bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial and temporal patterns of stable water isotopes along the Yangtze River during two drought years
Authors: Wu Huawu , Li Jing , Song Fan , Zhang Yanan , Zhang Haixia , Zhang Cicheng , He Bin 
Published: October 2017

AbstractChanges in the level of the Yangtze River caused by anthropogenic water regulation have major effects on the hydrological processes and water cycle in surrounding lakes and rivers. In this study, we obtained isotopic evidence of changes in the water cycle of Yangtze River during the two drought years of 2006 and 2013. Isotopic evidence demonstrated that the δ18O and δD levels in Yangtze River exhibited high spatial heterogeneity from the upper to lower reaches, which were controlled by atmospheric precipitation, tributary/lake water mixing, damming regulation, and water temperature. Both the slope and intercept of Yangtze River evaporative line (δD = 7.88 δ18O + 7.96) were slightly higher than those of local meteoric water line of Yangtze River catchment (δD = 7.41 δ18O + 6.01). Most of the river isotopic values were located below the local meteoric water line, thereby implying that the Yangtze River water experienced a certain degree of evaporative enrichment on isotopic compositions of river water. The high fluctuations in the isotopic composition (e.g., deuterium excess [d‐excess]) in the middle to lower reaches during the initial stage of operation for the Three Gorges Dams (2003–2006) were due to heterogeneous isotopic signatures from the upstream water. In contrast to the normal stage (after 2010) characterized by the maximum water level and largest water storage, a relatively small variability in the deuterium excess was found along the middle to lower reaches because of the homogenization of reservoir water with a longer residence time and complete mixing. The effects of water from lakes and tributaries on the isotopic compositions in mainstream water were highlighted because of the high contributions of lakes water (e.g., Dongting Lake and Poyang Lake) efflux to the Yangtze River mainstream, which ranged from 21% to 85% during 2006 and 2013. These findings suggest that the retention and regulation of the Three Gorges Dams has greatly buffered the isotopic variability of the water cycle in the Yangtze catchment, thereby improving our understanding of the complex lake–river interactions along the middle to lower reaches in the future.
Mifepristone–misoprostol for menstrual regulation in public sector facilities in Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Anadil , Lotarevich Tatyana , Das Tapash R. , Reichenbach Laura , Bracken Hillary 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the use of mifepristone and misoprostol for menstrual regulation among Bangladeshi women attending public sector facilities.MethodsIn a prospective study, women (aged ≥18 years) with up to 9 weeks of amenorrhea were enrolled at 24 government health facilities in Bangladesh from November 2012 to June 2015. Paramedics or female welfare visitors provided most menstrual regulation care. Participants took 200 mg mifepristone followed by 800 μg buccal misoprostol after 24 hours, and were asked to return to the clinic 10–14 days later for clinical assessment and an exit interview. The primary outcome was successful evacuation of the uterus without need for surgical intervention. Women who completed follow‐up were included in analyses for the primary outcome.ResultsAmong 1744 enrolled participants, 1738 completed follow‐up. Most (1674, 96.3%) had a successful uterine evacuation without the need for surgical intervention. A successful outcome was significantly more common in primary (724/744, 97.3%) and secondary facilities (861/895, 96.2%) than in the specialty hospital (89/99, 89.9%; P<0.001 and P=0.004, respectively).ConclusionMenstrual regulation with mifepristone and misoprostol can be provided effectively in public sector facilities in Bangladesh.ClinicalTrials.govNCT01798017
Is left upper lobectomy always worthwhile for early stage lung cancer? A comparison between left upper lobectomy, trisegmentectomy, and lingulectomy
Authors: Aprile Vittorio , Bertoglio Pietro , Dini Paolo , Palmiero Gerardo , Mussi Alfredo , Ambrogi Marcello Carlo , Lucchi Marco 
Published: October 2017

Background and ObjectivesLobectomy is the gold standard treatment for resectable Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). We compared oncological outcomes of patients undergoing a “multi‐segmentectomy” (trisegmentectomy or lingulectomy) and left upper lobectomy for early stage (T1‐2, N0) NSCLC of the left upper lobe.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed all patients with pathological early stage (T1‐T2 N0) NSCLC located in left upper lobe who underwent a lobectomy, a trisegmentectomy, or a lingulectomy between 2006 and 2013, focusing on surgical and oncological outcomes.ResultsAmong 159 patients, 105 patients underwent a lobectomy and 54 patients a multi‐segmentectomy (33 lingulectomy and 21 trisegmentectomy). Actuarial mean Overall Survival was 87 months (95%CI 79‐95) and 89 months (95%CI 76‐101) for lobectomies and multi‐segmentectomies, respectively (P‐value: 0.895), while actuarial mean Disease Free Interval was 91 months (95%CI 82‐100) and 96 months (95%CI 84‐108) respectively (P‐value: 0.565). We did not observe any difference in terms of local recurrence rate between the two groups (P = 0.337).ConclusionsLingulectomy and trisegmentectomy lead to similar oncological outcomes compared to left upper lobectomy for T1 and T2 N0 NSCLC, and they could be used as an alternative to lobectomy even in patients with a good pulmonary function.
