bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of the sequence of intersecting lines using Focused Ion Beam/Scanning Electron Microscope
Authors: Kim Jiye , Kim MinJung , An JinWook , Kim Yunje 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe aim of this study was to verify that the combination of focused ion beam (FIB) and scanning electron microscope/energy‐dispersive X‐ray (SEM/EDX) could be applied to determine the sequence of line crossings. The samples were transferred into FIB/SEM for FIB milling and an imaging operation. EDX was able to explore the chemical components and the corresponding elemental distribution in the intersection. The technique was successful in determining the sequence of heterogeneous line intersections produced using gel pens and red sealing ink with highest success rate (100% correctness). These observations show that the FIB/SEM was the appropriate instrument for an overall examination of document.
Counterfeit Adderall Containing Aceclofenac from Internet Pharmacies
Authors: Gaudiano Maria Cristina , Borioni Anna , Antoniella Eleonora , Valvo Luisa 
Published: April 2016

AbstractA nontargeted approach based on liquid chromatography equipped with a quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass detector (LC‐MS Q‐TOF) joined to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis allowed rapid identification and quantification of the anti‐inflammatory drug aceclofenac in illegal Adderall tablets. The largest chromatographic peak had m/z = 354.030 and m/z = 376.012 matching, respectively, the ionic structures (M + H)+ and (M + Na)+ of a molecule M. The accurate mass data generated the molecular formula C16H13Cl2NO4. A screening of the pharmaceutical active substances having that molecular formula together with the MS/MS fragmentation pattern suggested aceclofenac. Aceclofenac structure was unambiguously confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR experiments. The aceclofenac content was 90 mg/tablet (RSD 2%) as detected by quantitative NMR. Information on the identity and content of illegal drugs is required for legal purposes; it supports in evaluating the effective impact on users safety, and it is useful for control laboratories using a targeted approach in their analytical activities.
Double Filtration Plasmapheresis in Treatment of Patients With Co‐Infection of Hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Mednikov Roman V. , Rabinovich Vladislav I. , Kizlo Svetlana N. , Belyakov Nikolai A. , Sokolov Alexey A. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractOne of the main causes of mortality of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients are complications of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). Combining drug therapy for HCV with double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) has significantly increased the effectiveness of treatment for these patients. However, there are no data on the use of this method for the treatment of patients co‐infected with HIV and HCV. We demonstrated that positive clinical effect in the treatment of HCV patients by DFPP (previously demonstrated) is also achieved in the treatment of HIV infected patients, co‐infected with HCV. The obtained efficiency of 62.5% is almost two times higher than the predicted treatment efficiency. We can conclude that the complex therapy of hepatitis C, including DFPP and medication by PEG‐IFN + RBV is an effective and safe approach for the treatment of HCV in patients co‐infected with HCV and HIV.
Switch From Epoetin Beta to Darbepoetin Alfa Treatment of Anemia in Taiwanese Hemodialysis Patients: Dose Equivalence by Hemoglobin Stratification
Authors: Liao Shang‐Chih , Hung Cheng‐Chieh , Lee Chien‐Te , Lee Chih‐Hsiung , Lee Chin‐Chan , Lin Chun‐Liang , Sun Chiao‐Yin , Cheng Ben‐Chung , Yang Chih‐Chao , Wu Chien‐Hsing , Chen Jin‐Bor 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis multicenter study was designed to assess the hemoglobin (Hb) stability and conversion ratio of the switch from epoetin beta to darbepoetin alfa in Taiwanese hemodialysis (HD) patients. A total of 135 HD patients were enrolled and randomized with intravenous darbepoetin alfa or epoetin beta. The study duration was 24 weeks. Equivalent doses and conversion ratios were assessed with respect to Hb stratification: low Hb (≥8.0 g/dL to ≤10.0 g/dL) and high Hb (>10.0 g/dL to ≤11.0 g/dL). The results showed stable Hb levels in the study period. At week 24, the conversion ratio was higher for high Hb than low Hb (296.4 IU/dose epoetin beta: 1 µg/dose darbepoetin alfa. vs. 277.2 IU/dose epoetin beta: 1 µg/dose darbepoetin alfa). In conclusion, the conversion ratio in the present study was higher than 1 µg: 200 IU for darbepoetin alfa: epoetin for treating anemia in Taiwanese HD patients.
