bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxygen isotopic fractionation of O2 during adsorption and desorption processes using molecular sieve at low temperatures
Authors: Ahn Insu , Kusakabe Minoru , Lee Jong Ik 
Published: April 2014

RATIONALECryogenic trapping using molecular sieves is commonly used to collect O2 extracted from silicates for 17O/16O and 18O/16O analyses. However, gases which interfere with 17O/16O analysis, notably NF3, are also trapped and their removal is essential for accurate direct measurement of the 17O/16O ratio. It is also necessary to identify and quantify any isotopic fractionation associated with the use of cryogenic trapping using molecular sieves.METHODSThe oxygen isotopic compositions of O2 before and after desorption from, and adsorption onto, 13X and 5A molecular sieves (MS13X and MS5A) at 0°C, −78°C, −114°C, and −130°C were measured in order to determine the oxygen isotopic fractionation at these temperatures. We also investigated whether isotopic fractionation occurred when O2 gas was transferred sequentially into a second cold finger, also containing molecular sieve.RESULTSIt was confirmed that significant oxygen isotopic fractionation occurs between the gaseous O2 and that adsorbed onto molecular sieve, if desorption and adsorption are incomplete. As the fraction of released or untrapped O2 becomes smaller with decreasing trapping temperature (from 0 to –130°C), the isotopic fractionation becomes larger. Approximately half of the total adsorbed O2 is released from the molecular sieve during desorption at –114°C, which is the temperature recommended for separation from NF3 (retained on the molecular sieve), and this will interfere with 17O/16O measurements.CONCLUSIONSThe use of a single cold finger should be avoided, because partial desorption is accompanied by oxygen isotopic fractionation, thereby resulting in inaccurate isotopic data. The use of a dual cold finger arrangement is recommended because, as we have confirmed, the transfer of O2 from the first trap to the second is almost 100%. However, even under these conditions, a small isotopic fractionation (0.18 ± 0.05‰ in δ17O values and 0.26 ± 0.06‰ in δ18O values) occurred, with O2 in the second trap being isotopically enriched in the heavier isotopes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The application of a new microfluidic device for the simultaneous identification and quantitation of midazolam metabolites obtained from a single micro‐litre of chimeric mice blood
Authors: Gallagher Richard , Dillon Leonard , Grimsley Aidan , Murphy Jim , Samuelsson Kristin , Douce David 
Published: April 2014

RATIONALEImprovements in the design of low‐flow highly sensitive chromatographic ion source interfaces allow the detection and characterisation of drugs and metabolites from smaller sample volumes. This in turn improves the ethical treatment of animals by reducing both the number of animals needed and the blood sampling volumes required.METHODSA new microfluidic device combining an ultra‐high pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) analytical column with a nano‐flow electrospray source is described. All microfluidic, gas and electrical connections are automatically engaged when the ceramic microfluidic device is inserted into the source enclosure. The system was used in conjunction with a hybrid quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer.RESULTSThe improved sensitivity of the system is highlighted in its application in the quantification and qualification of midazolam and its metabolites detected in whole blood from chimeric and wild‐type mice. Metabolite identification and full pharmacokinetic profiles were obtained from a single micro‐litre of whole blood at each sampling time and significant pharmacokinetic differences were observed between the two types of mice.CONCLUSIONSImprovements in the enhanced ionisation efficiency from the microfluidic device in conjunction with nanoUHPLC/MS was sufficiently sensitive for the identification and quantification of midazolam metabolites from a single micro‐litre of whole blood. Detection of metabolites not previously recorded from the chimeric mouse in vivo model was made. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fully automated laser ablation liquid capture surface analysis using nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Lorenz Matthias , Ovchinnikova Olga S. , Van Berkel Gary J. 
