bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cancelled Procedures in the English NHS: Evidence from the 2010 Tariff Reform
Authors: Cookson Graham , Jones Simon , Laliotis Ioannis 
Published: February 2017

SummaryThis paper explores the role of incentives in the English National Health Service. Until financial year 2009/2010, elective procedures that were cancelled after admission received a fixed reimbursement associated with a specific healthcare resource group code. We investigate whether this induced trusts to admit and then cancel, rather than cancel before admission and/or to cancel low fee over high fee work. As the tariff was ended in April 2010, we conduct an interrupted time series analysis to examine if their behaviour was affected after the tariff removal. The results indicate a small, yet statistically significant, decline in the probability of a last minute cancellation in the post‐tariff period, especially for certain types of patients and diagnoses. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zein‐based composites in biomedical applications
Authors: Demir Merve , Ramos‐Rivera Laura , Silva Raquel , Nazhat Showan N. , Boccaccini Aldo R. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractConsiderable research efforts have been devoted to zein‐based biomaterials for tissue engineering and other biomedical applications over the past decade. The attention given to zein‐based polymers is primarily attributed to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, due to the relatively low mechanical properties of these polymers, numerous inorganic compounds (e.g., hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphate, bioactive glasses, natural clays) have been considered in combination with zein to create composite materials in an attempt to enhance zein mechanical properties. Inorganic phases also positively impact on the hydrophilic properties of zein matrices inducing a suitable environment for cell attachment, spreading, and proliferation. This review covers available literature on zein and zein‐based composite materials, with focus on the combination of zein with commonly used inorganic fillers for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. An overview of the most recent advances in fabrication techniques for zein‐based composites is presented and key applications areas and future developments in the field are highlighted. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1656–1665, 2017.
Comparison of LC‐MS/MS vs chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay in measuring the valproic acid concentration in plasma of epilepsy patients in a new perspective
Authors: Wang Zhipeng , Yun Yunlei , Xie Xinfang , You Chunhua , Miao Haijun , Zhang Feng , Gao Shouhong , Chen Wansheng 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesThis study was designed to compare the performance of LC‐MS/MS with chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) for determination of VPA in epilepsy patients in the perspective of metabolites’ hepatotoxicity.MethodSamples were collected and then analyzed using both LC‐MS/MS and CMIA. A LO2 cells (normal human hepatic cells) experiment was carried out to confirm VPA metabolites’ hepatotoxicity using AST(Aspertate Aminotransferase, AST), ALT(Alanine aminotransferase, ALT) and LDH(lactate dehydrogenase, LDH) in supernate as index.ResultsThe regression equation analysis showed as LC‐MS/MS=1.0094CMIA‐1.8937, with the concordance correlation coefficient of 0.9700, and the CUSUM test proved no significant deviation from linearity (P>.05). CMIA compared to LC‐MS/MS gave a positive bias of 1.2 μg/mL. In LO2 experiment, VPA and its metabolites groups showed an obvious increment of AST, ALT, and LDH in supernate.ConclusionThe LC‐MS/MS is largely consistent with the CMIA in analytical time and quantification ability for VPA, but the LC‐MS/MS can simultaneously determinate VPA and its metabolites in plasma, and is also a higher cost‐efficiency method in consideration of toxic metabolites monitoring. The overestimation of VPA by CMIA showed no clinical significance. The metabolites 3‐OH‐VPA and 5‐OH‐VPA damage the LO2 cells and the results presented a statistical significance (P<.05). It is vital to monitor the metabolites’ concentrations for VAP's clinical safety application, and now is the occasion that laboratory and clinic consider the LC‐MS/MS method as a more advantageous alternative to CMIA method in therapeutic monitoring of VPA.