Temporal and spatial differentiation in microhabitat use: Implications for reproductive isolation and ecological niche specification
Authors: BORZÉE Amaël , KIM Jun Young , DA CUNHA Marina Andrade Martins , Lee Donggeun , SIN Eunchong , OH Sunmin , YI Yoonjung , JANG Yikweon 
Published: April 2016

AbstractNiche differentiation enables ecologically similar species to coexist by lessening competition over food and/or shelters and may be critical for reproductive isolation between closely related species in close proximity. Because no extra traits need to evolve, spatial and temporal differentiation may readily take place to complement other isolating mechanisms. Two closely related treefrog species occur together in Korea: the endangered Hyla suweonensis and the widespread Hyla japonica. Advertisement calls are differentiated, but it is unclear whether call difference is sufficient for reproductive isolation. We tracked individuals of both species to study fine‐scale differentiation in microhabitat use in the diel cycle of the breeding season using a harmonic direction finder. tracking male movement patterns of both species revealed spatial and temporal differentiation in microhabitat use for calling and resting during the breeding season. Males of both H. suweonensis and H. japonica occurred in all 5 microhabitats identified in this study: rice paddy, ground, buried, grass and bush. Both treefrog species showed general similarities in calling from rice paddies and resting in grass and bush. However, H. suweonensis moved into rice paddies and produced advertisement calls 3 h earlier than H. japonica. These differences likely minimize contact between the species and provide an additional isolating mechanism. In addition, the activity of H. suweonensis may be contributing to the decline of this species, as resting in grass would increase dangers from predatory birds and habitat disturbance.
Female reproductive success in a species with an age‐inversed hierarchy
Authors: DE VRIES Dorien , KOENIG Andreas , BORRIES Carola 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIn most group‐living mammals, reproductive success declines with increasing age and increases with increasing rank. Such effects have mainly been studied in matrilineal and in “age positive” hierarchies, which are stable and in which high ranking females often outperform low ranking ones. These relationships are less well‐understood in age‐inversed dominance hierarchies, in which a female's rank changes over time. We analyzed demographic data of 2 wild, unprovisioned groups of gray langurs (Semnopithecus schistaceus) near Ramnagar, Nepal covering periods of 5 years each. Female rank was unstable and age‐inversed. We measured reproductive success via birth rates (57 births), infant survival (proportion of infants surviving to 2 years) and number of offspring surviving to 2 years of age (successful births) for 3 age and 3 rank classes. We found that old females performed significantly worse than expected (birth rate P = 0.04; successful births P = 0.03). The same was true for low ranking females (P = 0.04, and P < 0.01, respectively). Infant survival was highest for young and middle‐aged as well as for high and middle ranking females. Overall, the results for these unstable hierarchies were rather similar to those for stable hierarchies of other mammals, particularly several nonhuman primates. Compared to a provisioned population of a closely related species, the wild and unprovisioned population examined (i) showed stronger age effects, while (ii) female reproductive success was equally affected by rank. Future comparative studies are needed to examine whether captive or provisioned populations deviate predictably from wild populations.
Sodium Chloride Diffusion in Low‐Acid Foods during Thermal Processing and Storage
Authors: Bornhorst Ellen R. , Tang Juming , Sablani Shyam S. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis study aimed at modeling sodium chloride (NaCl) diffusion in foods during thermal processing using analytical and numerical solutions and at investigating the changes in NaCl concentrations during storage after processing. Potato, radish, and salmon samples in 1% or 3% NaCl solutions were heated at 90, 105, or 121 °C for 5 to 240 min to simulate pasteurization and sterilization. Selected samples were stored at 4 or 22 °C for up to 28 d. Radish had the largest equilibrium NaCl concentrations and equilibrium distribution coefficients, but smallest effective diffusion coefficients, indicating that a greater amount of NaCl diffused into the radish at a slower rate. Effective diffusion coefficients determined using the analytical solution ranged from 0.2 × 10–8 to 2.6 × 10−8 m²/s. Numerical and analytical solutions showed good agreement with experimental data, with average coefficients of determination for samples in 1% NaCl at 121 °C of 0.98 and 0.95, respectively. During storage, food samples equilibrated to a similar NaCl concentration regardless of the thermal processing severity. The results suggest that sensory evaluation of multiphase (solid and liquid) products should occur at least 14 d after processing to allow enough time for the salt to equilibrate within the product.
