bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interactions of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides with sedimentary organic matter of retrogressive thaw slump‐affected lakes in the tundra uplands adjacent to the Mackenzie Delta, NT, Canada
Authors: Eickmeyer David C. , Kimpe Linda E. , Kokelj Steve V. , Pisaric Michael F. J. , Smol John P. , Sanei Hamed , Thienpont Joshua R. , Blais Jules M. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractUsing a comparative spatial analysis of sediment cores from eight lakes in tundra uplands adjacent to the Mackenzie Delta, NT, we examined how the presence of retrogressive thaw slumps on lake shores affected persistent organic pollutant (POPs, including polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides) accumulation in lake sediments. Sediments of slump‐affected lakes contained higher total organic carbon (TOC)‐normalized POP concentrations than nearby reference lakes that were unaffected by thaw slumps. Mean focus‐corrected inorganic sedimentation rates were positively related to TOC‐normalized contaminant concentrations, explaining 58–94% of the variation in POP concentrations in sediment, suggesting that reduced organic carbon in slump‐affected lake water results in higher concentrations of POPs on sedimentary organic matter. This explanation was corroborated by an inverse relationship between sedimentary POP concentrations and TOC content of the lake water. Inferred chlorophyll a, S2, and S3 carbon fluxes to sediment were not significantly correlated to POP fluxes. Higher POP concentrations observed in sediment of slump‐affected lakes are best explained by simple solvent switching processes of hydrophobic organic contaminants onto a smaller pool of available organic carbon when compared to neighboring lakes unaffected by thaw slump development.
The sensitivity of convective aggregation to diabatic processes in idealized radiative‐convective equilibrium simulations
Authors: Holloway C. E. , Woolnough S. J. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIdealized explicit convection simulations of the Met Office Unified Model exhibit spontaneous self‐aggregation in radiative‐convective equilibrium, as seen in other models in previous studies. This self‐aggregation is linked to feedbacks between radiation, surface fluxes, and convection, and the organization is intimately related to the evolution of the column water vapor field. Analysis of the budget of the spatial variance of column‐integrated frozen moist static energy (MSE), following Wing and Emanuel (2014), reveals that the direct radiative feedback (including significant cloud longwave effects) is dominant in both the initial development of self‐aggregation and the maintenance of an aggregated state. A low‐level circulation at intermediate stages of aggregation does appear to transport MSE from drier to moister regions, but this circulation is mostly balanced by other advective effects of opposite sign and is forced by horizontal anomalies of convective heating (not radiation). Sensitivity studies with either fixed prescribed radiative cooling, fixed prescribed surface fluxes, or both do not show full self‐aggregation from homogeneous initial conditions, though fixed surface fluxes do not disaggregate an initialized aggregated state. A sensitivity study in which rain evaporation is turned off shows more rapid self‐aggregation, while a run with this change plus fixed radiative cooling still shows strong self‐aggregation, supporting a “moisture‐memory” effect found in Muller and Bony (2015). Interestingly, self‐aggregation occurs even in simulations with sea surface temperatures (SSTs) of 295 and 290 K, with direct radiative feedbacks dominating the budget of MSE variance, in contrast to results in some previous studies.
