bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How the evaporation of dry dune grasslands evolves during the concerted succession of soil and vegetation
Authors: Voortman B.R. , Fujita Y. , Bartholomeus R.P. , Aggenbach C.J.S. , Witte J.P.M. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSustainable water and vegetation management of coastal dunes requires fundamental knowledge of how interactions between soil, water, and vegetation evolve during succession. Therefore, we quantified the effect of succession on evaporation in dry dune grasslands of the Netherlands. On the basis of vegetation and soil records, we simulated the evaporation rate of vegetation plots that differed in successional stage, slope angle and slope orientation. Starting from bare sand, average yearly evaporation increased with 94 mm in a period of 52 to 76 years of soil and vegetation succession. The increase in evaporation was for the greater part caused by soil development (an increase of the water holding capacity) and the lesser part by an increase in vascular plant cover. In an early successional stage, ground layer evaporation could be both higher and lower compared to bare soil evaporation, depending on the moss species. At a later successional stage, moss species primarily decreased ground layer evaporation and facilitated vascular plants. Despite clear differences in slope angle and slope orientation, the simulated actual evaporation rate was not significantly correlated to the incoming solar radiation because the vascular plant cover and soil water holding capacity decreased with incoming solar radiation. These results show that biotic processes can eliminate the effects of micrometeorological differences on evaporation. On the basis of our findings, we hypothesize that vegetation shifts towards more moss‐ and lichen‐dominated vegetation could mitigate the adverse effects of climate change (e.g., drier summers) on water resources.
ZnS:Cu Phosphor Layers as Energy Conversion Materials for Nuclear Batteries: A Combined Theoretical and Experimental Study of Their Geometric Structure
Authors: Xu Zhiheng , Tang Xiaobin , Liu Yunpeng , Zhang Zhengrong , Chen Wang , Yuan Zicheng , Liu Kai 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe feasibility of utilizing the method of phosphor layer structure optimization to improve the performance of beta‐radioluminescent nuclear batteries is investigated. The designs of different V‐groove structures and conventional planar structures of ZnS:Cu phosphor layers are discussed. Monte Carlo simulations have been used to analysis the transportation of beta‐particles released from the 63Ni and 147Pm plate sources, along with the corresponding energy deposition in the phosphor layers. Radioluminescence properties are characterized and the influence of configuration parameters on the luminescence intensity and emission wavelength is revealed. The current–voltage characteristic curves of beta‐radioluminescent nuclear batteries with the above phosphor layer structures are used to analyze the electrical properties. Additionally, the deposited energy in the phosphors and radioluminescence luminous flux as a linear function of the maximum output power are investigated for different combinations of those phosphor layers and beta sources.
A new smooth hysteretic model for ductile flexural‐dominated reinforced concrete bridge columns
Authors: Wang Ping‐Hsiung , Ou Yu‐Chen , Chang Kuo‐Chun 
Published: February 2017

SummaryA new smooth hysteretic model is proposed for ductile, flexural‐dominated reinforced concrete bridge columns. Four columns designed per modern seismic codes were tested using monotonically increasing and variable‐amplitude cyclic loading protocols and ground motion loading to develop the model. Based on the test results, hysteretic rules for damage accumulation and path dependence of reloading were constructed. For damage accumulation, unloading stiffness degradation is correlated with the maximum displacement and hysteretic energy dissipation, while reloading stiffness degradation is set equal to the unloading stiffness degradation. Pinching severity is related to the residual displacement in the direction opposite to the loading direction. Strength deterioration is correlated with the damage index and does not occur until the damage index reaches a threshold, after which the deterioration is proportional to the increase of the damage index. For path dependence of reloading, reloading paths are classified into primary paths and associate paths. The primary paths are those that start from a residual displacement that is equal to or larger than the previous maximum one. The associate paths are those that do not belong to primary paths and tend to be directed towards certain points. Reloading without load reversal is assumed to be linear. Comparison with the results of pseudo‐dynamic tests using three consecutive ground motions showed that the proposed model closely matched the test results. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A two‐step system for direct bank telemarketing outcome classification
Authors: Lahmiri Salim 
Published: February 2017

SummaryA two‐step system is presented to improve prediction of telemarketing outcomes and to help the marketing management team effectively manage customer relationships in the banking industry. In the first step, several neural networks are trained with different categories of information to make initial predictions. In the second step, all initial predictions are combined by a single neural network to make a final prediction. Particle swarm optimization is employed to optimize the initial weights of each neural network in the ensemble system. Empirical results indicate that the two‐step system presented performs better than all its individual components. In addition, the two‐step system outperforms a baseline one where all categories of marketing information are used to train a single neural network. As a neural networks ensemble model, the proposed two‐step system is robust to noisy and nonlinear data, easy to interpret, suitable for large and heterogeneous marketing databases, fast and easy to implement.
