bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Widespread, long‐term admixture between grey wolves and domestic dogs across Eurasia and its implications for the conservation status of hybrids
Authors: Pilot Małgorzata , Greco Claudia , vonHoldt Bridgett M. , Randi Ettore , Jędrzejewski Włodzimierz , Sidorovich Vadim E. , Konopiński Maciej K. , Ostrander Elaine A. , Wayne Robert K. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHybridisation between a domesticated species and its wild ancestor is an important conservation problem, especially if it results in the introgression of domestic gene variants into wild species. Nevertheless, the legal status of hybrids remains unregulated, partially because of the limited understanding of the hybridisation process and its consequences. The occurrence of hybridisation between grey wolves and domestic dogs is well documented from different parts of the wolf geographic range, but little is known about the frequency of hybridisation events, their causes and the genetic impact on wolf populations. We analysed 61K SNPs spanning the canid genome in wolves from across Eurasia and North America and compared that data to similar data from dogs to identify signatures of admixture. The haplotype block analysis, which included 38 autosomes and the X chromosome, indicated the presence of individuals of mixed wolf–dog ancestry in most Eurasian wolf populations, but less admixture was present in North American populations. We found evidence for male‐biased introgression of dog alleles into wolf populations, but also identified a first‐generation hybrid resulting from mating between a female dog and a male wolf. We found small blocks of dog ancestry in the genomes of 62% Eurasian wolves studied and melanistic individuals with no signs of recent admixed ancestry, but with a dog‐derived allele at a locus linked to melanism. Consequently, these results suggest that hybridisation has been occurring in different parts of Eurasia on multiple timescales and is not solely a recent phenomenon. Nevertheless, wolf populations have maintained genetic differentiation from dogs, suggesting that hybridisation at a low frequency does not diminish distinctiveness of the wolf gene pool. However, increased hybridisation frequency may be detrimental for wolf populations, stressing the need for genetic monitoring to assess the frequency and distribution of individuals resulting from recent admixture.
Third tarsal bone osteonecrosis associated with chronic recurrent cellulitis in an adult horse
Authors: O'Brien E. J. O. , Biggi M. , Eley T. , Fiske‐Jackson A. R. , Smith K. C. , Chesworth M. , Civello A. N. , Smith R. K. W. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryA 17‐year‐old Irish Draught cross gelding with a history of chronic recurrent right hindlimb cellulitis was evaluated due to acute onset of severe lameness affecting this limb. Scintigraphic examination identified marked radiopharmaceutical uptake within the central and third tarsal bones and the lameness improved following tibial and peroneal nerve blocks. Distal intertarsal joint collapse was observed but the radiographic changes were considered insufficient to explain the lameness severity. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed marked bone pathology affecting both the central and third tarsal bones. A subcutaneous abscess developed on the dorsolateral aspect of the limb, but clear evidence of joint infection was not established. Computed tomography showed lytic lesions affecting mainly the third tarsal bone, so the animal was treated surgically for suspected osteomyelitis involving this bone by implantation of gentamicin impregnated polymethylmethacrylate. Shortly following surgery the horse developed gastric rupture and was euthanased. Osteonecrosis of the third tarsal bone was identified, but sepsis was not demonstrated to be the cause. It is hypothesised that osteonecrosis developed as a sequel to chronic osteomyelitis which may have responded to previous antimicrobial treatment. The report also highlights the importance of gastric disorders as a differential for discomfort in animals undergoing treatment for orthopaedic disease.
Large Wealth Creation in Mergers and Acquisitions
Authors: Fich Eliezer M. , Nguyen Tu , Officer Micah 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe examine completed mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals with large acquirer shareholder dollar wealth gains at announcement. We find that large‐gain acquisitions are: 1) typically “bolt‐on” deals that are small relative to the acquirer's size, 2) transaction‐specific events (not firm‐ or chief executive officer (CEO)‐specific events), 3) enhanced by synergies of the merged firm, and 4) executed by bidders with high valuation multiples. These findings provide important insight into the factors associated with considerable wealth creation for acquirer shareholders in M&A deals.
