bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forecasting with Global Vector Autoregressive Models: a Bayesian Approach
Authors: Cuaresma Jesús Crespo , Feldkircher Martin , Huber Florian 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThis paper develops a Bayesian variant of global vector autoregressive (B‐GVAR) models to forecast an international set of macroeconomic and financial variables. We propose a set of hierarchical priors and compare the predictive performance of B‐GVAR models in terms of point and density forecasts for one‐quarter‐ahead and four‐quarter‐ahead forecast horizons. We find that forecasts can be improved by employing a global framework and hierarchical priors which induce country‐specific degrees of shrinkage on the coefficients of the GVAR model. Forecasts from various B‐GVAR specifications tend to outperform forecasts from a naive univariate model, a global model without shrinkage on the parameters and country‐specific vector autoregressions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of atmospheric circulation on the water level on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Girjatowicz Józef P. , Świątek Małgorzata , Wolski Tomasz 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTThe research focused on the relationships between atmospheric circulation patterns and the water level on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea. Monthly values of water levels were used, recorded between 1961 and 2010 in Wismar, Warnemünde, Sassnitz, Świnoujście, Kołobrzeg, Ustka and Władysławowo. To establish and examine the relationships between the water levels (dependent variable) and the number of days of atmospheric circulation patterns (independent variable), the correlation and regression analysis were conducted. The strongest relationships occur in the months of the cold season (November–March), especially in January, February and March, with the statistical significance of α = 0.01 (usually α = 0.001), mainly due to considerable atmospheric circulation activity. Relationships with the onshore circulation (W+NW+N) are slightly stronger than with the seaward circulation (E+SE+S). The intensity of these relationships grows eastwards (Ustka, Władysławowo), where the water levels are higher, their amplitudes and standard deviations are larger and the coastal exposure is more favourable. It is where in winter (December–February) the correlation coefficients exceed |0.80|. The relationships in the months of the warm season (April–October) are visibly weaker, especially with the E+SE+S circulation in the west part of the southern coast of the Baltic Sea (Wismar, Warnemünde), where they are statistically insignificant. The asynchronous relationships of water levels with atmospheric circulation are usually weaker than the synchronous ones. However, on the west coast (Wismar, Warnemünde), the asynchronous relationships, especially with the E+SE+S circulation with 1‐month delay, are usually stronger than the synchronous ones. They may have a prognostic value. The longer the intervals between the studied variables are, the weaker the relationships become.
Observed trends and impacts of tropical cyclones in the Philippines
Authors: Cinco Thelma A. , de Guzman Rosalina G. , Ortiz Andrea Monica D. , Delfino Rafaela Jane P. , Lasco Rodel D. , Hilario Flaviana D. , Juanillo Edna L. , Barba Rose , Ares Emma D. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTAn analysis of tropical cyclone (TC) data from 1951 to 2013 in the Philippines revealed that an average of 19.4 TCs enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) every year and nine TCs cross the country. Time series analysis of the TC datasets shows no significant trends in the annual number of TCs in PAR but a slightly decreasing trend in the number of landfalling TCs in the Philippines, particularly in the last two decades. However, while the analysis shows fewer typhoons (above 118 kph), more extreme TCs (above 150 kph) have affected the Philippines. The study also confirms that the Northern island of Luzon is most frequently hit by TCs, and that TC‐associated rainfall is greatest in this region compared to the southernmost part of the country. The impact of TCs shows a consistently increasing trend in economic losses and damages. Further understanding of past and future trends of TC activity in the Western North Pacific Basin, and the PAR, including the impacts associated with them, will provide valuable insights for climate change adaptation and disaster risk management.
