bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Micro‐instillation of fluorescein with an inoculation loop for ocular surface staining in dry eye syndrome
Authors: Courrier Emilie , Renault Didier , Kaspi Mathilde , Marcon Agathe , Lambert Victor , Garcin Thibaud , Chiambaretta Frederic , Garhofer Gerhard , Thuret Gilles , Gain Philippe 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPurposeTo describe and validate the micro‐instillation of fluorescein on the ocular surface by a disposable calibrated inoculation loop to improve corneal and conjunctival staining quality.MethodsAccuracy and precision of the volume of 0.5% sodium fluorescein collected by a single use 1 μl‐calibrated inoculation loop were measured using a precision balance. Twenty patients (40 eyes) suffering from dry eye syndrome were enrolled in a prospective interventional nonrandomized study. Fluorescein was instilled with the loop, and slit‐lamp images were taken within 30 seconds using cobalt blue light with and without a yellow barrier filter. For comparison, after a washout period, the same images were retaken after instillation of one drop of fluorescein from a single‐dose unit. The main outcome measure was the staining quality assessed by three experts, blind to the instillation method. Patient discomfort (tolerance, by a questionnaire) was also compared.ResultsThe mean volume collected by the loop was 1.18 ± 0.12 μl, compared with 33.70 ± 6.10 μl using the single‐dose unit. The loop avoided excess dye responsible for unpleasant tearing, masking of lesions and rapid diffusion into the stroma. Micro‐instillation greatly improved image quality without losing information. The yellow filter further improved image contrast. Tolerance was excellent.ConclusionThe 1 μl‐calibrated inoculation loop is a safe, convenient, inexpensive, disposable, sterile, well‐tolerated tool for reproducible micro‐instillation of commercial fluorescein. By greatly improving staining quality, it will help standardize assessment of dry eye severity.
Influence of fire on critically endangered Swartland Shale Renosterveld in the Cape Floristic Region
Authors: Cousins Stephen R. , Witkowski Ed T. F. , Esler Karen J. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractQuestionsThe degree to which renosterveld shrublands are fire‐dependent is currently unclear. To address this issue, the following questions were asked: (1) does smoke stimulate germination of soil‐stored seeds in renosterveld; (2) does recently‐burned renosterveld display changed composition and higher diversity than unburned vegetation; and (3) how do the species compositions of renosterveld soil seed banks and standing vegetation compare?LocationSwartland, Cape Floristic Region, South Africa.MethodsSoil seed bank samples from a north‐ and south‐facing slope were smoke‐treated and germinated to test for smoke‐stimulated germination. Burned standing vegetation was surveyed 16 months post‐fire, as was unburned vegetation on the same slopes. Seed bank species richness and density were compared between smoke‐treated and untreated samples within and between slopes. Burned and unburned standing vegetation were compared within and between slopes in terms of species richness, abundance and aerial cover. Compositional similarity of the seed banks and standing vegetation was assessed.ResultsSeed banks were dominated by annuals and graminoids. Smoke treatment had no effect, except for driving significantly higher species richness and seedling density in south‐facing slope perennial shrubs. Species richness and seedling density were significantly higher in seed banks on the south‐facing slope compared to the north‐facing slope. Burned standing vegetation exhibited significantly higher diversity than unburned vegetation. Annuals and graminoids displayed significantly higher species richness and aerial cover in burned renosterveld. The north‐facing slope contained less than half the number of species/m2 compared to the south‐facing slope. The seed banks and standing vegetation showed low to intermediate similarity (Sørensen = 31%–53%), but grouped close together on an NMDS plot, suggesting intermediate similarity overall.ConclusionsElevated germination of perennial shrubs in smoke‐treated seed bank samples and increased diversity of post‐fire standing vegetation suggest the renosterveld in this study shows elements of a fire‐driven system. Certain species only recruited in burned sites, suggesting fire‐stimulated germination. Aspect had a major influence on plant community composition, with the mesic south‐facing slope being more diverse than the xeric north‐facing slope. The similarity between the seed banks and standing vegetation was higher than previously shown for renosterveld, and appears to be higher than for fynbos.
GPR35 mediates lodoxamide‐induced migration inhibitory response but not CXCL17‐induced migration stimulatory response in THP‐1 cells; is GPR35 a receptor for CXCL17?
Authors: Park Soo‐Jin , Lee Seung‐Jin , Nam So‐Yeon , Im Dong‐Soon 
Published: October 2017

