bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Roughness scale dependence of the relationship between tracer longitudinal dispersion and Peclet number in variable‐aperture fractures
Authors: Dou Zhi , Zhou Zhifang , Wang Jinguo , Huang Yong 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe relationship between the longitudinal dispersion (DL) and Peclet number (Pe) is crucial for predicting and simulating tracer through the variable‐aperture fracture. In this study, the roughness of the self‐affine fracture wall was decomposed into primary roughness (relatively large‐scale waviness) and secondary roughness (relatively small‐scale waviness) by a multiscaled wavelet analysis technique. Based on the complete dispersion mechanism (diffusion, macrodispersion, and Taylor dispersion) in the variable‐aperture fracture, three relationships (second‐order, power‐law, and linear relationships) between the DL and Pe were investigated at large and small scales, respectively. Our results showed that the primary roughness mostly controlled the Taylor dispersion mechanism, whereas the secondary roughness was a dominant factor for the macrodispersion mechanism. Increasing the Hurst exponent and removing the secondary roughness led to the decreasing range of Pe where macrodispersion mechanism dominated the solute transport. It was found that estimating the DL from the power‐law relationship based on Taylor dispersion theory resulted in considerable errors, even in the range of Pe where the Taylor dispersion mechanism dominated. The exponent of the power‐law relationship increased as the secondary roughness was removed. Analysing the linear relationship between the DL and Pe revealed that the longitudinal dispersivity αL increased linearly. However, this linear increase became weak as the Taylor dispersion mechanism dominated. In the range of Pe where the macrodispersion mechanism dominated, increasing the Hurst exponent caused the increase of αL and the secondary roughness played a significant role in enhancing the αL. As the Taylor dispersion mechanism dominated, the αL was insensitive to the influence of multiscale roughness in variable‐aperture fractures.
Characterization of tidally influenced seasonal nutrient flux to the Bay of Bengal and its implications on the coastal ecosystem
Authors: Debnath Palash , Mukherjee Abhijit , Das Kousik 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSubmarine groundwater discharge (SGD) introduces solute and nutrients to the global oceans, resulting in considerable nutrient cycling and dynamics in the coastal areas. We have conducted high‐resolution, spatio‐temporal, lunar tidal cycle patterns and variability of discharged solute/nutrient assessment to get an overview of seasonal nutrient flux to the Bay of Bengal in eastern parts of the Indian subcontinent. Whereas the premonsoon season SGD was found to be dominant in the marine influence (M‐SGD), the postmonsoon season was found to be predominated by the terrestrial component of SGD (T‐SGD), extending from coast to near offshore. The solute fluxes and redox transformation were found to be extensively influenced by tidal and diurnal cycles, overlapping on seasonal patterns. We have assessed the possible role of SGD‐associated solute/nutrient fluxes and their discharge mechanisms, and their associated temporal distributions have severe implications on the biological productivity of the Bay of Bengal. The estimated annual solute fluxes, using the average end‐member concentration of the SGD‐associated nutrients, were found to be 240 and 224 mM·m−2·day−1 for NO3− and Fetot, respectively. Together with huge freshwater flux from the Himalayan and Peninsular Indian rivers, the SGD has considerable influence on the bay water circulation, stratification, and solute cycling. Thus, the observation from this study implies that SGD‐associated nutrient flux to the Bay of Bengal may function as a nutrient sink, which might influence the long‐term solute/nutrient flux along the eastern coast of India.