Environmental effects on soil NO concentrations and root N uptake in beech and spruce forests
Authors: Dong Fang , Simon Judy , Rienks Michael , Schäffer Jürgen , von Wilpert Klaus , Rennenberg Heinz 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the shifts in net nitrogen (N) uptake and N compounds of fine roots over the vegetation period (i.e., spring, summer, autumn) and correlate this with NO concentration in the soil. Soil NO concentration was measured using gas lysimeters for collection and a chemiluminescence analyzer for quantification. Net N uptake by the roots was determined using the 15N enrichment technique. N pools were quantified using spectrophotometric techniques. Soil NO concentrations at beech and spruce forest sites were highest in spring (June), and lowest in winter (December). Total N of the roots was similar during the seasons and between the two years under study despite considerable variation of different N compounds. Net N uptake generally increased with higher N supply. Correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between soil NO concentration and net N uptake only for spruce trees. This relationship seemed to be modulated by environmental factors and tree species.
Drought effects on C, N, and P nutrition and the antioxidative system of beech seedlings depend on geographic origin
Authors: Netzer Florian , Thöm Carolin , Celepirovic Nevenka , Ivankovic Mladen , Alfarraj Saleh , Dounavi Aikaterini , Simon Judy , Herschbach Cornelia , Rennenberg Heinz 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn future, prolonged summer drought and heat will constitute a major risk for the cultivation of shallow‐rooting beech in Central Europe and will negatively affect the productivity of beech forests. In a pot experiment under controlled conditions, the influence of long‐term (28 d) water deprivation on nitrogen (N), carbon (C), phosphate (Pi), and ascorbate (ASC) concentrations was examined in leaves and fine roots of beech seedlings (Fagus sylvaticaL.) from six provenances originating from Central Europe (Germany: Neidenstein and Illertissen, intermediate habitats), the Balkan peninsula (Croatia: Zagreb and Gospic, wet habitats), and Southeast Europe (Bulgaria: Kotel, Greece: Paikos; dry habitats). The goal of the study was to identify beech provenances well adapted to water limitation during summer drought events. Our results suggest that N might be involved in the alleviation of water scarcity, whereas Pimight become a limiting factor for forest growth during drought periods. Drought stress resulted in significant changes of ASC pools in leaves and fine roots and the ASC redox state. Under well‐watered and under drought conditions, ASC in leaves was the most important factor causing differences between the provenances examined. Finally, a link between P nutrition and the capacity of antioxidative stress defense by ascorbate could be highlighted. Based on observations from this study, beech seedlings from three origins (Paikos, Zagreb, and Neidenstein) might constitute beech provenances well adapted to water shortage in summer. This conclusion is drawn from the high potential of these provenances to alleviate oxidative stress during water shortage.
An efficient method for the collection of root mucilage from different plant species—A case study on the effect of mucilage on soil water repellency
Authors: Zickenrott Ina‐Maria , Woche Susanne K. , Bachmann Jörg , Ahmed Mutez A. , Vetterlein Doris 
Published: February 2016

AbstractRoot mucilage may play a prominent role in understanding root water uptake and, thus, there is revived interest in studying the function of root mucilage. However, mucilage research is hampered by the tedious procedures of mucilage collection. We developed a mucilage separator which utilizes low centrifugal forces (570 rpm) to separate the mucilage from seminal roots without the need of handling individual seeds or removing the germinated seeds from the tray/mesh to a centrifuge tube. For the different plant species, between 1 and 3.7 mL tray−1 of hydrated mucilage could be produced, with 6 trays being handled successively within 45 min. For Triticum aestivum, which showed a dry matter content of 0.5%, this was equivalent to 98.6 mg mucilage dry matter. The lowest total production was found for Zea mays with just 34 mg dry matter. The amounts of mucilage produced normalized to root tip agree well with literature data.The mucilage obtained by the new method was used to measure its effect on repellency of soil as this property directly relates to the phenomenon of lower rhizosphere soil water content during rewetting. It could be shown that repellency of the rhizosphere is affected by the quantity as well as by species‐dependent quality of mucilage in the rhizosphere. Among the species tested (Lupinus albus, Vicia faba, Zea mays, Triticum aestivum), the largest differences were observed between the two legumes. For Zea mays seminal root mucilage obtained with the new system was compared to mucilage of air born brace roots. The differences between these two mucilages, representing different root orders, indicate clearly that there is still a need for methods which enable the investigation of roots from older plants.
