bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A note on air temperature and precipitation variability and extremes over Asmara: 1914–2015
Authors: Fessehaye Mussie , Brugnara Yuri , Savage Michael J. , Brönnimann Stefan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMeteorological series (daily precipitation, minimum and maximum air temperature) for Asmara (Eritrea) for the last 100 years (1914–2015) are analysed. The data were quality‐controlled and homogenized using publicly available data from surrounding countries as well as newly recovered data from 12 stations in Eritrea. Overall, the Asmara data showed a consistent pattern and there were no outliers outside of four standard deviations from the corresponding reference. Climate indices were calculated using the program RClimDex. Overall, 8 indices for description of the air temperature data and 10 for precipitation data were calculated. The analyses of averages and indices reveal large climatic variations in the central highlands of Eritrea. The results indicate significant changes in air temperature since 1943, with daily minimum and maximum air temperature increasing at a similar rate of 0.22 and 0.19°C/decade, respectively. The diurnal air temperature range shows a non‐significant decreasing trend over the study period. No significant variation was found in the annual total and the seasonal precipitation over the last century. Significant trends were detected for some daily precipitation indices, although the lack of reference series prevents an evaluation of their reliability.
Genotype and environment effects on the chemical composition and rheological properties of field peas
Authors: Maharjan Pankaj , Penny Jake , Partington Debra L , Panozzo Joe F 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe inclusion of pulses in traditional wheat‐based food products such as bread, cakes, and pasta is increasing as the food industry and consumers are recognizing the nutritional benefits due to high protein, antioxidant activity, and good sources of dietary fiber of pulses. In all crops, including cereals, oilseeds, and pulses, variability in chemical composition is known to exist due to genetic differences and environmental effects. This study reports the effect of genotype and environment on seed composition and the rheological properties of field‐pea genotypes for both field‐pea flour and isolated starch.RESULTSGenotype had a significant effect on the chemical composition (protein, total starch, water‐soluble carbohydrates, and phenolic compounds), the mean starch granule size, and rheological properties (peak viscosity, breakdown viscosity, final viscosity, peak time, and pasting temperature) of the field peas. The growing environment also had a significant effect on starch granule size, phytic acid, water‐soluble carbohydrates, some phenolic compounds, and pasting characteristics of field peas. Genotype × environment (G × E) interactions were observed for protein, some phenolic compounds, and some pasting characteristics.CONCLUSIONGenotype and the growing environment had a significant effect on the chemical composition and rheological properties of the field pea. The variability in composition and quality traits could be exploited through plant breeding and optimized agronomic practices to increase production of field peas with the desired quality traits. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Extranodal extension is a strong prognosticator in HPV‐positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Bauer Eric , Mazul Angela , Chernock Rebecca , Rich Jason , Jackson Ryan S. , Paniello Randal , Pipkorn Patrik , Oppelt Peter , Gay Hiram , Daly Mackenzie , El‐Mofty Samir , Thorstad Wade , Adkins Douglas , Zevallos Jose 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveTo comprehensively examine the prognostic significance of extranodal extension (ENE) in human papillomavirus–positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV‐positive OPSCC).MethodsRetrospective cohort of cases diagnosed with HPV‐positive OPSCC from 2010 to 2015 in the National Cancer Database. Inclusion of all OPSCC HPV‐positive cases with appropriate International Classification of Diseases‐0‐3 codes that received surgery with a neck dissection. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted. Hazard ratios (HR) for the independent effects of ENE and N stage on overall survival were estimated by Cox proportional hazards regression.ResultsCases that were ENE‐negative had the highest 5‐year survival (92.