bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening and investigation Lactobacillius spp. to improve Secale cereale silage quality
Authors: Kim Hye Sun , Han Ouk Kyu , Kim Sam Churl , Kim Min Jung , Kwak Youn‐Sig 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSilage is a high‐moisture‐content forage that is used to feed livestock. Using silage as feed is economically feasible and suitable for cattle management. Secale cereale is considered as a high‐quality forage plant. After the heading stage the biomass of S. cereale increases by up to 30%; however, lignification in the cell wall causes low fermentation efficiency and coefficient digestibility, and it may also be contaminated by mycotoxin‐producing fungi and can impair the quality of the silage. Therefore, the aim of this study was to screen beneficial Lactobacillius spp. for S. cereale silage to reduce fungi contamination and to increase fibrinolytic ability in the silage. Up to 100 days fermentation period and total 180 lactic acid bacteria were isolated and only a single isolate, R4‐26, showed strong acidification ability and antifungal activities against mycotoxin‐producing fungus. According to quantitative RT‐PCR results, the mycotoxin‐producing fungal contamination was significantly reduced in the S. cereale silage containing the R4‐26 isolate. In enzymatic assays, only a single isolate, R48‐27 demonstrated cellulase, xylanase, chitinase and esterase activities. In conclusion, the beneficial Lactobacillius spp. strains have the ability to reduce mycotoxigenic fungi contamination and increase fibrinolytic activity to improve quality of the S. cereale silage.
Effects of dietary supplementation with tribasic zinc sulfate or zinc sulfate on growth performance, zinc content and expression of zinc transporters in young pigs
Authors: Deng Bo , Zhou Xihong , Wu Jie , Long Ciming , Yao Yajun , Peng Hongxing , Wan Dan , Wu Xin 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAn experiment was conducted to compare the effects of zinc sulfate (ZS) and tribasic zinc sulfate (TBZ) as sources of supplemental zinc on growth performance, serum zinc (Zn) content and messenger RNA(mRNA)expression of Zn transporters (ZnT1/ZnT2/ZnT5/ZIP4/DMT1) of young growing pigs. A total of 96 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire pigs were randomly allotted to two treatments and were fed a basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg Zn from eitherZSorTBZfor 28 days. Feed : gain ratio in pigs fedTBZwere lower (P < 0.05) than pigs fedZS, and average daily weight gain tended to increase (0.05 ≤ P ≤ 0.10) in pigs fedTBZ. Compared with pigs fedZS, pigs fedTBZhad a higher CuZn‐superoxide dismutase and Zn content in serum (P < 0.05) while they had a lower Zn content in feces (P < 0.05). In addition,ZIP4mRNAexpression of zinc transporter in either duodenum or jejunum of pigs fedTBZwere higher (P < 0.05) than pigs fedZS. These results indicate thatTBZis more effective in serum Zn accumulation and intestinal Zn absorption, and might be a potential substitute forZSin young growing pigs.
Effects of aflatoxin B1 on mitochondrial respiration, ROS generation and apoptosis in broiler cardiomyocytes
Authors: Wang Wen‐Jun , Xu Zhi‐Liang , Yu Cheng , Xu Xiao‐Hong 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAflatoxin B1 (AFB1) develops various toxic effects in the liver by impairing mitochondrial function, inducing cell apoptosis. However, little is focused on its toxicity to broiler cardiomyocytes (BCMs). Here, the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cardiac troponin T (cTnT) location, apoptosis induced by AFB1, and antioxidative genes were investigated in BCMs. It was found that AFB1 evoked intracellular ROS generation, and induced apoptosis in BCMs. AFB1 treatment resulted in increased percentage of apoptotic cells, increased location range of cTnT in cytoplasm, upregulated messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and downregulated mRNA expressions of Mn‐superoxide dismutase in BCMs. These findings suggested AFB1 treatment caused significant cardiomyocyte damage and cardiotoxicity, impairment of mitochondrial functions, activated ROS generation, and induced apoptosis, and probably was involved in the Nrf2 signal pathway in BCMs.
