bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of levan‐type fructan on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, diarrhoea scores, faecal shedding of total lactic acid bacteria and coliform bacteria, and faecal gas emission in weaning pigs
Authors: Lei Xin Jian , Kim Yong Min , Park Jae Hong , Baek Dong Heon , Nyachoti Charles Martin , Kim In Ho 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe use of antibiotics as growth promoters in feed has been fully or partially banned in several countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of levan‐type fructan on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal shedding of lactic acid bacteria and coliform bacteria, diarrhoea scores, and faecal gas emission in weaning pigs. A total of 144 weaning pigs [(Yorkshire × Landrace) × Duroc] were randomly allocated to four diets: corn–soybean meal‐based diets supplemented with 0, 0.1, 0.5, or 1.0 g kg−1 levan‐type fructan during this 42‐day experiment.RESULTSDuring days 0 to 21 and 0 to 42, average daily gain and average daily feed intake were linearly increased (P < 0.01) with increasing dietary levan‐type fructan inclusion. The apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy were linearly increased (P < 0.001) with increasing dietary levan‐type fructan content. With increasing levels of levan‐type fructan, faecal lactic acid bacteria counts were linearly increased (P = 0.001).CONCLUSIONThe results indicate that dietary supplementation with increasing levan‐type fructan enhanced growth performance, improved nutrient digestibility, and increased faecal lactic acid bacteria counts in weaning pigs linearly. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Screening bioactive quality control markers of QiShenYiQi dripping pills based on the relationship between the ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography fingerprint and vascular protective activity
Authors: Zhuo Limeng , Peng Jingjing , Zhao Yunli , Li Dongxiang , Xie Xiuman , Tong Ling , Yu Zhiguo 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTraditional Chinese medicine consists of complex phytochemical constituents. Selecting appropriate analytical markers of traditional Chinese medicine is a critical step in quality control. Currently, the combination of fingerprinting and efficacy evaluation is considered as a useful method for screening active ingredients in complex mixtures. This study was designed to develop an orthogonal partial least squares model for screening bioactive quality control markers of QishenYiqi dripping pills based on the fingerprint–efficacy relationship. First, the chemical fingerprints of 49 batches of QishenYiqi dripping pill samples were established by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector. Second, ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was exploited to systematically investigate the 36 copossessing fingerprint components in QishenYiqi dripping pills. The vascular protective activity of QishenYiqi dripping pills was determined by using a cell counting kit‐8 assay. Finally, fingerprint–efficacy relationship was established by orthogonal partial least squares model. The results indicated that ten components exhibited strong correlation with vascular protective activity, and these were preliminarily screened as quality control markers. The present study provided a novel idea for the study of the pharmacodynamic material basis and quality evaluation of QishenYiqi dripping pills.
Learning: Contemplating the unexamined core of Learning Health Systems
Authors: Potts Jennifer , Thompson Randy , Merchant Robert , Ciemins Elizabeth L. , Bush Roger W. , Anderson Ruth A. , Lindberg Curt 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe current Learning Health Systems literature affords insufficient attention to the process of learning. In response, Billings Clinic focused on how to advance its learning capabilities and subsequently to contribute new insights into the process of learning to the LHS literature.MethodsAn environmental scan was conducted, including the grey literature (eg, technical reports and white papers) and peer‐reviewed research publications. Semistructured interviews were also conducted with Clinic staff members to determine the motivation of their engagement in meaningful quality improvement, or learning, initiatives.ResultsSix learning principles emerged from the literature review and staff interviews: (1) draw on wisdom of groups and value connections; (2) embrace sensemaking over decision making in dealing with the unexpected; (3) bring diverse perspectives to complex challenges; (4) animate people, provide direction, update regularly, and interact respectfully; (5) appreciate the power and ubiquity of emergent change and the limitations of planned change; and (6) concentrate on small wins and characterize challenges as mere problems. Examples of how these principles are beginning to influence how learning and improvement are understood and approached at Billings Clinic are described and serve as illustrations of the principles in action.ConclusionBecoming adept in learning is essential to realizing the vision of Learning Health Systems—to harness science, clinical research, and information generated by digital technology to inform and accelerate improvement in quality health care. This article seeks to contribute to greater understanding of this process by sharing a set of principles that are proving useful at one health care organization and to a more comprehensive conceptualization of Learning Health Systems.
