bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inconsistency of surface‐based (SYNOP) and satellite‐based (MODIS) cloud amount estimations due to the interpretation of cloud detection results
Authors: Kotarba Andrzej Z. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTSurface‐based and satellite‐based observations remain the fundamental source of cloud amount data for climatologists. However, both data sets show inconsistency related to the interpretation of instantaneous cloud detection, whether measured using the okta scale for surface‐based (SYNOP) observations or cloud mask classes (for satellite‐based observations). This study compared mean monthly SYNOP cloud amount with those reported for the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) cloud imager onboard Aqua and Terra satellites. Data were collected simultaneously (±10 min) over Poland between 2003 and 2013 (a total of 3240 MODIS passes). Results showed that in daytime conditions the average range of inconsistency for SYNOP (10.8%) is similar to MODIS (10.1%). However, for MODIS it doubles (20.9%) at nighttime. This is attributed to the change in frequency of MODIS cloud mask intermediate classes. Furthermore, in particular months' range of inconsistency for MODIS exceeded 20% in daytime and 50% at nighttime, while maximum values for SYNOP were always lower than 20% (a consequence of the okta scale). The findings also confirmed that the standard procedure used to interpret SYNOP okta values (i.e. the assumption that 1 okta equals 12.5%) is a relatively accurate (±2%) estimate of monthly mean cloud amount, although this assumes that surface‐based observers always correctly assign the correct okta value to the cloud fraction. Finally, the error in the SYNOP cloud amount estimation was correlated with the average cloud amount for a given location. Those findings will improve the reliability of cloud amount validation efforts that use SYNOP data as a reference.
Detection of lunasin in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) and the in vitro evaluation of its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities
Authors: Ren Guixing , Zhu Yingying , Shi Zhenxing , Li Jianhui 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDLunasin is a novel cancer‐preventive peptide that has been detected in various plants. However, the presence and bioactivity of lunasin in quinoa have not been demonstrated.RESULTSLunasin was detected in quinoa using ultrahigh‐pressure liquid chromatography–electrosparay ionization–mass spectrometry. The content in 15 quinoa samples ranged from 1.01 × 10−3 g kg−1 dry seed to 4.89 × 10−3 g kg−1 dry seed. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in lunasin content among different cultivars (yy22, xsg86, xsg59, yy30 and yy19) from the same area and the same cultivar from different areas (Hainan, Hebei and Shanxi provinces) were observed. The lunasin isolated and purified from quinoa (QLP) exhibited a weak DPPH radical scavenging activity (no IC50 value), but a strong ABTS+ radical scavenging activity (IC50 value, 1.45 g L−1) and oxygen radical scavenging activity (40.06 µmol L−1 Trolox equivalents/g QLP when the concentration was 3.20 g L−1). In addition, QLP inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 on lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages by up to 44.77%, 39.81% and 33.50%, respectively, at a concentration of 0.40 g L−1.CONCLUSIONTaken together, these findings indicate that lunasin presents in quinoa and is bioactive, which strengthens the recommendations for the development of quinoa‐based functional foods. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
A novel symbiovar (aegeanense) of the genus Ensifer nodulates Vigna unguiculata
Authors: Tampakaki Anastasia P , Fotiadis Christos T , Ntatsi Georgia , Savvas Dimitrios 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDCowpea (Vigna unguiculata) forms nitrogen‐fixing root nodules with diverse symbiotic bacteria, mainly slow‐growing rhizobial species belonging to the genus Bradyrhizobium, although a few studies have reported the isolation of fast‐growing rhizobia under laboratory and field conditions. Although much research has been done on cowpea‐nodulating bacteria in various countries around the world, very limited information is available on cowpea rhizobia in European soils. The aim of this study was to study the genetic and phenotypic diversity of indigenous cowpea‐nodulating rhizobia in Greece.RESULTSThe genetic diversity of indigenous rhizobia associated with cowpea was investigated through a polyphasic approach. ERIC‐PCR based fingerprinting analysis grouped the isolates into three groups. Based on the analysis of the 16S rRNA genes, IGS and on the concatenation of six housekeeping genes (recA, glnII, gyrB, truA, thrA and SMc00019), rhizobial isolates were classified within the species Ensifer fredii. However, symbiotic gene phylogenies, based on nodC, nifH and rhcRST genes, showed that the Ensifer isolates are markedly diverged from type and reference strains of E. fredii and formed one clearly separate cluster. The E. fredii strains were able to nodulate and fix nitrogen in cowpea but not in soybean and common bean.CONCLUSIONThe present study showed that cowpea is nodulated under field conditions by fast‐growing rhizobia belonging to the species E. fredii. Based on the phylogenies, similarity levels of symbiotic genes and the host range, the Ensifer isolates may constitute a new symbiovar for which the name ‘aegeanense’ is proposed. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Lagoon nurseries make a major contribution to adult populations of a highly prized coastal fish
