bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Controls on the Isotopic Composition of Precipitation in the South‐Central United States
Authors: Sun Chijun , Shanahan Timothy M. , Partin Judson 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe processes that control the isotopic composition of precipitation in the midlatitudes are complicated, but can provide valuable insights into precipitation‐generating processes and are critical for interpreting stable isotope‐based paleoclimate records. In this study, we investigated the controls on changes in the isotopic composition of rainwater in central Texas using a combination of existing monthly stable isotope data from the global network of isotopes in precipitation and 20 months of event‐based rainwater collection from Austin, TX. We find that the strongest control on the isotopic composition of precipitation is the varying proportion of convective and stratiform rainfall, with other factors such as precipitation amount, temperature, and storm track playing a secondary role. Isotopic values are generally lower in the cold season than the warm season precipitation because cold season precipitation is predominantly stratiform often associated with a northerly storm track. However, the majority of the precipitation in the south‐central United States occurs during the warm season in association with mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) that are fed with moisture by the southerly winds. MCSs are characterized by a combination of a leading edge of organized deep convection and trailing stratiform precipitation. Stronger MCSs tend to contain higher proportions of stratiform rainfall and, as a result, have more isotopically depleted values. Therefore, changes in the stable isotopic composition of rainfall may be interpreted as reflecting changes in the intensity of MCS.
Influence of Syntectonic Sedimentation and Décollement Rheology on the Geometry and Evolution of Orogenic Wedges: Analog Modeling of the Kuqa Fold‐and‐Thrust Belt (NW China)
Authors: Pla Oriol , Roca Eduard , Xie Huiwen , Izquierdo‐Llavall Esther , Muñoz Josep Anton , Rowan Mark G. , Ferrer Oriol , Gratacós Òscar , Yuan Neng , Huang Shaoying 
Published: July 2019

AbstractContractional deformation in the outer parts of fold‐and‐thrust belts is in part controlled by the presence of syntectonic sediments and multiple décollements (e.g., the Apennines, the Appalachians, the Pyrenees, the Zagros, or the Sub‐Andean and Kuqa fold‐and‐thrust belts). To better understand the influence of these parameters in the kinematic evolution of fold‐and‐thrust systems, we carried out an experimental study including four 3‐D sandbox models inspired by one of the previously mentioned prototypes, the Kuqa fold‐and‐thrust belt. This belt contains two décollements: a weak synorogenic salt layer and a deeper, preorogenic, and frictionless décollement (i.e., organic‐rich shales) showing along strike variations of rheology. The experimental results show that increasing synkinematic sedimentation rate (i) generates a progressive change from distributed to localized deformation and (ii) delays the development of frontal contractional structures detached on the salt, favoring the formation and reactivation of more hinterland thrusts and backthrusts. With respect to the rheology, our study reveals that as the viscosity of the prekinematic décollement increases, (i) the deformation propagates more slowly toward the foreland, and (ii) the underlying thrust stack becomes broader and lower and has a gentler thrust taper angle. The rheology of the prekinematic décollement defines the distribution and geometry of the structures detached on it that in turn influence the development of overlying, salt‐detached structures. Subsalt structures can (i) determine the areal extent of the salt and therefore of any fold‐and‐thrust system detached on it and (ii) hamper or even prevent the progressive foreland propagation of deformation above the salt.
