bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns of genetic, phenotypic, and acoustic variation across a chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita abietinus/tristis) hybrid zone
Authors: Shipilina Daria , Serbyn Maksym , Ivanitskii Vladimir , Marova Irina , Backström Niclas 
Published: March 2017

AbstractCharacterizing patterns of evolution of genetic and phenotypic divergence between incipient species is essential to understand how evolution of reproductive isolation proceeds. Hybrid zones are excellent for studying such processes, as they provide opportunities to assess trait variation in individuals with mixed genetic background and to quantify gene flow across different genomic regions. Here, we combine plumage, song, mtDNA and whole‐genome sequence data and analyze variation across a sympatric zone between the European and the Siberian chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita abietinus/tristis) to study how gene exchange between the lineages affects trait variation. Our results show that chiffchaff within the sympatric region show more extensive trait variation than allopatric birds, with a large proportion of individuals exhibiting intermediate phenotypic characters. The genomic differentiation between the subspecies is lower in sympatry than in allopatry and sympatric birds have a mix of genetic ancestry indicating extensive ongoing and past gene flow. Patterns of phenotypic and genetic variation also vary between regions within the hybrid zone, potentially reflecting differences in population densities, age of secondary contact, or differences in mate recognition or mate preference. The genomic data support the presence of two distinct genetic clades corresponding to allopatric abietinus and tristis and that genetic admixture is the force underlying trait variation in the sympatric region—the previously described subspecies (“fulvescens”) from the region is therefore not likely a distinct taxon. In addition, we conclude that subspecies identification based on appearance is uncertain as an individual with an apparently distinct phenotype can have a considerable proportion of the genome composed of mixed alleles, or even a major part of the genome introgressed from the other subspecies. Our results provide insights into the dynamics of admixture across subspecies boundaries and have implications for understanding speciation processes and for the identification of specific chiffchaff individuals based on phenotypic characters.
Learning from Electrochemical Data: Simple Evaluation and Classification of LiMO2‐type‐based Positive Electrodes for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Kasnatscheew Johannes , Evertz Marco , Kloepsch Richard , Streipert Benjamin , Wagner Ralf , Cekic Laskovic Isidora , Winter Martin 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe required boost in the specific energy of lithium‐ion battery (LIB) cells can only be achieved by increasing the cell voltage and/or the specific capacities of the electrodes. In the latter regard, the positive electrode constitutes the specific energy bottleneck. Lithium transition‐metal oxides (LiMO2) such as LiNixMnzCo1−x−zO2 (NMC) are regarded as the most suitable positive electrode materials for next‐generation high‐specific‐energy LIBs. In this work, the electrochemically induced structural stability limits as well as the associated reversible specific energies and specific energy efficiencies were assessed by means of constant current charge/discharge experiments for the most popular and promising LiMO2 compositions. The electrochemically induced structural stability of the positive host material was not determined by the applied charge cut‐off potential, but rather by the amount of extracted Li+ ions. In this regard, the electrochemically induced structural stability order of selected LiMO2 compositions was modified by assessing the structural stability as a function of the Li+‐ion extraction ratio. With respect to application, relevant requirements (e.g., specific energy, specific energy efficiency, temperature‐dependent structural stability, kinetics) revealed that NMC532 and NMC622 showed the best compromise among the various LiMO2 compositions, revealing significant insight into the structure–property relationship.
Nutritional and sensory properties: Snack food made from high‐quality cassava flour and legume blend
Authors: Maziya‐Dixon Busie , Alamu Emmanuel O. , Popoola Ibironke O. , Yomeni Marie 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe nutritional benefits of grain legumes such as cowpea and soybean in sub‐Saharan Africa have not been fully utilized to alleviate problem of protein‐malnutrition in this region. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the nutritional properties and sensory evaluation of snack food made from high‐quality cassava flour (HQCF) and soybeans (50:50), and HQCF and cowpea (50:50). Sensory evaluation was conducted among panellists in Nigeria and DR Congo. Results showed that the soy variant of the snack contained significantly higher protein than the cowpea variant. There was cross‐cultural difference in snack preference between panellists in Nigeria and DR Congo. Panellists in DR Congo preferred the aroma of the unboiled soy variant, whereas panellists in Nigeria preferred the boiled soy variant more. This study showed the potential of legumes and cassava in the snack food sector not only as a partial substitute for wheat flour but as a major ingredient and also form basis for the new product development in the snacks food industry. The developed product could be possibly used to alleviate the protein‐malnutrition among the vulnerable groups of most developing countries.
