bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of Processed Salmon Components Sticking to Polyethylene Terephthalate Coatings of Containers by FT-IR and Raman Vibrational Spectroscopy
Authors: Zumelzu E. , Sanz A. , Medina J. , Rull F. 
Published: April 2018

Earlier studies determined that portions of salmon were strongly sticking to the polymer coating of the container walls after emptying the cans. In this sense, this work performed high- and low-frequency spectral characterizations of fresh salmon muscle, fat, and skin by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy analyses to elucidate which components were effectively sticking to the underlying coating. The spectral analyses evidenced that the bands of skin and muscle were clearly distinctive. However, less perceptible contrasts were observed between fat and muscle until band 1700 cm−1, but above this limit, the minor spectral changes detected were sufficient to characterize both salmon components. The new spectral bands for skin occurred at 1030, 1202, and 1336 cm−1. Differences in intensity were also observed for band ν(C=O) at 1744 cm−1, even though it appeared in all components of the salmon. The bands for the ν(C–H) and ν(O–H) vibrations in the high-frequency region were the same, but the intensities and profiles were different. The similarities between the spectra of fresh salmon muscle and residues sticking to the polymer layers were substantial, corroborating that this is in fact the main component sticking to the polymer surface coating of industrial food cans.
Long-Term Outcome of Endoscopic Balloon Dilatation for Strictures in Patients with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Taida Takashi , Nakagawa Tomoo , Ohta Yuki , Hamanaka Shinsaku , Okimoto Kenichiro , Saito Keiko , Maruoka Daisuke , Matsumura Tomoaki , Arai Makoto , Katsuno Tatsuro , Kato Naoya 
Published: April 2018

Background/Aims: Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) is an alternative to surgery for strictures in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). The aim of the present study was to clarify the efficacy and safety of EBD for strictures in patients with CD. Methods: Twenty-six patients with CD who underwent EBD for strictures from August 2008 to November 2015 were followed up after dilatation. Short-term success was defined as the disappearance of obstructive symptoms after technically adequate dilatation was achieved. The short-term success rate of EBD, safety profile of EBD, and cumulative surgery-free and redilatation-free rates were analyzed. Results: Sixty-five EBDs were performed for CD patients in the follow-up period. The short-term success rate was 100% (26/26), and no complications were encountered during this study. Two (7.7%) patients underwent surgery during the observation period. The cumulative surgery-free rate after the initial EBD was 90.3% at both 2 and 3 years. The cumulative redilatation-free rate after the initial EBD was 52.1% at 2 years and 39.1% at 3 years. Conclusion: EBD for strictures secondary to CD provides not only short-term success but also long-term efficacy. Although a high redilatation rate is one of the clinical problems of this procedure, EBD is an effective therapy for avoiding intestinal recession in CD ­stricture.
Preoperative Controlling Nutritional Status Score Predicts Mortality after Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Takagi Kosei , Umeda Yuzo , Yoshida Ryuichi , Nobuoka Daisuke , Kuise Takashi , Fushimi Takuro , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi , Yagi Takahito 
Published: April 2018

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Preoperative nutritional status is reportedly associated with postoperative outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aimed to investigate the significance of the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) as predictors of postoperative outcomes. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We retrospectively reviewed data from 331 patients who underwent hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma between January 2007 and December 2015. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on their CONUT score and the PNI. We evaluated the effect of the CONUT score and PNI on perioperative outcomes. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of in-hospital mortality after hepatectomy. ­<b><i>Results:</i></b> The high CONUT group had a significantly higher ­incidence of 30-day mortality (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001), in-hospital mortality (<i>p</i> = 0.002), ascites (<i>p</i> = 0.006), liver failure (<i>p</i> = 0.02), sepsis (<i>p</i> = 0.01), and enteritis (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). The low PNI group was also significantly associated with 30-day mortality (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001), in-hospital mortality (<i>p</i> = 0.003), liver failure (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001), sepsis (<i>p</i> = 0.02), enteritis (<i>p</i> = 0.02), and hospital stay (<i>p</i> = 0.01). In multivariate analyses, a high CONUT score was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality after hepatectomy (hazard ratio [HR] 9.41, <i>p</i> = 0.038), but the PNI was not (HR 5.86, <i>p</i> = 0.08). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Preoperative assessment of the CONUT score is helpful for evaluating patients’ nutritional status and mortality risk after liver surgery.
Prominent Hypointense Vessel Sign on Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging Is Associated with Clinical Outcome in Acute Ischaemic Stroke
Authors: Wang Yiqi , Shi Tianming , Chen Bo , Lin Gaoping , Xu Yuyun , Geng Yu 
Published: April 2018

