bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Illuminating and optimising a three‐dimensional model of an oil shale seam and its volume distribution using the transient electromagnetic induction method, central part of Jordan
Authors: Abu Rajab Jafar Sadi , Al Tarazi Eid 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTThe oil shale exploration program in Jordan is undertaking great activity in the domain of applied geophysical methods to evaluate bitumen‐bearing rock. In the study area, the bituminous marl or oil shale exhibits a rock type dominated by lithofacies layers composed of chalky limestone, marls, clayey marls, and phosphatic marls.The study aims to present enhancements for oil shale seam detection using progressive interpretation from a one‐dimensional inversion to a three‐dimensional modelling and inversion of ground‐based transient electromagnetic data at an area of stressed geological layers.The geophysical survey combined 58 transient electromagnetic sites to produce geoelectrical structures at different depth slices, and cross sections were used to characterise the horizon of the most likely sites for mining oil shale. The results show valuable information on the thickness of the oil shale seam at 3.7 Ωm, which is correlated to the geoelectrical layer between 2‐ and 4 ms transient time delays, and at depths ranging between 85 and 105 m. The 300 m penetrated depth of the transient electromagnetic soundings allows the resolution of the main geological units at narrow resistivity contrast and the distinction of the main geological structures that constrain the detection of the oil shale seam. This geoelectrical layer at different depth slices illustrates a localised oil shale setting and can be spatially correlated with an area bounded by fold and fault systems. Also, three‐dimensional modelling and inversion for synthetic and experimental data are introduced at the faulted area. The results show the limitations of oil shale imaging at a depth exceeding 130 m, which depends on the near‐surface resistivity layer, the low resistivity contrast of the main lithological units, and the degree of geological detail achieved at a suitable model's misfit value.
Functional groups, species and light interact with nutrient limitation during tropical rainforest sapling bottleneck
Authors: Chou Cleo B. , Hedin Lars O. , Pacala Stephen W. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Potential variability in nutrient limitation among tree size classes, functional groups and species calls for an integrated community‐ and ecosystem‐level perspective of lowland tropical rainforest nutrient limitation. In particular, canopy trees determine ecosystem nutrient conditions, but competitive success for nutrients and light during the sapling bottleneck determines canopy composition.

We conducted an in situ multi‐nutrient sapling fertilization experiment at La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica, to determine how functional group identity, species identity and light availability can impact nutrient limitation of stem growth in three functional groups and nine species.

Despite high soil fertility, we found nutrient‐light limitation in two functional groups and four species. Unexpectedly, the nitrogen‐fixing (“N2 fixers”) and shade‐tolerant functional groups were significantly nutrient limited, while the light‐demanding functional group was not.

This was partially explained by species‐level variation in nutrient limitation within these functional groups, with only some species conforming to the prediction of stronger nutrient limitation in light demanders compared to shade‐tolerants.

Most surprisingly, we found strong nutrient limitation at low‐light levels in the N2 fixers (which were shade‐tolerant), but not in the shade‐tolerant non‐fixers. We hypothesize that the N2 fixers were actually nitrogen limited at low‐light levels because of their nitrogen‐rich leaves and the high carbon cost of their symbionts.

This finding suggests a highly shade‐tolerant, N2 fixation strategy, in addition to the perception that N2 fixation is mostly advantageous in high‐light environments during early and gap succession. The shade‐tolerant, N2 fixation strategy may be part of a sapling and canopy tree feedback, where the canopy N2 fixers enrich the soil N, enhancing growth of their shade‐tolerant saplings relative to non‐fixing competitors, enabling further canopy domination by shade‐tolerant N2 fixers, as seen at La Selva.