Quantifying the impacts of climate change and land use/cover change on runoff in the lowerConnecticut River Basin
Authors: Wang Hui , Stephenson Scott R. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractClimate change and land use and cover change (LUCC) have had great impacts on watershed hydrological processes. Although previous studies have focused on quantitative assessment of the impacts of climate change and human activities on decreasing run‐off change, few studies have examined regions that have significant increasing run‐off due to both climate variability and land cover change. We show that annual run‐off had a significant increasing trend from 1956 to 2014 in the U.S. lower Connecticut River Basin. Abrupt change point years of annual run‐off for four subbasins are detected by nonparametric Mann–Kendall–Sneyers test and reconfirmed by the double mass curve. We then divide the study period into 2 subperiods at the abrupt change point year in the early 1970s for each subbasin. The Choudhury–Yang equation based on Budyko hypothesis was used to calculate precipitation and potential evapotranspiration, and landscape elasticities of run‐off. The results show that the difference in mean annual run‐off between 2 subperiods for each subbasin ranged from 102 to 165.6 mm. Climate variations were the primary drivers of increasing run‐off in this region. Quantitative contributions of precipitation and potential evapotranspiration in all subbasins are 106.5% and −3.6% on average, respectively. However, LUCC contributed both positively and negatively to run‐off: −18.6%, −13.3%, and 10.1% and 9.9% for 4 subbasins. This may be attributed to historical LUCC occurring after the abrupt change point in each subbasin. Our results provide critical insight on the hydrological dynamics of north‐east tidal river systems to communities and policymakers engaged in water resources management in this region.
The biologically active zone in upland habitats at the Hanford Site, Washington, USA: Focus on plant rooting depth and biomobilization
Authors: Lovtang Sara , Delistraty Damon , Rochette Elizabeth 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

We challenge the suggestion by Sample et al. (2015) that a depth of 305 cm (10 ft) exceeds the depth of biological activity in soils at the Hanford Site, Washington, USA, or similar sites. Instead, we support the standard point of compliance, identified in the Model Toxics Control Act in the state of Washington, which specifies a depth of 457 cm (15 ft) for the protection of both human and ecological receptors at the Hanford Site. Our position is based on additional information considered in our expanded review of the literature, the influence of a changing environment over time, plant community dynamics at the Hanford Site, and inherent uncertainty in the Sample et al. (2015) analysis. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:442–446. © 2018 SETAC

Key Points
We support the implementation of the standard point of compliance in the Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) regulation (457 cm [15 ft]), based on additional information considered in our expanded review of the literature. Bitterbrush, one of the deeper-rooted shrubs at Hanford, Washington, USA, do occur in the potential vegetation types on site. Using an ecological lens we explore the deep-rooted plants that are found at Hanford and the strengths and weaknesses of rooting studies done on site. The types of fill and barriers used at Hanford Site allow for plants, and deep-rooted plants have occurred on them.
The impact of proteinuria on maternal and perinatal outcomes among women with pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Guida Jose P. , Parpinelli Mary A. , Surita Fernanda G. , Costa Maria L. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the impact of proteinuria on pregnancy outcomes among women with pre‐eclampsia.MethodsThe present retrospective cohort study included patients with pre‐eclampsia who delivered at a referral maternity hospital in Brazil between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2013. Patients were stratified into three groups based on 24‐hour urinary protein excretion during pregnancy: mild (0.3–<2.0 g), severe (2.0–<5.0 g), and massive (≥5.0 g).ResultsThere were 293 patients included in the study; 88, 129, and 76 had mild, severe, and massive proteinuria, respectively. Chronic hypertension was the most frequent pre‐existing condition among all women (86 [29.4%]). The mean pregnancy duration at the onset of maternal pre‐eclampsia was longest in the mild group compared and decreased with increasing proteinuria severity (P<0.001). Preterm delivery was recorded among 205 of 293 (70.0%) neonates; there were 66 (22.5%) neonates that were preterm and in the massive proteinuria group. The incidence of severe pre‐eclampsia was lowest in the mild proteinuria group (P=0.002) and tended to occur at 34 weeks. Cesarean delivery rates exceeded 80.0% in all groups. Most patients assessed at 40–60 days postpartum remained proteinuric (40/61[66%]).ConclusionsQuantifying the severity of proteinuria could identify a subgroup of women with pre‐eclampsia at increased risk of adverse outcomes.
Cyclicality in losses on bank loans
Authors: Keijsers Bart , Diris Bart , Kole Erik 
Published: March 2018

SummaryBased on unique data we show that macro variables, the default rate and loss given default of bank loans share common cyclical components. The innovation in our model is the distinction between loans with either severe or mild losses. The variation in the proportion of these two types drives the cyclic behavior of the loss given default and constitutes the links with the default rate and macro variables. These links vary according to loan and borrower characteristics. During downturns, the proportion of defaults with severe losses increases, but the distribution of losses conditional on their being mild or severe does not change. although loans are monitored more closely than bonds and are more senior, the cyclical variation in their losses resembles those for bonds, albeit around a lower average level. This variation leads to an increase in the capital reserves required for loan portfolios.