Interactions of bovine oocytes with follicular elements with respect to lipid metabolism
Authors: Warzych Ewelina , Pawlak Piotr , Pszczola Marcin , Cieslak Adam , Madeja Zofia E. , Lechniak Dorota 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAmong many factors, lipid metabolism within the follicular environment emerges as an important indicator of oocyte quality. In the literature a crucial significance is described concerning follicular fluid (FF) composition as well as messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in follicular cells. The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between oocyte, FF and follicular cells with regard to lipid metabolism. The set of data originating from individual follicles comprised: lipid droplets (LD) number in oocytes (BODIPY staining), mRNA expression of seven genes in cumulus and granulosa cells (SCD, FADS2, ELOVL2, ELOVL5, GLUT1, GLUT3, GLUT8; real time polymerase chain reaction) and fatty acid (FA) composition in FF (gas chromatography). Obtained results demonstrate significant correlation between oocyte lipid droplets number and FA composition in FF. However, gene expression studies show significant correlation between LD number and GLUT1 gene only. Moreover, the present experiment revealed correlations between FA content in FF and expression of several genes (SCD, FADS2, ELOVL5, GLUT8) in granulosa cells, whereas only the SCD gene in cumulus cells. We suggest that the results of our experiment indicate the importance of glucose : lipid metabolism balance, which contributes to better understanding of energy metabolism conversion between oocytes and the maternal environment.
Influence of riders’ skill on plasma cortisol levels of horses walking on forest and field trekking courses
Authors: Ono Ayaka , Matsuura Akihiro , Yamazaki Yumi , Sakai Wakako , Watanabe Kentaro , Nakanowatari Toshihiko , Kobayashi Hiroshi , Irimajiri Mami , Hodate Koichi 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of rider's skill on the plasma cortisol levels of trekking horses on two courses, walking on field and forest courses (about 4.5 to 5.1 km each). Three riders of different skills did horse trekking (HT) in a tandem line under a fixed order: advanced‐leading, beginner‐second and intermediate‐last. A total of six horses were used and they experienced all positions in both courses; a total of 12 experiments were done. Blood samples were obtained before HT, immediately after and 2 h after HT. As a control, additional blood samples were obtained from the same horses on non‐riding days. Irrespective of the course and the rider's skill, the cortisol level before HT was higher than that of control (P < 0.05). In both courses, the cortisol levels immediately after HT ridden by the advanced rider were higher than that of control (P < 0.05). However, in every case, the cortisol level 2 h after HT was closely similar to the level of the control. Thus, we concluded the stress of trekking horse was not sufficient to disturb the circadian rhythm of the cortisol level, irrespective of the course and the rider's skill.
Advanced treatment technique for swine wastewater using two agents: Thermally polymerized amorphous silica and hydrated lime for color and phosphorus removal and sulfur for nitrogen removal
Authors: Hasegawa Teruaki , Kurose Yohei , Tanaka Yasuo 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe efficacy of advanced treatment of swine wastewater using thermally polymerized, modified amorphous silica and hydrated lime (M‐CSH‐lime) for color and phosphorus removal and sulfur for nitrogen removal was examined with a demonstration‐scale treatment plant. The color removal rate was approximately 78% at M‐CSH‐lime addition rates of > 0.055 wt/v%. The ‐P removal rate exceeded 99.9% with > 0.023 wt/v%. pH of the effluent from the M‐CSH‐lime reactor increased with the addition rate till a maximum value of 12.7, which was effective in disinfection. The recovered M‐CSH‐lime would be suitable as a phosphorus fertilizer because the total P2O5 content was approximately 10%. The nitrogen oxide (NOx‐N) removal rate by sulfur denitrification increased to approximately 80% when the NOx‐N loading rate was around 0.1 kg‐N/ton‐S/day. It was suggested that the combination of the two processes would be effective in the advanced treatment of swine wastewater.
