bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of Eco-friendly Soy Protein Isolate Films with High Mechanical Properties through HNTs, PVA, and PTGE Synergism Effect
Authors: Liu Xiaorong , Song Ruyuan , Zhang Wei , Qi Chusheng , Zhang Shifeng , Li Jianzhang 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis study was to develop novel soy protein isolate-based films for packaging using halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), poly-vinyl alcohol (PVA), and 1,2,3-propanetriol-diglycidyl-ether (PTGE). The structural, crystallinity, opacity, micromorphology, and thermal stability of the resultant SPI/HNTs/PVA/PTGE film were analyzed by the Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transformed infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The SPI/HNTs/PVA/PTGE film illustrated that HNTs were uniformly dispersed in the SPI matrix and the thermal stability of the film was enhanced. Furthermore, the tensile strength (TS) of the SPI/HNTs/PVA/PTGE film was increased by 329.3% and the elongation at the break (EB) remained unchanged. The water absorption (WA) and the moisture content (MC) were decreased by 5.1% and 10.4%, respectively, compared to the unmodified film. The results highlighted the synergistic effects of SPI, HNTs, PVA, and PTGE on the mechanical properties, water resistance, and thermal stability of SPI films, which showed excellent strength and flexibility. In short, SPI films prepared from HNTs, PVA, and PTGE showed considerable potential as packaging materials.
Nix restores mitophagy and mitochondrial function to protect against PINK1/Parkin-related Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Koentjoro Brianada , Park Jin-Sung , Sue Carolyn M. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractTherapeutic targets are needed to develop neuroprotective treatments for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Mitophagy, the selective autophagic elimination of dysfunctional mitochondria, is essential for the maintenance of mitochondrial integrity and is predominantly regulated by the PINK1/Parkin-mediated pathway. Loss of function mutations in Parkin and PINK1 cause an accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria, leading to nigral neurodegeneration and early-onset PD with a high penetrance rate. We previously identified an asymptomatic homozygous Parkin mutation carrier who had not developed PD by her eighth decade despite the loss of functional Parkin. Here we discover a putative mechanism that protects her against PD. In contrast to Parkin-related PD patient-derived cells, the asymptomatic carrier cells show preserved mitochondrial function and mitophagy which is mediated by mitochondrial receptor Nip3-like protein X (Nix). Nix-mediated mitophagy was not affected by PINK1 knockdown. Both genetic and pharmacological induction of Nix restores mitophagy in PINK1- and Parkin-related PD patient cell lines, confirming its ability to induce mitophagy in the absence of PINK1/Parkin-mediated pathway. Moreover, Nix over-expression improves mitochondrial ATP production in these patient cells. Our results demonstrate that Nix can serve as an alternative mediator of mitophagy to maintain mitochondrial turnover, identifying Nix as a promising target for neuroprotective treatment in PINK1/Parkin-related PD.
A GCSFR/CSF3R zebrafish mutant models the persistent basal neutrophil deficiency of severe congenital neutropenia
Authors: Pazhakh Vahid , Clark Sharon , Keightley M. Cristina , Lieschke Graham J. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractGranulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) and its receptor (GCSFR), also known as CSF3 and CSF3R, are required to maintain normal neutrophil numbers during basal and emergency granulopoiesis in humans, mice and zebrafish. Previous studies identified two zebrafish CSF3 ligands and a single CSF3 receptor. Transient antisense morpholino oligonucleotide knockdown of both these ligands and receptor reduces neutrophil numbers in zebrafish embryos, a technique widely used to evaluate neutrophil contributions to models of infection, inflammation and regeneration. We created an allelic series of zebrafish csf3r mutants by CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis targeting csf3r exon 2. Biallelic csf3r mutant embryos are viable and have normal early survival, despite a substantial reduction of their neutrophil population size, and normal macrophage abundance. Heterozygotes have a haploinsufficiency phenotype with an intermediate reduction in neutrophil numbers. csf3r mutants are viable as adults, with a 50% reduction in tissue neutrophil density and a substantial reduction in the number of myeloid cells in the kidney marrow. These csf3r mutants are a new animal model of human CSF3R-dependent congenital neutropenia. Furthermore, they will be valuable for studying the impact of neutrophil loss in the context of other zebrafish disease models by providing a genetically stable, persistent, reproducible neutrophil deficiency state throughout life.
Soft plasma electrolysis with complex ions for optimizing electrochemical performance
Authors: Kamil Muhammad Prisla , Kaseem Mosab , Ko Young Gun 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPlasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) was a promising surface treatment for light metals to tailor an oxide layer with excellent properties. However, porous coating structure was generally exhibited due to excessive plasma discharges, restraining its performance. The present work utilized ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and Cu-EDTA complexing agents as electrolyte additives that alter the plasma discharges to improve the electrochemical properties of Al-1.1Mg alloy coated by PEO. To achieve this purpose, PEO coatings were fabricated under an alternating current in silicate electrolytes containing EDTA and Cu-EDTA. EDTA complexes were found to modify the plasma discharging behaviour during PEO that led to a lower porosity than that without additives. This was attributed to a more homogeneous electrical field throughout the PEO process while the coating growth would be maintained by an excess of dissolved Al due to the EDTA complexes. When Cu-EDTA was used, the number of discharge channels in the coating layer was lower than that with EDTA due to the incorporation of Cu2O and CuO altering the dielectric behaviour. Accordingly, the sample in the electrolyte containing Cu-EDTA constituted superior corrosion resistance to that with EDTA. The electrochemical mechanism for excellent corrosion protection was elucidated in the context of equivalent circuit model.
OCT-Angiografie der Glaukompapille
Authors: Lommatzsch C. , Koch J. , Claußnitzer H. , Heinz C. 
Published: March 2017