Synthesis. The pervasiveness of functional group‐ and species‐specific nutrient and light co‐limitation in our saplings indicates that these interactions likely play an important role in the dynamics of lowland tropical rainforest nutrient limitation, potentially via other such sapling and canopy tree feedbacks as the one hypothesized.
Opposite actions of urotensin II and relaxin‐2 on cellular expression of fibronectin in renal fibrosis: A preliminary experimental study
Authors: Cernaro Valeria , Medici Maria A , Bianco Federica , Santoro Domenico , Lacquaniti Antonio , Romeo Adolfo , Lucisano Silvia , Buemi Antoine , Buemi Michele 
Published: June 2017

SummaryOur aim was to evaluate the role of urotensin II, urantide (urotensin II receptor antagonist) and relaxin‐2 on the cellular expression of fibronectin as a surrogate marker for renal fibrosis. We employed LLC‐PK1 renal tubular epithelial cells and assessed the influence on the fibrotic process of the above‐mentioned substances by using anti‐fibronectin antibodies in western blot analysis. The addition of urotensin II increased fibronectin expression. Urantide reduced the positivity for fibronectin caused by urotensin II (P<.05). The anti‐fibrotic action was more evident for relaxin‐2 (P<.01). Also in the model of TGF‐β1‐induced fibrosis, urantide and, to a greater extent, relaxin‐2 were able to significantly lessen fibronectin expression (respectively, P<.05 and P<.01). In conclusion, relaxin‐2 may reduce urotensin II‐induced renal fibrosis.
Dietetic intervention for inpatients on fluid‐only diets helps to achieve nutritional requirements
Authors: Deacon Sarah , Moran Natalie , Laskey‐Gilboy Bonnie , De Jonge Maree , Rothery Shonnel , Ahnon Kristina , Whiting Melissa , Emeto Theophilus I. , Pain Tilley 
Published: June 2017

AimThe present study aimed to assess whether dietetic intervention helps patients on fluid‐only diets to meet their energy and protein requirements. This topic has not been previously investigated.MethodsA quasi‐experimental study of 57 patients receiving fluid‐only diets was conducted at The Townsville Hospital. The fluid consumption of participants was observed over 24 hours and was used to calculate total energy and protein intakes. The percentage of protein and energy requirements met was compared between patients receiving dietetic intervention and patients who were not.ResultsPatients receiving dietetic interventions met a higher percentage of their energy requirements (75.88) than the control group (18.10) based on median intakes (P < 0.001). Patients receiving dietetic intervention also met a higher percentage of their protein requirements (75.99) than the control group (13.80) based on median intakes (P < 0.001). Stratification for age, body mass index (BMI) and fluid diet type showed no change in effect.ConclusionsThis study shows that dietetic intervention enabled patients on fluid‐only diets to meet up to 80% more of their energy requirements and up to 95% more of their protein requirements. These results were consistent across age, BMI and fluid diet type. The significance of these differences has resulted in a change of clinical practice at the study hospital. All patients on fluid‐only diets for three days or longer are now blanket referred for dietetic intervention.
Green Pea and Garlic Puree Model Food Development for Thermal Pasteurization Process Quality Evaluation
Authors: Bornhorst Ellen R. , Tang Juming , Sablani Shyam S. , Barbosa‐Cánovas Gustavo V. , Liu Fang 
Published: June 2017

