bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatio‐temporal patterns of evapotranspiration from groundwater‐dependent vegetation
Authors: Sommer Bea , Boggs Dimity A. , Boggs Guy S. , van Dijk Albert , Froend Ray 
Published: May 2016

AbstractUnderstanding hydrological processes in water‐limited systems requires consideration of temporal and spatial vegetation water use patterns at the landscape scale. We used data derived from the MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite instrument and interpolated climate data covering a ten‐year period to contrast the spatio‐temporal patterns of actual evapotranspiration (AET) from known phreatophytic and non‐phreatophytic vegetation overlying a large superficial aquifer. We assessed shallow to deeper groundwater habitats and compared AET responses to seasonal and inter‐annual variation in precipitation. Overall, vegetation in shallow groundwater habitats had higher AET rates during the growth season (spring and summer) than vegetation growing in deeper groundwater habitats, suggesting that the former was not physiologically constrained by water deficit. Vegetation in areas of consistently high (ground‐)water availability maintained higher AET, reaching a peak of 95 mm in mid‐summer. In contrast, plantation maritime pines had the highest AET rates at deep groundwater habitats. Inter‐annual variability in AET correlated with rainfall and AET rates peaked two months after the majority of effective rainfall had fallen. During low rainfall years, maximum AET peaked one month earlier relative to higher rainfall years. The results of this study suggest that remote sensing of AET can give a conditional indication of where groundwater is important in supporting vegetation and can be a valuable tool in identifying management focus areas where vegetation is variably sensitive to water deficit. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SNCA Gene Polymorphism may Contribute to an Increased Risk of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Wang Quanbao , Tian Qian , Song Xiaojie , Liu Yunyong , Li Wei 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to elucidate the association between α‐synuclein (SNCA) polymorphisms and the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD).MethodsThe PCR‐RFLP was applied to detect SNCA gene rs6532190, rs3775430, and rs10516846 polymorphisms in 98 AD patients and 105 healthy elderly.ResultsThe GG frequency of rs10516846 was evidently increased in AD group than control group (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in SNCA level between the AD and control groups (P < 0.01). In the AD group, the SNCA level in cerebrospinal fluid of GG (rs10516846) carriers was increased as compared with AA carriers (P < 0.05). The GG (rs10516846) frequency of the early‐onset AD group is significantly higher than that of the late‐onset AD group (P < 0.05). The frequency of rs3775430 GG was lower in the early‐onset group than that in the late‐onset group (0% vs. 16.7%). The SNCA level in cerebrospinal fluid of GG (rs10516846) carriers in the early‐onset AD group is higher than that of AA carriers (P < 0.05).ConclusionSNCA gene polymorphism may be associated with an increased risk of AD and GG genotype of rs10516846 and elevated SNCA level in CSF may increase the risk of early‐onset AD.
High‐sensitivity chemiluminescent immunoassay investigation and application for the detection of T‐2 toxin and major metabolite HT‐2 toxin
Authors: Li Yanshen , Zhang Jing , Mao Xin , Wu Yongtao , Liu Gongzhen , Song Liting , Li Yonggang , Yang Jianrong , You Yanli , Cao Xuelin 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDT‐2 toxin is a widely distributed mycotoxin in cereals. HT‐2 toxin is the major metabolite, which is also a contaminant in cereals. T‐2 toxin and HT‐2 toxin have been identified as having carcinogenic, hepatotoxic, teratogenic and immunotoxic properties. To reduce the risk of contamination, a rapid, highly sensitive and inexpensive assay for the detection is required.RESULTSIn this study a high‐sensitivity chemiluminescent enzyme‐linked immunoassay (CL‐ELISA) of T‐2 toxin and HT‐2 toxin was developed. With the help of the chemiluminescent substrate, this protocol showed a highly sensitive character with an IC50 as low as 33.28 ng mL−1 and 27.27 ng mL−1 for T‐2 and HT‐2, respectively. In addition, this method had no cross‐reaction with other structurally related mycotoxins.CONCLUSIONThese results indicated that the developed CL‐ELISA could be applied for the detection of T‐2 toxin and HT‐2 toxin in actual samples without complicated steps. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
A combination of quantitative marinating and Maillard reaction to enhance volatile flavor in Chinese marinated chicken