Trace elements in children suffering from sickle cell anemia: A case–control study
Authors: Sungu Joseph K. , Mukuku Olivier , Mutombo Augustin Mulangu , Mawaw Paul , Aloni Michel N. , Luboya Oscar N. 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundInformation on serum albumin and trace elements among children suffering from Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) was poorly documented in Africa. The aim of this study was to describe and to compare different values of trace elements with published reports from other parts of the world.MethodsWe carried out a case–control study. Seventy‐six steady state children suffering from SCA (Hb‐SS). One hundred and fifty‐two children were recruited with 76 (cases, Hb‐SS) and 76 (control, Hb‐AA) to compare the data.ResultsThe mean age was 10.0 years (SD=5.4) in SCA children and 9.2 years (SD=4.7) in the control group. The mean level of zinc and magnesium were slightly lower in the Hb‐SS group than in the Hb‐AA group (P<.001).ConclusionThe first literature about trace elements in SCA is briefly reported in Central Africa. In our midst, zinc, magnesium, and selenium deficiencies underline the need for their systematic among all children with SCA to identify patients with these deficiencies and provide early management.
Association of MMP‐9 gene polymorphisms with nephrolithiasis patients
Authors: Mehde Atheer Awad , Mehdi Wesen Adel , Yusof Faridah , Raus Raha Ahmed , Zainal Abidin Zaima Azira , Ghazali Hamid , Abd Rahman Azlina 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundNephrolithiasis is one of the causes which lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endopeptidases degrading extracellular matrix which correlate with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The current study was designed to analyze the association of (R279Q, C1562T) polymorphism of MMP‐9 with nephrolithiasis patients.MethodsGenotyping of MMP‐9/R279Q and of MMP‐9/C1562T polymorphism were carried out by PCR‐based restriction digestion method. Serum level of MMP‐9, oxidative stress marker, MDA, and uric acid were measured in patients and control.ResultsAllele frequencies of the MMP‐9/C1562T polymorphism for C and T allele were 71.25% and 28.75% in patients, 87.08% and 12.92% in control respectively. The homozygote TT was more frequent in the nephrolithiasis patients group, while T allele frequency was significantly higher in the nephrolithiasis patients group than in the control group. The patients with CT and TT genotype showed a significant increase in serum MMP‐9, Total Oxidant Status (TOS), Oxidative Stress Index (OSI), Malondialdehyde (MDA), and uric acid when compared to CC genotype in patients with nephrolithiasis. The R279Q polymorphism site with regard to the relationship with nephrolithiasis was not significant.ConclusionThe result indicates that patients with TT genotype had an increased risk of stones. Also, the results demonstrate that TT allele of the C1562T polymorphism in the MMP‐9gene is related with an increase of oxidative stress in nephrolithiasis patients and may possibly impose a risk for cardiovascular diseases in patients with TT genotype of MMP‐9.
Sol‐immobilized vs deposited‐precipitated Au nanoparticles supported on CeO2 for furfural oxidative esterification
Authors: Menegazzo Federica , Signoretto Michela , Fantinel Tania , Manzoli Maela 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe non‐edible nature of lignocellulose makes this an important raw material for future biorefineries. This work concerns the oxidative esterification of furfural (a C5 compound) to alkyl furoates, which find applications in the fine chemical industry.RESULTSVery efficient Au/CeO2 catalysts for furfural oxidative esterification were prepared by deposition of gold colloids using polyvinyl alcohol as protective agent. The catalysts provided complete conversion and selectivity without the presence of a base. Sol‐immobilized catalysts displayed better catalytic performances than Au/CeO2 prepared by deposition–precipitation (74% conversion). It was proposed that polyvinyl alcohol molecules act not only as gold stabilizer, but they leave ceria support uncovered and available for catalysis. The reaction is extremely sensitive to temperature, but can be carried out at very low pressures. Sol‐immobilized catalysts do not require any preliminary calcination to be activated and can be recovered by simple filtration: no oxidation of the exhausted catalyst is required for at least six catalytic runs.CONCLUSIONThe new catalyst is active, selective, recyclable and suitable for an industrial chemistry application based on renewable resources. Furoate ester can be obtained with optimal yields by a greener process than is presently used. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Detection of the mild emphysema by quantification of lung respiratory airways with hyperpolarized xenon diffusion MRI