AbstractDevelopment and selection of model foods is a critical part of microwave thermal process development, simulation validation, and optimization. Previously developed model foods for pasteurization process evaluation utilized Maillard reaction products as the time–temperature integrators, which resulted in similar temperature sensitivity among the models. The aim of this research was to develop additional model foods based on different time–temperature integrators, determine their dielectric properties and color change kinetics, and validate the optimal model food in hot water and microwave‐assisted pasteurization processes. Color, quantified using a* value, was selected as the time–temperature indicator for green pea and garlic puree model foods. Results showed 915 MHz microwaves had a greater penetration depth into the green pea model food than the garlic. a* value reaction rates for the green pea model were approximately 4 times slower than in the garlic model food; slower reaction rates were preferred for the application of model food in this study, that is quality evaluation for a target process of 90 °C for 10 min at the cold spot. Pasteurization validation used the green pea model food and results showed that there were quantifiable differences between the color of the unheated control, hot water pasteurization, and microwave‐assisted thermal pasteurization system. Both model foods developed in this research could be utilized for quality assessment and optimization of various thermal pasteurization processes.
Nutrient Profiles and Volatile Odorous Compounds of Raw Milk After Exposure to Electron Beam Pasteurizing Doses
Authors: Ward Lindsay R. , Kerth Chris R. , Pillai Suresh D. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractRaw milk is known to contain relatively high numbers of microorganisms, some of which include microbial pathogens. Electron beam (eBeam) processing is a nonthermal pasteurization food processing technology. The underlying hypothesis was that eBeam processing will not negatively influence the composition, nutrient content, and aroma profile of raw milk. Raw milk samples were exposed to eBeam doses of 1 and 2 kGy, since our studies had shown that 2 kGy is suitable for raw milk pasteurization. The untreated and eBeam‐treated raw milk samples were analyzed to detect changes in lactose, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, and calcium concentrations. The possible breakdown of casein and whey proteins and lipid oxidation were investigated along with the formation of volatile aroma compounds. Even though vitamin B2 showed a 31.6% decrease in concentration, the B2 content in eBeam‐pasteurized raw milk met all USDA nutritional guidelines. Even though there were no indications of lipid oxidation after the 2.0‐kGy eBeam treatment, there was lipid oxidation (58%) after 7 d of refrigerated storage. However, based on the GC‐olfactory analysis, the lipid oxidation did not necessarily result in the development of a wide variety of off‐odors.
Detection of dermatological abnormalities in the rheumatology clinic using a standardized screening exam
Authors: Wong Newton Wai Kwan , Towheed Tanveer Ezad , Hopman Wilma , Kirchhof Mark Gajda 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimTo develop a standardized practical screening tool for rheumatologists to assess for underlying dermatological manifestations of rheumatic conditions.MethodsA relevant screening tool was developed by consensus between dermatology and rheumatology authors. Patients visiting the general rheumatology clinic for routine care were systematically assessed based on the standardized screening tool.ResultsOne hundred patients were recruited with 76 being female. The most prevalent rheumatic conditions seen in the clinic were rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. The standardized integumentary assessment took a mean of 2.75 (SD 1.61) min. Most patients, 74%, reported no concerns with their hair or nails, while 60% reported no concerns with their skin. The majority of patients had one abnormality identified, 65%, and of those diagnoses, most affected the skin with 71% of patients having an identified skin abnormality, compared with the hair (10%) or nails (13%).ConclusionThe standardized integumentary assessment tool can be successfully incorporated into routine clinical practice for rheumatologists without significant extension of consultation time and may detect relevant abnormalities important for diagnosis which may have been unnoticed by patients. It may encourage collaborative care and enhance clinical outcomes.
Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ‐binding motif is required to sustain testicular function on aging
Authors: Jeong Mi Gyeong , Song Hyuna , Shin Ji Hyun , Jeong Hana , Kim Hyo Kyeong , Hwang Eun Sook 
Published: June 2017