Comparison of thermoluminescence characteristics in γ‐ray and C5+ ion beam‐irradiated LiCaAlF6:Ce phosphor
Authors: Yerpude M. M. , Dhoble N. S. , Lochab S. P. , Dhoble S. J. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractWe compare the thermoluminescence (TL) behavior of Ce3+ ion‐activated LiCaAlF6 exposed to γ‐rays and a carbon ion beam. The reported phosphor is synthesized using an in‐house precipitation method with varying concentrations of activator ion and is characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and TL. Rietveld refinement is performed to study the structural statistics. The TL glow curve consists of a prominent glow peak at 232°C with three shoulders at 115, 159 and 333°C when exposed to γ‐rays from a 60Co source. When exposed to a C5+ ion beam, the TL glow curve consists of five peaks with peak temperatures near 156, 221, 250, 287 and 330°C, and is found to vary slightly with changing fluence. Glow curve convolution deconvolution (GCCD) functions are applied to the TL curves for complete analysis of the glow curve structure and TL traps. The order of kinetics (b), activation energy (E) and frequency factor are determined using Chen's peak shape method and theoretical curves are drawn using GCCD functions. A track interaction model (TIM) is used to explain the sublinearity/saturation at higher fluences. Ion beam parameters are analyzed using Monte‐Carlo simulation‐based SRIM‐2013 code. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of ZnO:Tb down‐conversion phosphor for Ag nanoparticle plasmon absorption using a He–Cd ultraviolet laser
Authors: Abbass A. E. , Swart H. C. , Kroon R. E. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAlthough noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted some attention for potentially enhancing the luminescence of rare earth ions for phosphor lighting applications, the absorption of energy by NPs can also be beneficial in biological and polymer applications where local heating is desired, e.g. photothermal applications. Strong interaction between incident laser light and NPs occurs only when the laser wavelength matches the NP plasmon resonance. Although lasers with different wavelengths are available and the NP plasmon resonance can be tuned by changing its size and shape or the dielectric medium (host material), in this work, we consider exciting the plasmon resonance of Ag NPs indirectly with a He–Cd UV laser using the down‐conversion properties of Tb3+ ions in ZnO. The formation of Ag NPs was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and UV–vis diffuse reflectance measurements. Radiative energy transfer from the Tb3+ ions to the Ag NPs resulted in quenching of the green luminescence of ZnO:Tb and was studied by means of spectral overlap and lifetime measurements. The use of a down‐converting phosphor, possibly with other rare earth ions, to indirectly couple a laser to the plasmon resonance wavelength of metal NPs is therefore successfully demonstrated and adds to the flexibility of such systems. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comprehensive review of the published assays for the quantitation of the immunosuppressant drug mycophenolic acid and its glucuronidated metabolites in biological fluids
Authors: Syed Muzeeb , Srinivas Nuggehally R. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTherapeutic use of mycophenolic acid (MPA) is steadily on the rise in combination with other immunosuppressant drugs in transplantation patients. The biotransformation of MPA resulted in the formation of glucuronide metabolites, MPAG and AcMPAG. There are a plethora of assays validated for the analysis of MPA alone or with MPAG/AcMPAG in various biological specimens including plasma/serum, urine, ultrafiltrate, saliva, PBMC, dried blood spots, tissue extract, tumor biopsies and vitreous humor. Based on the need for experimental work, a proper choice of the assay and internal standard may be made using the choices in the literature. While the chemical methods involving high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or LC coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) are popular, enzymatic assays, in spite of their higher bias, have been used for the routine drug monitoring of MPA. The objectives of the present review are: (a) to provide a focused systematic compilation of the HPLC or LC‐MS/MS methods for MPA, MPAG and/or AcMPAG published in the last decade (2005 to current) to enable visual comparison of the methods; (b) to compare and contrast a few enzymatic assays with those of the chemical methods; and (c) to discuss relevant issues/limitations and perspectives on select assays under various subheadings. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Young investigator challenge: MicroRNA‐21/MicroRNA‐126 profiling as a novel tool for the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma in pleural effusion cytology
Authors: Cappellesso Rocco , Nicolè Lorenzo , Caroccia Brasilina , Guzzardo Vincenza , Ventura Laura , Fassan Matteo , Fassina Ambrogio 
