bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A hybrid downscaling model for winter temperature over northeast China
Authors: Dai Haixia , Fan Ke , Tian Baoqiang 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTA hybrid downscaling model is established to forecast the winter temperature at 182 stations over northeast China based on the year‐to‐year increment approach (differences in variables between the current and previous year). As winter temperature over China is related to general circulation and oceanic circulation signals, the three most suitable predictors at specific regions are ultimately considered in our model after analysing the physical processes involved. Accordingly, winter sea level pressure (SLP) from version 2 of the NCEP's Climate Forecast System (CFSv2) is used as a current‐year predictor, along with two other previous‐year predictors – sea surface temperature (SST) in August and sea‐ice concentration (SIC) in November, from observation. Four separate downscaling schemes are then proposed, three of which involve just one predictor (i.e. SLP‐scheme, SST‐scheme, and SIC‐scheme), and the fourth involves all of the predictors [i.e. hybrid downscaling (HD)‐scheme]. We evaluate the schemes, through cross‐validation, by examining the spatial and temporal anomaly correlation coefficients (ACCs) and reduction in root‐mean‐square error percentage (RMSEP). Considerable evidence is found that all of the schemes improve the skill in predicting winter temperature over northeast China, especially the HD‐scheme, as compared with real‐time CFSv2 forecasting. The 33‐year spatial ACC average for the HD‐scheme rises approximately from −0.017 to 0.30, which is much larger than the threshold value of 0.19, showing statistical significance at the 99% confidence level. Additionally, the temporal RMSEP (i.e. the difference between the RMSE of the CFSv2 outputs and the downscaling results) decreases by more than 30% for all four schemes. Moreover, the cold winter temperature pattern over northeast China in 2013 is reproduced well by the HD‐scheme.
Crosstalk between substance P and calcitonin gene‐related peptide during heterotopic ossification in murine Achilles tendon
Authors: Tuzmen Ceren , Verdelis Kostas , Weiss Lee , Campbell Phil 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTHeterotopic ossification (HO) is abnormal bone formation within soft tissue, usually predisposed by neurogenic or musculoskeletal trauma. Inflammation resulting from trauma is considered to be the main trigger for HO by eliciting changes within the injury site, including elevation of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Recent research, however, has also associated changes in sensory neuropeptide expression with HO. Substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) are two of those neuropeptides that have been implicated with various aspects of HO, including regulation of inflammation and BMP signaling. Despite discoveries associating SP and CGRP with soft tissue HO, it remains unclear whether SP and CGRP have a direct role in the induction of HO. Here, we investigated the effect of SP and CGRP in vivo with the aid of inkjet‐based biopatterning technology to controllably deliver these neuropeptides onto a murine Achilles tendon. While we did not observe any significant effect with CGRP, SP alone promoted HO in vivo with increased expression of BMP2. Remarkably, when SP and CGRP were delivered together, CGRP counteracted the effect of SP and essentially blocked SP‐induced HO. This report contributes to the understanding of the complex problem of HO pathophysiology and warrants more study to better elucidate the interplay between SP and CGRP in the induction of HO. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1444–1455, 2018.
Influence of graded EDTA applications on mobilization and translocation of trace elements—a soil column experiment
Authors: Bloem Elke , Vogler Iris 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIncreasing concerns about potential environmental effects of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) accumulation in soils require better understanding of its behavior and its effect on trace element mobilization. In this study we investigated the effect of EDTA on soil trace element mobilization in undisturbed soil columns taken from a heavy metal contaminated field. The columns were leached by EDTA solutions of different concentrations under unsaturated, steady‐state conditions. The transport of trace elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sn, Zn) and EDTA was monitored by regularly collecting the leachates. After the termination of the leaching experiment the soil columns were divided into 5 layers to determine trace elements and EDTA concentrations in the soil. The results revealed that the soil analysis alone was not suitable to infer mobilization or immobilization patterns in relation to the EDTA concentration, as the mobilized fraction was too small in relation to the total trace metal concentrations in the soil. Analysis of the leachates displayed that after 2–4 pore volumes the EDTA output concentration reached about 80% of the input concentration. The trace element concentrations in the leachates showed that some elements were mobilized by EDTA (Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Co, Ni, Zn) while others were immobilized (Mn, Cr, Mo, Sn) in the soil columns after EDTA application.