SummaryTranscriptional coactivator with PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ) directly interacts with transcription factors and regulates their transcriptional activity. Extensive functional studies have shown that TAZ plays critical regulatory roles in stem cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival and also modulates the development of organs such as the lung, kidney, heart, and bone. Despite the importance of TAZ in stem cell maintenance, TAZ function has not yet been evaluated in spermatogenic stem cells of the male reproductive system. Here, we investigated the expression and functions of TAZ in mouse testis. TAZ was expressed in spermatogenic stem cells; however, its deficiency caused significant structural abnormalities, including atrophied tubules, widened interstitial space, and abnormal Leydig cell expansion, thereby resulting in lowered sperm counts and impaired fertility. Furthermore, TAZ deficiency increased the level of apoptosis and senescence in spermatogenic cells and Leydig cells upon aging. The expression of senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐βgal), secretory phenotypes, and cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors (p16, p19, and p21) significantly increased in the absence of TAZ. TAZ downregulation in testicular cells further increased SA‐βgal and p21 expression induced by oxidative stress, whereas TAZ overexpression decreased p21 induction and prevented senescence. Mechanistic studies showed that TAZ suppressed DNA‐binding activity of p53 through a direct interaction and thus attenuated p53‐induced p21 gene transcription. Our results suggested that TAZ may suppress apoptosis and premature senescence in spermatogenic cells by inhibiting the p53‐p21 signaling pathway, thus playing important roles in the maintenance and control of reproductive function.
Chronic Ethanol During Adolescence Impacts Corticolimbic Dendritic Spines and Behavior
Authors: Jury Nicholas J. , Pollack Gabrielle A. , Ward Meredith J. , Bezek Jessica L. , Ng Alexandra J. , Pinard Courtney R. , Bergstrom Hadley C. , Holmes Andrew 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundRisk for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in adulthood is linked to alcohol drinking during adolescence, but understanding of the neural and behavioral consequences of alcohol exposure during adolescence remains incomplete. Here, we examined the neurobehavioral impact of adolescent chronic intermittent EtOH (CIE) vapor exposure in mice.MethodsC57BL/6J‐background Thy1‐EGFP mice were CIE‐exposed during adolescence or adulthood and examined, as adults, for alterations in the density and morphology of dendritic spines in infralimbic (IL) cortex, prelimbic (PL) cortex, and basolateral amygdala (BLA). In parallel, adolescent‐ and adult‐exposed C57BL/6J mice were tested as adults for 2‐bottle EtOH drinking, sensitivity to EtOH intoxication (loss of righting reflex [LORR]), blood EtOH clearance, and measures of operant responding for food reward.ResultsCIE during adolescence decreased IL neuronal spine density and increased the head width of relatively wide‐head IL and BLA spines, whereas CIE decreased head width of relatively narrow‐head BLA spines. Adolescents had higher EtOH consumption prior to CIE than adults, while CIE during adulthood, but not adolescence, increased EtOH consumption relative to pre‐CIE baseline. CIE produced a tolerance‐like decrease in LORR sensitivity to EtOH challenge, irrespective of the age at which mice received CIE exposure. Mice exposed to CIE during adolescence, but not adulthood, required more sessions than AIR controls to reliably respond for food reward on a fixed‐ratio (FR) 1, but not subsequent FR3, reinforcement schedule. On a progressive ratio reinforcement schedule, break point responding was higher in the adolescent‐ than the adult‐exposed mice, regardless of CIE. Finally, footshock punishment markedly suppressed responding for reward in all groups.ConclusionsExposure to CIE during adolescence altered dendritic spine density and morphology in IL and BLA neurons, in parallel with a limited set of behavioral alterations. Together, these data add to growing evidence that key corticolimbic circuits are vulnerable to the effects of alcohol during adolescence, with lasting, potentially detrimental, consequences for behavior.
Melatonin as a treatment for mood disorders: a systematic review