Quantification and identification of microorganisms found on shell and kernel of fresh edible chestnuts in Michigan
Authors: Donis‐González Irwin R , Guyer Daniel E , Fulbright Dennis W 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDChestnut is a relatively new cultivated crop for Michigan, and postharvest loss due to decay has been problematic as production has increased each year. In 2007, more than 25% of chestnuts were lost to postharvest decay, equivalent to approximately 5300 kg of fresh product. To determine the organisms responsible for decay, a microbiological survey was performed in 2006 and 2007 to identify microorganisms involved in postharvest shell (external surface) mold and internal kernel (edible portion) decay of chestnuts.RESULTSFilamentous fungi including Penicillium expansum, Penicillium griseofulvum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Coniophora puteana, Acrospeira mirabilis, Botryosphaeria ribis, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Botryotinia fuckeliana (anamorph Botrytis cinerea) and Gibberella sp. (anamorph Fusarium sp.) were the predominant microorganisms that negatively impacted fresh chestnuts. Populations of microorganisms varied between farms, harvesting methods and chestnut parts.CONCLUSIONChestnuts harvested from the orchard floor were significantly (P < 0.05) more contaminated than chestnuts harvested directly from the tree, by more than 2 log colony‐forming units (CFU) g−1. In addition, a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the microbial population was seen between chestnuts submitted by different growers, with average count ranges of fungi, mesophilic aerobic bacteria (MAB) and yeasts equal to 4.75, 4.59 and 4.75 log CFU g−1 respectively. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Nonmotor features of Parkinson's disease subtypes
Authors: Marras Connie , Chaudhuri K. Ray 
Published: February 2016

AbstractParkinson's disease is highly heterogeneous in early clinical features and later outcomes. This makes classifying subgroups of PD relevant to clinical research and practice, particularly if they are prognostically relevant. Subgroups have been defined both on the basis of motor and nonmotor features, and subgroups have been determined either empirically, based on clinical observation, or using data‐driven analytic techniques. Previous studies have examined both the overall number and the nature of nonmotor symptoms and signs in tremor‐dominant compared with non‐tremor‐dominant subtypes, and longitudinal studies identify nonmotor symptoms as important markers of prognosis and important defining features of PD subtypes. Autonomic features seem to preferentially affect individuals with non‐tremor‐dominant PD subtype early in the disease. Later in the disease cognitive disturbance distinguishes this phenotype. Pathological and neuroimaging studies provide substantial evidence for fundamental biological differences between tremor‐dominant and postural instability gait disorder/akinetic‐rigid subtypes. Biomarker studies point toward non‐tremor‐dominant PD as representing more advanced and diffuse neurodegeneration than tremor‐dominant PD, encompassing dopaminergic and nondopaminergic as well as synuclein and nonsynuclein (Abeta) pathologies. This aligns with clinical studies that find a higher burden of nonmotor symptoms in non‐tremor‐dominant PD. The mounting evidence for the relevance of nonmotor features in PD subtypes behooves us to begin to investigate the biological underpinnings of subtypes defined by both motor and nonmotor features. This may be challenging, as PD subtypes are unlikely to be distinct nonoverlapping entities but are more likely to represent typical phenotypes within a multidimensional spectrum resulting from variable contributions of a number of simultaneous pathological processes. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Production of germ cell‐deficient salmonids by dead end gene knockdown, and their use as recipients for germ cell transplantation
Authors: Yoshizaki Goro , Takashiba Kuniko , Shimamori Shotaro , Fujinuma Kiyoko , Shikina Shinya , Okutsu Tomoyuki , Kume Sachi , Hayashi Makoto 
Published: February 2016

SUMMARYWe previously established a spermatogonial transplantation model in fish using triploid recipients. Although triploid salmonids are sterile, they carry a limited number of immature triploid germ cells that potentially compete with the donor‐derived germ cells for their niche. We therefore assessed the biological characteristics of germ cell‐deficient gonads in rainbow trout for their suitability as recipients for germ cell transplantation in this study. Antisense morpholino oligonucleotides against the dead end gene were microinjected into the fertilized eggs of rainbow trout to eliminate endogenous germ cells, leaving only their supporting cells. Unlike similar approaches performed in zebrafish and medaka, these germ cell‐deficient rainbow trout did not show a male‐biased sex ratio. Approximately 30,000 spermatogonia were then transplanted into the body cavities of both germ cell‐deficient and control recipients. The donor‐derived germ cells showed significantly higher proliferation in the gonads of germ cell‐deficient recipients than those in the gonads of the control recipients. Finally, the applicability of the germ cell‐deficient recipients for xenogeneic transplantation was evaluated by transplanting rainbow trout spermatogonia into germ cell‐deficient masu salmon recipients. The resulting recipient salmon matured normally and produced trout gametes, and early survival of the resulting trout offspring was as high as that of the control offspring. Thus, dead end‐knockdown salmonids appear to be ideal recipients for the intraperitoneal transplantation of spermatogonia. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 298–311, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Normal weight dyslipidemia: Is it all about the liver?
