bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterizing changes in rainfall: a case study for New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Hajani Evan , Rahman Ataur 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTThis paper examines changes in rainfall in New South Wales (NSW), Australia using daily rainfall data from 200 rainfall stations covering the period of 1945–2014. The Mann–Kendall test is applied to identify trends in the selected rainfall indices, while the Pettitt change point test is employed to determine the direction and timing of a change point. Van Bell and Hughes homogeneity test is applied to examine homogeneity of the observed trends. It is found that the southern half of NSW is dominated by a negative trend in annual total rainfall, and autumn and spring rainfall. Based on the Pettitt change point test, it is found that annual maximum 24‐h rainfall data in NSW is dominated by a negative shift. Based on the Van Belle and Hughes method, it is found that NSW is dominated by non‐homogeneous trends in monthly maximum daily rainfall data. Overall, the results do not show any consistent pattern of rainfall trends in NSW. The findings of this study contribute towards the growing body of knowledge on the nature of changes in rainfall based on the latest data in NSW.
Assessment of NASA/POWER satellite‐based weather system for Brazilian conditions and its impact on sugarcane yield simulation
Authors: Monteiro Leonardo A. , Sentelhas Paulo C. , Pedra George U. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTThe gridded database provided by National Aeronautics and Space Administration/Prediction of World Wide Energy Resources (NASA/POWER) presents a global coverage of complete weather data at horizontal resolution of 1° latitude–longitude, becoming a potential source for agrometeorological studies. Once Brazil is a country with continental dimensions and the major sugarcane world producer, and its density of ground weather stations suitable for an efficient agricultural planning is sparse, the objectives of this study were to test how robust is the NASA/POWER database through its comparison with the Brazilian ground weather stations network records (INMET) and to quantify the impacts on potential (Yp) and attainable (Yatt) sugarcane yield simulations when setting NASA/POWER as source of input weather data. The comparisons for weather data records and sugarcane yield simulations were carried out from 1997 to 2016. Statistical indices presented a satisfactory performance for average air temperature (R2 = 0.73; d = 0.91), minimum air temperature (R2 = 0.72; d = 0.91), maximum air temperature (R2 = 0.57; d = 0.84), solar radiation (SR) (R2 = 0.71; d = 0.92), sunshine hours (R2 = 0.68; d = 0.90) and reference evapotranspiration, when calculated through Priestley–Taylor (ETo‐PT) method (R2 = 0.76; d = 0.93). When the weather variables were aggregated and compared with a 10‐day time scale, a strong improvement of statistical indices was obtained. Yp presented root mean square error (RMSE) smaller than 10 t ha−1 while relative mean error (RME) ranged between ±10% for majority of grid cells, with exception for southern Brazil due to low and frost temperatures that satellite cannot capture accurately. Even NASA/POWER offering a relatively coarse grid size database and perhaps some regional data fitting would give better results at higher latitudes and elevation. The results found in this study proved that NASA/POWER products could be used as a source of climatic data for agricultural activities with a reasonable confidence for regional and national spatial scales.
The association between anticoagulation therapy, maternal characteristics, and a failed cfDNA test due to a low fetal fraction
Authors: Burns Whitney , Koelper Nathanael , Barberio Andrea , Deagostino‐Kelly Mary , Mennuti Michael , Sammel Mary D. , Dugoff Lorraine 
Published: September 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe objective of this study was to identify maternal characteristics associated with a failed cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) test due to a low fetal fraction (FF).MethodRetrospective cohort study of women with singleton pregnancies who had cfDNA screening at 10–25 weeks gestation between October 2011 and January 2016. cfDNA screening was performed using methylation techniques until October 2013; thereafter, samples were run with massively parallel sequencing. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify maternal characteristics associated with no cell free DNA result secondary to low FF.ResultsThirty‐three (1.2%) of 2890 eligible women had a failed cfDNA test, including 18 (0.6%) cases with a low FF. A failed cfDNA test due to a low FF was associated with obesity (aOR 1.11, CI 1.05–1.18, p = 0.0003) and treatment with enoxaparin (aOR 37.5, 11.19–125.87, p < 0.0001). 5 of 28 (18%, 95% CI: 6.1%–36.9%) women on enoxaparin had a failed cfDNA test secondary to a low FFx.ConclusionEnoxaparin therapy and obesity were associated with an increased incidence of a failed cfDNA test due to low FF. Further research is needed to determine the mechanism by which anticoagulation therapy alters cfDNA test functionality and identify approaches to improve test performance in these women.