Development of a Dual‐Functional Hydrogel Using RGD and Anti‐VEGF Aptamer
Authors: Zhao Nan , Battig Mark R. , Xu Ming , Wang Xiuli , Xiong Na , Wang Yong 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSynthetic molecular libraries hold great potential to advance the biomaterial development. However, little effort is made to integrate molecules with molecular recognition abilities selected from different libraries into a single biomolecular material. The purpose of this work is to incorporate peptides and nucleic acid aptamers into a porous hydrogel to develop a dual‐functional biomaterial. The data show that an anti‐integrin peptide can promote the attachment and growth of endothelial cells in a 3D porous poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel and an antivascular endothelial growth factor aptamer can sequester and release VEGF of high bioactivity. Importantly, the dual‐functional porous hydrogel enhances the growth and survival of endothelial cells. This work demonstrates that molecules selected from different synthetic libraries can be integrated into one system for the development of novel biomaterials.
Carbon, nitrogen and sulphur isotopic fractionation in captive juvenile hooded seal (Cystophora cristata): Application for diet analysis
Authors: Pinzone Marianna , Acquarone Mario , Huyghebaert Loreen , Sturaro Nicolas , Michel Loïc N. , Siebert Ursula , Das Krishna 
Published: August 2017

RationaleIntrinsic biogeochemical markers, such as stable isotope ratios of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur, are increasingly used to trace the trophic ecology of marine top predators. However, insufficient knowledge of fractionation processes in tissues continues to hamper the use of these markers.MethodsWe performed a controlled feeding experiment with eight juvenile hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) that were held on a herring‐based diet (Clupea harengus) for two years. Stable isotope ratios were measured via isotope ratio mass spectrometry in three of their tissues and related to values of these markers in their diet.ResultsDiet‐tissue isotope enrichment (trophic enrichment factor, TEF) values between dietary herring and seal tissues for carbon (Δ13C) were +0.7 ‰ for red blood cells, +1.9 ‰ for hair and +1.1 ‰ for muscle. The TEFs for nitrogen trophic (Δ15N) were +3.3 ‰ for red blood cells, +3.6 ‰ for hair and +4.3 ‰ for muscle. For sulphur, the Δ34S values were +1.1 ‰ for red blood cells, +1.0 ‰ for hair and +0.9 ‰ for muscle.ConclusionsThese enrichment values were greater than those previously measured in adult seals. This increase may be related to the higher rate of protein synthesis and catabolism in growing animals. This study is the first report on sulphur isotope enrichment values for a marine mammal species.
Targeted genome editing in Caenorhabditis elegans using CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Farboud Behnom 
Published: August 2017

Utilization of programmable nucleases to generate DNA lesions at precise endogenous sequences has transformed the ability to edit genomes from microbes to plants and animals. This is especially true in organisms that previously lacked the means to engineer precise genomic changes, like Caenorhabditis elegans. C. elegans is a 1 mm long free‐living, nonparasitic, nematode worm, which is easily cultivated in a laboratory. Its detailed genetic map and relatively compact genome (~100 megabases) helped make it the first metazoan to have its entire genome sequenced. With detailed sequence information came development of numerous molecular tools to dissect gene function. Initially absent from this toolbox, however, were methods to make precise edits at chosen endogenous loci. Adapting site‐specific nucleases for use in C. elegans, revolutionized studies of C. elegans biology. Zinc‐finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator‐like effector nucleases (TALENs), and then CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) were used to target specific endogenous DNA sequences to make double‐strand DNA breaks (DSBs). Precise changes could be engineered by providing repair templates targeting the DSB in trans. The ease of programming Cas9 to bind and cleave DNA sequences with few limitations has led to its widespread use in C. elegans research and sped the development of strategies to facilitate mutant recovery. Numerous innovative CRISPR/Cas9 methodologies are now primed for use in C. elegans. WIREs Dev Biol 2017, 6:e287. doi: 10.1002/wdev.287This article is categorized under:

