bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recycling agro-industrial waste to produce amylase and characterizing amylase–gold nanoparticle composite
Authors: Mojumdar Aditya , Deka Jashmini 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Purpose
Amylase being one of the most important industrial enzymes requires large-scale production. When producing an enzyme, high productivity, high purity and low production costs need to be considered. This study focuses on comparing various agro-industrial waste substrates, for production of alpha-amylase using Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Moreover, it studies the stability and activity of amylase–gold nanoparticles composite.

Methods
This study is divided into two parts, in the first part various agro-industrial waste substrates, such as wheat bran, rice bran and potato peel were used to produce alpha-amylase using solid-state fermentation (SSF). The production of the enzyme was quantified and compared in specific enzyme activity units. In the second part, change in the stability and activity of amylase in enzyme–gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) composite has been discussed.

Results
Highest enzyme production was observed in wheat bran and potato peel substrate with specific enzyme activity of almost 1.2 U/ug and 1.1 U/ug. Among combination substrates, wheat bran with potato peel showed a high enzyme production of 1.3 U/ug. On the other hand, the optimum temperature for amylase activity shifted to 55 °C in the composite compared to 37 °C for free enzyme.

Conclusions
Comparison of specific enzyme activity of extracts from various substrates showed that wheat bran alone, and in combination with potato peel, produces active and pure amylases. To stress on various catalytic activities of alpha-amylase, the capability of the enzyme to synthesize gold nanoparticles and the effect of conjugation of the nanoparticle on its optimum catalytic activity are also discussed in this paper.
Increased Risk of Cancer in Men With Peyronie’s Disease: A Cohort Study Using a Large United States Insurance Claims Database
Authors: Pastuszak Alexander W. , Thirumavalavan Nannan , Kohn Taylor P. , Lipshultz Larry I. , Eisenberg Michael L. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background
Men with Peyronie’s disease (PD) may have an increased prevalence of certain comorbidities, including malignancy. We sought to examine the clinical relationship between PD and subsequent diagnosis of malignancy.

Methods
Using data from the IBM Health MarketScan claims database from 2007 to 2013, we compared men with PD to a control group of men without PD or erectile dysfunction matched for age and duration of follow-up. We compared incidence of 18 categories of malignancy between both groups using a Cox regression model.

Results
In total, 48,423 men with PD and 484,230 controls were identified. The mean age within both cohorts was 50 ± 9.4 years old, and mean follow-up time was approximately 4.4 ± 2.1 years. After being controlled for age, year of evaluation, obesity, smoking, number of outpatient visits, number of urologist visits, and duration of follow-up, men with PD had an increased risk of all cancers (hazard ratio = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.06–1.14), stomach cancer (1.43, 1.06–1.14), testis cancer (1.39, 1.05–1.84), and melanoma (1.19, 1.02–1.38) when compared with controls. The strengths in using the MarketScan database are the anonymous nature of the data, accessibility, and the power provided by the large number of patient visits recorded. Limitations include a lack of detail in certain facets of patient clinical data, and the lack of long-term follow-up to assess the impact of time on other potentially associated conditions.

Conclusions
This manuscript is the first to our knowledge to describe a relationship between PD and cancer. Men with PD may be at increased risk for certain malignancies compared with age-matched controls. Further investigation is needed to explore the clinical implications of these findings.
Perceived discrimination and psychotic experiences in the English general
population
Authors: Stickley Andrew , Oh Hans , Sumiyoshi Tomiki , Narita Zui , DeVylder Jordan E. , Jacob Louis , Waldman Kyle , Koyanagi Ai 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Background:
Perceived discrimination has been linked to psychotic experiences
(PEs). However, as yet, information is lacking on the relationship
between different forms of discrimination and PEs. This study examined
this association in the English general population.

Methods:
Nationally representative, cross-sectional data were analyzed from
7363 adults aged 16 and above that came from the Adult Psychiatric
Morbidity Survey, 2007. Self-reported information was obtained on six
forms of discrimination (ethnicity, sex, religious beliefs, age,
physical health problems/disability, sexual orientation), while PEs were
assessed with the Psychosis Screening Questionnaire (PSQ). Multivariable
logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations.