Authors: Wei Xiuli , Wang Chunqing , Zhang Chunhui , Li Xia , Wang Jinzhi , Li Hai , Tang Chunhong 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDA combination of quantitative marinating and Maillard reaction was investigated by adding d‐xylose, l‐cysteine and thiamine to the marinated brine of quantitative marinating, which was expected to enhance the volatile flavor of Chinese marinated chicken. Response surface methodology was used to optimize parameters, in which response was sensory evaluation scores of marinated chicken. A Box–Behnken center design was applied to the optimized added contents. The optimized contents were d‐xylose (1–5‰), l‐cysteine (1–5‰) and thiamine (1–3‰).RESULTSAnalysis of variance indicated that a second‐order polynomial equation could predict the experimental data well (R2 = 0.94), and sensory evaluation scores were significantly affected by the added amount of d‐xylose, l‐cysteine and thiamine. The optimal conditions that maximized the sensory evaluation score of Chinese marinated chicken were found to be 4.96‰ d‐xylose, 2.28‰ l‐cysteine and 2.66‰ thiamine (w/w). Given these optimal conditions, a number of meat‐like flavor compounds such as 2‐pentyl‐furan, benzothiazole and 4‐methyl‐5‐thiazoleethanol were identified by gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric analysis.CONCLUSIONOur results suggested that a combination of quantitative marinating and Maillard reaction might be a promising method to enhance the volatile flavor, especially meat‐like flavor, of Chinese marinated chicken. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Non‐destructive evaluation of AlSi10Mg prismatic samples generated by selective laser melting: Influence of manufacturing conditions
Authors: Hitzler L. , Janousch C. , Schanz J. , Merkel M. , Mack F. , Öchsner A. 
Published: May 2016

Before utilising selective laser melting in real applications, the process as well as the outcome component and its characteristics need to be fully understood. Based on the layer‐wise fabrication, with its distinctive orientations in translations and thermal influences within this additive manufacturing process, the obtained material properties and the microstructure are anticipated to be anisotropic. The selective laser melting process involves: the laser movement pattern in plane and rotation between single layers; recoater movement; substrate plate heating and movement; laser irradiation from the top; and inert gas flow. In order to gain insight into the process and its related characteristics, different sets of prismatic specimens in terms of orientation and inclination were produced and evaluated. The evaluation contained surface quality investigations with two independent measurement approaches, i.e. tactile and optical, density measurements based on the Archimedes principle and micro‐section evaluation. Furthermore, ultrasonic analyses were conducted to study the feasibility of determining the mechanical properties, i.e. Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio, in accordance with the recorded longitudinal and transversal sonic velocities.The chosen raw material for these investigations was AlSi10Mg and the fabricated parts exhibited a high relative density of at least 99.5 %. Remarkable deviations were evident in the obtained surface quality and clear trends could be determined based on the inclination and orientation condition of the sample during manufacturing. In regards to the ultrasonic investigation, it was found that the reported inherent anisotropy of selective laser melted samples could not be detected with the non‐destructive ultrasonic investigation, and destructive procedures, to date, represent the only reliable method to accurately reveal the material characteristics.
Comparative analysis of the fecal bacterial community of five harbor seals (Phoca vitulina)
Authors: Numberger Daniela , Herlemann Daniel P. R. , Jürgens Klaus , Dehnhardt Guido , Schulz‐Vogt Heide 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe gut microbiota has many beneficial effects on host metabolism and health, and its composition is determined by numerous factors. It is also assumed that there was a co‐evolution of mammals and the bacteria inhabiting their gut. Current knowledge of the mammalian gut microbiota mainly derives from studies on humans and terrestrial animals, whereas those on marine mammals are sparse. However, they could provide additional information on influencing factors, such as the role of diet and co‐evolution with the host. In this study, we investigated and compared the bacterial diversity in the feces of five male harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). Because this small population included two half‐brother pairs, each sharing a common father, it allowed an evaluation of the impact of host relatedness or genetic similarity on the gut microbial community. Fresh feces obtained from the seals by an enema were analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and amplicon sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. The results showed that the bacterial communities in the seals' feces mainly consisted of the phyla Firmicutes (19–43%), Bacteroidetes (22–36%), Fusobacteria (18–32%), and Proteobacteria (5–17%) . Twenty‐one bacterial members present in the fecal samples of the five seals contributed an average relative abundance of 93.7 + 8.7% of the total fecal microbial community. Contrary to all expectations based on previous studies a comparison of the fecal community between individual seals showed a higher similarity between unrelated than related individuals.
