bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rainfall–runoff responses on Arctic hillslopes underlain by continuous permafrost, North Slope, Alaska, USA
Authors: Rushlow Caitlin R. , Godsey Sarah E. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe Arctic hydrologic cycle is intensifying, as evidenced by increased rates of precipitation, evapotranspiration, and riverine discharge. However, the controls on water fluxes from terrestrial to aquatic systems in upland Arctic landscapes are poorly understood. Upland landscapes account for one third of the Arctic land surface and are often drained by zero‐order geomorphic flowpath features called water tracks. Previous work in the region attributed rapid runoff response at larger stream orders to water tracks, but models suggest water tracks are hydrologically disconnected from the surrounding hillslope. To better understand the role of water tracks in upland landscapes, we investigated the surface and subsurface hydrologic responses of 6 water tracks and their hillslope watersheds to natural patterns of rainfall, soil thaw, and drainage. Between storms, both water track discharge and the water table in the hillslope watersheds exhibited diel fluctuations that, when lagged by 5 hr, were temporally correlated with peak evapotranspiration rate. Water track soils remained saturated for more of the summer season than soils in their surrounding hillslope watersheds. When rainfall occurred, the subsurface response was nearly instantaneous, but the water tracks took significantly longer than the hillslopes to respond to rainfall, and longer than the responses previously observed in nearby larger order Arctic streams. There was also evidence for antecedent soil water storage conditions controlling the magnitude of runoff response. Based on these observations, we used a broken stick model to test the hypothesis that runoff production in response to individual storms was primarily controlled by rainfall amount and antecedent water storage conditions near the water track outlet. We found that the relative importance of the two factors varied by site, and that water tracks with similar watershed geometries and at similar landscape positions had similar rainfall–runoff model relationships. Thus, the response of terrestrial water fluxes in the upland Arctic to climate change depends on the non‐linear interactions between rainfall patterns and subsurface water storage capacity on hillslopes. Predicting these interactions across the landscape remains an important challenge.
Retracted: Genetic deletion of GIT2 prolongs functional recovery and suppresses chondrocyte differentiation in rats with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Li Hui , Guan Shi‐Bing , Lu Yi , Wang Fei , Liu Yu‐Hong , Liu Qi‐Yun 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe current study was conducted for investigating the mechanism by which GIT2 gene deletion affects the functional recovery and chondrocyte differentiation in rats with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Thirty‐two rats were randomly divided into normal, model, GIT2 gene knockout (GIT2‐KO), and model + GIT2‐KO groups. Hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining was performed for the observation of synovial tissues. Immunohistochemistry examinations were conducted to determine type II collagen expression as well as identify chondrocyte differentiation. qRT‐PCR and Western blotting techniques were adopted in order to expressions of interleukin‐1β (1L‐1β), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), Aggrecan, and Sry‐related HMG box 9 (Sox9). A tape measure and Vernier caliper were used to measure the degree of swelling. Compared with synovial tissues in the model group, those in the model + GIT2‐KO group, were thicker and comprised of a mass of inflammatory cells (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the type II collagen expressions of the cartilage tissues of the rats decreased in the model + GIT2‐KO group (P < 0.05). In terms of the degree of swelling in cartilage tissues, the model group displayed a lesser degree of swelling than in that of the model + GIT2‐KO group (P < 0.05). When compared with the model + GIT2‐KO group, the mRNA expressions of 1L‐1β, TNF‐α, Aggrecan, Sox9 and the relevant protein expressions were lower in the model group (all P < 0.05). GIT2 gene deletion might weaken chondrocyte differentiation in rats with RA, as a result acting to ultimately prolong the functional recovery of RA.
