bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation in particulate C : N : P stoichiometry across the Lake Erie watershed from tributaries to its outflow
Authors: Prater Clay , Frost Paul C. , Howell E. Todd , Watson Susan B. , Zastepa Arthur , King Sarah S. E. , Vogt Richard J. , Xenopoulos Marguerite A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractHuman activities can cause large alterations in biogeochemical cycles of key nutrients such as carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P). However, relatively little is known about how these changes alter the proportional fluxes of these elements across ecosystem boundaries from rivers to lakes. Here, we examined environmental factors influencing spatial and temporal variation in particulate C : N : P ratios across the Lake Erie watershed from its tributaries to its outflow. Throughout the study, particulate nutrient ratios ranged widely (C : N 2.0–25.8, C : P 32–530, N : P 3.7–122.9), but mean values were generally lower than previous estimates from different aquatic environments. Particulate C : N ratios varied the least across all environments, but C : P and N : P ratios increased between tributaries and coastal areas and throughout the growing season in coastal environments. These ratios also differed temporally in offshore waters as particulate C : P and N : P were higher in the spring and summer and lower in the fall and winter. Particulate C : P ratios also increased between the western/central and eastern basins indicating differential nutrient processing across the lake. These stoichiometric changes were associated with unique environmental factors among ecosystems as tributary stoichiometry was related to terrestrial land use and land cover, coastal ratios were a product of mixing between riverine and offshore waters, and offshore patterns were influenced by differences in temperature and particulate nutrient loading among basins. Overall, by studying changes in particulate C : N : P ratios across the Lake Erie watershed, our study demonstrates the power of using mass balance principles to study nutrient transformations along the aquatic continuum.
Conjugated Side Chain Tuning Effect of Indacenodithieno[3,2‐b]thiophene and Fluoro‐Benzothiadiazole‐Based Regioregular Copolymers for High‐Performance Organic Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Opoku Henry , Lee Ji Young , Cho Keun , Nketia‐Yawson Benjamin , Lim Bogyu , Noh Yong‐Young 
Published: July 2017

AbstractTwo regioregular indacenodithieno[3,2‐b]thiophene and fluoro‐benzothiadiazole‐based donor–acceptor (D–A) type copolymers with different conjugated side chains of hexyl‐phenyl or hexyl‐thienyl are designed and synthesized to study the effects of the side chain on performance of organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). The effect of the different conjugated side chains on the energy levels, optoelectronic properties, film morphology, and transistors performance as well as the solvent effect on the performance of both D–A copolymers are thoroughly studied. Top‐gate/bottom‐contact OFETs with a hexyl‐thienyl substituted polymer show higher hole mobility up to 0.211 cm2 V−1 s−1 than 0.086 cm2 V−1 s−1 observed for the polymer with hexyl‐phenyl side chains. In addition, the hexyl‐thienyl substituted side chain polymer shows relatively better stability under bias stress compared to hexyl‐phenyl conjugated side chain. This result sheds light on the impact of conjugated side chain engineering on the performance and stability of OFETs with D–A copolymers.
Fundamental solution of the time‐fractional telegraph Dirac operator
Authors: Ferreira M. , Rodrigues M. M. , Vieira N. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryIn this work, we obtain the fundamental solution (FS) of the multidimensional time‐fractional telegraph Dirac operator where the 2 time‐fractional derivatives of orders α∈]0,1] and β∈]1,2] are in the Caputo sense. Explicit integral and series representation of the FS are obtained for any dimension. We present and discuss some plots of the FS for some particular values of the dimension and of the fractional parameters α and β. Finally, using the FS, we study some Poisson and Cauchy problems.