Background and PurposeGPR35 has long been considered an orphan GPCR, because no endogenous ligand of GPR35 has been discovered. CXCL17 (a chemokine) has been reported to be an endogenous ligand of GPR35, and it has even been suggested that it be called CXCR8. However, at present there is no supporting evidence that CXCL17 does interact with GPR35.Experimental ApproachWe applied two assay systems to explore the relationship between CXCL17 and GPR35. An AP‐TGF‐α shedding assay in GPR35 over‐expressing HEK293 cells was used as a gain‐of‐function assay. GPR35 knock‐down by siRNA transfection was performed in endogenously GPR35‐expressing THP‐1 cells.Key ResultsIn the AP‐TGF‐α shedding assay, lodoxamide, a well‐known synthetic GPR35 agonist, was confirmed to be the most potent agonist among other reported agonists. However, neither human nor mouse CXCL17 had an effect on GPR35. Consistent with previous findings, G proteins Gαi/o and Gα12/13 were found to couple with GPR35. Furthermore, lodoxamide‐induced activation of GPR35 was concentration‐dependently inhibited by CID2745687 (a selective GPR35 antagonist). In endogenously GPR35‐expressing THP‐1 cells, lodoxamide concentration‐dependently inhibited migration and this inhibitory effect was blocked by CID2745687 treatment or GPR35 siRNA transfection. However, even though CXCL17 stimulated the migration of THP‐1 cells, which is consistent with a previous report, this stimulatory effect of CXCL17 was not blocked by CID2745687 or GPR35 siRNA.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe present findings suggest that GPR35 functions as a migration inhibitory receptor, but CXCL17‐stimulated migration of THP‐1 cells is not dependent on GPR35.
A prograding margin during global sea‐level maxima: an example from Mahajanga Basin, northwest Madagascar
Authors: Obrist‐Farner Jonathan , Ball Philip J. , McGilvery Thomas A. (Mac) , Rogers Raymond R. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe Mesozoic shelf margin in the Mahajanga Basin, northwest Madagascar, provides an example where inherited palaeobathymetry, coupled with sea‐level changes, high sediment supply and fluctuations in accommodation influenced the stacking patterns and geometry of clinoforms that accreted onto a passive rifted margin. Two‐dimensional (2D) seismic profiles are integrated with existing field data and geological maps to study the evolution of the margin. The basin contains complete records of transgression, highstand, regression and lowstand phases that took place from Jurassic to Cretaceous. Of particular interest is the Cretaceous, Albian to Turonian (ca. 113‐93 Ma), siliciclastic shelf margin that prograded above a drowned Middle Jurassic carbonate platform. The siliciclastic phase of the shelf margin advanced ca. 70 km within ca. 20 My, and contains 10 distinct clinoforms mapped along a 2D seismic reflection data set. The clinoforms show a progressive decrease in height and slope length, and a fairly constant slope gradient through time. The successive shelf edges begin with a persistent flat to slightly downward‐directed shelf‐edge trajectory that changes to an ascending trajectory at the end of clinoform progradation. The progressive decrease in clinoform height and slope length is attributed to a decrease in accommodation. The prograding margin is interpreted to have formed when siliciclastic input increased as eastern Madagascar was uplifted. This work highlights the importance of sediment supply and inherited palaeobathymetry as controls on the evolution of shelf margins and it provides a new understanding of the evolution of the Mahajanga Basin during the Mesozoic.
Production Rigidity, Input Lumpiness, Efficiency, and the Technological Hurdle of Quebec Dairy Farms
Authors: Larue Bruno , Singbo Alphonse , Pouliot Sébastien 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we argue that (bilateral) auctions of production quotas induced a rapid convergence in dairy farm size within provinces in the early years of Canada's supply management policy and that this effect was stronger in provinces with a larger number of dairy farms. This contributed to the smallness and homogeneity of Quebec dairy farms relative to dairy farms in Western Canada. In Quebec, most dairy farms still rely on the tie‐stall milking system, while dairy farms in Western provinces are larger and use larger‐scale, lower‐cost technologies. Regulations on Quebec's quota exchange have slowed down the pace at which a farm can acquire production quota, exacerbating the effects of input lumpiness, on dairy farm efficiency. Low trading on the production exchange severely constrains production adjustments, making, scale, allocative, and technical inefficiencies more persistent and investment in herd expansion unprofitable.
Fathers' Parenting Stress After the Arrival of a New Child
Authors: Knoester Chris , Petts Richard J. 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveTo analyze the relationship between father identity characteristics and fathers' parenting stress over the first 5 years after a birth.BackgroundPrevious work has considered how father identities shape father involvement, but has not focused on parenting stress. Understanding parenting stress is important as it is linked to fathers' and children's well‐being.MethodWe analyzed Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing (FFCW) data (N = 2,547) using ordinary‐least‐squares (OLS) and fixed‐effects regression analyses. The FFCW follows the families of a cohort of new children who were born in large urban areas of the United States in the late 1990s.ResultsOLS results indicated that positive attitudes about fatherhood, wanting to provide direct care, and having higher levels of support from the birth mother predicted lower levels of fathers' parenting stress one year after a birth; father engagement, changes in birth mother's support, and inconsistent financial support were also statistically associated with parenting stress. Fixed effects results indicated that changes in father engagement were negatively associated with changes in fathers' parenting stress over Years 1–5; changes in fathers' inconsistent financial support were positively associated with parenting stress. Finally, we found evidence that father identity characteristics moderate predictors of parenting stress.ConclusionFather identities seem to play an important role in shaping fathering experiences and fathers' parenting stress.ImplicationsFathers should be encouraged and supported in developing more salient father identities and fathering commitments by significant others, family practitioners, and public policies.
Effects of pasture conversion to sugarcane for biofuel production on stream fish assemblages in tropical agroecosystems
Authors: Zeni Jaquelini O. , Hoeinghaus David J. , Casatti Lilian 
Published: October 2017