Neoadjuvant systemic therapy for regionally advanced melanoma
Authors: Jakub James W. , Racz Jennifer M. , Hieken Tina J. , Gonzalez Alexandra B. , Kottschade Lisa A. , Markovic Svetomir N. , Yan Yiyi , Block Mathew S. 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundPatients with regionally advanced melanoma are at high risk of distant failure and unlikely to be cured by surgery alone. Neoadjuvant therapy may provide benefit in these patients.ObjectivesTo evaluate our experience with neoadjuvant systemic therapy in high‐risk stage III patients.MethodsRetrospective review of patients with advanced stage III disease who received neoadjuvant therapy between August 2009 and August 2016 at Mayo Clinic Rochester.ResultsTwenty‐three cases met our inclusion criteria, 16 with resectable disease and 7 with unresectable disease. No patients with resectable disease and one patient with borderline resectable disease progressed regionally, prohibiting surgical resection. Five of seven patients with unresectable disease were down‐staged to a resectable state. Six of twenty‐three (26%) had a CR and five are alive at last follow‐up. Fifteen of twenty three patients (65%) progressed with a median progression free survival of 11 months; however, the 5 year overall survival estimate was 84%.ConclusionsNeoadjuvant systemic therapy is a reasonable approach for patients with advanced but resectable/borderline resectable disease and the risk of losing regional control is low. Our data also suggest some patients with unresectable disease will be converted to resectable and a complete clinical response to treatment can be obtained in approximately one quater of patients.
Magnetic iron(III)‐based framework composites for the magnetic solid‐phase extraction of fungicides from environmental water samples
Authors: Huang Yan‐Feng , Liu Qiao‐Huan , Li Kang , Li Ying , Chang Na 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe adopted a facile hydrofluoric acid‐free hydro‐/solvothermal method for the preparation of four magnetic iron(III)‐based framework composites (MIL‐101@Fe3O4‐COOH, MIL‐101‐NH2@Fe3O4‐COOH, MIL‐53@Fe3O4‐COOH, and MIL‐53‐NH2@Fe3O4‐COOH). The obtained four magnetic iron(III)‐based framework composites were applied to magnetic separation and enrichment of the fungicides (prochloraz, myclobutanil, tebuconazole, and iprodione) from environmental samples before high‐performance liquid chromatographic analysis. MIL‐101‐NH2@Fe3O4‐COOH showed more remarkable pre‐concentration ability for the fungicides as compared to the other three magnetic iron(III)‐based framework composites. The extraction parameters affecting enrichment efficiency including extraction time, sample pH, elution time, and the desorption solvent were investigated and optimized. Under the optimized conditions, the standard curve of correlation coefficients were all above 0.991, the limits of detection were 0.04–0.4 μg/L, and the relative standard deviations were below 10.2%. The recoveries of two real water samples ranged from 71.1–99.1% at the low spiking level (30 μg/L). Therefore, the MIL‐101‐NH2@Fe3O4‐COOH composites are attractive for the rapid and efficient extraction of fungicides from environmental water samples.