Authors: Ruan Weiwei , Zhong Jianping , Wang Ke , Wu Guangyao , Han Yeqing , Sun Xianping , Ye Chaohui , Zhou Xin 
Published: February 2017

PurposeTo demonstrate the feasibility to quantify the lung respiratory airway in vivo with hyperpolarized xenon diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is able to detect mild emphysema in the rat model.Materials and MethodsThe lung respiratory airways were quantified in vivo using hyperpolarized xenon diffusion MRI (7T) with eight b values (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 s/cm2) in five control rats and five mild emphysematous rats, which were induced by elastase. The morphological results from histology were acquired and used for comparison.ResultsThe parameters DL (longitudinal diffusion coefficient), r (internal radius), h (alveolar sleeve depth), Lm (mean linear intercept), and S/V (surface area to lung volume ratio) derived from the hyperpolarized xenon diffusion MRI in the emphysematous group showed significant differences from those in the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, these parameters correlated well with the Lm obtained by the traditional histological sections (Pearson's correlation coefficients >0.8).ConclusionThe lung respiratory airways can be quantified by hyperpolarized xenon diffusion MRI, showing the potential for mild emphysema diagnosis. Also, the study suggested that the hyperpolarized xenon DL is more sensitive than DT (transverse diffusion coefficient) to detect mild emphysema.Level of Evidence: 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:879–888.
Robust universal nonrigid motion correction framework for first‐pass cardiac MR perfusion imaging
Authors: Benovoy Mitchel , Jacobs Matthew , Cheriet Farida , Dahdah Nagib , Arai Andrew E. , Hsu Li‐Yueh 
Published: February 2017

PurposeTo present and assess an automatic nonrigid image registration framework that compensates motion in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) perfusion series and auxiliary images acquired under a wide range of conditions to facilitate myocardial perfusion quantification.Materials and MethodsOur framework combines discrete feature matching for large displacement estimation with a dense variational optical flow formulation in a multithreaded architecture. This framework was evaluated on 291 clinical subjects to register 1.5T and 3.0T steady‐state free‐precession (FISP) and fast low‐angle shot (FLASH) dynamic contrast myocardial perfusion images, arterial input function (AIF) images, and proton density (PD)‐weighted images acquired under breath‐hold (BH) and free‐breath (FB) settings.ResultsOur method significantly improved frame‐to‐frame appearance consistency compared to raw series, expressed in correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.996 ± 3.735E‐3 vs. 0.978 ± 2.024E‐2, P < 0.0001) and mutual information (3.823 ± 4.098E‐1 vs. 2.967 ± 4.697E‐1, P < 0.0001). It is applicable to both BH (R2 = 0.998 ± 3.217E‐3 vs. 0.990 ± 7.527E‐3) and FB (R2 = 0.995 ± 3.410E‐3 vs. 0.968 ± 2.257E‐3) paradigms as well as FISP and FLASH sequences. The method registers PD images to perfusion T1 series (9.70% max increase in R2 vs. no registration, P < 0.001) and also corrects motion in low‐resolution AIF series (R2 = 0.987 ± 1.180E‐2 vs. 0.964 ± 3.860E‐2, P < 0.001). Finally, we showed the myocardial perfusion contrast dynamic was preserved in the motion‐corrected images compared to the raw series (R2 = 0.995 ± 6.420E‐3).ConclusionThe critical step of motion correction prior to pixel‐wise cardiac MR perfusion quantification can be performed with the proposed universal system. It is applicable to a wide range of perfusion series and auxiliary images with different acquisition settings.Level of Evidence: 3Technical Efficacy: Stage 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1060–1072.
