bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The quest for population‐level cancer recurrence data; current deficiencies and targets for improvement
Authors: In Haejin , Simon Cassie A. , Phillips Jerri Linn , Posner Mitchell C. , Ko Clifford Y. , Winchester David P. 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundCancer recurrence is a critical outcome in cancer care. However, population‐level recurrence information is currently unavailable. Tumor registries provide an opportunity to generate this information, but require major reform. Our objectives were to (1) determine causes for variability in collection of recurrence, and (2) identify targets for intervention.MethodsOn‐site interviews and observations of tumor registry follow‐up procedures were conducted at Commission on Cancer (CoC) accredited hospitals. Information regarding registry resources (caseload, staffing, chart availability), follow‐up methods and perceived causes for difficulty in obtaining recurrence information was obtained.ResultsSeven NCI/academic, 5 comprehensive community and 2 community centers agreed to participate. Hospitals were inconsistent in their investigation of cancer recurrence, resulting in underreporting of rates of recurrence. Hospital characteristics, registry staffing, staff qualifications and medical chart access influenced follow‐up practices. Coding standards and definitions for recurrence were suboptimal, resulting in hospital variability of recurrence reporting. Finally, inability to identify cases lost to follow‐up in collected data prevents accurate analysis of recurrence rates.ConclusionTumor registries collect varying degrees of recurrence information and provide the underpinnings to capture population‐level cancer recurrence data. Targets for intervention are listed, and provide a roadmap to obtain this critical information in cancer care. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:657–662. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
After All, Land Belongs to the State: Examining the Benefits of Land Registration for Smallholders in Ethiopia
Authors: Yami Mastewal , Snyder Katherine A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe role of land registration in reducing rural poverty has been debated for several decades. This article analyses the impacts of land registration on land rentals, security of land tenure, disputes over land, use of credit facilities from formal financial institutions and gender access and control over land. Our findings are based on data collected between April and December 2011 in irrigation systems in three regional states of Ethiopia using in‐depth interviews and field surveys. Land registration has a positive influence on land rentals by reducing the fear of landholders in losing land to renters. Important benefits of land registration also include enhancing tenure security through ensuring usufruct rights over land and addressing the conflicts that arise from the competition to access irrigable land. Joint land titling secures women's access to land and encourages women's decision‐making on land rentals, input use, cropping patterns and the marketing of harvest from irrigable plots. While land registration allows for improved tenure security, gender equity and reduced disputes over land, it does little to facilitate access to credit or increase the use of farm inputs. The findings suggest that more work needs to be carried out to translate the benefits of land registration into improved livelihoods by increasing investment in farm inputs, production of high value, off‐season crops and increase market participation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of intestinal microbiota in the generation of polyphenol‐derived phenolic acid mediated attenuation of Alzheimer's disease β‐amyloid oligomerization
Authors: Wang Dongjie , Ho Lap , Faith Jeremiah , Ono Kenjiro , Janle Elsa M. , Lachcik Pamela J. , Cooper Bruce R. , Jannasch Amber H. , D'Arcy Bruce R. , Williams Barbara A. , Ferruzzi Mario G. , Levine Samara , Zhao Wei , Dubner Lauren , Pasinetti Giulio M. 
Published: February 2015

ScopeGrape seed polyphenol extract (GSPE) is receiving increasing attention for its potential preventative and therapeutic roles in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other age‐related neurodegenerative disorders. The intestinal microbiota is known to actively convert many dietary polyphenols, including GSPE, to phenolic acids. There is limited information on the bioavailability and bioactivity of GSPE‐derived phenolic acid in the brain.Methods and resultsWe orally administered GSPE to rats and investigated the bioavailability of 12 phenolic acids known to be generated by microbiota metabolism of anthocyanidins. GSPE treatment significantly increased the content of two of the phenolic acids in the brain: 3‐hydroxybenzoic acid and 3‐(3´‐hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, resulting in the brain accumulations of the two phenolic acids at micromolar concentrations. We also provided evidence that 3‐hydroxybenzoic acid and 3‐(3´‐hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid potently interfere with the assembly of β‐amyloid peptides into neurotoxic β‐amyloid aggregates that play key roles in AD pathogenesis.ConclusionOur observation suggests important contribution of the intestinal microbiota to the protective activities of GSPE (as well as other polyphenol preparations) in AD. Outcomes from our studies support future preclinical and clinical investigations exploring the potential contributions of the intestinal microbiota in protecting against the onset/progression of AD and other neurodegenerative conditions.
