji Chandran S. , Vairamani M. , Selvamurugan N. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectivesTreatment of critical‐sized bone defects with cells and biomaterials offers an efficient alternative to traditional bone grafts. Chitosan (CS) is a natural biopolymer that acts as a scaffold in bone tissue engineering (BTE). Polyphosphate (PolyP), recently identified as an inorganic polymer, acts as a potential bone morphogenetic material, whereas pigeonite (Pg) is a novel iron‐containing ceramic. In this study, we prepared and characterized scaffolds containing CS, calcium polyphosphate (CaPP) and Pg particles for bone formation in vitro and in vivo.Materials and methodsChitosan/CaPP scaffolds and CS/CaPP scaffolds containing varied concentrations of Pg particles (0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1%) were prepared and characterized by SEM, XRD, EDAX, FT‐IR, degradation, protein adsorption, mechanical strength and biomineralization studies. The cytocompatibility of these scaffolds with mouse mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs, C3H10T1/2) was determined by MTT assay and fluorescence staining. Cell proliferation on scaffolds was assessed using MUSE™ (Merck‐Millipore, Germany) cell analyser. The effect of scaffolds on osteoblast differentiation at the cellular level was evaluated by Alizarin red (AR) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining. At the molecular level, the expression of osteoblast differentiation marker genes such as Runt‐related transcription factor‐2 (Runx2), ALP, type I collagen‐1 (Col‐I) and osteocalcin (OC) was determined by real‐time reverse transcriptase (RT‐PCR) analysis. Bone regeneration was assessed by X‐ray radiographs, SEM and EDAX analyses, and histological staining such as haematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson's trichrome staining (MTS) in a rat critical‐sized tibial defect model system.ResultsThe inclusion of iron‐containing Pg particles at 0.25% concentration in CS/CaPP scaffolds showed enhanced bioactivity by protein adsorption and biomineralization, compared with that shown by CS/CaPP scaffolds alone. Increased proliferation of mMSCs was observed with CS/CaPP/Pg scaffolds compared with control and CS/CaPP scaffolds. Increase in cell proliferation was accompanied by G0/G1 to G2/M phase transition with increased levels of cyclin(s) A, B and C. Pg particles in CS/CaPP scaffolds enhanced osteoblast differentiation at the cellular and molecular levels, as evidenced by increased calcium deposits, ALP activity and expression of osteoblast marker genes. In vivo implantation of scaffolds in rat critical‐sized tibial defects displayed accelerated bone formation after 8 weeks.ConclusionThe current findings indicate that CS/CaPP scaffolds containing iron‐containing Pg particles serve as an appropriate template to support proliferation and differentiation of MSCs to osteoblasts in vitro and bone formation in vivo and thus support their candidature for BTE applications.
Impact of CYP3A5 genomic variances on clinical outcomes among African American kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Asempa Tomefa E. , Rebellato Lorita M. , Hudson Suzanne , Briley Kimberly , Maldonado Angela Q. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractLittle is known about the impact of CYP3A5 polymorphisms on transplantation outcomes among African American (AA) kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). To assess this issue, clinical outcomes were compared between AA CYP3A5*1 expressers and nonexpressers. This retrospective cohort study analyzed AA KTRs. Biopsy‐proven acute rejection (BPAR), delayed graft function (DGF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), infections, and tacrolimus dosing requirements were examined in 106 immunologically high‐risk AA kidney transplant patients over a 2‐year follow‐up period. In CYP3A5*1 expressers compared to nonexpressers, the incidence of BPAR was significantly higher in the first 6 months (13% vs 0%; P = .016) compared to 24 months (13% vs 7%; P = .521). Tacrolimus total daily dose at first therapeutic level was significantly higher in CYP3A5*1 expressers (12 mg/day) compared to nonexpressers (8 mg/day; P < .001). Compared to CYP3A5*1 nonexpressers, DGF incidence was significantly higher among CYP3A5*1 expressers (27.6% vs 6.7%; P = .006). By contrast, median GFR was significantly higher in CYP3A5*1 expressers compared to nonexpressers (54.5 mL/min vs 50.0 mL/min; P = .003) at 24 months. The findings from this retrospective study suggest that AAs with CYP3A5*1 expression require 50% more tacrolimus and have an increased incidence of DGF and acute rejection.