High‐resolution dental magnetic resonance imaging for planning palatal graft surgery—a clinical pilot study
Authors: Hilgenfeld Tim , Kästel Thorsten , Heil Alexander , Rammelsberg Peter , Heiland Sabine , Bendszus Martin , Schwindling Franz Sebastian 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimTo evaluate whether high‐resolution, non‐contrast‐enhanced dental magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used for accurate determination of palatal masticatory mucosa thickness (PMMT) and to locate the greater palatal artery (GPA).Materials and MethodsIn five volunteers (four males, one female; mean age 30.2 ± 0.4 years), two independent raters measured PMMT by use of dental MRI in 180 positions. For comparison, clinical bone sounding was performed. The GPA was identified in time‐of‐flight (TOF) angiography and MSVAT‐SPACE‐prototype sequence. Intra‐ and inter‐observer agreement for MRI measurements, agreement between MRI and bone sounding were analysed by intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cohen's kappa (κ).ResultsReliability of dental MRI measurements was high (intra‐observer‐ICC 0.962; inter‐observer ICC 0.959). Agreement of MRI measurements with bone sounding was moderate (ICC 0.744), and the GPA could be identified in 60% of measurement points using the TOF‐angiography alone and in 85% with additional information of the MSVAT‐SPACE. Good intra‐observer agreement was observed for GPA identification (κ: 0.778).ConclusionPalatal masticatory mucosa thickness measured by high‐resolution, non‐contrast enhanced dental MRI is comparable with that obtained by bone sounding. Dental MRI enables reliable, non‐invasive and radiation‐free planning of palatal tissue harvesting and can also be used for location of the GPA at 85% of measurement points, which might help reduce complications during surgery.
Multibrand pricing as a strategy for consumer search obfuscation in online markets
Authors: McDonald Stephen , Wren Colin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis paper argues that a firm with multiple brands can obfuscate consumer search by excluding the brands of other firms from a consumer's consideration set. This is examined empirically by regressing price data for a leading U.K. motor insurance price comparison site (or “shopbot”). It finds that multibrand firms own three‐quarters of brands in this market, and that allowing for other brand strategies, they post significantly lower and clustered prices relative to other firms. The firms also conceal their brand ownership, consistent with search obfuscation. The results are not otherwise explained and they have implications for market competitiveness.
Visual detection of sprouting in potatoes using ensemble‐based classifier
Authors: Ming Wuyi , Du Jinguang , Shen Dili , Zhang Zhen , Li Xiaoke , Ma Jian Rong , Wang Fei , Ma Jun 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis paper introduces novel methods for detection of sprouting in potatoes using machine vision. An ensemble‐based classifier was trained to detect sprouting considering the diversity of both feature extraction and classifiers. Two categories, namely manual feature extraction and automatic feature extraction, were utilized to enhance the diversity of feature extraction. In experiments, the proposed ensemble‐based classifier without multiple channels CNN (MC‐CNN) outperformed mainstream methods and achieved state‐of‐the‐art prediction rate of 0.916 and f‐measure of 0.905 under lower standard deviation. Furthermore, with the help of three different CNN classifiers, there was already an obvious improvement in the performance of ensemble‐based classifier with MC‐CNN. The prediction rate and f‐measure increased about 4∼5%, comparing to that without MC‐CNN. The results indicate that this approach has a better capability to combine the features for detection of sprouting in potatoes, in which the diversity of both feather extraction and classifier had been enhanced.Practical ApplicationsDiscrimination and classification of potato sprouting or not, which uses ensemble‐based classifier system with combine the best features.