Invertebrate Organogenesis > Worms
Technologies > Perturbing Genes and Generating Modified Animals
Alzheimer's disease genetic risk variants beyond APOE ε4 predict mortality
Authors: Mez Jesse , Marden Jessica R. , Mukherjee Shubhabrata , Walter Stefan , Gibbons Laura E. , Gross Alden L. , Zahodne Laura B. , Gilsanz Paola , Brewster Paul , Nho Kwangsik , Crane Paul K. , Larson Eric B. , Glymour M. Maria 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroductionWe hypothesized that, like apolipoprotein E (APOE), other late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) genetic susceptibility loci predict mortality.MethodsWe used a weighted genetic risk score (GRS) from 21 non‐APOE LOAD risk variants to predict survival in the Adult Changes in Thought and the Health and Retirement Studies. We meta‐analyzed hazard ratios and examined models adjusted for cognitive performance or limited to participants with dementia. For replication, we assessed the GRS‐longevity association in the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology, comparing cases surviving to age ≥90 years with controls who died between ages 55 and 80 years.ResultsHigher GRS predicted mortality (hazard ratio = 1.05; 95% confidence interval: 1.00–1.10, P = .04). After adjusting for cognitive performance or restricting to participants with dementia, the relationship was attenuated and no longer significant. In case‐control analysis, the GRS was associated with reduced longevity (odds ratio = 0.64; 95% confidence interval: 0.41–1.00, P = .05).DiscussionNon‐APOE LOAD susceptibility loci confer risk for mortality, likely through effects on dementia incidence.
Sin, Slave Status, and the “City”: Zanzibar, 1865–c. 1930
Authors: Greenfield-Liebst Michelle 
Published: August 2017

Abstract:The Universities’ Mission to Central Africa (UMCA) missionaries equated urbanity with moral contagion, to which those with slave status were especially vulnerable. To the former slaves who came into contact with the mission, the growing commercial center of Zanzibar, and the coastal cultures it was associated with, were not only enticing, but also crucial to social and economic mobility. The mission’s ex-slaves rarely enjoyed a special advantage though their connection to missionaries. Even for the missionaries’ most treasured dependents, the advantages were ambiguous. However, the mission did facilitate the making of strong cohorts and ease the transition to town living.
Coherent structures, uniform momentum zones and the streamwise energy spectrum in wall-bounded turbulent flows
Authors: Saxton-Fox Theresa , McKeon Beverley J. 
Published: August 2017

Large-scale motions (LSMs) in wall-bounded turbulent flows have well-characterised instantaneous structural features (Kovasznay et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 41 (2), 1970, pp. 283–325; Meinhart & Adrian, Phys. Fluids, vol. 7 (4), 1995, pp. 694–696) and a known spectral signature (Monty et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 632, 2009, pp. 431–442). This work aims to connect these previous observations through the development and analysis of a representative model for LSMs. The model is constructed to be consistent with the streamwise energy spectrum (Monty et al. 2009) and amplification characteristics of the Navier–Stokes equations (McKeon & Sharma, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 658, 2010, pp. 336–382), and is found to naturally recreate characteristics of instantaneous turbulent structures, including a bulge shape (Kovasznay et al. 1970) and the presence of uniform momentum zones (Meinhart & Adrian 1995) in the streamwise velocity field. The observed structural similarity between the LSM representative model and instantaneous experimental data supports the use of travelling wave models to connect statistical and instantaneous descriptions of coherent structures, and clarifies a simple general equivalency between symmetry in a Reynolds-decomposed velocity field and asymmetry in the laboratory frame.
