bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibiting the Progression of Arterial Calcification with Vitamin K in HemoDialysis Patients (iPACK-HD) Trial: Rationale and Study Design for a Randomized Trial of Vitamin K in Patients with End Stage Kidney Disease
Authors: Holden Rachel M , Booth Sarah L , Day Andrew G , Clase Catherine M , Zimmerman Deborah , Moist Louise , Shea M Kyla , McCabe Kristin M , Jamal Sophie A , Tobe Sheldon , Weinstein Jordan , Madhumathi Rao , Adams Michael A , Heyland Daren K 
Published: April 2015

Background: Cardiovascular disease, which is due in part to progressive vascular calcification, is the leading cause of death among patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) on dialysis. A role for vitamin K in the prevention of vascular calcification is plausible based on the presence of vitamin K dependent proteins in vascular tissue, including matrix gla protein (MGP). Evidence from animal models and observational studies support a role for vitamin K in the prevention of vascular calcification. A large-scale study is needed to investigate the effect of vitamin K supplementation on the progression of vascular calcification in patients with ESKD, a group at risk for sub-clinical vitamin K deficiency. Methods/Design: We plan a prospective, randomized, double-blind, multicenter controlled trial of incident ESKD patients on hemodialysis in centers within North America. Eligible subjects with a baseline coronary artery calcium score of greater than or equal to 30 Agatston Units, will be randomly assigned to either the treatment group (10 mg of phylloquinone three times per week) or to the control group (placebo administration three times per week). The primary endpoint is the progression of coronary artery calcification defined as a greater than 15% increase in CAC score over baseline after 12 months. Discussion: Vitamin K supplementation is a simple, safe and cost-effective nutritional strategy that can easily be integrated into patient care. If vitamin K reduces the progression of coronary artery calcification it may lead to decreased morbidity and mortality in men and women with ESKD. Trial registration: NCT 01528800.
Substance P Regulates Puberty Onset and Fertility in the Female Mouse
Authors: Simavli Serap , Thompson Iain R. , Maguire Caroline A. , Gill John C. , Carroll Rona S. , Wolfe Andrew , Kaiser Ursula B. , Navarro Víctor M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPuberty is a tightly regulated process that leads to reproductive capacity. Kiss1 neurons are crucial in this process by stimulating GnRH, yet how Kiss1 neurons are regulated remains unknown. Substance P (SP), an important neuropeptide in pain perception, induces gonadotropin release in adult mice in a kisspeptin-dependent manner. Here, we assessed whether SP, through binding to its receptor NK1R (neurokinin 1 receptor), participates in the timing of puberty onset and fertility in the mouse. We observed that 1) selective NK1R agonists induce gonadotropin release in prepubertal females; 2) the expression of Tac1 (encoding SP) and Tacr1 (NK1R) in the arcuate nucleus is maximal before puberty, suggesting increased SP tone; 3) repeated exposure to NK1R agonists prepubertally advances puberty onset; and 4) female Tac1−/− mice display delayed puberty; moreover, 5) SP deficiency leads to subfertility in females, showing fewer corpora lutea and antral follicles and leading to decreased litter size. Thus, our findings support a role for SP in the stimulation of gonadotropins before puberty, acting via Kiss1 neurons to stimulate GnRH release, and its involvement in the attainment of full reproductive capabilities in female mice.
Abundance of ADAM9 transcripts increases in the blood in response to tissue damage
Authors: Rinchai Darawan , Kewcharoenwong Chidchamai , Kessler Bianca , Lertmemongkolchai Ganjana , Chaussabel Damien 
Published: April 2015