Status of internal quality control for thyroid hormones immunoassays from 2011 to 2016 in China
Authors: Zhang Shishi , Wang Wei , Zhao Haijian , He Falin , Zhong Kun , Yuan Shuai , Wang Zhiguo 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundInternal quality control (IQC) plays a key role in the evaluation of precision performance in clinical laboratories. This report aims to present precision status of thyroid hormones immunoassays from 2011 to 2016 in China.MethodsThrough Clinet‐EQA reporting system, IQC information of Triiodothyronine and Thyroxine in the form of free and total (FT3, TT3, FT4, TT4), as well as Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) were collected from participant laboratories submitting IQC data in February, 2011‐2016. For each analyte, current CVs were compared among different years and measurement systems. Percentages of laboratories meeting five allowable imprecision specifications (pass rates) were also calculated. Analysis of IQC practice was conducted to constitute a complete report.ResultsCurrent CVs were decreasing significantly but pass rates increasing only for FT3 during 6 years. FT3, TT3, FT4, and TT4 had the highest pass rates comparing with 1/3TEa imprecision specification but TSH had this comparing with minimum imprecision specification derived from biological variation. Constituent ratios of four mainstream measurement systems changed insignificantly. In 2016, precision performance of Abbott and Roche systems were better than Beckman and Siemens systems for all analytes except FT3 had Siemens also better than Beckman. Analysis of IQC practice demonstrated wide variation and great progress in aspects of IQC rules and control frequency.ConclusionWith change of IQC practice, only FT3 had precision performance improved in 6 years. However, precision status of five analytes in China was still unsatisfying. Ongoing investigation and improvement of IQC have yet to be achieved.
Comparison of AdvanSure HPV GenoBlot and Hybrid Capture 2 assays for detection of HPV infection
Authors: Ko Kiwoong , Yu Shinae , Kwon Min‐Jung , Lee Eun Hee , Woo Hee‐Yeon , Park Hyosoon 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundWe sought to compare the performance of the AdvanSure assay to the Hybrid Capture (HC) 2 for the detection of high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV).MethodsA total of 855 cervical swab specimens were obtained. We submitted all specimens for HR HPV detection with HC2 and the AdvanSure assay. We subsequently analyzed discordant results and specimens that were positive on both assays using restriction fragment mass polymorphism (RFMP) genotyping analysis.ResultsHC2 yielded positive results in 12.0% of specimens, while the AdvanSure assay detected one of 13 HR HPV types in 11.5% of specimens. The overall agreement rate between the assays was 98.5% with a kappa coefficient of 0.928. Discordant results between these two assays were observed in 12 cases, seven were positive only on HC2 and five were positive only on AdvanSure. RFMP analysis of the 12 discordant cases revealed three false‐positive results using HC2, and one false‐positive and five false‐negative results using AdvanSure.ConclusionsConsidering the high agreement rate with HC2 and the ability to differentiate 35 HPV genotypes including HPV 16/18, the AdvanSure assay could be used as a laboratory testing method for HPV infection screening.
Evaluation and comparison of Abbott Jaffe and enzymatic creatinine methods: Could the old method meet the new requirements?