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Das Glaukom ist weltweit einer der Hauptgründe für Erblindung. Als eine mögliche pathophysiologische Ursache wird eine vaskuläre Dysregulation vermutet. Unser Ziel war es, zu untersuchen, ob mittels OCT-Angiografie (OCTA) eine veränderte Flussdichte bei Glaukompatienten im Bereich des Sehnervenkopfs dargestellt werden kann.
Methoden Insgesamt wurden 68 Augen mit dem OCTA-System AngioVue™ untersucht, davon 34 Augen mit diagnostiziertem Glaukom und 34 gesunde Kontrollaugen. Bestimmt wurde zum einen die peripapilläre Gesamtflussdichte auf 2 unterschiedlichen Segmentierungsebenen und zusätzlich in den einzelnen Papillensektoren.
Ergebnisse Auf beiden Segmentierungsebenen konnte nachgewiesen werden, dass die peripapilläre Gesamtflussdichte bei Glaukomaugen im Vergleich zu gesunden Augen signifikant reduziert war. Je weiter die Erkrankung vorangeschritten war (gemessen durch Ermittlung der Dicke des Ganglienzellkomplexes und der retinalen Nervenfaserschicht), umso stärker war die Flussdichte reduziert. Im Hinblick auf die einzelnen Papillensektoren gab es keinen signifikanten Unterschied.
Schlussfolgerung Die neue Technik der OCT-Angiografie ermöglicht nicht invasiv eine Darstellung der Flussdichte, die bei Glaukomaugen signifikant reduziert ist. Die OCTA erweitert das Spektrum zur Detektion und zur Verlaufskontrolle bei Glaukompatienten.
Sonderformen choroidaler Neovaskularisationsmembranen
Authors: Sandner D. 
Published: March 2017