In chemico skin sensitization risk assessment of botanical ingredients
Authors: Avonto Cristina , Chittiboyina Amar G. , Sadrieh Nakissa , Vukmanovic Stanislav , Khan Ikhlas A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSkin sensitization risk assessment of botanical ingredients is necessary for consumers' protection and occupational hazard identification. There are currently very few available alternative methods that can assist in the evaluation of complex mixtures. Chemical methods can provide essential information in a timely manner and thus help to reduce the need for in vivo testing, and they can complement and facilitate targeted in vitro assays. In the present work, the applicability of the high‐throughput screening with dansyl cysteamine (DCYA) method for the systematic evaluation of skin sensitization of complex botanicals was explored. Botanical ingredients of four unrelated plant species were obtained and tested with the high‐throughput fluorescence method at three concentrations. To illustrate the minimal matrix effects of the tested extracts on the developed method, the least DCYA‐reactive extract (Rosa canina) was spiked with known sensitizers at different concentrations. The data obtained from the four plant extracts and the spiking experiments with known sensitizers, suggest that the high‐throughput screening–DCYA method can be successfully applied for estimating the skin sensitization potential of complex botanical matrices. This is the first report of an attempt to develop a versatile in chemico method for the rapid detection of reactive skin sensitizers in complex botanical extracts, which could complement the battery of existing validated, non‐animal methods.
Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate partially restored redox homeostasis in arsenite‐stressed keratinocytes
Authors: Sarkar Nivedita , Sinha Dona 
Published: March 2018

AbstractArsenite (AsIII) is known for inducing severe oxidative stress and skin carcinogenesis. Contrastingly, phytochemical, epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) combats toxic insults. Our study focused on the effect of EGCG on redox status of AsIII‐stressed normal human keratinocytes, HaCaT cells. EGCG (50 μm) increased the cell viability by 29% in AsIII (50 μm) insulted HaCaT cells but exhibited pro‐oxidant activity by elevated expression of the oxidative stress markers. EGCG was effective not only in reducing AsIII‐induced nuclear expression of Nrf2 and Nrf2Ser40 but also in increasing nuclear expression of Keap1 both at protein and mRNA level. EGCG did not have similar effects on all Nrf2 downstream targets. EGCG elevated expression of HO‐1 and γ‐GCL,showed no change in MRP1 but decreased superoxide dismutase, NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1 and glutathione S transferase activity in AsIII‐treated HaCaT cells. EGCG along with AsIII caused decreased phosphorylation of Nrf2 at ser40 residue, which might have facilitated Keap1‐mediated nuclear export and degradation of Nrf2 and paved the pro‐survival signal for AsIII‐insulted HaCaT cells. In conclusion, it might be indicated that EGCG in spite of inducing the pro‐oxidant effect was effective in increasing the viability of AsIII‐treated HaCaT cells by partially restoring the Nrf2/Keap1‐mediated signaling axis.
Biomimetic design of bone substitutes based on cuttlefish bone‐derived hydroxyapatite and biodegradable polymers
Authors: Rogina Anamarija , Antunović Maja , Milovac Dajana 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBeing a major component of bone tissue, hydroxyapatite is the most investigated calcium phosphate in the design and development of bone implants. The high brittleness and poor load‐bearing properties have led researchers to manipulate hydroxyapatite performance by applying polymer or metal materials. The present study focuses on biomimetic approach of the hydroxyapatite synthesis from the cuttlefish bone in order to preserve highly porous structure. The low stiffness of hydroxyapatite scaffold was altered by thin polycaprolactone/poly(lactic acid) coating, resulting in remarkably 18‐fold increase of Young's modulus. The mechanical test revealed that poly(lactic acid) increases the stiffness of composite scaffolds which depends on the polycaprolactone/poly(lactic acid) volume ratio. The composite scaffolds are bioactive supporting the deposition of new calcium phosphates when incubated in simulated physiological medium for 21 days. Moreover, the culture of human embryonic kidney cells indicated non‐cytotoxicity of the composite scaffolds with emphasis on the cell proliferation during three days of culture. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 197–204, 2019.
