bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ECX: An R Package for Studying Sensitivity of Antimicrobial Substances Using Spiral Plating Technology
Authors: Torres-Londoño Gabriel Andrés , Hausbeck Mary , Hao Jianjun 
Published: January 2017

Spiral plating technique is reliable, repeatable, and more efficient than dilution plating methods in studying the efficacy of antimicrobial products. In this method, the concentration of chemicals can be varied at different positions on agar plates, but its calculation requires using a commercial software. To establish a user-friendly and cost-free platform, the R package ECX was developed to calculate chemical concentrations in spiral plating technique. Mathematical models were established for calculating dispensed volume on agar plates using variables (molecular weight and agar height) that affect diffusion. In addition to the R packages, the web-based Shiny extensions ECX, multi, and ppm were developed to provide a graphical interface for calculating individual concentrations, multiple concentrations, and stock concentrations, respectively. No significant differences were observed (P > 0.05) when ECX was compared with the commercial software. The ability to import and process large datasets makes the ECX package a better option for spiral plating technique studies. Furthermore, the multiplatform nature of the ECX package overcomes limitations presented in other software. Therefore, these ECX characteristics can increase the use of the spiral plating technique for sensitivity studies. Accepted for publication 21 June 2016.
Reaction of Selected Cultivars of Sugar Maple to Anthracnose in North Alabama
Authors: Hagan A. K. , Bowen K. L. , Conner K. N. , Sibley J. L. , Caylor A. W. 
Published: January 2017

Anthracnose, caused by the fungus Discula campestris, appeared in a planting of 18 sugar maple cultivars in Cullman, AL (USDA Hardiness Zone 7a). Sizable differences in the timing of disease onset and intensification were noted between sugar maple cultivars. On susceptible cultivars, the appearance of reddish-brown lesions 4 to 10 mm in diameter, sometimes with a tan center and yellow border, in June was followed with the initiation of premature defoliation by mid-July. By early fall, the susceptible cultivars Goldspire, Seneca Chief, and Sugar Queen along with the moderately susceptible cultivars Endowment, Fairview, Flax Mill Majesty, Morton, and Sweet Shadow were defoliated and showed no fall color. In contrast, disease onset was delayed, the level of premature defoliation greatly reduced, and fall color display unaffected on the anthracnose resistant cultivars Autumn Blush, Autumn Faith, Fall Fiesta, and Legacy, all of which would be excellent choices for amenity and commercial landscapes in the Mid- and Upper South. Among the representative cultivars of the four resistance classes, total rainfall and mean temperature influenced premature anthracnose-induced defoliation on the susceptible Sugar Queen and moderately resistant Commemoration, but not on the resistant Fall Fiesta or the moderately susceptible Flax Mill Majesty sugar maples. Accepted for publication 28 November 2016.
Parallel power posterior analyses for fast computation of marginal likelihoods in phylogenetics
Authors: Höhna Sebastian , Landis Michael J. , Huelsenbeck John P. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractMotivationIn Bayesian phylogenetic inference, marginal likelihoods are estimated using either the path-sampling or stepping-stone-sampling algorithms. Both algorithms are computationally demanding because they require a series of power posterior Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations. Here we introduce a general parallelization strategy that distributes the power posterior MCMC simulations and the likelihood computations over available CPUs. Our parallelization strategy can easily be applied to any statistical model despite our primary focus on molecular substitution models in this study.ResultsUsing two phylogenetic example datasets, we demonstrate that the runtime of the marginal likelihood estimation can be reduced significantly even if only two CPUs are available (an average performance increase of 1.96x). The performance increase is nearly linear with the number of available CPUs. We record a performance increase of 11.4x for cluster nodes with 16 CPUs, representing a substantial reduction to the runtime of marginal likelihood estimations. Hence, our parallelization strategy enables the estimation of marginal likelihoods to complete in a feasible amount of time which previously needed days, weeks or even months.AvailabilityThe methods described here are implemented in our open-source softwareRevBayeswhich is available fromhttp://www.RevBayes.com.ContactSebastian.Hoehna@gmail.comSupplementary informationSupplementary data are available atBioinformaticsonline.
Time course analysis of RNA quality in placenta preserved by RNAlater or flash freezing
Authors: Martin Nicole M. , Cooke Katherine M. , Radford Caitlin C. , Perley Lauren E. , Silasi Michelle , Flannery Clare A. 