Early Stage olfactory neuroblastoma and the impact of resecting dura and olfactory bulb
Authors: Mays Ashley C. , Bell Diana , Ferrarotto Renata , Phan Jack , Roberts Dianna , Fuller Clifton D. , Frank Steven J. , Raza Shaan M. , Kupferman Michael E. , DeMonte Franco , Hanna Ehab Y. , Su Shirley Y. 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveCompare outcomes of patients with olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) without skull base involvement treated with and without resection of the dura and olfactory bulb.MethodsRetrospective review of ONB patients treated from 1992 to 2013 at the MD Anderson Cancer Center (The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, U.S.A.). Primary outcomes were overall and disease‐free survival.ResultsThirty‐five patients were identified. Most patients had Kadish A/B. tumors (97%), Hyams grade 2 (70%), with unilateral involvement (91%), and arising from the nasal cavity (68%). Tumor involved the mucosa abutting the skull base in 42% of patients. Twenty‐five patients (71%) received surgery and radiation, whereas the remainder had surgery alone. Five patients (14%) had bony skull base resection, and eight patients (23%) had resection of bony skull base, dura, and olfactory bulb. Surgical margins were grossly positive in one patient (3%) and microscopically positive in four patients (12%). The 5‐ and 10‐year overall survival were 93% and 81%, respectively. The 5‐ and 10‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) were 89% and 78%, respectively. Bony cribriform plate resection was associated with better DFS (P = 0.05), but dura and olfactory bulb resection was not (P = 0.11). There was a trend toward improved DFS in patients with negative resection margins (P = 0.19). Surgical modality (open vs. endoscopic) and postoperative radiotherapy did not impact DFS.ConclusionMost Kadish A/B ONB tumors have low Hyams grade, unilateral involvement, and favorable survival outcomes. Resection of the dura and olfactory bulb is not oncologically advantageous in patients without skull base involvement who are surgically treated with negative resection margins and cribriform resection.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 128:1274–1280, 2018
Smaller Counter Cation for Higher Transconductance in Anionic Conjugated Polyelectrolytes
Authors: Schmidt Martina M. , ElMahmoudy Mohammed , Malliaras George G. , Inal Sahika , Thelakkat Mukundan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractConjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) are a focus of research because combine their inherent electrical conductivity and the ability to interact with ions in aqueous solutions or biological systems. However, it is still not understood to what degree the counter ion in CPEs influences the properties of the CPE itself and the performance of electronic transducers. In order to investigate this, three different conjugated polyelectrolytes, poly(6‐(thiophen‐3‐yl)hexane‐1‐sulfonate)s (PTHS−X+), are synthesized, which have the same polythiophene backbone but different X+ counter ions: the bulky tetrabutylammonium (TBA+), tetraethylammonium (TEA+), and the smallest tetramethylammonium (TMA+). At the interface with biological systems, thin CPE films have to be stable in an aqueous environment and should allow the inward and outward flow of ions from the electrolyte. Since the studied PTHS−X+ have different solubilities in water, the optical properties of pristine PTHS−X+ as well as of crosslinked PTHS−X+ via UV–vis absorption spectroscopy are investigated additionally. PTHS−TMA+ exhibits better aggregation, fast interdiffusion of ions, and fast recovery from the oxidized state. Additionally, spectroelectrochemical and cyclic voltammetric as well as electrochemical capacitance investigations show that PTHS−TMA+ can be oxidized to a higher degree. This leads to a better performance of PTHS−TMA+‐based organic electrochemical transistors.
Nanofishing of a Single Polymer Chain: Temperature‐Induced Coil–Globule Transition of Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) Chain in Water
Authors: Liang Xiaobin , Nakajima Ken 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe nanofishing of a telechelic thiol‐terminated poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) single polymer chain from an Au (111) substrate in aqueous solution is investigated by atomic force microscopy. The obtained force–extension curves show two typical profiles: one is in good agreement with a so‐called worm‐like chain model, whereas the other is characterized by a Rayleigh–Plateau constant force. The appearance of the force plateau region is in agreement with the theoretical predictions of a pearl‐necklace model. For the first time, the temperature‐dependent interfacial free energy is obtained between PNIPAM and water, and it is found that it is the cause of the lower‐critical‐solution‐temperature‐type phase transition seen in PNIPAM/water system.
Networks Based on “Core‐First” Star Polymers End‐Linked Using a Degradable Ketal Cross‐Linker: Synthesis, Characterization, and Cleavage
Authors: Kepola Eleni J. , Patrickios Costas S. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSequential group transfer polymerization of cross‐linker, monomer (methyl methacrylate), and cross‐linker again is used to prepare cleavable polymer networks based on interconnected “core‐first” star polymers. By employing a degradable and a nondegradable cross‐linker, four networks are prepared. While cleavage of the degradable cross‐linker residues leads to complete polymer network dissolution, the degradation products do not always display the expected molecular weight features. These products are the expected in the case of the network prepared using only the degradable cross‐linker (monomodal size distribution with expected low molecular weight) and also in the case of the network prepared using first the degradable and then the nondegradable cross‐linker (bimodal size distribution including high molecular weight star polymers), but not so in the case of the network prepared using first the nondegradable and then the degradable cross‐linker, where the expected high molecular weight star polymer component is missing due to star recombination after hydrolysis.
