bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved seasonal prediction of UK regional precipitation using atmospheric circulation
Authors: Baker L. H. , Shaffrey L. C. , Scaife A. A. 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study is to further our understanding of whether skilful seasonal forecasts of the large‐scale atmospheric circulation can be downscaled to provide skilful seasonal forecasts of regional precipitation. A simple multiple linear regression model is developed to describe winter precipitation variability in nine UK regions. The model for each region is a linear combination of two mean sea‐level pressure (MSLP)‐based indices which are derived from the MSLP correlation patterns for precipitation in northwest Scotland and southeast England. The first index is a pressure dipole, similar to the North Atlantic Oscillation but shifted to the east; the second index is the MSLP anomaly centred over the UK. The multiple linear regression model describes up to 76% of the observed precipitation variability in each region and gives higher correlations with precipitation than using either of the two indices alone. The Met Office's seasonal forecast system (GloSea5) is found to have significant skill in forecasting the two MSLP indices for the winter season, in forecasts initialized around the start of November. Applying the multiple linear regression model to the GloSea5 hindcasts is shown to give improved skill over the precipitation forecast by the GloSea5, with the largest improvement in Scotland.
Progenitor cells from different zones of human cartilage and their correlation with histopathological osteoarthritis progression
Authors: Mantripragada Venkata P. , Bova Wesley A. , Boehm Cynthia , Piuzzi Nicolas S. , Obuchowski Nancy A. , Midura Ronald J. , Muschler George F. 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTCell‐based therapies development for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) requires an understanding of the disease progression and attributes of the cells resident in cartilage. This study focused on quantitative assessment of the concentration and biological potential of stem and progenitor cells resident in different zones of cartilage displaying macroscopic Outerbridge grade 1–2 OA, and their correlation with OA progression based on established histologic scoring system. Lateral femoral condyles were collected from 15 patients with idiopathic OA and varus knees undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Superficial(Csp, top ∼ 500 µm) and deep cartilage(Cdp) was separated. Chondrogenic Connective Tissue Progenitors (CTP‐C) were assayed by standardized Colony‐Forming‐Unit assay using automated image analysis (ColonyzeTM) based on ASTM standard F‐2944‐12. Cell concentration (cells/mg) was significantly greater in Csp (median: 7,000; range: 3,440–17,600) than Cdp (median: 5,340; range: 3,393–9,660), p = 0.039. Prevalence (CTPs/million cells) was not different between Csp (median: 1,274; range: 0–3,898) and Cdp (median:1,365; range:0–6,330), p = 0.42. In vitro performance of CTP‐C progeny varied widely within and between patients, manifest by variation in colony size and morphology. Mean histopathological Mankin score was 4.7 (SD = 1.2), representing mild to moderate OA. Tidemark breach by blood vessels was associated with lower Csp cell concentration (p = 0.02). Matrix degradation was associated with lower Cdp cell and CTP‐C concentration (p = 0.015 and p = 0.095, respectively), independent of articular surface changes. These findings suggest that the initiation of OA may occur in either superficial or deep zones. The pathological changes affect CTP‐Cs in Csp and Cdp cartilage zones differently. The heterogeneity among the available CTP‐Cs in Csp and Cdp suggests performance‐based selection to optimize cell‐sourcing strategies for therapy. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1728–1738, 2018.