Abstract

One of the main causes of biodiversity loss in aquatic ecosystems is instream habitat change associated with land‐use change in the drainage basin. Biofuel crop production is an increasingly important driver of land‐use change in existing agricultural drainage basins. Conceptually, biofuels such as sugarcane (Saccharum spp.: Poaceea) can provide a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, but little is known about the consequences of biofuel crop production for biodiversity. Thus, our aim was to investigate if and how the degree of further environmental changes at regional and local scales can influence taxonomic and functional structure of fish assemblages in agroecosystem streams.

We quantified drainage basin land use, instream and riparian habitat, and fish assemblages in 38 agroecosystem streams in Brazil with drainage basins experiencing rapid expansion of sugarcane production, and calculated degree of environmental change and corresponding response in taxonomic and functional structure of stream fish assemblages. Procrustes and redundancy analyses tested for correlation between land use and instream habitat and environmental factors correlated with fish assemblage structure, respectively. Previous studies demonstrated relationships between land‐use change, instream habitat change and taxonomic and functional structure of stream fish assemblages. Therefore, we used regression to test the hypothesis that degree of environmental change is positively correlated with magnitude of change in taxonomic and functional structure of fish assemblages.

Primary gradients of environmental change included conversion of pasture to sugarcane and reduction of stream width, depth and volume. Although drainage basin and instream attributes were not correlated within a year, we detected a legacy effect of land use on instream habitat. The degree of environmental change was not significantly correlated with taxonomic or functional changes in stream fish assemblages in most cases. However, abundances of resistant taxa increased, whereas nektonic functional groups decreased, and the biological response also presented evidence of a legacy effect.