Determining jitter values in the very young by use of the e‐norms methodology
Authors: Pitt Matthew C. , Jabre Joe F. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The diagnosis of myasthenia gravis in very young infants is a challenging one. In young infants, stimulated single‐fiber electromyography (StimSFEMG) is the most appropriate technique, but it has serious limitations due to the absence of reference values in this subpopulation. Here we present our efforts to derive a reference range of jitter in a patient cohort of infants <3 years of age using the extrapolated norms, or e‐norms, technique. Methods: The e‐norms method was used to calculate jitter mean consecutive difference (MCD) descriptive statistics for children <3 years of age. Results: The e‐norms derived jitter upper MCD limit was 45 μs in children <1 year, 33 μs in those <2 years, and 26 in those <3 years of age. Conclusion: In the absence of jitter reference values for the very young, the e‐norms method can be used as an alternative to derive these values from laboratory cohorts. Muscle Nerve 55: 51–54, 2017
Integrated and iterative systems engineering and software requirements engineering for technical systems
Authors: Holtmann Jörg , Bernijazov Ruslan , Meyer Matthias , Schmelter David , Tschirner Christian 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe development of software‐intensive technical systems involves several engineering disciplines like mechanical, electrical, control, and particularly software engineering. Model‐based Systems Engineering (MBSE) coordinates these disciplines throughout the development by means of discipline‐spanning processes and a system model. Such a system model provides a common understanding of the system under development and serves as a starting point for the discipline‐specific development. An integral part of MBSE is the requirements engineering on the system level. However, these requirements need to be refined for the discipline‐specific development to start, for example, into specific requirements for the embedded software. Because existing MBSE approaches lack support for this refinement step, we conceived in previous work a systematic transition from MBSE to model‐based software requirements engineering. We automated the steps of the transition where possible, in order to avoid error‐prone and time‐consuming manual tasks. In this paper, we extend this approach with support for subsequent process iterations and provide an algorithm for the automated steps. We illustrate the approach and perform a case study with an example of an automotive embedded system. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Composite dowels as shear connectors for composite beams – background to the German technical approval
Authors: Feldmann Markus , Kopp Maik , Pak Daniel 
Published: May 2016

AbstractComposite dowels are known as powerful shear connectors in steel‐concrete composite girders. They are being used more and more in practice, especially for prefabricated composite bridges. Compared with headed studs, they provide increased strength. They also exhibit good deformation capacity even in high‐strength concrete. Further, their use in steel sections without an upper flange is very simple. However, a lack of standards for composite dowels with the economic clothoid and puzzle shapes has led to hesitations regarding applications, which is often due to delays in the approval process. Hence, the aim of the recently finished German research project P804 funded by FOSTA, the Research Association for Steel Application, was to solve unanswered questions concerning these innovative shear connectors and to prepare a national technical approval available for any design office or construction company. This paper describes the technical rules derived for ultimate and fatigue limit states, the structural design principles and instructions for production and construction, and provides further background information.