A method for the systematic assessment of lubricant performance during superplastic sheet forming
Authors: Farrell M. , Drabek M. , Qarni M.J. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractFrictional forces at the die‐sheet interface during superplastic forming play an important role in controlling material flow. As such, lubricious coatings are routinely used to facilitate a low friction flow of sheet metal into the die cavity. They may also act as parting agents and/or oxidation barriers. The selection of coatings for the superplastic forming of Ti‐6Al‐4 V is limited by the requirement of thermomechanical stability at the high forming temperature, therefore, solid film coatings such as boron nitride are a common choice. However, little work has been published on coating performance during superplastic forming, particularly under true process conditions. This paper presents a method for the systematic assessment of superplastic forming coating performance by using a multi‐pocket die, which allows many coating types and combinations to be tested simultaneously during a single forming cycle. Sixteen coating combinations were evaluated in total and the resultant sheet thickness distributions compared, serving as an indicator of friction.
A comparative study assessing the wear behaviour of different ceramic die materials during superplastic forming
Authors: Gomez‐Gallegos A. A. , Farrell M. , Zuelli N. , Staiano A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSuperplastic forming is an advanced manufacturing process where metallic sheets are heated to their superplastic region to be then blow formed within a die set. The process allows for the forming of complex parts but it is typically restricted to low volume production and high value pieces. Despite their brittle nature, ceramic dies are a developing technology for superplastic forming as they offer lower production costs and shorter lead times than conventional metallic dies, thus reducing process costs. This work presents a method to assess ceramic die wear by means of a novel test rig developed a at the Advance Forming Research Centre of the University of Strathclyde, Scotland, UK where the superplastic forming die‐part interaction can be replicated at laboratory scale. Controllable normal load tests at standard superplastic forming conditions on three different reinforced ceramic materials are carried out with a view to understanding their wear mechanisms and to ultimately identify methods to improve their wear resistance.
Development of a strain dependent pressure law for superplastic forming of 2024 aluminium alloy
Authors: Du R. , Feng J. , Giraud E. , Santo P. D. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSuperplastic forming is widely used in aeronautic industry to produce complex parts due to the ability of the material to sustain very large deformation. One of the main problems lies in the determination of the pressure law applied during the process to control the strain rate evolution. Many algorithms exist in numerical codes to predict the pressure law, but they generally use a constant value of maximum strain rate as reference to control the pressure law. These simulations give globally good results while lead to long cycle times. In this work, the pressure law is computed in order to control the forming process by a non‐constant strain rate. The value of the optimum strain rate is indeed adapted to the level of strain developed within the part during the forming. This approach is applied on the 2024 aluminium alloy. Uniaxial tensile tests are performed to determine the influence of strain level on the maximum allowable strain rate. Then, the new pressure control algorithm is implemented in the ABAQUS code. Numerical simulations of generic parts are finally performed and the results show a significant reduction of the forming time without decreasing the quality of the parts.