Effect of P‐glycoprotein inhibition at the blood–brain barrier on brain distribution of (R)‐[11C]verapamil in elderly vs. young subjects
Authors: Bauer Martin , Wulkersdorfer Beatrix , Karch Rudolf , Philippe Cécile , Jäger Walter , Stanek Johann , Wadsak Wolfgang , Hacker Marcus , Zeitlinger Markus , Langer Oliver 
Published: April 2017

AimsThe efflux transporter P‐glycoprotein (ABCB1) acts at the blood–brain barrier (BBB) to restrict the distribution of many different drugs from blood to the brain. Previous data suggest an age‐associated decrease in the expression and function of ABCB1 at the BBB. In the present study, we investigated the influence of age on the magnitude of an ABCB1‐mediated drug–drug interaction (DDI) at the BBB.MethodsWe performed positron emission tomography scans using the model ABCB1 substrate (R)‐[11C]verapamil in five young [26 ± 1 years, (mean ± standard deviation)] and five elderly (68 ± 6 years) healthy male volunteers before and after intravenous administration of a low dose of the ABCB1 inhibitor tariquidar (3 mg kg−1).ResultsIn baseline scans, the total distribution volume (VT) of (R)‐[11C]verapamil in whole‐brain grey matter was not significantly different between the elderly (VT = 0.78 ± 0.15) and young (VT = 0.79 ± 0.10) group. After partial (incomplete) ABCB1 inhibition, VT values were significantly higher (P = 0.040) in the elderly (VT = 1.08 ± 0.15) than in the young (VT = 0.80 ± 0.18) group. The percentage increase in (R)‐[11C]verapamil VT following partial ABCB1 inhibition was significantly greater (P = 0.032) in elderly (+40 ± 17%) than in young (+2 ± 17%) volunteers. Tariquidar plasma concentrations were not significantly different between the young (786 ± 178 nmol l−1) and elderly (1116 ± 347 nmol l−1) group.ConclusionsOur results provide the first direct evidence of an increased risk for ABCB1‐mediated DDIs at the BBB in elderly persons, which may have important consequences for pharmacotherapy of the elderly.
Using confirmatory factor analysis to validate the Chamberlin affective instrument for mathematical problem solving with academically advanced students
Authors: Chamberlin Scott A. , Moore Alan D. , Parks Kelly 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundStudent affect plays a considerable role in mathematical problem solving performance, yet is rarely formally assessed. In this manuscript, an instrument and its properties are discussed to enable educational psychologists the opportunity to assess student affect.AimsThe study was conducted to norm the CAIMPS (instrument) with gifted students. In so doing, educational psychologists are informed of the process and the instrument's properties.SampleThe sample was comprised of 160 middle‐grade (7 and 8) students, identified as gifted, in the United States.MethodsAfter completing one of four model‐eliciting activities (MEAs), all participants completed the CAIMPS (Chamberlin Affective Instrument for Mathematical Problem Solving). Data were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis to ascertain the number of factors in the instrument. The normed fit index (0.6939), non‐normed fit index (0.8072), and root mean square error approximation (.076) were at or near the acceptable levels. Alpha levels for factors were also robust (.637–.923).Results and conclusionData suggest that the instrument was a good fit for use with mathematics students in middle grades when solving problems. Perhaps the most impressive characteristic of the instrument was that the four factors (AVI: anxiety, value, and interest), SS (self‐efficacy and self‐esteem), ASP (aspiration), and ANX (anxiety) did not correlate highly with one another, which defies previous hypotheses in educational psychology.
Citizens' views in four jurisdictions on placement policies for maltreated children
Authors: Skivenes Marit , Thoburn June 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCitizens' opinions on child protection public policy are a key dimension of the legitimacy of a political order. We have conducted a survey vignette on a representative sample of citizens (N = 4,003) in England, Finland, Norway, and California, USA. The findings show that citizens' opinions are clearly in favour of adoption (75%) rather than long‐term foster care (25%). Context may partly explain the findings, as the responses of the majority of Anglo‐American respondents are in line with practice in their countries but for the Nordic respondents, there is a substantial discrepancy between citizens' opinions and on‐going child protection practices.