Limulitella tejraensis, a new species of limulid (Chelicerata, Xiphosura) from the Middle Triassic of southern Tunisia (Saharan Platform)
Authors: Błażejowski Błażej , Niedźwiedzki Grzegorz , Boukhalfa Kamel , Soussi Mohamed 
Published: August 2017

AbstractNumerous well-preserved remains of a new limulid species from the Anisian-lower Ladinian (Middle Triassic) of the Tejra section of southern Tunisia are described. Comparisons are made with limulids from the Triassic deposits of Europe and Australia. The new specimens are congeneric with the type species ofLimulitella, but show some morphological differences. Here we describeLimulitella tejraensisnew species, a small limulid with semicircular prosoma, small and triangular opisthosoma, well-defined axial ridge, and pleurae along both ridges of the opisthosoma. The TunisianLimulitellafossils are associated with conchostracans, bivalves, gastropods, and microconchids. Sedimentological and paleontological data from the Tejra section suggest freshwater to brackish-water conditions during the formation of the fossil-bearing interval and the influence of marine transgression into a playa-like environment. Supposed adaptation to the stressful environment sheds new light on the origin and survival of the extant limulines. This is the first report of limulid body fossils from the Triassic of North Africa and the first documentation ofLimulitellain the Middle Triassic of northern Gondwanaland.
The Evolution of Pragmatism
Authors: Nungesser Frithjof 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe pragmatist theory of history, action, and sociality can be understood as the result of a specific interpretation of Darwin’s theory of evolution, which has nothing in common with teleological, reductionist, or social Darwinist evolutionary models. Thishistorical claimwill be developed in three steps. First, I will show why Darwin’s theory was so attractive to the classical pragmatists and how theirconception of historywas affected by their reading of Darwin. Second, I will illustrate how the pragmatist understanding ofindividual actionwas influenced by contemporary discussions in evolutionary theory, physiology, and psychology. Third, I will discuss pragmatism’s “cultural naturalism” (John Dewey), according to which a new, autonomous level ofsociocultural changeemerges as a result of the process of biological evolution. The reconstruction of pragmatist evolutionary thought not only aims to achieve a better historical understanding of pragmatism but also implies asystematic and theoretical claim. As will be argued in the last section of this paper, thetimeliness and continuing relevance of pragmatismis largely due to the fact that it took shape in a transdisciplinary context and remained an “empirically responsible” theory (Erkki Kilpinen). Currently, various innovative developments within psychology, the cognitive sciences, neurophysiology, and ethology are connected with the core insights of pragmatism, thereby supporting the argument that pragmatism is still evolving.
The Car, the Hammer and the Cables under the Tables
Authors: Moret Joëlle , Dümmler Kerstin , Dahinden Janine 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBased on ethnographic material, this article explores how three groups of apprentices negotiate masculinities in the specific setting of a male-dominated vocational school in Switzerland dedicated to the building trades. We use an intersectional and relational perspective to highlight how the institutional setting of the school—mirroring wider social hierarchies—influences these young men’s identity work. The apprentices use three discursive dichotomies: manual vs. mental work; proud heterosexuality vs. homosexuality; and adulthood vs. childhood. However, the three different groups employ the dichotomies differently depending on their position in the school’s internal hierarchies, based on their educational path, the trade they are learning and the corresponding prestige. The article sheds light on the micro-processes through which existing hierarchies are internalised within an institution. It further discusses how the school’s internal differentiations and the staff’s discourses and behaviours contribute to the (re)production of specific classed masculinities, critically assessing the role of the Swiss educational system in the reproduction of social inequalities.
Possible role of Dickkopf-1 protein in the pathogenesis of tympanosclerosis in a rat model
Authors: Zhang Y , Wang S , Zheng Y , Liu A 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjectives:This study aimed to investigate the expression of DKK1 protein in an experimental model of tympanosclerosis and its possible role in the pathogenesis of this disorder.Methods:Forty Sprague Dawley rats were included in the study: 20 in the control group (which received no treatment) and 20 in the experimental group (which received an incision to induce tympanosclerosis). Otomicroscopy was performed to observe the development of myringosclerosis. Haematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to observe the morphological changes. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed to assess the expression of DKK1 protein.Results:At day 15, sclerotic lesions were observed in 70 per cent of the tympanic membranes. Inflammatory infiltration and hyaline degeneration markedly appeared in the tympanic membranes and middle-ear mucosa. DKK1 protein was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells, which were widely distributed in the tympanic membranes and middle-ear mucosa. The expression of DKK1 protein was significantly decreased in the calcified experimental ears.Conclusion:DKK1 protein is involved in the pathogenesis of tympanosclerosis by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway.