Parallel preconditioners for high‐order discretizations arising from full system modeling for brain microwave imaging
Authors: Bonazzoli Marcella , Dolean Victorita , Rapetti Francesca , Tournier Pierre‐Henri 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis paper combines the use of high‐order finite element methods with parallel preconditioners of domain decomposition type for solving electromagnetic problems arising from brain microwave imaging. The numerical algorithms involved in such complex imaging systems are computationally expensive since they require solving the direct problem of Maxwell equations several times. Moreover, wave propagation problems in the high‐frequency regime are challenging because a sufficiently high number of unknowns are required to accurately represent the solution. To use these algorithms in practice for brain stroke diagnosis, running time should be reasonable. The method presented in this paper, coupling high‐order finite elements and parallel preconditioners, makes it possible to reduce the overall computational cost and simulation time while maintaining accuracy.
A climatology of atmospheric river interactions with the southeastern United States coastline
Authors: Debbage Neil , Miller Paul , Poore Shaina , Morano Kaitlin , Mote Thomas , Marshall Shepherd J. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTAtmospheric rivers (ARs) are narrow and elongated bands of anomalous water vapour transport that have been widely studied due to their notable influence on regional weather patterns, surface hydrology, and the global water cycle. Although ARs produce a relatively large proportion of the annual precipitation in the southeastern quadrant of the United States, a detailed climatological analysis of Southeastern atmospheric rivers (SE‐ARs) has not been conducted. In this study, a climatology of SE‐AR coastal interactions from 1979 to 2014 was constructed from a global AR data set to examine the spatiotemporal characteristics of SE‐ARs as well as the importance of synoptic‐scale and low‐frequency modes of climate variability in modulating their frequency. The climatology revealed that SE‐ARs were most prevalent during the cold season, with the majority of these wintertime coastal interactions occurring predominately in the Gulf of Mexico. The synoptic‐scale and low‐frequency modes of climate variability favourable for SE‐AR development differed depending on the season and sub‐region of the Southeast considered. More specifically, a dipole effect was discovered, as conditions conducive for SE‐AR coastal interactions along the western Gulf generally inhibited SE‐AR interactions with the Florida Peninsula and vice versa. Overall, a better understanding of the seasonality of SE‐ARs as well as the synoptic‐scale and low‐frequency modes of climate variability that encourage their development could lead to improved forecasting and community awareness of the devastating AR‐related flood events that occur throughout the Southeast.
Satellite‐retrieved direct radiative forcing of aerosols over North‐East India and adjoining areas: climatology and impact assessment
Authors: Biswas Jhuma , Pathak Binita , Patadia Falguni , Bhuyan Pradip K. , Gogoi Mukunda M. , Babu S. Suresh 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTIn order to understand the climatic implications of atmospheric aerosols, top of atmosphere (TOA) shortwave (SW, 0.3–5 µm) fluxes and aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 550 nm retrieved simultaneously by clouds and the earth's radiant energy system (CERES) and moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments, respectively, are analysed over North‐East India and its adjoining areas for the period July 2002–December 2013. The aerosol‐free TOA flux obtained by establishing the linear regression between CERES SW TOA fluxes and MODIS AODs exhibits strong seasonality with peak values in monsoon and minimum in winter. Same seasonality is captured by the Santa Barbara DISORT Atmospheric Radiative Transfer (SBDART) model, but with difference in absolute values. SBDART code is used to extend instantaneous radiative forcing estimates into 24‐h averages. AOD over the North East India region with complex terrain shows altitudinal variation with maximum value at the lowest elevation site Dhaka and minimum value at the high‐altitude locations Shillong and Aizwal. In general, strong seasonality in AOD is observed with a peak in pre‐monsoon (March–May) and dip in post‐monsoon (October–November) at all the locations. The direct instantaneous TOA shortwave aerosol radiative forcing (SWARF) shows maximum values in pre‐monsoon over all the locations except at Guwahati, Banmauk, Aizawl, and Shillong. The lowest value of instantaneous SWARF is observed in post‐monsoon except at Banmauk and Shillong. Climatologically TOA diurnally averaged SWARF varies between −6.95 W m−2 in Aizawl to −20.39 W m−2 in Shillong. In general, the TOA SW forcing efficiency is highest in monsoon at all the locations. The radiative forcing efficiency is found to be less negative when surface reflectance increases.