Response of TEGDN Propellants to Plasma Ignition with the Same Magnitude of Ignition Energy as Conventional Igniters in an Interrupted Burning Simulator
Authors: Xiao Zhenggang , Ying Sanjiu , Xu Fuming 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn order to consider the potential influence of ignition energy factors on the response of double base propellants plasticized with triethyleneglycol dinitrate (TEGDN propellants), the influence of different ignition methods at the same magnitude of ignition energy level on the response of TEGDN propellants was investigated in an interrupted burning simulator. Compared to conventional ignition methods, plasma ignition exhibits a significantly shorter ignition delay and lower ignition energy. There are stronger ablation and impact interactions of plasma flow with the surface of propellants. For TEGDN propellants coated with titanium dioxide, a greater amount of melted white layer is deposited on the surface of propellants. The content of copper on the surface of recovered plasma‐ignited samples observed by X‐ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is much larger than that on the surface of recovered conventionally ignited samples, indicating more deposition of copper wire discharge on the surface of the samples. The test results will benefit the design of plasma generator and electrical parameters of pulse power to satisfy certain propellant compositions.
Robust state‐feedback control of stochastic state‐multiplicative discrete‐time linear switched systems with dwell time
Authors: Allerhand L. I. , Gershon E. , Shaked U. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryLinear discrete‐time switched stochastic systems are considered, where the problems of mean square stability, stochastic l2‐gain and state‐feedback control design are treated and solved. Solutions are obtained for both nominal and polytopic‐type uncertain systems. In all these problems, the switching obeys a dwell time constraint. In our solution, to each subsystem of the switched system, a Lyapunov function is assigned that is nonincreasing at the switching instants. The latter function is allowed to vary piecewise linearly, starting at the end of the previous switch instant, and it becomes time invariant after the dwell. In order to guarantee asymptotic stability, we require the Lyapunov function to be negative between consecutive switchings. We thus obtain Linear Matrix Inequalities conditions. Based on the solution of the stochastic l2‐gain problem, we derive a solution to the state‐feedback control design, where we treat a variety of special cases. Being affine in the system matrices, all the aforementioned solutions are extended to the uncertain polytopic case. The proposed theory is demonstrated by a practical example taken from the field of flight control. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On improving transient performance in tracking control for switched systems with input saturation via composite nonlinear feedback
Authors: Wang Juan , Zhao Jun 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThis paper is concerned with transient performance in tracking problem for switched linear systems with input saturation. A design procedure for constructing the composite nonlinear feedback (CNF) control law is developed. Under the average dwell time scheme, the controlled output of the closed‐loop switched system tracks asymptotically a step reference by CNF control technique without exceeding the saturation limit. At the same time, the desired transient performance with quick response and small overshoot can be achieved. In addition, the proposed method is applied to the control of turntable servo system. The example of turntable demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the results proposed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Life Event Stress and Binge Eating Among Adolescents: The Roles of Early Maladaptive Schemas and Impulsivity
Authors: Zhu Hong , Luo Xingwei , Cai Taisheng , He Jinbo , Lu Yao , Wu Siyao 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThis study examined the relationships between life event stress, early maladaptive schemas, impulsivity and binge eating among adolescents and investigated the effects of early maladaptive schemas and impulsivity on the relationship between life event stress and binge eating. Specifically, we examined a moderated mediation model in which early maladaptive schemas mediated this relationship and impulsivity moderated the mediation effect. Life event stress, early maladaptive schemas, impulsivity and binge eating were investigated in a sample of 2172 seventh‐, eighth‐ and tenth‐grade middle and high school students (mean age = 14.55 years, standard deviation = 1.29). The results indicated that adolescents with greater life event stress, more early maladaptive schemas and higher levels of impulsivity displayed more severe binge eating. In addition, early maladaptive schemas mediated the relationship between life event stress and binge eating, while impulsivity moderated this relationship. Furthermore, impulsivity also moderated the mediation effect of early maladaptive schemas; as impulsivity levels increased, the strength of the association between life event stress and early maladaptive schemas increased. This study illustrates the importance of understanding individual differences and their effects on the relationship between life event stress and binge eating. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Alternative Technique for Harvesting Marginal Liver Grafts with a Replaced or Accessory Right Hepatic Artery
Authors: Addeo Pietro , Souche Regis , Bachellier Philippe 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe presence of a replaced or accessory right hepatic artery (R/A RHA) originating from the superior mesenteric artery represents one of the most common anatomical vascular variants of the hepatic artery and comprises the most frequently injured vessels during liver harvesting. Vascular arterial injuries following liver procurement are associated with decreased patient and graft survival and higher retransplantation rates. We describe an alternative technique for harvesting marginal liver grafts with replaced or accessory right hepatic arteries in the absence of pancreatic procurement. The entire procedure is divided and schematically described in six steps for didactical purposes. This technique has been used in 72 liver harvests over a three‐year period with no R/A RHA injury. The technical advantages and limitations of this alternative method are discussed.
Triacetic acid lactone production in industrial Saccharomyces yeast strains
Authors: Saunders Lauren P , Bowman Michael J , Mertens Jeffrey A , Da Silva Nancy A , Hector Ronald E 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Triacetic acid lactone (TAL) is a potential platform chemical that can be produced in yeast. To evaluate the potential for industrial yeast strains to produce TAL, the g2ps1 gene encoding 2-pyrone synthase was transformed into 13 industrial yeast strains of varied genetic background. TAL production varied 63-fold between strains when compared in batch culture with glucose. Ethanol, acetate, and glycerol were also tested as potential carbon sources. Batch cultures with ethanol medium produced the highest titers. Therefore, fed-batch cultivation with ethanol feed was assayed for TAL production in bioreactors, producing our highest TAL titer, 5.2 g/L. Higher feed rates resulted in a loss of TAL and subsequent production of additional TAL side products. Finally, TAL efflux was measured and TAL is actively exported from S. cerevisiae cells. Percent yield for all strains was low, indicating that further metabolic engineering of the strains is required.
Common Radiographic Imaging Modalities Fail to Accurately Predict Capitate Morphology
Authors: Niacaris Timothy , Wong Victor W. , Patel Ketan M. , Januszyk Michael , Starnes Trevor , Murphy Michael S. , Higgins James P. 
Published: February 2015

Background There are three morphologies of the capitate based on its lunate and scaphoid articulations: flat, spherical, and V-shaped. Following a proximal row carpectomy (PRC), the capitate articulates with the lunate facet of the radius, altering contact biomechanics at the radiocarpal joint. Therefore, capitate morphology may influence contact pressures at the capitolunate articulation and influence clinical outcomes after PRC. However, it remains unclear which diagnostic imaging technique most reliably distinguishes between capitate morphologies. Methods We evaluated the ability of plain radiographs, two-dimensional computed tomography (2D-CT), three-dimensional (3D)-CT reconstruction, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict capitate type in 47 fresh frozen cadaver wrists. Two attending hand surgeons and one hand surgery fellow characterized capitate type based on each imaging modality. True capitate type was determined after gross dissection. We determined the reliability of each modality to predict capitate morphology. Results We found all four imaging modalities to have a low sensitivity and specificity for predicting capitate morphology. Plain radiographs, 2D-CT, 3D-CT, and MRI had sensitivities/specificities of 0.46/0.57, 0.54/0.72, 0.54/0.52, and 0.56/0.65, respectively. All modalities had high negative predictive values for detecting the more rare V-shaped capitate subtype (range 91–94 %). Inter-rater reliability was poor for all modalities. Conclusion These data suggest that plain radiographs, CT, 3D-CT, and MRI are not helpful in preoperative determination of true capitate morphology. Plain radiographs are as effective as more cost-intensive modalities in ruling out V-shaped capitates.