Practice variation in the Dutch long‐term care and the role of supply‐sensitive care: Is access to the Dutch long‐term care equitable?
Authors: Duell Daisy , Koolman Xander , Portrait France 
Published: March 2017

AbstractUniversal access and generous coverage are important goals of the Dutch long‐term care (LTC) system. It is a legal requirement that everyone eligible for LTC should be able to receive it. Institutional care (IC) made up for 90% of Dutch LTC spending. To investigate whether access to IC is as equitable as the Dutch government aspires, we explored practice variation in entitlements to IC across Dutch regions.We used a unique dataset that included all individual applications for Dutch LTC in January 2010–December 2013 (N = 3,373,358). This dataset enabled an accurate identification of the need for care. We examined the local variation in the probability of being granted long‐term IC and in the intensity of the care granted given that individuals have applied for LTC. We also investigated whether the variation observed was related to differences in the local availability of care facilities.Although our analyses indicated the presence of some practice variation, its magnitude was very small by national and international standards (up to 3%). Only a minor part of the practice variation could be accounted for by local supply differences in care facilities. Overall, we conclude that, unlike many other developed countries, the Dutch system ensured equitable access to long‐term IC.
Distinguishing streamflow trends caused by changes in climate, forest cover, and permafrost in a large watershed in northeastern China
Authors: Duan Liangliang , Man Xiuling , Kurylyk Barret L. , Cai Tijiu , Li Qiang 
Published: March 2017

AbstractUnderstanding how rivers respond to changes in land cover, climate, and subsurface conditions is critical for sustainably managing water resources and ecosystems. In this study, long‐term hydrologic, climate, and satellite data (1973–2012) from the Upper Tahe River watershed (2359 km2) in the Da Hinggan Mountains of northeast China were analysed to quantify the relative hydrologic effects of climate variability (system input) and the combined influences of forest cover change and permafrost thaw (system characteristics) on average annual streamflow (system response) using 2 methods: the sensitivity‐based method and the Kendall–Theil robust line method. The study period was subdivided into a forest harvesting period (1973–1987), a forest stability period (1988–2001), and a forest recovery period (2002–2012). The results indicated that the combined effects of forest harvesting and permafrost thaw on streamflow (+ 47.0 mm) from the forest harvesting period to the forest stability period was approximately twice as large as the effect associated with climate variability (+20.2 mm). Similarly, from the forest stability period to the forest recovery period, the decrease in average annual streamflow attributed to the combined effects of forest recovery and permafrost thaw (−38.0 mm) was much greater than the decrease due to climate variability (−22.2 mm). A simple method was used to separate the distinct impacts of forest cover change and permafrost thaw, but distinguishing these influences is difficult due to changes in surface and subsurface hydrologic connectivity associated with permafrost thaw. The results highlight the need to consider multiple streamflow drivers in future watershed and aquatic ecosystem management. Due to the ecological and hydrological susceptibility to disturbances in the Da Hinggan Mountains, forest harvesting will likely negatively impact ecohydrological processes in this region, and the effects of forest species transition in the forest recovery process should be further investigated.