Determining alloy composition in MoxW(1 − x)S2 from low wavenumber Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Livneh Tsachi , Dumcenco Dumitru O. , Pinkas Iddo 
Published: February 2017

Mixed alloy MoxW(1 − x)S2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) bulk samples are characterized by low wavenumber Raman spectroscopy. The results provide a convenient and reliable means for systematically determining the sample Mo/W composition. The absence of disorder effects in its interlayer motion (unlike for the intralayer motion) and the lack of Mo/W composition dependence of the shear mode force constants enable the facile employment of a reduced monoatomic linear chain model by treating the bulk alloy as a series of ‘single balls’ of mass (xmMo + (1 − x)mW + 2mS) attached by interlayer springs with a composition‐independent interlayer force constant of
.Shear mode Raman scattering analysis may consequently be complementary to the electronic spectroscopy tools (X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS)), commonly used for mixed alloy bulk composition characterization. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial and Temporal Trends of Recent Dissolved Phosphorus Concentrations in Lake Tana and its Four Main Tributaries
Authors: Alemu Muluken L. , Geset Muhabe , Mosa Hassan M. , Zemale Fasikaw A. , Moges Mamaru A. , Giri Shree K. , Tillahun Seifu A. , Melesse Assefa M. , Ayana Essayas K. , Steenhuis Tammo S. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRapid population growth and agricultural intensification have been directly associated with land degradation and with visible deterioration in water quality in the Ethiopian lakes. Assessing the extent and origin of pollution is cumbersome because of the lack of measurements for water quality parameters. This paper reports on the dissolved phosphorus (DP) concentrations in Lake Tana and its tributaries during 3 years from 2010 to 2012 and the four rainy months in 2014. Concentrations in the headwaters, at the gaging station, at the river mouth, near shore (littoral), and in the open lake (pelagic) were measured for the four major rivers. DP concentration in the rivers was on the average 0·32 mg l−1, and DP in the lake was much lower with an average concentration of 0·10 mg l−1. Temporally, DP concentrations were greater in the rainy phase of the monsoon than in the dry phase from November through March. Moreover, an upward trend in DP concentrations is coinciding with the area expansion of water hyacinths in the lake. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Annual Burning Enhances Biomass Production and Nutrient Cycling in DegradedImperataGrasslands
Authors: Pathak Karabi , Nath Arun Jyoti , Sileshi Gudeta W. , Lal Rattan , Das Ashesh Kumar 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe invasive speciesImperata cylindricais a dominant grass covering a large part of degraded lands of India.Imperatais managed through traditional annual burning, a practice that is prevalent throughout tropical grasslands. A field experiment was conducted to quantify the effects of burning on aboveground and belowground biomass production and soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (Ave P), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca+), and magnesium (Mg+) concentrations in 0‐ to 15‐cm soil depth underImperatagrassland. The burnt site had 44% and 14% higher aboveground and belowground biomass over the un‐burnt control plots after 300 days of the fire event. The concentrations of SOC, TN, and Ave P increased soon after the fire but decreased regressively with time after the fire in both micro and macro soil aggregate size fractions. In contrast, concentrations of K+, Ca+, and Mg+increased up to 30 days after the fire in both soil aggregate fractions. Burning did not significantly alter the stoichiometric ratios (C : N, C : P, and N : P) in macro aggregates. However, burning significantly reduced the C : N, C : P, and N : P ratios in micro aggregates during the first 0–30 days. Fire increased nutrient stocks (kg ha−1) by 20–35% in the burnt site in comparison to an un‐burnt control site. It is concluded that the conventional practice of annual burning increases soil nutrients in surface soils and supports higher biomass production inImperata‐covered degraded lands. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.