Our findings demonstrate that instream habitat and aquatic biodiversity in streams with agricultural drainage basins undergoing rapid conversion to biofuel production likely will not experience the full magnitude of responses in the short term. Therefore, repeated sampling of sufficient duration to account for legacy effects or time lags is needed to test for effects of biofuel expansion on biodiversity, and similarly to assess whether management practices such as riparian zone preservation can benefit biodiversity in agroecosystems.
Flipping the Script: Masculinity and Reintegration in a Parolee Mentoring Programme
Authors: WALSH JOHN P. , GERKIN PATRICK 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis research presents the culmination of more than 80 hours of observation of a community‐based reintegration programme known as Coalition, Leadership, Education, Advice, and Rehabilitation (CLEAR). Through a thematic analysis of discussions between returning and returned citizens, the research explores the role of masculinity in crime cessation and reintegration among a group of predominantly minority males. Our findings suggest that masculinity, although not always identified, is a salient factor in the subject's lives and routinely gives shape to their behaviour.
Inter‐Subjectivity and Worker Self‐Disclosure in Professional Relationships With Young People: A Psychosocial Study of Youth Violence and Desistance
Authors: HARRIS PETE 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis article argues that psychosocial theory can enhance understanding of intersubjective dynamics between workers and young people involved in crime and violence. After introducing some conceptual tools from psychoanalysis and post‐structural theory, a case study follows a worker's efforts to bring about a young man's desistance (including the worker's use of self‐disclosure) and how this is stymied by systemic failings in a homeless hostel in the UK. The article concludes that professional work in services targeted at young people with multiple support needs requires a deep sensibility to intersubjective and unconscious dynamics within professional relationships and organisations.
Impact of germination on the chemical components and bioactive properties of adlay (Coix lachryma‐jobi L.) water extract
Authors: Xu Lei , Yang Na , Wu Fengfeng , Jin Zhengyu , Xu Xueming 
Published: October 2017

SummaryIn recent years, adlay water extract and related products have been widely consumed. This study investigated the chemical components and bioactive properties of adlay water extract at different germination stages. Glucose and maltose were significantly increased, whereas fructose was slightly decreased after germination. The contents of vitamins C and B1 in the water extract increased 1.61‐ and 2.68‐fold, respectively. The amounts of peptides, especially those with a molecular weight under 3000 Da, were significantly increased after germination. During germination, the level of total free amino acids rose from 54.09 to 128.22 μg mL−1, and the percentage of essential amino acids was elevated from 21.63% to 42.13%. Germination also substantially augmented the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the water extract. Moreover, the germinated adlay water extract showed higher inhibitory activity on angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE), xanthine oxidase and tyrosinase than the water extract of nongerminated adlay. These findings revealed that germination might be a potential way to improve the nutritional value and bioactive properties of adlay water extract.
Sugar and cocoa: sweet synergy or bitter antagonisms. Formulating cocoa and chocolate products for health: a narrative review
Authors: Mellor Duane D. , Amund Daniel , Georgousopoulou Ekavi , Naumovski Nenad 
Published: October 2017