Two Decades of Experimental Manipulation Reveal Potential for Enhanced Biomass Accumulation and Water Use Efficiency in Ponderosa Pine Plantations Across Climate Gradients
Authors: Liles G. C. , Maxwell T. M. , Silva L. C. R. , Zhang J. W. , Horwath W. R. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn this study, we report 20 years of data from three ponderosa pine plantations in northern California. Our sites span a natural gradient of forest productivity where climate variability and edaphic conditions delineate marked differences in baseline productivity (approximately threefold). Experimental herbicide application and fertilization significantly reduced competition and improved tree growth by 1.4‐ to 2.2‐fold across sites. At the site of lowest productivity, where soils are poorly developed and water limiting, tree growth increased strongly in response to understory suppression. Small but significant improvements in tree growth were observed in response to understory suppression at the moderate‐productivity site. At the site of highest productivity, where climate is favorable and soils well developed, fertilization increased productivity to a greater extent than did understory suppression. In most cases, the effect of understory suppression and fertilization caused an unexpected growth release, exceeding the anticipated maximum productivity by >5 m of additional height and 60–100% more basal area. At the site of highest productivity, however, understory suppression caused a weak increase on late‐season growth compared to fertilization alone, suggesting a beneficial effect of understory vegetation on long‐term growth at that site. Tree ring cellulose carbon isotopes indicate a negative relationship between intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) and tree growth in control stands, which shifted to a positive relationship as both iWUE and tree growth increased in response to management. Cellulose oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O) were positively correlated with iWUE and negatively correlated with vapor pressure deficit across sites, but δ18O was not a strong predictor of tree growth.
Genetic discrimination by Australian insurance companies: a survey of consumer experiences
Authors: Tiller Jane , Morris Susan , Rice Toni , Barter Krystal , Riaz Moeen , Keogh Louise , Delatycki Martin B. , Otlowski Margaret , Lacaze Paul 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe report previously undocumented evidence of genetic discrimination by Australian insurance companies, obtained through direct consumer reports. We surveyed 174 consumers with cancer-predisposing variants, recruited by cancer organisations Lynch Syndrome Australia and Pink Hope. Questions related to experiences accessing risk-rated insurance after genetic testing. Results indicate that both legal (permitted under current regulation) and illegal discrimination is occurring. Although some respondents had not applied for risk-rated insurance, or had insurance in place before genetic testing (n = 100), those seeking new policies (n = 74) commonly experienced difficulties obtaining insurance (86%, 64/74). Of those experiencing difficulties, 50% (32/64) had no prior history or symptoms of cancer, and had undertaken risk reduction through surveillance and/or preventative surgery. Seventy-seven percent (49/64) reported difficulties related to life insurance. Follow-up telephone interviews with four respondents further described cases of apparent illegal breaches. All reports of discrimination identified were, to our knowledge, previously unreported in the literature. The number of cases suggests a systemic problem with the Australian life insurance industry. We support calls for government oversight of the inherently conflicted model of industry self-regulation in Australia, and an immediate ban on the use of genetic test results in insurance underwriting.
Upper limits on the water vapour content of the β Pictoris debris disk
Authors: Cavallius M. , Cataldi G. , Brandeker A. , Olofsson G. , Larsson B. , Liseau R. 
Published: July 2019

Context. The debris disk surrounding β Pictoris has been observed with ALMA to contain a belt of CO gas with a distinct peak at ~85 au. This CO clump is thought to be the result of a region of enhanced density of solids that collide and release CO through vaporisation. The parent bodies are thought to be comparable to solar system comets, in which CO is trapped inside a water ice matrix.
Aims. Since H2O should be released along with CO, we aim to put an upper limit on the H2O gas mass in the disk of β Pictoris.
Methods. We used archival data from the Heterodyne Instrument for the Far-Infrared (HIFI) aboard the Herschel Space Observatory to study the ortho-H2O 110–101 emission line. The line is undetected. Using a python implementation of the radiative transfer code RADEX, we converted upper limits on the line flux to H2O gas masses. The resulting lower limits on the CO/H2O mass ratio are compared to the composition of solar system comets.
Results. Depending on the assumed gas spatial distribution, we find a 95% upper limit on the ortho-H2O line flux of 7.5 × 10−20 W m−2 or 1.2 × 10−19 W m−2. These translate into an upper limit on the H2O mass of 7.4 × 1016–1.1 × 1018 kg depending on both the electron density and gas kinetic temperature. The range of derived gas-phase CO/H2O ratios is marginally consistent with low-ratio solar system comets.