An audit of medication information in electronic discharge summaries for older patients discharged from medical wards at a regional hospital
Authors: Wilkin Mary E. , Knight Anne T. , Boyce Laura E. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundContinuity of medication management relies on accurate and complete medication information being communicated at transitions of care. Polypharmacy and older age are risk factors for medication‐related events on discharge from hospital.AimTo determine the type and number of discrepancies in the medication information included in electronic discharge summaries prepared for older patients discharged from the medical wards of a regional hospital when compared to the National Inpatient Medication Chart (NIMC) or discharge prescription used for medication supply.MethodPatients aged 65 years or older, taking three or more regular medications, and who were discharged from the medical wards with an NIMC or discharge prescription, and an electronic discharge summary, were identified, and discrepancies between the two sources of information recorded. A severity assessment code matrix was used to assess the potential clinical significance of the discrepancies.ResultsFifty patients were included in the audit. Sixty‐eight percent (34) of the discharge summaries contained one or more discrepancies with a total of 107 discrepancies identified. Almost half (43%) of the discrepancies related to medications prescribed being omitted from the electronic discharge summary. Of the discrepancies, 29% were classified as having moderate potential clinical significance, and 50% as having minor clinical significance.DiscussionThis audit demonstrated that the majority of electronic discharge summaries supplied by the hospital contained discrepancies. Improved communication between healthcare providers at transitions of care is needed in rural settings.
Polyamines regulating phytic acid degradation in mung bean sprouts
Authors: Zhou Ting , Wang Pei , Yang Runqiang , Gu Zhenxin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDPolyamines are essentially involved in cell division and differentiation. Transport of polyamines is adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐dependent, while phytic acid is the major reserve of phosphate essential to the energy‐producing machinery of cells. Thus polyamines might enhance phytic acid degradation during mung bean germination. In this study, different polyamines (putrescine (Put), spermidine (Spd) and spermine (Spm)) and dicyclohexylamine (DCHA, an inhibitor of Spd synthesis) were applied to investigate the function of polyamines on phytic acid degradation.RESULTSSpd exhibited the best effect at the same concentration. Simultaneously, exogenous Spd improved sprout growth and enhanced the accumulation of gibberellin acid 3 (GA3), indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA) and cytokinin (CTK). This must be due to the increased endogenous polyamine contents. Apart from dramatically reducing phytic acid content, Spd resulted in the up‐regulation of PA, PAP, MIPP and ALP transcript levels and the enhancement of phytase and acid phosphatase activities. However, DCHA application caused the opposite results, because it decreased endogenous polyamine contents. Furthermore, Spd alleviated the DCHA‐induced inhibitory effect to some extent.CONCLUSIONOverall, polyamines, especially Spd, could accelerate phytic acid degradation in mung bean sprouts by inducing the synthesis of endogenous polyamines and phytohormones and enhancing the growth of sprouts. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of microfiltration and heat treatment on the microbiological characteristics, phenolic composition and volatile compound profile of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice
Authors: Colantuono Antonio , Vitaglione Paola , Manzo Nadia , Blaiotta Giuseppe , Montefusco Immacolata , Marrazzo Andrea , Pizzolongo Fabiana , Romano Raffaele 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDSince processing technology and storage may influence the sensory and nutritional value as well as the shelf life of pomegranate juice (PJ), mild technologies based on microfiltration may be a promising alternative to heat treatments for fruit juice preservation. In this study, physicochemical and microbiological properties of raw (RPJ), microfiltered (MPJ) and cloudy pasteurized (PPJ) PJ were compared over a period of 4 weeks.RESULTSData demonstrated that microfiltration was comparable to pasteurization in guaranteeing microbiological stability of the juice, avoiding spoilage of the final product. After treatment, PPJ showed the highest amounts of gallic acid (GA) and ellagic acid derivatives (EAs). During storage, the amount of ellagitannins, EAs and GA similarly decreased in all types of juice. Trends towards variations of monomeric anthocyanins in MPJ and variations of polymeric and copigmented anthocyanins in both MPJ and PPJ were found over storage.CONCLUSIONThe optimization of pretreatments and filtration parameters can lead to the industrial scale‐up of microfiltration technology for the development of high‐quality non‐heat‐treated PJ. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea subsp. edulis (Turcz. ex Herder) Hultén.) berries and changes in their ingredients across different locations