Ulnar Collateral Ligament Strain of the Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint: Biomechanical Comparison of Two Postoperative Immobilization Techniques
Authors: Lien John R. , Brunfeldt Alexander , Julka Abhishek , Hughes Richard E. , Ozer Kagan , Lawton Jeffrey N. 
Published: February 2015

Background The aim of this study was to compare postoperative immobilization techniques of the thumb metacarpophalangeal (MP) ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in a cadaver model of a noncompliant patient. Methods A cadaveric model with fresh-frozen forearms was used to simulate pinch under two immobilization conditions: (1) forearm-based thumb spica splint alone and (2) forearm-based thumb spica splint with supplemental transarticular MP Kirschner wire fixation. Pinch was simulated by thumb valgus loading and flexor pollicis longus (FPL) loading. Ulnar collateral ligament displacements were measured and strain values calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using a repeated measures analysis of variance model. Results With valgus thumb loading, we noted a significantly lower UCL strain in the splint and pin group compared to splint immobilization alone. Increased load was associated with a statistically significant increase in UCL strain within each immobilization condition. FPL loading resulted in negative displacement, or paradoxical shortening, of the UCL in both immobilization groups. Conclusions While immobilized, valgus thumb force, as opposed to MP flexion, is a likely contributor to UCL strain during simulated pinch representing noncompliance during the postoperative period. Supplemental thumb MP pin fixation more effectively protects the UCL from valgus strain. UCL shortening with FPL loading likely represents paradoxical MP extension due to flexion of the distal phalanx against the distal splint, suggesting attempted thumb flexion with splint immobilization alone does not jeopardize UCL repair. Clinical Relevance This study provides a foundation to aid clinical decision-making after UCL repair. It reinforces the practice of surgeons who routinely pin their MP joints, but also brings to attention that the use of temporary MP pin fixation may be considered in difficult cases, such as those with potential noncompliance or tenuous repair.
Electron Backscatter Diffraction Study on Microstructure, Texture, and Strain Evolution in Armco Iron Severely Deformed by the Differential Speed Rolling Method
Authors: Polkowski Wojciech , Jóźwik Paweł , Bojar Zbigniew 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Results of the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) study on structural changes in Armco iron subjected to severe plastic deformation by differential speed rolling (DSR) with different values of roll speed mismatch (R = 1, 2, 3, and 4) are shown in the present article. Results of the EBSD microstructure evaluation reveal that a differentiation of roll speeds results in an effect of structure refinement—iron samples processed with high roll speed mismatch are characterized by a high fraction of grains with submicron size. A microtexture examination shows that the DSR process leads to an overall texture weakening effect and a displacement (a shifting to different “stable” positions) of the basic rolling texture components, due to an additional presence of a simple shear component in the deformation gradient imposed to the material. Despite the higher hardness of the DSR-processed samples, results of the EBSD strain analysis indicate that some part of the stored deformation energy is released during rolling with an additional presence of shear strain. This finding points toward the possibility of activating a dynamic transformation of the material structure into some more stable state. However, since the observed structural changes take place inside deformation bands and do not lead directly to the formation of a fully equiaxed grain structure, it seems to be more reasonable to call the observed structure transformation a subgrain structure evolution through accumulated shear deformation, which may be related to the dynamic recovery process.
Extraction and Fermentation‐Based Purification of Saponins from Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn.