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Prominent hypointense vessel sign (PHVS) is visualized on susceptibility weighted-imaging (SWI) in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). We aim to test if PHVS is associated with stroke outcome. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Forty patients with acute middle cerebral artery occlusion were recruited. The presence of PHVS, cortical vessel sign (CVS), brush sign (BS) and susceptibility-diffuse weighted imaging mismatch (S-D mismatch) and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) on SWI were compared between the good outcome group (90-day modified Rankin scale [mRS] of 0–2) and the poor outcome group (mRS of 3–6). The receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were used to evaluate the predictive ability to poor outcome of above imaging characteristics. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The presence of PHVS, CVS, BS and S-D mismatch was significantly higher in the poor outcome group (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001, <i>p</i> = 0.001, <i>p</i> = 0.013, <i>p</i> = 0.014, respectively). SWI-ASPECTS was significantly lower in the poor outcome group (<i>p</i> = 0.002). Regression analysis revealed SWI-ASPECTS; the presence of PHVS and CVS were independently associated with poor outcome (OR 0.347, <i>p</i> = 0.012; OR 55.77, <i>p</i> = 0.004; OR 58.05, <i>p</i> = 0.005). ROC analysis showed that PHVS had the highest predictive value for poor outcome (AUC 0.783). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The presence of PHVS, CVS and SWI-ASPECTS were associated with poor outcome in AIS. The presence of PHVS was the most effective radiographic marker for predicting outcome.
Improving Microcirculatory Reperfusion Reduces Parenchymal Oxygen Radical Formation and Provides Neuroprotection
Authors: Taskiran-Sag Aslihan , Yemisci Muge , Gursoy-Ozdemir Yasemin , Erdener Sefik Evren , Karatas Hulya , Yuce Deniz , Dalkara Turgay 
Published: April 2018

Background and Purpose—
Reperfusion is the most significant determinant of good outcome after ischemic stroke. However, complete reperfusion often cannot be achieved, despite satisfactory recanalization. We hypothesized that microvascular protection was essential for achieving effective reperfusion and, hence, neuroprotection. To test this hypothesis, we have developed an in vivo model to differentially monitor parenchymal and vascular reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. By comparing the ROS-suppressing effect of N-tert-butyl-α-phenylnitrone (PBN) with its blood–brain barrier impermeable analog 2-sulfo-phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone (S-PBN), we assessed the impact of vascular ROS suppression alone on reperfusion and stroke outcome after recanalization.

Methods—
The distal middle cerebral artery was occluded for 1 hour by compressing with a micropipette and then recanalized (n=60 Swiss mice). ROS formation was monitored for 1 hour after recanalization by intravital fluorescence microscopy in pial vasculature and cortical parenchyma with topically applied hydroethidine through a cranial window. PBN (100 mg/kg) or S-PBN (156 mg/kg) was administered shortly before recanalization, and suppression of the vascular and parenchymal hydroethidine fluorescence was examined (n=22). Microcirculatory patency, reperfusion, ischemic tissue size, and neurological outcome were also assessed in a separate group of mice 1 to 72 hours after recanalization (n=30).

Results—

PBN and S-PBN completely suppressed the reperfusion-induced increase in ROS signal within vasculature. PBN readily suppressed ROS produced in parenchyma by 88%. S-PBN also suppressed the parenchymal ROS by 64% but starting 40 minutes later. Intriguingly, PBN and S-PBN comparably reduced the size of ischemic area by 65% and 48% (
P
>0.05), respectively. S-PBN restored the microvascular patency and perfusion after recanalization, suggesting that its delayed parenchymal antioxidant effect could be secondary to improved microcirculatory reperfusion.