Authors: Tournois Jennifer , Darnaude Audrey M. , Ferraton Franck , Aliaume Catherine , Mercier Lény , McKenzie David J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis study investigated the contributions of five putative nursery areas, namely four coastal lagoons and the marine coastal zone, to the local offshore fishery of the gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata, in the Gulf of Lion (NW Mediterranean). A detailed database of multi‐elemental lagoon and marine otolith signatures was developed, based upon analysis of multiple sequential spots across growth bands of the otoliths of juveniles (n = 142) sampled from the habitats over a 5‐yr interval. Adults of 10 annual cohorts (n = 114), fished throughout the Gulf, were then submitted to a similar microchemical analysis of the growth band of their otoliths that was formed after nursery settlement in their first year. Using the juvenile signature database and Random Forest classification algorithms, adults were re‐assigned to the lagoons or marine coastal zone as a nursery. More than 80% of adults derived from lagoons, being ≥ 85.0% for five consecutive cohorts. Therefore, the marine coastal zone apparently contributed few adults, especially as a function of surface area. The four lagoons differed, however, in their contribution to the S. aurata fishery. Two lagoons qualified as “Effective Juvenile Habitats” that contributed more than 20% of the adults fished. Two shallow brackish lagoons were “Nursery‐Role Habitats” that contributed almost twice as many adults, per unit surface area, as the overall average. Such information can support strategies for sustainable management of multiple coastal lagoon habitats, and of valuable fisheries that depend upon them.
Fractional microplasma radiofrequency technology for non‐hypertrophic post‐burn scars in Asians: A prospective study of 95 patients
Authors: Wang Shen , Mi Jing , Li Qingfeng , Jin Rui , Dong Jiying 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundLaser and other energy devices are emerging, minimally invasive treatments for scars. Among the various techniques, fractional microplasma radiofrequency technology (FMRT) has proven to be an effective treatment option for various types of scars and skin conditions such as rhytids, striae distensae, and hyperpigmentation.ObjectiveThis prospective clinical trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FMRT for treating non‐hypertrophic post‐burn scars in the Asian population.MethodAll patients underwent three to five treatment sessions at various intervals of 8–16 weeks. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scales (POSAS) [20] were used to evaluate changes in burn scars pre‐and post‐FMRT treatment.ResultsA total of 95 patients completed the study. The overall response rate was 86.3% (82/95). The total POSAS scores before and after 6 months of treatment were 53.41 ± 6.28 and 46.35 ± 5.30, respectively. There was statistically significant improvement in scar color, thickness, and pliability. There was no improvement in vascularization, pain, or itching. Complications included prolonged post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation, acne eruption, herpes simplex eruption, and abnormal hair growth. No severe adverse events, such as acute skin infection, hypertrophic scarring, or depigmentation, were observed.ConclusionFMRT is an efficacious, safe treatment for non‐hypertrophic burn scars in the Asian population. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:563–569, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Solution‐Processable Hyperbranched Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles Based on C3h‐Symmetric Benzotrithiophene for Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Xiaofu , Zhang Zijian , Hang Hao , Chen Yonghong , Xu Yuxiang , Tong Hui , Wang Lixiang 
Published: February 2017

The development of photovoltaic polymers based on C3h‐symmetric benzotrithiophene (C3h‐BTT), an analogue of the well‐known benzodithiophene (BDT) donor unit, has been severely limited due to difficult processability. Here the authors report the preparation of solution‐processable C3h‐BTT‐based hyperbranched conjugated polymer nanoparticles (BTT‐HCPNs) with tunable particle sizes via Stille miniemulsion polymerization. Compared with the corresponding star‐shaped small molecule (C3h‐BTT core with three diketopyrrolopyrrole arms, BTT‐3DPP) with a wide bandgap (1.83 eV), both BTT‐HCPNs show strong aggregation even in dilute solutions, leading to much‐extended absorption (up to ≈1000 nm) and lower bandgaps (1.38 eV). The larger BTT‐HCPN particle exhibits stronger aggregation and more extended absorption than the smaller one. As a result, solar cells fabricated from BTT‐HCPNs/PC71BM solutions show a power conversion efficiency up to 1.51% after DIO additive treatment, much higher than that of BTT‐3DPP (0.31%).