Synergistic Effects of Potentilla fruticosa L. Leaves Combined with Green Tea Polyphenols in a Variety of Oxidation Systems
Authors: Liu Zehua , Luo Ziwen , Jia Caixia , Wang Dongmei , Li Dengwu 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPotentilla fruticosa L. leaves are widely used as tea in China, with many commercial “Jinlaomei” teas available in markets. It has been confirmed to possess significant antioxidant activity than that of butylated hydroxytoluene. In this study, the synergistic effects of P. fruticosa leaves extracts (PFE) combined with green tea polyphenols (GTP) were studied to elucidate their use in combination and find specific combinations with least concentrations that enhance the antioxidant activity. Isobolographic analysis indicated that the combination of PFE and GTP demonstrated extensive synergism (22/28 of the tests showed significant synergy) with 3:1 (PFE:GTP) exhibiting the best synergistic effect. Chemical compositions and content of 7 phenolic compounds in PFE, GTP, and their mixtures were evaluated by reverse‐phase‐high‐performance liquid chromatography. While chemical composition did not seem to change after the combination, as no new peaks appeared in the chromatogram, and no existing peaks disappeared. However, the content of (+)‐catechin, (–)‐epigallocatechin (EGC), and , (–)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) changed. Besides, antioxidant interactions of extracts and compounds were evaluated, EGC with hyperoside exhibited the greatest synergistic effect and the combination of 3:1 exhibited the strongest synergism (DPPH γ = 0.86, ABTS γ = 1.12, FRAP γ = 1.16). Therefore, interaction of phytochemicals may be one reason for the synergistic effects in PFE + GTP, with EGC + hyperoside likely playing an important role. This report provides a theoretical basis for the concomitant use of P. fruticosa blended with GTP, which can be effectively used as a compounded tea, dietary supplements, and substituent of synthetic antioxidant.
Correlation between circulating miR‐122 and prognosis of chronic HBV‐related liver failure
Authors: Wang Wei Jing , Lai Rong Tao , Lu Jie , Xiang Xiao Gang , Zhao Gang De , Tang Wei Liang , Cai Wei , Wang Hui , Zhou Hui Juan , Xie Qing 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveTo assess the correlation between circulating microRNA (miR)‐122 level and the prognosis of chronic hepatitis B‐related liver failure (CHBLF).MethodsSerum miR‐122 from CHBLF patients (n = 6) and healthy controls (n = 6) was quantified using an Exiqon locked nucleic acid microarray. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was utilized to determine serum miR‐122 expression in 102 patients with different liver diseases [CHBLF (n = 58), acute hepatitis B (n = 10), chronic hepatitis B (n = 22) and hepatitis B‐related cirrhosis (n = 12)] and 23 healthy controls. The correlations between miR‐122 and disease stages based on prothrombin activity (PTA) and model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) scores were further analyzed.ResultsMicroarray showed that miR‐122 was significantly upregulated among 148 significantly modified miRNAs in CHBLF patients. Serum level of miR‐122 in CHBLF patients was significantly upregulated at early stage based on PTA or stages I–II based on MELD score. Interestingly, there was a significant correlation between the MELD score and circulating miR‐122 level in patients with an MELD score of <30 (r = 0.521, P = 0.001). Moreover, serum level of miR‐122 was significantly decreased at discharge compared with that at admission as shown in the same group of CHBLF patients (P < 0.05).ConclusionsSerum level of miR‐122 is correlated with the severity of liver injury at an early stage. miR‐122 may be a potential biomarker for both the diagnosis at an early stage of CHBLF and the prognosis for recovery.
