bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of calibration subsetting and new chemometric methods on the spectral prediction of key soil properties in a data‐limited environment
Authors: Clingensmith C. M. , Grunwald S. , Wani S. P. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryFew studies have systematically investigated the effects of subsetting strategies on soil modelling or explored the potential of emergent methods from other fields not previously applied to pedometrics. This study considers smallholder agricultural villages in southern India that have been understudied in terms of chemometric modelling intended to support soil health, fertility and management. Therefore, the objective was to investigate the application of visible near‐infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics to predict soil properties in this setting. In addition, this study evaluated the effects of methods of calibration subsetting and new parametric models on the prediction of soil properties. These novel methods were transferred from the genomics field to soil science. Three strategic subsetting methods were used to produce calibration subsets that consider the variation in the soil properties, the spectra and both together; this is in addition to standard random calibration subsetting. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) and two methods from genomics that impose variable reduction were used for modelling; the latter were sparse PLSR (SPLSR) and the heteroscedastic effects model (HEM). Soil samples were collected from two villages and analysed for texture, soil carbon and available macro‐ and micro‐nutrients. The results showed that soil texture and carbon could be predicted moderately to strongly, whereas plant nutrient properties were predicted poorly to moderately. Random subsetting and subsetting by property distribution were more appropriate when spectra varied less overall, whereas subsetting that incorporates variation in spectra and properties improved results when spectral variation increased. The SPLSR and HEM models improved results over PLSR in some cases, or at least maintained prediction strength while using fewer predictors. Subsetting methods improved prediction results in 75% of cases. This study filled an important research gap by systematically studying local subsetting behaviour under different degrees of spectral and attribute variation.HighlightsExplored new calibration subsetting methods and chemometric models in soil spectral modelling.Compared the methods and models for 17 soil properties in an understudied area of India.Random subsetting was not always optimal; subsetting matters and depends on data characteristics.Sparse models from genomics performed better in 75% of cases than a standard method.
What can we learn from visual and objective assessment of non‐lame and lame horses in straight lines, on the lunge and ridden?
Authors: Greve L. , Dyson S. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryTraditionally and when using objective gait analysis, horses with and without lameness are most frequently assessed trotting in straight lines in hand. Valuable information can be gained from assessment on the lunge and ridden in walk, trot and canter. No studies have quantified lameness during all aforementioned conditions and gaits at once, despite the rapid recent development in equine gait analysis methods. Objective methodologies, previously confined to gait laboratories, are currently being expanded to field technologies using accelerometers and inertial measurement units (IMUs). This publication aims to describe normal gait and the spectrum of pain‐related gait abnormalities and other musculoskeletal adaptations to pain that can be observed in walk, trot and canter during in hand and ridden assessment in straight lines and on a circle on hard and soft surfaces. In addition, it aims to describe briefly howIMUs have been used and areas for further research in the light of what we know from subjective lameness examinations and what is possible withIMUs.
Evidence for neurogenic inflammation in lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia pathogenic mechanism
Authors: Doche Isabella , Wilcox George L. , Ericson Marna , Valente Neusa S. , Romiti Ricardo , McAdams Brian. D. , Hordinsky Maria K. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractLichen planopilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) are lymphocytic scarring alopecias affecting primarily the scalp. Although both diseases may share some clinical and histopathological features, in the last decade, FFA has become an “epidemic” particularly in Europe, North and South America with unique clinical manifestations compared to LPP, thus, raising the idea that this disease may have a different pathogenesis. Symptoms such as scalp burning, pruritus or pain are usually present in both diseases, suggesting a possible role for nerves and neuropeptides in the pathogenesis of both diseases. Based on some previous studies, neuropeptides, such as substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), have been associated with lipid metabolism and many chronic inflammatory disorders. In this study, we asked if these neuropeptides are associated with LPP and FFA scalp lesions. Alteration in the expression of SP and CGRP in affected and unaffected scalp skin from patients with both diseases was found with examination of sections using immunohistochemical techniques and confocal microscopy. We then quantitatively assessed and compared SP and CGRP expression from control, LPP and FFA scalp biopsies. Although LPP and FFA share similar histopathologic findings, opposite results were found in affected and unaffected scalp in the ELISA tests, suggesting that these diseases may have different pathogenic mechanisms. We also found presence of histopathological inflammation irrespective of evident clinical lesions, which raises the possibility that both diseases may be more generalized processes affecting the scalp.