Authors: Küme Tuncay , Sağlam Barıs , Ergon Cem , Sisman Ali Rıza 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the analytical performance characteristics of the two creatinine methods based on the Jaffe and enzymatic methods.MethodsTwo original creatinine methods, Jaffe and enzymatic, were evaluated on Architect c16000 automated analyzer via limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ), linearity, intra‐assay and inter‐assay precision, and comparability in serum and urine samples. The method comparison and bias estimation using patient samples according to CLSI guideline were performed on 230 serum and 141 urine samples by analyzing on the same auto‐analyzer.ResultsThe LODs were determined as 0.1 mg/dL for both serum methods and as 0.25 and 0.07 mg/dL for the Jaffe and the enzymatic urine method respectively. The LOQs were similar with 0.05 mg/dL value for both serum methods, and enzymatic urine method had a lower LOQ than Jaffe urine method, values at 0.5 and 2 mg/dL respectively. Both methods were linear up to 65 mg/dL for serum and 260 mg/dL for urine. The intra‐assay and inter‐assay precision data were under desirable levels in both methods. The higher correlations were determined between two methods in serum and urine (r=.9994, r=.9998 respectively). On the other hand, Jaffe method gave the higher creatinine results than enzymatic method, especially at the low concentrations in both serum and urine.ConclusionsBoth Jaffe and enzymatic methods were found to meet the analytical performance requirements in routine use. However, enzymatic method was found to have better performance in low creatinine levels.
Genetic variants rs1994016 and rs3825807 in ADAMTS7 affect its mRNA expression in atherosclerotic occlusive peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Bayoglu Burcu , Arslan Caner , Tel Cigdem , Ulutin Turgut , Dirican Ahmet , Deser Serkan Burc , Cengiz Mujgan 
Published: February 2017

AimPeripheral artery disease (PAD) is a vascular disease affecting peripheral circulation. Recently, genome‐wide association studies revealed a relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ADAMTS7 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motif 7) and atherosclerosis. In this study, we aimed to determine ADAMTS7 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the frequency of ADAMTS7 rs1994016 and rs3825807 polymorphisms in a sample of Turkish patients with PAD, and to evaluate the association of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels with PAD development.MethodsIn this case–control study, ADAMTS7mRNA and protein expression was determined using reverse transcription quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and western blot, respectively, and rs1994016 and rs3825807 variants in ADAMTS7 were determined by real‐time PCR in 115 PAD patients and 116 healthy controls. Plasma levels of nine MMPs were determined using a multiplex immunoassay system.ResultsADAMTS7mRNA levels were significantly higher in PAD patients than in controls (t=−2.75, P=.007). There was no significant difference in the frequencies of rs1994016 and rs3825807 between PAD patients and controls (P>.05). In PAD patients, ADAMTS7mRNA levels were significantly increased for the CC genotype of rs1994016 (t=−2.31, P=.026) and TT genotype of rs3825807 (t=−2.23, P=.032). Furthermore, plasma levels of MMP‐1, MMP‐3, MMP‐7, MMP‐10, MMP‐12, and MMP‐13 were significantly higher in PAD patients than in controls (P<.05).ConclusionThis is the first report of the relationship between PAD and ADAMTS7 expression and the effects of the rs1994016 and rs3825807 variants on PAD development. ADAMTS7 may be associated with PAD development.
Design and Synthesis Pairing Between Xanthene and Tetrazole in Pentacyclic System Using Tetrachlorosilane with Aurora Kinase Inhibitor Validation
Authors: Khatab Tamer K. , Mubarak Ahmed Y. , Soliman Hanan A. 