Infrared based dry blanching and hybrid drying of bitter gourd slices: Process efficiency evaluation
Authors: Nalawade Sagar A. , Sinha Akanksha , Hebbar H. Umesh 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn the present study, combination of infrared (IR) based dry blanching and hybrid drying involving IR‐hot air was used for bitter gourd slices. Infrared blanching conditions were standardized based on the degree of enzyme (peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase) inactivation and product quality. The performance of IR blanching was compared with microwave (MW), water, and steam blanching. The performance of hybrid drying was compared to that of hot air (HA) drying. Microwave and IR blanched slices retained higher amount of ascorbic acid (95% and 93%, respectively) and charantin (76.8% and 74.8%), as compared to water and steam blanching. Infrared blanching followed by hybrid drying required ∼66% lesser time than water blanched‐HA dried with higher retention of charantin (68.4%), ascorbic acid (86.3%), and chlorophyll (42.9%), also consuming 79% less energy than HA drying. The results showed that IR‐based blanching and hybrid drying could be used effectively to produce dried bitter gourd slices having better quality.Practical applicationsBitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.) is a good source of ascorbic acid and charantin. This study explored the potentials of infrared assisted blanching and hybrid drying of bitter gourd slices as an alternative to wet blanching (water & steam) and hot air drying. The infrared (IR) assisted blanching and hybrid drying employed in the present study resulted in shorter processing time with higher nutrient retention and higher energy efficiency than HA drying. The results indicated that IR assisted blanching and hybrid drying techniques have great industrial potential to reduce processing time as well as energy, besides producing the better quality product.
Application of antimicrobial treatment to whole carcasses during prechill can improve microbial quality of broiler parts
Authors: Steininger Charlotte G. , Harrison Mark A. , Berrang Mark E. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBroilers cut up into parts have been reported to have higher microbial numbers than corresponding whole carcasses. Prechill immersion leads to water uptake by whole carcasses which is released during cut‐up. The objective of this study was to determine if an antimicrobial treatment applied during prechill can reduce the prevalence or numbers of total aerobic bacteria and Escherichia coli on corresponding chicken parts. Commercially eviscerated broiler carcasses were subjected to sequential immersion prechill, final ice water chill, and cut‐up procedures. Enumeration of total aerobic bacteria, coliforms, and E. coli was performed using carcass rinses at postevisceration, after 15 min prechill (22–25°C water), after 30 min ice water immersion chill (0–4°C water), and following cut‐up into parts. Six prechill, antimicrobial treatments were evaluated: 50 ppm chlorine, 50 ppm chlorine + 0.5% T‐128 (a chlorine stabilizer), 20 ppm peracetic acid, 20 ppm peracetic acid + 0.5% T‐128, 0.5% T‐128, and water. Addition of 0.5% T‐128 to water, 20 ppm peracetic acid, or 50 ppm chlorine during prechill significantly (p < .05) decreased total aerobic bacteria and E. coli/coliforms following prechill by ∼1.5–2.0 log compared to the water control.Practical applicationsAntimicrobial treatment of whole broiler carcasses during prechill is a practical means to lessen microbial contamination of corresponding broiler parts. Chlorine and peracetic acid applied with a chlorine stabilizer (T‐128) can be expected to be effective for this purpose.
Oolong tea and LR‐White resin: a new method of plant sample preparation for transmission electron microscopy
Authors: HE XIAOHUA , GUO FUZHEN , LIU BIN 
Published: January 2018

SummarySimplifying sample processing, shortening the sample preparation time, and adjusting procedures to suitable for new health and safety regulations, these issues are the current challenges which electron microscopic examinations need to face. In order to resolve these problems, new plant tissue sample processing protocols for transmission electron microscopy should be developed. In the present study, we chose the LR‐White resin‐assisted processing protocol for the ultrastructural observation of different types of plant tissues. Moreover, we explored Oolong tea extract (OTE) as a substitute for UA in staining ultrathin sections of plant samples. The results revealed that there was no significant difference between the OTE double staining method and the traditional double staining method. Furthermore, in some organelles, such as mitochondria in root cells of tomatoes and chloroplast in leaf cells of watermelons, the OTE double staining method achieved little better results than the traditional double staining method. Therefore, OTE demonstrated good potentials in replacing UA as a counterstain on ultrathin sections. In addition, sample preparation time was significantly shortened and simplified using LR‐White resin. This novel protocol reduced the time for preparing plant samples, and hazardous reagents in traditional method (acetone and UA) were also replaced by less toxic ones (ethanol and OTE).