Neutering of German Shepherd Dogs: associated joint disorders, cancers and urinary incontinence
Authors: Hart Benjamin L. , Hart Lynette A. , Thigpen Abigail P. , Willits Neil H. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractGerman Shepherd Dogs are important in police and military work, and are a popular family pet. The debilitating joint disorders of hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear (CCL) and elbow dysplasia can shorten a dog's useful working life and impact its role as a family member. For this study, veterinary hospital records were examined over a 14.5‐year period on 1170 intact and neutered (including spaying) German Shepherd Dogs for joint disorders and cancers previously associated with neutering. The diseases were followed through 8 years of age, with the exception of mammary cancer (MC) in females that was followed through 11 years. The cancers followed, apart from mammary, were osteosarcoma, lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma and mast cell tumour. In intact males, 7% were diagnosed with one or more joint disorders, while in males neutered prior to a year of age, a significantly higher 21% were diagnosed with one or more joint disorders. In intact females, 5% were diagnosed with one or more joint disorders, while in females neutered prior to a year of age, this measure was significantly increased to 16%. The increased joint disorder incidence mostly associated with early neutering wasCCL. MC was diagnosed in 4% of intact females compared with less than 1% in females neutered before 1 year. The occurrence of the other cancers followed through 8 years of age was not higher in the neutered than in the intact dogs. Urinary incontinence, not diagnosed in intact females, was diagnosed in 7% of females neutered before 1 year, a significant difference. These findings, profiling the increase in joint disorders associated with early neutering, should help guide the timing of neutering for this breed.
Multinational and large national corporations and climate adaptation: are we asking the right questions? A review of current knowledge and a new research perspective
Authors: Averchenkova Alina , Crick Florence , Kocornik‐Mina Adriana , Leck Hayley , Surminski Swenja 
Published: May 2016

Adapting to climate change requires the engagement of all actors in society. Until recently, the predominant research focus has been on governments, communities, and the third sector as key actors in the adaptation process. Yet, there is a growing emphasis internationally on understanding the role of and the need to engage businesses in adaptation given their potential to finance projects, develop technologies and innovative solutions, and enhance the scale and cost‐effectiveness of certain adaptation measures. Large national and multinational corporations are among the key actors in this respect. Already, many of these corporations are purportedly taking steps to adapt their operations to climate change. Some stated reasons for their engagement include minimizing potential impacts on value chains, improving resource efficiency, enhancing production of sustainable raw materials, and supporting customers’, suppliers’, and communities’ climate change adaptation efforts. However, there is a paucity of work analysing adaptation actions by these corporations, their motivations and contribution to broader adaptation and climate‐resilient development efforts, as well as possible instances of maladaptation. We apply a three‐tier framework on drivers, responses, and outcomes to examine the state of knowledge according to recent literature on private sector and corporate adaptation to climate change. Our review highlights that the literature on the impact and outcomes of corporate adaptation actions is sparse and we consider the implications for future research. Our analysis concludes with a reflection on the relevance of corporate‐led adaptation—for the companies themselves, policymakers at all scales, as well as society at large. WIREs Clim Change 2016, 7:517–536. doi: 10.1002/wcc.402This article is categorized under:

Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Institutions for Adaptation
Distal Pancreatectomy with En Bloc Resection of the Celiac Axis with Preservation or Reconstruction of the Left Gastric Artery in Patients with Pancreatic Body Cancer
Authors: Sato Takafumi , Saiura Akio , Inoue Yosuke , Takahashi Yu , Arita Junichi , Takemura Nobuyuki 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundA distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection (DP‐CAR) is indicated for left‐sided locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. However, ischemic complication resulting from the sacrifice of the common hepatic artery and left gastric artery (LGA) remain problematic. The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility of DP‐CAR with preservation or reconstruction of the left gastric artery.MethodBetween April 2011 and December 2014, we treated 17 cases using DP‐CAR with preservation or reconstruction of the LGA. If the tumor had involved the LGA, the LGA was dissected and reconstructed using the middle colic artery. We retrospectively analyzed the feasibility of this procedure.ResultsAmong 17 consecutive patients who underwent DP‐CAR, the LGA was preserved in 13 patients and reconstructed in four patients. Major postoperative complications were observed in seven cases (41 %). A pancreatic fistula (grade B/C) or delayed gastric emptying (grade B/C) occurred in 7 (41 %) and 2 (12 %) cases, respectively. The overall R0 resection rate was 94 % (16/17). Eleven cases developed recurrences (liver, n = 4; lymph nodes, n = 2; peritoneal dissemination, n = 2; lung, n = 2; local recurrence, n = 1). The overall 1‐ and 3‐year postoperative survival rates were 74 and 45 %, respectively.ConclusionsOur preliminary data showed that DP‐CAR with preservation or reconstruction of the LGA is a safe and feasible approach, and that this procedure may reduce the risk of ischemic complications.
