bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Magma Mixing as a Trigger for Sulphide Saturation in the UG2 Chromitite (Bushveld): Evidence from the Silicate and Sulphide Melt Inclusions in Chromite
Authors: YAO Meijuan , CAO Ye , LIU Jiajun , REN Zongbao 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIt is of great importance to understand the origin of UG2 chromitite reefs and reasons why some chromitite reefs contain relatively high contents of platinum group elements (PGEs: Os, Ir, Ru, Rh, Pt, Pd) or highly siderophile elements (HSEs: Au, Re, PGE). This paper documents sulphide‐silicate assemblages enclosed in chromite grains from the UG2 chromitite. These are formed as a result of crystallisation of sulphide and silicate melts that are trapped during chromite crystallisation. The inclusions display negative crystal shapes ranging from several micrometres to 100 μm in size. Interstitial sulphide assemblages lack pyrrhotite and consist of chalcopyrite, pentlandite and some pyrite. The electron microprobe data of these sulphides show that the pentlandite grains present in some of the sulphide inclusions have a significantly higher iron (Fe) and lower nickel (Ni) content than the pentlandite in the rock matrix. Pyrite and chalcopyrite show no difference. The contrast in composition between inter‐cumulus plagioclase (An68) and plagioclase enclosed in chromite (An13), as well as the presence of quartz, is consistent with the existence of a felsic melt at the time of chromite saturation. Detailed studies of HSE distribution in the sulphides and chromite were conducted by LA‐ICP‐MS (laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry), which showed the following. (I) Chromite contained no detectable HSE in solid solution. (II) HSE distribution in sulphide assemblages interstitial to chromite was variable. In general, Pd, Rh, Ru and Ir occurred dominantly in pentlandite, whereas Os, Pt and Au were detected only in matrix sulphide grains and were clearly associated with Bi and Te. (III) In the sulphide inclusions, (a) pyrrhotite did not contain any significant amount of HSE, (b) chalcopyrite contained only some Rh compared to the other sulphides, (c) pentlandite was the main host for Pd, (d) pyrite contained most of the Ru, Os, Ir and Re, (e) Pt and Rh were closely associated with Bi forming a continuous rim between pyrite and pentlandite and (f) no Au was detected. These results show that the use of ArF excimer laser to produce high‐resolution trace element maps provides information that cannot be obtained by conventional (spot) LA‐ICP‐MS analysis or trace element maps that use relatively large beam diameters.
Rare Earth Elements Composition and Constraint on the Genesis of the Polymetallic Crusts and Nodules in the South China Sea
Authors: GUAN Yao , SUN Xiaoming , SHI Guiyong , JIANG Xiaodong , LU Hongfeng 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe rare earth elements (REE) composition of the polymetallic crusts and nodules obtained from the South China Sea (SCS) were analyzed through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results revealed great differences in the REE abundances (ΣREE) of the SCS polymetallic crusts and nodules; the crusts show the highest ΣREE, whereas the nodules exhibit the lowest ΣREE. The similarity in their NASC–normalized patterns, the enriched light REE (LREE), the markedly positive Ce anomaly (δCe), and the non– or weakly positive Eu anomaly (δEu), suggest that the polymetallic crusts and nodules are of hydrogenetic origin. Moreover, the REE contents and their relevant parameters are quite different among the various layers of the crusts and nodules, which probably results from the different marginal sea environments and mineral assemblages of the samples. The growth profiles of the SCS polymetallic crusts and nodules reveal the tendency ΣREE and δCe to slightly increase from the outer to the inner layers, suggesting that the growth environments of these samples changed smoothly from an oxidizing to a relatively reducing environment; in addition, the crust ST1 may have experienced a regressive event (sea–level change) during its growth, although the REE composition of the seawater remained relatively stable. On the basis of the regional ΣREE distribution in the SCS crusts and nodules, the samples collected near the northern margin were influenced by terrigenous material more strongly compared with the other samples, and the REE contents are relatively low. Therefore, the special geotectonic environment is a significant factor influencing the abundance of elements, including REE and other trace elements. Compared with the oceanic seamount crusts and deep–sea nodules from other oceans, the SCS polymetallic crusts and nodules exhibit special REE compositions and shale–normalized patterns, implying that the samples are of marginal sea–type Fe–Mn sedimentary deposits, which are strongly affected by the epicontinental environment, and that they grew in a more oxidative seawater environment. This analysis indicates that the oxidized seawater environment and the special nano property of their Fe–Mn minerals enrich the REE adsorption.