Stand basal area and solar radiation amplify white spruce climate sensitivity in interior Alaska: Evidence from carbon isotopes and tree rings
Authors: Nicklen Elizabeth Fleur , Roland Carl A. , Csank Adam Z. , Wilmking Martin , Ruess Roger W. , Muldoon Laurel Ann 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe negative growth response of North American boreal forest trees to warm summers is well documented and the constraint of competition on tree growth widely reported, but the potential interaction between climate and competition in the boreal forest is not well studied. Because competition may amplify or mute tree climate‐growth responses, understanding the role current forest structure plays in tree growth responses to climate is critical in assessing and managing future forest productivity in a warming climate. Using white spruce tree ring and carbon isotope data from a long‐term vegetation monitoring program in Denali National Park and Preserve, we investigated the hypotheses that (a) competition and site moisture characteristics mediate white spruce radial growth response to climate and (b) moisture limitation is the mechanism for reduced growth. We further examined the impact of large reproductive events (mast years) on white spruce radial growth and stomatal regulation. We found that competition and site moisture characteristics mediated white spruce climate‐growth response. The negative radial growth response to warm and dry early‐ to mid‐summer and dry late summer conditions intensified in high competition stands and in areas receiving high potential solar radiation. Discrimination against 13C was reduced in warm, dry summers and further diminished on south‐facing hillslopes and in high competition stands, but was unaffected by climate in open floodplain stands, supporting the hypothesis that competition for moisture limits growth. Finally, during mast years, we found a shift in current year's carbon resources from radial growth to reproduction, reduced 13C discrimination, and increased intrinsic water‐use efficiency. Our findings highlight the importance of temporally variable and confounded factors, such as forest structure and climate, on the observed climate‐growth response of white spruce. Thus, white spruce growth trends and productivity in a warming climate will likely depend on landscape position and current forest structure.
A level‐headed approach to measuring direct oral anticoagulants: A 2‐year retrospective analysis of DOAC levels from a tertiary UK centre
Authors: Denny Nicholas D. R. , Keighley Lynne , Siganporia Zubin , Thachil Jecko , Nash Michael J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIntroductionDirect oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are commonly prescribed and measuring drug levels may be useful in a number of contexts. However, data on DOAC level measurement and their clinical utility in real‐world studies are limited.MethodsWe carried out a 2‐year retrospective cohort study of DOAC levels measured at our institution.ResultsOne hundred and sixty‐nine levels measured in 113 patients were included in the final analysis. Our patients had a median age of 69.9. AF was the commonest indication for anticoagulation. Median turnaround time for inpatient levels was 92 minutes. Median FXa inhibitor levels within 6 hours of last dose and following one half‐life were similar to those described previously. However, the range of levels was wider than expected. Importantly, some levels remained in an on therapy range even after 3 half‐lives. There was no correlation between dabigatran level and time from last dose. The reason for request varied with setting; 23 outpatient levels were to monitor drug efficacy, whereas 54 and 43 inpatient levels were collected in the context of bleeding and emergency surgery respectively. 60.3% of levels had an impact on clinical decision making.ConclusionOur real‐world study demonstrates that DOAC levels can be performed in a timely manner to influence clinical decision making. In addition, it suggests there is a wide variation in levels such that it can be difficult to predict in the real world. Overall, this supports the wider use of DOAC levels to help guide clinicians in managing patients taking these drugs.