A Solvent‐Resistant and Biocompatible Self‐Healing Supramolecular Elastomer with Tunable Mechanical Properties
Authors: Liu Ling , Zhu Liang , Zhang Liqun 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this work is to demonstrate a new design strategy to produce a self‐healing supramolecular elastomer with solvent resistance and biocompatibility and tunable mechanical properties. This aim is successfully achieved by synthesizing a lignin‐based supramolecular elastomer (LSE) through branching amide molecular chains on the lignin. The use of lignin effectively reduces the glass transition temperature and the degree of crystallinity of LSEs and generates urea‐modified hydrogen bond groups to obtain self‐healing capability. The synthesized LSEs behave as rubber and exhibit spontaneous self‐healing behavior at room temperature without external stimuli. The mechanical and self‐healing properties are closely related to the content of lignin. The elongation at break of the LSE‐3 is 172% and tensile strength is 1.12 MPa, and achieves full recovery after a healing time of 48 h. The LSE material demonstrates insolubility in common polar solvents and is essentially noncytotoxic and potentially biocompatible for biomedical applications.
Living Anionic Polymerization of 4‐(1‐Adamantyl)‐α‐Methylstyrene
Authors: Kobayashi Shingo , Kataoka Hiroshi , Goseki Raita , Ishizone Takashi 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAnionic polymerization of a novel α‐methylstyrene derivative para‐substituted with a bulky and rigid adamantyl group, 4‐(1‐adamantyl)‐α‐methylstyrene (AdαMS) is carried out with sec‐butyllithium (sec‐BuLi) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at −78 °C. The polymerizations of AdαMS quantitatively proceed to afford the polymers possessing controlled molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn = 1.03–1.16). The propagating carbanion of poly(AdαMS) is stable and undergoes depolymerization at room temperature due to the low ceiling temperature. The resulting poly(AdαMS) has a significantly high glass transition temperature (Tg) at 274 °C. The Tg values of random copolymers of AdαMS and α‐methylstyrene can be controlled by changing the feed molar ratio of the comonomers from 167 to 274 °C.
Crystallization/Melting Kinetics and Morphological Analysis of Polyphenylene Sulfide
Authors: Furushima Yoshitomo , Nakada Masaru , Yoshida Yuki , Okada Kazuyuki 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCrystallization and melting kinetics of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) are determined using fast scanning calorimetry. The temperature dependence of half‐time crystallization of isothermally melt‐crystallized PPS shows a downward convex curve with a minimum at 160 °C. The minimum crystallization half‐time is about 3 s. The analysis of heating rate dependence of the melting temperature reveals a zero‐entropy‐production melting temperature of the sample. The microstructure of the sample, which is prepared by fast scanning calorimetry, is investigated by small‐angle X‐ray scattering and polarizing optical microscopy. The crystallinity and lamellar thickness of the sample annealed for 400 s decrease with decreasing crystallization temperature. The size of spherulites becomes small as the isothermal temperature is decreased. Transcrystalline morphology is observed near the surface between the sample and nitrogen gas at a crystallization temperature of 120 °C. The thickness of the transcrystalline layer disappears as the isothermal temperature is increased.
Adding Nonconnected Monomers to Manage the Layering Crystallization of Polymers on Athermal Substrate
Authors: Yang Huan , Cao Xue‐Zheng , Zhou Bin , Liu Yong‐Song , Wu Chen‐Xu 
Published: December 2017

AbstractLayering crystallization of polymers has extensive interests for achieving multifunctional materials with tailored applications. However, it is difficult to form polymer crystal on athermal substrate due to the conformational entropy loss of polymer chains if they are flattened against the substrate surface. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, it is confirmed that layering crystallization of polymers can be intrigued after blending the polymers with nonconnected monomers in between two athermal parallel substrates. The layering crystal area of polymers extends as increasing the bulk volume fraction of nonconnected monomers. It is proposed that the conformational entropy loss of the crystallized polymers is compensated by an increase of the translational entropy of nonconnected monomers. The thickness of the layering crystal of polymers is verified to be targetedly controllable through tuning the bulk volume fraction of nonconnected monomers. This study leads to a simulation and theory basis for the experimental design of thickness‐desired layering crystal of polymers without incorporating an enthalpical contribution of polymer‐substrate attraction.