ZusammenfassungChoroidale Neovaskularisationsmembranen (CNV) im Rahmen einer neovaskulären altersassoziierten Makuladegeneration (nAMD) können in Typ-1- (okkulte) und Typ-2- (klassische) Membranen unterteilt werden. Hiervon abzugrenzen sind, wegen ihrer differierenden Morphologie und des teils schlechteren Ansprechens, neovaskuläre „Sonderformen“ wie retinale angiomatöse Proliferationen (RAP) oder die polypoidalen choroidalen Vaskulopathien (PCV). Klinisch hinweisend sind chorioretinale Anastomosen, kräftige Exsudationen mit – für die PCV – serosanguinösen Pigmentepithelabhebungen (PED) und typischen orangerotfarbenen Läsionen im papillomakulären Bündel. Die Indocyaningrünangiografie (ICGA) stellt den diagnostischen Goldstandard für die PCV dar und liefert wichtige Informationen auch bei den RAP. Die Polypen der PCV stellen sich hier frühzeitig als fokale Hyperfluoreszenz mit z. T. pulsierender Füllung dar, häufig in Verbindung mit einem anormalen choroidalen Netzwerk. Über Arealen mit einer PED können bei RAP retinoretinale Anastomosen gut identifiziert werden. Die Befunde der optischen Kohärenztomografie (OCT) ergänzen die Diagnostik. Ein möglichst frühzeitiger und konsequenter Therapieansatz mit intravitrealer Anti-VEGF-Gabe ist bei RAP für die Visusprognose entscheidend. PCV können eine spontane Regression zeigen. Besteht Therapiebedarf, sprechen die Polypen besser auf eine photodynamische Therapie (PDT) an. Bei assoziierter CNV ist die Kombination aus PDT und intravitrealer Anti-VEGF-Gabe sinnvoll. Trotz initialem Anstieg kann im Langzeitverlauf der Visus zumeist „nur“ stabilisiert werden. Bei idiopathischen wie sekundären CNV-Membranen (Myopia magna, postentzündlich, posttraumatisch oder im Rahmen hereditärer Bindegewebserkrankungen) handelt es sich zumeist um kleine (klassische) Typ-2-Membranen. Sie stellen streng genommen keine direkten Sonderformen dar. Durch ein meist jüngeres Patientenalter, eine kürzere Erkrankungsdauer, eine begrenzte Regenerationsfähigkeit des retinalen Pigmentepithels (RPE) können sie sich jedoch günstig von der nAMD unterscheiden, mit rascher Inaktivierung sowie einem insgesamt geringeren Anti-VEGF-Injektionsbedarf. Eine Sonderstellung innerhalb dieser Gruppe nimmt die CNV bei Angioid Streaks ein. Diese ist leider durch einen rezidivierenden, langwierigen und letztlich zumeist frustranen Verlauf gekennzeichnet.
Natural Hybridization of Lepisosteids: Implications for Managing the Alligator Gar
Authors: Bohn Sandra , Kreiser Brian R. , Daugherty Daniel J. , Bodine Kristopher A. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
The Alligator Gar Atractosteus spatula has become a focal species of management and conservation due to declining populations and growing popularity among anglers. The Alligator Gar is sympatric with the Longnose Gar Lepisosteus osseus and Spotted Gar L. oculatus throughout much of its range, providing the potential for hybridization that can complicate conservation efforts. Hybridization between gars has been documented in captivity; however, natural (i.e., wild) hybridization has not been formally assessed. Population sampling and genetic analyses of Alligator Gars in Texas provided an opportunity to examine hybridization among gars and to assess the potential implications for Alligator Gar management. Specifically, we (1) developed markers to distinguish lepisosteid species and their hybrids, (2) characterized hybridization between species, and (3) assessed our ability to differentiate hybrids from parent species via field evaluation of snout morphology. Fin tissue samples from Alligator Gars and putative hybrids, along with a reference sample of Longnose Gars and Spotted Gars, were genotyped for a mitochondrial locus, two nuclear introns, two nuclear exons, and nine microsatellite loci. Natural hybridization was confirmed: 17 F1 Alligator Gar (female) × Longnose Gar (male) crosses and one F1 Longnose Gar × Spotted Gar were identified, as well as three additional hybrids of uncertain ancestry. Field identification of putative hybrids based on snout morphology was conservative: 21 of 26 (81%) were correctly classified as hybrid individuals, with no false negatives. Our data confirm that sympatric lepisosteid populations do hybridize and that general monitoring of hybridization rates can be accomplished afield. We recommend monitoring of hybridization between sympatric gar populations due to the risks associated with genetic introgression, particularly in systems with depressed Alligator Gar stocks.
Received September 5, 2016; accepted November 21, 2016 Published online March 10, 2017
Quantification of Walleye Spawning Substrate in a Northern Minnesota River using Side-Scan Sonar
Authors: Graham Jake D. , Hafs Andrew W. , Kennedy Anthony J. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Evaluating aquatic habitats is an important component of many ecological studies and natural resource assessments, but traditional habitat evaluations are time and labor intensive and do not provide continuous data. Side-scan sonar (SSS) can provide a low-cost method that collects continuous aquatic habitat data. We used SSS mapping to quantify suitable spawning substrate available to Walleye Sander vitreus during the 2015 spring spawning migration in a 10.8-km reach of the Tamarac River, Minnesota. The SSS map had 78.0% agreement with reference points classified in the field, and the proportion of reference points predicted as suitable using the SSS map was not significantly different than the proportion of reference points observed to be suitable. Suitable substrate for Walleye spawning comprised 8.4% (26,392 m2) of the total area mapped. The estimated number of females that suitable substrate could support was lower than the number that likely migrate up the Tamarac River and suggests that access to spawning substrate may sometimes limit reproductive success. This study demonstrates that a relatively inexpensive SSS unit can be used to efficiently map aquatic habitat while acquiring quantitative and qualitative data.
Received July 6, 2016; accepted November 5, 2016 Published online March 10, 2017
Movements of Atlantic Sturgeon of the Gulf of Maine Inside and Outside of the Geographically Defined Distinct Population Segment
Authors: Wippelhauser Gail S. , Sulikowski James , Zydlewski Gayle B. , Altenritter Megan A. , Kieffer Micah , Kinnison Michael T. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Identification of potential critical habitat, seasonal distributions, and movements within and between river systems is important for protecting the Gulf of Maine (GOM) distinct population segment of Atlantic Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus. To accomplish these objectives, we captured Atlantic Sturgeon from four GOM rivers (Penobscot, Kennebec system, Saco, and Merrimack) and tagged 144 individuals (83.3–217.4 cm TL) internally with uniquely coded acoustic transmitters. Tagged fish were detected from 2006 to 2014 by primary receiver arrays that were deployed in the four GOM rivers or were detected opportunistically on a secondary group of receivers deployed within the GOM and along the continental shelf. Tagged Atlantic Sturgeon were documented at three spawning areas in the Kennebec system in June and July, including an area that became accessible in 1999 when Edwards Dam was removed. The majority (74%) of tagged fish were detected in the estuaries of the four GOM rivers, primarily in May–October. They spent most of their time in a 45-km reach within the Kennebec system but occupied more limited areas (≤5-km reach) within the Penobscot, Saco, and Merrimack rivers. Approximately 70% of the tagged fish were detected in GOM coastal waters and aggregated in the Bay of Fundy (May–January), offshore of the Penobscot River (September–February and May), offshore of the Kennebec River (September–February), in Saco Bay and the Scarborough River (July–November), and along the eastern Massachusetts coast between Cape Ann and Cape Cod (April–February). Nine tagged Atlantic Sturgeon (7%) left the GOM; three of those individuals moved north as far as Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and six moved south as far as the James River, Virginia. Information obtained in this study has been used to make recommendations to avoid or reduce the impacts of in-water projects on Atlantic Sturgeon.
Does A Social Welfare Program Affect Farmland Use? Empirical Evidence Using Administrative Data in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Hung‐Hao 
Published: March 2017