Background: Members of the ADAM (a disintegrin and metalloprotease domain) family have emerged as critical regulators of cell-cell signaling during development and homeostasis. ADAM9 is consistently overexpressed in various human cancers, and has been shown to play an important role in tumorigenesis. However, little is known about the involvement of ADAM9 during immune-mediated processes. Results: Mining of an extensive compendium of transcriptomic datasets led to the discovery of gaps in knowledge for ADAM9 that reveal its role in immunological homeostasis and pathogenesis. The abundance of ADAM9 transcripts in the blood was increased in patients with acute infection but changed very little after in vitro exposure to a wide range of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Furthermore it was found to increase significantly in subjects as a result of tissue injury or tissue remodeling, in absence of infectious processes. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that ADAM9 may constitute a valuable biomarker for the assessment of tissue damage, especially in clinical situations where other inflammatory markers are confounded by infectious processes.
A molecular framework phylogeny for Ptilotus (Amaranthaceae): Evidence for the rapid diversification of an arid Australian genus
Authors: Hammer Timothy , Davis Robert , Thiele Kevin 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPtilotus (Amaranthaceae) is an Australian genus with over 100 species, most of which occur in arid Western Australia. Ptilotus has been a taxonomically difficult genus; despite rigorous morphological studies into the genus over many years, previous workers have found it difficult to delimit infrageneric groups due to inconsistent morphological variation. With the goal to establish a phylogenetic framework for the genus, 100 taxa were sampled, including 87 Ptilotus spp., and the ITS nrDNA and matK cpDNA were sequenced. The phylogeny was reconstructed using Bayesian, maximum likelihood and maximum parsimony analyses on separate and concatenated datasets. Morphological characters were assessed and compared to clades on the phylogeny to identify synapomorphies and aid in the construction of an infrageneric classification. A diversification rate analysis was used to identify rate shifts in speciation across the phylogeny. Four major clades of the monophyletic Ptilotus were resolved, three small clades together comprising 27% of sampled taxa and a large, diverse clade comprising the remaining 73%. Four floral synapomorphies were identified as uniquely occurring within the latter, although none were common to all taxa in the clade. The diversification rate analysis identified a probable rate shift at the base of Ptilotus, indicating that the genus may have undergone a rapid diversification early in its evolution. This rapid diversification provides a plausible explanation for the lack of consistent variation in morphology among the major clades.
Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of milk
thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaertn.) seed oil
Authors: Hermenean Anca , Stan Miruna , Ardelean Aurel , Pilat Luminița , Mihali Ciprian Valentin , Popescu Cristina , Nagy Lajos , Deák György , Zsuga Miklós , Kéki Sándor , Bácskay Ildikó , Fenyvesi Ferenc , Costache Marieta , Dinischiotu Anca , Vecsernyés Miklós 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
This study has assessed the protective efficacy
of Silybum marianum seed oil (SMSO) in the context of
CCl4-induced injury and oxidative stress in murine liver.
Based on the GC-MS analysis, linoleic and stearic acids,
tocopherol, ascorbic acid 2,6 dihexadecanoate and other
constituents were identified in SMSO. Swiss mice received
oral doses of SMSO daily for 21 days (10 g/kg b.w.) and
subsequently injected i.p. with CCl4 (50% v/v in olive oil;
1 ml/kg) on the 22nd day. CCl4 administration induced an
elevation of serum amino- and glutamyl transferases
activities and an increased peroxidation, as well as a
decrease of SOD, CAT, GPx, GR and GST activities in
liver. SMSO successfully prevented oxidative stress and
restored the biochemical parameters, hepatic architecture
and expression of TNF-alpha. These findings suggest that
SMSO was effective in counteracting the damaging effects
of CCl4-induced injury in hepatocytes, probably due to its
inherent antioxidant properties.
Synthesis Optimization and Characterization of
Microencapsulated N-P-K Slow-Release Fertilizers
Authors: Neamţu Constantin , Popescu Mariana , Oancea Florin , Dima Ştefan-Ovidiu 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Slow-release microencapsulated N, P, and
K fertilizer synthesis was optimized and the products
exhaustively characterized. Four NPK formulations
with nutrient mass ratios of 1:0:0, 1:1:0, 1:1:1, and
2:1:1 were characterized following European Council
Regulation 2003/2003 for fertilizers as well as ICP-AES,
1H-NMR, FT-IR, HPLC, elemental analysis, XPS, SEM,
dynamic light scattering, thermogravimetry, differential
thermogravimetry, activity index, and leaching rate. These
fertilizers have good slow-release properties and decrease
waste and crop contaminants, improving environmental
protection. Compared to classic granulated fertilizers,
plant nutrient availability was improved allowing reduced
application. Nutrient leaching parameters describing four
different kinetic models were evaluated.
Electrochemical Methods for Total Antioxidant
Capacity and its Main Contributors Determination:
A review
Authors: Pisoschi Aurelia Magdalena , Cimpeanu Carmen , Predoi Gabriel 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Backround: The present review focuses on
electrochemical methods for antioxidant capacity and
its main contributors assessment. The main reactive
oxygen species, responsible for low density lipoprotein
oxidation, and their reactivity are reminded.
The role of antioxidants in counteracting the factors
leading to oxidative stress-related degenerative diseases
occurence, is then discussed. Antioxidants can scavenge
free radicals, can chelate pro-oxidative metal ions, or
quench singlet oxygen. When endogenous factors (uric
acid, bilirubin, albumin, metallothioneins, superoxide
dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione
reductase, glutathione-S-transferase) cannot accomplish
their protective role against reactive oxygen species,
the intervention of exogenous antioxidants (vitamin C,
tocopherols, flavonoids, carotenoids etc) is required,
as intake from food, as nutritional supplements or as
pharmaceutical products.