Novel Epigenetic Controlling of Hypoxia Pathway Related to Overexpression and Promoter Hypomethylation of TET1 and TET2 in RPE Cells
Authors: Alivand Mohammad Reza , Soheili Zahra‐Soheila , Pornour Majid , Solali Saeed , Sabouni Farzaneh 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTCpG methylation of DNA takes part in a specific epigenetic memory that plays crucial roles in the differentiation and abnormality of the cells. The methylation pattern aberration of genomes is affected in three ways, namely DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), ten‐eleven translocation (TET), and methyl‐binding domain (MBD) proteins. Of these, TET enzymes have recently been demonstrated to be master modifier enzymes in the DNA methylation process. Additionally, recent studies emphasize that not only epigenetic phenomena play a role in controlling hypoxia pathway, but the hypoxia condition also triggers hypomethylation of genomes that may help with the expression of hypoxia pathway genes. In this study, we suggested that TET1 and TET2 could play a role in the demethylation of genomes under chemical hypoxia conditions. Herein, the evaluating methylation status and mRNA expression of mentioned genes were utilized through real‐time PCR and methylation‐specific PCR (MSP), respectively. Our results showed that TET1 and TET2 genes were overexpressed (P < 0.05) under chemical hypoxia conditions in Retinal Pigment Epithelial (RPE) cells, whereas the promoter methylation status of them were hypomethylated in the same condition. Therefore, chemical hypoxia not only causes overexpression of TET1 and TET2 but also could gradually do promoter demethylation of same genes. This is the first study to show the relationship between epigenetics and the expression of mentioned genes related to hypoxia pathways. Furthermore, it seems that these associations in RPE cells are subjected to chemical hypoxia as a mechanism that could play a crucial role in methylation pattern changes of hypoxia‐related diseases such as cancer and ischemia. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3193–3204, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influences of superheated steam roasting on changes in sugar, amino acid and flavour active components of cocoa bean (Theobroma cacao)
Authors: Zzaman Wahidu , Bhat Rajeev , Yang Tajul Aris , Easa Azhar Mat 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDRoasting is one of the important unit operations in the cocoa‐based industries in order to develop unique flavour in products. Cocoa beans were subjected to roasting at different temperatures and times using superheated steam. The influence of roasting temperature (150–250°C) and time (10–50 min) on sugars, free amino acids and volatile flavouring compounds were investigated.RESULTSThe concentration of total reducing sugars was reduced by up to 64.61, 77.22 and 82.52% with increased roasting temperature at 150, 200 and 250°C for 50 min, respectively. The hydrophobic amino acids were reduced up to 29.21, 36.41 and 48.87% with increased roasting temperature at 150, 200 and 250°C for 50 min, respectively. A number of pyrazines, esters, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, carboxyl acids and hydrocarbons were detected in all the samples at different concentration range. Formation of the most flavour active compounds, pyrazines, were the highest concentration (2.96 mg kg−1) at 200°C for 10 min.CONCLUSIONThe superheated steam roasting method achieves the optimum roasting condition within a short duration Therefore, the quality of cocoa beans can be improved using superheated steam during the roasting process. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
SDHA related tumorigenesis: a new case series and literature review for variant interpretation and pathogenicity
Authors: Casey Ruth T. , Ascher David B. , Rattenberry Eleanor , Izatt Louise , Andrews Katrina A. , Simpson Helen L. , Challis Benjamen , Park Soo‐Mi , Bulusu Venkata R. , Lalloo Fiona , Pires Douglas E. V. , West Hannah , Clark Graeme R. , Smith Philip S. , Whitworth James , Papathomas Thomas G. , Taniere Phillipe , Savisaar Rosina , Hurst Laurence D. , Woodward Emma R. , Maher Eamonn R. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the role of germline SDHA mutation analysis by (1) comprehensive literature review, (2) description of novel germline SDHA mutations and (3) in silico structural prediction analysis of missense substitutions in SDHA.Patients and methodsA systematic literature review and a retrospective review of the molecular and clinical features of patients identified with putative germline variants in UK molecular genetic laboratories was performed. To evaluate the molecular consequences of SDHA missense variants, a novel model of the SDHA/B/C/D complex was generated and the structural effects of missense substitutions identified in the literature, our UK novel cohort and a further 32 “control missense variants” were predicted by the mCSM computational platform. These structural predictions were correlated with the results of tumor studies and other bioinformatic predictions.ResultsLiterature review revealed reports of 17 different germline SDHA variants in 47 affected individuals from 45 kindreds. A further 10 different variants in 15 previously unreported cases (seven novel variants in eight patients) were added from our UK series. In silico structural prediction studies of 11 candidate missense germline mutations suggested that most (63.7%) would destabilize the SDHA protomer, and that most (78.1%) rare SDHA missense variants present in a control data set (ESP6500) were also associated with impaired protein stability.ConclusionThe clinical spectrum of SDHA‐associated neoplasia differs from that of germline mutations in other SDH‐subunits. The interpretation of the significance of novel SDHA missense substitutions is challenging. We recommend that multiple investigations (e.g. tumor studies, metabolomic profiling) should be performed to aid classification of rare missense variants before genetic testing results are used to influence clinical management.