Published: April 2014

RATIONALELaser ablation provides for the possibility of sampling a large variety of surfaces with high spatial resolution. This type of sampling when employed in conjunction with liquid capture followed by nanoelectrospray ionization provides the opportunity for sensitive and prolonged interrogation of samples by mass spectrometry as well as the ability to analyze surfaces not amenable to direct liquid extraction.METHODSA fully automated, reflection geometry, laser ablation liquid capture spot sampling system was achieved by incorporating appropriate laser fiber optics and a focusing lens into a commercially available, liquid extraction surface analysis (LESA®)‐ready Advion TriVersa NanoMate system.RESULTSUnder optimized conditions about 10% of laser‐ablated material could be captured in a droplet positioned vertically over the ablation region using the NanoMate robot‐controlled pipette. The sampling spot size area with this laser ablation liquid capture surface analysis (LA/LCSA) mode of operation (typically about 120 µm × 160 µm) was approximately 50 times smaller than that achievable by direct liquid extraction using LESA® (ca 1 mm diameter liquid extraction spot). The setup was successfully applied for the analysis of ink on glass and paper as well as the endogenous components in Alstroemeria Yellow King flower petals. In a second mode of operation with a comparable sampling spot size, termed laser ablation/LESA®, the laser system was used to drill through, penetrate, or otherwise expose material beneath a solvent resistant surface. Once drilled, LESA® was effective in sampling soluble material exposed at that location on the surface.CONCLUSIONSIncorporating the capability for different laser ablation liquid capture spot sampling modes of operation into a LESA®‐ready Advion TriVersa NanoMate enhanced the spot sampling spatial resolution of this device and broadened the surface types amenable to analysis to include absorbent and solvent‐resistant materials. Published in 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Testing for publication bias in diagnostic meta‐analysis: a simulation study
Authors: Bürkner Paul‐Christian , Doebler Philipp 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe present study investigates the performance of several statistical tests to detect publication bias in diagnostic meta‐analysis by means of simulation. While bivariate models should be used to pool data from primary studies in diagnostic meta‐analysis, univariate measures of diagnostic accuracy are preferable for the purpose of detecting publication bias. In contrast to earlier research, which focused solely on the diagnostic odds ratio or its logarithm ( lnω), the tests are combined with four different univariate measures of diagnostic accuracy. For each combination of test and univariate measure, both type I error rate and statistical power are examined under diverse conditions. The results indicate that tests based on linear regression or rank correlation cannot be recommended in diagnostic meta‐analysis, because type I error rates are either inflated or power is too low, irrespective of the applied univariate measure. In contrast, the combination of trim and fill and lnωhas non‐inflated or only slightly inflated type I error rates and medium to high power, even under extreme circumstances (at least when the number of studies per meta‐analysis is large enough). Therefore, we recommend the application of trim and fill combined with lnωto detect funnel plot asymmetry in diagnostic meta‐analysis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Employing second‐order mutation for isolating first‐order equivalent mutants
Authors: Kintis Marinos , Papadakis Mike , Malevris Nicos 
Published: April 2014

SummaryThe equivalent mutant problem is a major hindrance to mutation testing. Being undecidable in general, it is only susceptible to partial solutions. In this paper, mutant classification is utilised for isolating likely to be first‐order equivalent mutants. A new classification technique, Isolating Equivalent Mutants (I‐EQM), is introduced and empirically investigated. The proposed approach employs a dynamic execution scheme that integrates the impact on the program execution of first‐order mutants with the impact on the output of second‐order mutants. An experimental study, conducted using two independently created sets of manually classified mutants selected from real‐world programs revalidates previously published results and provides evidence for the effectiveness of the proposed technique. Overall, the study shows that I‐EQM substantially improves previous methods by retrieving a considerably higher number of killable mutants, thus, amplifying the quality of the testing process. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nasal bone length, prenasal thickness, prenasal thickness‐to‐nasal bone length ratio and prefrontal space ratio in second‐ and third‐trimester fetuses with Down syndrome
Authors: Vos F. I. , De Jong‐Pleij E. A. P. , Bakker M. , Tromp E. , Pajkrt E. , Kagan K. O. , Bilardo C. M. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo evaluate nasal bone length (NBL), prenasal thickness (PT), prenasal thickness‐to‐nasal bone length (PT‐NBL) ratio and prefrontal space ratio (PFSR) as markers for Down syndrome in the second and third trimesters.MethodsNBL, PT, PT‐NBL ratio and PFSR were measured retrospectively in stored two‐dimensional images or three‐dimensional volumes (corrected to the mid‐sagittal plane) of fetuses with Down syndrome, which were retrieved from the digital databases of participating units. Measurements were performed on the stored images and volumes by two experienced operators, and the values obtained were compared to our previously reported normal ranges for euploid fetuses in order to assess the detection rates for Down syndrome.ResultsA total of 159 fetuses with Down syndrome were included in the analysis, six of which were excluded because of inadequate available images. Median maternal age was 36.0 years and median gestational age was 23 + 1 weeks. NBL and PT were correlated with gestational age (P < 0.001), but the PT‐NBL ratio and PFSR were not. Mean NBL, PT, PT‐NBL ratio and PFSR were 4.42 mm, 5.56 mm, 1.26 and 0.34, respectively. The nasal bone was absent in 23 (15.4%) cases. As a marker for Down syndrome, the PT‐NBL ratio yielded the highest detection rate (86.2%), followed by PFSR (79.7%), PT (63.4%) and NBL (61.9%). All markers were abnormal in 33.6% of cases, whilst all were normal in 4.7%. At least one of the four markers was abnormal in 95.3%, and either the PT‐NBL ratio or PFSR was abnormal in 93.8%. Detection rates were not related to gestational age.ConclusionsThe PT‐NBL ratio and PFSR are robust second‐ and third‐trimester markers for Down syndrome. Both provide high detection rates and are easy to use, as the cut‐off for normality is constant throughout gestation. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A kernel plus method for quantifying wind turbine performance upgrades