Safety and Accuracy of Minimally Invasive Long Bone Fracture Repair Using a 2.5-mm Interlocking Nail: A Cadaveric Feline Study
Authors: Nabholz Katrin , Pozzi Antonio , Schmierer Philipp A. , Smolders Lucas A. , Knell Sebastian C. 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Objectives The Targon Vet System (TVS) is a 2.5-mm interlocking nail that can be applied minimally invasively. The purpose of this study was to test if the TVS could be safely applied percutaneously to different feline long bones without fluoroscopic guidance.
Methods A gap fracture was created in 96 feline humeri, femora and tibiae (n = 32/group). Paired bones were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: (1) TVS inserted percutaneously with fluoroscopy and (2) TVS inserted percutaneously without fluoroscopy. Intraoperative evaluation (complications, procedure time, attempts), radiographs (pre-/postoperative alignment, length) and anatomical dissection (neurovascular injury, rotational alignment) were compared between treatment groups.
Results The use of fluoroscopy did not lead to significant differences in any of the outcome measures. Intraoperative complications predominantly occurred in the distal humerus (12/32) and the proximal femur (7/32). In total, 20/96 complications occurred with no complications for the tibia. Neurovascular structures were only damaged at the medial side of the distal humerus (10/32).
Clinical Significance We conclude that the TVS can be safely applied percutaneously to the tibia and with limitations to the femur in normal cadaveric cats without fluoroscopy. Despite the limitations of a cadaveric study, the high number of complications is leading us to consider the humerus not safe for the TVS. A learning curve has to be expected and technical recommendations should be respected to decrease complications.
Concepts in Periodic Discharges: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Khanna Laxmi , Agarwal Nandini , Kandel Sabita 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Introduction Periodic discharges are now known as the ictal–interictal continuum and represent ongoing injury in acute or chronic neurological illnesses.
Objective The aim of our study was to identify periodic discharges in patients who have undergone continuous bedside electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring and to classify the EEG according to the current American Clinical Neurophysiology Society terminology.
Materials and Methods The continuous bedside EEG records of intensive care patients admitted from August 2017 to July 2018 were analyzed. The clinical spectrum, the treatment, and outcome of each of these patients were monitored.
Results Fifty cases of periodic discharges (11 children, 39 adults) were identified over 1 year from 2017 to 2018. The clinical presentation included 32% seizures, 16% status epilepticus, 20% coma, 16% fever with altered sensorium, 8% abnormal behavior, 4% strokes, and 4% traumatic brain injury. The diagnosis was 20% autoimmune encephalitis, 8% herpes encephalitis, 20% multiorgan failure, 4% traumatic brain injury, 16% status epilepticus, 16% posthypoxic encephalopathy, 4% strokes, 4% intracerebral bleeds, 4% meningitis, and 4% severe dementia. Lateralized periodic discharges were identified in 20%, bilateral independent periodic discharges in 20%, and generalized periodic discharges in 60%. Fifty-six percent patients recovered with residual neurological deficits and 44% succumbed to their illness.
Conclusions Continuous bedside EEG monitoring has revolutionized the approach to seizures in critically ill patients. Despite a vigilant approach and diligent diagnosis of these abnormal rhythms, the mortality rate was 20% in patients with lateralized periodic discharges and 60% with bilateral and generalized periodic discharges (p ≤ 0.05).
Effect of Vitamin C as an Adjunct in Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy in Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Kunsongkeit Piyapat , Okuma Nis , Rassameemasmaung Supanee , Chaivanit Pechngam 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Objective The main purpose of this article is to evaluate periodontal parameters of chronic periodontitis patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus after initial periodontal therapy plus vitamin C.
Materials and Methods A double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial was conducted. Subjects received initial periodontal therapy plus 500 mg/day vitamin C for 2 months (n = 15) or placebo (n = 16). Fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), and plasma vitamin C level were assessed at baseline and 2 months post-treatment. Plaque Index, Sulcus Bleeding Index, Gingival Index, pocket depth, and clinical attachment level were measured at baseline, 1 month, and 2 months post-treatment.