Inverse association between size of the lipid‐rich necrotic core and vascularization in human carotid plaques
Authors: Hjelmgren Ola , Johansson Lars , Prahl Ulrica , Schmidt Caroline , Bergström Göran M. L. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryPurposeTo study the relationship between the size of the lipid‐rich necrotic core measured by MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and the level of plaque vascularization measured by contrast‐enhanced ultrasound, in human carotid plaques. Further, to compare the size of lipid‐rich necrotic core from MRI to plaque echogenicity.MethodsThirty‐one subjects with carotid plaques underwent standard B‐mode ultrasound, contrast‐enhanced ultrasound and MRI. The lipid‐rich necrotic core was quantified using MRI. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound was used to measure carotid plaque vascularization. Standard B‐mode ultrasound was used to measure plaque echogenicity as greyscale median.ResultsThe amount of lipid‐rich necrotic core correlated inversely with the degree of plaque vascularization (r = −0·40, P = 0·03). There were no correlations between the degree of plaque vascularization and the amount of fibrous tissue or calcifications. There were no correlations between greyscale median and the lipid‐rich necrotic core, fibrous tissue or calcifications.ConclusionsWe show that more dense plaque vascularization is associated with a lower plaque content of lipid‐rich necrotic core. A large lipid‐rich necrotic core and high plaque vascularization are both proposed as predictors of vulnerability, and our finding is therefore odds with some earlier observations. Our finding can be explained by the fact that the necrotic core of the plaque contains no viable tissue and therefore less of the plaque can be vascularized if the lipid‐rich necrotic core is large. Our study suggests that the true relation between plaque vascularization and other indices of vulnerability is more complex than initially thought.
Total atherosclerotic burden measured by magnetic resonance imaging is related to five‐year decline in cognitive function
Authors: Hansen Tomas , Kilander Lena , Ahlström Håkan , Lind Lars 
Published: April 2017

SummaryObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore whether total atherosclerotic burden is related to future decline in performance on cognitive tests.MethodsThe total atherosclerotic burden (TAS) was assessed by whole‐body magnetic resonance angiography (WBMRA) in 305 subjects at age 70 in the study Prospective Investigation of Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS). The mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) and trail making tests (TMT) A and B were evaluated at ages 75 and 80 in 190 of those subjects. No subject with a diagnosis of dementia was included in the sample.ResultsMMSE did not change during the 5 years of follow‐up, while TMT A and B increased by 4 and 7 s, respectively. TAS at age 70 was significantly related to the individual change in TMT B (P<0·0001) between age 75 and 80, when adjusted for sex, education level, TMT B at age 75 and Framingham score at age 70. No such relationship was seen for the change in TMT A (P = 0·10). The relationship between TAS and the change in MMSE was of borderline significance (P = 0·025).ConclusionA relationship was found between the total atherosclerotic burden and future decline in performance on TMT B, highlighting a role of global atherosclerosis in the cognitive decline seen during ageing.
Brachial blood flow under relative levels of blood flow restriction is decreased in a nonlinear fashion
Authors: Mouser J. Grant , Ade Carl J. , Black Christopher D. , Bemben Debra A. , Bemben Michael G. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryIntroductionBlood flow restriction (BFR), the application of external pressure to occlude venous return and restrict arterial inflow, has been shown to increase muscular size and strength when combined with low‐load resistance exercise. BFR in the research setting uses a wide range of pressures, applying a pressure based upon an individual's systolic pressure or a percentage of occlusion pressure; not a directly determined reduction in blood flow. The relationship between relative pressure and blood flow has not been established.PurposeTo measure blood flow in the arm under relative levels of BFR.MethodsForty‐five people (18–40 years old) participated. Arterial occlusion pressure in the right arm was measured using a 5‐cm pneumatic cuff. Blood flow in the brachial artery was measured at rest and at pressures between 10% and 90% of occlusion using ultrasound.ResultsBlood flow decreased in a nonlinear, stepped fashion. Blood flow decreased at 10% of occlusion and remained constant until decreasing again at 40%, where it remained until 90% of occlusion.ConclusionThe decrease in brachial blood flow is not proportional to the applied relative pressure. The prescription of blood flow restriction should take into account the stimulus provided at each relative level of blood flow.
Basal cell carcinoma: CD56 and cytokeratin 5/6 staining patterns in the differential diagnosis with Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Panse Gauri , McNiff Jennifer M. , Ko Christine J. 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundBasal cell carcinoma (BCC) can resemble Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) on histopathological examination and while CK20 is a useful marker in this differential, it is occasionally negative in MCC. CD56, a sensitive marker of neuroendocrine differentiation, is sometimes used to identify MCC, but has been reportedly variably positive in BCC as well. In contrast, CK5/6 consistently labels BCC but is not expressed in neuroendocrine tumors.MethodsWe evaluated 20 cases of BCC for the pattern of CD56 and cytokeratin 5/6 (CK5/6) staining, hypothesizing that these 2 stains could differentiate BCC from MCC in difficult cases. Seventeen cases of MCC previously stained with CD56 were also examined.ResultsAll BCCs showed patchy expression of CD56 except for 2 cases, which showed staining of greater than 70% of tumor. CK5/6 was diffusely positive in all cases of BCC. Fifteen of 17 MCCs were diffusely positive for CD56. The difference in the pattern of CD56 expression between MCC and BCC (diffuse vs patchy, respectively) was statistically significant (P < .05).Conclusion
BCC typically shows patchy CD56 expression and diffuse CK5/6 positivity. These 2 markers can be used to distinguish between BCC and MCC in challenging cases.
