bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parameter uncertainty of the AWBM model when applied to an ungauged catchment
Authors: Haque Md Mahmudul , Rahman Ataur , Hagare Dharma , Kibria Golam 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn this study, a quantitative assessment of uncertainty was made in connection with the calibration of Australian Water Balance Model (AWBM) for both gauged and ungauged catchment cases. For the gauged catchment, five different rainfall data sets, 23 different calibration data lengths and eight different optimization techniques were adopted. For the ungauged catchment case, the optimum parameter sets obtained from the nearest gauged catchment were transposed to the ungauged catchments, and two regional prediction equations were used to estimate runoff. Uncertainties were ascertained by comparing the observed and modelled runoffs by the AWBM on the basis of different combinations of methods, model parameters and input data. The main finding from this study was that the uncertainties in the AWBM modelling outputs could vary from −1.3% to 70% owing to different input rainfall data, −5.7% to 11% owing to different calibration data lengths and −6% to 0.2% owing to different optimization techniques adopted in the calibration of the AWBM. The performance of the AWBM model was found to be dominated mainly by the selection of appropriate rainfall data followed by the selection of an appropriate calibration data length and optimization algorithm. Use of relatively short data length (e.g. 3 to 6 years) in the calibration was found to generate relatively poor results. Effects of different optimization techniques on the calibration were found to be minimal. The uncertainties reported here in relation to the calibration and runoff estimation by the AWBM model are relevant to the selected study catchments, which are likely to differ for other catchments. The methodology presented in this paper can be applied to other catchments in Australia and other countries using AWBM and similar rainfall–runoff models. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soluble Expression of Bladder Cancer Biomarker Matrix Metalloproteinase 1
Authors: Jin Xuefei , Zhang Dan , Li Hongyan , Jin Ning , Liu Tingting , Kong Xiangbo 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundMatrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) has been shown as a novel unique biomarker of bladder cancer in urine. MMP1 can only be detected using conventional and time‐consuming methods, such as ELISA and Western. Refolded MMP1 has been achieved and used in probe screen for many years, while there is no clinical application for MMP1 detection until now. Soluble expression of MMP1 is necessary in urine detection.MethodscDNA of MMP1 has been isolated from human embryonic kidney 293(HEK293) cells. The catalytic domain of MMP1 is expressed as fusion protein with Escherichia coli thioredoxin (TrxA). The 30 kDa recombinant proteins were purified by Ni‐chelating chromatography. The activity of soluble MMP1 was determined and compared with refolded MMP1 by zymography.ResultsCompared with refolded MMP1, TrxA can increase the solubility of MMP1. The soluble MMP1 has the same protein sequences with refolded MMP1 and increased 1.54‐fold of gelatin‐degradation activities than refolded MMP1.ConclusionSuccessfully soluble expression of MMP1 has been achieved by fusion expression and will make progress in discovering specific molecular probes against MMP1.
Serum Levels of Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor in Infants with Late‐onset Sepsis
Authors: Okulu Emel , Arsan Saadet , Akin Ilke Mungan , Ates Can , Alan Serdar , Kilic Atila , Atasay Begum 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundSoluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) has been studied in a variety of diseases. The aim of the study is to investigate the levels of suPAR in neonates with sepsis.MethodsThe infants enrolled to this prospective study were classified into four groups. Group 1, 2, and 3 were referred as the patient groups (40 infants), and group 4 was referred as control group (26 infants). Blood samples for whole blood count, C‐reactive protein (CRP), suPAR and blood culture were obtained before initiating antimicrobial therapy, and two further samples were obtained on day 3 and at the end of the treatment for CRP and suPAR.ResultsThe mean gestational ages of patient and control groups was similar. The median level of initial suPAR was 18.8 ng/mL (range 6.8–30.1 ng/mL) in the patient groups, and 6.0 ng/mL (range 3.7–10.8 ng/mL) in the control group (P < 0.001). A significant decrease in suPAR level was observed from the inclusion to the third day and end of the treatment (P < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) for suPAR is 0.959 (95% Cl: 0.919–0.999) and for CRP is 0.782 (95% Cl: 0.669–0.895). At a cut‐off value of 11.3 ng/mL for suPAR the specificity was 100%, and the sensitivity was 82.5%. There was a positive correlation between laboratory values of CRP and suPAR (r: 0.359, P = 0.003).ConclusionThis is the first study that investigated the levels of suPAR in neonates and our results demonstrate that suPAR is a powerful marker of inflammation in infants with sepsis.