The Role of Neurosonology in the Diagnosis and Management of Patients with Carotid Artery Disease: A Review
Authors: Kargiotis Odysseas , Safouris Apostolos , Magoufis Georgios , Georgala Maria , Roussopoulou Andromachi , Stamboulis Eleftherios , Moulakakis Konstantinos G. , Lazaris Andreas , Geroulakos George , Vasdekis Spyros , Tsivgoulis Georgios 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTCarotid artery disease (CAD) is a common cause of ischemic stroke with high rates of recurrence. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) are highly recommended for the secondary prevention of symptomatic CAD during the first 14 days following the index event of transient ischemic attack or minor stroke. CEA or CAS may also be offered in selected cases with severe asymptomatic stenosis. Herein, we review the utility of neurosonology in the diagnosis and pre‐/peri‐interventional assessment of CAD patients who undergo carotid revascularization procedures. Carotid ultrasound may provide invaluable information on plaque echogenicity, ulceration, risk of thrombosis, and rupture. Transcranial Doppler or transcranial color‐coded sonography may further assist by mapping collateral circulation, evaluating the impairment of vasomotor reactivity, detecting microembolization, or reperfusion hemorrhage in real time. Neurosonology examinations are indispensable bedside tools assisting in the diagnosis, risk stratification, peri‐interventional monitoring, and follow‐up of patients with CAD.
Impact of Gastric Acid Induced Surface Changes on Mechanical Behavior and Optical Characteristics of Dental Ceramics
Authors: Kulkarni Aditi , Rothrock James , Thompson Jeffery 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPurposeTo test the impact of exposure to artificial gastric acid combined with toothbrush abrasion on the properties of dental ceramics. Earlier research has indicated that immersion in artificial gastric acid has caused increased surface roughness of dental ceramics; however, the combined effects of acid immersion and toothbrush abrasion and the impact of increased surface roughness on mechanical strength and optical properties have not been studied.Materials and MethodsThree commercially available ceramics were chosen for this study: feldspathic porcelain, lithium disilicate glass‐ceramic, and monolithic zirconium oxide. The specimens (10 × 1 mm discs) were cut, thermally treated as required, and polished. Each material was divided into four groups (n = 8 per group): control (no exposure), acid only, brush only, acid + brush. The specimens were immersed in artificial gastric acid (50 ml of 0.2% [w/v] sodium chloride in 0.7% [v/v] hydrochloric acid mixed with 0.16 g of pepsin powder, pH = 2) for 2 minutes and rinsed with deionized water for 2 minutes. The procedure was repeated 6 times/day × 9 days, and specimens were stored in deionized water at 37°C. Toothbrush abrasion was performed using an ISO/ADA design brushing machine for 100 cycles/day × 9 days. The acid + brush group received both treatments. Specimens were examined under SEM and an optical microscope for morphological changes. Color and translucency were measured using spectrophotometer CIELAB coordinates (L*, a*, b*). Surface gloss was measured using a gloss meter. Surface roughness was measured using a stylus profilometer. Biaxial flexural strength was measured using a mechanical testing machine. The data were analyzed by one‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey's HSD post hoc test (p < 0.05).ResultsStatistically significant changes were found for color, gloss, and surface roughness for porcelain and e.max specimens. No statistically significant changes were found for any properties of zirconia specimens.ConclusionsThe acid treatment affected the surface roughness, color, and gloss of porcelain and e.max ceramics. The changes in translucency and mechanical strength for all materials were not statistically significant. Zirconia ceramic showed resistance to all treatments.
Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and clinical use of trazodone and its active metabolite m‐chlorophenylpiperazine in the horse
Authors: Davis J. L. , Schirmer J. , Medlin E. 