Literature study: The main advantages of
electrochemical methods with respect to traditional,
more laborious instrumental techniques are described:
sensitivity, rapidity, simplicity of the applied analytical
procedure which does not require complicated sample
pre-treatment etc.

The paper reviews minutiously the voltammetric,
amperometric, biamperometric, potentiometric and
coulometric methods for total antioxidant capacity
estimation. For each method presented, the electroactivity
and the mechanism of electro-oxidation of antioxidant
molecules at various electrodes, as well as the influences
on the electroactive properties are discussed. The
characteristics of the developed methods are viewed from
the perspective of the antioxidant molecule structure
influence, as well as from the importance of electrode
material and/or surface groups standpoint.

The antioxidant molecule-electrode surface
interaction, the detection system chosen, the use of
modifiers, as well as the nature of the analysed matrix are
the factors discussed, which influence the performances
of the studied electrochemical techniques.

Conclusions: The electrochemical methods reviewed
in this paper allow the successful determination of the
total antioxidant capacity and of its main contributors in
various media: foodstuffs and beverages, biological fluids,
pharmaceuticals. The advantages and disadvantages
of the electrochemical methods applied to antioxidant
content and antioxidant activity assay are treated and
interpreted, in the case of various analysed matrixes.
Combining advanced materials with classical electrode
construction, provides viable results and can constitute
an alternative for the future.
Simulating spatial aspects of a flash flood using the Monte Carlomethod and GRASS GIS: a case study of the Malá Svinka Basin(Slovakia)
Authors: Hofierka Jaroslav , Knutová Monika 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
This paper focuses on the flash flood assessmentusing a spatially-distributed hydrological model based onthe Monte Carlo simulation method. The model is implementedas r.sim.water module in GRASS GIS and was appliedto the Malá Svinka Basin in Eastern Slovakia where aheavy rainfall (100 mm/hr.) caused a flash flood event withdeadly consequences in July 1998. The event was simulatedusing standard datasets representing elevation, soilsand land cover. The results were captured in time seriesof water depth maps showing gradual changes in waterdepths across the basin. The hydrological effects of roadsin the study area were simulated using the preferentialflow feature of the model. This simulation helped to identifysource areas contributing to flooding in built-up areas.The implementation in a GIS environment simplifiesthe data preparation and eventual modification for variousscenarios and flood protection measures. The simulationconfirmed excellent robustness and flexibility of themethod.
Economic impact of corporate wellness programs in Europe: A literature review
Authors: Martínez‐Lemos R. Iván 
Published: April 2015

Economic impact of corporate wellness programs in Europe: A literature review: R. Iván Martínez‐Lemos. Special Learning Department, University of Vigo, SpainObjectiveThe purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence on the economic impact of corporate wellness programs (CWPs) in Europe from the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to 2013.MethodsA review was undertaken by searching for RCTs with key words in the following databases: PubMed, SPORT‐Discus, and Business Source Premier. Only RCTs that evaluated the economic impact of CWPs, and included analyses performed in Europe with results converted into monetary values, were eligible for inclusion. An approach to economic analyses from both an employer's perspective and a societal perspective was also undertaken.ResultsEleven RCTs were identified, and review of these studies determined that the economic impact of the majority of CWPs analyzed was mostly negative. We discuss a possible explanation for these discrepancies with regard to prior reviews in this area. Despite the fact that the RCT is the “gold standard” for investigating without bias, several limitations to the methodology may have influenced the results of the studies in this review and suggested the use of caution in the interpretation of the results.ConclusionsThe findings of this review could be a “wake up call” for companies regarding the high probability of bias from non‐RCT studies, the majority of which report a positive economic impact of these programs, and the risk of taking inappropriate decisions based on the results of such studies.
Adiposity Measurements and Non‐Surgical Periodontal Therapy Outcomes
Authors: Bouaziz Wiem , Davideau Jean‐Luc , Tenenbaum Henri , Huck Olivier 
Published: April 2015