Histidine protects human lens epithelial cells against H2O2‐induced oxidative stress injury through the NF‐кB pathway
Authors: Bai Jie , Yu Nannan , Mu Hua , Dong Li , Zhang Xiaomei 
Published: August 2017

AbstractHistidine, an amino acid that is essential to humans, exerts favorable cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro, but the effect of histidine on human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) and its regulatory mechanism have not previously been reported. The oxidative stress induced by H2O2 plays an important role in the pathology of cataract. We know that HLECs are important for maintaining the transparency and integrity of the lens. In the present study, we investigated the possible molecular mechanisms underlying the cytoprotective effects of histidine against H2O2‐induced oxidative stress in HLECs. The results showed that histidine reduced H2O2‐induced cell apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, protected HLECs from H2O2‐induced oxidative damage, increased the expression levels of dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), and decreased the expression level of malondialdehyde (MDA), and the protective effect of histidine depended on the NF‐кB pathway. Together, these data suggest that histidine could be helpful in inhibiting oxidative stress in the lens and thus attenuating cataract formation.
Evaluation of two start‐up strategies to obtain nitrogen removal via nitrite and examination of the nitrous oxide emissions for different nitritation levels during the treatment of slaughterhouse wastewater
Authors: Dobbeleers Thomas , Caluwé Michel , Daens Dominque , Geuens Luc , Dries Jan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study investigated the use of a novel start‐up strategy to obtain nitrogen removal via nitrite using real‐time aeration control, in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR1), for the treatment of slaughterhouse wastewater. In addition, another SBR (SBR2) was operated with the same objective, but with a start‐up from seed sludge. Furthermore, analysis of the nitrous oxide (N2O) production and emission was conducted for different nitritation levels.RESULTSThrough the absence of an inoculum in SBR1, the nitrifying population could be regulated from the beginning. Beceause of this, nitrite oxidising bacteria could be prevented. This was proved by the nitritation degree (ND) which was already above 80% from day 28, although it took 59 days to achieve sufficient nitrogen removal efficiency (> 80%). In contrast for SBR2, it took 90–110 days to achieve full nitritation, however the nitrogen removal efficiency was above 90% at all times. The maximum N2O emission resulted to be 0.12% of the nitrogen load.CONCLUSIONThis study suggested the importance of seeding sludge for the achievement of full nitritation. Moreover, a strong positive relationship between the ND and N2O emission was observed. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Spatial Monitoring of Desertification Extent in Western Iraq using Landsat Images and GIS
Authors: Ajaj Qayssar Mahmood , Pradhan Biswajeet , Noori Abbas Mohammed , Jebur Mustafa Neamah 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDesertification refers to land degradation in arid, semi‐arid, and dry sub‐humid areas caused by various factors, including climatic variations and human activities. In recent decades, sandstorms have increased significantly in Western Iraq, which primarily increased desert lands. Proper management is required to control and to monitor the phenomena, as well as to calculate the desertified areas caused by desertification. The study area covered 50,861.854 km2 in Western Iraq. Landsat‐5 TM, Landsat‐7 ETM+, and Landsat‐8 OLI data for 1990, 2002, and 2014 were used. Maximum likelihood algorithm was used to classify the images. Change detection results were discussed in two terms: short‐term (1990–2002) and (2002–2014) and long‐term (1990–2014) analysis. Change detection analysis from 1990 to 2014 showed that desert area increased to 2286.7308 km2, becoming a new source of dust storms. Hazard occurrence probability was studied on September and October 2014. The desertification amount decreased from 1990 to 2002 and increased significantly from 2002 to 2014. Sandstorms have recently been considered a hazardous phenomenon affecting the human population, the vegetation, and the ecosystem in Iraq. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Technical Note: A novel quality assurance test to identify gantry angle inaccuracies in respiratory‐gated VMAT treatments
Authors: Hubley Emily , Briscoe Michael , Ploquin Nicolas , Pierce Greg 
Published: August 2017

PurposeDuring respiratory‐gated volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT), the radiation beam is turned off each time the target exits the gating window. At the same time, the gantry slows, stops, and rewinds before the beam is turned back on. A quality assurance (QA) test was developed to detect inaccuracies in the gantry angle position between beam‐off and beam‐on events during respiratory‐gated VMAT.MethodsStrips of Gafchromic™ EBT3 film were taped to the surface of a Capthan® 504 phantom mounted at isocenter. A homogeneous dose was delivered to the films through a 2 cm × 10 cm slit in the jaws using a respiratory‐gated VMAT arc without the multileaf collimator. A periodic breathing cycle was used. Errors in gated delivery ranging from 0.5 to 5° were simulated by delivering nongated arcs with the same field size with over‐ and underlapping sections of 0.5–5°. The simulated errors were used to define QA levels to analyze the gated delivery.ResultsThe QA test was capable of detecting errors as small as 0.5°. The test was delivered to three Varian TrueBeam™ linacs, and no gantry angle inaccuracies greater than or equal to 0.5° were detected on any of the films.ConclusionsA QA test capable of detecting gantry angle inaccuracies at beam‐off and subsequent beam‐on as small as 0.5° was developed and implemented for Varian TrueBeam™ linacs.