Private Chinese Investment in Ethiopia: Determinants and Location Decisions
Authors: Seyoum Mebratu , Lin Jihong 
Published: July 2014

AbstractUsing a unique firm‐level data from the World Bank Survey on Chinese outbound direct investment conducted in Ethiopia in 2012, this study examines the determinants and location decisions of private Chinese investment in Ethiopia. Principal components factor analysis shows that (i) Chinese firms invest in Ethiopia to take advantage of their ownership advantages, (ii) market access motives are influential in investment location decision‐making and (iii) host government incentive packages towards inward foreign direct investment affect their location decisions, albeit less influential than other factors. These results remain robust when we controlled for two separate clusters of Chinese firms. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diffusion tensor imaging assesses triceps surae dysfunction after achilles tenotomy in rats
Authors: Hara Yusuke , Ikoma Kazuya , Kido Masamitsu , Sukenari Tsuyoshi , Arai Yuji , Fujiwara Hiroyoshi , Kawata Mitsuhiro , Kubo Toshikazu 
Published: July 2014

PurposeTo elucidate the relationship of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with structural changes and muscle function in skeletal muscle.Materials and MethodsThe subjects were 21 12‐week‐old male rats. Achilles tenotomy was performed on the right legs. Proton density‐weighted images and DTI (7.04T) of the triceps surae at 2 and 4 weeks posttenotomy were obtained. Eigenvalues (λ) and fractional anisotropy (FA) were calculated from the muscle images. After imaging, histological specimens of the triceps surae were prepared. The long axis and cross‐sectional area of the triceps surae were measured 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively. The strength of ankle plantar flexion was measured. Correlations of DTI parameters with morphological values and muscle strength were analyzed.Resultsλ1 declined after tenotomy (P < 0.01), and λ2 and λ3 declined at 4 weeks posttenotomy (P < 0.01). FA increased at 4 weeks posttenotomy (P < 0.01). Atrophy of the triceps surae was observed in the tissues images of the treatment group. The muscle belly significantly shortened postoperatively, and a decline in plantar flexion force was observed after tenotomy. Positive correlations were observed between λ1 and muscle strength (r = 0.89) and between λ1 and the length of the long axis of the muscle belly (r = 0.81).ConclusionDTI may serve as a marker of muscle function. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:1541–1548. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of acid whey and mustard seed on lipid oxidation of organic fermented sausage without nitrite
Authors: Karwowska Małgorzata , Wójciak Karolina M , Dolatowski Zbigniew J 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe influence of the addition of mustard seed and acid whey on the stability of nitrite‐free organic fermented sausage during 90 days of vacuum storage was investigated by measuring primary and secondary products of lipid oxidation, changes in fatty acid composition and antioxidant capacity, as well as water activity.RESULTSThe native and autoclaved mustard seed with acid whey can be used in the composition of organic fermented sausage without nitrite with beneficial effect on pH, water activity, antioxidant capacity and oxidation stability during vacuum storage. The use of the combination of acid whey and mustard seed resulted in an effective decrease in pH of organic fermented sausage during fermentation. The inclusion of mustard seed to the sausage with acid whey significantly increased the capacity of stuffing to capture the radical cation ABTS. During the whole storage period the TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) values of salted sausage samples with the addition of acid whey with combination of mustard seed were similar to the control sample with curing agent.CONCLUSIONIn general, results suggest that mustard seed with combination of acid whey can be successfully applied to protect organic fermented sausages without nitrite from lipid oxidation. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Separation of Polypropylene Polymers by Crystallization and Adsorption Techniques
Authors: Monrabal Benjamin , Romero Loli 
Published: July 2014

The fractionation of industrial polypropylene resins by crystallization or adsorption is a challenging task due to the existence of stereoregularity and the fact that homopolymer and propylene‐rich copolymers are semicrystalline, as is the case with polyethylene homopolymer, which is usually present in complex polypropylene resins. The separation mechanisms involved in crystallization and adsorption techniques are investigated. Crystallization techniques and adsorption chromatography on graphitized carbon using a temperature gradient separate the full range of propylene ethylene copolymers following a U‐shaped curve and cannot provide unequivocal compositional results. The addition of an infrared detector to measure the level of branches at each elution temperature provides a new dimension that better defines the separated components. A step further in separation is using cross‐fractionation chromatography (composition followed by molar‐mass separation), which makes use of all the mechanisms investigated to provide the most‐extended separation of complex high‐impact polypropylene resins.