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Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate in Fabrication of Carbon Black‐Filled Epoxy Porous for Conductive Application
Authors: Leemsuthep Anusha , Mohd Nayan Nurul Ain , Zakaria Zunaida , Uy Lan Du Ngoc 
Published: February 2017

SummaryCarbon black‐filled epoxy porous (CBEP) was fabricated by using single emulsion technique. Mixture of epoxy, polyamide hardener, sodium bicarbonate (as blowing agent) and carbon black (as conductive filler) was dropped into a heated corn oil at 160 °C (containing free of polyunsaturated fatty acids). The epoxy‐oil system was stirred at 1000 rpm for 1 hour. Because of the immiscibility of epoxy mixture and corn oil, droplets of epoxy mixture were formed. Initial epoxy droplets were broken into small droplets due to the applied shear (from stirring). Receiving heat from oil phase, the decomposition of sodium bicarbonate and the curing reaction of epoxy and polyamide occurred simultaneously so CBEP was formed. It was found that sodium bicarbonate exhibited a significant effect on the morphology, thermal and conductivity properties of CBEP. Increase of sodium bicarbonate's content from 4 phr to 12 phr could produce larger epoxy particle size in CBEP. However, CBEP using 20 phr of sodium bicarbonate's content had the lowest particle size. The content of 20 phr could induce an early and strong decomposition reaction in the initial epoxy droplets, which broke them into smaller size; hence the smaller particle size was obtained after curing. This fact was evident from the result of bulk density, where higher sodium bicarbonate content induced lower bulk density of CBEP. Furthermore, CBEP using higher sodium bicarbonate content also exhibited better electrical conductivity.
Grafting of Amylopectin With Various Alkyl Methacrylate by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization for Engineering Application
Authors: Handayani Aniek S. , Chalid Mochamad , Budianto Emil , Priadi Dedi 
Published: February 2017

SummaryAmylopectin (Ap) was grafted with three different methacrylate by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) to create controllable hydrophobic chain on amylopectin. The macro initiator Amylopectin‐Ethyl α‐bromoisobutyrate (Ap‐EBiB) was prepared by esterification of hydroxyl groups on amylopectin with Ethyl α‐Bromoisobutyrate (EBiB). In this research, amylopectin was grafted with methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl methacrylate (BMA) and hexyl methacrylate (HMA) and the grafting conditions were optimized. Influence of grafting conditions on % monomer conversion, and % grafting efficiency were studied. Grafted samples were analyzed for their thermal behavior using thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and grafting was confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that increasing length of alkyl chains increased grafting efficiency but improved the thermal behavior with better properties. The result of this study indicated that the Amylopectin‐g‐PHMA have % grafting higher than others.