Selection and characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis strains from northwestern Himalayas toxic against Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Lone Showkat A. , Malik Abdul , Padaria Jasdeep C. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn this study, we present the selection and the characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains with respect to their cry/cyt gene content and toxicity evaluation toward one of the most important polyphagous lepidopteran pest, Helicoverpa armigera. Fifty‐six Bt isolates were obtained from 10 different regions of northwestern Himalayas, recording a total B. thuringiensis index of 0.62. Scanning electron microscopy revealed presence of bipyramidal, spherical, flat and irregular crystal shapes; SDS‐PAGE analysis of spore‐crystal mixtures showed the prominence of 130, 70, and 100 kDa protein bands in majority of the isolates; PCR analysis with primers for eight cry and cyt gene families and 13 cry gene subfamilies resulted in isolates showing different combinations of insecticidal genes. Strains containing cry1 were the most abundant (57.1%) followed by cyt2 (46.42%), cry11 (37.5%), cry2 (28.57%), cry4 (21.42%), cyt1 (19.64%), cry3 (8.9%), and cry7, 8 (7.14%). A total of 30.35% of the strains did not amplify with any of the primers used in this study. Median lethal concentration 50 (LC50) estimates of spore‐crystal mixtures of Bt‐JK12, 17, 22, 48, and 72 against second instar larvae of H. armigera was observed to be 184.62, 275.39, 256.29, 259.93 μg ml−1, respectively. B. thuringiensis presents great diversity with respect to the presence of crystal protein encoding genes and insecticidal activity. Four putative toxic isolates identified in this study have potential application in insect pest control. B. thuringiensis isolate JK12 exhibited higher toxicity against H. armigera than that of B. thuringiensis HD1, hence can be commercially exploited to control insect pest for sustainable crop production. The results of this study confirm the significance of continuous exploration of new Bt stains from different ecological regions of the world.
Spotted fever group rickettsiae associated with ixodid ticks in wild environment in Southern Italy
Authors: Raele Donato Antonio , Galante Domenico , Pugliese Nicola , Salandra Giovanna La , Cafiero Maria Assunta 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIxodidae ticks are vectors and reservoirs of several species of rickettsiae, and tick‐borne rickettsioses are reported worldwide. This study was aimed to verify the distribution of spotted fever group rickettsiae associated with ticks in a wild environment, the National Park of Gargano, where there is proximity between wild and domestic animals, and which is within an endemic area for rickettsiosis. Ticks were collected from animals or vegetation, morphologically identified and tested by a PCR targeting the 17kDa gene, and by a loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) targeting ompB gene. Out of 34 tested tick pools, 2 from Dermacentor marginatus, 1 from Ixodes ricinus, and 1 from Rhipicephalus turanicus resulted positive. Nucleotide sequences of amplicons showed high similarity with sequences from Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia raoultii, Rickettsia helvetica, and Rickettsia felis. The overall calculated infection rate was 26.19 per 1,000, while it rose up to 107.77 when only D. marginatus was considered. The results highlight the association among Ri. slovaca, Ri. raoultii, D. marginatus and wild boars from which infected ticks were collected. Finally, the study shows the low efficacy of the previously described LAMP method for the detection of Rickettsia spp., when compared to PCR, making urgent the development of most effective LAMP protocols.
