bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accounting for photodegradation dramatically improves prediction of carbon losses in dryland systems
Authors: Adair E. Carol , Parton William J. , King Jennifer Y. , Brandt Leslie A. , Lin Yang 
Published: July 2017

AbstractTraditional models of decomposition fail to capture litter mass loss patterns in dryland systems. This shortcoming has stimulated research into alternative drivers of decomposition, including photodegradation. Here, we use aboveground litter decomposition data for dryland (arid) sites from the Long‐term Intersite Decomposition Experiment Team data set to test hypotheses (models) about the mechanisms and impacts of photodegradation. Incorporating photodegradation into a traditional biotic decomposition model substantially improved model predictions for mass loss at these dryland sites, especially after four years. The best model accounted for the effects of solar radiation via photodegradation loss from the intermediate cellulosic and lignin pools and direct inhibition of microbial decomposition. Despite the concurrent impacts of photodegradation and inhibition on mass loss, the best photodegradation model increased mass loss by an average of 12% per year compared to the biotic‐only decomposition model. The best model also allowed soil infiltration into litterbags to reduce photodegradation and inhibition of microbial decomposition by shading litter from solar radiation. Our modeling results did not entirely support the popular hypothesis that initial lignin content increases the effects of photodegradation on litter mass loss; surprisingly, higher initial lignin content decreased the rate of cellulosic photodegradation. Importantly, our results suggest that mass loss rates due to photodegradation may be comparable to biotic decomposition rates: Mass loss due to photodegradation alone resulted in litter mass losses of 6–15% per year, while mass loss due to biotic decomposition ranged from 20% per year during early‐stage decomposition to 3% per year during late‐stage decomposition. Overall, failing to account for the impacts of solar radiation on litter mass loss under‐predicted long‐term litter mass loss by approximately 26%. Thus, not including photodegradation in dryland decomposition models likely results in large underestimations of carbon loss from dryland systems.
Interface Engineering of electron Transport Layer‐Free Planar Perovskite Solar Cells with Efficiency Exceeding 15 %
Authors: Huang Feiyue , Wei Yuelin , Gu Lin , Guo Qiyao , Xu Hui , Luo Dan , Jin Shao , Yang Xiaomin , Huang Yunfang , Wu Jihuai 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA high‐performance electron transport layer (ETL)‐free planar fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO)/perovskite/hole‐transport material/Au solar cell was prepared. We revealed that a plasma‐cleaning pretreatment for FTO substrates could significantly improve the quality of perovskite films, leading to the promotion of charge separation, an increase in the electron‐transport rate, and a decrease in the recombination reaction at the FTO/perovskite interface. Finally, the efficiency of the cells was greatly improved. A power conversion efficiency of over 15 % and a fill factor of 0.68 were achieved under AM 1.5G 100 mW cm−2 irradiation without the use of a compact n‐type metal‐oxide blocking layer.
Topography of generalized periodic epileptiform discharges in postanoxic nonconvulsive status epilepticus
Authors: Sakellariou Dimitris Fotis , Kostopoulos George Kostantinos , Richardson Mark Philip , Koutroumanidis Michalis 
Published: July 2017

SummaryWe studied slow (≤2.5 Hz) nonevolving generalized periodic epileptiform discharges (GPEDs) in the electroencephalogram (EEG) of comatose patients after cardiac arrest (CA) in search of evidence that could assist early diagnosis of possible hypoxic nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) and its differentiation from terminal brain anoxia (BA), which can present with a similar EEG pattern. We investigated the topography of the GPEDs in the first post‐CA EEGs of 13 patients, using voltage‐mapping, and compared findings between two patients with NCSE and GPEDs > 2.5 Hz (group 1), and 11 with GPEDs ≤ 2 Hz, of whom six had possible NCSE (group 2) and five had terminal BA (group 3). Voltage mapping showed frontal maximum for the negative phase of the GPEDs in all patients of groups 1 and 2, but not in any of the patients of group 3, who invariably showed maximization of the negative phase posteriorly. Morphology, amplitude, and duration of the GPEDs varied across the groups, without distinctive features for possible NCSE. These findings provide evidence that, in hypoxic coma after CA with slow GPEDs, anterior topography of the maximum GPED negativity on voltage mapping may be a distinctive biomarker for possible NCSE contributing to the coma.