Climate change impacts on selected global rangeland ecosystem services
Authors: Boone Randall B. , Conant Richard T. , Sircely Jason , Thornton Philip K. , Herrero Mario 
Published: November 2017

AbstractRangelands are Earth's dominant land cover and are important providers of ecosystem services. Reliance on rangelands is projected to grow, thus understanding the sensitivity of rangelands to future climates is essential. We used a new ecosystem model of moderate complexity that allows, for the first time, to quantify global changes expected in rangelands under future climates. The mean global annual net primary production (NPP) may decline by 10 g C m−2 year−1 in 2050 under Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5, but herbaceous NPP is projected to increase slightly (i.e., average of 3 g C m−2 year−1). Responses vary substantially from place‐to‐place, with large increases in annual productivity projected in northern regions (e.g., a 21% increase in productivity in the US and Canada) and large declines in western Africa (−46% in sub‐Saharan western Africa) and Australia (−17%). Soil organic carbon is projected to increase in Australia (9%), the Middle East (14%), and central Asia (16%) and decline in many African savannas (e.g., −18% in sub‐Saharan western Africa). Livestock are projected to decline 7.5 to 9.6%, an economic loss of from $9.7 to $12.6 billion. Our results suggest that forage production in Africa is sensitive to changes in climate, which will have substantial impacts on the livelihoods of the more than 180 million people who raise livestock on those rangelands. Our approach and the simulation tool presented here offer considerable potential for forecasting future conditions, highlight regions of concern, and support analyses where costs and benefits of adaptations and policies may be quantified. Otherwise, the technical options and policy and enabling environment that are needed to facilitate widespread adaptation may be very difficult to elucidate.
Effect of Zr content on friction and wear behavior of Cr‐Zr‐N coating system
Authors: Fellah Mamoun , Aissani Linda , Abdul Samad Mohammed , Purnama Agung , Djebaili Hamid , Montagne Alex , Iost Alain , Nouveau Corinne 
Published: November 2017

AbstractNanostructured Cr‐Zr‐N thin film with different Zr content (0 to 48.8 at.%) was deposited, using an RF magnetron‐sputtering technique. The structural evolution and morphological changes were performed. The tribological performances were evaluated, using a ball‐on‐disk type Oscillating tribometer. The tests were carried out under normal loads of 2, 4 and 6 N, respectively, with an alumina ball (Al2O3) as a counter face. The results showed that the crystallite size of the Cr‐Zr‐N system was reduced to 10.8 nm at 31.8 at.% Zr content. Morphological studies of the films showed that the roughness continuously decreased with increasing Zr content, exhibiting a value of 11.2 nm at 31.8 at.% Zr. The wear rate tends to decrease with the increasing of Zr content to reach a lowest value of 1.95 × 10‐2 μm3.N.μm‐1 at 31.8 at.% Zr. The wear rate and friction coefficient were lower in the samples with 31.8 at.% Zr content. The improved friction and wear resistance were attributed to the grain refinement strengthening mechanism at 31.8 at.% of Zr.
Effect of micronisation on dietary fibre content and hydration properties of lotus node powder fractions
Authors: Hussain Shehzad , Li Jie , Jin Wenjun , Yan Shoulei , Wang Qingzhang 
Published: November 2017

SummaryFibre‐rich fractions were obtained from nodes of lotus root and micronised by nine different ball‐milling treatments. The optimum milling conditions were screened out by comparing its effects on physicochemical and hydration properties of micro‐sized particles of lotus node powder fraction (LNPF). The micronisation by ball‐milling treatments was carried out at different speeds (200–400 r min−1) and time (4–12 h). Ball‐milling treatments could effectively (P < 0.05) pulverise the LNPF particles to different micro‐sizes. As particle size decreased, a redistribution of fibre components from insoluble to soluble fractions was observed. Furthermore, micronisation treatments, especially 12 h at 300 r min−1, could significantly (P < 0.05) increase the hydration characteristics, as well as impart lightness in colour to different extents. Our findings suggested that micronisation can improve physicochemical and hydration characteristics of the fibre components, which provide an opportunity to improve the utilisation and application of lotus node dietary fibre.
Massive Migration and Elections: Evidence from the Refugee Crisis in Greece
Authors: Vasilakis Chrysovalantis 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis article explores whether the massive arrival of refugees at Greek islands has had an impact on natives’ voting behaviour. Our results show a positive and significant effect of refugees’ presence on votes for the Greek extreme‐right party Golden Dawn. More precisely, we find that a 1 per cent increase in the share of refugees is associated with an increase of 5 per cent in the share of votes for Golden Dawn. This outcome is robust under different estimation methodologies and placebo regressions.