Nasal high‐frequency oscillatory ventilation impairs heated humidification: A neonatal bench study
Authors: Ullrich Tim L. , Czernik Christoph , Bührer Christoph , Schmalisch Gerd , Fischer Hendrik S. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractObjectiveNasal high‐frequency oscillatory ventilation (nHFOV) is a novel mode of non‐invasive ventilation used in neonates. However, upper airway obstructions due to viscous secretions have been described as specific adverse effects. We hypothesized that high‐frequency oscillations reduce air humidity in the oropharynx, resulting in upper airway desiccation. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of nHFOV ventilatory settings on oropharyngeal gas conditions.MethodsNHFOV or nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) was applied, along with heated humidification, to a previously established neonatal bench model that simulates oropharyngeal gas conditions during spontaneous breathing through an open mouth. A digital thermo‐hygro sensor measured oropharyngeal temperature (T) and humidity at various nHFOV frequencies (7, 10, 13 Hz), amplitudes (10, 20, 30 cmH2O), and inspiratory‐to‐expiratory (I:E) ratios (25:75, 33:66, 50:50), and also during nCPAP.ResultsRelative humidity was always >99%, but nHFOV resulted in lower mean T and absolute humidity (AH) in comparison to nCPAP (P < 0.001). Specifically, decreasing the nHFOV frequency and increasing nHFOV amplitude caused a decline in T and AH (P < 0.001). Mean T and AH were highest during nCPAP (T 34.8 ± 0.6°C, AH 39.3 ± 1.3 g · m−3) and lowest during nHFOV at a frequency of 7 Hz and an amplitude of 30 cmH2O (T 32.4 ± 0.3°C, AH 34.7 ± 0.5 g · m−3). Increasing the I:E ratio also reduced T and AH (P = 0.03).ConclusionIntensified nHFOV settings with low frequencies, high amplitudes, and high I:E ratios may place infants at an increased risk of upper airway desiccation. Future studies should investigate strategies to optimize heated humidification during nHFOV.
Reduced number of CD169+ macrophages in pre‐metastatic regional lymph nodes is associated with subsequent metastatic disease in an animal model and with poor outcome in prostate cancer patients
Authors: Strömvall Kerstin , Sundkvist Kristoffer , Ljungberg Börje , Halin Bergström Sofia , Bergh Anders 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundTumor‐derived antigens are captured by CD169+ (SIGLEC1+) sinus macrophages in regional lymph nodes (LNs), and are presented to effector cells inducing an anti‐tumor immune response. Reduced CD169 expression in pre‐metastatic regional LNs is associated with subsequent metastatic disease and a poor outcome in several tumor types, but if this is the case in prostate cancer has not been explored.MethodsCD169 expression was measured with immunohistochemistry in metastasis‐free regional LNs from 109 prostate cancer patients treated with prostatectomy (January 1996 to April 2002). Possible associations of CD169 expression with PSA‐relapse, prostate cancer death, Gleason score, and other clinical data were assessed using Kaplan‐Meier survival‐ and Cox regression analysis. In addition, the Dunning rat prostate tumor model was used to examine CD169 expression in pre‐metastatic LNs draining either highly metastatic MatLyLu‐ or poorly metastatic AT1‐tumors.ResultsIn patients with low CD169 immunostaining in metastasis‐free regional LNs, 8 of the 27 patients died from prostate cancer compared with only three of the 82 patients with high immunostaining (P < 0.001). CD169 expression in regional LNs was not associated with PSA‐relapse. Rats with highly metastatic tumors had decreased CD169 immunoreactivity in pre‐metastatic regional LNs compared with rats with poorly metastatic tumors.ConclusionLow expression of CD169 in metastasis‐free regional LNs indicates a reduced anti‐tumor immune response. If verified in other studies, CD169 expression in regional LNs could, in combination with other factors, potentially be used as a marker of prostate cancer aggressiveness.