After successful hepatitis C virus antiviral therapy: It looks that normal alanine aminotransferase level is not the normal
Authors: El Kassas Mohamed , Alboraie Mohamed , Mostafa Aya , Ezzat Reem , El Tahan Adel , Afify Shimaa , Sweedy Ahmed , Kabbash Ibrahim , Esmat Gamal 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundNormal serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels differ with age, gender, and body mass index. Adjusting the upper limits of normal (ULN) for ALT needs further research in different populations. Aim of this work was to monitor the effect of successful chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treatment on the ALT levels in patients with normal pretreatment ALT.MethodsData of 1160 CHC patients with persistent pretreatment normal liver enzymes were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment response to direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs) therapy was recorded. Changes in ALT levels before and after treatment were analyzed by patients’ demographic, laboratory, and radiologic characteristics. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of ALT after treatment were used to generate a new ALT ULN.ResultsMales were 568 (49%) and females 592 (51%) with a mean age of 50.7 years. After treatment, mean (±SD) of ALT levels significantly decreased from (26.3±7.8) to (19.1±10.9). This reduction was more significant in interferon‐free than interferon‐based regimens. ROC curve analyses suggested a new ALT ULN cut off (26.4 IU/L) in the treated patients (sensitivity=78.6%, specificity=83.8%, AUROC=0.89. This cutoff dropped to 14.7 IU/L in cirrhotic patients (sensitivity=77.4%, specificity=44.7%, AUROC=0.612). The identified cutoffs were 16.3 IU/L (sensitivity=66.7%, specificity=47.5%, AUROC=0.499) and 15.5 IU/L (sensitivity=76.5%, specificity=51.3%, AUROC=0.576) in males and females, respectively.ConclusionThe current ALT ULN needs readjustment to identify new normal cutoffs in CHC patients. Posttreatment cutoffs differ according to gender, pretreatment liver affection, and treatment regimen.
Review of dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI: Technical aspects and applications in the musculoskeletal system
Authors: Sujlana Parvinder , Skrok Jan , Fayad Laura M. 
Published: July 2017

Although postcontrast imaging has been used for many years in musculoskeletal imaging, dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI is not routinely used in many centers around the world. Unlike conventional contrast‐enhanced sequences, DCE‐MRI allows the evaluation of the temporal pattern of enhancement in the musculoskeletal system, perhaps best known for its use in oncologic applications (such as differentiating benign from malignant tumors, evaluating for treatment response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and differentiating postsurgical changes from residual tumor). However, DCE‐MRI can also be used to evaluate inflammatory processes such as Charcot foot and synovitis, and evaluate bone perfusion in entities like Legg Calve Perthes disease and arthritis. Finally, vascular abnormalities and associated complications may be better characterized with DCE‐MRI than conventional imaging. The goal of this article is to review the applications and technical aspects of DCE‐MRI in the musculoskeletal system.Level of Evidence: 5Technical Efficacy: Stage 3J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:875–890.