Green tea intake and risk of incident kidney stones: Prospective cohort studies in middle‐aged and elderly Chinese individuals
Authors: Shu Xiang , Cai Hui , Xiang Yong‐Bing , Li Honglan , Lipworth Loren , Miller Nicole L , Zheng Wei , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Hsi Ryan S 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesTo investigate the association between green tea intake and incident stones in two large prospective cohorts.MethodsWe examined self‐reported incident kidney stone risk in the Shanghai Men's Health Study (n = 58 054; baseline age 40–74 years) and the Shanghai Women's Health Study (n = 69 166; baseline age 40–70 years). Information on the stone history and tea intake was collected by in‐person surveys. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were adjusted for baseline demographic variables, medical history and dietary intakes including non‐tea oxalate from a validated food frequency questionnaire.ResultsDuring 319 211 and 696 950 person‐years of follow up, respectively, 1202 men and 1451 women reported incident stones. Approximately two‐thirds of men and one‐quarter of women were tea drinkers at baseline, of whom green tea was the primary type consumed (95% in men, 88% in women). Tea drinkers (men: hazard ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.69–0.88; women: hazard ratio 0.8, 95% confidence interval 0.77–0.98) and specifically green tea drinkers (men: hazard ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.69–0.88; women: hazard ratio 0.84, 95% confidence interval 0.74–0.95) had lower incident risk than never/former drinkers. Compared with never/former drinkers, a stronger dose–response trend was observed for the amount of dried tea leaf consumed/month by men (hazard ratiohighest category 0.67, 95% confidence interval 0.56–0.80, Ptrend < 0.001) than by women (hazard ratiohighest category 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.70–1.08, Ptrend = 0.041).ConclusionsGreen tea intake is associated with a lower risk of incident kidney stones, and the benefit is observed more strongly among men.
Migrant Remittances as a Source of Financing for Entrepreneurship
Authors: Kakhkharov Jakhongir 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe aim of this research is to analyse the likelihood of small business ownership by households receiving remittances in Uzbekistan. As such, this research has important policy implications. Small businesses are crucial for job creation and economic growth. This research shows that households receiving remittances invest in family business only when this inflow is supplemented with sufficient income or savings. Therefore, financial constraints are of paramount importance for a small business and these could be especially hard to overcome in rural areas. The article also finds evidence that remittance senders direct their funds into special business projects.
The National Laws of Myanmar: Making of Statelessness for the Rohingya
Authors: Parashar Archana , Alam Jobair 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis article examines the legal status of the Rohingya in Myanmar by analysing relevant constitutional provisions (of 1947, 1974 and 2008) and other major citizenship legislations including the Citizenship Law, 1982. A doctrinal analysis demonstrates that: (i) the earlier Constitutions and laws provided citizenship for the Rohingya (where they were identified as an ethnic minority); and (ii) their status has been changed gradually under the later constitutions and legislations until recently, when they are regarded as neither minority nor citizen and rendered stateless by the law. The role of legislation in disempowering the Rohingya is thus made explicit.
PRBAM: a new tool to analyze the MHC class I and HLA‐DR anchor motifs
Authors: Mestre‐Ferrer Anna , Scholz Erika , Humet‐Alsius Jepi , Alvarez Iñaki 
Published: November 2018

SummaryMajor histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are highly polymorphic, which makes each MHC molecule different regarding their peptide repertoire, so they can bind and present to T lymphocytes. The increasing importance of immunopeptidomics and its use in personalized medicine in different fields such as oncology or autoimmunity demand the correct analysis of the peptide repertoires bound to human leukocyte antigen type 1 (HLA‐I) and HLA‐II molecules. Purification of the peptide pool by affinity chromatography and individual peptide sequencing using mass spectrometry techniques is the standard protocol to define the binding motifs of the different MHC‐I and MHC‐II molecules. The identification of MHC‐I binding motifs is relatively simple, but it is more complicated for MHC‐II. There are some programs that identify the anchor motifs of MHC‐II molecules. However, these programs do not identify the anchor motif correctly for some HLA‐II molecules and some anchor motifs have been deduced using subjective interpretation of the data. Here, we present a new software, called PRBAM (Peptide Repertoire‐Based Anchor Motif) that uses a new algorithm based on the peptide–MHC interactions and, using peptide lists obtained by mass spectrometry sequencing, identifies the binding motif of MHC‐I and HLA‐DR molecules. PRBAM has an easy‐to‐use interface, and the results are presented in graphics, tables and peptide lists. Finally, the fact that PRBAM uses a new algorithm makes it complementary to other existing programs.