The in Vitro Degradation of PLGA/Nanoapatite/Lauric Acid Composite Membrane: A Comparative Study in Phosphate Buffer Saline and Simulated Body Fluid
Authors: Jamuna‐Thevi K. , Suleiman Muhammed J. , Sabri Siti N. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryThe aim of this study was to examine the effect of ionic content of immersion medium on the degradation of PLGA based composite membranes intended for guided bone regeneration applications. The in vitro degradation of pure poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) membranes and PLGA/nanoapatite (NAp)/lauric acid (LA) graded composite membranes was studied for 12 weeks in two types of immersion mediums, i.e., phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37°C with a controlled pH condition at 7.4. A comparative immersion study between PBS and SBF showed weight loss in PBS soaked composite membranes whereas a continuous weight gain was observed in SBF soaked membranes due to induction of calcium phosphate minerals as evidenced in the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The apatite mineralisation on SBF soaked membrane surfaces reflects its excellent in vitro bone bioactivity. The new apatite mineralisation on composite membrane surfaces is referred to the possible positive impact in vivo for new bone regeneration. Hence, it can be concluded that SBF is a closely mimicking physiological environment that enables one to fine‐tune the genuine degradation behavior of membranes compared to PBS for potential clinical applications.
Studies on Non‐Isothermal Crystallisation and Viscoelastic Properties of Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) and Epoxidized Natural Rubber Blends
Authors: Akram Faridah M.M. , Chan Chin Han , Salim Yoga Sugama , Gan Seng Neon , Kumar K. Sudesh 
Published: February 2017

SummaryStudy on non‐isothermal crystallisation and viscoelastic properties were done on the blends of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate [P(3HB‐co‐3HHx)] with 21 mol% of poly(3‐hydroxyhexanoate) (3HHx) and epoxidized natural rubber with 25 mol% of epoxy content (ENR‐25). Non‐isothermal crystallisation, carried out with different cooling rates held constant, is discussed in terms of a quasi‐isothermal approach. The crystallisation temperature of P(3HB‐co‐3HHx) in the blends decreases with increasing cooling rate from 20 to 1 °C/min . Besides that, at one selected cooling rate, the crystallisation temperature of P(3HB‐co‐3HHx) decreases as ENR‐25 content increases in the blends. The addition of ENR‐25 at constant cooling rate increases the average rate constant. In DMA study, the storage modulus (É) decreases as ENR‐25 content increases due to ENR‐25 elastic nature.
Properties of Wood Polymer Nanocomposites Impregnated With ST‐co‐EDA/Nanoclay
Authors: Islam Maidal Saiful , Azmee N.S.B.M. , Ashaari Zaidon , Ahmad AdibAiman Sinin Hamdan , Rasyid Abdul , Islam Kh. Nurul 
Published: February 2017

SummaryStudy has been made on manufactured wood polymer nanocomposites (WPNC) from Sesendok wood through impregnation of Styrene (ST), Ethyldimethylamine (EDA) and Montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay. The impregnation process of the wood samples by vacuum‐pressure method with in‐situ polymerization of prepolymer mixture was used. The wood samples structural properties were investigated with Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X‐ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) found to be extensively changed upon ST‐co‐EDA/MMT impregnated. The mechanical properties of the WPNC samples were significantly increased by ST‐co‐EDA/MMT treatment. Thermal properties of WPNC samples were also evaluated using themogravimetric analysis (TGA) and an improvement in thermal stability was found for WPNC. WPNC has shown excellent resistance against weathering effect while exposed to surrounding. WPNC can be used to replace plastic and synthetice materials for its excellent properties and high market demand of the modern society.
Synthesis and Characterisation Of Highly Fluorescent Polythiophene Based Composite Nanofibers
Authors: Mazdi Nur Zuria Mohd , Nordin Nurul Aida , Rahman Norizah Abdul 
Published: February 2017

SummaryFluorescent conducting polymer, polythiophene (PT) and PT derivative, poly (3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) were synthesised using chemical oxidative polymerisation technique. The polymerisation period for PT were varied to examine the effect of polymerisation time on the properties of PT. PT and P3HT showed interesting characteristics including high fluorescent, whereas the PT synthesised in 3 hours (PT(3h)) has shown antimicrobial properties. The antibacterial activity of PT and PT3HT obtained was evaluated againstBacillus subtilis(B145),Escherichia coli(E266), andCandida albicans(C244). This antibacterial study demonstrated that PT (3h) contains antimicrobial properties on both Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. From the solubility test, PT (3h) and P3HT were further used in the preparation of the composite nano/microfibers with polystyrene (PS) through electrospinning technique. These fibres have the potential to be used in a range of applications that includes antimicrobial materials and sensing.
Probability forecasts with observation error: what should be forecast?