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 90.5%–94.7%). ENE‐positive cases had the lowest 5‐year survival (84.0%; 95% CI: 80.7%−87.4%). After adjusting for confounding variables, ENE‐positivity was associated with almost twice the hazard of death (HR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.35–2.67) compared to ENE‐negative cases. Nodal (N) category 1, ENE‐positive status was associated with an increased risk of death (HR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.26–2.80) compared with N1, ENE‐negative status. Compared to N1/ENE‐negative cases, N2/ENE‐positive cases had the poorest survival (HR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.94–4.43). Both microscopic and macroscopic ENE were associated with worse outcomes compared to node‐positive/ENE‐negative status.ConclusionThe implementation of the American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition staging system provides a much‐improved framework to develop and discuss treatment plans for HPV‐positive OPSCC. We feel that careful consideration should be given to the importance of ENE in patients with HPV‐positive OPSCC.Level of Evidence4Laryngoscope, 130:939–945, 2020
Initial lignin content as an indicator for predicting leaf litter decomposition and the mixed effects of two perennial gramineous plants in a desert steppe: A 5‐year long‐term study
Authors: Qu Hao , Pan Chengchen , Zhao Xueyong , Lian Jie , Wang Shaokun , Wang Xinyuan , Ma Xujun , Liu Liangxu 
Published: May 2019

AbstractLeaf is the main component of litter that often exists in mixed forms in nature. However, the mixed effects of leaf litter decomposition in desert ecosystems remain unclear. To reveal the mixed effects and the influence of litter quality on leaf litter decomposition in desert ecosystems, a 5‐year long‐term study was conducted to compare the observed and expected leaf litter mass loss in single‐species and mixed (equal proportions and natural proportions) litters of two typical perennial gramineous plants (Stipa klemenzii and Achnatherum splendens) in a desert steppe in Northern China. The relationship between litter mass loss and litter qualities was also analysed. The results showed that (a) after 5 years of decomposition, the mass losses of mixed litter in natural proportions and S. klemenzii litter were significantly higher than those of mixed litter in equal proportions and A. splendens litter; (b) the mixed effects of two litters in different ratios varied with time, and the synergistic effect only appeared in the second year when an easily decomposed litter (S. klemenzii) was mixed with a slowly decomposing litter (A. splendens); and (c) litter mass loss was not correlated with the initial carbon or nitrogen content but was negatively correlated with the initial lignin content, and the initial lignin content also had a significant effect on litter mixed effects of these two perennial gramineous plant litters. These results can suggest that the initial lignin content is an indicator of predicting decomposition and mixed effects of litter with low nitrogen content.
Interpreting distance‐decay pattern of soil bacteria via quantifying the assembly processes at multiple spatial scales
Authors: Feng Maomao , Tripathi Binu M. , Shi Yu , Adams Jonathan M. , Zhu Yong‐Guan , Chu Haiyan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIt has been widely accepted that there is a distance‐decay pattern in the soil microbiome. However, few studies have attempted to interpret the microbial distance‐decay pattern from the perspective of quantifying underlying processes. In this study, we examined the processes governing bacterial community assembly at multiple spatial scales in maize fields of Northeast China using Illumina MiSeq sequencing. Results showed that the processes governing spatial turnover in bacterial community composition shifted regularly with spatial scale, with homogenizing dispersal dominating at small spatial scales and variable selection dominating at larger scales, which in turn explained the distance‐decay pattern that closer located sites tended to have higher community similarity. Together, homogenizing dispersal and dispersal limitation resulting from geographic factors governed about 33% of spatial turnover in bacterial community composition. Deterministic selection processes had the strongest influence, at 57%, with biotic factors and abiotic environmental filtering (mainly imposed by soil pH) respectively contributing about 37% and 63% of variation. Our results provided a novel and comprehensive way to explain the distance‐decay pattern of soil microbiome via quantifying the assembly processes at multiple spatial scales, as well as the method to quantify the influence of abiotic, biotic, and geographic factors in shaping microbial community structure, thus enabling understanding of widely acknowledged microbial biogeographic patterns and microbial ecology.