Multiscale seamless‐domain method for solving nonlinear problems using statistical estimation methodology
Authors: Suzuki Yoshiro 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis article presents a nonlinear solver combining regression analysis and a multiscale simulation scheme. First, the proposed method repeats microscopic analysis of a local simulation domain, which is extracted from the entire global domain, to statistically estimate the relation(s) between the value of a dependent variable at a point and values at surrounding points. The relation is called regression function. Subsequent global analysis reveals the behavior of the global domain with only coarse‐grained points using the regression function quickly at low computational cost, which can be accomplished using a multiscale numerical solver, called the seamless‐domain method. The objective of the study is to solve a nonlinear problem accurately and at low cost by combining the 2 techniques. We present an example problem of a nonlinear steady‐state heat conduction analysis of a heterogeneous material. The proposed model using fewer than 1000 points generates a solution with precision similar to that of a standard finite‐element solution using hundreds of thousands of nodes. To investigate the relationship between the accuracy and computational time, we apply the seamless‐domain method under varying conditions such as the number of iterations of the prior analysis for statistical data learning.
Fabrication and characterization of functional graded polyurethane foam (FGPUF)
Authors: Esmailzadeh Mojtaba , Danesh Manesh Habib , Zebarjad S. Mojtaba 
Published: July 2017

In this study, functionally graded polyurethane foams (FGPUFs) were produced using a layer‐by‐layer casting technique. Discontinuous FGPUFs were fabricated by this method. The scanning electron microscopy was used to study the morphology of all specimens. The mechanical properties of the polyurethane foams (PUFs) were evaluated by compression, indentation force deflection, drop weight tests, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs taken from different zones of functionally graded material showed the variation of the morphology of cells as well as the suitable interfaces between the layers of PUF. Investigation of mechanical properties suggested that FGPUF specimens have an optimum behavior between other specimens in compression and indentation force deflection tests. The results of drop weight test showed that FGPUF samples behaved like an energy absorber (14.31 KN) in comparison to other PUFs. The results of dynamic mechanical thermal analysis data showed an improvement in glass transition temperature (Tg) to −47.2°C and stability of modulus of FGPUFs as temperature increases.
Optical and physical properties of iridescent photonic crystals obtained by self‐assembled polymethyl methacrylate nanospheres within graphene oxide nanoplatelets
Authors: Haddadine Nabila , Agoudjil Karima , Abouzeid Khaled , Castano Carlos E. , Bouslah Naima , Benaboura Ahmed , Samy El‐Shall M. 
Published: July 2017

Opal photonic crystals prepared by vertical templating of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) nanospheres in aqueous graphene oxide (GO) solutions were successfully obtained. The results show that increasing the PMMA nanospheres' size leads to the modification of the d‐spacing in GO nanoplatelets, inducing brilliant iridescence colors that span the entire visible electromagnetic spectrum. Scanning electron microscopy study shows a uniform distribution of GO nanoplatelets on the surface and the bulk of the opal photonic crystals. The reflectance spectra exhibit a significant red shift from 385 to 660 nm when the nanospheres' size increases from 160 to 306 nm, respctively. The Raman spectra show a systematic decrease in the intensity ratio of the D to G bands of GO (ID/IG), suggesting a partial reduction of graphene oxide with decrasing the extent of defects in the partially reduced GO nanoplatelets. This finding is confirmed by the significant decrease observed in the intensity of the hydroxyl band in the attenuated total reflectance mode‐Fourier transform infrared spectra of the photonic crystals. The results provide the first demonstrated example of intercalated assemblies of polymer nanospheres within GO nanosheets, leading to photonic crystals with brilliant iridescence colors that span the entire visible electromagnetic spectrum and can be tuned only by varying the size of the PMMA nanospheres.