Authors: Jolliffe I. T. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTWhen probability forecasts are made of a binary event, a commonly used measure for assessing the forecasts is the Brier score. One of its properties is that it is proper, meaning that its expected value cannot be improved by the forecaster issuing a probability other than his/her true belief. This property assumes that the occurrence or otherwise of the forecast event is recorded without error. This note investigates what forecast should be made in order to minimize the expected value of the Brier score when errors are present in the observations. Should it still be the forecaster's true belief or should it be something else, implying that the forecaster should hedge his/her forecast? The answer is that it depends on whether the forecaster can model the error mechanism or whether the error mechanism is unknown. It is shown that in the former case the forecaster's true belief of the probability of the event should still be forecast. However, in the case of an unknown error mechanism, the forecaster should attempt to forecast the probability that the erroneous observation indicates that the event has occurred, rather than the true probability of the event.
Results of surgical excision of urethral prolapse in symptomatic patients
Authors: Hall Mary E. , Oyesanya Tola , Cameron Anne P. 
Published: February 2017

AimHere, we present the clinical presentation and surgical outcomes of women with symptomatic urethral prolapse presenting to our institution over 20 years, and seek to provide treatment recommendations for management of symptomatic urethral prolapse and caruncle.MethodsA retrospective review of medical records from female patients who underwent surgery for symptomatic urethral prolapse from June 1995 to August 2015 was performed. Surgical technique consisted of a four‐quadrant excisional approach for repair of urethral prolapse.ResultsA total of 26 patients were identified with a mean age of 38.8 years (range 3‐81). The most common presentations were vaginal bleeding, hematuria, pain, and dysuria. All patients underwent surgical excision of urethral prolapse via a standard approach. Follow‐up data was available in 24 patients. Six patients experienced temporary postoperative bleeding, and one patient required placement of a Foley catheter for tamponade. One patient experienced temporary postoperative urinary retention requiring Foley catheter placement. Three patients had visible recurrence of urethral prolapse, for which one later underwent re‐excision.ConclusionSurgical excision of urethral prolapse is a reasonable treatment option in patients who have tried conservative management without relief, as well as in those who present with severe symptoms. Possible complications following excision include postoperative bleeding and recurrence, and patients must be counseled accordingly. In this work, we propose a treatment algorithm for symptomatic urethral prolapse.
Activation of the mTOR dependent signaling pathway underlies ketamine‐induced uropathy
Authors: Lin Chih‐Chieh , Yang An‐Hang , Lin Alex Tong‐Long 
Published: February 2017

AIMSTo investigate the pathogenic role of activation of the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) in the ketamine induced microvascular injury.METHODSTwenty‐three patients with ketamine‐induced cystitis (KC) and 16 control volunteers were recruited. Bladder tissues were obtained from both groups by cystoscopic biopsies. Phospho‐S6 ribosomal protein (p‐S6RP), an end product of the mTOR pathway, was stained in the urinary bladder from both groups. Endothelial cells of the urinary bladder (HBdMECs) were examined to investigate the in vitro activation of the mTOR pathway and the co‐expression of the endothelial marker (cluster of differentiation 31 [CD31]) and the mesenchymal marker (fibroblast‐specific protein 1 [FSP‐1]).RESULTSExpression of p‐S6RP increased significantly after ketamine exposure, especially in the vesical microvessels of KC patients. In HBdMECs treated with 100 µM Ketamine, time‐dependent activation of the mTOR pathway occurred, with significantly increased levels of the phosphorylated forms of mTOR at 30 min and of S6RP and p70S6 kinase (p70S6K) at 6 h. The increased level of p‐S6RP returned to baseline within 2 days after ketamine exposure. The co‐expression of CD31 and FSP‐1 implied that EndMT was present in HBdMECs at 7 days after ketamine treatment, while TGF‐β1 facilitated significant up‐regulation of FSP‐1 at 1 day after treatment. Furthermore, when the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin was administered with ketamine to the HBdMECs, the expression of FSP‐1 decreased significantly.CONCLUSIONSKetamine induces activation of the mTOR pathway and subsequent mesenchymal phenotypic expression (FSP1) in HBdMECs.