‘It's like a drink you'd have before you go to a party’: Analysis of a Vodka Cruiser advertising campaign
Authors: Jones Sandra C. , Francis Kate L. , Gordon Chloe S. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThe aim of the present study was to explore young women's understandings of, and interactions with, an advertising campaign for a pre‐mixed alcohol product that appeared to be promoting pre‐drinking. This campaign was the subject of complaints to the Alcohol Advertising Review Board, revealing an inconsistency between the way the company responded to such complaints (arguing that the campaign does not encourage pre‐drinking) and the way it described the campaign in trade press (the pre‐drink enjoyed by the ‘girls’ while getting ready …).Design and MethodsTwelve focus groups were conducted with 72 young women, aged 15–25 years in Melbourne, Australia. These young women's interpretations of the messages communicated in this advertising campaign were analysed thematically.ResultsThe young women identified, without prompting, the main message of the campaign as being a reference to pre‐drinking. Most notably, the women saw the target audience as young (including underage) women.Discussion and ConclusionsGiven that young women who drink are increasingly doing so at harmful levels, a marketing campaign, which is interpreted by the target audience to encourage pre‐drinking among young (including underage) women, appears to be inconsistent with the industry's own code for alcohol advertising. We renew the call for effective regulation of alcohol advertising to better protect young Australians. [Jones SC, Francis KL, Gordon CS. ‘It's like a drink you'd have before you go to a party’: Analysis of a Vodka Cruiser advertising campaign. Drug Alcohol Rev 2018;37:36–41]
Role of four‐dimensional echocardiography with high‐definition flow imaging and spatiotemporal image correlation in detecting fetal pulmonary veins
Authors: Sun Xue , Zhang Ying , Fan Miao , Wang Yu , Wang Meilian , Siddiqui Faiza Amber , Sun Wei , Sun Feifei , Zhang Dongyu , Lei Wenjia , Hu Guyue 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundPrenatal diagnosis of fetal total anomalous pulmonary vein connection (TAPVC) remains challenging for most screening sonographers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of four‐dimensional echocardiography with high‐definition flow imaging and spatiotemporal image correlation (4D‐HDFI) in identifying pulmonary veins in normal and TAPVC fetuses.Material & MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed and performed 4D‐HDFI in 204 normal and 12 fetuses with confirmed diagnosis of TAPVC. Cardiac volumes were available for postanalysis to obtain 4D‐rendered images of the pulmonary veins. For the normal fetuses, two other traditional modalities including color Doppler and HDFI were used to detect the number of pulmonary veins and comparisons were made between each of these traditional methods and 4D‐HDFI.ResultsFor conventional echocardiography, HDFI modality was superior to color Doppler in detecting more pulmonary veins in normal fetuses throughout the gestational period. 4D‐HDFI was the best method during the second trimester of pregnancy in identifying normal fetal pulmonary veins. 4D‐HDFI images vividly depicted the figure, course, and drainage of pulmonary veins in both normal and TAPVC fetuses.ConclusionHDFI and the advanced 4D‐HDFI technique could facilitate identification of the anatomical features of pulmonary veins in both normal and TAPVC fetuses; 4D‐HDFI therefore provides additional and more precise information than conventional echocardiography techniques.
Credit booms and busts in emerging markets
Authors: Andries Alin Marius , Brown Martin 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe investigate to what extent corporate governance and risk management mitigate the involvement of banks in credit boom and bust cycles. We study a unique, hand‐collected dataset covering 156 banks from Central and Eastern Europe during 2005–2012. We document that stronger risk management is associated with more moderate pre‐crisis credit growth but not with fewer credit losses in the crisis. With respect to bank governance, we find that a higher share of foreign members on the supervisory board is associated with less rapid credit growth in the pre‐crisis period and a lower level of credit losses during the crisis period.