Background: Obesity is considered a risk factor for periodontitis. However, its influence on periodontal therapy has not been clearly determined. The aim of this case‐control study is to evaluate the association between adiposity measurements, non‐surgical periodontal treatment outcomes, and influencing factors in patients with chronic periodontitis.Methods: Eighteen obese and 18 normal‐weight (NW) patients are included in this study. The waist/hip ratio (WHR), plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured at baseline and 3 and 6 months after treatment. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to evaluate the influence of sex, age, baseline percentage of PD >3 mm, WHR, and obesity on periodontal treatment outcomes.Results: Demographic and periodontal characteristics at baseline were similar in both groups. All periodontal parameters were improved during treatment in both groups. PD reduction and CAL gain were 0.88 and 0.84 mm in NW individuals and 0.79 and 0.68 mm in obese individuals. The difference in moderate‐to‐deep pocket (PD >5 mm) percentages between the baseline and 6‐month examinations was 9.1% in NW individuals and 6.08% for obese individuals. Multivariable analysis showed that obesity negatively influenced changes of PD >5 mm percentages. This influence was also observed at 3 months for improving sites (PD decrease >2 mm between examinations) if WHR was also considered in the analysis.Conclusions: A negative association between adiposity measurements and periodontal treatment outcomes was observed mainly for moderate‐to‐deep pockets. Consideration of WHR and other influencing factors amplified the negative effect of obesity on periodontal treatment outcomes.
The Application of Nano‐Sized Zero‐Valent Iron for In Situ Remediation of Chlorinated Ethylenes in Groundwater: A Field Case Study
Authors: Lacina Petr , Dvorak Vojtech , Vodickova Eva , Barson Prokop , Kalivoda Josef , Goold Scott 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT: In this paper, the authors present the pilot in situ application of nano zero‐valent iron (nZVI) for effective remediation of groundwater in an industrial area contaminated by chlorinated ethylenes (CEs), which create a significant group of global environmental contaminants. This work covers the entire 1‐year remediation process, including systematic laboratory tests and field application techniques for nZVI.The application was carried out in the area of a metal fabrication industrial facility in the Czech Republic. Contamination of CEs in this area is a consequence of old ecological loads. The entire remediation process contained the following steps: monitoring of the area, selection of the most relevant hot spot, selection of the most appropriate application borehole, systematic laboratory tests, application of nZVI, and postapplication monitoring.Ten kilograms of nZVI were applied as a water suspension into the selected borehole. Significant decreases in concentrations of selected contaminants were observed in the first month after application. The reaction in the borehole was completed within approximately 5 to 6 months after the application and during this period almost 50% elimination of contamination was achieved.
Typical Application of Sound Field in Wastewater Treatment with Fluidized Bed Photocatalytic Reactor
Authors: Si Chong‐dian , Zhou Jing , Gao Hong‐tao , Liu Guang‐jun , Wu Jian‐jun 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT: The effect of a sound field on wastewater treatment with a fluidized bed photocatalytic reactor (FBPR) was investigated. With Alizarin Green (AG) being the sole infectant, the Fe‐doped TiO2 catalyst prepared was used as the fluidized media. According to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model, the photocatalytic degradation follows the pseudo‐first‐order reaction kinetics with respect to the concentration of AG. Sound field application allowed the fluidization of the fine powder at high liquid flow rates; thus, the mass transfer rate between organic pollutant and particle photocatalyst was enhanced and the efficiency of degradation was increased. As expected, the degradation rate constant increased with increasing sound pressure level, as well as increased with increasing sound frequency ranging from 50 to 100 Hz, then further decreased with increasing sound frequency from 100 to 200 Hz. In addition, Fe doping is also responsible for the enhanced photocurrent response of the Fe‐doped TiO2 nanoparticle in FBPR relative to pure TiO2.
The influence of ECAP on microstructure evolution of aluminium alloys during in-situ heating in TEM
Authors: Poková Michaela , Zimina Mariia , Cieslar Miroslav 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Twin-roll casting of aluminium alloys produces sheets with high solid-solution supersaturation. During high tempe-rature processing the solid solution decomposes and cubic α-Al(Mn, Fe)Si precipitates form. Processing by equal channel angular pressing introduces new grain boundaries into the material and shifts the precipitation to lower temperatures. In-situ annealing in a transmission electron microscope enables dynamic observation of recovery, precipitation, particle dissolution and grain growth. However, most of the processes observed by in-situ transmission electron microscopy occur at temperatures that are lower than temperatures estimated from specimens annealed conventionally in a furnace.
Mesurer les résultats de la gestion des ressources humaines : principes, état des lieux et défis à surmonter pour les professionnels RH
Authors: Cossette Michel , Lépine Cédric , Raedecker Marie 
Published: April 2015