Why are marriage and family formation increasingly disconnected across Europe? A multilevel perspective on existing theories
Authors: Lappegård Trude , Klüsener Sebastian , Vignoli Daniele 
Published: September 2017

AbstractChildbearing outside of marriage has increased drastically in recent decades. However, the existing explanations for this development are not coherent. Proponents of the Second Demographic Transition framework view the rise in nonmarital childbearing as part of a pattern of progress driven by processes such as emancipation from traditional social norms, whereas other scholars perceive this trend in the context of a “pattern of disadvantage,” as nonmarital births are often concentrated among lower socioeconomic groups. In this paper, we posit that the relevance of the aforementioned theoretical explanations might vary depending on the geographic scale at which variation occurs: that is, across nation states, subnational regions, or individuals. To explore this hypothesis, we analyse harmonised survey data from 16 European countries. We apply hierarchical models to study how the likelihood that a woman living in a couple will have her first child either within nonmarital cohabitation or within marriage is linked to national and subnational regional variation in socioeconomic conditions that are related to explanations based on the existing theoretical considerations. Our results suggest that the Second Demographic Transition framework is very important for understanding variation between countries, whereas arguments pointing to a pattern of disadvantage seem to be more relevant at the individual and subnational regional level. It thus appears that taking a multilevel perspective can help us better understand why the existing theoretical explanations are not fully coherent.
Understanding MCP‐MOD dose finding as a method based on linear regression
Authors: Thomas Neal 
Published: September 2017

MCP‐MOD is a testing and model selection approach for clinical dose finding studies. During testing, contrasts of dose group means are derived from candidate dose response models. A multiple‐comparison procedure is applied that controls the alpha level for the family of null hypotheses associated with the contrasts. Provided at least one contrast is significant, a corresponding set of “good” candidate models is identified. The model generating the most significant contrast is typically selected. There have been numerous publications on the method. It was endorsed by the European Medicines Agency.The MCP‐MOD procedure can be alternatively represented as a method based on simple linear regression, where “simple” refers to the inclusion of an intercept and a single predictor variable, which is a transformation of dose. It is shown that the contrasts are equal to least squares linear regression slope estimates after a rescaling of the predictor variables. The test for each contrast is the usual t statistic for a null slope parameter, except that a variance estimate with fewer degrees of freedom is used in the standard error. Selecting the model corresponding to the most significant contrast P value is equivalent to selecting the predictor variable yielding the smallest residual sum of squares. This criteria orders the models like a common goodness‐of‐fit test, but it does not assure a good fit. Common inferential methods applied to the selected model are subject to distortions that are often present following data‐based model selection.
Metal‐Organic Frameworks (MOFs) as Functional Supramolecular Architectures for Anion Recognition and Sensing
Authors: Mandal Tarak Nath , Karmakar Avishek , Sharma Shivani , Ghosh Sujit K. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMetal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have experienced a tremendous growth during last few decades as porous crystalline molecular materials. The comprehensive effect of structural diversity, tunability and high surface area makes MOFs suitable for multifarious applications. MOFs can act as potential receptors toward different target components along with ionic species, small molecules, solvents, explosives etc. Anion recognition remains an important phenomena due to its involvement in many chemical and biological processes. Ligand designing, incorporation of appropriate functional groups and post‐synthetic modifications are key strategies in MOFs for selective recognition and scavenging of environmentally toxic and detrimental anions (i. e. cyanide, oxo‐anions etc.). The main focus of this personal account is on our research towards development and potential applications of MOFs with special emphasis on selective and sensitive anion sensing.