Pose optimization and port placement for robot‐assisted minimally invasive surgery in cholecystectomy
Authors: Feng Mei , Jin Xingze , Tong Weihua , Guo Xiaoyu , Zhao Ji , Fu Yili 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundPose optimization and port placement are critical issues for preoperative preparation in robot‐assisted minimally invasive surgery (RMIS), and affect the robot performance and surgery quality.MethodsThis paper proposes a method for pose optimization and port placement for RMIS in cholecystectomy that considers both the robot and surgery requirements. The robot pose optimization was divided into optimization of the positioning joint configuration and optimization of the end effector configuration. To determine the optimal location for the trocar port placement, the operational workspace was defined as the evaluation index. The port area was divided into many sub‐areas, and that with the maximum operational workspace was selected as the location for the port placement.ResultsConsidering the left robotic arm as an example, the location for the port placement and joints angles for robotic arm configuration were discussed and simulated using the proposed method.ConclusionThis research can provide guidelines for surgeons in preoperative preparation.
Comparison of reaction forces on the anterior cruciate and anterolateral ligaments during internal rotation and anterior drawer forces at different flexion angles of the knee joint
Authors: Uğur Levent 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundHaving a complicated anatomy, the knee joint has been further detailed and a new formation defined, the anterolateral ligament (ALL), in recent studies. While the importance of this ligament, which previously was associated with Segond fractures, was explained via clinical, radiologic and biomechanical studies, and basically, is thought to be a fixator structures for the tibia against internal rotation stress. Although in recent studies efficient surgical treatment was applied to patients who underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) operation, some patients having a positive pivot test highlights the clinical importance of the ALL. The aim of this study is to evaluate reaction forces of different flexion angles on the tibia during internal rotation and anterior drawer tests on both the ALL and ACL, and to examine theimportance of this ligament in knee biomechanics by a finite element analysis method.MethodIn this study, normal anatomy knee joint was modelled using Computed Tomography images from lower extremity length in DICOM format. 0°, 15°,30°,45°,60°,75° and 90° angles of flexion were applied, respectively, to these models and reaction force vectors formed on both ligaments were examined separately and as total vector and size by applying internal rotation and anterior drawer forces on each model. Non‐linear analysis was conducted using ANSYS (version 17) with the same limit conditions applied to all models.ResultsAfter all models were examined, in general when comparing reaction forces, those on the ACL were found to be higher. However, when vectoral directions were examined, forces on ALL increased with increased flexion ratio and internal rotation momentum. Beyond 30° flexion, the tensile force on the ALL is increased and compressive overload on the ACL occurs.ConclusionThe ALL plays an important role in stability, especially against internal rotation forces, and an increased knee joint flexion ratio increases the stability contribution ratio. In particular, at 30° and higher angles, ACL reflects an antagonist effect and contributes to knee joint stability for rotational and mediolateral transposition.