La fonction ressources humaines a suivi une évolution constante à travers le temps. Son prochain stade de développement : être en mesure de démontrer la valeur ajoutée de la fonction ressources humaines par le suivi d’indicateurs clés de performance. L’objectif de l’article est triple : présenter les principes de mesure en ressources humaines et les types d’indicateurs, dresser un portrait des pratiques de mesures au Québec chez les professionnels RH et donner un aperçu des défis tout en suggérant des recommandations aux professionnels RH quant aux façons de faire en mesure afin d’élaborer des indicateurs pertinents.
Comment implanter une stratégie omnicanal : illustration dans le secteur de l’alimentation au Québec
Authors: Salle Audrey , Lacerte Marie-Claude , Dupont Timothée , Grégoire Yany 
Published: April 2015

Le récent essor des technologies mobiles permet aux entreprises d’utiliser davantage de canaux (Web, téléphone mobile, réseaux sociaux, etc.) afin de rejoindre un maximum de consommateurs en fonction de leurs exigences. Or, trop souvent ces technologies sont utilisées dans le cadre de stratégies multicanal pour réaliser une transaction donnée plutôt que créer une expérience globale. Là où les stratégies multicanal se contentent de proposer plusieurs canaux de vente indépendants aux consommateurs, la stratégie dite « omnicanal » implique une intégration complète et transparente de l’ensemble des canaux et des points de contact afin d’offrir une expérience d’achat optimisée et personnalisée. Nous en avons plusieurs exemples actuellement dans le monde, particulièrement dans le commerce de détail alimentaire. Au Québec, bien que ce secteur accuse un retard dans l’application de la stratégie omnicanal, la récente multiplication des canaux utilisés pour rejoindre le consommateur laisse à penser que ces détaillants sont prêts à prendre ce virage important. Dans cet article, nous expliquons les défis auxquels cette industrie fait face et formulons des recommandations qui pourraient être utiles à ces détaillants.
DNA-Mediated Cyclic GMP–AMP Synthase–Dependent and –Independent Regulation of Innate Immune Responses
Authors: Motani Kou , Ito Shinji , Nagata Shigekazu 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Cytoplasmic DNA activates cyclic GMP–AMP synthase (cGAS) to produce cyclic 2′-5′3′-5′GMP–AMP dinucleotide (2′5 ′cGAMP). The binding of 2′5′cGAMP to an adaptor protein, stimulator of IFN genes (STING), activates a transcription factor, IFN regulatory factor 3, leading to the induction of IFN and chemokine gene expression. In this study, we found that the 2′5′cGAMP-dependent STING activation induced highly upregulated CXCL10 gene expression. Formation of a distinct STING dimer, which was detected by native PAGE, was induced by 2′5′cGAMP, but not 3′-5′3′-5′cGAMP. Analysis of DNase II−/− mice, which constitutively produce IFN-β and CXCL10, showed the accumulation of 2′5′cGAMP in their fetal livers and spleens, suggesting that the undigested DNA accumulating in DNase II−/− cells may have leaked from the lysosomes into the cytoplasm. The DNase II−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts produced 2′5′cGAMP in a cGAS-dependent manner during apoptotic cell engulfment. However, cGAS deficiency did not impair the STING-dependent upregulation of CXCL10 in DNase II−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts that was induced by apoptotic cell engulfment or DNA lipofection. These results suggest the involvement of a cGAS-independent additional DNA sensor(s) that induces the STING-dependent activation of innate immunity.