Fully coupled elastoplastic hydro‐mechanical analysis of unsaturated porous media using a meshfree method
Authors: Ghaffaripour Omid , Esgandani Golnaz A. , Khoshghalb Arman , Shahbodaghkhan Babak 
Published: May 2019

SummaryThis paper presents the first application of an advanced meshfree method, ie, the edge‐based smoothed point interpolation method (ESPIM), in simulation of the coupled hydro‐mechanical behaviour of unsaturated porous media. In the proposed technique, the problem domain is spatially discretised using a triangular background mesh, and the polynomial point interpolation method combined with a simple node selection scheme is adopted for creating nodal shape functions. Smoothing domains are formed on top of the background mesh, and a constant smoothed strain, created by applying the smoothing operation over the smoothing domains, is assigned to each smoothing domain. The deformation and flow models are developed based on the equilibrium equation of the mixture, and linear momentum and mass balance equations of the fluid phases, respectively. The effective stress approach is followed to account for the coupling between the flow and deformation models. Further coupling among the phases is captured through a hysteretic soil water retention model that evolves with changes in void ratio. An advanced elastoplastic constitutive model within the context of the bounding surface plasticity theory is employed for predicting the nonlinear behaviour of soil skeleton. Time discretisation is performed by adopting a three‐point discretisation method with growing time steps to avoid temporal instabilities. A modified Newton‐Raphson framework is designed for dealing with nonlinearities of the discretised system of equations. The performance of the numerical model is examined through a number of numerical examples. The state‐of‐the‐art computational scheme developed is useful for simulation of geotechnical engineering problems involving unsaturated soils.
Geophysical Mapping of Shallow Rock Salt at Borabue, Northeast Thailand
Authors: Sarntima Thunyatorn , Arjwech Rungroj , Everett Mark E. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTIn the northeast of Thailand, many swamps and lakes show evidence of rock salt dissolution, with attendant environmental problems due to saline groundwater and soil salinization. The knowledge of the depth and structure of the rock salt would be useful to achieve a better understanding of the impact of its dissolution on the environment and to facilitate effective land management strategies. Geophysical methods can provide key subsurface information. Four seismic refraction profiles and three electrical resistivity tomography profiles were carried out between Nong Bo and Nong Pong reservoirs in the salt‐affected Borabue district of Maha Sarakham province. The seismic results indicate the top of shallow rock salt beneath Nong Bo reservoir as a diagnostic zone of high P‐wave velocity >3400 m/s at depths >20 m. The electrical resistivity tomography investigation shows electrical resistivity values ≳5 Ωm at similar depths, indicative also of shallow rock salt. Zones interpreted to be saline groundwater are electrically conductive, identified by electrical resistivity values ≲5 Ωm in the electrical resistivity tomography images. The combined seismic–electrical resistivity tomography interpretation suggests that shallow rock salt lies beneath the reservoirs and ponds in the Borabue district but does not appear to form a continuous body between the two largest reservoirs.
The finite volume method based on the Crouzeix–Raviart element for a fracture model
Authors: Chen Shuangshuang , Li Xiaoli , Rui Hongxing 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we present and analyze a finite volume method based on the Crouzeix–Raviart element for the coupled fracture model, where the fluid flow is governed by Darcy's law in the one‐dimensional fracture and two‐dimensional surrounding matrix. In the numerical scheme, the pressure in the matrix and fracture is respectively approximated by the Crouzeix–Raviart elements and piecewise constant functions, and then the velocity is calculated by piecewise constant functions element by element. The existence and uniqueness of the numerical solution are discussed, and optimal order error estimates for both the pressure p and the velocity u are proved on general triangulations. We finally carry out numerical experiments, and results confirm our theoretical analysis.