Authors: Heng Wu , Ling Zhang , Na Wang , Youzhi Guo , Zhen Weng , Zhiyong Sun , Deping Xu , Yunfei Xie , Weirong Yao 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn the present study, the extraction and purification of saponins from Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn. were examined for effective utilization of the saponin resource. Saponins were extracted from S. mukorossi Gaertn. using water. The conditions of the water extraction process, including extraction temperature, extraction time, number of times of extraction, and solvent‐material ratio were optimized. The yield of total Sapindus saponins (TSS) from the pericarp was 33.41 % and its purity in the extract was 45.71 %. The saponin solution was further concentrated to 1/6–1/7 of its original volume, and dried yeast BV818 that adapted to the concentrated Sapindus saponins solution (SW) was screened. The activation conditions, inoculum amount, fermentation temperature, and fermentation period were optimized. By using the dried yeast under optimized conditions, the purity was increased to 75.50 %. The yield of the byproduct ethanol was 5.33 % (w/v), while the content of TSS in the final product decreased from 18.29 to 15.30 % (w/v). These results could contribute to the development of industrial‐scale production of Sapindus saponins.
Hypocholesterolaemic effect of rat-administered oral doses of the isolated 7S globulins from cowpeas and adzuki beans
Authors: Ferreira Ederlan S. , Amaral Ana Lucia S. , Demonte Aureluce , Zanelli Cleslei F. , Capraro Jessica , Duranti Marcello , Neves Valdir A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe role of seed proteins, especially soyabean 7S globulins, in controlling dyslipidaemia is widely acknowledged. Amino acid sequence homology among the proteins of this family could reflect similar biological functions in other species. The aim of the present study was to unveil a hypolipidaemic effect of the 7S globulins from cowpeas (7S-C) and adzuki beans (7S-A), administered orally to rats fed a hypercholesterolaemic (HC; high cholesterol and TAG) diet for 28 d. A total of forty-five rats were divided into five groups (nine rats per group): (1) standard (STD) diet; (2) HC diet; (3) HC diet + 7S-C (300 mg/kg per d); (4) HC diet + 7S-A (300 mg/kg per d); and (5) HC diet + simvastatin (SVT; 50 mg/kg per d), as a control. Significant decreases in food intake and final body weight of rats receiving HC + 7S-C and HC + 7S-A diets compared with groups fed the HC and STD diets were observed. Significant decreases in serum total and non-HDL-cholesterol of 7S-C, 7S-A and SVT groups were also observed. HDL-cholesterol levels increased in the 7S-C, 7S-A and SVT groups, while hepatic cholesterol and TAG concentrations were significantly lower than in the HC diet group for the 7S-C-supplemented group only. Faecal excretions of fat and cholesterol in HC diet groups were considerably higher in animals consuming the 7S globulins. The results show that cowpea and adzuki bean 7S globulins promote cholesterol-decreasing effects in hypercholesterolaemic rats even at low dosages, as already observed for other legume seed storage proteins of this family. This main effect is discussed in relation to the possible mechanisms of action.
A NEW WEED MANAGEMENT APPROACH TO IMPROVE SOIL HEALTH IN A TROPICAL PLANTATION CROP, RUBBER (HEVEA BRASILIENSIS)
Authors: ABRAHAM JOSHUA , JOSEPH PHEBE 
Published: February 2015

SUMMARYThe soil health of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantations shows a declining trend, mainly due to the continuous mono crop cultivation and the ‘clean-weeding’ practices. Another weeding approach which allows the under-flora to grow profusely after closing up of the rubber canopy (no-weeding) can establish a multi-flora system that can improve soil health. A case study was undertaken to test this hypothesis. Rubber fields with and without control of under-flora were investigated for different soil properties, biomass and nutrients of under-flora and rubber yield. The ‘no-weeding’ practice for about 10 years in the rubber fields significantly improved the soil OC, N, available forms K and Mg, respiration rate and moisture status. The biomass and associated nutrients of under-flora also were much higher while the rubber yield was not negatively affected in the ‘no-weeding’ fields. The new weed management system is of great significance in improving soil quality, carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation, besides the economic and energy savings without affecting crop yield.