Results:
In a fully adjusted logistic regression analysis, any discrimination
was significantly associated with PEs (odds ratio [OR]: 2.47, 95%
confidence interval [CI]: 1.75–3.48). All individual forms of
discrimination were significantly associated with PEs except sexual
orientation. Multiple forms of discrimination were associated with
higher odds for PEs in a monotonic fashion with those experiencing ≥ 3
forms of discrimination having over 5 times higher odds for any PE. In
addition, experiencing any discrimination was associated with
significantly increased odds for all individual forms of PE with ORs
ranging from 2.16 (95%CI: 1.40–3.35) for strange experience to 3.36
(95%CI: 1.47–7.76) for auditory hallucination.

Conclusion:
Different forms of discrimination are associated with PEs in the
general population. As discrimination is common at the societal level,
this highlights the importance of public policy and evidence-based
interventions to reduce discrimination and improve population mental
health.
Clinico-epidemiologic criteria and predictors of survival of rectal cancer among Egyptians in Delta region
Authors: Metwally Islam H. , Abdelkhalek Mohamed , Elbalka Saleh S. , Zuhdy Mohamed , Fareed Ahmed M. , Eldamshity Osama 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer represents a global health problem. Rectal cancer in particular is increasing and is believed to carry a unique epidemiologic and prognostic criteria.
Method We herein study retrospectively the data of 245 patients from a tertiary center in Egypt. Clinico-epidemiologic criteria and predictors of survival are analyzed.
Results The disease affects younger population without sex predilection. Prognosis is affected by age, nodal status, metastasis, and bowel obstruction.
Conclusion Rectal cancer has unique criteria in the Egyptian population. A national population based registry is recommended to delineate the nature of the disease in Egypt.
Narrative review comparing the epidemiology, characteristics, and survival in sporadic colorectal carcinoma/Lynch syndrome
Authors: de Matos Maria Beatriz , Barbosa Laura Elisabete , Teixeira João Paulo 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Introduction Colorectal carcinoma is the third most prevalent neoplasm in the world, and the second cause of death by cancer. The most part of these neoplasms are sporadic by somatic mutations, but around 15% are hereditary, such as Lynch syndrome or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). Despite being the same tumor, it has differences between these two contexts as well as different prognosis. In Lynch syndrome cases, the survival of these individuals was greater than that observed in sporadic cases.
Methods This review focuses on the different characteristics and development of colorectal carcinoma in sporadic and Lynch syndrome cases, in order to conclude what may motivate the greater survival in the tumors associated with this syndrome.
Results Although the histopathological features drive into a worse prognosis, the colorectal carcinoma in the Lynch Syndrome presents a greater survival comparing to sporadic colorectal carcinoma.
Discussion The greater survival in the colorectal carcinoma in the HNPCC compared to the sporadic carcinomas has been linked to factors such as high microsatellite instability, diploid predominance, earlier screening for colo-rectal carcinoma, deficient DNA repair mechanism, low p53 mutation rate, and presence of lymphoid aggregates involving the neoplasm.
Conclusion Further studies should be conducted to provide new insights about survival of colorectal carcinoma in Lynch syndrome, as well as the therapeutic alternatives for this neoplasia.
Prevalence of anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies in patients with irritable bowel syndrome in Duhok city
Authors: Mohammad Baheej Y. , Al-Dohouky Lawin , Mohammed Ayad Ahmad 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder; celiac disease is an autoimmune enteropathy that can mimic any functional gastrointestinal disorder. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of celiac disease antibodies (anti Tissue Transglutaminase—tTG) in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
Patients and methods This cross sectional study was conducted on 70 patients with irritable bowel syndrome fulfilling Rome III criteria who visited Azadi Teaching Hospital in Duhok city—Iraq. Patients were classified according to irritable bowel syndrome subtypes into: Diarrhoea Predominant (D-IBS), Constipation Predominant (C-IBS) and Mixed (M-IBS). IgA and IgG anti tTG were used to screen patients for celiac disease.
Results A total number of 70 patients (44 females and 26 males) were included; their mean age was 33 years (SD ± 7.64). Five patients (7.1%) were found to have positive both IgA and IgG anti tTG. Three of them have had D-IBS and the other two had C-IBS. No one of the M-IBS patients tested positive.
Conclusion The prevalence of anti tTG antibodies in irritable bowel syndrome is high. Patients with D-IBS should be screened for celiac disease.
Microphysical Structure and Lightning Initiation in Hokuriku Winter Clouds
Authors: Takahashi T. , Sugimoto S. , Kawano T. , Suzuki K. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractHokuriku winter clouds produce frequent, positive lightning from relatively shallow clouds. To understand this phenomenon, data from Videosondes and Videosonde‐HYVIS conjoined sondes, launched from Kashiwazaki, Japan, were analyzed with radar and Lightning Location System network data. The main charge carriers were graupel particles and ice crystals, and space charge increased with their number concentrations consistent with riming electrification. Cloud structure evolved greatly over the course of cloud life. In the mature stage, space charge was positive in the cloud upper level (carried by positive ice crystals), negative in the middle level (carried by negative graupel and negative ice crystals), and positive in the lower level (carried by positive graupel). Lightning was only seen in clouds that had all of the following characteristics: cloud top temperature < −14°C, −10°C isotherm >1.2 km, space charge >2–3 pC/L, ice crystal number concentration >500 m−3, and graupel particle number concentration >20 m−3. Predominance of positive cloud‐to‐ground (+CG) lightning was associated with graupel number concentration <200 m−3 and graupel peak diameter ≤4 mm. The +CG strike zone tended to be downshear from the −CG strike zone. The data suggest that −CG is initiated mainly by middle‐level negative graupel in the convective cell, while +CG is initiated by positive ice crystals in the upper domain, displaced by wind shear and descending. A major contributor to ice crystal number density is a novel ice multiplication process in which graupel‐surface ice branches are broken‐off in large numbers and subsequently grow into ice crystals.