Authors: Højland Ipsen David , Tveden‐Nyborg Pernille , Lykkesfeldt Jens 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveThe liver coordinates lipid metabolism and may play a vital role in the development of dyslipidemia, even in the absence of obesity. Normal weight dyslipidemia (NWD) and patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who do not have obesity constitute a unique subset of individuals characterized by dyslipidemia and metabolic deterioration. This review examined the available literature on the role of the liver in dyslipidemia and the metabolic characteristics of patients with NAFLD who do not have obesity.MethodsPubMed was searched using the following keywords: nonobese, dyslipidemia, NAFLD, NWD, liver, and metabolically obese/unhealthy normal weight. Additionally, article bibliographies were screened, and relevant citations were retrieved. Studies were excluded if they had not measured relevant biomarkers of dyslipidemia.ResultsNWD and NAFLD without obesity share a similar abnormal metabolic profile. When compared with patients with NAFLD who have obesity, the metabolic abnormalities of NAFLD without obesity are similar or less severe. Furthermore, hepatic lesions develop independent of obesity, and the extent of dyslipidemia seems comparable.ConclusionsNAFLD may impair hepatic lipid handling, causing faulty lipid homeostasis, and serves as a likely starting point for initiation and propagation of dyslipidemia along with associated comorbidities in patients without obesity.
Dissociation of trivalent metal ion (Al3+, Ga3+, In3+ and Rh3+)–peptide complexes under electron capture dissociation conditions
Authors: Chen Xiangfeng , Liu Guoqiang , Elaine Wong Y. L. , Deng Liulin , Wang Ze , Li Wan , Dominic Chan T.‐W. 