FRAME Study: The Foundation Effect of Building Bone With 1 Year of Romosozumab Leads to Continued Lower Fracture Risk After Transition to Denosumab
Authors: Cosman Felicia , Crittenden Daria B , Ferrari Serge , Khan Aliya , Lane Nancy E , Lippuner Kurt , Matsumoto Toshio , Milmont Cassandra E , Libanati Cesar , Grauer Andreas 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

Romosozumab is a bone-forming agent with a dual effect of increasing bone formation and decreasing bone resorption. In FRActure study in postmenopausal woMen with ostEoporosis (FRAME), postmenopausal women with osteoporosis received romosozumab 210 mg s.c. or placebo once monthly for 12 months, followed by denosumab 60 mg s.c. once every 6 months in both groups for 12 months. One year of romosozumab increased spine and hip BMD by 13% and 7%, respectively, and reduced vertebral and clinical fractures with persistent fracture risk reduction upon transition to denosumab over 24 months. Here, we further characterize the BMD gains with romosozumab by quantifying the percentages of patients who responded at varying magnitudes; report the mean T-score changes from baseline over the 2-year study and contrast these results with the long-term BMD gains seen with denosumab during Fracture REduction Evaluation of Denosumab in Osteoporosis every 6 Months (FREEDOM) and its Extension studies; and assess fracture incidence rates in year 2, when all patients received denosumab. Among 7180 patients (n = 3591 placebo, n = 3589 romosozumab), most romosozumab-treated patients experienced ≥3% gains in BMD from baseline at month 12 (spine, 96%; hip, 78%) compared with placebo (spine, 22%; hip, 16%). For romosozumab patients, mean absolute T-score increases at the spine and hip were 0.88 and 0.32, respectively, at 12 months (placebo: 0.03 and 0.01) and 1.11 and 0.45 at 24 months (placebo-to-denosumab: 0.38 and 0.17), with the 2-year gains approximating the effect of 7 years of continuous denosumab administration. Patients receiving romosozumab versus placebo in year 1 had significantly fewer vertebral fractures in year 2 (81% relative reduction; p &lt; 0.001), with fewer fractures consistently observed across other fracture categories. The data support the clinical benefit of rebuilding the skeletal foundation with romosozumab before transitioning to antiresorptive therapy. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Maintenance of Serum Ionized Calcium During Exercise Attenuates Parathyroid Hormone and Bone Resorption Responses
Authors: Kohrt Wendy M , Wherry Sarah J , Wolfe Pamela , Sherk Vanessa D , Wellington Toby , Swanson Christine M , Weaver Connie M , Boxer Rebecca S 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT

Exercise can cause a decrease in serum ionized calcium (iCa) and increases in parathyroid hormone (PTH) and bone resorption. We used a novel intravenous iCa clamp technique to determine whether preventing a decline in serum iCa during exercise prevents increases in PTH and carboxy-terminal collagen crosslinks (CTX). Eleven cycling-trained men (aged 18 to 45 years) underwent two identical 60-min cycling bouts with infusion of Ca gluconate or saline. Blood sampling for iCa, total calcium (tCa), PTH, CTX, and procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP) occurred before, during, and for 4 hours after exercise; results are presented as unadjusted and adjusted for plasma volume shifts (denoted with subscript ADJ). iCa decreased during exercise with saline infusion (p = 0.01 at 60 min) and this was prevented by Ca infusion (interaction, p &lt; 0.007); there were abrupt decreases in Ca content (iCaADJ and tCaADJ) in the first 15 min of exercise under both conditions. PTH and CTX were increased at the end of exercise (both p &lt; 0.01) on the saline day, and markedly attenuated (–65% and –71%; both p &lt; 0.001) by Ca. CTX remained elevated for 4 hours after exercise on the saline day (p &lt; 0.001), despite the return of PTH to baseline by 1 hour after exercise. P1NP increased in response to exercise (p &lt; 0.001), with no difference between conditions, but the increase in P1NPADJ was not significant. Results for PTHADJ and CTXADJ were similar to unadjusted results. These findings demonstrate that bone resorption is stimulated early in exercise to defend serum iCa. Vascular Ca content decreased early in exercise, but neither the reason why this occurred, nor the fate of Ca, are known. The results suggest that the exercise-induced increase in PTH had an acute catabolic effect on bone. Future research should determine whether the increase in PTH generates an anabolic response that occurs more than 4 hours after exercise. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