Comparison of Electron Loss Models in the Inner Magnetosphere During the 2013 St. Patrick's Day Geomagnetic Storm
Authors: Ferradas C. P. , Jordanova V. K. , Reeves G. D. , Larsen B. A. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractElectrons with energies in the keV range play an important role in the dynamics of the inner magnetosphere. Therefore, accurately modeling electron fluxes in this region is of great interest. However, these calculations constitute a challenging task since the lifetimes of electrons that are available have limitations. In this study, we simulate electron fluxes in the energy range of 20 eV to 100 keV to assess how well different electron loss models can account for the observed electron fluxes during the Geospace Environment Modelling Challenge Event of the 2013 St. Patrick's Day storm. Three models (Case 1, Case 2, and Case 3) of electron lifetimes due to wave‐induced pitch angle scattering are used to compute the fluxes, which are compared with measurements from the Van Allen Probes. The three models consider electron losses due to interactions with whistler mode hiss waves inside the plasmasphere and with whistler mode chorus waves outside the plasmasphere. The Case 1 (historical) model produces excessive loss at low L shells before and after the storm, suggesting that it overestimates losses due to hiss during quiet times. During the storm main phase and early recovery all three models show good agreement with the observations, indicating that losses due to chorus during disturbed times are, in general, well accounted for by the models. Furthermore, the more recent Case 2 and Case 3 models show overall better agreement with the observed fluxes.
The Relationship Between Photoelectron Boundary and Steep Electron Density Gradient on Mars: MAVEN Observations
Authors: Han Qianqian , Fan Kai , Cui Jun , Wei Yong , Fraenz Markus , Dubinin Eduard , Chai Lihui , Rong Zhaojin , Wan Weixing , Andersson Laila , Mitchell David L. , Connerney J.E.P. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe Martian ionopause is generally identified as a steep electron density gradient and the peak of photoelectrons near 27 eV. However, it is not clear whether these two criteria identify the same position in the Martian ionopause region. The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Mission (MAVEN) provides a good chance to compare both criteria for the first time with electron density data taken from the Langmuir probe and electron energy spectra from the Solar Wind Electron Analyzer. We identified 1,121 steep electron density gradients and 4,275 photoelectron boundary crossings within the first 2.7 years of MAVEN data. Observations show that two boundaries are nearly collocated when being observed simultaneously (about 15% of the available dataset). But when averaged over all observations, the photoelectron boundary locates higher than the steep electron density gradient. This may suggest a strong dependency of the Martian ionopause on magnetic field configuration in the Martian ionosphere. Results are generally consistent with previous observations made by Mars Express (MEX) and improve our understanding of the Martian ionosphere.
Middle Atmosphere Temperature Trends in the Twentieth and Twenty‐First Centuries Simulated With the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM)
Authors: Garcia Rolando R. , Yue Jia , Russell James M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe use Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model simulations made under various climate change scenarios to study the evolution of the global‐mean temperature trend in the late twentieth century and the twenty‐first century. Results are compared with available satellite observations, including new trend estimates derived from the Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry instrument on NASA's TIMED spacecraft. Modeled and observed trends are shown to be consistent throughout the entire middle atmosphere, from near the tropopause (~16 km) to the lower thermosphere (~95 km) in the period covered by the satellite data. Simulations are extended into the twenty‐first century to document the evolution of the global‐mean temperature trend profile. We find, consistent with previous studies, a marked change in the trend profile at the turn of the twenty‐first century, which is driven by the recovery of stratospheric ozone following the adoption of the Montreal Protocol. In the twenty‐first century, the trend profile becomes more uniform with altitude, but its overall shape and magnitude are conditioned by the scenario adopted for future emissions of greenhouse gases. Our results suggest that the vertical profile of temperature trends in the middle atmosphere will remain an important signature of global climate change, and they underscore the importance of global, continuous monitoring of this region of the atmosphere.
A Statistical Study on the Climatology of the Equatorial Plasma Depletions Occurrence at Topside Ionosphere During Geomagnetic Disturbed Periods
Authors: Wan Xin , Xiong Chao , Wang Hui , Zhang Kedeng , Zheng Zhichao , He Yangfan , Yu Lei 
Published: September 2019