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUNDIn pleural effusion cytology, the distinction of malignant mesothelioma (MM) from reactive mesothelial cells (RMCs) may be challenging, even with the aid of immunocytochemistry or fluorescence in situ hybridization. It has been demonstrated that several microRNAs (miRNAs) are useful for this purpose in cell lines and histologic samples. In the current study, the authors evaluated the utility of an miRNA‐based classifier as a complement to cytology.METHODSQuantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis of 15 miRNAs was performed in mesothelial (MET‐5A) and MM (H28 and H2052) cell lines. Significant miRNAs were validated in 51 MM and 40 nonneoplastic pleural histologic samples and then were tested in 29 MM and 24 RMC cytologic specimens. The performance of individual and combined miRNAs was assessed for their ability to differentiate between MM and RMCs.RESULTSMiRNA‐19a (MiR‐19a), miR‐19b, miR‐21, miR‐25, and miR‐126 were differentially expressed in cell lines and histologic samples. MiR‐126 was down‐regulated in MM surgical specimens compared with nonneoplastic specimens, whereas all of the other miRNAs were overexpressed. In cytologic specimens, all miRNAs except miR‐25 were confirmed, exhibiting a sensitivity or a specificity higher than the threshold of 0.80, as recommended by the International Mesothelioma Interest Group. The best classifier resulted from the combination of miR‐21 and miR‐126, which achieved 0.86 sensitivity and 0.87 specificity.CONCLUSIONSSubject to validation of the current results in further larger studies, miR‐21 and miR‐126 profiling could be an effective and reliable tool for the diagnosis of MM in pleural effusions complementary to cytology evaluation. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2016;124:28‐36. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Synorogenic copper mineralization during the Alpine–Himalayan orogeny in the Zafarghand copper exploration district, Central Iran: petrogrography, geochemistry and alteration thermometry
Authors: Aminoroayaei Yamini Maryam , Tutti Faramarz , Haschke Michael , Ahmadian Jamshid , Murata Mamoru 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe Zafarghand porphyry copper exploration district is located in the NE of Isfahan (Central Iran), about 15 km SW of the city of Ardestan. This area consists of Eocene extrusive and Miocene intrusive rocks. The Eocene (ca. 56 Ma) units include andesites, dacites and rhyodacites spatially associated with pyroclastic materials (ignimbrites and pyroclastic tuff breccias), which are intruded by a Miocene (26–19 Ma) microgranular I‐type granodiorite. The entire igneous complex is intersected by NW–SE to E–W‐trending andesitic and dacitic dykes and N–S‐trending andesitic basalt dykes. Both the Miocene granodiorite and Eocene extrusives have undergone several hydrothermal alteration stages: (i) potassic, (ii) phyllic, (iii) argillic and (iv) propylitic alteration. The geochemical data of these formations are consistent with (i) the modal mineralogy derived from petrographic analysis of the samples and (ii) the regional tectonic setting of the samples having been emplaced in an active subduction‐related continental volcanic arc setting during the Zagros Orogeny. Copper mineralization in the Zafarghand area shows an average grade of 0.4% Cu, 200 ppm Mo, 0.2 ppm Ag and 0.01 g/t Au and a maximum age of 21 Ma, which implies that copper mineralization was synorogenic, coeval with the Alpine–Himalayan orogeny in this region. Copper mineralization occurs as chalcopyrite and bornite minerals as disseminated and stockwork mineralization associated with remobilized late epithermal vein mineralization. Chlorite geothermometry for the potassic and propylitic alteration zones yields a temperature range of 361–471 and 196–266 °C, respectively, which implies copper mineralization in a cooling synorogenic magmatic arc environment. Chlorite grains in these alteration zones indicate a classification of chlorites mainly as ripidolite, pycnochlorite, brunsvigite and diabantite. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating the prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) and proportions of patients with associated dementia and depression among the older adults based on secondary claims data
Authors: Riedel O. , Bitters D. , Amann U. , Garbe E. , Langner I. 
Published: January 2016

ObjectivesWhile the epidemiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) has been extensively studied, data on the prevalence of PD among the older adults in Germany are scarce, based on small samples, and limited to primary data designs. This study estimated the PD prevalence among the older adults in Germany in 2006 using secondary data.MethodsWe included 815,573 health insurance members aged ≥65 years from all regions in Germany. PD was identified in case of at least one inpatient or outpatient diagnosis. An outpatient diagnosis had to be confirmed by either a subsequent diagnosis or an antiparkinsonian drug within 12 months. PD was also assumed if a first prescription was confirmed by a diagnosis within 12 months. Cases were checked for a diagnosis of dementia or depression.ResultsThe standardized prevalence of PD was 1680 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1644–1716) cases per 100,000 persons. The prevalence increased with age and peaked in the age group of ≥90 years (4633 cases; 95% CI: 4227–5068) with higher rates in men (1729; 95% CI: 1684–1776) than in women (1644; 95% CI: 1593–1697). Dementia and depression occurred in 26.6% (95% CI: 25.8–27.5) and 32.6 (95% CI: 31.7–33.5) of PD cases, respectively.ConclusionsThe age‐related increase of PD prevalence and the age‐specific prevalence estimates are in line with other European studies, stressing the public health relevance related to PD. In addition to the minimization of biases that might occur in primary data studies, further strengths of our findings are the large underlying sample size and the coverage of Germany.