Published: January 2017

ProblemPreservation of biospecimen quality is critical to accurately and reliably assessing genes and proteins. We evaluated the effect of preparation method and storage duration on RNA quality in placenta and decidua.Method of studyAliquots of nine placentas and decidua were placed in RNAlater® (RL) or flash frozen (FF) within 30 minutes of delivery. RNA was extracted immediately (baseline) and from matched samples stored at −80°C for 1 and 8‐10 months. RNA Integrity Number (RIN) and housekeeping gene expression were quantified.ResultsAt both time points, RL placenta had RIN and housekeeping gene Ct values similar to baseline. However, FF placenta had significantly lower RIN and higher Ct values at 1 and 8‐10 months. In RL and FF decidua, RIN was unchanged from baseline.ConclusionWe found RNAlater more effectively and consistently preserved placenta, compared to flash freezing. However, for decidua, which is less dense than placenta, both modes yielded comparable RNA integrity over time.
Reliability and validity of non‐invasive determined haemoglobin mass and blood volumes
Authors: Fagoni Nazzareno , Breenfeldt Andersen Andreas , Oberholzer Laura , Haider Thomas , Meinild Lundby Anne‐Kristine , Lundby Carsten 
Published: January 2017

SummaryIntroductionThe carbon monoxide (CO) rebreathing method used for the determination of haemoglobin mass (Hbmass) is associated with blood sample analysis (in this study: Radiometer ABL800). As an alternative hereto the aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of a portable and non‐invasive CO pulse oximeter (Rad‐57).MethodWith simultaneous determination of CO in the circulation by ABL800 (%HbCO) and Rad‐57 (SpCO), Hbmass and blood volume (BV) were determined in duplicates in 24 volunteers. Percentage of typical errors (%TE) within methods and linear correlations between the two procedures were computed.ResultsHbmass (Rad‐57 = 798 ± 230 g; ABL800 = 781 ± 192 g) and BV (Rad‐57 = 5700 ± 1373 ml; ABL800 = 5581 ± 1096 ml) were similar between methods. However, the %TE for Hbmass was higher (P<0·001) for Rad‐57 (5·84 ± 5·29%) than for ABL800 (1·35 ± 1·13%). Similarly, the %TE for BV was higher (P<0·001) for Rad‐57 (6·06 ± 5·76%) than for ABL800 (1·48 ± 1·25%). Lower (P<0·05) correlation coefficients between the methods were found when Hbmass > 905 g and BV > 6193 ml.ConclusionAssessment of SpCO by Rad‐57 resulted in considerably less precise determinations of Hbmass and BV, especially for high values. Thus, non‐invasive assessment of Hbmass and BV cannot be recommended for scientific purposes, but may nonetheless be useful in clinical settings.
Differences in inflammatory marker patterns for adult community‐acquired pneumonia patients induced by different pathogens
Authors: Liu Meng , Li Hui , Xue Chun Xue , Gu Li , Qu Jiu Xin , Yu Xiao Min , Wang Yi Min , Liu Ying Mei , Cao Bin 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe inflammatory marker patterns of community‐acquired Pneumonia (CAP) induced by different microorganisms in adult patients remained unclear.ObjectivesWe aim to explore the inflammatory marker patterns of adult CAP patients induced by different pathogens.MethodsAdult CAP patients with definite etiologies were enrolled from September 2010 to June 2012. They were divided into three groups according to the causative pathogens: typical bacteria, Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), and viruses. Twenty‐seven cytokines and bactericidal/permeability‐increasing protein (BPI) levels of serum collected within 7 days onset in these groups were compared.ResultsOne hundred twenty‐four cases were enrolled for serum detection and analysis, including 10 typical bacterial pneumonia patients, 56 cases with MP pneumonia and 58 with viral pneumonia. Three kinds (PDGF‐BB, IP‐10, RANTES) of 27 cytokines and BPI levels were significantly elevated in patients with acute pneumonia than healthy controls. Distinct inflammatory marker patterns were released by different pathogens: typical bacterial pneumonia patients had highest levels of BPI, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐1rα; while patients caused by MP presented higher levels of PDGF‐BB, IL‐17A, G‐CSF than those caused by viruses. Rhinovirus owned a higher inflammatory response level than the other viruses. The area under the curve (AUC) of PDGF‐BB to differentiate MP and virus infection was biggest, which was 0.708.ConclusionDistinct inflammatory marker patterns were released by different pathogens during acute pneumonia. Significantly increased level of PDGF‐BB was observed in acute pneumonia for the first time. It showed a better ability to differentiate MP and virus infection.