Antibiotics Versus Appendicectomy for the Treatment of Uncomplicated Acute Appendicitis: An Updated Meta‐Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Rollins Katie E. , Varadhan Krishna K. , Neal Keith R. , Lobo Dileep N. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundUncomplicated acute appendicitis has been managed traditionally by early appendicectomy. However, recently, there has been increasing interest in the potential for primary treatment with antibiotics, with studies finding this to be associated with fewer complications than appendicectomy. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of antibiotic therapy with appendicectomy for uncomplicated acute appendicitis.MethodThis meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials included adult patients presenting with uncomplicated acute appendicitis treated with antibiotics or appendicectomy. The primary outcome measure was complications. Secondary outcomes included treatment efficacy, hospital length of stay (LOS), readmission rate and incidence of complicated appendicitis.ResultsFive randomised controlled trials with a total of 1430 participants (727 undergoing antibiotic therapy and 703 undergoing appendicectomy) were included. There was a 39 % risk reduction in overall complication rates in those treated with antibiotics compared with those undergoing appendicectomy (RR 0.61, 95 % CI 0.44–0.83, p = 0.002). There was no significant difference in hospital LOS (mean difference 0.25 days, 95 % CI −0.05 to 0.56, p = 0.10). In the antibiotic cohort, 123 of 587 patients initially treated successfully with antibiotics were readmitted with symptoms suspicious of recurrent appendicitis. The incidence of complicated appendicitis was not increased in patients who underwent appendicectomy after “failed” antibiotic treatment (10.8 %) versus those who underwent primary appendicectomy (17.9 %).ConclusionIncreasing evidence supports the primary treatment of acute uncomplicated appendicitis with antibiotics, in terms of complications, hospital LOS and risk of complicated appendicitis. Antibiotics should be prescribed once a diagnosis of acute appendicitis is made or considered.
Preventive effects of citrulline on Western diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats
Authors: Jegatheesan Prasanthi , Beutheu Stéphanie , Freese Kim , Waligora-Dupriet Anne-Judith , Nubret Esther , Butel Marie-Jo , Bergheim Ina , De Bandt Jean-Pascal 
Published: May 2016

AbstractA Western diet induces insulin resistance, liver steatosis (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)) and intestinal dysbiosis, leading to increased gut permeability and bacterial translocation, thus contributing to the progression of NAFLD to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. In the present study, we sought, in a model of Western diet-induced NAFLD, to determine whether citrulline (Cit), an amino acid that regulates protein and energy metabolism, could decrease Western diet-induced liver injuries, as well as the mechanisms involved. Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet (45 %) and fructose (30 %) in drinking water or a control diet associated with water (group C) for 8 weeks. The high-fat, high-fructose diet (Western diet) was fed either alone (group WD) or with Cit (1 g/kg per d) (group WDC) or an isonitrogenous amount of non-essential amino acids (group WDA). We evaluated nutritional and metabolic status, liver function, intestinal barrier function, gut microbiota and splanchnic inflammatory status. Cit led to a lower level of hepatic TAG restricted to microvesicular lipid droplets and to a lower mRNA expression of CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein, a marker of endoplasmic reticulum stress, of pro-inflammatory cytokines Il6 (P<0·05) and Tnfα, and of toll-like receptor 4 (Tlr4) (P<0·05). Cit also improved plasma TAG and insulin levels. In the colon, it decreased inflammation (Tnfα and Tlr4 expressions) and increased claudin-1 protein expression. This was associated with higher levels of Bacteroides/Prevotella compared with rats fed the Western diet alone. Cit improves Western diet-induced liver injuries via decreased lipid deposition, increased insulin sensitivity, lower inflammatory process and preserved antioxidant status. This may be related in part to its protective effects at the gut level.