Conclusions—
Promoting microvascular reperfusion by protecting vasculature can secondarily reduce parenchymal ROS formation and provide neuroprotection. The model presented can be used to directly assess pharmacological end points postulated in brain parenchyma and vasculature in vivo.
Same Table, Different Menus? A Comparison of UN and EU Mediation Practice in the Kosovo-Serbia Conflict
Authors: Bergmann Julian 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis article comparesUNandEUmediation practice in the Kosovo-Serbia conflict. It proposes a conceptual framework to analyze mediation effectiveness and its conditions and applies it to theUN-led Kosovo Status Talks in Vienna (2006–2007) and the ongoingEU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina (since 2011). TheEU’s relatively high degree of effectiveness compared to theUNeffort can be partly explained by the application of a strategy of manipulation, drawing on theEU’s strong leverage vis-à-vis both sides; partly by pointing to the conflict context which has been more favorable to mediation since 2011. At the same time, the analysis reveals thatEUmediation has not led to any changes concerning Serbia’s stance toward the recognition of Kosovo’s independence. The continuing non-resolution of the conflict demonstrates the limits of theEU’s manipulative mediation approach and points to a substantial dilemma ofEUmediation.
Evaluating CMIP5 Model Agreement for Multiple Drought Metrics
Authors: Ukkola A. M. , Pitman A. J. , De Kauwe M. G. , Abramowitz G. , Herger N. , Evans J. P. , Decker M. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Global climate models play an important role in quantifying past and projecting future changes in drought. Previous studies have pointed to shortcomings in these models for simulating droughts, but systematic evaluation of their level of agreement has been limited. Here, historical simulations (1950–2004) for 20 models from the latest Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) were analyzed for a variety of drought metrics and thresholds using a standardized drought index. Model agreement was investigated for different types of drought (precipitation, runoff, and soil moisture) and how this varied with drought severity and duration. At the global scale, climate models were shown to agree well on most precipitation drought metrics, but systematically underestimated precipitation drought intensity compared to observations. Conversely, simulated runoff and soil moisture droughts varied significantly across models, particularly for intensity. Differences in precipitation simulations were found to explain model differences in runoff and soil moisture drought metrics over some regions, but predominantly with respect to drought intensity. This suggests it is insufficient to evaluate models for precipitation droughts to increase confidence in model performance for other types of drought. This study shows large but metric-dependent discrepancies in CMIP5 for modeling different types of droughts that relate strongly to the component models (i.e., atmospheric or land surface scheme) used in the coupled modeling systems. Our results point to a need to consider multiple models in drought impact studies to account for high model uncertainties.
Polarity Variations of Internal Solitary Waves over the Continental Shelf of the Northern South China Sea: Impacts of Seasonal Stratification, Mesoscale Eddies, and Internal Tides
Authors: Zhang Xiaojiang , Huang Xiaodong , Zhang Zhiwei , Zhou Chun , Tian Jiwei , Zhao Wei 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSpatiotemporal variations in internal solitary wave (ISW) polarity over the continental shelf of the northern South China Sea (SCS) were examined based on mooring-array observations from October 2013 to June 2014. Depression ISWs were observed at the easternmost mooring, where the water depth is 323 m. Then, they evolved into elevation ISWs at the westernmost mooring, with a depth of 149 m. At the central mooring, with a depth of 250 m, the ISWs generally appeared as depression waves in autumn and spring but were elevation waves in winter. Seasonal variations in stratification caused this seasonality in polarity. On the intraseasonal time scales, anticyclonic eddies can modulate ISW polarity at the central mooring by deepening the thermocline depth for periods of approximately 8 days. During some days in autumn and spring, depression ISWs and ISWs in the process of changing polarity from depression to elevation appeared at time intervals of 10–12 h because of the thermocline deepening caused by internal tides. Isotherm anomalies associated with eddies and internal tides have a more significant contribution to determining the polarity of ISWs than do the background currents. The observational results reported here highlight the impact of multiscale processes on the evolution of ISWs.
Money Doesn't Grow on Trees, but Forecasts Do: Forecasting Extreme Precipitation with Random Forests
Authors: Herman Gregory R. , Schumacher Russ S. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Approximately 11 years of reforecasts from NOAA’s Second-Generation Global Ensemble Forecast System Reforecast (GEFS/R) model are used to train a contiguous United States (CONUS)-wide gridded probabilistic prediction system for locally extreme precipitation. This system is developed primarily using the random forest (RF) algorithm. Locally extreme precipitation is quantified for 24-h precipitation accumulations in the framework of average recurrence intervals (ARIs), with two severity levels: 1- and 10-yr ARI exceedances. Forecasts are made from 0000 UTC forecast initializations for two 1200–1200 UTC periods: days 2 and 3, comprising, respectively, forecast hours 36–60 and 60–84. Separate models are trained for each of eight forecast regions and for each forecast lead time. GEFS/R predictors vary in space and time relative to the forecast point and include not only the quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) output from the model, but also variables that characterize the meteorological regime, including winds, moisture, and instability. Numerous sensitivity experiments are performed to determine the effects of the inclusion or exclusion of different aspects of forecast information in the model predictors, the choice of statistical algorithm, and the effect of performing dimensionality reduction via principal component analysis as a preprocessing step. Overall, it is found that the machine learning (ML)-based forecasts add significant skill over exceedance forecasts produced from both the raw GEFS/R ensemble QPFs and from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts’ (ECMWF) global ensemble across almost all regions of the CONUS. ML-based forecasts are found to be underconfident, while raw ensemble forecasts are highly overconfident.
Wind Forecasts for Rocket and Balloon Launches at the Esrange Space Center Using the WRF Model
Authors: Fonseca Ricardo , Martín-Torres Javier , Andersson Kent 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
High-altitude balloons and rockets are regularly launched at the Esrange Space Center (ESC) in Kiruna, Sweden, with the aim of retrieving atmospheric data for meteorological and space studies in the Arctic region. Meteorological conditions, particularly wind direction and speed, play a critical role in the decision of whether to go ahead with or postpone a planned launch. Given the lack of high-resolution wind forecasts for this remote region, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model is used to downscale short-term forecasts given by the Global Forecast System (GFS) for the ESC for six 5-day periods in the warm, cold, and transition seasons. Three planetary boundary layer (PBL) schemes are considered: the local Mellor–Yamada–Janjić (MYJ), the nonlocal Yonsei University (YSU), and the hybrid local–nonlocal Asymmetric Convective Model 2 (ACM2). The ACM2 scheme is found to provide the most skillful forecasts. An analysis of the WRF Model output against the launch criteria for two of the most commonly launched vehicles, the sounding rockets Veículo de Sondagem Booster-30 (VSB-30) and Improved Orion, reveals probability of detection (POD) values that always exceeds 60% with the false alarm rate (FAR) generally below 50%. It is concluded that the WRF Model, in its present configuration, can be used to generate useful 5-day wind forecasts for the launches of these two rockets. The conclusions reached here are applicable to similar sites in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
Nucleation rates of droplets in supersaturated steam and water vapour–carrier gas mixtures between 200 and 450 K
Authors: Hrubý Jan , Duška Michal , Němec Tomáš , Kolovratník Michal 
Published: April 2018