High Imminent Vertebral Fracture Risk in Subjects With COPD With a Prevalent or Incident Vertebral Fracture
Authors: van Dort Mayke J , Geusens Piet , Driessen Johanna HM , Romme Elisabeth APM , Smeenk Frank WJM , Wouters Emiel FM , van den Bergh Joop PW 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT Subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have an increased risk of vertebral fractures (VFs); however, VF incidence is largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of our study was to determine the incidence of new and/or worsening VF in subjects with COPD. Smokers and subjects with COPD (GOLD II–IV) from the ECLIPSE study with complete set of chest CT scans (baseline and 1- and 3-year follow-up) to evaluate vertebrae T1 down to L1 were included. If a VF was diagnosed on the last scan, detailed VF assessment of the previous scans was performed. VFs were scored according to the method of Genant as mild, moderate, or severe. Main outcome measure was the cumulative incidence of new and/or worsening VF at subject level, within 1 and 3 years. Of 1239 subjects (mean age 61 years, 757 males [61%], 999 subjects with COPD), 253 (20.5%) had ≥1 prevalent VF. The cumulative incidence of VFs was 10.1% within 1 year and 24.0% within 3 years. After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), pack-years, and smoking status, prevalence and incidence were similar between smokers and COPD GOLD stages. Within 1 year, 29.2% of the subjects with a prevalent VF had an incident VF, compared with 5.1% in absence of prevalent VF (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.6–7.4) and 58.5% versus 15.0% within 3 years (HR = 3.6; 95% CI 2.9–4.6). The incidence of VF was higher with increasing number and severity of prevalent VFs. Among subjects having an incident VF within the first year, 57.3% had a subsequent VF within the next 2 years. In this study, more than half of the smokers and subjects with COPD with a prevalent VF or an incident VF within the first year sustained a subsequent VF within 3 years. The 3-year risk was even higher in the presence of multiple or severe prevalent VFs. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Reference intervals for plasma cystatin C and plasma creatinine in adults using methods traceable to international calibrators and reference methods
Authors: Erlandsen Erland Jørn , Randers Else 
Published: March 2018

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to establish reference intervals for plasma cystatin C and creatinine in adults using the Gentians cystatin C method traceable to the international calibrator standard ERM‐DA471/IFCC and a creatinine method traceable to the IDMS (Isotope Dilution Mass Spectrometry) creatinine reference method.MethodsBlood samples were collected from 304 healthy blood donors (152 men and 152 women between 17 and 66 years old) with 30‐31 men and 30‐31 women in each ten‐year interval. Plasma cystatin C was analyzed using the Gentian Cystatin C assay on a Roche cobas c702 analyzer, and plasma creatinine was analyzed using the CREA Plus assay on the Roche Modular P analyzer.ResultsThe nonparametric reference intervals for plasma cystatin C were 0.58‐1.00 mg/L in women (median 0.78 mg/L, range 0.56‐1.06 mg/L) and 0.62‐1.04 mg/L in men (median 0.79 mg/L, range 0.61‐1.07 mg/L). The Mann‐Whitney U test revealed no gender‐related difference in plasma cystatin C (P = .21). A common reference interval in women and men was calculated to be 0.61‐1.01 mg/L (median 0.79 mg/L, range 0.56‐1.07 mg/L). The nonparametric reference interval for plasma creatinine was 52‐89 μmol/L in women (median 69 μmol/L, range 52‐92 μmol/L) and 61‐108 μmol/L in men (median 86 μmol/L, range 56‐118 μmol/L). The Mann‐Whitney U test revealed a gender‐related difference in plasma creatinine (P < .0001).ConclusionIn conclusion, we have established reference intervals for plasma cystatin C and creatinine in adults using methods traceable to international standards.