AbstractUsing the in situ measurements of ROCSAT‐1 satellite during 181 geomagnetic storms happened from July 1999 to June 2004, a superposed epoch analysis of the equatorial plasma depletions (EPDs) occurrence is conducted. At postsunset hours (1800–2200 LT), the EPDs occurrence is enhanced shortly at the storm onset, but afterward, a long‐last suppression dominates. The EPDs occurrence at Midnight (2200–0200 LT) generally shares a similar pattern to that at postsunset hours. The occurrence at predawn (0200–0400) gradual increases near storm onset and reach its maximum at 6–9 hr and decays until 18 hr. For a given longitude at postsunset/midnight, the EPDs occurrence tends to be suppressed or promoted when the EPDs do or do not prevail. The disturbed vertical plasma drift generally determines the inhibition/promotion of the EPDs occurrence at postsunset/predawn. However, for predawn EPDs occurrence, the plasma vertical drift cannot well explain the longitudinal variation. The continuous observations from consecutive orbits of ROCSAT‐1 are carefully compared and the result suggests that the geomagnetic storm‐induced additional predawn EPDs are preferred to be the longer‐lived developed EPDs rather than fresh EPDs. In addition, a possible mechanism concerning the background plasma density enhancement which might be related with the energetic electrons induced nighttime ionization is proposed.
Nonmonsoon Precipitation Dominates Groundwater Recharge Beneath a Monsoon‐Affected Glacier in Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Kong Yanlong , Wang Ke , Pu Tao , Shi Xiaoyi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractGroundwater recharge is poorly understood beneath the glacier due to the complex sampling conditions, although it is sensitive to the global change. Here we carried out the sampling and isotopic analysis on groundwater, ice‐melt water, river, and precipitation through a hydrological year at the lowest glacier of Mingyong in Hengduan Mountains, Southeastern Tibetan Plateau. The precipitation during the monsoon seasons (Pm) are more depleted in heavy isotopes than precipitation during the nonmonsoon seasons (Pnm) due to the influence of monsoon. The ice‐melt water and groundwater points are both found located left above the local meteoric water line (δ2H = 8.0δ18O + 8.0) and form lines of δ2H = 6.3δ18O – 10.0 and δ2H = 4.2δ18O – 37.6, respectively. However, their mean isotopic values are both larger than the weighted annual mean of precipitation isotopes. All of the phenomena above points to the occurring of refreezing process after excluding the evaporation process. A theoretical model is built to confirm the refreezing process that causes the lower slope of ice‐melt water line. The groundwater line is explained as a mixing line with ice‐melt water and precipitation with contributions of 46 ± 22% and 54 ± 22%, respectively. For the precipitation contribution, we propose a plausible conceptual model that groundwater comes primarily from Pnm (41 ± 17%), and minor from Pm (13 ± 17%). In this context, it is equivalent to 87 ± 28% groundwater recharged by Pnm because the glacier is mainly accumulated from Pnm. The findings highlight the importance of the Pnm recharging groundwater even in the monsoon‐affected glacial regions.
Mass Balance Variation and Associative Climate Drivers for the Dongkemadi Glacier in the Central Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liang Liqiao , Cuo Lan , Liu Qiang 
Published: September 2019