Authors: Lee Giwhyun , Ding Yu , Xie Le , Genton Marc G. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPower curves are commonly estimated using the binning method recommended by the International Electrotechnical Commission, which primarily incorporates wind speed information. When such power curves are used to quantify a turbine's upgrade, the results may not be accurate because many other environmental factors in addition to wind speed, such as temperature, air pressure, turbulence intensity, wind shear and humidity, all potentially affect the turbine's power output. Wind industry practitioners are aware of the need to filter out effects from environmental conditions. Toward that objective, we developed a kernel plus method that allows incorporation of multivariate environmental factors in a power curve model, thereby controlling the effects from environmental factors while comparing power outputs. We demonstrate that the kernel plus method can serve as a useful tool for quantifying a turbine's upgrade because it is sensitive to small and moderate changes caused by certain turbine upgrades. Although we demonstrate the utility of the kernel plus method in this specific application, the resulting method is a general, multivariate model that can connect other physical factors, as long as their measurements are available, with a turbine's power output, which may allow us to explore new physical properties associated with wind turbine performance. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrating omics into the cardiac differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Rojas‐Muñoz Agustin , Maurya Mano R. , Lo Frederick , Willems Erik 
Published: April 2014

AbstractTime‐dependent extracellular manipulations of human pluripotent stem cells can yield as much as 90% pure populations of cardiomyocytes. While the extracellular control of differentiation generally entails dynamic regulation of well‐known pathways such as Wnt, BMP, and Nodal signaling, the underlying genetic networks are far more complex and are poorly understood. Notably, the identification of these networks holds promise for understanding heart disease and regeneration. The availability of genome‐wide experimentation, such as RNA and DNA sequencing, as well as high throughput surveying with small molecule and small interfering RNA libraries, now enables us to map the genetic interactions underlying cardiac differentiation on a global scale. Initial studies demonstrate the complexity of the genetic regulation of cardiac differentiation, exposing unanticipated novel mechanisms. However, the large datasets generated tend to be overwhelming and systematic approaches are needed to process the vast amount of data to improve our mechanistic understanding of the complex biology. Systems biology methods spur high hopes for parsing vast amounts of data into genetic interaction models that can be verified experimentally and ultimately yield functional networks that expose the genetic connections underlying biological processes. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2014, 6:247–264. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1268This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Signaling
Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Genetic/Genomic Methods
Developmental Biology > Stem Cell Biology and Regeneration
Sentinel Node Mapping in Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagogastric Junction
Authors: Matsuda Tatsuo , Takeuchi Hiroya , Tsuwano Shinichi , Nakahara Tadaki , Mukai Makio , Kitagawa Yuko 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) is increasing, but the surgical strategy for AEG remains controversial. We hypothesized that sentinel node (SN) mapping for AEG could be validated to avoid unnecessary lymphadenectomy and permit minimally invasive surgery. We examined the feasibility of SN mapping for AEG.MethodsWe enrolled 15 patients with preoperatively diagnosed cT1 N0 M0 primary AEG (Siewert type I, N = 3; Siewert type II, N = 12) lesions measuring <4 cm in diameter. The dual tracer method employing radioactive colloid and blue dye was used to detect SNs. The distribution of SNs was compared with that of metastatic lymph nodes in 52 patients who were surgically treated without SN mapping.ResultsSNs were successfully identified in all the patients. Two patients with lymph node metastasis had positive SNs identified via an intraoperative pathological examination, and the diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy based on the SN status were both 100 %. For Siewert type II AEG, the SNs were not detected in the lower mediastinum by intraoperative gamma probing. Thus, all surgical procedures were performed via a transhiatal approach. No patient without SN metastasis experienced cancer recurrence during a 38‐month median follow‐up. The distribution of SNs was similar to that of lymph node metastasis in the patients who were surgically treated without SN mapping.ConclusionsWe achieved 100 % SN detection. Our results suggested that SN mapping is feasible for AEG and highly sensitive and accurate in diagnosing lymph node metastasis. SN mapping may clarify the necessity of mediastinal lymph node dissection and individualize minimally invasive surgery.
Linking the Levels: Network and Relational Perspectives for Community Psychology
Authors: Neal Jennifer Watling , Christens Brian D. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIn this article, we assert that relationships and networks are of paramount importance for understanding and improving settings, neighborhoods, communities, and larger social systems. Despite previous acknowledgements of their relevance, relational and social network perspectives and analyses remain underrepresented in community psychological research and action. Here, we claim that network and relational perspectives can provide conceptual and empirical ‘links’ between levels of analysis, more fully reflecting a transactional view. We also describe some of the sophisticated methodologies that can be employed in empirical studies drawing on these perspectives. Additionally, we contend that core concepts in community psychology such as health promotion, empowerment, coalition building, and dissemination and implementation can be better understood when employing relational and network perspectives. As an introduction to this special issue ofAmerican Journal of Community Psychology, we draw out themes and key points from the articles in the issue, and offer recommendations for future advancement of these perspectives in the field.