Menopause is associated with impaired responsiveness of involuntary pelvic floor muscle contractions to sudden intra‐abdominal pressure rise in women with pelvic floor symptoms: A retrospective study
Authors: Huang Wen‐Chen , Yang Jenn‐Ming 
Published: October 2017

AimsTo explore the effect of menopause on the movements of the bladder neck and genital hiatus during involuntary and voluntary pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contractions among women with pelvic floor symptoms.MethodsThe data of 162 premenopausal and 215 postmenopausal women were retrospectively analyzed. The investigation encompassed clinical interview, pelvic examination, and four‐dimensional ultrasound. The ultrasound manifestations of the bladder neck and genital hiatus during involuntary and voluntary PFM contractions were assessed during coughing and maximal squeezing. The bladder neck location, genitohiatal size, and genitohiatal location were evaluated with bladder neck distance (BND) and bladder neck angle (BNA), genitohiatal dimension (GHD) and genitohiatal area (GHAR), as well as genitohiatal angle (GHA), respectively.ResultsFrom resting to coughing, postmenopausal women exhibited a more caudodorsal bladder neck movement (changes in BND/BNA, premenopausal vs. postmenopausal women: −0.91 ± 1.22 cm/–12 ± 47° vs. −0.48 ± 0.83 cm/11 ± 38°, P < 0.001), less genitohiatal size reduction (changes in GHD/GHAR, premenopausal vs. postmenopausal women: −1.38 ± 2.15 cm/−5.5 ± 8.4 cm2 vs. −0.46 ± 1.68 cm/−1.9 ± 7.6 cm2, P < 0.001), and less cranioventral genitohiatal movement (changes in GHA, premenopausal vs. postmenopausal women: −33 ± 63° vs. −11 ± 43°, P < 0.001) than premenopausal women. Premenopausal and postmenopausal women demonstrated comparable ultrasound manifestations of the bladder neck and genital hiatus during maximal squeezing.ConclusionsFor women with pelvic floor symptoms, menopause is associated with impaired responsiveness of involuntary PFM contractions to sudden intra‐abdominal pressure rise but not with voluntary PFM contractions.
Impact of the initial fitness level on the effects of a structured exercise therapy during pediatric stem cell transplantation
Authors: Wallek Susanne , Senn‐Malashonak Anna , Vogt Lutz , Schmidt Katharina , Bader Peter , Banzer Winfried 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundBefore and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), most patients suffer from psychophysical limitations due to the treatment. Exercise interventions demonstrate beneficial effects on, for example, strength, endurance, or health‐related quality of life during and after HSCT, but with a great variation among patients concerning the response to exercise. This study examines the influence of the initial fitness on the effects of an exercise therapy in pediatric HSCT.ProcedureFifty‐three children and adolescents (10.9 ± 3.5 years) scheduled for HSCT were randomized into an exercise intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG). During hospitalization, the IG performed endurance, strength, and flexibility training three times per week. The CG included a nonexercise program. A 6‐min walk test was completed before and after the inpatient period. Baseline results (6‐min walking distance [6MWD]) were used to split both groups into the following: IGUNFIT, n = 14; IGFIT, n = 12; CGUNFIT, n = 16; CGFIT, n = 11. Differences in outcome changes between groups were analyzed with H‐test.ResultIntergroup comparison revealed significant differences between IGUNFIT and CGUNFIT (P < 0.05). The IGUNFIT increased their 6MWD by +8% (vs. IGFIT, +1%); both CGs presented a decline in 6MWD (CGUNFIT, –14%; CGFIT, –16%). At discharge, the IGFIT achieved 85.5 ± 10.3% of healthy reference values.ConclusionsThe current results indicate that exercise during pediatric HSCT is feasible and contributes to prevention of treatment‐related loss of physical function. As seen in healthy persons, patients’ benefits might depend on their initial fitness level. As a diminished physical capability may result in higher training effects, impaired especially patients should engage in exercise.
Elaborating the excited state behavior of 2‐(4′‐N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl)‐imidazo[4,5‐c]pyridine coupling with methanol solvent
Authors: Yang Dapeng , Jia Min , Song Xiaoyan , Zhang Qiaoli 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWe present a theoretical investigation about the excited state dynamical mechanism of 2‐(4′‐N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl)‐imidazo[4,5‐c]pyridine (DMAPIP‐c). Within the framework of density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory methods, we reasonably repeat the experimental electronic spectra, which further confirm the theoretical level used in this work is feasible. Given the best complex model, 3 methanol (MeOH) solvent molecules should be connected with DMAPIP‐c forming DMAPIP‐c‐MeOH complex in both ground state and excited state. Exploring the changes about bond lengths and bond angles involved in hydrogen bond wires, we find the O7‐H8···N9 one should be largely strengthened in the S1state, which plays an important role in facilitating the excited state intermolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process. In addition, the analyses about infrared vibrational spectra also confirm this conclusion. The redistribution about charges distinguished via frontier molecular orbitals based on the photoexcitation, we do find tendency of ESIPT reaction due to the most charges located around N9 atom in the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital. Based on constructing the potential energy curves of both S0and S1states, we not only confirm that the ESIPT process should firstly occur along with hydrogen bond wire O7‐H8···N9, but also find a low potential energy barrier 8.898 kcal/mol supports the ESIPT reaction in the S1state forming DMAPIP‐c‐MeOH‐PT configuration. Subsequently, DMAPIP‐c‐MeOH‐PT could twist its dimethylamino moiety with a lower barrier 3.475 kcal/mol forming DMAPIP‐c‐MeOH‐PT‐TICT structure. Our work not only successfully explains previous experimental work but also paves the way for the further applications about DMAPIP‐c sensor in future.