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Preparation of Chain‐Extended Poly(hexamethylene carbonate)s and their Block Copolymerization with Poly‐L‐lactide to Synthesize Partly Biobased Thermoplastic Elastomers
Authors: Kobayashi Koji , Kanmuri Shuhei , Hayashi Yuichiro , Masutani Kazunari , Kimura Yoshiharu 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAn oligomer of poly(hexamethylene carbonate) (PHMC) that is synthesized by ester‐exchanging polycondensation of ethylene carbonate and 1,6‐hexanediol is chain‐extended by using diphenyl carbonate as chain extender. The resultant PHMC, dihydroxyl‐terminated, is then subjected to tin‐catalyzed ring‐opening polymerization of L‐lactide to prepare ABA tri‐block copolymers consisting of poly‐L‐lactide (PLLA: A) and PHMC (B), which retain significantly high molecular weights even at increased contents of PHMC. Polymer films of these block copolymers exhibit high elongation, reaching 700% at a high PHMC content. It is therefore suggested that the present block copolymer system can be a novel thermoplastic elastomer, which is partly bio‐based.
High‐frequency oscillations in Parkinson's disease: Spatial distribution and clinical relevance
Authors: Wang Jing , Hirschmann Jan , Elben Saskia , Hartmann Christian J. , Vesper Jan , Wojtecki Lars , Schnitzler Alfons 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) has been related to excessive beta band oscillations in the basal ganglia. Recent recordings from the subthalamic nucleus of PD patients showed that beta oscillations show strong cross‐frequency coupling with high‐frequency oscillations (>200 Hz). However, little is known about the characteristics and functional properties of these oscillations. We studied the spatial distribution of high‐frequency oscillations and their relation to PD motor symptoms. We included 10 PD patients in medication OFF who underwent implantation of deep brain stimulation (DBS) electrodes. Intraoperative five‐channel microelectrode recordings were performed at 9 to 10 recording sites within the subthalamic nucleus and its immediate surroundings. We found a focal spatial distribution of high‐frequency oscillations with highest power 2 mm below the dorsolateral border of the subthalamic nucleus. Within the subthalamic nucleus, power peaked slightly anterior to the DBS target site. In addition, contralateral akinesia/rigidity scores were negatively correlated with high‐frequency oscillation power. Our results demonstrate a focal origin of high‐frequency oscillations within the subthalamic nucleus and provide further evidence for their functional association with motor state. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Prospective study of muscle cramps in Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease
Authors: Johnson Nicholas E. , Sowden Janet , Dilek Nuran , Eichinger Katy , Burns Joshua , Mcdermott Michael P. , Shy Michael E. , Herrmann David N. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: This study aims to assess the frequency, location, severity, duration, and fluctuation over time of muscle cramps in Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease (CMT). Methods: Inherited Neuropathies Consortium Contact Registry participants recorded the occurrence and characteristics of muscle cramps using an 11‐question survey administered 3 times over 8 weeks. Results: A total of 110 adult patients with CMT completed the survey. Weekly cramp frequency was 9.3 (SD 12.3), and 23% had daily muscle cramps. Twenty‐two percent reported a significant impact on quality of life. Over 8 weeks, the daily frequency and severity of muscle cramps did not change significantly. Conclusions: Patients with CMT have muscle cramps that vary little over an 8‐week period, and they may interfere with quality of life. These data may be useful in the planning of clinical trials of agents to treat adults with CMT‐associated muscle cramps. Muscle Nerve 51: 485–488, 2015
The Impact of Subnational Fiscal Policies on Economic Growth: A Dynamic Analysis Approach
Authors: Srithongrung Arwiphawee , Kriz Kenneth A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractMuch previous research has analyzed the effect of state and local taxes and expenditures on economic growth, but usually in a static manner. In this paper, we use panel vector autoregression (PVAR) to examine the effects of taxes and expenditures on state income growth. This methodology allows us to treat all variables in the model as endogenously determined. Our approach allows us to address the endogeneity problem inherent in fiscal policy research as well as to obtain results for both the short term and intermediate term (up to six years). Consistent with prevailing wisdom, taxes are shown to have a negative effect on economic growth, but the effect only is present in the short run. Public capital spending has a positive effect on growth in both the short and intermediate terms. Operational expenditures exhibit positive effects on growth over the entire analysis period.