High‐content cell death imaging using quantum dot‐based TIRF microscopy for the determination of anticancer activity against breast cancer stem cell
Authors: Ki Jieun , Shim Yumi , Song Joon Myong 
Published: January 2016

We report a two color monitoring of drug‐induced cell deaths using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) as a novel method to determine anticancer activity. Instead of cancer cells, breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) were directly tested in the present assay to determine the effective concentration (EC50) values of camptothecin and cisplatin. Phosphatidylserine and HMGB1 protein were concurrently detected to observe apoptotic and necrotic cell death induced by anticancer drugs using quantum dot (Qdot)‐antibody conjugates. Only 50‐to‐100 breast CSCs were consumed at each cell chamber due to the high sensitivity of Qdot‐based TIRF. The high sensitivity of Qdot‐based TIRF, that enables the consumption of a small number of cells, is advantageous for cost‐effective large‐scale drug screening. In addition, unlike MTT assay, this approach can provide a more uniform range of EC50 values because the average values of single breast CSCs fluorescence intensities are observed to acquire EC50 values as a function of dose. This research successfully demonstrated the possibility that Qdot‐based TIRF can be widely used as an improved alternative to MTT assay for the determination of anticancer drug efficacies.
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A population model for management of Atlantic flyway resident population Canada geese
Authors: Beston Julie A. , Williams Christopher K. , Nichols Theodore C. , Castelli Paul M. 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTHighly abundant resident Canada geese (Branta canadensis) cause property damage throughout their range. Effective reduction and management of these populations requires knowledge of their population dynamics and responses to management actions. We used data from New Jersey, USA, and other resident Canada goose populations to produce stage‐structured matrix models for resident Canada geese from both urban and rural landscapes. We ran stochastic simulations to assess 3 management activities for Atlantic Flyway Resident Population Canada geese: harvest, nest treatment, and cull. Unrealistic harvest rates, in excess of 10% for urban geese, would be needed to reduce the urban population to target levels within 10 years in the absence of other management activities. Nest treatment to prevent hatching is less controversial than culling adults, but as many as 62% of eggs in urban areas would need to be treated annually to sufficiently reduce the mean stochastic population growth rate. Cull would be the most effective way to achieve the population goal, but current cull rates are insufficient to reduce the urban population. Although reduction of urban geese was a challenge, current management activities in rural populations appeared to be sufficient to reduce populations. We also provide a simple spreadsheet tool for managers who want to explore management options for other resident Canada goose populations by inserting relevant vital rate estimates for their populations and manipulating management activities. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Developmental changes in the hypothalamic mRNA levels of nucleobindin‐2 (NUCB2) and their sensitivity to fasting in male and female rats
Authors: Iwasa Takeshi , Matsuzaki Toshiya , Tungalagsuvd Altankhuu , Munkhzaya Munkhsaikhan , Yiliyasi Mayila , Kuwahara Akira , Irahara Minoru 
Published: January 2016

AbstractNesfatin‐1 is a central anorectic peptide derived from the precursor protein nucleobindin‐2 (NUCB2). In the present study, the changes in hypothalamic NUCB2 mRNA expression and their responses to food deprivation during the neonatal to pre‐pubertal period (postnatal days 10, 20, and 30) were evaluated in male and female rats. The rats' serum leptin levels were also measured because NUCB2 mRNA expression is positively regulated by leptin. In both the female and male rats, hypothalamic NUCB2 mRNA expression tended to fall throughout development. Similarly, higher serum leptin levels were detected on postnatal day 10 than on postnatal days 20 and 30 in both sexes. Hypothalamic NUCB2 mRNA expression was positively correlated with the serum leptin level in both the female and male rats; however, the relationship was not significant in males. The hypothalamic NUCB2 mRNA levels of the fed and 24 h fasted groups did not differ at any time point in either sex. On the other hand, the serum leptin levels of the 24 h fasted group were significantly lower than those of the fed group at all time points in both sexes. It can be speculated that the upregulation of hypothalamic leptin activity might induce a transient increase in hypothalamic NUCB2 mRNA expression during the early postnatal period (postnatal day 10) in both sexes. However, hypothalamic NUCB2 mRNA expression does not become sensitive to a negative energy balance during the neonatal to pre‐pubertal period.