Published: February 2016

RationaleThe electron capture dissociation (ECD) of proteins/peptides is affected by the nature of charge carrier. It has been reported that transition metal ions could tune the ECD pathway of peptides. To further explore the charge carrier effect of metal ions, ECD of peptides adducted with trivalent transition metal ions, including group IIIB (Al3+, Ga3+, and In3+) and Rh3+, were investigated and compared with that of the lanthanide ion (Ln3+).MethodsBradykinin‐derived peptides were used as model peptides to probe the dissociation pathways. The ECD experiments were performed on a Bruker APEX III 4.7T Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometer.ResultsTypical c‐/z‐ions with and without metal ions were observed in the ECD of peptides adducted with Group IIIB metal ions as charge carriers. Connection of non‐metalated c‐ions and metalated z‐ions at the position of the serine residue indicated that serine is one of the binding sites of the metal ion on the model peptides. Typical slow heating ions, including metalated a‐/b‐ions and non‐metalated y‐ions, were generated in ECD of Rh3+‐adducted peptides.ConclusionsBased on the experimental results, it is proposed that (i) for Group IIIB metal ion‐peptide complexes, the incoming electron is captured by the proton in the salt‐bridge structures of precursor ions; (ii) for Rh3+‐peptide complexes, the incoming electron is captured by the metal ion due to the formation of charge‐solvated precursor ions formed through arginine residue‐metal coordination. Our results indicate that the heterogeneity of precursor ions plays an important role for the ECD of metalated peptides. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Not the End of the Odyssey: Parental Perceptions of Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) in Pediatric Undiagnosed Disorders
Authors: Rosell Allyn McConkie , Pena Loren D. M. , Schoch Kelly , Spillmann Rebecca , Sullivan Jennifer , Hooper Stephen R. , Jiang Yong‐Hui , Mathey‐Andrews Nicolas , Goldstein David B. , Shashi Vandana 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDue to the lack of empirical information on parental perceptions of primary results of whole exome sequencing (WES), we conducted a retrospective semi‐structured interview with 19 parents of children who had undergone WES. Perceptions explored during the interview included factors that would contribute to parental empowerment such as: parental expectations, understanding of the WES and results, utilization of the WES information, and communication of findings to health/educational professionals and family members. Results of the WES had previously been communicated to families within a novel framework of clinical diagnostic categories: 5/19 had Definite diagnoses, 6/19 had Likely diagnoses, 3/19 had Possible diagnosis and 5/19 had No diagnosis. All parents interviewed expressed a sense of duty to pursue the WES in search of a diagnosis; however, their expectations were tempered by previous experiences with negative genetic testing results. Approximately half the parents worried that a primary diagnosis that would be lethal might be identified; however, the hope of a diagnosis outweighed this concern. Parents were accurately able to summarize their child's WES findings, understood the implications for recurrence risks, and were able to communicate these findings to family and medical/educational providers. The majority of those with a Definite/Likely diagnosis felt that their child's medical care was more focused, or there was a reduction in worry, despite the lack of a specific treatment. Irrespective of diagnostic outcome, parents recommended that follow‐up visits be built into the process. Several parents expressed a desire to have all variants of unknown significance (VUS) reported to them so that they could investigate these themselves. Finally, for some families whose children had a Definite/Likely diagnosis, there was remaining frustration and a sense of isolation, due to the limited information that was available about the diagnosed rare disorders and the inability to connect to other families, suggesting that for families with rare genetic disorders, the diagnostic odyssey does not necessarily end with a diagnosis. Qualitative interviewing served a meaningful role in eliciting new information about parental motivations, expectations, and knowledge of WES. Our findings highlight a need for continued communication with families as we navigate the new landscape of genomic sequencing.
A Comparison of the Levels of Oil, Carotenoids, and Lipolytic Enzyme Activities in Modern Lines and Hybrids of Grain Sorghum
Authors: Moreau Robert A. , Harron Andrew F. , Powell Michael J. , Hoyt Jonathan L. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCarotenoids are potentially valuable components in grain sorghum and there is a need to better understand their concentration, composition, and value. Thirteen modern commercial grain sorghum hybrids and five sorghum lines were extracted and analyzed and the levels of oil and carotenoids were compared. The same samples were also evaluated for lipolytic enzyme activity. The oil content in all eighteen samples ranged from 3.21 to 4.29 wt%. Lutein and zeaxanthin were the predominant carotenoids and the levels of total carotenoids ranged from 3.82 to 19.5 ppm in the oil, which was much lower than the levels of total carotenoids in two yellow corn samples (70.8 and 103 ppm). Lipolytic enzyme activity was estimated by storing milled kernel samples for 2 weeks at 25 °C and measuring the levels of total free fatty acids. After 2 weeks, the levels of free fatty acids in the oil of the eighteen sorghum samples ranged from 11.49 and 52.17 wt%, compared to 10.29 and 17.54 wt% in oil from the two corn samples. This new data will be useful for persons using grain sorghum for food, biofuels and other industrial applications. Examples of sorghum genotypes with high and low levels of carotenoids and high and low levels of lipolytic enzymes were both identified.