Authors: Senica Mateja , Bavec Martina , Stampar Franci , Mikulic‐Petkovsek Maja 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDInterest in organic blue honeysuckle berries has increased in recent years. They are rich in various health‐promoting compounds which are sensitive to different environmental factors and are modified during the growing season.RESULTSHoneysuckle berries from different locations differed significantly in their contents of primary and secondary metabolites. The location Ogulin, with the highest altitude and consequently high UV radiation, had the highest phenolic content (259.85 mg per 100 g). Additionally, Vukovski Vrh, with the lowest temperature, had the highest ascorbic acid content (36.83 mg per 100 g), while Šmartno pri Litiji and Višnja Gora, with the highest precipitation, had the highest organic acid contents (885.85 and 850.01 mg per 100 g respectively). A combination of stressful environmental conditions of temperature, water source and light intensity led to the highest saponin content in Višnja Gora (695 mg per 100 g), the highest tannin content in Dolnje Impolje (134 mg per 100 g) and the highest sugar content (2585.45 mg per 100 g) in Vučetinac.CONCLUSIONThe contents of bioactive substances were influenced by various environmental factors such as temperature, UV radiation, altitude, light intensity and fruit ripening stage. Different compounds respond distinctly to different environmental factors. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Isolation of sinapic acid from broccoli using molecularly imprinted polymers
Authors: Hosny Heba , El Gohary Nesrine , Saad Engy , Handoussa Heba , El Nashar Rasha M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA molecularly imprinted polymer was synthesized for the purpose of sinapic acid isolation from Egyptian nutraceutical Botrytis italica, L. (broccoli) due to its prominent medicinal and wide pharmacological activities. A computational study was first developed to determine the optimal template to functional monomer molar ratio. Based on the computational results, five polymers were synthesized using a bulk polymerization method with sinapic acid as the template molecule. Evaluation of the synthesized polymers binding performance was carried out using batch rebinding assay, which revealed that the molecularly imprinted polymer of molar ratio (1:4:20), template to functional monomer (4‐vinyl pyridine) to crosslinker (ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) was of optimum performance, thus, this polymer was applied for sinapic acid isolation from closely related analogues. This represents a more practical approach to isolate sinapic acid from different natural extracts selectively.
Epidemiology of Parkinson's Disease—East Versus West
Authors: Abbas Masoom M. , Xu Zheyu , Tan Louis C.S. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe cause of PD at present remains unknown. A number of epidemiological studies have been conducted across the globe to ascertain the disease burden and the possible risk factors. In this review, we analyze the various studies from East and West with an aim to observe the important similarities and differences in the disease occurrence and risk factor profile.MethodsA comprehensive search of descriptive and analytical epidemiological studies was undertaken. The descriptive studies and meta‐analysis providing the standardised population rates were selected. The demographics, ethnicity and geographical differences between East and West were analysed. In analytical epidemiology, more established and well‐studied non‐genetic risk factors for PD were reviewed utilising the prospective cohort studies, case control studies and meta‐analysis where available.Results and ConclusionPD is more common with increasing age and shows male predominance, which is more obvious in Western studies. The PD prevalence and incidence rates are slightly lower in the East compared to the West. Incidence studies on different ethnic populations in the same country have also found a lower occurrence of PD amongst Easterners compared to Westerners. Setting methodological differences aside, studies from East and West suggest a role for both environmental and genetic risk factors in PD causation. Smoking, caffeine intake and pesticide exposure are well‐established risk factors across regions. There is a robust data for dairy product consumption, urate levels and physical activity in the West while studies on certain risk factors like head injury and alcohol show conflicting and mixed results.
Comparison of rank aggregation methods based on inherent ability
Authors: Xiao Yu , Deng Ye , Wu Jun , Deng Hong‐Zhong , Lu Xin 
Published: December 2017

AbstractRanking is a common task for selecting and evaluating alternatives. In the past few decades, combining rankings results from various sources into a consensus ranking has become an increasingly active research topic. In this study, we focus on the evaluation of rank aggregation methods. We first develop an experimental data generation method, which can provide ground truth ranking for alternatives based on their “inherent ability.” This experimental data generation method can generate the required individual synthetic rankings with adjustable accuracy and length. We propose characterizing the effectiveness of rank aggregation methods by calculating the Kendall tau distance between the aggregated ranking and the ground truth ranking. We then compare four classical rank aggregation methods and present some useful findings on the relative performances of the four methods. The results reveal that both the accuracy and length of individual rankings have a remarkable effect on the comparison results between rank aggregation methods. Our methods and results may be helpful to both researchers and decision‐makers.