Microfacies and Depositional Environments of Miocene Isolated Carbonate Platforms from Central Luconia, Offshore Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: JANJUHAH Hammad Tariq , GÁMEZ VINTANED José Antonio , SALIM Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed , FAYE Ibrahima , SHAH Mumtaz Muhammad , GHOSH Deva Prasad 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe Luconia Province – offshore Sarawak – is a key geological unit for understanding the distribution of hydrocarbon resources in Malaysia. Nevertheless, little effort has been made to address the palaeoenvironmental characteristics of the Tertiary carbonates in the key sector of Central Luconia. We study the sedimentology and petrography of core samples from a well in Central Luconia, for which thirteen microfacies have been identified reflecting different depositional settings. This is the first microfacies scheme elaborated for Luconian carbonates. Lithofacies and microfacies distribution are compatible with deposition in a reef complex, originating around a framework reef, within the euphotic zone. Sediments were deposited in environments of backreef, reef crest, and forereef. The fair weather wave base is marked by the presence of coralline red algae, foraminifera, decreasing degree of bioclast fragmentation and other microfacies features. As a result, a depositional‐environmental model is constructed, depicting a reef complex built around a framework reef developed on the margin of an isolated platform. In addition, an innovative, preliminary time series analysis of facies, microfacies and depositional environment data reveal the existence of seasonal cycles in the stacking patterns of facies and microfacies.
Quality of handwritten surgical operative notes from surgical trainees: a noteworthy issue
Authors: Nzenza Tatenda C. , Manning Todd , Ngweso Simeon , Perera Marlon , Sengupta Shomik , Bolton Damien , Lawrentschuk Nathan 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundSurgical operation notes are crucial for medical record keeping and information flow in continued patient care. In addition to inherent medical implications, the quality of operative notes also has important economic and medico‐legal ramifications. Further, well‐documented records can also be useful for audit purposes and propagation of research, facilitating the improvement of delivery of care to patients. We aimed to assess the quality of surgical operation notes written by junior doctors and trainees against a set standard, to ascertain whether these standards were met.MethodWe undertook an audit of Urology and General Surgery operation notes handwritten by junior doctors and surgical trainees in a tertiary teaching hospital over a month period both in 2014 and 2015. Individual operative notes were assessed for quality based on parameters described by the Royal College of Surgeons of England guidelines.ResultsBased on the Royal College of Surgeons of England guidelines, a significant proportion of analysed surgical operative notes were incomplete, with information pertaining to the time of surgery, name of anaesthetist and deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in particular being recorded less than 50% of the time (22.42, 36.36 and 43.03%, respectively).Overall, 80% compliance was achieved in 14/20 standards and 100% compliance was attained in only one standard.ConclusionsThe quality of surgical operation notes written by junior doctors and trainees demonstrated significant deficiencies when compared against a set standard. There is a clear need to educate junior medical staff and to provide systems and ongoing education to improve quality. This would involve leadership from senior staff, ongoing audit and the development of systems that are part of the normal workflow to improve quality and compliance.