Efficient red‐emitting phosphor of Eu3+‐activated (Na0.5Gd1.5)(TiSb)O7 derived via cation‐substitutions in Gd‐Pyrochlore
Authors: Gao Zhiwen , Zhao Lei , Liu Shihua , Wu Zhaoyi , Yu Ruijin 
Published: November 2017

AbstractRare‐earth (RE) titanate pyrochlore with perovskite‐layered structure is a well‐known engineering material in applied in many field. In this work, a red‐emitting phosphor of Gd2−xNaxTi2−2xSb2xO7:Eu3+ (x = 0‐0.5) was developed via cation substitutions of (Sb5+→Ti4+) and (Na+→Gd3+) in Gd2Ti2O7. The motivation is based on the fact that the introduction of cation‐disorders has been regarded to be an effective approach for improving the luminescent efficiency and thermal stability of RE‐activated materials. All the samples were synthesized via facile solid‐state reaction method. The morphology properties were measured via SEM and EDS measurements. The structural Rietveld refinement was performed to investigate the microstructure in pyrochlore lattices. The luminescence properties of Gd2−xNaxTi2−2xSb2xO7:0.15Eu3+ (x = 0‐0.5) has a strict dependence on the cation substitution levels. The band energy of Gd2Ti2O7 is 2.9 eV with a direct transition nature. The incorporation of Sb5+ and Na+ in the lattices moves the optical absorption to a longer wavelength. The cation disorder results in significant improvements of luminescence intensity, excitation efficiency in the blue region, longer emission lifetime and thermal stability.
Thermoelectric performance and crystal phase of calcium cobalt oxides sintered in oxygen gas
Authors: Tahashi Masahiro , Takahashi Makoto , Goto Hideo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCalcium hydroxide and tricobalt tetroxide were used as starting materials in a Ca:Co molar ratio of 3:4 and sintered at 1073‐1373 K in a pure oxygen atmosphere. Polycrystalline single‐phase Ca3Co4O9 was obtained at all sintering temperatures in oxygen gas, and comparison with a sample sintered in air showed that controlling the oxygen partial pressure during sintering was important. In the sample sintered at 1373 K, the Seebeck coefficient was slightly lower than that of the samples sintered at lower temperatures, but the resistivity was decreased by half, so the power factor was doubled.
Thermodynamics of amorphous SiN(O)H dielectric films synthesized by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Chen Jiewei , Niu Min , Calvin Jason , Asplund Megan , King Sean W. , Woodfield Brian F. , Navrotsky Alexandra 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThin films of amorphous SiNH (a‐SiNH) and amorphous SiNOH (a‐SiNOH) synthesized by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) are used extensively in the semiconductor industry, but little is known regarding their thermodynamic stability, and there are several long‐term reliability issues for these materials. To address the stability issues, a detailed thermodynamic investigation has been conducted on a series of a‐SiNH, and a‐SiNOH dielectric films. High‐temperature oxidative drop‐solution calorimetry in molten sodium molybdate solvent at 1075 K was utilized to determine the formation enthalpies from the elements and from crystalline counterparts/gaseous products. Together with entropy data derived from cryogenic heat capacity measurements, we confirmed that the incorporation of more hydrogen and oxygen leads to more negative enthalpies and Gibbs free energies of formation from elements. Coupled with FTIR structural analysis, the thermochemical data suggest that the Si–H2 chain structure and Si–O–Si bonding configurations provide the system with extra thermodynamic stability. However, the Gibbs free energies of formation from crystalline constituents and gaseous products are either positive or nearly zero, indicating that these amorphous films are not stable against decomposition, which may cause problems in high‐temperature applications.
Learning from model errors: Can land use, edaphic and very high‐resolution topo‐climatic factors improve macroecological models of mountain grasslands?
Authors: Baudraz Maude E. A. , Pradervand Jean‐Nicolas , Beauverd Mélanie , Buri Aline , Guisan Antoine , Vittoz Pascal 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimAssess the potential of new predictors (land use, edaphic factors and high‐resolution (HR) topographic and climatic variables, i.e. topo‐climatic) to improve the prediction of plant community functional traits (specific leaf area, vegetative height and seed mass) and species richness in models of mountain grasslands.LocationThe western Swiss Alps.MethodsUsing 912 grassland plots, we constructed predictive models for community‐weighted means of plant traits and species richness using HR (25 m) topo‐climatic predictors traditionally used in previous modelling studies in this area. In addition, 78 new plots were sampled for evaluation and error assessment in four narrower sets of homogenous conditions based on predictions by the topo‐climatic models within two elevational belts (montane and alpine). New, finer‐scale predictors were generated from direct field measurements or very high‐resolution (VHR; 5 m) numerical data. We then used multimodel inference to test the capacity of these finer predictors to explain part of the residual variance in the initial topo‐climatic models.ResultsWe showed that the finer‐scale predictors explained up to 44% of the residual variance in the classical topo‐climatic models. The VHR topographic position, soil C/N ratio and pH performed notably well in our analysis. Land use (farming intensity) was highlighted as potentially important in montane grasslands, but improvements were only significant for species richness predictions.Main conclusionsCompared with previously used topo‐climatic models, the new, finer‐scale predictors significantly improved the prediction of all traits and species richness in alpine plant communities and that of specific leaf area and richness in montane grasslands. The differences in the importance of the predictors, dependent on both trait and position along the elevational gradient, highlight the different factors that shape the distribution of species and communities along elevational gradients.