Time‐domain integration methods of exponentially damped linear systems
Authors: Wang Meng‐Fu , Wang Zhi‐Hui 
Published: December 2017

SummaryIn this paper, three new kinds of time‐domain numerical methods of exponentially damped systems are presented, namely, the simplified Newmark integration method, the precise integration method, and the simplified complex mode superposition method. Based on the traditional Newmark integration method and transforming the equation of motion with exponentially damping kernel functions into an equivalent second‐order equation of motion by using the internal variables technique, the simplified Newmark integration method is developed by using a decoupling technique to reduce the computer run time and storage. By transforming the equation of motion with exponentially damping kernel functions into a first‐order state‐space equation, the precise integration technique is used to numerically solve the state‐space equation. Based on a symmetric state‐space equation and the complex mode superposition method, a delicate and simplified general solution of exponentially damped linear systems, completely in real‐value form, is developed. The accuracy and efficiency of the developed numerical methods are compared and discussed by two benchmark examples.
Algebraic multigrid methods for dual mortar finite element formulations in contact mechanics
Authors: Wiesner T. A. , Popp A. , Gee M. W. , Wall W. A. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryThis paper proposes novel strategies to enable multigrid preconditioners within iterative solvers for linear systems arising from contact problems based on mortar finite element formulations. The so‐called dual mortar approach that is exclusively employed here allows for an easy condensation of the discrete Lagrange multipliers. Therefore, it has the advantage over standard mortar methods that linear systems with a saddle‐point structure are avoided, which generally require special preconditioning techniques. However, even with the dual mortar approach, the resulting linear systems turn out to be hard to solve using iterative linear solvers. A basic analysis of the mathematical properties of the linear operators reveals why the naive application of standard iterative solvers shows instabilities and provides new insights of how contact modeling affects the corresponding linear systems. This information is used to develop new strategies that make multigrid methods efficient preconditioners for the class of contact problems based on dual mortar methods. It is worth mentioning that these strategies primarily adapt the input of the multigrid preconditioners in a way that no contact‐specific enhancements are necessary in the multigrid algorithms. This makes the implementation comparably easy. With the proposed method, we are able to solve large contact problems, which is an important step toward the application of dual mortar–based contact formulations in the industry. Numerical results are presented illustrating the performance of the presented algebraic multigrid method.
Maternal liver transplant: Another cause of discordant fetal sex determination using cell‐free DNA
Authors: Neofytou Maria , Brison Nathalie , Van den Bogaert Kris , Dehaspe Luc , Devriendt Koen , Geerts Anja , Vermeesch Joris R. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractNoninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) can very accurately determine fetal sex during pregnancy. We present an exceptional case where NIPT contradicts the ultrasound‐based sex determination. The pregnant woman was recipient of a liver transplant from a male donor. Graft‐derived cell‐free DNA released into the maternal circulation clouded the NIPT‐based sex determination. Hence, NIPT is not advisable when the pregnant mother underwent an organ transplant.
A Couple of Tripodal and Dipodal Fluorescent Sensors for Sequential “On‐Off‐On” Response to Cu2+ and ATP/ADP Recognition in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Xia Peng , Su Zhenhong , Sun Jingyu , Li Duanzhuo , Huang Xiaohuan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA couple of tripodal (1) and dipodal (2) probes having tris(2‐aminoethyl) amine (tren) / N′‐Methyl‐2,2′‐diaminodiethylamine as core moiety, Boc‐L‐alanine as binding group and anthracene as signaling unit have been synthesized for the recognition of cations and anions. For 1 and 2, their recognition behaviors towards metal ions are similar, and both of them show selective recognition towards Cu2+ over other metal ions with a fluorescence “switch‐off” response. Notably, for in situ generated 1‐Cu2+ and 2‐Cu2+ ensembles, their responses towards polyphosphate anions are different. 1‐Cu2+ exhibits a more significant fluorescence “switch‐on” response towards ATP than other anionic species in aqueous solution (H2O/DMSO 9:1, HEPES buffer, 0.01 M, pH 7.4). While 2‐Cu2+ shows a better sensitivity to ADP than ATP under the same conditions. Sequential “on‐off‐on” fluorescence responses of 1 and 2 to Cu2+ and ATP/ADP are successfully applied in HeLa cells.