The disengagement of visual attention in the gap paradigm across adolescence
Authors: Van der Stigchel S. , Hessels R. S. , van Elst J. C. , Kemner C. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Attentional disengagement is important for successful interaction with our environment. The efficiency of attentional disengagement is commonly assessed using the gap paradigm. There is, however, a sharp contrast between the number of studies applying the gap paradigm to clinical populations and the knowledge about the underlying developmental trajectory of the gap effect. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to investigate attentional disengagement in a group of children aged 9–15. Besides the typically deployed gap and the overlap conditions, we also added a baseline condition in which the fixation point was removed at the moment that the target appeared. This allowed us to reveal the appropriate experimental conditions to unravel possible developmental differences. Correlational analyses showed that the size of the gap effect became smaller with increasing age, but only for the difference between the gap and the overlap conditions. This shows that there is a gradual increase in the capacity to disengage visual attention with increasing age, but that this effect only becomes apparent when the gap and the overlap conditions are compared. The gradual decrease of the gap effect with increasing age provides additional evidence that the attentional system becomes more efficient with increasing age and that this is a gradual process.
Larval assemblages of large saproxylic cerambycids in Iberian oak forests: wood quality and host preference shape resource partitioning
Authors: Torres‐Vila Luis M. , Zugasti‐Martínez Carlos , Mendiola‐Díaz F. Javier , De‐Juan‐Murillo José M. , Sánchez‐González Álvaro , Conejo‐Rodríguez Yolanda , Ponce‐Escudero Francisco , Fernández‐Moreno Félix 
Published: September 2017

AbstractOak open woodlands are widespread in southwestern Iberia and present outstanding ecological, biodiversity and socio‐economic values. Evergreen species (holm and cork oaks) are prevalent but deciduous oaks may be also locally important. Three large xylophagous cerambycids are associated to these oaks, Cerambyx welensii (Cw), C. cerdo (Cc) and Prinobius myardi (Pm). Like other saproxylic insects, these cerambycids are essential to the nutrient cycle, wood degradation and tree hollow formation, significantly contributing to biodiversity in oak forests. These cerambycids may also potentially colonise healthy living trees and become harmful or pest species. Factors driving their larval ecology are almost unknown, especially in oak forests harbouring mixed populations living in sympatry. Wood samples (n = 500 bolts) from 348 colonised trees were examined during 2011–2016 across the Extremadura region (41,634 km2). Bolts were measured, scored into five wood quality classes, dissected, and all target cerambycids were collected, measured, reared and taxonomically identified. We then determined species‐specific prevalence, niche breadth, niche overlap, age structure and population density depending on wood quality, host preference, tree part, wood size, altitude and sun exposure. Wood quality and host preference were major factors segregating interspecific resource partitioning. Cw was prevalent on cork oak decayed wood, and Pm on holm oak degraded wood. Host tree part was involved in Cerambyx larval niche segregation, with Cw prevalent in the fork/branches and Cc in the trunk/base. Pm was never found inhabiting deciduous oaks. Our results may be useful to improve sustainable forest management practices in Iberian oak open woodlands.
Role of head‐up tilt table testing in patients with syncope or transient loss of consciousness
Authors: Furukawa Toshiyuki 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe tilt table test (TTT) is a useful method for the management of reflex syncope. However, the TTT is incomplete and has several problems. The indications for this test are established using guidelines. The TTT is not suitable for all syncopal patients. It is currently unclear (1) When should the TTT be used, (2) for which types of patients TTT should be performed, and (3) does the TTT provide useful information to guide indication for pacing therapy for reflex syncope. The answers to these questions appear in recent reports from two guidelines published by the European Society of Cardiology and the Japan Circulation Society. The indications for TTT do not apply to all syncopal patients, but selected patients. For patients with low risks and rare syncopal events, the TTT is not necessary, even when diagnoses are unconfirmed. The TTT is used not only for diagnosis of reflex syncope, but also for many clinical management of several conditions (i.e., exclusion of cardiac syncope). Positive TTT results cannot predict the effects of pacing therapy for reflex syncope. The decision to use pacing therapy should be based on documented electrocardiograms and other findings, including TTT results.