Kombinierte Hoch‐/Niedrig‐Dosis‐Therapie mit systemischen Glukokor­tikoiden bei schweren Verlaufsformen der Alopecia areata im Kindesalter
Authors: Jahn‐Bassler Karin , Bauer Wolfgang Michael , Karlhofer Franz , Vossen Matthias G. , Stingl Georg 
Published: January 2017

ZusammenfassungHintergrundSchwere Verlaufsformen der Alopecia areata (AA) im Kindesalter sind aufgrund limitierter Optionen therapeutisch herausfordernd. Systemische, hochdosierte Glukokortikoide weisen die schnellste Ansprechrate auf, nach dem Absetzen kommt es allerdings zu Rezidiven. Eine längerfristige Hochdosis‐Anwendung ist aufgrund der zu erwartenden Nebenwirkungen nicht empfehlenswert. Eine dauerhafte Steroiderhaltungstherapie unterhalb der Cushing‐Schwellen‐Dosis nach Bolustherapie könnte die Krankheitsaktivität ohne Nebenwirkungen längerfristig unterdrücken.Patienten und MethodikIm Rahmen einer offenen Anwendungsbeobachtung wurden 13 Kinder mit schweren Formen der AA in diese Studie eingeschlossen. Bei sieben Kindern lag eine AA totalis/universalis vor, bei sechs eine multifokale AA mit Befall von mehr als 50 % der Kopfhaut. Das Therapieregime sah eine initiale Prednisolon‐Dosierung von 2 mg/kg Körpergeweicht (KG) vor und wurde innerhalb von neun Wochen auf eine Erhaltungsdosierung unter der individuellen Cushing‐Schwelle reduziert. Der Nachbeobachtungszeitraum betrug ein bis drei Jahre.ErgebnisseWir beobachteten in 62 % aller Fälle ein komplettes Nachwachsen der Haare. Die mittlere Dauer bis zum Ansprechen lag bei 6,6 Wochen und konnte mit der Erhaltungstherapie über den gesamten Beobachtungszeitraum aufrechterhalten werden. An Nebenwirkungen wurden ausschließlich eine Gewichtszunahme (1–3 kg) bei allen Behandelten sowie eine milde Steroidakne in 23 % der Fälle beobachtet.SchlussfolgerungenDie kombinierte Hoch‐/Niedrig‐Dosis‐Therapie mit systemischen Glukokortikoiden mittels Prednisolon zeigte eine hohe, dauerhafte Ansprechrate ohne signifikante Nebenwirkungen.
Self‐detection frequency and recognition patterns in medium to high‐risk cutaneous melanoma patients
Authors: Sindrilaru Anca , Neckermann Vera , Eigentler Thomas , Kampilafkos Panagiotis , Crisan Diana , Treiber Nicolai , Scharffetter‐Kochanek Karin , Schneider Lars Alexander 
Published: January 2017

SummaryBackground and objectivesThe question of how frequently patients with medium to high‐risk melanomas become aware of their tumors and which self‐detection patterns exist remains unanswered.Patients and methodsWe conducted a retrospective survey of melanoma patients who had undergone sentinel node biopsy between 2004 and 2008. One hundred twenty‐seven out of a total of 133 patients completed the questionnaire.ResultsTwenty‐five percent of patients had not noticed their tumors at all. The remaining 75 % showed three different self‐detection patterns, with 25 % of individuals seeking medical advice within 0–12 weeks and another 25 % within 3–6 months. The remaining 25 % had waited for more than six months prior to tumor excision. Age, gender, and melanoma location were comparable in all self‐detection subgroups. The most frequent subtypes were: SSM (59), NMM (31), ALM (9), UCM (9) and LMM (4). Rare subtypes occurred in 15 individuals. Patients with lesions previously noticed for 3–6 months revealed the highest average tumor thickness and the significantly highest number of pT4 tumors. Sixty percent of NMM patients had a disease history < 6 months. Rare subtypes such as amelanotic, spindle cell, or spitzoid melanoma were self‐detected in only 50 % of cases.ConclusionsEven advanced melanoma lesions remained undetected in 25 % of patients; rare melanoma subtypes, in 50 % of cases. Thus, self‐examination frequency, increased awareness of rare melanoma subtypes, and rapid referral to a specialist ought to be at the center of future awareness campaigns.