Effects of Transendocardial Stem Cell Injection on Ventricular Proarrhythmia in Patients with Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: Results from the POSEIDON and TAC-HFT Trials
Authors: Ramireddy Archana , Brodt Chad R. , Mendizabal Adam M. , DiFede Darcy L. , Healy Chris , Goyal Vishal , Alansari Yahya , Coffey James O. , Viles-Gonzalez Juan F. , Heldman Alan W. , Goldberger Jeffrey J. , Myerburg Robert J. , Hare Joshua M. , Mitrani Raul D. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Transendocardial stem cell injection in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) improves left ventricular function and structure but has ill-defined effects on ventricular arrhythmias. We hypothesized that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) implantation is not proarrhythmic. Post hoc analyses were performed on ambulatory ECGs collected from the POSEIDON and TAC-HFT trials. Eighty-eight subjects (mean age 61 ± 10 years) with ICM (mean EF 32.2% ± 9.8%) received treatment with MSC (n = 48), Placebo (n = 21), or bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMC) (n = 19). Heart rate variability (HRV) and ventricular ectopy (VE) were evaluated over 12 months. VE did not change in any group following MSC implantation. However, in patients with ≥ 1 VE run (defined as ≥ 3 consecutive premature ventricular complexes in 24 hours) at baseline, there was a decrease in VE runs at 12 months in the MSC group (p = .01), but not in the placebo group (p = .07; intergroup comparison: p = .18). In a subset of the MSC group, HRV measures of standard deviation of normal intervals was 75 ± 30 msec at baseline and increased to 87 ± 32 msec (p =.02) at 12 months, and root mean square of intervals between successive complexes was 36 ± 30 msec and increased to 58.2 ± 50 msec (p = .01) at 12 months. In patients receiving MSCs, there was no evidence for ventricular proarrhythmia, manifested by sustained or nonsustained ventricular ectopy or worsened HRV. Signals of improvement in ventricular arrhythmias and HRV in the MSC group suggest a need for further studies of the antiarrhythmic potential of MSCs.
CuO/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite as Highly Active and Durable Catalyst for Selective Oxidation of Cyclohexane
Authors: Rana Surjyakanta , Jonnalagadda Sreekantha B. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAchieving breakage of C−H bond of hydrocarbons performance still remains a significant challenge in oxidation chemistry for heterogeneous catalyst. In this work, we report copper oxide‐ graphene oxide (CuO‐GO) nanocomposites as durable and highly active and selective catalyst for oxidation of cyclohexane. Different wt% of Cu(II) loaded on RGO surface to form a nanocomposite as well as Co(II) and Ni(II) loaded GO composites were prepared by wet impregnation method. The efficacy of catalyst was tested towards selective oxidation of cyclohexane. 5wt%CuO‐GO proved to be superior in terms improved selectivity towards cyclohexanone (82 %) and short reaction times, plus easy recovery and reusability of the catalyst. The presence of functional groups prevent the aggregation of catalytically active CuO species during the reaction progress.
Bounded model checking of C++ programs based on the Qt cross‐platform framework
Authors: Monteiro Felipe R. , Garcia Mário A. P. , Cordeiro Lucas C. , de Lima Filho Eddie B. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThe software development process for embedded systems is getting faster and faster, which generally incurs an increase in the associated complexity. As a consequence, technology companies tend to invest in fast and automatic verification mechanisms, to create robust systems and reduce product recall rates. In addition, further development‐time reduction and system robustness can be achieved through cross‐platform frameworks, such as Qt, which favor the reliable port of software stacks to different devices. Based on that, the present paper proposes a simplified version of the Qt framework, which is integrated into a checker based on satisfiability modulo theories (SMT), known as the Efficient SMT‐based Context‐Bounded Model Checker, for verifying actual Qt‐based applications, with a success rate of 89%, for the developed benchmark suite. Furthermore, the simplified version of the Qt framework, named as Qt Operational Model, was also evaluated using other state‐of‐the‐art verifiers for C++ programs. In fact, Qt Operational Model was combined with 2 different verification approaches: explicit‐state model checking and also symbolic (bounded) model checking, during the experimental evaluation, which highlights its flexibility. The proposed methodology is the first one to formally verify Qt‐based applications, which has the potential to devise new directions for software verification of portable code.