Metaxonchium toroense n. sp. (Nematoda, Dorylaimida, Belondiridae) from Costa Rica, with the first molecular study of a representative of the genus
Authors: Varela-Benavides I. , Peña-Santiago R. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe new species Metaxonchium toroense n. sp. from natural habitats of Costa Rica is described, including light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and molecular (D2–D3 28S rDNA) analyses. The new species is characterized by its general size, the dimensions and appearance of its lip region, the length of the odontostyle and its fusiform aspect, the length of the neck and its pharyngeal expansion, the reduction of the anterior genital branch to a very short uterine sac without any rudiment of ovary or oviduct, tripartite and non-echinophor posterior uterus, the somewhat posterior vulva position, the length and shape of the caudal region, and the absence of males. Molecular analyses, the first to be performed on a Metaxonchium species, show a close relationship of the new species with representatives of the genera Axonchoides and Syncheilaxonchium.
Immune complex detection in saliva samples: an innovative proposal for the diagnosis of human strongyloidiasis
Authors: Bosqui L. R. , Gonçalves A. L. R. , Gonçalves-Pires M. R. F. , Pavanelli W. R. , Conchon-Costa I. , Costa-Cruz J. M. , Costa I. N. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHuman strongyloidiasis is caused by helminthStrongyloides stercoralis. It has a worldwide distribution, often neglected and cause of severe morbidity. The parasitological diagnosis is hindered by the low and irregular amount of larvae in feces. The goal of the present study was to detect IgG and IgG immune complex using conventional serum samples and saliva as alternative samples. We collected samples from 60 individuals, namely: group I composed of 30 healthy individuals; and group II composed of 30 individuals eliminatingS. stercoralislarvae in feces. We calculated the area under the curve, general index of diagnostic accuracy, Kappa index and determined the correlations between different diagnostic tests. The detection of IgG levels was performed by an immunoenzymatic assay with alkaline extract ofS. venezuelensislarvae as antigen. Positivity of anti-S. stercoralisIgG in serum samples from group I was 3·3%, and from group II 93·3%. The detection of immune complex indicated that group I exhibited 3·3% and group II 56·7%. In the saliva samples, IgG detection was 26·7% for group I and 43·3% for group II. Immune complex was detected in 20% of group I, and 30% of group II. IgG immune complex in conventional serum samples and saliva as alternative samples can be considered biomarkers for the diagnosis of active strongyloidiasis.
Introduction: Air Pollution in China
Authors: Aunan Kristin , Hansen Mette Halskov , Wang Shuxiao 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis introduction provides an overview and analysis of key scientific data regarding air pollution in China. It constitutes a reference for understanding how policymakers, media and population in China make sense of and deal with air pollution, as discussed in the other articles of the section. We summarize the major characteristics and trends regarding air pollution in China, including its main sources and composition, levels of population exposure across the country, attributable mortality, and mitigation efforts. We also compare current levels of air pollution in China with other parts of the world and in a historical perspective. While the situation remains dire in many regions, particularly the Northeast, we conclude that there are signs of relief, or at least a halt to the increase in ambient air pollution levels. At the same time, critical issues regarding unequal levels of exposure remain, and health damaging levels of air pollution in cities will undoubtedly remain high for a long time to come. The rural population residing in areas close to industry and polluted cities and still depending on solid household fuels will likely be the worst off when it comes to air pollution exposure.