Häufigkeit und Muster der Tumorerkennung nach Selbstuntersuchung bei Mittel‐ bis Hochrisiko‐Melanompatienten
Authors: Sindrilaru Anca , Neckermann Vera , Eigentler Thomas , Kampilafkos Panagiotis , Crisan Diana , Treiber Nicolai , Scharffetter‐Kochanek Karin , Schneider Lars Alexander 
Published: January 2017

ZusammenfassungHintergrund und ZielsetzungDie Frage, wie oft Melanompatienten mit Mittel‐ bis Hochrisikomelanomen den Tumor bemerken und welche Eigenerkennungsmuster existieren ist bislang nicht beantwortet.Patienten und MethodenWir haben eine retrospektive Studie an Melanompatienten durchgeführt, die sich zwischen 2004 und 2008 einer Sentinellymphknotenbiopsie unterzogen haben,. Der Fragebogen wurde von 127 der insgesamt 133 Patienten ausgefüllt.Ergebnisse25 % bemerkten den Tumor überhaupt nicht. Die restlichen 75 % zeigten verschiedene Eigenerkennungsmuster: 25 % holten nach 0–12 Wochen Rat ein, weitere 25 % innerhalb von 3–6 Monaten, und bei den restlichen 25 % wurde der Tumor mehr als sechs Monate lang beobachtet, bevor er entfernt wurde. Alter, Geschlecht und Lokalisation des Melanoms waren bei allen Eigenerkennungsgruppen vergleichbar. Die häufigsten Subtypen waren: SSM (59), NMM (31), ALM (9), UCM (9) und LMM (4). Seltene Subtypen (15) waren ebenfalls vorhanden. Patienten mit 3–6 Monate alten Läsionen zeigten die höchste durchschnittliche Tumordicke und die bei weitem höchste Anzahl von pT4‐Tumoren. 60 % der Patienten mit NMM hatten eine Krankengeschichte von <6 Monaten. Seltene Subtypen wie amelanotische, Spindelzell‐ und spitzoide Melanome wurden in nur 50 % der Fälle selbstständig erkannt.SchlussfolgerungenSelbst fortgeschrittene Melanome blieben von den Patienten in 25 %, seltene Melanom‐Subtypen in 50 % der Fälle unerkannt. Daher sollte der Eigenerkennungshäufigkeit, dem erhöhten Bewusstsein für seltene Melanome und der schnellen Überweisung an einen Spezialisten in zukünftigen Aufklärungskampagnen besondere Aufmerksamkeit zukommen.
Assessment of left ventricular functions and myocardial iron load with tissue Doppler and speckle tracking echocardiography and T2* MRI in patients with β‐thalassemia major
Authors: Ari Mehmet Emre , Ekici Filiz , Çetin İbrahim İlker , Tavil Emine Betül , Yaralı Neşe , Işık Pamir , Hazırolan Tuncay , Tunç Bahattin 
Published: January 2017

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to determine early myocardial dysfunction in β‐thalassemia major (BTM) patients. Where the myocardial dysfunction cannot be detected by conventional echocardiography, it could be detected by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) or speckle tracking echocardiography (STE).MethodsIn this study, we analyzed 60 individuals, 30 of whom were BTM patients and the other 30 of whom were the control group. T2* magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to measure cardiac iron deposition. The myocardial functions were evaluated by conventional echocardiography, TDI and STE.ResultsWhen basal lateral left ventricular and basal septal wall TDI values were compared between the patient group and control group, only isovolumic contraction time values were significantly longer in the patients. The global circumferential strain was significantly lower in the patients. When evaluated as segmental, longitudinal strain values of basal inferoseptum and circumferential strain values of anteroseptum, anterior, and inferolateral segments were significantly lower in the patients. In the patients, global longitudinal and circumferential strains in the group who had pathological T2* values were significantly lower than the group who did not. In addition, circumferential strain values in anteroseptum, anterolateral, inferior, and inferoseptum segments were significantly lower in the patients with T2* values<20 ms than those with T2* values≥20 ms.ConclusionAlthough T2* MRI is the most sensitive test detecting myocardial iron load, TDI and STE can be used for screening myocardial dysfunction. The abnormal strain values, especially circumferential, may be detected as the first finding of abnormal iron load and related to T2* values.
Two basic approaches in a search of the crack propagation angle
Authors: Matvienko Y. G. , Morozov E. M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractTwo basic approaches in predicting crack paths have been analysed, namely, incremental method and integral (global) method. Incremental methods are associated with the local criterion of fracture mechanics and pointed out on the estimation of an angle between directions of the initial crack propagation and succeeding crack increment. The local fracture criterion of the maximum average tangential stress in the vicinity of fracture process zone including two terms of the Williams series solution for the mixed mode I/II loading has been used for predicting the angle of surface crack growth under conditions of rolling–sliding. The integral method is associated with a variation principle of fracture mechanics. This principle postulates the minimum of the certain functional. This functional contains the weight function depending on the stress and strain state in the uncracked solid and search functions which are described the crack propagation angle on the surface. To validate the variation principle in the search of crack trajectory, this trajectory has been estimated for plates under different loading conditions.