Liquid magnetic competitive immunoassay of clenbuterol based on surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Wei Chao , Zhang Chenjie , Xu Minmin , Yuan Yaxian , Yao Jianlin 
Published: July 2017

The surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)‐based immunoassay has attracted considerable interests due to its extremely high sensitivity. However, the involved solid substrate brought significant difficulties in its extensive application. Herein, based on the integration of magnetic nanoparticles and SERS, a facial liquid magnetic competitive immunoassay was developed to detect clenbuterol (CL) with high sensitivity and specificity. The competitive reaction with compatible antibody occurred between target and corresponding antigen attached on nanoparticles. The readout strategy based on the inverse correlation of SERS intensity and concentration was employed to determine the content of target. The SERS intensities were originated from the immunocomplexes in sediment enriched by applying an external magnetic field. The coupling effect between the Au and Fe3O4@Au allowed the increase of SERS intensities for improving the performance of this approach, both for limit of detection (LOD) and sensitivity. The immuno protocol was optimized carefully through screening out the amount ratio of different immunonanoparticles, exchanging the immobilization positions of antibody and coating antigen. It was demonstrated that the application of CL antibody‐mercaptobenzoic acid‐labeled Au and CL coating antigen‐Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles (configuration 1) exhibited higher sensitivity than that of CL coating antigen‐mercaptobenzoic acid‐labeled Au and CL antibody‐Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles (configuration 2). It was determined that the LOD and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) were about 0.22 and 246.31 fg ml−1 for CL target of configuration 1, respectively. It was better notably than the previous reports. Moreover, incompatible target, β‐agonist salbutamol (SAL), was also introduced to investigate the effect on CL competitive immunoassay. It revealed that the competitive immunoassay with CL antibody was negligible, indicating the high specificity of the present immunoassay. The SERS‐based liquid magnetic sensor is expected to be developed as a promising technique for the detection of micromolecules and to provide a potential application in coupling with other techniques. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential influence of high‐elevation wind farms on carnivore mobility
Authors: Sirén Alexej P. K. , Pekins Peter J. , Kilborn Jillian R. , Kanter John J. , Sutherland Chris S. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTWind power development is regarded as a clean energy source. Efforts to mitigate climate change, however, may degrade habitat and compromise wildlife. During winter 2011–2012, we examined the potential influence of a wind farm on a community of carnivores in the New England‐Acadian Forest, northern New Hampshire, United States, with a focus on American martens (Martes americana), a mid‐ to late‐successional forest species adapted for snow. We counted marten, red fox (Vulpes fulva), and coyote (Canis latrans) tracks and measured snowpack along roads, and snowmobile and hiking trails to determine the relative influence of wind farms on space use for each species. We observed all species at high‐elevations (>823 m), although use frequency varied by road or trail type. As expected, we detected martens most often at high elevations along hiking trails and least often along wind farm roads. We observed the opposite pattern for red foxes and coyotes. Additionally, there was a higher probability of observing canids when snow depth increased and a lower probability when penetrability increased. Although our results indicate spatial partitioning, the edge habitat and compacted snow created by wind farm roads increased access for canids to high‐elevation forest. In addition to habitat loss and fragmentation, these conditions may increase competition for martens and lower population viability. Future wind development should minimize disturbance of rare habitats, especially those considered climate refugia. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
3D‐multi‐echo radial imaging of 23Na (3D‐MERINA) for time‐efficient multi‐parameter tissue compartment mapping
Authors: Blunck Yasmin , Josan Sonal , Taqdees Syeda Warda , Moffat Bradford A. , Ordidge Roger J. , Cleary Jon O. , Johnston Leigh A. 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThis work demonstrates a 3D radial multi‐echo acquisition scheme for time‐efficient sodium (23Na) MR‐signal acquisition and analysis. Echo reconstructions were used to produce signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR)‐enhanced 23Na‐images and parameter maps of the biexponential observed transverse relaxation time (
) decay.MethodsA custom‐built sequence for radial multi‐echo acquisition was proposed for acquisition of a series of 3D volumetric 23Na‐images. Measurements acquired in a phantom and in vivo human brains were analyzed for SNR enhancement and multi‐component