SummaryThe potential health effects of cocoa flavanols are well described. Ranging from reducing risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease at population levels, moderating disease risk factors including endothelial function and lipid metabolism in clinical trials and mechanistic studies in laboratory studies highlighting target tissues and pathways. However, translating these benefits into public health messages is problematic, due to the high energy and sugar content of many cocoa products, including chocolate. This review considered the role of sugar in cocoa products, what are its physiological effects on bioavailability and bioactivity? Considering, then how cocoa products can be reformulated to reduce sugar intake, and the likely effects on beneficial effects of cocoa flavanols and consumer preferences. Ultimately, although interesting physiological effects are seen with cocoa flavanols, their use as a disease‐modifying commodities may be limited the effect such products may have within an individual's and populations overall dietary patterns.
Non‐financial Shareholder Activism: A Process Model for Influencing Corporate Environmental and Social Performance*
Authors: Cundill Gary J. , Smart Palie , Wilson Hugh N. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractShareholders have become increasingly active in endeavouring to influence companies’ environmental and social practices. In comparison with the mature field of financially motivated shareholder activism, limited enquiries have been carried out on its non‐financial counterparts. This paper synthesizes the knowledge base through a review of the academic literature, exploring shareholder activism intended to affect corporate environmental and social performance. Theoretical perspectives appropriate to this phenomenon are critically appraised: in particular, insights from social movement theory, Hirschman's theory of exit, voice and loyalty and stakeholder salience theory, as well as the roles of signalling and symbolic management actions. Data from the literature are organized into a process model of non‐financial shareholder influence. Underpinned by the influencing context, this conceptualization centres on three primary shareholder interventions: divestment, dialogue and shareholder proposals. These interventions are enabled through a range of actors and tools: coalitions, non‐governmental organizations, codes and indices, the media and regulators. The interaction between interventions and the enabling actors and tools helps to determine managers’ perceptions of shareholder salience. These perceptions subsequently shape the organizational behaviours that affect companies’ symbolic and substantive environmental and social performance. An agenda to direct future research in this burgeoning field is articulated.
Ultralight and resilient Al2O3 nanotube aerogels with low thermal conductivity
Authors: Xu Chencheng , Wang Haolun , Song Jianan , Bai Xiaopeng , Liu Zhenglian , Fang Minghao , Yuan Yongshuai , Sheng Junyuan , Li Xiaoyan , Wang Ning , Wu Hui 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis report describes a novel method to produce fluffy and resilient nanotube aerogels by combining solution blow spinning and Atom Layer Deposition (ALD). Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) sponges obtained by blow spinning are used as templates and are deposited in ALD. After removal of template, semitransparent aerogels whose density can be as low as 0.68 mg/cm3 were obtained. The product is heat‐stable, with the ability to retain original shape and keep elastic after being kept at 900°C for 2 hours. It is also heat‐insulated, with a thermal conductivity of 0.022 W/K∙m at room temperature. Additionally, when compressed to 60% of the original height for 100 cycles during in‐situ mechanical test, the sponges recovered to around 80% of the original shape, further indicating excellent mechanically elasticity of the aerogel.
Comparative risk of new‐onset diabetes mellitus for antihypertensive drugs: A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Zimeng , Li Yi , Liu Yulong , Xu Wenbo , Wang Qing 
Published: October 2017

New‐onset diabetes mellitus (NOD) refers to forms of diabetes mellitus that develop during the therapeutic processes of other diseases such as hypertension. This study has been conducted in a network meta‐analysis to compare antihypertensive drugs by identifying both the advantages and disadvantages on NOD by focusing on their respective effect rates. Odd ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals or credible intervals were calculated within pairwise and network meta‐analysis. A total of 38 articles with 224 140 patients were included to evaluate the preventive effect of hypertension drugs on NOD. From the network meta‐analysis it was evident that both angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor as well as angiotensin receptor blocker treatments are associated with a lower risk of developing NOD compared with placebo, with ranking probabilities of 79.81% and 72.77%, respectively, while β‐blockers and calcium channel blockers may significantly increase the probability of developing NOD (β‐blockers: odds ratio, 2.18 [95% credible intervals: 1.36–3.50]; calcium channel blockers: odds ratio, 1.16 [95% credible intervals, 1.05–1.29]). In conclusion, angiotensin receptor blockers have an advantage over the other treatments regarding the NOD.
Alternative Technique of Iris Orientation in a Custom‐Made Ocular Prosthesis
Authors: Bhochhibhoya Amar , Mishra Srijana , Mathema Suraj , Acharya Binod , Maskey Brijesh 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAccurate positioning of the iris is critical for the success of an ocular prosthesis. Precise duplication of size and location of the iris is essential for the establishment of realism, symmetry, and a natural‐appearing gaze. This article explores an alternative procedure for positioning the iris in a custom‐made ocular prosthesis using a pupillary distance ruler (PD ruler). The orientation and mediolateral dimension of the iris of the natural eye was measured from the graduated scale on a PD ruler and transferred on to the sculpted scleral wax pattern. The iris button was positioned in the marked area, and the established orientation was evaluated for symmetry and a natural‐appearing gaze. Accurate, predictable, and easy positioning of the iris with the transfer of these dimensions to the definitive prosthesis provided a good result in terms of patient esthetics and satisfaction.