T2 mapping with magnetization‐prepared 3D TSE based on a modified BIR‐4 T2 preparation
Authors: Weidlich Dominik , Schlaeger Sarah , Kooijman Hendrik , Börnert Peter , Kirschke Jan S. , Rummeny Ernst J. , Haase Axel , Karampinos Dimitrios C. 
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this work was to investigate the performance of the modified BIR‐4 T2 preparation for T2 mapping and propose a method to remove T2 quantification errors in the presence of large B1 and B0 offsets.The theoretical investigation of the magnetization evolution during the T2 preparation in the presence of B1 and B0 offsets showed deviations from a mono‐exponential T2 decay (two parameter fit). A three parameter fit was used to improve T2 accuracy. Furthermore, a two parameter fit with an additional saturation preparation scan was proposed to improve T2 accuracy and precision. These three fitting methods were compared based on simulations, phantom measurements and an in vivo healthy volunteer study of the neck musculature using a 3D TSE readout.The results based upon the pure two parameter fit overestimated T2 in regions with high B0 offsets (up to 40% in phantoms). The three parameter fit T2 values were robust to B0 offsets but with higher standard deviation (up to 40% in simulations). The two parameter fit with the saturation preparation yielded high robustness towards B0 offsets with a noise performance comparable to that of the two parameter fit. In the volunteer study the T2 values obtained by the pure two parameter fit showed a dependence on the field inhomogeneities, whereas the T2 values from the proposed fitting approach were shown to be insensitive to B0 offsets.The proposed method enabled accurate and precise T2 mapping in the presence of large B1 and B0 offsets.
Identification of some Bioactive Metabolites in a Fractionated Methanol Extract from Ipomoea aquatica (Aerial Parts) through TLC, HPLC, UPLC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS and LC‐SPE‐NMR Fingerprints Analyses
Authors: Hefny Gad Mahmoud , Tuenter Emmy , El‐Sawi Nagwa , Younes Sabry , El‐Ghadban El‐Mewafy , Demeyer Kristiaan , Pieters Luc , Vander Heyden Yvan , Mangelings Debby 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe plant species Ipomoea aquatica contains various bioactive constituents, e.g. phenols and flavonoids, which have several medical uses. All previous studies were executed in Asia; however, no reports are available from Africa, and the secondary metabolites of this plant species from Africa are still unknown.ObjectiveThe present study aims finding suitable conditions to identify the bioactive compounds from different fractions.MethodologyChromatographic fingerprint profiles of different fractions were developed using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and then these conditions were transferred to thin‐layer chromatography (TLC). Subsequently, the chemical structure of some bioactive compounds was elucidated using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time of flight‐tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐QTOF‐MS) and liquid chromatography‐solid phase extraction‐nuclear magnetic resonance (LC‐SPE‐NMR) spectroscopy.ResultsThe HPLC fingerprints, developed on two coupled Chromolith RP‐18e columns, using a gradient mobile phase (methanol/water/trifluoroacetic acid, 5:95:0.05, v/v/v), showed more peaks than the TLC profile. The TLC fingerprint allows the identification of the types of chemical constituents, e.g. flavonoids. Two flavonoids (nicotiflorin and ramnazin‐3‐O‐rutinoside) and two phenolic compounds (dihydroxybenzoic acid pentoside and di‐pentoside) were tentatively identified by QTOF‐MS, while NMR confirmed the structure of rutin and nicotiflorin.ConclusionThe HPLC and TLC results showed that HPLC fingerprints give more and better separated peaks, but TLC helped in determining the class of the active compounds in some fractions. Bioactive constituents were identified as well using MS and NMR analyses. Two flavonoids and two phenolic compounds were tentatively identified in this species for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Targeted metabolic profiling rapidly differentiates Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus at species and strain level
Authors: Li Haorong , Zhu Jiangjiang 
Published: August 2017

RationalePathogenic foodborne bacteria have been associated with severe infectious disease in humans and animals worldwide. Rapid detection and screening of these foodborne pathogens are critical for our food safety. This study aimed at detecting Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, two important foodborne bacteria, at the species and strain/serovar level using a mass spectrometry (MS)‐based targeted metabolic profiling approach.MethodsTen E. coli strains (8 out of 10 were foodborne outbreak isolates) and four S. aureus strains were tested at two growth time points. A high‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS)‐based targeted metabolomics approach was applied for metabolic profile based bacteria detection. A total of 108 metabolites from multiple metabolic pathways were confidently detected from these bacteria.ResultsOur study demonstrated that with only 4 h of enrichment in the same medium, the metabolic profiles from E. coli and S. aureus showed significant difference. Furthermore, seven out of ten E. coli strains and all four tested S. aureus strains showed strain/serovar‐level differentiation at the 4‐h time point, which indicated great potential for strain level stratification in future food screening using our MS‐based targeted metabolic profiling approach.ConclusionsA targeted metabolomics method was developed to demonstrate the utility of HPLC/MS/MS‐based metabolic profiling in rapidly (4 h) differentiating E. coli and S. aureus bacteria, two of the most notorious foodborne bacteria, at both the species and strain/serovar levels. The results indicated that our approach has great potential in the future for fast and specific detection of foodborne pathogenic bacteria based on their metabolic diversity.
Hollow Co3O4 Nanocages Decorated Graphene Aerogels Derived from Carbon Wrapped Nano‐Co for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Chen Zhao‐Yang , Li Ya‐Nan , Wang Min‐Qiang , Xu Mao‐wen , Bao Shu‐Juan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAn oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalyst with high performance, low cost and good durability is extremely desirable for promoting the commercial application of fuel cells. Much efforts have been made to explore efficient and nonprecious catalysts to replace the platinum‐based catalyst. Particularly, cobalt oxide (Co3O4 or CoO) decorated carbon materials has been demonstrated as promising ORR electrocatalysts. In this paper, we report a kind of tiny hollow nano‐Co3O4 anchored 3D graphene aerogels (3DG) in the first time, which derived from direct oxidation carbon wrapped Co/3DG through Kirkendall effect. Due to its unique structure, the hollow Co3O4/3DG shows excellent ORR catalytic activity with almost four‐electron reduction pathway, high methanol tolerance and long‐term durability in alkaline media.
Prediction of violent crime on discharge from secure psychiatric hospitals: A clinical prediction rule (FoVOx)
Authors: Wolf A. , Fanshawe T.R. , Sariaslan A. , Cornish R. , Larsson H. , Fazel S. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundCurrent approaches to assess violence risk in secure hospitals are resource intensive, limited by accuracy and authorship bias and may have reached a performance ceiling. This study seeks to develop scalable predictive models for violent offending following discharge from secure psychiatric hospitals.MethodsWe identified all patients discharged from secure hospitals in Sweden between January 1, 1992 and December 31, 2013. Using multiple Cox regression, pre-specified criminal, sociodemographic, and clinical risk factors were included in a model that was tested for discrimination and calibration in the prediction of violent crime at 12 and 24 months post-discharge. Risk cut-offs were pre-specified at 5% (low vs. medium) and 20% (medium vs. high).ResultsWe identified 2248 patients with 2933 discharges into community settings. We developed a 12-item model with good measures of calibration and discrimination (area under the curve = 0.77 at 12 and 24 months). At 24 months post-discharge, using the 5% cut-off, sensitivity was 96% and specificity was 21%. Positive and negative predictive values were 19% and 97%, respectively. Using the 20% cut-off, sensitivity was 55%, specificity 83% and the positive and negative predictive values were 37% and 91%, respectively. The model was used to develop a free online tool (FoVOx).InterpretationWe have developed a prediction score in a Swedish cohort of patients discharged from secure hospitals that can assist in clinical decision-making. Scalable predictive models for violence risk are possible in specific patient groups and can free up clinical time for treatment and management. Further evaluation in other countries is needed.FundingWellcome Trust (202836/Z/16/Z) and the Swedish Research Council. The funding sources had no involvement in writing of the manuscript or decision to submit or in data collection, analysis or interpretation or any aspect pertinent to the study.