Published: February 2017

A competent new one‐pot synthesis for tetrahydrobenzo[f]chromeno[3,2‐c]tetrazolo[1,5‐a]azepines through the catalytic synthesis of related xanthenes. β‐naphthol, dimedone, aromatic aldehydes were stirred under solvent free condition in the presence of tetrachlorosilane (TCS), then azidochlorosilane (which prepared in situ from sodium azide and TCS in acetonitrile as solvent) was added and the reaction was stirred at 50‐60 oC. A molecular docking of the synthesized compounds was carried out in order to investigate their binding pattern with the prospective target Aurora kinase all the synthesized molecules gave strong interaction with protein pocket residues and low energy score (−6.99 to −6.52 kcal/mol and rmsd < 1.5) compared with AKI‐001 reference molecule (−5.87 kcal/mol and rmsd = 0.90). (PDB‐ID: 3COH)
Differences in the nutrient concentrations, in vitro methanogenic potential and other fermentative traits of tropical grasses and legumes for beef production systems in northern Australia
Authors: Durmic Zoey , Ramírez‐Restrepo Carlos A , Gardiner Chris , O'Neill Christopher J , Hussein Eman , Vercoe Philip E 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn northern Australia, beef cattle grazed extensively on tropical rangelands are responsible for 5% of the nation's total greenhouse gas emissions. Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas and in grazing ruminants might be mitigated by selecting forages that, when consumed, produce less CH4 when fermented by rumen microbes. This study examined variability in the in vitro fermentation patterns, including CH4 production of selected tropical grasses and legumes, to identify candidates for CH4 mitigation in grazing livestock in northern Australia.RESULTSNutritive values and fermentation parameters varied between plant species and across seasons. Grasses with a relatively low methanogenic potential were Urochloa mosambicensis (wet summer), Bothriochloa decipiens (autumn), Sorghum plumosum (winter) and Andropogon gayanus (spring), while the legumes were Calliandra calothyrsus (wet summer and autumn), Stylosanthes scabra (winter) and Desmanthus leptophyllus (spring). There was some correlation between CH4 production and overall fermentation (volatile fatty acid concentrations) in grasses (R2 = 0.67), but not in legumes (R2 = 0.01) and there were multiple plants that had lower CH4 not associated with reduction in microbial activity.CONCLUSIONDifferences in nutrient concentrations of tropical grasses and legumes may provide opportunities for productive grazing on these pastures, while offering some CH4 mitigation options in the context of northern Australian extensive beef farming systems. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Interactive effects of ultraviolet radiation and thermal stress on two reef‐building corals
Authors: Courtial Lucile , Roberty Stéphane , Shick J.Malcolm , Houlbrèque Fanny , Ferrier‐Pagès Christine 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn shallow tropical waters, ultraviolet radiation (UVR) occurs at high intensity simultaneously with high water temperatures, and both stressors are predicted to increase in the future and to have a major impact on reef coral survival. The poor knowledge of the interactive effects of those two factors, however, prevents a good estimation of the coral resistance to climate change pressure. The results obtained in this study on two genetically distant scleractinian coral species, Pocillopora damicornis and Turbinaria reniformis, highlight an interaction of temperature and UVR on the corals' physiology as well as a species‐specific response. Overall, increase in UVR level exacerbated the negative impact of thermal stress. Whereas stressors did not reduce the autotrophic capacity (symbiont density, net photosynthetic rates) of T. reniformis, they significantly lowered it in P. damicornis, which initially contained twice more symbionts in its tissue. Only grazing rates (heterotrophy) were significantly decreased in T. reniformis under thermal stress. For both corals, calcification was slowed by the combination of thermal and UVR stress. Calcification was impaired likely due to a decrease in autotrophic energy supply in P. damicornis, and in heterotrophic energy supply in T. reniformis. This study confirms that the response of corals to global change needs to be studied using multifactorial approaches and a combination of different environmental factors.