Validating activity indices from camera traps for commensal rodents and other wildlife in and around farm buildings
Authors: Lambert Mark , Bellamy Fiona , Budgey Richard , Callaby Rebecca , Coats Julia , Talling Janet 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDIndices of rodent activity are used as indicators of population change during field evaluation of rodenticides. We investigated the potential for using camera traps to determine activity indices for commensal rodents living in and around farm buildings, and sought to compare these indices against previously calibrated survey methods.RESULTSWe recorded 41 263 images of 23 species, including Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus Berk.) and house mice (Mus musculus L.). We found a positive correlation between activity indices from camera traps and activity indices from a method (footprint tracking) previously shown to have a linear relationship with population size for Norway rats. Filtering the camera trap data to simulate a 30‐s delay between camera trigger events removed 59.9% of data and did not adversely affect the correlation between activity indices from camera traps and footprint tracking. The relationship between activity indices from footprint tracking and Norway rat population size is known from a previous study; from this, we determined the relationship between activity indices from camera traps and population size for Norway rats living in and around farm buildings.CONCLUSIONSystematic use of camera traps was used to determine activity indices for Norway rats living in and around farm buildings; the activity indices were positively correlated with those derived from a method previously calibrated against known population size for this species in this context. © 2017 Crown copyright. Pest Management Science © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Modified Double‐Layer Anastomosis for Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy: An Effective Way to Prevent Leakage and Stricture
Authors: Yuan Yong , Zeng Xiao‐Xi , Zhao Yong‐Fan , Chen Long‐Qi 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundAnastomotic leakage and stricture contribute to a large number of mortality and morbidity after esophagectomy. The aim of this work is to evaluate the outcome of modified double‐layer hand‐sewn esophagogastric anastomosis during minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.MethodsThe clinicopathological data of 176 consecutive esophageal cancer patients who underwent cervical esophagogastric anastomosis using modified double‐layer hand‐sewn technique after radical esophagectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Total minimally invasive approach, including thoracoscopic surgery for thoracic procedure and laparoscopic approach for abdominal procedure, was implemented during the radical Mckeown esophagectomy. Patients were followed up for the assessment of postoperative anastomotic complications including anastomotic leakage and stricture, being the primary outcome measures for this study.ResultsAnastomotic leakage occurred in 2 of 176 patients (1.1%); both of the patients experienced only minor leakage and were treated conservatively. There was no significant difference in leakage between patients with and without major comorbidity (p = 0.331). After a mean follow‐up of 21.3 months, four patients (4/176, 2.3%) developed benign anastomotic strictures, including those 2 patients experienced postoperative leakage. Symptoms for stricture were improved by endoscopic dilatations in all 4 patients. Besides, there was one case (1/176, 0.6%) of gastric necrosis in this cohort, who was also successfully managed by conservative therapy with no operative mortality.ConclusionThis modified double‐layer hand‐sewn anastomosis is a highly safe and stable technique for esophagogastrostomy, which is an effective way to prevent both anastomotic leakage and stricture.
Robustness of newt heads in condition of co-existence: a case of the Carpathian newt and the alpine newt
Authors: Kaczmarski Mikołaj , Kubicka Anna Maria , Hromada Martin , Tryjanowski Piotr 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCo-existence between potentially competing newt species can lead to niche differentiation (e.g., in terms of diet shifts). This may cause adaptive responses involving changes in head shape. Here, we tested the hypothesis: the head shape of Lissotriton montandoni is different in conditions of co-occurrence with Ichthyosaura alpestris than in conditions in which other newt species are absent. We analysed images depicting head shape of specimens of I. alpestris and L. montandoni from a museum collection. All specimens of I. alpestris originated in a habitat where L. montandoni also occurred, whereas specimens of L. montandoni derived from populations that cohabited with I. alpestris and populations in which the presence of another newt species was not recorded. In each image, landmarks and semilandmarks were digitised. Females of L. montandoni from the population where I. alpestris also occurred were characterised by more massive heads and longer mouths in lateral views than females from sites where no other newt species occurred. Significant differences in head shape were also found when analysing ventral views between these species when they occupied the same habitat. We confirmed that the head shape of female L. montandoni differs between conditions of co-occurrence and absence of I. alpestris; no differences were found for males. A differently shaped head may be an adaptation to diet; L. montandoni females with longer mouths and more robust basal parts of the head can feed on larger invertebrates and compete more effectively with I. alpestris. The co-existence of newt species should be taken into account in future ecomorphological studies.
Phosphoenolpyruvate:glucose phosphotransferase system modification increases the conversion rate during l-tryptophan production in Escherichia coli
Authors: Liu Lina , Chen Sheng , Wu Jing 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Escherichia coli FB-04(pta1), a recombinant l-tryptophan production strain, was constructed in our laboratory. However, the conversion rate (l-tryptophan yield per glucose) of this strain is somewhat low. In this study, additional genes have been deleted in an effort to increase the conversion rate of E. coli FB-04(pta1). Initially, the pykF gene, which encodes pyruvate kinase I (PYKI), was inactivated to increase the accumulation of phosphoenolpyruvate, a key l-tryptophan precursor. The resulting strain, E. coli FB-04(pta1)ΔpykF, showed a slightly higher l-tryptophan yield and a higher conversion rate in fermentation processes. To further improve the conversion rate, the phosphoenolpyruvate:glucose phosphotransferase system (PTS) was disrupted by deleting the ptsH gene, which encodes the phosphocarrier protein (HPr). The levels of biomass, l-tryptophan yield, and conversion rate of this strain, E. coli FB-04(pta1)ΔpykF/ptsH, were especially low during fed-batch fermentation process, even though it achieved a significant increase in conversion rate during shake-flask fermentation. To resolve this issue, four HPr mutations (N12S, N12A, S46A, and S46N) were introduced into the genomic background of E. coli FB-04(pta1)ΔpykF/ptsH, respectively. Among them, the strain harboring the N12S mutation (E. coli FB-04(pta1)ΔpykF-ptsHN12S) showed a prominently increased conversion rate of 0.178 g g−1 during fed-batch fermentation; an increase of 38.0% compared with parent strain E. coli FB-04(pta1). Thus, mutation of the genomic of ptsH gene provided an alternative method to weaken the PTS and improve the efficiency of carbon source utilization.
Targeting MET in cancer therapy
Authors: Mo Hong‐Nan , Liu Peng 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMET encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase c‐MET for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). The specific combination of c‐MET and HGF activates downstream signaling pathways to trigger cell migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis. MET exon 14 alterations and MET gene amplification play a critical role in the origin of cancer. Several monoclonal antibodies and small‐molecule inhibitors of c‐MET have been evaluated in clinical trials. In patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer, cabozantinib and crizotinib showed clear efficacy with a generally tolerable adverse events profile. In gastrointestinal cancers, most phase III trials of MET inhibitors showed negative results. In hepatocellular carcinoma, based on the encouraging results of some phase II studies, a series of phase III trials are currently recruiting patients to access the efficacy and safety of MET inhibitors.
Serum concentrations of vitamin E and carotenoids are altered in Alzheimer's disease: A case‐control study
Authors: Mullan Kathryn , Williams Michael A. , Cardwell Chris R. , McGuinness Bernadette , Passmore Peter , Silvestri Giuliana , Woodside Jayne V. , McKay Gareth J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIntroductionOxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated associations between serum levels of lipophilic antioxidants and AD.MethodsSerum concentrations of retinol, two forms of vitamin E (α‐ and γ‐tocopherol) and six carotenoids were quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography from patients with AD (n = 251) and cognitively intact controls (n = 308) and assessed by regression analyses.ResultsSerum levels of α‐tocopherol and all six carotenoids were significantly lower in patients with AD compared with cognitively intact controls (P < .001). In contrast, γ‐tocopherol was significantly higher in the serum of patients with AD (odds ratio = 1.17 [confidence intervals: 1.05–1.31]).DiscussionOur findings implicate compromised serum antioxidant defenses in AD pathogenesis and differing biological roles for vitamin E isoforms. This highlights the need for improved understanding in the balanced upregulation of exogenous antioxidants related to dietary intake or supplement use in future nutritional intervention studies.
Effectiveness of community outreach and engagement in recruitment success for a prebirth cohort
Authors: Tigges Beth B. , Kaar Jill L. , Erbstein Nancy , Silberman Pamela , Winseck Kate , Lopez-Class Maria , Burbacher Thomas M. 