Usefulness of supraclavicular flap in reconstruction following resection of oral cancer
Authors: Padiyar B. Vageesh , Azeem Mohiyuddin S.M. , Sagayaraj A. , Merchant Shuaib 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate the usefulness of supraclavicular artery flap in reconstruction of defects following resection of buccal mucosa cancer.MethodsTwenty‐five patients who presented to R.L Jalappa Hospital and Research centre and diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma of buccal mucosa staged T2 and above were included in our study. All patients underwent wide excision of tumour and neck dissection. Six patients underwent hemi‐mandibulectomy while 4 patients underwent marginal mandibulectomy depending on extent of the tumour along with neck dissection. The defect following surgery was reconstructed using the supraclavicular artery flap and were followed up for minimum 6 months during which they were assessed for the functional and aesthetic outcome using a scoring system. The details of the scoring system comprised of 7 attributes. Each attribute was given a score of 10 if the patients experienced that attribute, while a score of 0 was given if the patient did not experience that particular attribute.ResultsSeven (28%) patients had complete necrosis of the flap. One patient had a local recurrence 2 months following surgery and was lost to follow up. The remaining 17 patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months and a scoring system was adopted to evaluate the functional and aesthetic outcome of the supraclavicular flap. We observed that 14 patients had an excellent outcome score (58%), 3 patients had a good outcome score (13%), while 7 patients (28%) had flap necrosis.ConclusionsWe find the supraclavicular flap to be safe, technically simple, sensate, thin, pliable and reliable regional fasciocutaneous flap in reconstructing intra oral defects. Preserving the external jugular vein and sacrificing supraclavicular nerves give good outcome.
‘You started something … then I continued by myself’: a qualitative study of physical activity maintenance
Authors: Wahlich Charlotte , Beighton Carole , Victor Christina , Normansell Rebecca , Cook Derek , Kerry Sally , Iliffe Steve , Ussher Michael , Whincup Peter , Fox-Rushby Julia , Limb Elizabeth , Furness Cheryl , Harris Tess 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundMost mid-life and older adults are not achieving recommended physical activity (PA) targets and effective interventions are needed to increase and maintain PA long-term for health benefits. The Pedometer And Consultation Evaluation (PACE-UP) trial, a three-armed primary care pedometer-based walking intervention in those aged 45–75 years, demonstrated increased PA levels at 12 months. A three-year follow-up was conducted to evaluate long-term PA maintenance, including a qualitative component.AimTo examine facilitators and barriers to PA maintenance in mid-life and older adults previously involved in a PA trial.MethodSemi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 60 PACE-UP participants across all study arms. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded independently by researchers, prior to thematic analysis.FindingsTwo-thirds of participants felt since the PACE-UP trial they had an awareness of PA, with the pedometer reported as ‘kick-starting’ regular activity, and then helped them to maintain regular activity. PA facilitators included: maintaining good health, self-motivation, social support and good weather. Lack of time was the most frequently cited barrier. Other barriers were often the inverse of the facilitators; for example, poor health and bad weather. Participants described the type of ‘top-up’ intervention they would find beneficial to aid PA maintenance (eg, text messages, online resources and walking groups).ConclusionA challenge for future PA interventions is to transform barriers into facilitators; for example, educating trial participants about the value of PA for many chronic health conditions to change this from inhibiting to promoting PA. Participants provided ideas for encouraging PA maintenance which could be incorporated into future interventions.