Development of Functional Electrical Stimulation Rowing: The Rowstim Series
Authors: Andrews Brian , Gibbons Robin , Wheeler Garry 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPotentially, functional electrical stimulation (FES)‐assisted exercise may have an important therapeutic role in reducing comorbidities associated with spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, we present an overview of these secondary life‐threatening conditions, discuss the rationale behind the development of a hybrid exercise called FES rowing, and describe our experience in developing FES rowing technology. FES rowing and sculling are unique forms of adaptive rowing for those with SCI. The paralyzed leg musculature is activated by multiple channels of electrical pulses delivered via self‐adhesive electrodes attached to the skin. The stimulated muscle contractions are synchronized with voluntary rowing movements of the upper limbs. A range of steady‐state FES rowing exercise intensities have been demonstrated from 15.2 ± 1.8 mL/kg/min in tetraplegia to 22.9 ±7.1 mL/kg/min in paraplegia. We expect that such high levels may help some to achieve significant reductions in the risks to their health, particularly where a dose‐response relationship exists as is the case for cardiovascular disease and Type II diabetes. Furthermore, preliminary results suggest that cyclical forces more than 1.5 times body weight are imposed on the leg long bones which may help to reduce the risk of fragility fractures. We have demonstrated the feasibility of FES rowing on land and water using adapted rowing technology that includes; a fixed stretcher indoor ergometer (adapted Concept 2, Model E), a floating stretcher indoor ergometer (adapted Concept 2 Dynamic), a turbine powered water rowing tank, a custom hydraulic sculling simulator and a single scull (adapted Alden 16). This has involved volunteers with paraplegia and tetraplegia with SCI ranging from C4 to T12 AIS A using at least 4‐channels of surface electrical stimulation. FES rowers, with SCI, have competed alongside non‐SCI rowers over the Olympic distance of 2000 m at the British Indoor Rowing Championships in 2004, 2005, and 2006 and the World Indoor Rowing Championships in 2006 (CRASH‐B's) in Boston, MA, USA. The best 2000 m FES rowing performance to date has been achieved by a 23‐year‐old male, Tom Aggar T12 AIS A, in 10 min 28 s. Moreover, two of our FES rowers with complete paraplegia have gone on to successfully compete in the Adaptive Rowing arms‐only category (AM1x) at the World Rowing Championships and Paralympic Games.
Step Ergometer Training Augmented With Functional Electrical Stimulation in Individuals With Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Tefertiller Candy , Gerber Don 
Published: November 2017

AbstractSpinal cord injury (SCI) often results in loss of upright mobility and independence subsequently challenging rehabilitation practitioners for meaningful intervention strategies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and potential impact on walking function of the stimulation and ergometer training protocol (STEP) in chronic SCI. Fourteen individuals with a chronic motor incomplete SCI (>1‐year post injury) were enrolled in the study. The intervention consisted of a 12‐week walking training program delivered three times per week from 20 up to 45 min in combination with 10 channels of FES on a step ergometer. Subsequent to this training, 30 min over ground walking training was performed. Ten out of the 14 participants completed the trial (71%). All participants who completed the intervention increased their walking speed by an average of 0.13 m/s (0.08) and walking endurance by an average of 117 ft (84 ft). For those who completed the trial, 50% demonstrated increases on the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury II by at least one level while 60% demonstrated an increase in lower extremity motor scores; all completing the Timed Up and Go Test at baseline demonstrated a reduction in time to complete during post‐test evaluation. Recruitment objectives were attained. Overall retention was lower than anticipated with 29% withdrawing secondary to issues with lower extremity pain and exertional demands; however, no other adverse events occurred. Improvements in mobility outcomes generated by the STEP show promise in the context of feasibility and warrant further investigation to evaluate efficacy in comparison to other walking recovery interventions. The STEP was well‐tolerated by participants who were >1 year and less than 10 years post SCI. Those completing the protocol exhibited improvements in commonly used SCI walking outcome measures.
Inhaled corticosteroids and the risks of low‐energy fractures in patients with chronic airway diseases: A propensity score matched study
Authors: Tsai Chun‐Hao , Liao Lin‐Yu , Lin Cheng‐Li , Chung Wei‐Sheng 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackground and AimsInhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are crucial anti‐inflammatory medications for chronic airway diseases. Studies investigating the relationship between ICSs and fractures in Asian populations are scant. We investigated whether ICSs increased the risk of low‐energy fractures in patients with chronic airway diseases.MethodsWe used the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database to select patients aged 20 years and older with chronic airway diseases (asthma and COPD) between 2000 and 2011 as the base cohort. We identified ICS users and ICS non‐users matched by propensity score method at 1:1 ratio. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to calculate the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for factors associated with the risk of fracture.ResultsA total of 1,182 ICS users and 1,182 controls were enrolled. After adjustment for age, gender, annual exacerbation number of acute respiratory events, comorbidity and medications, the risk of fracture was 1.10 for ICS users (aHR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.10‐1.31) compared with ICS non‐users. The ICS users exhibited significantly 1.63‐fold risk of hip fracture and 1.24‐fold risk of ulna and radius fracture than did the ICS non‐users. Patients with medium and high doses of ICS use were associated with significantly increased risks of fracture (aHR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.25‐1.76 for medium dose and aHR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.39‐1.72 for high dose) compared with those in ICS non‐users.ConclusionsPatients with medium and high doses of ICS use are associated with an increased risk of fracture.