Results Almost all subjects had low level of plasma vitamin C at baseline. In the test group, plasma vitamin C was significantly increased to an adequate level at the end of 2 months. After periodontal treatment, FBS and HbA1c were not significantly different compared with baseline in the test group. In the control group, FBS was significantly decreased from baseline. However, no significant difference between groups was found either in FBS or HbA1c. All periodontal parameters were significantly improved from baseline in both groups. However, no significant difference was found between groups.
Conclusion Supplementation of 500 mg/day vitamin C did not give an additional benefit in promoting periodontal status in periodontitis patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Modifications of Glass Ionomer Cement Powder by Addition of Recently Fabricated Nano-Fillers and Their Effect on the Properties: A Review
Authors: Moheet Imran Alam , Luddin Norhayati , Rahman Ismail Ab , Kannan Thirumulu Ponnuraj , Nik Abd Ghani Nik Rozainah , Masudi Saman Malik 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe aim of this article is to provide a brief insight regarding the recent studies and their recommendations related to the modifications to glass ionomer cement (GIC) powder in order to improve their properties. An electronic search of publications was made from the year 2000 to 2018. The databases included in the current study were EBSCOhost, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. The inclusion criteria for the current study include publication with abstract or full-text articles, original research, reviews or systematic reviews, in vitro, and in vivo studies that were written in English language. Among these only articles published in peer-reviewed journals were included. Articles published in other languages, with no available abstract and related to other nondentistry fields, were excluded. A detailed review of the recent materials used as a filler phase in GIC powder has revealed that not all modifications produce beneficial results. Recent work has demonstrated that modification of GIC powder with nano-particles has many beneficial effects on the properties of the material. This is due to the increase in surface area and surface energy, along with better particle distribution of the nano-particle. Therefore, more focus should be given on nano-particle having greater chemical affinity for GIC matrix as well as the tooth structure that will enhance the physicochemical properties of GIC.
The results of high-frequency audiometry in tinnitus patients
Authors: Mujdeci Banu , Dere H. Hüseyin 
Published: July 2019

Objective:
To evaluate high-frequency (HF) audiometry in subjects with unilateral subjective tinnitus and normal pure tone thresholds (≤25 dB HL) at 0.25-8 kHz.

Materials and methods:
The study group; consisted of 20 patients with unilateral subjective tinnitus (12 women, 8 men) and normal hearing threshold levels. A control group was also selected as 20 subjects (11 women, 9 men) having normal pure tone thresholds below 25 dBHL at 0.25-8 kHz and not complaining of tinnitus. The HF audiometry testing was used. HF hearing threshold measurements were performed in a sound-treated booth using the clinic audiometer (Interacoustics AC 40, Danimarka) with Koss R80 HF headphone at 10, 12.5, 14 and 16 kHz.

Results:
The pure tone hearing thresholds showed difference between tinnitus ears of study group and control group at 10, 12.5, 14 and 16 kHz (p < .05). Similarly HF hearing thresholds showed difference between tinnitus ears and non-tinnitus ears in the study group at 10, 12.5, 14 and 16 kHz (p < .05).

Conclusions:
The routinely use of HF audiometry in tinnitus subjects with normal pure tone thresholds with conventional audiometry can provide useful information about the patients’ hearing status.
A Quantitative Validation of the Control Banding Nanotool
Authors: Zalk David M , Paik Samuel Y , Chase Wesley D 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Eleven years (by publication) years after the development and application of the control banding (CB) Nanotool for the qualitative assessment and control of engineered nanoparticles (ENP), there remains no quantitative gold standard to serve as an alternative to the qualitative assessment. Many CB models have been developed during the years subsequent to the initial development of the CB Nanotool and the literature continues to blossom with comparisons and applications of these various tools; however, these developments have hitherto been made in the absence of validating and verifying their effectiveness using existing, albeit limited, quantitative methods. This paper reviews the existing literature on the CB Nanotool to evaluate its effectiveness in a variety of settings and presents a summary of qualitative and quantitative information from its application in a broad range of ENP handling activities performed in two different research institutions. A total of 28 ENP activities were assessed using the CB Nanotool (Version 2.0). Due to the lack of guidance on a single exposure assessment methodology, a combination of real-time monitoring, filter analysis, and microscopic analysis was used to assess various quantitative metrics, including mass concentration, particle number concentration, and particle speciation. All the results indicated that the control outcomes from the CB Nanotool qualitative assessment were sufficient to prevent workers from being exposed to ENP at levels beyond established exposure limits or background levels. These data represent an independent quantitative validation of CB Nanotool risk level outcomes and give further credence to the use of the CB Nanotool to effectively control worker exposures in the absence of quantitative air monitoring results.