AbstractGlacier mass balance is a critical parameter in assessing glacial changes and meltwater runoff associated with climate change. This study used a modified distributed surface energy balance model at 3 hr temporal and 100‐ × 100‐m spatial resolutions to reconstruct a 1960–2009 mass balance time series of the alpine Dongkemadi Glacier in the central region of the Tibetan Plateau. The modified distributed surface energy balance model was able to reasonably simulate glacier mass balance estimations. The average annual mass balance of the reconstructed long‐term time series was −0.125 m w.e. (meter water equivalent), and the cumulative mass balance was −6.245 m w.e. throughout 1960–2009. Simulation results revealed that the glacier mass balance was more readily influenced by changes in air temperature (−362 mm w.e. [millimeter water equivalent]) than changes in precipitation (+138 mm w.e.). Therefore, a decreasing trend in the annual mass balance mainly derived from increasing air temperature throughout the simulated study period, although increasing precipitation inhibited the glacier ablation trend to some extent. Throughout 1960–2009, the glacial ablation zone expanded as shown by an increase in the equilibrium line altitude. This study offers comprehensive information on an important glacier monitored under harsh environmental conditions while aiding in our understanding of glacial response to climate change, using a method that can be applied to other glaciers to which mass balance observations are limited.
Validating the Water Vapor Variance Similarity Relationship in the Interfacial Layer Using Observations and Large‐Eddy Simulations
Authors: Osman M. K. , Turner D. D. , Heus T. , Wulfmeyer V. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn previous work, the similarity relationship for the water vapor variance in the interfacial layer (IL) at the top of the convective boundary layer (CBL) was proposed to be proportional to the convective velocity scale and the gradients of the water vapor mixing ratio and the Brunt‐Vaisala frequency in the entrainment zone. In the presence of wind shear in the IL, the similarity relationship was hypothesized to also include a dependence on the gradient Richardson number. Simultaneous measurements of the surface buoyancy flux, wind‐shear profiles from a radar wind profiler, water vapor mixing ratio and temperature measurements and their gradients from a Raman lidar provide a unique opportunity to thoroughly examine the function used in defining the variance and validate it. These observations were made over the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Southern Great Plains site. We identified 19 cases from 2016 during which the CBL was quasi‐stationary and well mixed for at least 2 hr in the afternoon. Furthermore, we simulated the CBL using a large‐eddy simulation (LES) model for these cases and derived the water vapor variance and other profiles to test the similarity function. Utilizing this unique combination of observations and LES, we demonstrate that the water vapor variance in the IL has little‐to‐no dependence on wind shear. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the predicted variance using the original similarity function matches the observed and LES‐modeled variance very well, with linear correlations between the two variances of 0.82 and 0.95, respectively.