Integranular corrosion susceptibility analysis in austeno‐ferritic (duplex) stainless steels
Authors: Iacoviello F. , Di Cocco V. , Franzese E. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDuplex stainless steels (DSSs) are characterized by a really good generalized corrosion resistance in many environments and by really interesting mechanical properties, considering both static or quasi‐static and cyclic loading conditions. DSSs are characterized by secondary phases, nitrides, and carbides precipitation phenomena, with consequent age hardening and embrittlement. These mainly occur inside ferritic grains and next to ferrite‐austenite grain boundaries, with a consequent DSS susceptibility to intergranular and/or localized corrosion phenomena and the initiation and propagation of intergranular cracks. In this work, the influence of the secondary phases, nitrides, and carbides precipitation phenomena on intergranular and localized DSS corrosion resistance was investigated, considering both the lower and higher critical temperature ranges and steel chemical composition.
Reliable Determination of Ge in Solid Environmental Samples Using a Chemical Preparation Procedure Developed for Si Isotopes and ICP‐MS Analysis
Authors: Delvigne Camille , Angeletti Bernard , Guihou Abel , Basile‐Doelsch Isabelle , Meunier Jean‐Dominique 
Published: November 2017

Germanium (Ge) exists at trace levels in the Earth's crust and is a powerful geochemical tracer of the silicon (Si) cycle. This study proposes a simple and reliable method for determining Ge contents in environmental samples using ICP‐MS. As Si and Ge have very similar chemical properties, we investigated the applicability of the chemical preparation procedure developed for Si isotopes for the determination of Ge in environmental samples. Advantages of this procedure are as follows: (a) efficient removal of the matrix and main interferences affecting Ge determinations by ICP‐MS, (b) a low limit of detection (6 ng l−1), (c) relative repeatability of approximately 3% obtained on 74Ge and (d) robustness and accuracy based on agreement within errors with the published Ge values for rock reference materials (BHVO‐2, AGV‐2 and BCR‐2). This procedure allowed revision of the Ge values of three soil reference materials (1.67 ± 0.09 μg g−1, 2.41 ± 0.18 μg g−1, 1.89 ± 0.10 μg g−1 for GBW 07401, GBW 07404 and GBW 07407, respectively) and proposal of a value for the plant reference material ERM‐CD281 (70 ± 3 μg g−1). This method provides a convenient procedure for determining Ge mass fractions in environmental samples and opens the possibility of coupling two tracers of the Si biogeochemical cycle with a single measurement procedure.
Comparison of releasing bound phenolic acids from wheat bran by fermentation of three Aspergillus species
Authors: Yin Zhina , Wu Wenjia , Sun Chongzhen , Lei Zhuogui , Chen Huamin , Liu Huifan , Chen Wenbo , Ma Juanjuan , Min Tian , Zhang Mengmeng , Wu Hui 
Published: November 2017

SummaryWheat bran was fermented at 28 °C for 7 days under 70% humidity by Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus awamori. Total phenolic content (TPC) of the unfermented sample was 1531.5 μg g−1 wheat bran. After the fermentation of Aspergillus awamori, Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus niger, TPC reached 5362.1, 7462.6 and 10 707.5 μg g−1, respectively. The antioxidant activity in the extractions of fermented wheat bran also increased significantly compared with the unfermented sample (P < 0.05). Aspergillus niger showed the greatest capacity to release bound ferulic acid (416.6 μg g−1). Aspergillus oryzae and Aspergillus awamori had the advantages of releasing more chlorogenic acid (84.0 μg g−1) and syringic acid (142.3 μg g−1), respectively. The destructive effect of Aspergillus niger on wheat bran structure was the strongest, followed by that of Aspergillus oryzae. This effect of Aspergillus niger may be due to its higher cellulase, xylanase, arabinofuranosidase and β‐xylosidase activities. Besides, Aspergillus oryzae possessed higher β‐glucosidase activity, and Aspergillus awamori had higher α‐amylase and feruloyl esterase activities. Aspergillus niger may be the best to release bound phenolic acids in the three Aspergillus species. These will provide the helpful information for understanding mechanism of the fermentation by Aspergillus species releasing bound phenolic in wheat bran.