Predicting and validating a model of suppressor of IKKepsilon through biophysical characterization
Authors: Machek Megan L. , Sonnenschein Halie A. , Graham Sasha‐Kaye I. , Shikwana Flowreen , Kim Seung‐Hwan L. , Garcia DuBar Selena , Minzer Ian D. , Wey Ryan , Bell Jessica K. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSuppressor of IKKepsilon (SIKE) is a 207 residue protein that is implicated in the TLR3‐TANK‐binding kinase‐1‐mediated response to viral infection. SIKE's function in this pathway is unknown, but SIKE forms interactions with two distinct cytoskeletal proteins, α‐actinin and tubulin, and SIKE knockout reduces cell migration. As structure informs function and in the absence of solved structural homologs, our studies were directed toward creating a structural model of SIKE through biochemical and biophysical characterization to probe and interrogate SIKE function. Circular dichroism revealed a primarily (73%) helical structure of minimal stability (<Tm > =32°C) but reversibly denatured. Limited proteolysis (LP) and chemical modification identified the N‐terminal 2/3 of the protein as dynamic and accessible, whereas size exclusion chromatography (SEC) confirmed three homo‐oligomeric species. SEC coupled to chemical crosslinking characterized the primary species as dimeric, a secondary hexameric species, and a higher order aggregate/polymer. Fluorescence polarization using intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence contextualized the anisotropy value for the SIKE dimer (molecular weight 51.8 kDa) among proteins of known structure, bovine serum albumin (BSA; 66 kDa), and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH; 332 kDa). Radii of gyration for BSA and GDH provided exclusionary values for SIKE tertiary and dimeric quaternary models that otherwise conformed to secondary structure, LP, and modification data. Dimeric quaternary models were further culled using acrylamide quenching data of SIKE's single tryptophan that showed a single, protected environment. The low cooperativity of folding and regions of dynamic and potentially disordered structure advance the hypothesis that SIKE forms a conformational ensemble of native states that accommodate SIKE's interactions with multiple, distinct protein‐binding partners.
Cigarette smoking augments androgen receptor activity and promotes resistance to antiandrogen therapy
Authors: Shiota Masaki , Ushijima Miho , Imada Kenjiro , Kashiwagi Eiji , Takeuchi Ario , Inokuchi Junichi , Tatsugami Katsunori , Kajioka Shunichi , Eto Masatoshi 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundCigarette smoking is associated with worse outcomes in prostate cancer, whose growth is dependent on androgen receptor (AR) signaling. We aimed to elucidate the biological effect of cigarette smoking on AR signaling and its clinical influence on oncological outcome.MethodsGene expression levels after exposure to tobacco smoke condensate (TSC) were evaluated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis in prostate cancer cells. Cellular sensitivities to enzalutamide and docetaxel after TSC exposure were evaluated using a prostate cancer cell proliferation assay. Prognosis was compared between current smokers and nonsmokers when treated with AR‐axis‐targeting (ARAT) agent enzalutamide and docetaxel.ResultsExpression of AR variants as well as prostate‐specific antigen was augmented after TSC exposure, which occurred after Akt phosphorylation. These inductions were suppressed by Akt inhibitor LY294002 as well as antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine. Consistently, TSC exposure augmented cellular resistance to enzalutamide. In clinical data, cigarette smoking was associated with worse progression‐free survival and cancer‐specific survival when patients with prostate cancer were treated with ARAT agents but not docetaxel.ConclusionsIt was suggested that cigarette smoking leads to detrimental oncological outcome when prostate cancer patients are treated with ARAT agents through induction of aberrant AR signaling. Accordingly, we recommend that patients with advanced prostate cancer should refrain from cigarette smoking.