Stage is a prognostic factor for surgically treated patients with early-stage lip cancer for whom a ‘wait and see’ policy in terms of neck status has been implemented
Authors: Eskiizmir G , Ozgur E , Karaca G , Temiz P , Yanar N Hacioglu , Ozyurt B Cengiz 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjectives:To determine the locoregional control and survival rates (in terms of risk factors) of patients who underwent surgical resection of early-stage lip cancer and for whom a ‘wait and see’ policy in terms of neck status had been implemented.Methods:The sociodemographic data, tumour stage, tumour characteristics and histopathological features of 41 patients with early-stage lip cancer were evaluated. Factors predictive of survival and locoregional recurrence were analysed. The five-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates were determined, and the prognostic risk factors were compared.Results:The mean follow-up period was 60.5 months (range, 4–92 months). Age, sex, tumour stage, tumour thickness and volume, and perineural involvement were not predictive of locoregional recurrence or survival. Pathological tumour stage (T1vsT2) was a prognostic factor for both five-year overall survival (87.3vs65.6 per cent,p= 0.042) and disease-free survival (88.6vs65.6 per cent,p= 0.037).Conclusion:Tumour stage was clearly a major factor affecting the prognosis of surgically treated patients with early-stage lip cancer for whom a ‘wait and see’ policy in terms of neck status had been implemented.
The incidence of hyperthermia during cochlear implant surgery in children
Authors: Schwartz A , Kaplan D , Rosenzweig V , Klein M , Gruenbaum B F , Gruenbaum S E , Boyko M , Zlotnik A , Brotfain E 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackground:Inadvertent hyperthermia during anaesthesia is a rare but life-threatening complication. We have encountered several cases of severe hyperthermia in paediatric patients undergoing anaesthesia for cochlear implantation.Methods:This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of children who developed hyperthermia while undergoing cochlear implantation, and to explore possible mechanisms and predisposing factors. The anaesthetic charts of all patients aged under 18 years who underwent cochlear implantation, or mastoid or ophthalmic surgery, between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2009, at Soroka Medical Center in Beer Sheva, Israel, were reviewed. Patients undergoing mastoid and ophthalmic surgical procedures were used as controls.Results:A larger percentage of patients who underwent cochlear implant surgery (10 per cent) developed hyperthermia compared to controls (0.7 per cent, p < 0.05). In five of the seven cases, hyperthermia appeared in combination with tachycardia and hypercapnia, adhering to the clinical triad of malignant hyperthermia.Conclusion:Patients undergoing cochlear implantation are susceptible to developing intra-operative hyperthermia. This article describes the hyperthermic events that occur during paediatric cochlear implantation, and attempts to identify potential triggers of hyperthermia.
Oral steroids alone or followed by intranasal steroids versus watchful waiting in the management of otitis media with effusion
Authors: Hussein A , Fathy H , Amin S M , Elsisy N 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjective:To evaluate the effects of oral steroids alone or followed by intranasal steroids versus watchful waiting on the resolution of otitis media with effusion in children aged 2–11 years.Methods:A total of 290 children with bilateral otitis media with effusion were assigned to 3 groups: group A was treated with oral steroids followed by intranasal steroids, group B was treated with oral steroids alone and group C was managed with watchful waiting. Patients were evaluated with audiometry and tympanometry.Results:The complete resolution rates of otitis media with effusion were higher in groups A and B than in group C at six weeks. There were no significant differences in otitis media with effusion resolution rates between the groups at three, six and nine months.Conclusion:Oral steroids lead only to a quick resolution of otitis media with effusion, with no long-term benefits. There was no benefit of using intranasal steroids in the management of otitis media with effusion.