Feasibility of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure using a novel LAmbre occluder in patients with atrial fibrillation: Initial results from a prospective cohort registry study
Authors: Chen Shaojie , Schmidt Boris , Bordignon Stefano , Bologna Fabrizio , Nagase Takahiko , Tsianakas Nikolaos , Perrotta Laura , Chun K. R. Julian 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe LAmbre™ occluder is a novel device for percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC). The presented study aimed to report the initial experience in implantation of the novel LAmbre for LAAC in patients with nonvalvular AF.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, observational, cohort registry study to evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous LAAC using the LAmbre system.ResultsThirty patients (15 female, mean age 77.6 ± 8.9 years) who had high risks of stroke and contraindications for oral anticoagulation were prospectively enrolled in this registry study. The mean CHA2DS2‐VaSc was 3.9 ± 1.5, and the mean HAS‐BLED score was 4.1 ± 1.0. Twenty (66.7%) patients had chicken‐wing LAA morphology. The implant success rate was 100%. The mean fluoroscopic time and procedure time were 3.5 ± 1.9 and 29.0 ± 10.1 minutes, respectively. No significant procedure‐related complications were observed during in‐hospital and acute clinical follow‐up.ConclusionIn this preliminary study, the LAmbre occluder showed an excellent implant success rate, favorable implant property, and very low incidence of complications. Larger sample, randomized studies are further warranted.
Metformin protects against intestinal barrier dysfunction via AMPKα1‐dependent inhibition of JNK signalling activation
Authors: Deng Jun , Zeng Lishan , Lai Xueying , Li Jing , Liu Le , Lin Qianyun , Chen Ye 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDisruption of the intestinal epithelial barrier, that involves the activation of C‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), contributes to initiate and accelerate inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease. Metformin has unexpected beneficial effects other than glucose‐lowering effects. Here, we provided evidence that metformin can protect against intestinal barrier dysfunction in colitis. We showed that metformin alleviated dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)‐induced decreases in transepithelial electrical resistance, FITC‐dextran hyperpermeability, loss of the tight junction (TJ) proteins occludin and ZO‐1 and bacterial translocation in Caco‐2 cell monolayers or in colitis mice models. Metformin also improved TJ proteins expression in ulcerative colitis patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We found that metformin ameliorated the induction of colitis and reduced the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐6, TNF‐a and IL‐1β. In addition, metformin suppressed DSS‐induced JNK activation, an effect dependent on AMP‐activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1) activation. Consistent with this finding, metformin could not maintain the barrier function of AMPKα1‐silenced cell monolayers after DSS administration. These findings highlight metformin protects against intestinal barrier dysfunction. The potential mechanism may involve in the inhibition of JNK activation via an AMPKα1‐dependent signalling pathway.
Use of Resin‐Based Provisional Material to Create the Posterior Palatal Seal in Complete Denture Definitive Impressions
Authors: de Souza Batista Victor Eduardo , Vechiato‐Filho Aljomar José , Pellizzer Eduardo Piza , Verri Fellippo Ramos 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this article was to present an alternative procedure using resin‐based provisional material to create the posterior palatal seal (PPS). This method offers more practicality in clinical routine and increased control for addition of material to create the PPS when compared to traditional techniques such as the use of impression wax.
Rebranding ex‐convicts
Authors: Kim Young‐Chul , Loury Glenn C. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe develop a theoretical model explaining how the problem of poor labor market outcomes for ex‐convicts might be alleviated by an external intervention. While employers wish to avoid associating with those who will end up returning to crime, they cannot be certain from the available information which convicts will reoffend and which will not. We illustrate that, notwithstanding this informational asymmetry, a government (or a civic society) can nevertheless design a costly, yet net socially beneficial program through which some ex‐convicts can credibly convey their good intentions to employers. Such a “rebranding” program can help more ex‐convicts find legitimate work, with fewer electing to return to crime than would otherwise have been the case.