A randomized controlled trial of abdominal binders for the management of postoperative pain and distress after cesarean delivery
Authors: Gillier Christin M. , Sparks Jennifer R. , Kriner Ronald , Anasti James N. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether abdominal binders effectively control pain and distress after cesarean delivery.MethodsA prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted between April and November, 2014, among women undergoing cesarean delivery (low‐transverse skin incision) at two US hospitals. Participants were randomly allocated to either the abdominal binder or control groups on entry to the operating suite. Masking was not possible. Patients in the abdominal binder group were fitted with a device before leaving the operating room and were encouraged to wear it constantly, although breaks were allowed. The primary outcomes were postoperative distress (measured by the Symptom Distress Scale [SDS]) and pain (measured by a visual analog scale [VAS]). Individuals who asked to be removed from the study within 6 hours of surgery were excluded from analyses.ResultsAnalyses included 87 patients in the abdominal binder group and 68 in the control group. The abdominal binder and control groups did not differ in postoperative day 1 VAS (3.1 ± 2.1 vs 3.4 ± 2.3; P = 0.33), postoperative day 2 VAS (3.0 ± 1.9 vs 3.8 ± 2.2; P = 0.16), postoperative day 1 SDS (21.5 ± 5.4 vs 21.8 ± 5.1; P = 0.87), and postoperative day 2 SDS (19.4 ± 4.8 vs 19.9 ± 5.0; P = 0.53).ConclusionPostoperative pain and distress scores after cesarean delivery were not affected by abdominal binders.ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02129894
Retracted: Randomized controlled trial of elevation of the fetal head with a fetal pillow during cesarean delivery at full cervical dilatation
Authors: Seal Subrata L. , Dey Alok , Barman Sannyashi C. , Kamilya Gourisankar , Mukherji Joydev , Onwude Joseph L. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate whether use of the Fetal Pillow (Safe Obstetric Systems, Shenfield, UK) affects maternal and fetal morbidity in cesarean delivery at full cervical dilatation.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted at two teaching hospitals in West Bengal, India, between April 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014. Women undergoing cesarean delivery at full dilatation were enrolled and randomly assigned with computer‐generated random numbers (block size 10) to undergo delivery with or without the Fetal Pillow. Group assignment was not masked. The primary outcome was the incidence of major uterine wound extensions (grade 2–3).ResultsOverall, 120 women were assigned to each group. Major uterine wound extensions occurred in 6 (5.0%) women in the Fetal Pillow group and 39 (32.5%) in the control group (relative risk 0.23, 95% confidence interval 0.11–0.48).ConclusionUse of the Fetal Pillow in second‐stage cesarean delivery significantly reduces the risk of a major extension of the uterine incision.CTRI registration number: CTRI/2015/03/005651
The effects of previous cesarean deliveries on severe maternal and adverse perinatal outcomes at a university hospital in Tanzania
Authors: Litorp Helena , Rööst Mattias , Kidanto Hussein L. , Nyström Lennarth , Essén Birgitta 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate if multiparous individuals who had undergone a previous cesarean delivery experienced an increased risk of severe maternal outcomes or adverse perinatal outcomes compared with multiparous individuals who had undergone previous vaginal deliveries.MethodsAn analytical cross‐sectional study at a university hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, enrolled multiparous participants of at least 28 weeks of pregnancy between February 1 and June 30, 2012. Data were collected from patients’ medical records and the hospital's obstetric database. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to compare outcomes among patients who had or had not undergone previous cesarean deliveries.ResultsA total of 2478 patients were enrolled. A previous cesarean delivery resulted in no increase in the risk of severe maternal outcomes (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.58–1.26; P = 0.46), and decreased risk of stillbirth (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.29–0.62, P < 0.001), and intrapartum stillbirth and neonatal distress (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.38–0.87, P = 0.007).ConclusionPrevious cesarean delivery was not a risk factor for severe maternal outcomes or adverse perinatal outcomes. The present study was conducted at a referral institution, where individuals with previous cesarean deliveries may constitute a healthy group. Additionally, there could be differences between the study groups in terms of healthcare‐seeking behavior, referral mechanisms, intrapartum monitoring, and clinical decision making.