estimation.ResultsRapid gradient refocused imaging acquired 38 echoes within a repetition time of 160 ms. Signal averaging of multi‐echo time (TE) measurements showed an average brain tissue SNR enhancement of 34% compared to single‐TE images across subjects. Phantom and in vivo measurements detected distinguishable signal decay characteristics for fluid and solid media. Mapping results were investigated in phantom and in vivo experiments for sequence timing optimization and signal decay analysis. The
mapping results were consistent with previously reported values and facilitated fluid‐signal discrimination.ConclusionThe proposed method offers an efficient 23Na‐imaging scheme that extends existing 23Na‐MRI sequences by acquiring signal decay information with no increase in time or specific absorption rate. The resultant SNR‐enhanced 23Na‐images and estimated
signal decay characteristics offer great potential for detailed investigation of tissue compartment characterization and clinical application. Magn Reson Med 79:1950–1961, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Risk factors for stomatitis in patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis during treatment with sirolimus: A multicenter investigator‐initiated prospective study
Authors: Kitamura Nobutaka , Seyama Kuniaki , Inoue Yoshikazu , Nagai Katsura , Suzuki Masaru , Moriyama Hiroshi , Takada Toshinori , Tazawa Ryushi , Hirai Toyohiro , Mishima Michiaki , Hayashida Mie , Hirose Masaki , Arai Toru , Sugimoto Chikatoshi , Hattori Noboru , Watanabe Kentaro , Tamada Tsutomu , Akazawa Kohei , Tanaka Takahiro , Nakata Koh 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPurposeLymphangioleiomyomatosis is a rare lung disease caused by proliferation of abnormal smooth muscle‐like cells and typically occurs in premenopausal women. Sirolimus is now the first‐line drug for the treatment of lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Sirolimus‐induced stomatitis is the most frequent adverse event experienced during treatment. To identify risk factors, we investigated the association of stomatitis incidence with patient background data and treatment parameters, using data from the multicenter long‐term sirolimus trial.MethodsSubjects received sirolimus for 2 years at doses adjusted to maintain a trough blood level of 5 to 15 ng/mL. The incidence of stomatitis was correlated with baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, and changes in the longitudinal data. Risk factors at baseline were assessed by using univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsThe most frequent adverse event was stomatitis, with the cumulative rate reaching 88.9% by 9 months, higher than that reported in postrenal transplant patients. The repetition, the duration, and the severity of stomatitis events were variable among patients. We found that patients with low hemoglobin (Hb) (<14.5 g/dL) showed significantly higher incidence than those with high Hb (≥14.5 g/dL, P < .01). The cumulative rate for stomatitis incidence was significantly associated with a decrease in the mean corpuscular volume, while the Hb level was constant; thus, red blood cell count in patients increased during the study.ConclusionsBaseline Hb levels and a decrease in mean corpuscular volume during treatment were correlated with the incidence of stomatitis.
Use of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation in Scotland: Applying a coherent framework to drug utilisation studies
Authors: Mueller Tanja , Alvarez‐Madrazo Samantha , Robertson Chris , Bennie Marion 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPurposeTo report the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation in Scotland and advocate the standardisation of drug utilisation research methods.MethodsRetrospective cohort study using linked administrative data. Patients included those with a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (confirmed in hospital) who received a first prescription for a DOAC (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban) from September 2011 to June 2014. Drug utilisation measures included discontinuation, persistence, and adherence.ResultsA total of 5398 patients (mean CHA2DS2‐VASc score 2.98 [SD 1.71], 89.7% with ≥5 concomitant medicines) were treated with DOACs for a median of 228 days (interquartile range 105‐425). Of 35.6% who discontinued DOAC treatment, 11.0% switched to warfarin, and 48.3% reinitiated DOACs. Persistence after 12 and 18 months was 75.9% and 69.8%, respectively. Differences between individual DOACs were observed: Discontinuation rates ranged from 20.4% (apixaban) to 60.6% (dabigatran) and 12 months persistence from 60.1% (dabigatran) to 85.5% (apixaban). Adherence to treatment with all DOACs was good: Overall DOAC median medication refill adherence was 102.9% (interquartile range 88.9%‐115.5%), and 82.3% of patients had a medication refill adherence > 80%.ConclusionsIn Scotland, adherence to DOAC treatment was good, and switching from DOAC to warfarin was low. However, discontinuation and persistence rates were variable—although treatment interruptions were often temporary.To decrease the inconsistencies in drug utilisation methods and facilitate meaningful study comparison, the use of a coherent framework—using a combination of discontinuation, persistence, and adherence—and the standardisation of measurements is advocated.