Hospitalization following outpatient medical care for influenza: US influenza vaccine effectiveness network, 2011‐12—2015‐16
Authors: Appiah Grace D. , Chung Jessie R. , Flannery Brendan , Havers Fiona P. , Zimmerman Richard K. , Nowalk Mary Patricia , Monto Arnold S. , Martin Emily T. , Gaglani Manjusha , Murthy Kempapura , Jackson Lisa A. , Jackson Michael L. , McLean Huong Q. , Belongia Edward A. , Fry Alicia M. 
Published: November 2018

Over five seasons, we determined the proportion of outpatients with laboratory‐confirmed, influenza‐associated illness who were hospitalized within 30 days following the outpatient visit. Overall, 136 (1.7%) of 7813 influenza‐positive patients were hospitalized a median of 4 days after an outpatient visit. Patients aged ≥ 65 years and those with high‐risk conditions were at increased risk of hospitalization. After controlling for age and high‐risk conditions, vaccination status and infecting influenza virus type were not associated with hospitalization risk among adults.
Measurement tools and intensity of nipple pain among women with or without damaged nipples: A quantitative systematic review
Authors: Coca Kelly Pereira , Amir Lisa H. , Alves Maria dos Remédios da Silva , Barbieri Márcia , Marcacine Karla Oliveira , de Vilhena Abrão Ana Cristina Freitas 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimsTo describe and evaluate pain scales used to measure nipple pain in breastfeeding women and to identify nipple pain intensity in women with or without nipple damage.BackgroundNipple pain is one of the most common reasons given for premature cessation of breastfeeding. However, there are no agreed tools to measure pain and no previous reviews have provided summary estimates of pain scores.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesMedline, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and LILACS.Review methodsWe followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses. The guiding question was: How is nipple pain in breastfeeding women measured and how severe is it? We analysed articles published up to February 2018, excluded review articles and those that did not present the level of nipple pain or tools to estimate pain severity.ResultsA total of 1,023 articles were identified and 25 were included in the review after applying the exclusion criteria. The Numeric Rating Scale (nine studies) and Visual Analogue Scale (seven studies) were the most prevalent tools for measuring pain. Using a pain score between 0–10, women with nipple damage reported a weighted mean of 6.2 in the first week and 5.8 after that period; women without damage reported a weighted mean of 2.7.ConclusionWomen with nipple damage consistently reported a higher level of pain than women without damage. To prevent premature cessation of breastfeeding, it is important to help new mothers avoid nipple damage.
Gestational age‐dependent gene expression profiling ofATP‐binding cassette transporters in the healthy human placenta
Authors: Imperio Guinever E. , Javam Mohsen , Lye Phetcharawan , Constantinof Andrea , Dunk Caroline E. , Reis Fernando M. , Lye Stephen J. , Gibb William , Matthews Stephen G. , Ortiga‐Carvalho Tania Maria , Bloise Enrrico 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTheATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters control placental transfer of several nutrients, steroids, immunological factors, chemicals, and drugs at the maternal‐fetal interface. We and others have demonstrated a gestational age‐dependent expression pattern of twoABCtransporters, P‐glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein throughout pregnancy. However, no reports have comprehensively elucidated the expression pattern of all 50ABCproteins, comparing first trimester and term human placentae. We hypothesized that placentalABCtransporters are expressed in a gestational‐age dependent manner in normal human pregnancy. Using the TaqMan®HumanABCTransporter Array, we assessed themRNAexpression of all 50ABCtransporters in first (first trimester, n = 8) and third trimester (term, n = 12) human placentae and validated the resulting expression of selectedABCtransporters usingqPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. A distinct gene expression profile of 30ABCtransporters was observed comparing first trimestervs. term placentae. Using individualqPCRin selected genes, we validated the increased expression ofABCA1(P < 0.01),ABCA6(P < 0.001),ABCA9(P < 0.001) andABCC3(P < 0.001), as well as the decreased expression ofABCB11(P < 0.001) andABCG4(P < 0.01) with advancing gestation. One important lipid transporter,ABCA6, was selected to correlate protein abundance and characterize tissue localization.ABCA6 exhibited increased protein expression towards term and was predominantly localized to syncytiotrophoblast cells. In conclusion, expression patterns of placentalABCtransporters change as a function of gestational age. These changes are likely fundamental to a healthy pregnancy given the critical role that these transporters play in the regulation of steroidogenesis, immunological responses, and placental barrier function and integrity.