Protective effect of platelet‐rich plasma on urethral injury model of male rats
Authors: Tavukcu Hasan H. , Aytaç Ömer , Atuğ Fatih , Alev Burçin , Çevik Özge , Bülbül Nurdan , Yarat Ayşen , Çetinel Şule , Şener Göksel , Kulaksızoğlu Haluk 
Published: December 2017

AimsUrethral stricture (US) formation is caused by fibrosis after excessive collagen formation following an injury or trauma to the urethra. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) on a urethral injury (UI) model of male rats.MethodsA UI model was used by applying a coagulation current to the urethras of male rats. There were four groups with six rats in each: control group, PRP applied to naive urethra, UI group, and UI with PRP application. PRP was applied to the urethra after a coagulation current‐induced injury as soon as possible. On the 14th day, all rats were sacrificed and urethral tissues were investigated for collagen type I, collagen type III, platelet‐derived growth factor‐α, platelet‐derived growth factor‐β, and transforming growth factor‐β using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The effect of urethral damage and healing was evaluated for collagen type I‐to‐collagen type III ratio.ResultsThe collagen type I‐to‐collagen type III ratio was significantly higher in UI group (P < 0.05) than in the others, while UI with PRP application group had comparable results with the control group (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe results of this study show that PRP has a preventive effect on stricture formation in a UI model of rats, as shown by its effect on collagen synthesis. Further studies that eventually show the effects of PRP on human tissues are necessary and promising.
Comparison of outcomes between postpartum and non‐postpartum women with stress urinary incontinence treated with conservative therapy: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Sun Zhi‐Jing , Zhu Lan , Liang Mao‐Lian , Xu Tao , Lang Jing‐He 
Published: December 2017

AimThis study aimed to compare the outcomes of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) between postpartum and non‐postpartum women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and to detect potential factors that may influence these outcomes.MethodsA total of 54 and 79 participants were recruited into postpartum (PP group) and non‐postpartum (non‐PP group) groups, respectively. A physiotherapist treated the participants twice a week for 6‐8 weeks. At baseline and 6 and 12 months after treatment, the 1‐h pad weight test (PWT), vaginal contraction pressure (VCP), and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form (IIQ‐7) were assessed by an evaluator or physiotherapist. The primary outcome was PWT improvement. The participants whose PWT improvement reached a >50% reduction relative to baseline were considered responders. Secondary outcomes included VCP, IIQ‐7 score, and patient satisfaction rate.ResultsThe PWT improvement was 87.04% (95%CI: 0.78, 0.96) in the PP group at 1‐year follow‐up, which was significantly better than the 72.15% improvement (95%CI: 0.62, 0.82) in the non‐PP group (OR = 2.591, 95%CI: 1.018, 6.595, P = 0.041). Changes in VCP and BMI were significant predictors of responders in the regression analysis. As the change in VCP increased by 1 cmH2O, the efficiency increased by 4.2% (OR = 1.042, 95%CI: 1.010, 1.070). The change in BMI increased by 1 kg/m2, and the efficiency decreased 23.0% (OR = 0.770, 95%CI: 0.633, 0.937).ConclusionsThe outcome of PFMT in postpartum participants with SUI was better than that in non‐postpartum participants. Women with more improvements in VCP and weight loss showed better amelioration of SUI symptoms after PFMT.
Listening to Ultrasound with a Laser
Authors: Preißer Stefan , Fischer Balthasar , Panzer Nils 
Published: December 2017

AbstractUltrasound is widely used in applications ranging from non‐destructive testing of materials to medical imaging or even surgical interventions. As diverse as these applications may seem, they have a common interest: a precise measurement of the ultrasonic signals. Exact quantification is necessary to ensure proper performance of equipment as well as, sometimes, human safety. A new highly sensitive and broadband ultrasound detector is presented to fulfill the diverging demands of various ultrasound applications. In contrast to conventional sensors, it listens to ultrasound with a laser.