Liquid‐selenium‐enhanced grain growth of nanoparticle precursor layers for CuInSe2 solar cell absorbers
Authors: Uhl Alexander R. , Fuchs Peter , Rieger Alexandra , Pianezzi Fabian , Sutter‐Fella Carolin M. , Kranz Lukas , Keller Debora , Hagendorfer Harald , Romanyuk Yaroslav E. , LaMattina Fabio , Yoon Songhak , Karvonen Lassi , Magorian‐Friedlmeier Theresa , Ahlswede Erik , VanGenechten Dirk , Stassin Fabrice , Tiwari Ayodhya N. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractLarge‐grained CuInSe2 absorber layers are synthesized using a non‐vacuum process based on nanoparticle ink precursors and selenization by rapid thermal processing (RTP). The use of hydroxide‐based particles in organic solvents allows for the conversion with elemental selenium without the need to employ explosive and/or toxic H2 or H2Se gasses. Lateral grain sizes up to 4 µm are obtained through a novel RTP route, overcoming the inherently high layer porosity for previous nanoparticle processes. Morphological and elemental characterization at interrupted selenization steps suggests that liquid selenium can play a beneficial role in promoting layer densification and grain growth. Long carrier collection lengths in CuInSe2 enable notable conversion efficiencies, despite the low minority carrier lifetimes of below 1 ns. Record efficiencies up to 8.73% highlight the potential of low‐cost, non‐vacuum deposition of chalcopyrite absorber layers with safe and simple precursors and processing routes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biodiesel exhaust–induced cytotoxicity and proinflammatory mediator production in human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Mullins Benjamin J. , Kicic Anthony , Ling Kak‐Ming , Mead‐Hunter Ryan , Larcombe Alexander N. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTIncreasing use of biodiesel has prompted research into the potential health effects of biodiesel exhaust exposure. Few studies directly compare the health consequences of mineral diesel, biodiesel, or blend exhaust exposures. Here, we exposed human epithelial cell cultures to diluted exhaust generated by the combustion of Australian ultralow‐sulfur‐diesel (ULSD), unprocessed canola oil, 100% canola biodiesel (B100), and a blend of 20% canola biodiesel mixed with 80% ULSD. The physicochemical characteristics of the exhaust were assessed and we compared cellular viability, apoptosis, and levels of interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, and Regulated on Activation, Normal T cell Expressed and Secreted (RANTES) in exposed cultured cells. Different fuel types produced significantly different amounts of exhaust gases and different particle characteristics. All exposures resulted in significant apoptosis and loss of viability when compared with control, with an increasing proportion of biodiesel being correlated with a decrease in viability. In most cases, exposure to exhaust resulted in an increase in mediator production, with the greatest increases most often in response to B100. Exposure to pure canola oil (PCO) exhaust did not increase mediator production, but resulted in a significant decrease in IL‐8 and RANTES in some cases. Our results show that canola biodiesel exhaust exposure elicits inflammation and reduces viability of human epithelial cell cultures in vitro when compared with ULSD exhaust exposure. This may be related to an increase in particle surface area and number in B100 exhaust when compared with ULSD exhaust. Exposure to PCO exhaust elicited the greatest loss of cellular viability, but virtually no inflammatory response, likely due to an overall increase in average particle size. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 44–57, 2016.