Colonization dynamics of the invasive predatory cladoceran, Bythotrephes longimanus, inferred from sediment records
Authors: Branstrator Donn K. , Beranek Ashley E. , Brown Meghan E. , Hembre Leif K. , Engstrom Daniel R. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDespite the central role of colonization to invasion biology, little is known about the early dynamics of founder populations because this time period is often unobserved and short‐lived. This study documents with high resolution the early population ecology of an invading freshwater zooplankton, Bythotrephes longimanus (Cladocera : Cercopagidae), by measuring accumulation rates of its caudal spine in sediments. Using dated (210Pb and 137Cs) sediment cores from four spatially distinct sites in Island Lake Reservoir (Minnesota, USA), we describe its first presence, early distribution, growth trajectory, and early impacts on prey. The sediment record shows that B. longimanus first appeared and was widely distributed in the lake in 1982 (± 2 yr, standard deviation), 8 yr before its first detection in the water, making it one of the earliest documented invasions in North America and suggesting that ecosystems may serve as dispersal hubs for years prior to detection. Logistic growth models describing spine accumulation rates show that B. longimanus required about two decades to achieve an annual equilibrium (K). Prolonged buildup to K may owe to several factors, including accumulation of a sufficiently large bank of resting eggs, the obligate overwintering life stage. Early exponential growth was incongruent with the presence of a lag phase. Post invasion, Daphnia mendotae became proportionally the most abundant daphniid in the lake, but the timing of the switch in prey species composition coincided more with the proliferation of B. longimanus density and its attainment of K than with its arrival to the lake.
Sensory deficits after a radial nerve injury
Authors: Bertelli Jayme Augusto , Cavalli Erica , Mendes Lehn Vera Lúcia , Ghizoni Marcos Flávio 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundThe aim of our study was to objectively test sensibility on the dorsal side of the hand in patients with radial nerve injury, to document deficits and to detect if surgery for sensory reconstruction is needed.MethodsNineteen patients of mean age 31 ± 10 years were examined at a mean of 26.4 ± 27.8 months post radial nerve injury. Sensory mechanical thresholds on the dorsal surface of the hand were evaluated using Semmes‐Weinstein monofilaments. Sensation was considered significantly impaired when there was no perception of a 2.0 gr. Semmes‐Weinstein filament. Nociception was evaluated using Adson forceps.ResultsFive patients had normal 2.0 monofilament perception. Two of these five also had normal perception of the lighter 0.05 monofilament. In nine patients, zones of impaired sensibility were restricted to the first web space. In combined radial and musculocutaneous nerve lesions, the zone of impaired sensibility extended to the dorsum of the third metacarpus and occasionally to the dorsal aspect of the thumb. This zone averaged being five times the size as in isolated radial nerve injuries. On average, the zone of decreased 0.05 monofilament perception was six times the size detected for the 2.0 monofilament. No patient had complete anesthesia over the dorsum of the hand. No patient complained about pain or numbness. Only one patient among four with a combined radial and musculocutaneous nerve injury required sensory reconstruction.ConclusionsMinimal sensory abnormalities should be expected after a radial nerve injury. Patients likely neither warrant nor request sensory reconstruction.
Developmental pharmacokinetics of sirolimus: Implications for precision dosing in neonates and infants with complicated vascular anomalies
Authors: Mizuno Tomoyuki , Fukuda Tsuyoshi , Emoto Chie , Mobberley‐Schuman Paula S. , Hammill Adrienne M. , Adams Denise M. , Vinks Alexander A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundSirolimus has recently been shown to be efficacious and tolerable in pediatric patients with complicated vascular anomalies. Nevertheless, dosing information remains very limited especially for neonates and infants. The purpose of this study was to develop an age‐appropriate sirolimus starting dosing regimen based on the developmental changes in drug elimination capacity using data collected in neonates and infants.ProcedureA recently developed sirolimus maturation model [Emoto et al. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol, 2016] was used to simulate clearance estimates using realistic age and weight covariates for age cohorts aged 0–24 months. Next, predose concentrations at steady state were generated for each age cohort of neonates and infants. Dose requirements to attain predefined target trough concentration ranges (10–15 and 5–10 ng/ml) were simulated across the different age groups. Starting doses were chosen to maximize the likelihood of achieving sirolimus‐targeted concentrations.ResultsThe trajectory of simulated sirolimus clearances increased with age and was in agreement with the previous findings in the Phase 2 study. The proposed dosing regimens covered eight age cohorts and resulted in target attainment of more than 75–95% across selected regimens.ConclusionsThis study identified age‐appropriate sirolimus dosing regimens for neonates and infants. The algorithm in combination with therapeutic drug management will facilitate sirolimus precision dosing in young children with vascular anomalies. A prospective evaluation is being planned.