Emerging Adaptation of Local Clusters in China in a Shifting Global Economy: Evidence from the Furniture Cluster in Houjie Town, Dongguan
Authors: Yang Chun , Fu Tianlan , Li Lixun 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAt the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, a dramatic restructuring of global value chains (GVCs) was witnessed along with the transformation of industrial clusters in developing countries such as China. However, little research has been conducted on exploring the interaction between the evolution of GVCs and local clusters in the dynamic global‐local interaction. By attempting to forge links between GVC restructuring and the adaptation of local clusters from the perspective of evolutionary economic geography, this paper explores the emerging adaptation of the furniture cluster in Houjie town, Dongguan, China in the crisis and post‐crisis recovery. The study is conducted on the basis of on‐site field investigations, particularly in‐depth firm‐level interviews during the period April 2012 to January 2014. Taking the furniture industry as a case, it examines the positive and negative effects of weak and strong lock‐ins of the prevailing export‐oriented cluster, reflected by the negative impact of export tax rebate policies and the positive effect of the International Famous Furniture Fair on furniture firms' attempt to tap into China's domestic market. The paper urges more empirical analysis to better understand the dynamic interaction between the global shift of production and markets, as well as the adaptation of local clusters in a shifting global economy.
Antimicrobial activity of metal cation‐exchanged zeolites and their evaluation on injection‐molded pieces of bio‐based high‐density polyethylene
Authors: Torres‐Giner Sergio , Torres Ana , Ferrándiz Marcela , Fombuena Vicent , Balart Rafael 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn this study, three different natural types of unmodified zeolite (chabazite, mordenite, and faujasite) were initially characterized for their morphology, elemental composition, and antimicrobial activity against foodborne bacteria and fungi. The chabazite‐type zeolite was selected due to its optimal morphology and lowest silicon to aluminum ratio (Si/Al). This was then solution exchanged with different combinations of silver (Ag+), copper (Cu2+), and zinc (Zn2+) ions to prepare single, binary, and ternary metal cation‐modified zeolites. Antimicrobial results clearly indicated that Ag‐based zeolites exhibited more antimicrobial activity than Cu‐ and Zn‐based zeolites. Interestingly, the multi‐ionic zeolite, that is, the ternary Ag‐Cu‐Zn‐zeolite, was the most efficient antimicrobial sample in terms of the amount of added silver. In the last step, the obtained multi‐ionic zeolite was, for the first time, incorporated at different weight amounts (1, 5, 10, and 15 wt%) into a bio‐based high‐density polyethylene (bio‐HDPE) matrix by extrusion and shaped into pieces by injection molding. Novel sustainable polymer composite pieces with improved stiffness and hardness and high antimicrobial activity were obtained. These treated materials offer industrial relevance to control the growth of harmful microorganisms in hygiene applications related to the food industry.Practical applicationsThe here‐developed injection‐molded composite pieces based on green polyethylene and multi‐ionic zeolites showed enhanced mechanical performance and high biocide effect against foodborne bacteria and fungi. Resultant sustainable pieces confirmed good perspectives for their use as functional surfaces capable to control the growth of harmful microorganisms in environments for processing, preparation, and storage of food. Therefore, these novel antimicrobial materials are potential candidates in hygiene applications such as plastic handles, cutlery, rigid packaging, kitchen furnishing, cutting boards, and decontamination surfaces.
Household Income and Trajectories of Marital Satisfaction in Early Marriage
Authors: Jackson Grace L. , Krull Jennifer L. , Bradbury Thomas N. , Karney Benjamin R. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAre the marriages of lower income couples less satisfying than the marriages of more affluent couples? To address this question, we compared trajectories of marital satisfaction among couples with a wide range of household incomes. The marital satisfaction of 862 Black, White, and Latino newlywed spouses (N = 431 couples) was assessed five times, each 9 months apart, during the first 4 years of marriage. Lower income couples did not have less satisfying marriages on average, nor did their satisfaction decline more steeply on average. They did, however, experience (a) significantly greater fluctuations in marital satisfaction across assessments and (b) significantly more variability between husbands and wives. If efforts to support the marriages of low‐income couples are to address the unique characteristics of their marital development, these findings suggest that efforts to stabilize their marriages may be more effective than efforts to improve their satisfaction alone.