Biliary Complications After Pancreaticoduodenectomy: Skinny Bile Ducts Are Surgeons’ Enemies
Authors: Duconseil Pauline , Turrini Olivier , Ewald Jacques , Berdah Stéphane V. , Moutardier Vincent , Delpero Jean‐Robert 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the incidence and predisposing factors of biliary complications (BCs) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and report our experience in managing these BCs. Pancreatic surgery, particularly PD, has benefited from improvements in operative techniques and postoperative care and is currently safer in terms of mortality. However, the morbidity associated with PD remains high, including frequent complications such as delayed gastric emptying and pancreatic fistulas. Rarer but important BCs are those that manifest as bile leaks (BLs) and biliary strictures (BSs).MethodsBetween April 2005 and December 2011, a total of 397 patients underwent PD at two centers. All data were retrospectively studied with respect to age, gender, pancreatic pathology, neoadjuvant treatment, preoperative biliary stenting, intraoperative data, postoperative pancreatic fistula, BL and BS rates, and mortality. The management of BCs was also analyzed.ResultsThirty patients experienced a BC: 13 BLs (3.3 %) and 17 BSs (4.3 %). A thin bile duct (<5 mm), measured during surgery, was the only predisposing factor for developing a BL or a BS. The management of the BLs consisted of surveillance in six patients (46 %), percutaneous drainage of bilioma in four patients (31 %), and reintervention in three patients (23 %). No patient with a BS had surgery as the frontline treatment: the initial management consisted of an endoscopic procedure, a percutaneous procedure, or medical treatment. Four patients (23.5 %) underwent surgical treatment after failure of nonsurgical procedures.ConclusionsThe only identified predictive factor of BC, either a BS or a BL, was a thin bile duct. Although the noninvasive technique was the treatment of choice initially, reintervention was required in almost 25 % of the cases.
Evaluation of the ability of adjuvant tamoxifen‐benefit gene signatures to predict outcome of hormone‐naive estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen in the advanced setting
Authors: Sieuwerts Anieta M. , Lyng Maria B. , Meijer-van Gelder Marion E. , de Weerd Vanja , Sweep Fred C.G.J. , Foekens John A. , Span Paul N. , Martens John W.M. , Ditzel Henrik J. 
Published: July 2014

To identify molecular markers indicative of response to tamoxifen and easily implemented in the routine setting, we recently reported three gene signatures that could stratify post‐menopausal tamoxifen‐treated, estrogen receptor‐positive (ER+) patients according to outcome in the adjuvant setting. Here, we evaluated the predictive potential of the total of 14 genes included in the 3 gene signatures using 2 hormone‐naïve Dutch ER+ cohorts of a total of 285 recurrent breast cancer patients treated with first‐line tamoxifen.mRNA levels were measured by reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) and the length of progression‐free survival (PFS) was used as the primary endpoint. A Mann–Whitney U test was used to select for differentially expressed genes between tumors of patients who showed or did not show progressive disease within 6 months after start of tamoxifen treatment. Cox univariate and multivariate regression analysis for PFS were used to further assess their (independent) predictive potential.Five (BCAR3, BCL2, ESR1, IGF1R, and NCOA1) of the 14 genes analyzed showed significantly higher mRNA levels in tumors of patients who showed no disease progression within 6 months. Only BCAR3, BCL2 and NAT1 were significantly associated with a favorable PFS in multivariate analysis that included the traditional predictive factors: age, dominant relapse site, disease‐free interval, ER and progesterone receptor (PGR), and adjuvant chemotherapy.This study shows that BCAR3, BCL2 and NAT1 in particular exhibit predictive promise regarding the efficacy of tamoxifen treatment in recurrent disease, in addition to the previously shown favorable outcome in the adjuvant setting.
Infektionen durch Lebensmittel
Authors: Busch Matthias 
Published: July 2014

Einleitung
Berichte über schwere Erkrankungen durch Salmonellen, Listerien, EHEC oder Campylobacter tauchen regelmäßig in den Schlagzeilen auf. Tatsächlich haben die Lebensmittelinfektionen und -vergiftungen in den letzten zwanzig Jahren stark zugenommen - nicht nur in Europa, sondern weltweit. Im vorliegenden Artikel erfolgt eine kurze Darstellung zu Infektionsmöglichkeiten mit Lebensmitteln und deren Ursachen. Es werden Hinweise zum Schutz vor Lebensmittelinfektionen aufgezeigt.
Infektionsschutz in der Pflege
Authors: Loczenski Barbara 
Published: July 2014

Einleitung
Ein Themenheft, welches sich dem Thema der „übertragbaren Krankheiten“ widmet, muss natürlich auch die Berufsgruppen im Blick haben, die dann mit der Versorgung derselben betroffen sind, vorrangig den Pflegenden. Im Folgenden sind einige Punkte herausgearbeitet, die es zu beachten gilt, um die Verbreitung von Krankheitserregern so gering wie möglich zu halten, und die „Ansteckungsgefahr“ zu minimieren. Inhaltlich müssen Maßnahmen immer an die konkrete Situation angepasst sein - sie können daher hier nur Orientierung geben.