Individuation in Slovene emerging adults: Its associations with demographics, transitional markers, achieved criteria for adulthood, and life satisfaction
Authors: Zupančič Maja , Komidar Luka , Levpušček Melita Puklek 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTThe study investigated associations of Slovene emerging adults' age, gender, living situation, romantic relationship, and employment status with aspects of individuation in relation to mother and father. Controlling for demographic variables and transitional markers of adulthood, we further explored the contribution of individuation measures to individuals' perceptions of achieved criteria for adulthood and life satisfaction. The participants provided self‐reports on the Individuation Test for Emerging Adults, the Satisfaction With Life Scale, and the list of Achieved Criteria for Adulthood. Age and living out of parental home were positively associated with self‐reliance in relation to both parents, whereas female gender was related to higher levels of connectedness and seeking parental support. Along with age and involvement in a romantic relationship, connectedness and self‐reliance predicted adulthood criteria attainment and life satisfaction. The results support the models of individuation that emphasize growing autonomy and retaining connectedness to parents as pathways towards personal adjustments.
Local and systemic recurrence patterns of urothelial cancer after radical cystectomy
Authors: Özbir Sait , Girgin Cengiz , Kara Cengiz , Dinçel Çetin 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the local recurrence and distant metastasis rates for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder after radical cystectomy and to identify the predictive factors for local recurrence and distant metastasis. The study population was 347 consecutive patients treated with radical cystectomy for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder at our institution. Local recurrence, distant metastasis, and both local and distant recurrence rates were 49 (14.1%) months, 96 (27.7%) months, and 17 (4.9%) months, respectively. The mean follow‐up times to recurrence were 14.37 ± 13.25 months (range, 2–60 months) and 14.43 ± 15.72 months (range, 2–109 months) for local recurrence and distant metastasis, respectively (p = 0.808). The mean post‐recurrence disease‐specific survival (PRDSS) times for local, distant, and both local and distant recurrences were 17.82 ± 3.18 months, 4.16 ± 0.39 months, and 11.41 ± 2.73 months, respectively (p < 0.001). The predictive factors for local recurrence and distant metastasis were stage and nodal involvement (p < 0.001). Sex, grade, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), carcinoma in situ (CIS), and lymph node density (LND; 10% cut‐off value) were not predictors for recurrence in the results of the multivariate analysis. The current study demonstrated that stage and pathological nodal involvement were independent predictors of local recurrence and distant metastasis. The results of this study suggest that the early diagnosis and intervention of invasive bladder cancer cases may decrease the number of high stage and lymph node positive cases that have a high risk of local and distant recurrences. The adjuvant treatment options in the presence of risk factors for recurrence may improve survival outcomes.
The effect of replacing inorganic trace minerals with organic Bioplex® and Sel-Plex® on the performance and meat quality of broilers
Authors: Tavares Teresa , Mourão José Luís , Kay Zoe , Spring Peter , Vieira José , Gomes António , Vieira-Pinto Madalena 
Published: April 2014

SummaryThe aim of this study was to compare the performance and carcass quality of broilers fed diets containing either a commercial inorganic mineral premix (control) or organic trace minerals (OTM) (Sel-Plex® (Se) and Bioplex® copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe)) in a commercial environment. Four identical houses with a total of 119,500 mixed-sex broiler chickens were used (two treatments × two replicates). Birds were fed identical corn/soybean based rations differing only in mineral form and levels. The inorganic treatment (control) provided Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and Se at levels of 8, 44, 55, 66 and 0.2 ppm, respectively. The OTM contained 5.5, 22, 5.5, 22 and 0.3 ppm of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and Se respectively. Growth and feed conversion during the 35-day trial were not influenced (P > 0.05) by treatments. Over the entire trial period and during the first week of production, birds showed significantly lower (P < 0.05) mortality with the OTM treatment. Between 14 and 31 days, sudden death syndrome was lower (P < 0.05) with the OTM diet. OTM improved feathering at 21 days of age (P < 0.001) and lowered carcass skin tearing (P < 0.05). There was no effect of OTM on carcass yield, breast meat pH, drip loss or on meat colour (L* and b* values). However, birds fed organic minerals had redder breast meat (a*) (P < 0.05) on days three and five after slaughter. The results showed that, under commercial conditions, using lower levels of OTM (except Se) in feed relative to inorganic controls can maintain broiler performance.