Published: July 2017

IntroductionWe describe the effectiveness of community outreach and engagement in supporting recruitment for the US National Children’s Vanguard Study between 2009 and 2012.MethodsThirty-seven study locations used 1 of 4 strategies to recruit 18–49-year-old pregnant or trying to conceive women: (1) Initial Vanguard Study used household-based recruitment; (2) Direct Outreach emphasized self-referral; (3) Enhanced Household-Based Recruitment enhanced Initial Vanguard Study strategies; and (4) Provider-Based Recruitment recruited through healthcare providers. Outreach and engagement included advance letters, interactions with healthcare providers, participation in community events, contacts with community organizations, and media outreach.ResultsAfter 1–2 years, 41%–74% of 9844 study-eligible women had heard about the National Children’s Vanguard Study when first approached. Women who heard were 1.5–3 times more likely to consent. Hearing via word-of-mouth or the media most frequently predicted consent. The more sources women heard from the higher the odds of consent.ConclusionsWe conclude that tailored outreach and engagement facilitate recruitment in cohort studies.
Branched-chain amino acid, meat intake and risk of type 2 diabetes in the Women’s Health Initiative
Authors: Isanejad Masoud , LaCroix Andrea Z. , Thomson Cynthia A. , Tinker Lesley , Larson Joseph C. , Qi Qibin , Qi Lihong , Cooper-DeHoff Rhonda M. , Phillips Lawrence S. , Prentice Ross L. , Beasley Jeannette M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractKnowledge regarding association of dietary branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), and the contribution of BCAA from meat to the risk of T2D are scarce. We evaluated associations between dietary BCAA intake, meat intake, interaction between BCAA and meat intake and risk of T2D. Data analyses were performed for 74 155 participants aged 50−79 years at baseline from the Women’s Health Initiative for up to 15 years of follow-up. We excluded from analysis participants with treated T2D, and factors potentially associated with T2D or missing covariate data. The BCAA and total meat intake was estimated from FFQ. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we assessed the relationship between BCAA intake, meat intake, and T2D, adjusting for confounders. A 20 % increment in total BCAA intake (g/d and %energy) was associated with a 7 % higher risk for T2D (hazard ratio (HR) 1·07; 95 % CI 1·05, 1·09). For total meat intake, a 20 % increment was associated with a 4 % higher risk of T2D (HR 1·04; 95 % CI 1·03, 1·05). The associations between BCAA intake and T2D were attenuated but remained significant after adjustment for total meat intake. These relations did not materially differ with or without adjustment for BMI. Our results suggest that dietary BCAA and meat intake are positively associated with T2D among postmenopausal women. The association of BCAA and diabetes risk was attenuated but remained positive after adjustment for meat intake suggesting that BCAA intake in part but not in full is contributing to the association of meat with T2D risk.
Molecular characterization of Moniezia sichuanensis in captive musk deer (Moschus berezovskii)
Authors: Xu J. , Lin H. , Chen J. , Cai Y. , Fu W. , Wang H. , Gu X. , Lai W. , Peng X. , Yang G. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) is an economically important species from which musk is extracted and used in perfumes and medicines. Cestodes (parasitic flatworms) of the genus Moniezia are important parasites that infect this endangered species and can cause high mortality in young deer. In 1982, Moniezia (S.) sichuanensis sp. nov. was described from a specimen obtained from wild musk deer. The new species was distinct from the other described species of Moniezia by the sawtooth-shaped interproglottidal glands, the thick vagina and the absence of a cirrus spine. In the present study, 12 cestodes collected from musk deer were examined morphologically and confirmed to be M. sichuanensis. Molecular characterization was performed by amplifying and comparing the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) and 5.8S rRNA gene (ITS1–5.8S) of ribosomal DNA with available sequences from other Moniezia species. The amplified sequences ranged from 761 to 764 bp and similarity ranged from 98.7–100%, compared to 67.8–92.4% with other Moniezia spp. Construction of a phylogenetic tree using the neighbour-joining method indicated that all 12 ITS1–5.8S sequences formed a single clade, confirming M. sichuanensis as a separate species. This study provides novel molecular insight into M. sichuanensis that could prove useful for future diagnosis and control of monieziasis in musk deer.