AbstractHow does a social welfare program affect farmland use? This paper addresses this question by investigating the causal effect that a farmer’s pension program has on the amount of land enrolled in a farmland set‐aside program by using a unique dataset in Taiwan as an illustration. The dataset was constructed by compiling administrative profiles of a farmland set‐aside program and a farmer’s pension program in 2010. The final sample consists of 852,375 parcels of the set‐aside land, and the regression discontinuity design model was estimated to cope with the endogeneity bias. Although the social welfare program and the farmland use program have different policy objectives, our empirical results indicate a significant interaction between these two programs. Landowners who received pension payments enrolled 14% more land into the farmland set‐aside program than those who received no such payments. In term of policy relevance, our results suggest that a more effective farm safety net can be achieved by considering the interaction between the social welfare and farm production program.
Hospital Length of Stay and Readmission Rate for Neurosurgical Patients
Authors: Ansari Shaheryar F , Yan Hong , Zou Jian , Worth Robert M , Barbaro Nicholas M 
Published: March 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Hospital readmission rate has become a major indicator of quality of care, with penalties given to hospitals with high rates of readmission. At the same time, insurers are increasing pressure for greater efficiency and reduced costs, including decreasing hospital lengths of stay (LOS).

OBJECTIVE
To analyze the authors’ service to determine if there is a relationship between LOS and readmission rates.