Authors: De Crescenzo F. , Lennox A. , Gibson J. C. , Cordey J. H. , Stockton S. , Cowen P. J. , Quested D. J. 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveMelatonin has been widely studied in the treatment of sleep disorders and evidence is accumulating on a possible role for melatonin influencing mood. Our aim was to determine the efficacy and acceptability of melatonin for mood disorders.MethodWe conducted a comprehensive systematic review of randomized clinical trials on patients with mood disorders, comparing melatonin to placebo.ResultsEight clinical trials were included; one study in bipolar, three in unipolar depression and four in seasonal affective disorder. We have only a small study on patients with bipolar disorder, while we have more studies testing melatonin as an augmentation strategy for depressive episodes in major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. The acceptability and tolerability were good. We analyzed data from three trials on depressive episodes and found that the evidence for an effect of melatonin in improving mood symptoms is not significant (SMD = 0.37; 95% CI [−0.05, 0.37]; P = 0.09). The small sample size and the differences in methodology of the trials suggest that our results are based on data deriving from investigations occurring early in this field of study.ConclusionThere is no evidence for an effect of melatonin on mood disorders, but the results are not conclusive and justify further research.
The Paediatric Cataract Register (PECARE): an overview of operated childhood cataract in Sweden and Denmark
Authors: Magnusson Gunilla , Haargaard Birgitte , Basit Saima , Lundvall Anna , Nyström Alf , Rosensvärd Annika , Tornqvist Kristina 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAimTo report basic epidemiological data concerning surgically treated childhood cataract in Sweden and Denmark.MethodsData were derived from the Paediatric Cataract Register (PECARE), a binational, web‐based surgical register representing Sweden and Denmark. All children operated before 8 years of age between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2013 were included. Age‐specific prevalence per 100 000 population was calculated.ResultsA total 574 operations in 213 boys (51.7%) and 199 girls (48.3%), altogether 412 children, were registered, the vast majority (n = 395/412; 95.9%) being individuals with congenital/infantile cataract. Of these 412, a total of 294 (147 boys and 147 girls) were Swedish and 118 (66 boys and 52 girls) were Danish. The age‐specific prevalence of operated cataract in Sweden was 31/100 000 and in Denmark 28/100 000. In 454 of 574 eyes (79.1%), the cataract was dense. Altogether, 266 of 574 (46.3%) were operated during the first year of life, 193 during the first 12 weeks representing 33.6% of all operations. A primary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation was done in altogether 411 of 574 eyes (71,6%). In total, 210 unilateral cataract operations (210/574; 36.6%) were performed. Persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) was present in 64 of 193 (33.1%) of those with a congenital unilateral cataract. In 84 individuals (84/395; 21.3%) with congenital or infantile cataract, a coexisting disorder was found.ConclusionThe age‐specific binational prevalence of operated congenital/infantile cataract in Sweden and Denmark is 30/100 000. About half of the operations are performed within the first year of life, one‐third within the first 3 months. In our study population, a primary IOL was implanted in the majority of cases.
Myoendothelial coupling through Cx40 contributes to EDH‐induced vasodilation in murine renal arteries: evidence from experiments and modelling
Authors: Brasen J. C. , de Wit C. , Sorensen C. M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractRegulation of renal vascular resistance plays a major role in controlling arterial blood pressure. The endothelium participates in this regulation as endothelial derived hyperpolarization plays a significant role in smaller renal arteries and arterioles, but the exact mechanisms are still unknown.AimTo investigate the role of vascular gap junctions and potassium channels in the renal endothelial derived hyperpolarization.MethodsIn interlobar arteries from wild‐type and connexin40 knockout mice, we assessed the role of calcium‐activated small (SK) and intermediate (IK) conductance potassium channels. The role of inward rectifier potassium channels (Kir) and Na+/K+‐ATPases was evaluated as was the contribution from gap junctions. Mathematical models estimating diffusion of ions and electrical coupling in myoendothelial gap junctions were used to interpret the results.ResultsLack of connexin40 significantly reduces renal endothelial hyperpolarization. Inhibition of SK and IK channels significantly attenuated renal EDH to a similar degree in wild‐type and knockout mice. Inhibition of Kir and Na+/K+‐ATPases affected the response in wild‐type and knockout mice but at different levels of stimulation. The model confirms that activation of endothelial SK and IK channels generates a hyperpolarizing current that enters the vascular smooth muscle cells. Also, extracellular potassium increases sufficiently to activate Kir and Na+/K+‐ATPases.ConclusionRenal endothelial hyperpolarization is mainly initiated by activation of IK and SK channels. The model shows that hyperpolarization can spread through myoendothelial gap junctions but enough potassium is released to activate Kir and Na+/K+‐ATPases. Reduced coupling seems to shift the signalling pathway towards release of potassium. However, an alternative pathway also exists and needs to be investigated.