Published: January 2018

Trazodone is a serotonin receptor antagonist and reuptake inhibitor used extensively as an anxiolytic in human and small animal veterinary medicine. The aims of this study were to determine the pharmacokinetics of oral trazodone in experimental horses and to evaluate the effect of oral trazodone in clinical horses. Six experimental horses were administered trazodone at 7.5 or 10 mg/kg. Plasma concentrations of trazodone and its metabolite (m‐CPP) were determined via UPLC‐MS/MS. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis, sedation and ataxia scores were determined. Trazodone was rapidly absorbed after oral administration with a maximum concentration of 2.5–4.1 μg/ml and half‐life of the terminal phase of approximately 7 hr. The metabolite was present at low levels in all horses, representing only 2.5% of the total area under the curve. In experimental horses, concentration‐dependent sedation and ataxia were noted, lasting up to 12 hr. For clinical cases, medical records of horses treated with trazodone for various abnormal behaviours were reviewed and data were summarized. Trazodone was successful in modifying behavioural problems to some degree in 17 of 18 clinical cases. Tolerance and subsequent lack of drug effect occurred in two of 18 clinical cases following 14 or 21 days of use. In both populations of horses, adverse effects attributed to trazodone include oversedation, muscle fasciculations and transient arrhythmias.
Molecular Cloning, Characterization, and Expression of Crustacean Cardioactive Peptide in Oriental River Prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense, during Acute Hypoxia and Reoxygenation
Authors: Shan Dongyan , Fu Hongtuo , Qiao Hui , Sun Shengming , Zhang Wenyi , Jin Shubo , Jiang Sufei , Gong Yongsheng , Xiong Yiwei , Wu Yan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA full‐length complementary DNA of the crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) was cloned from the eyestalk of the oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense, and named Mn‐CCAP. Experimental treatment was set to decrease dissolved oxygen levels and generate hypoxic culture conditions. The Mn‐CCAP expression profile was different in the brain and eyestalk. Results suggested Mn‐CCAP responds strongly to hypoxia‐induced oxidative stress. Different expression profiles in the brain and eyestalk indicate that these two tissues may respond in different ways to hypoxia.
Characterization and Identification of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Within the IGF‐1R Gene Associated with Growth Traits of Odontobutis potamophila
Authors: Zhang Hongye , Zhao Cheng , Yin Shaowu , Li Zecheng , Cao Quanquan , Li Xinru , Xie Wanli , Zhang Jiajia , Zhu Wenxu , Wang Dan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIGF‐1R plays a critical role in many physiological activities, such as development, growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Identification of genetic markers in the IGF‐1R gene significantly associated with important growth traits of Odontobutis potamophila may accelerate genetic improvement. In this study, we characterized the cDNA sequence of the IGF‐1R gene of O. potamophila, and our data revealed that IGF‐1R contained an open reading frame of 1650 bp, encoding a polypeptide of 549 amino acids (aa). Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that IGF‐1R was ubiquitously expressed in all tested tissues, and the most predominant expression of IGF‐1R was detected in gonad. Moreover, IGF‐1R was expressed at different developmental stages from embryo to larva, and its highest expression level was found at the morula stage. In addition, we identified three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; 1777T>C, 1704G>A, and 1208G>A) within IGF‐1R locus and found that one SNP (1208G>A) was significantly associated with important growth traits of O. potamophila. Results showed that the overall length, body length, trunk width, caudal peduncle length, body weight, and body width in fish with AG genotype were significantly greater compared with those with GG genotype (P < 0.05). However, the other two SNPs (1777T>C and 1704G>A) did not show significant associations with any growth traits. Therefore, SNPs within the IGF‐1R locus could be used as a selection criterion to improve growth traits of O. potamophila.
Victorian Literature and Neuroscience
Authors: Stiles Anne 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis article provides an overview of scholarship on Victorian literature and neuroscience, especially books and articles written in the last ten years. These works tend to fall into one of three categories: literary scholarship that draws on history of science, cognitive literary scholarship, and cognitive literary historicism, which attempts to combine the previous two categories. This essay discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each type of scholarship and the barriers to entry in the field as a whole, such as the interdisciplinary skill set required of authors and readers alike. To offset these obstacles, this essay offers a brief history of Victorian neuroscience, a list of resources for those interested in learning more about the topic, and several useful models for would‐be scholars in this field.