Dihydromyricetin enhances glucose uptake by inhibition of MEK/ERK pathway and consequent down‐regulation of phosphorylation of PPARγ in 3T3‐L1 cells
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhou Min , Lang Hedong , Zhou Yong , Mi Mantian 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAccumulating evidence suggests that inhibition of mitogen‐activated protein kinase signalling can reduce phosphorylation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) at serine 273, which mitigates obesity‐associated insulin resistance and might be a promising treatment for type 2 diabetes. Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a flavonoid that has many beneficial pharmacological properties. In this study, mouse fibroblast 3T3‐L1 cells were used to investigate whether DHM alleviates insulin resistance by inhibiting PPARγ phosphorylation at serine 273 via the MEK/ERK pathway. 3T3‐L1 pre‐adipocytes were differentiated, and the effects of DHM on adipogenesis and glucose uptake in the resulting adipocytes were examined. DHM was found to dose dependently increase glucose uptake and decrease adipogenesis. Insulin resistance was then induced in adipocytes using dexamethasone, and DHM was shown to dose and time dependently promote glucose uptake in the dexamethasone‐treated adipocytes. DHM also inhibited phosphorylation of PPARγ and ERK. Inhibition of PPARγ activity with GW9662 potently blocked DHM‐induced glucose uptake and adiponectin secretion. Interestingly, DHM showed similar effects to PD98059, an inhibitor of the MEK/ERK pathway. DHM acted synergistically with PD98059 to improve glucose uptake and adiponectin secretion in dexamethasone‐treated adipocytes. In conclusion, our findings indicate that DHM improves glucose uptake in adipocytes by inhibiting ERK‐induced phosphorylation of PPARγ at serine 273.
miRNA in spinal muscular atrophy pathogenesis and therapy
Authors: Magri Francesca , Vanoli Fiammetta , Corti Stefania 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective death of lower motor neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord. SMA is caused by mutations in the survival motor neuron 1 gene (SMN1), leading to the reduced expression of the full‐length SMN protein. microRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs that regulate post‐transcriptional gene expression. Recent findings have suggested an important role for miRNAs in the pathogenesis of motor neuron diseases, including SMA. Motor neuron‐specific miRNA dysregulation in SMA might be implicated in their selective vulnerability. In this study, we discuss recent findings regarding the consequences of SMN defects on miRNAs and their target mRNAs in motor neurons. Taken together, these data suggest that cell‐specific changes in miRNAs are not only involved in the SMA motor neuron phenotype but can also be used as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Bigger testes increase paternity in a simultaneous hermaphrodite, independently of the sperm competition level
Authors: Vellnow N. , Marie‐Orleach L. , Zadesenets K. S. , Schärer L. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractHermaphroditic animals face the fundamental evolutionary optimization problem of allocating their resources to their male vs. female reproductive function (e.g. testes and sperm vs. ovaries and eggs), and this optimal sex allocation can be affected by both pre‐ and post‐copulatory sexual selection. For example, local sperm competition (LSC) – the competition between related sperm for the fertilization of a partner's ova – occurs in small mating groups and can favour a female‐biased sex allocation, because, under LSC, investment into sperm production is predicted to show diminishing fitness returns. Here, we test whether higher testis investment increases an individual's paternity success under sperm competition, and whether the strength of this effect diminishes when LSC is stronger, as predicted by sex allocation theory. We created two subsets of individuals of the simultaneously hermaphroditic flatworm Macrostomum lignano – by sampling worms from either the highest or lowest quartile of the testis investment distribution – and estimated their paternity success in group sizes of either three (strong LSC) or eight individuals (weak LSC). Specifically, using transgenic focal individuals expressing a dominant green‐fluorescent protein marker, we showed that worms with high testis investment sired 22% more offspring relative to those with low investment, corroborating previous findings in M. lignano and other species. However, the strength of this effect was not significantly modulated by the experienced group size, contrasting theoretical expectations of more strongly diminishing fitness returns under strong LSC. We discuss the possible implications for the evolutionary maintenance of hermaphroditism in M. lignano.