METHODS
Records of patients admitted to the authors’ institution from October 2007 through June 2014 were analyzed for several data points, including initial LOS, readmission occurrence, admitting and secondary diagnoses, and discharge disposition.

RESULTS
Out of 9409 patient encounters, there were 925 readmissions. Average LOS was 6 d. Univariate analysis indicated a higher readmission rate with more diagnoses upon admission (P < .001) and an association between insurance type and readmission (P < .001), as well as decreasing average yearly LOS (P = .0045). Multivariate analysis indicated statistically significant associations between longer LOS (P = .03) and government insurance (P < .01).

CONCLUSION
A decreasing LOS over time has been associated with an increasing readmission rate at the population level. However, at the individual level, a prolonged LOS was associated with a higher risk of readmission. This was attributed to patient comorbidities. However, this increasing readmission rate may represent many factors including patients’ overall health status. Thus, the rate of readmission may represent a burden of illness rather than a valid metric for quality of care.
Targeted Embolization of Aneurysms Associated With Brain Arteriovenous Malformations at High Risk for Surgical Resection: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Alexander Matthew D , Hippe Daniel S , Cooke Daniel L , Hallam Danial K , Hetts Steven W , Kim Helen , Lawton Michael T , Sekhar Laligam N , Kim Louis J , Ghodke Basavaraj V 
Published: March 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND
High-risk components of brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) can be targeted to reduce the risk of lesion rupture.

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate targeted embolization of aneurysms against other means of treatment with a case–control analysis; we previously investigated this approach associated with BAVMs.

METHODS
Retrospective analysis of patients with BAVMs was performed, identifying patients treated with intention to occlude only an aneurysm associated with a BAVM. For each targeted aneurysm embolization (TAE) patient identified, 4 control patients were randomly selected, controlling for rupture status, age, and Spetzler-Martin plus Lawton-Young supplemental score. Analysis was performed to compare rates of adverse events (hemorrhage, new seizure, and death) between the 2 groups.

RESULTS
Thirty-two patients met inclusion criteria, and 128 control patients were identified, out of 1103 patients treated during the study period. Thirty-four adverse events occurred (15 ruptures, 15 new seizures, and 11 deaths) during the follow-up period (mean 1157 d for the TAE cohort and 1036 d for the non-TAE cohort). Statistically lower associations were noted for the TAE group for any adverse event (hazard ratio 0.28, P = .037) and the composite outcome of hemorrhage or new seizure (hazard ratio 0.20, P = .029).

CONCLUSION
For BAVMs at high risk for surgical resection, TAE can be performed safely and effectively. Patients treated with TAE had better outcomes than matched patients undergoing other combinations of treatment. TAE can be considered for BAVMs with high operative risk prior to radiosurgery or when no other treatment options are available.
A study of the long term evolution in active region upflows
Authors: Harra Louise K. , Ugarte-Urra Ignacio , De Rosa Marc , Mandrini Cristina , van Driel-Gesztelyi Lidia , Baker Deborah , Culhane J. Leonard , Démoulin Pascal 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Since their discovery, upflows at the edges of active regions have attracted a lot of interest, primarily as they could potentially contribute to the slow solar wind. One aspect that has not been studied yet is how the long term evolution of active regions impacts the upflows. In this work, we analyze one active region that survives three solar rotations. We track how the flows change with time. We use local and global modeling of the decaying active region to determine how the age of the active region will impact the extent of the open magnetic fields, and then how some of the upflows could become outflows. We finish with a discussion of how these results, set in a broader context, can be further developed with the Solar Orbiter mission.
Credit Crises, Precautionary Savings, and the Liquidity Trap*
Authors: Guerrieri Veronica , Lorenzoni Guido 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
We study the effects of a credit crunch on consumer spending in a heterogeneous-agent incomplete-market model. After an unexpected permanent tightening in consumers’ borrowing capacity, constrained consumers are forced to repay their debt, and unconstrained consumers increase their precautionary savings. This depresses interest rates, especially in the short run, and generates an output drop, even with flexible prices. The output drop is larger with sticky prices, if the zero lower bound prevents the interest rate from adjusting downward. Adding durable goods to the model, households take larger debt positions and the output response can be larger.