Role of thermodynamic and kinetic interaction of poly(vinylidene fluoride) with various solvents for tuning phase inversion membranes
Authors: Kurada Krishnasri V. , De Sirshendu 
Published: July 2017

An extensive study of thermodynamics and kinetics of non‐solvent induced phase separation was carried out for poly(vinylidene fluoride)/solvent/water system for four different solvents. Literature available on semicrystalline polymers was mostly based on experimental cloud points, obtained to a narrow range of polymer concentration (<10 wt%), much less than the working range for membrane preparation (20–25 wt%). Aim of this work was to model the thermodynamic phase diagram using extended Flory–Huggins theory which was used as a tool, along with the kinetic data to obtain tailor‐made membranes with desired morphology and properties. Interaction parameters involving solvent, nonsolvent, and polymer played an important role to tune the porosity of the membrane. Thermodynamic calculation showed solvent N,N‐dimethyl acetamide resulted in the most porous membrane (permeability 5.4 × 10−11 m Pa−1 s−1) followed by N,N‐dimethyl formamide (permeability 4.2 × 10−11 m Pa−1 s−1), N‐methyl pyrrolidone (permeability 3.8 × 10−11 m Pa−1 s−1), and acetone (impermeable to water even at 1380 kPa), which was the densest one. Prepared membranes were characterized in terms of surface morphology, molecular weight cut‐off, tensile strength, pore volume distribution, crystallinity, and surface roughness, which were correlated to inferences based on thermodynamic and kinetic calculations. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:1062–1073, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum, emphysema, and pulmonary bullae associated with refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in a child
Authors: Huang Lilin , Chen Huajia , Peng Shumei 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe report a 21‐month‐old child with spontaneous pneumomediastinum (PM), emphysema, and pulmonary bullae caused by Mycoplasma pneumonia (M. pneumoniae) pneumonia. The patient presented with stubborn dyspnea and wheezing although received integrated treatment, including anti‐infection, anti‐inflammation, and intravenous immunoglobulin. This case was unique in that pulmonary bullae kept increasing. PM and emphysema were refractory in our patient, which have been reported as benign and limited. Surgical intervention was implemented to ultimately cure the case. Clinicians should be aware of air leaks in patients with M. pneumoniae pneumonia since this complication may be fatal.
Rutin, a Quercetin Glycoside, Restores Chemosensitivity in Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Iriti Marcello , Kubina Robert , Cochis Andrea , Sorrentino Rita , Varoni Elena M. , Kabała‐Dzik Agata , Azzimonti Barbara , Dziedzic Arkadiusz , Rimondini Lia , Wojtyczka Robert D. 
Published: July 2017

Several studies have documented the ability of flavonoids to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapeutics and reverse multidrug resistance by inhibition of efflux pumps (adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette transporters), apoptosis activation, and cell cycle arrest. In this study, the flavonoid rutin (quercetin 3‐O‐β‐d‐rutinoside) was investigated as chemosensitizer towards two different human epithelial breast cancer cell lines: (i) MB‐MDA‐231, selected as representative for triple‐negative breast cancer and (ii) MCF‐7 used as a well‐characterized model of HER2‐negative breast cancer. To assess the cytocompatibility of rutin against non‐cancer cells, primary human mammary fibroblasts were used as control and non‐target cells. In MDA‐MB‐231 cells, 20 μM rutin enhanced cytotoxicity related to cyclophosphamide and methotrexate. Rutin significantly (p < 0.05) increased the anticancer activity of both chemotherapeutics, at 24–48–72 h, and decreased the activity of the adenosine triphosphate‐binding cassette transporters, namely, P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). Flow cytometry analysis showed 20 μM and 50 μM rutin arrested cell cycle at G2/M and G0/G1 phases, respectively, significantly promoting cell apoptosis. Rutin, via non‐selective inhibition of P‐gp and BCRP pumps, efficiently reverses multidrug resistance and restores chemosensitivity to cyclophosphamide and cyclophosphamide of human chemoresistant, triple‐negative breast cancer cells, successfully arresting cell cycle progression. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.