Irrigation Water Allocation Using an Inexact Two‐Stage Quadratic Programming with Fuzzy Input under Climate Change
Authors: Li Mo , Guo Ping , Singh Vijay P. , Zhao Jie 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAgricultural irrigation accounts for nearly 70% of the total water use around the world. Uncertainties and climate change together exacerbate the complexity of optimal allocation of water resources for irrigation. An interval‐fuzzy two‐stage stochastic quadratic programming model is developed for determining the plans for water allocation for irrigation with maximum benefits. The model is shown to be applicable when inputs are expressed as discrete, fuzzy or random. In order to reflect the effect of marginal utility on benefit and cost, the model can also deal with nonlinearities in the objective function. Results from applying the model to a case study in the middle reaches of the Heihe River basin, China, show schemes for water allocation for irrigation of different crops in every month of the crop growth period under various flow levels are effective for achieving high economic benefits. Different climate change scenarios are used to analyze the impact of changing water requirement and water availability on irrigation water allocation. The proposed model can aid the decision maker in formulating desired irrigation water management policies in the wake of uncertainties and changing environment.
An Analysis of Water Data Systems to Inform the Open Water Data Initiative
Authors: Blodgett David , Read Emily , Lucido Jessica , Slawecki Tad , Young Dwane 
Published: April 2016

AbstractImproving access to data and fostering open exchange of water information is foundational to solving water resources issues. In this vein, the Department of the Interior's Assistant Secretary for Water and Science put forward the charge to undertake an Open Water Data Initiative (OWDI) that would prioritize and accelerate work toward better water data infrastructure. The goal of the OWDI is to build out the Open Water Web (OWW). We therefore considered the OWW in terms of four conceptual functions: water data cataloging, water data as a service, enriching water data, and community for water data. To describe the current state of the OWW and identify areas needing improvement, we conducted an analysis of existing systems using a standard model for describing distributed systems and their business requirements. Our analysis considered three OWDI‐focused use cases—flooding, drought, and contaminant transport—and then examined the landscape of other existing applications that support the Open Water Web. The analysis, which includes a discussion of observed successful practices of cataloging, serving, enriching, and building community around water resources data, demonstrates that we have made significant progress toward the needed infrastructure, although challenges remain. The further development of the OWW can be greatly informed by the interpretation and findings of our analysis.
Results of the Australasian (Trans‐Tasman Oncology Group) radiotherapy benchmarking exercise in preparation for participation in the PORTEC‐3 trial
Authors: Jameson Michael G , McNamara Jo , Bailey Michael , Metcalfe Peter E , Holloway Lois C , Foo Kerwyn , Do Viet , Mileshkin Linda , Creutzberg Carien L , Khaw Pearly 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIntroductionProtocol deviations in Randomised Controlled Trials have been found to result in a significant decrease in survival and local control. In some cases, the magnitude of the detrimental effect can be larger than the anticipated benefits of the interventions involved. The implementation of appropriate quality assurance of radiotherapy measures for clinical trials has been found to result in fewer deviations from protocol. This paper reports on a benchmarking study conducted in preparation for the PORTEC‐3 trial in Australasia.MethodsA benchmarking CT dataset was sent to each of the Australasian investigators, it was requested they contour and plan the case according to trial protocol using local treatment planning systems. These data was then sent back to Trans‐Tasman Oncology Group for collation and analysis.ResultsThirty three investigators from eighteen institutions across Australia and New Zealand took part in the study. The mean clinical target volume (CTV) volume was 383.4 (228.5–497.8) cm3 and the mean dose to a reference gold standard CTV was 48.8 (46.4–50.3) Gy.ConclusionsAlthough there were some large differences in the contouring of the CTV and its constituent parts, these did not translate into large variations in dosimetry. Where individual investigators had deviations from the trial contouring protocol, feedback was provided. The results of this study will be used to compare with the international study QA for the PORTEC‐3 trial.