The Kvabebi Canidae record revisited (late Pliocene, Sighnaghi, eastern Georgia)
Authors: Rook Lorenzo , Bartolini Lucenti Saverio , Bukhsianidze Maia , Lordkipanidze David 
Published: September 2017

AbstractUnlike the Asian and North American Pliocene record, fossil occurrences of Canidae in Europe (and Africa) are uncommon and fragmentary. The revision of canid material from the late Pliocene site of Kvabebi (eastern Georgia) revealed the contemporaneous occurrence of three different taxa: (1)Nyctereutes megamastoides(a derived species of the Eurasian Pliocene raccoon dog-like canids); (2)Vulpescf.V.alopecoides(representing the first occurrence of a member of the vulpine taxonV.alopecoides, a species that was the most widespread fox in the early Pleistocene in western Europe); and (3)Eucyonsp. The latter occurrence at Kvabebi completes our knowledge of the late Pliocene evolutionary history of the latest representatives of the genus in Western Europe and Central Asia. Our revision of Kvabebi canids registers a previously undocumented case of established niche partitioning among early Pliocene sympatric Canidae.
The impact of pathogen burden on leukocyte telomere length in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: AIELLO A. E. , JAYABALASINGHAM B. , SIMANEK A. M. , DIEZ-ROUX A. , FEINSTEIN L. , MEIER H. C. S. , NEEDHAM B. L. , DOWD J. B. 
Published: September 2017

SUMMARYSeveral infections have been linked to telomere shortening and in some cases these associations have varied by sex. We assessed the association between seropositivity to four persistent pathogens (cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus-1,Helicobacter pylori,Chlamydia pneumoniae), and total pathogen burden on leukocyte telomere length in a diverse US sample. Data came from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, a population-based cohort study. We utilized cross-sectional survey data, and biological samples from participants tested for pathogens and telomere length (N= 163). Linear regression was used to examine the association between seropositivity for individual pathogens as well as total pathogen burden and telomere length, adjusting for various confounders. CMV seropositivity and increased total pathogen burden level were significantly associated with shorter telomere length among females (β= −0·1204 (standard error (s.e.) 0·06),P= 0·044) and (β= −0·1057 (s.e.= 0·05),P= 0·033), respectively. There was no statistically significant association among males. Our findings suggest that prevention or treatment of persistent pathogens, in particular CMV, may play an important role in reducing telomere shortening over the life course among women. Future research is needed to confirm these novel findings in larger longitudinal samples.
Effects of the Healthy Start randomized intervention on dietary intake among obesity-prone normal-weight children
Authors: Rohde Jeanett F , Larsen Sofus C , Ängquist Lars , Olsen Nanna J , Stougaard Maria , Mortensen Erik L , Heitmann Berit L 
Published: September 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe study aimed to evaluate the impact of a 15-month intervention on dietary intake conducted among obesity-prone normal-weight pre-school children.DesignInformation on dietary intake was obtained using a 4 d diet record. A diet quality index was adapted to assess how well children’s diet complied with the Danish national guidelines. Linear regression per protocol and intention-to-treat analyses of differences in intakes of energy, macronutrients, fruit, vegetables, fish, sugar-sweetened beverages and diet quality index between the two groups were conducted.SettingThe Healthy Start study was conducted during 2009–2011, focusing on changing diet, physical activity, sleep and stress management to prevent excessive weight gain among Danish children.SubjectsFrom a population of 635 Danish pre-school children, who had a high birth weight (≥4000 g), high maternal pre-pregnancy BMI (≥28·0 kg/m2) or low maternal educational level (<10 years of schooling), 285 children completed the intervention and had complete information on dietary intake.ResultsChildren in the intervention group had a lower energy intake after the 15-month intervention (group means: 5·29 v. 5·59 MJ, P=0·02) compared with the control group. We observed lower intakes of carbohydrates and added sugar in the intervention group compared with the control group after the intervention (P=0·002, P=0·01).ConclusionsThe intervention resulted in a lower energy intake, particularly from carbohydrates and added sugar after 15 months of intervention, suggesting that dietary intake can be changed in a healthier direction in children predisposed to obesity.