Factors affecting chromium isotope measurements using the double‐spike method
Authors: Zhang Qun , Liu Jia , Zhang Yingnan , Yu Huimin , Qin Liping , Shen Ji 
Published: May 2019

RationaleThe double‐spike technique is widely used in stable metal isotope measurements to correct for instrumental fractionation, and this method has achieved prominence for chromium (Cr) isotope measurements in the past decade or so. For this method to work, precise calibration of the double spike was thought to be indispensable. However, the effect of carrying out this precise calibration has not been fully evaluated. Moreover, other factors that can affect the accuracy of Cr isotope measurements using the double spike have also not been thoroughly evaluated.MethodsFirst using theoretical calculation, we assessed whether precise knowledge of the measured mass fractionation of the double spike is necessary. We then developed a double‐spike method for measuring the Cr stable isotopic composition using multiple‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC‐ICP‐MS). We tested the key factors that can affect the accuracy of Cr isotope measurements.ResultsBy theoretical calculation we found that the uncorrected instrumental mass fractionation of the double spike will not result in any systematic bias on the measurements of δ53Cr values in the sample, provided that the double spike, standard and sample are measured on the same instrument and with the same cup configuration. Incorporating this result, with our new method, the presence of Fe and Ti (up to 5% wt of the Cr concentration in the sample) can be fully corrected. The long‐term reproducibility of an internal standard was ±0.04‰ (2SD), and the external reproducibility on the δ53Cr difference between our internal standard and the NIST Standard Reference Material 3112a was −0.07 ± 0.05‰. The δ53Cr values for a set of USGS geological reference materials including basalt (BHVO‐1,2; BIR‐1; GSR‐3), mica schist (SDC‐1), diabase (W‐2‐a), peridotite (PCC‐1) and dunite (DTS‐2) were measured, with our results for BHVO‐2 and BIR‐1 being consistent with previously reported values.ConclusionsWe have shown that precise knowledge of the measured mass fractionation of the double spike is not necessary during spike calibration and thus the calibration procedure is simplified. We can apply our new Cr isotope method to a range of geological rock samples with a wide range of variation in the chemical composition.
Clinical utility of chlormadinone acetate (Lutoral™) in frozen‐thawed embryo transfer with hormone replacement
Authors: Asada Yoshimasa , Hashiba Yoshiki , Hattori Yukio , Inoue Daichi , Ito Rie , Fukunaga Noritaka , Sonohara Megumi 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPurposeThe clinical utility of chlormadinone acetate tablets (Lutoral™), an orally active progestin which has been available since June 2007, was compared to an in‐house vaginal suppository formulation of progesterone used between 2006 and 2007 for assisted reproductive technology (ART).MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of chlormadinone acetate by comparing the pregnancy rates and the incidences of birth defects and hypospadias in frozen‐thawed embryo transfer cycles using the in‐house vaginal progesterone and those using chlormadinone acetate for luteal phase support.ResultsThe pregnancy rates in the frozen‐thawed embryo transfer cycles were 31.2% (259/831) with vaginal progesterone for luteal phase support and 31.6% (4228/13 381) with chlormadinone acetate (no significant difference). In the cycles resulting in live birth following administration of chlormadinone acetate between July 2007 and December 2015, the incidence of birth defects was 2.8% (80/2893), and the incidence of hypospadias was 0.03% (1/2893).ConclusionsThese results indicate that the pregnancy rate following frozen‐thawed embryo transfer using chlormadinone acetate for luteal phase support was comparable with that using vaginal progesterone, with no increased risk of birth defects, including hypospadias, which has been a concern following the use of progestins.
RETRACTED: Dual Role of Lanthanum Oxide Nanoparticles Functionalized Co‐Polymeric Micelle for Extended Anti‐Cancer Drug Delivery
Authors: Vinothini Kandasamy , Jeyaraj Murugaraj , Kumar Sadasivuni Kishor , Rajan Mariappan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn this study, the paclitaxel (PTX) ‐ loaded A−B type di‐block polymeric micelles poly xylitol sebacate‐poly methylmethacrylic acid/Lanthanum Oxide/paclitaxel (PXS‐PMAA/LO/PTX) were designed and Lanthanum oxide nanoparticles were tagged on the surface of the micelle for the improvement of the antitumor drug efficiency in the cancer cells. LO nanoparticles influence the formation of sphere‐shaped micelles and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to inhibite the cancer.Then, in‐vitro drug release of PTX was carried out by UV‐Vis spectroscopy and it was examined for pH depended drug releases. Cell uptake of the PTX‐loaded micelles was investigated in human norml cell VERO and A549 cell line. The cytotoxicity study reveals that the PTX‐loaded polymeric nano micelle has higher efficacy compared to free PTX. Living cell, cell apoptosis, ROS production and nuclear morphological changes were analyzed through Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide dual stain, cationic probe rhodamine 123, 2,7‐dichlorofluorescene and Hoechst 33342 staining respectively. Hence, the PTX‐loaded PXS‐PMAA/LO carrier can act as potential drug carrier for cancer treatment.