The role of radiology in the quantification of digital ulnar deviation in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Taylor‐Gjevre Regina M , Mitchell Allison , Street Michelle , Leswick David A , Stewart Samuel Alan , Obaid Haron 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common inflammatory polyarthritis, which causes functional digital ulnar deviation (UD). Radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment of the hands is essential in RA, but its role in the quantification of UD remains unclear.PurposeTo compare UD measurements in RA patients between clinical goniometric assessments versus standardized radiographs and MRI.MethodsFifteen RA patients with clinically apparent UD and 11 RA patients without UD underwent a rheumatological examination prior to recruitment to this study. Goniometric measurements for UD at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints were performed by an occupational therapist (OT). Standardized hand radiographs, and MRI studies of the dominant hand using 3T MRI scanner with 16 channel hand/wrist coil were evaluated. Angulation measurements for radiographs and MRI were performed independently by two experienced musculoskeletal radiologists who were blinded to the rheumatologist's, occupational therapist's and each other's assessments.ResultsInter‐observer correlation between radiologists was >0.97 for both radiographic and MRI measurements. Correlation between OT goniometric measurements and the imaging‐based measurements was limited at 0.496 for radiographs and 0.317 for MRI. Correlation between imaging modalities was 0.513. Compared to OT measurements, radiographic and MRI study measurements significantly underestimate the angulation in RA patients with UD (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe results of this study demonstrated discordance between radiological and goniometric measurements of digital ulnar angulation at the MCP joints in RA patients. Although imaging plays a key role in understanding structural damage and disease activity in RA, it should be emphasized that radiological measurements underrate joint malalignment.
Impact of Breast Reader Assessment Strategy on mammographic radiologists' test reading performance
Authors: Suleiman Wasfi I , Rawashdeh Mohammad A , Lewis Sarah J , McEntee Mark F , Lee Warwick , Tapia Kriscia , Brennan Patrick C 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe detection of breast cancer is somewhat limited by human factors, and thus there is a need to improve reader performance. This study assesses whether radiologists who regularly undertake the education in the form of the Breast Reader Assessment Strategy (BREAST) demonstrate any changes in mammography interpretation performance over time.MethodsIn 2011, 2012 and 2013, 14 radiologists independently assessed a year‐specific BREAST mammographic test‐set. Radiologists read a different single test‐set once each year, with each comprising 60 digital mammogram cases. Radiologists marked the location of suspected lesions without computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) and assigned a confidence rating of 2 for benign and 3–5 for malignant lesions. The mean sensitivity, specificity, location sensitivity, JAFROC FOM and ROC AUC were calculated. A Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare the readings for the 14 radiologists across the 3 years. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to assess comparison between pairs of years. Relationships between changes in performance and radiologist characteristics were examined using a Spearman's test.ResultsSignificant increases were noted in mean sensitivity (P = 0.01), specificity (P = 0.01), location sensitivity (P = 0.001) and JAFROC FOM (P = 0.001) between 2011 and 2012. Between 2012 and 2013, significant improvements were noted in mean sensitivity (P = 0.003), specificity (P = 0.002), location sensitivity (P = 0.02), JAFROC FOM (P = 0.005) and ROC AUC (P = 0.008). No statistically significant correlations were shown between the levels of improvement and radiologists' characteristics.ConclusionRadiologists' who undertake the BREAST programme demonstrate significant improvements in test‐set performance during a 3‐year period, highlighting the value of ongoing education through the use of test‐set.
Emerging infections due to filamentous fungi in humans and animals: only the tip of the iceberg?
Authors: Debourgogne Anne , Dorin Joséphine , Machouart Marie 
Published: April 2016

SummaryOver the last few decades, the number of patients susceptible to invasive filamentous fungal infections has steadily increased, especially in populations suffering from hematological diseases. The pathogens responsible for such mycoses are now quite well characterized, such as Aspergillus spp. – the most commonly isolated mold –, Mucorales, Fusarium spp., Scedosporium spp. or melanized fungi. An increase in the incidence of this category of ‘emerging’ fungi has been recently highlighted, evoking a shift in fungal ecology. Starting from these medical findings, taking a step back and adopt a wider perspective offers possible explanations of this phenomenon on an even larger scale than previously reported. In this review, we illustrate the link between emerging fungi in medicine and changes in ecology or human behaviours, and we encourage integrative approaches to apprehend the adverse effects of progress and develop preventive measures in vast domains, such as agriculture or medicine.