Ontogeny and evolution of the sound-generating structures in the infraorder Delphinida (Odontoceti: Delphinida)
Authors: Frainer Guilherme , Moreno Ignacio B , Serpa Nathalia , Galatius Anders , Wiedermann Dirk , Huggenberger Stefan 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe ontogeny of the structures involved in sound generation and modulation in dolphins was investigated through a comparison of the soft nasal structures of foetal, perinatal, neonatal and adult specimens of Pontoporiidae, Phocoenidae and Delphinidae. Foetal samples were sectioned at 10 µm in the saggital and coronal planes, and stained for histological examination. Computed tomography and magentic resonance imaging scan series were combined with new data to represent the ontogenetic stages of the three groups. The images were analysed in 3D-Slicer to characterize the general head topography. The origins of the melon and the vestibular air sac were detected between Carnegie stages C16 and F22. The three groups analysed showed distinct formation of the nasal plug and nasal plug muscles, mainly with regard to the loss of fat pathways (or their maintenance in Pontoporiidae) and the development of the nasal plug muscles on both sides (during perinatal development of Phocoenidae) or just on the left side (during postnatal development in Delphinidae). Broadband vocalizing delphinidans might have evolved under heterochronic events acting on the formation of sound-generating structures such as the rostrum and vestibular air sacs, and on the transformation of the branches of the melon, probably leading to a reduced directionality of the sonar beam.
DNA methylation patterns in bladder tumors of African American patients point to distinct alterations in xenobiotic metabolism
Authors: Vantaku Venkatrao , Amara Chandra Sekhar , Piyarathna Danthasinghe Waduge Badrajee , Donepudi Sri Ramya , Ambati Chandrashekar R , Putluri Vasanta , Tang Wei , Rajapakshe Kimal , Estecio Marcos Roberto , Terris Martha K , Castro Patricia D , Ittmann Michael M , Williams Stephen B , Lerner Seth P , Sreekumar Arun , Bollag Roni , Coarfa Cristian , Kornberg Michael D , Lotan Yair , Ambs Stefan , Putluri Nagireddy 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Racial/ethnic disparities have a significant impact on bladder cancer outcomes with African American patients demonstrating inferior survival over European-American patients. We hypothesized that epigenetic difference in methylation of tumor DNA is an underlying cause of this survival health disparity. We analyzed bladder tumors from African American and European-American patients using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) to annotate differentially methylated DNA regions. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) based metabolomics and flux studies were performed to examine metabolic pathways that showed significant association to the discovered DNA methylation patterns. RRBS analysis showed frequent hypermethylated CpG islands in African American patients. Further analysis showed that these hypermethylated CpG islands in patients are commonly located in the promoter regions of xenobiotic enzymes that are involved in bladder cancer progression. On follow-up, LC-MS/MS revealed accumulation of glucuronic acid, S-adenosylhomocysteine, and a decrease in S-adenosylmethionine, corroborating findings from the RRBS and mRNA expression analysis indicating increased glucuronidation and methylation capacities in African American patients. Flux analysis experiments with 13C-labeled glucose in cultured African American bladder cancer cells confirmed these findings. Collectively, our studies revealed robust differences in methylation-related metabolism and expression of enzymes regulating xenobiotic metabolism in African American patients indicate that race/ethnic differences in tumor biology may exist in bladder cancer.