Exploring macrophage cell therapy on Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Guiteras Roser , Sola Anna , Flaquer Maria , Manonelles Anna , Hotter Georgina , Cruzado Josep M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAlternatively activated macrophages (M2) have regenerative properties and shown promise as cell therapy in chronic kidney disease. However, M2 plasticity is one of the major hurdles to overcome. Our previous studies showed that genetically modified macrophages stabilized by neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) were able to preserve their M2 phenotype. Nowadays, little is known about M2 macrophage effects in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The aim of the study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of both bone marrow‐derived M2 (BM‐фM2) and ф‐NGAL macrophages in the db/db mice. Seventeen‐week‐old mice with established DKD were divided into five treatment groups with their controls: D+BM‐фM2; D+ф‐BM; D+ф‐NGAL; D+ф‐RAW; D+SHAM and non‐diabetic (ND) (db/‐ and C57bl/6J) animals. We infused 1 × 106 macrophages twice, at baseline and 2 weeks thereafter. BM‐фM2 did not show any therapeutic effect whereas ф‐NGAL significantly reduced albuminuria and renal fibrosis. The ф‐NGAL therapy increased the anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 and reduced some pro‐inflammatory cytokines, reduced the proportion of M1 glomerular macrophages and podocyte loss and was associated with a significant decrease of renal TGF‐β1. Overall, our study provides evidence that ф‐NGAL macrophage cell therapy has a therapeutic effect on DKD probably by modulation of the renal inflammatory response caused by the diabetic milieu.
Preparation and characterization of Ni‐Agx/SBA‐15 and its catalytic properties on the hydrogenation of soybean oil
Authors: Du Jing , Zou Dezhi , Zhao Yue , Chen Jun , Jiang Lianzhou , Liu Tianyi , Yu Dianyu , Li Wenbin , Elfalleh Walid 
Published: November 2018

AbstractNi‐Agx/SBA‐15 catalysts with different contents of the silver (Ag) promoter were prepared by the co‐impregnation method using the support of the mesoporous material SBA‐15. The Ni‐Agx/SBA‐15 catalysts were characterized by ICP‐OES, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms. The activity of the catalysts on hydrogenation of soybean oil was evaluated. The results indicated that all the catalysts retained the hexagonally ordered structure of SBA‐15, the binding force between SBA‐15 and Ni was enhanced by the addition of the Ag promoter, and Ni was well loaded on the surface and the interior of the support that was beneficial to the improvement of catalyst activity. TEM images of the catalysts show that the addition of the silver can promote the dispersion of nickel particles over and inside the mesoporous channels of the SBA‐15 support, and the aggregation of metal nickel particles was decreased. The catalysts of Ra‐Ni (Raney Nickel), Ni/SBA‐15 and Ni‐Agx/SBA‐15 were used in the hydrogenation of soybean oil. The results show that Ni‐Ag0.15/SBA‐15 in hydrogenation processing has higher catalytic activity, and the obtained hydrogenated soybean oil has low trans fatty acids (TFAs) content. The use efficiency of the catalyst decreased to 60% after 8 cycles.Practical applicationsThe main objective of this work was to hydrogenate soybean oil. Very encouraging results were obtained with Ni‐Ag0.15/SBA15. This preparation had a higher catalyst activity to obtain low trans fatty acid content. This finding is very valuable for fat and oil processing at the industry level.