We compare experimental nucleation rates for water vapour in various carrier gases, estimated nucleation rates for steam, and nucleation rates obtained from molecular simulations. The data for steam are deduced from empirical adjustments of the classical nucleation theory developed by various authors to reproduce pressure and optical data for condensing steam flows in converging-diverging nozzles and turbine stages. By combining the data for nucleation in carrier gases and the data for steam nucleation, an unprecedented temperature range of 250 K is available to study the temperature dependence of nucleation rate. Original results of molecular dynamic simulations for TIP4P/2005 force field in the NVE (system constrained by number of particles, volume and energy) conditions are provided. Correction of classical nucleation theory for non-isothermal nucleation conditions is applied to experimental and simulated data. The nucleation rate data for steam follow a similar temperature trend as the nucleation rate data for water vapour in carrier gases at lower temperatures. The ratio of observed nucleation rates to classical nucleation theory predictions decreases more steeply with temperature than the empirical correlation by Wölk et al. ( J Chem Phys 2002; 117: 4954–4960). On the contrary to experimental data, the ratios of nucleation rates computed from molecular simulations to classical nucleation theory predictions do not show a significant temperature trend.
Incremental direct medical costs of systemic lupus erythematosus patients in the years preceding diagnosis: A general population-based study
Authors: McCormick N , Marra C A , Sadatsafavi M , Aviña-Zubieta J A 
Published: April 2018

Objective We estimated the incremental (extra) direct medical costs of a population-based cohort of newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) for five years before and after diagnosis, and the impact of sex and socioeconomic status (SES) on pre-index costs for SLE. Methods We identified all adults newly diagnosed with SLE over 2001–2010 in British Columbia, Canada, and obtained a sample of non-SLE individuals from the general population, matched on sex, age, and calendar-year of study entry. We captured costs for all outpatient encounters, hospitalisations, and dispensed medications each year. Using generalised linear models, we estimated incremental costs of SLE each year before/after diagnosis (difference in costs between SLE and non-SLE, controlling for covariates). Similar models were used to examine the impact of sex and SES on costs within SLE. Results We included 3632 newly diagnosed SLE (86% female, mean age 49.6 ± 15.9) and 18,060 non-SLE individuals. Over the five years leading up to diagnosis, per-person healthcare costs for SLE patients increased year-over-year by 35%, on average, with the biggest increases in the final two years by 39% and 97%, respectively. Per-person all-cause medical costs for SLE the year after diagnosis (Year + 1) averaged C$12,019 (2013 Canadian) with 58% from hospitalisations, 24% outpatient, and 18% from prescription medications; Year + 1 costs for non-SLE averaged C$2412. Following adjustment for age, sex, urban/rural residence, socioeconomic status, and prior year's comorbidity score, SLE was associated with significantly greater hospitalisation, outpatient, and medication costs than non-SLE in each year of study. Altogether, adjusted incremental costs of SLE rose from C$1131 per person in Year –5 (fifth year before diagnosis) to C$2015 (Year –2), C$3473 (Year –1) and C$6474 (Year + 1). In Years –2, –1 and +1, SLE patients in the lowest SES group had significantly greater costs than the highest SES. Unlike the non-SLE cohort, male patients with SLE had higher costs than females. Annual incremental costs of SLE males (vs. SLE females) rose from C$540 per person in Year –2, to C$1385 in Year –1, and C$2288 in Year + 1. Conclusion Even years before diagnosis, SLE patients incur significantly elevated direct medical costs compared with the age- and sex-matched general population, for hospitalisations, outpatient care, and medications.