Understanding middle‐aged and older adults' first associations with the word “cancer”: A mixed methods study in England
Authors: Agustina Edelyn , Dodd Rachael H. , Waller Jo , Vrinten Charlotte 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectiveCancer is still widely feared and often associated with death. Fatalistic beliefs adversely affect help‐seeking for cancer symptoms and engagement in cancer prevention. This study aims to understand middle‐aged and older adults' first association with the word “cancer” and their relationship with sociodemographic factors, cancer fear, and cancer information avoidance.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional survey of 1464 community‐based adults aged 50 to 70 living in England in April 2015. First associations with cancer were measured qualitatively and analysed using content analysis. We used binary logistic regression to analyse associations between the most common first association of cancer and sociodemographic characteristics, cancer fear, and cancer information avoidance.ResultsCancer was most commonly associated with “death” (26%). Respondents with lower levels of education, living in the Midlands or North of England where cancer mortality is higher, or with close friends or family members with a cancer history, were more likely to associate cancer with death. Cancer fear was significantly associated with death associations, but cancer information avoidance was not.ConclusionsDespite improved cancer outcomes, middle‐aged and older adults often associate cancer with death. Further efforts to decrease fatalistic associations in this age group may be needed.
Systematic screening of viral entry inhibitors using surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Kumar Penmetcha K.R. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryViral binding and entry into host cells for various viruses have been studied extensively, yielding a detailed understanding of the overall viral entry process. As cell entry is an essential and requisite process by which a virus initiates infection, it is an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. The advantages of targeting viral entry are an extracellular target site, relatively easy access for biological interventions, and lower toxicity. Several cell‐based strategies and biophysical techniques have been used to screen compounds that block viral entry. These studies led to the discovery of inhibitors against HIV, HCV, influenza, Ebola, and RSV. In recent years, several compounds screened by fragment‐based drug discovery have been approved as drugs or are in the final stages of clinical trials. Among fragment screening technologies, surface plasmon resonance has been widely used because it provides accurate information on binding kinetics, allows real‐time monitoring of ligand‐drug interactions, requires very small sample amounts to perform analyses, and requires no modifications to or labeling of ligands. This review focuses on surface plasmon resonance–based schemes for screening viral entry inhibitors.
Who Cares About Product Sustainability Information at the Moment of Purchase? Consumer Evidence from Three Countries
Authors: Pekkanen Tiia‐Lotta , Pätäri Satu , Albadera Laura , Jantunen Ari 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSustainable consumption is a crucial contributor to sustainable development. Often, environmental policy approaches to promote sustainable consumption rely on increasing the awareness of consumers through information provision. Hence, it is important to know what kind of people the sustainability information is likely to reach, and what kind of people would need to be reached by other means in order to green their consumption. We advance the question of the characteristics of consumers who look for information about sustainability when making grocery purchasing choices. We focus on value‐based buying behaviour of Millennials, drawing from consumer surveys carried out in Finland, Hong Kong and Spain. The results show that values differ between the studied nationalities, but when modelling how values affect the pro‐responsibility behaviour the effect of nationality vanishes. Also, high perception of one's own sustainability related behaviour seems to enable altruistic, self‐directed people to act on environmental concern. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment