bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inter‐rater agreement on PIVC‐associated phlebitis signs, symptoms and scales
Authors: Marsh Nicole , Mihala Gabor , Ray‐Barruel Gillian , Webster Joan , Wallis Marianne C. , Rickard Claire M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesMany peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) infusion phlebitis scales and definitions are used internationally, although no existing scale has demonstrated comprehensive reliability and validity. We examined inter‐rater agreement between registered nurses on signs, symptoms and scales commonly used in phlebitis assessment.MethodsSeven PIVC‐associated phlebitis signs/symptoms (pain, tenderness, swelling, erythema, palpable venous cord, purulent discharge and warmth) were observed daily by two raters (a research nurse and registered nurse). These data were modelled into phlebitis scores using 10 different tools. Proportions of agreement (e.g. positive, negative), observed and expected agreements, Cohen's kappa, the maximum achievable kappa, prevalence‐ and bias‐adjusted kappa were calculated.ResultsTwo hundred ten patients were recruited across three hospitals, with 247 sets of paired observations undertaken. The second rater was blinded to the first's findings. The Catney and Rittenberg scales were the most sensitive (phlebitis in >20% of observations), whereas the Curran, Lanbeck and Rickard scales were the most restrictive (≤2% phlebitis). Only tenderness and the Catney (one of pain, tenderness, erythema or palpable cord) and Rittenberg scales (one of erythema, swelling, tenderness or pain) had acceptable (more than two‐thirds, 66.7%) levels of inter‐rater agreement.ConclusionsInter‐rater agreement for phlebitis assessment signs/symptoms and scales is low. This likely contributes to the high degree of variability in phlebitis rates in literature. We recommend further research into assessment of infrequent signs/symptoms and the Catney or Rittenberg scales. New approaches to evaluating vein irritation that are valid, reliable and based on their ability to predict complications need exploration.
Cordyceps Rice Wine: A Novel Brewing Process
Authors: Yang Runqiang , Gu Dongyan , Gu Zhenxin 
Published: July 2015

AbstractCordycepin exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activities. In this study, the solid culture conditions of Cordyceps militaris for accumulating cordycepin were optimized, then the medium was added into the brewing process of rice wine; the brewing conditions of cordyceps rice wine were optimized. In addition, the dynamic changes of the main components in cordyceps rice wine during main fermentation process were analyzed. The optimal solid culture condition for C. militaris was liquid‐to‐solid ratio of 1.23 mL/g with inoculum size of 15%, fermenting at 23C. The optimal fermentation conditions of cordyceps rice wine was cordyceps medium addition of 50 g/100 g dry rice, liquid‐to‐solid ratio of 1.96 mL/g, koji addition of 6.53%, fermenting at 25.09C. Under these conditions, the content of cordycepin was 40.58 mg/L after 2 days of main fermentation. During 3 days of main fermentation, the cordycepin content decreased to 33.69 mg/L at the end of fermentation.Practical ApplicationsCordycepin is a kind of nucleoside analogue firstly extracted from Cordyceps militaris that contains antitumor functions and antioxidants that protects the liver, kidney, heart, etc. Rice wine is a traditional alcoholic beverage and belongs to the brewing that is wine consumed largely. If the cordyceps medium is added into the rice wine brewing process, it will make full use of the starch in the medium and improve the functional properties of rice wine. In this study, we optimized the culture condition of C. militaris for accumulating cordycepin, then the medium was added into the brewing process of rice wine; the brewing conditions of cordyceps rice wine were optimized and the variation of cordycepin content during main fermentation was investigated as well.
Design and Performance Evaluation of a Melon Sheller
Authors: Sobowale S.S. , Adebiyi J.A. , Adebo O.A. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractMelon seed is an important oil seed crop that serves numerous food purposes. Shelling of this crop is vital prior to its vast applications. To address the challenges associated with shelling melon, a melon sheller was designed and constructed. Parameters evaluated include shelling efficiency, percentage seed shelled and damaged, throughput and machine capacity. The machine was constructed using locally available materials and consists of a hopper, frame, shelling and cleaning unit, chutes and prime mover. Shelling operation was carried out using melon seeds of three different moisture contents (6.99, 11.90 and 18.32%) and at different shelling speeds of 2,500 and 1,500 rpm, while performance was evaluated. Results obtained showed that shelling speed of 1,500 rpm and moisture content of 18.32% have the best shelling efficiency of 76.30% and least percentage seed damage of 22.60%, compared with shelling speed of 2,500 rpm and seed moisture content of 6.99%, which had a shelling efficiency of 70.0% and percentage seed damage of 68.10%. Shelling speed of the machine and seed moisture content of melon affect the rate, efficiency and percentage seed damage. The machine and throughput capacity of the equipment are 7.95 and 9.56 kg/h, respectively. This design and set of conditions selected were the most preferred because of its rapid operation, lesser seed damage and minimal human energy expenditure. The developed machine do not require skilled labor, and this melon sheller can effectively address the problems associated with the traditional method of shelling melon among the rural dwellers in Nigeria.Practical ApplicationsThe constructed sheller is practically applicable to melon seed shelling and subsequent cleaning of its chaff. This will address the prevalent challenge associated with processing of melon seeds, which limit its further use.
Mathematical Modeling of Ascorbic Acid Thermal Degradation in Orange Juice during Industrial Pasteurizations
Authors: Vieira Roniérik Pioli , Mokochinski João Benhur , Sawaya Alexandra C.H.F. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractOrange juice is submitted to thermal treatment to increase its shelf life, which may result in loss of ascorbic acid. This paper uses mathematical models and simulations to reproduce the experimental data of ascorbic acid thermal degradation kinetics. Two different models were considered, and all kinetic parameters were identified using linear regression on the logarithmic curves of experimental data. A quick analytical method based on ultra high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was developed to quantify ascorbic acid degradation during the process at three different operating temperatures, allowing the determination of Arrhenius' equations. Ascorbic acid losses were simulated in a tubular industrial pasteurization system by developing an appropriate mathematical modeling, and the residence time presents a higher influence on the process than temperature. In addition, some thermodynamic parameters were evaluated, confirming that the process is not spontaneous but irreversible.Practical ApplicationsThe mathematical modeling developed in this research can be used to estimate the ascorbic acid losses during industrial pasteurization processes. The case study of this paper concerns on tubular systems. However, the kinetic parameter estimation and the degradation rate obtained can be used in any industrial situation by an appropriate modeling adaptation, e.g., considering the common plate systems.
Quality Evaluation of Vacuum Microwave‐Dried Immature Vegetable Soybean (Glycine Max [L.] Merr.)
Authors: Song J.F. , Liu C.Q. , Jiang X.Q. , Li D.J. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe main physiochemical indices related to evaluating the quality of vacuum microwave‐dried immature vegetable soybean were investigated by a combination of correlation analysis and principle component analysis (PCA). The results showed that in the 2.94–7.71% range, the moisture content of dried products was significantly related to L* and had a positive correlation with a* the rehydration ratio was significantly related to a* and had a positive correlation with b*, and L* was related to a* and had a positive correlation with total soluble solids (TSS). Six principal components could reflect most details with a cumulative contribution rate of 87.11%, where a*, rehydration ratio, TSS, yield, moisture content, hardness, fracturability and vitamin C content were the key factors. Through a comprehensive evaluation, Sudou No. 4, Sudou No. 8, Tongdou No. 5, Huaidou No. 8 and Xudou No. 17 were selected as the appropriate varieties for dry processing. The PCA model established was highly consistent with the results of sensory evaluation.Practical ApplicationsBeyond different drying methods, particular varieties have important impacts on the quality of dried products. This work evaluates the quality of different varieties of vacuum microwave‐dried immature vegetable soybean with principle component analysis, elucidates the main physiochemical factors affecting the quality of dried products and constructs the evaluation model. As a consequence, this work will provide information relevant to the selection of dried products for maintaining good soybean processing quality.
Feeding biomechanics of the cownose ray, Rhinoptera bonasus, over ontogeny
Authors: Kolmann Matthew A. , Huber Daniel R. , Motta Philip J. , Grubbs R. Dean 
Published: July 2015

AbstractGrowth affects the performance of structure, so the pattern of growth must influence the role of a structure and an organism. Because animal performance is linked to morphological specialization, ontogenetic change in size may influence an organism's biological role. High bite force generation is presumably selected for in durophagous taxa. Therefore, these animals provide an excellent study system for investigating biomechanical consequences of growth on performance. An ontogenetic series of 27 cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) were dissected in order to develop a biomechanical model of the feeding mechanism, which was then compared with bite forces measured from live rays. Mechanical advantage of the feeding apparatus was generally conserved throughout ontogeny, while an increase in the mass and cross‐sectional area of the jaw adductors resulted in allometric gains in bite force generation. Of primary importance to forceful biting in this taxon is the use of a fibrocartilaginous tendon associated with the insertion of the primary jaw adductor division. This tendon may serve to redirect muscle forces anteriorly, transmitting them within the plane of biting. Measured bite forces obtained through electrostimulation of the jaw adductors in live rays were higher than predicted, possibly due to differences in specific tension of actual batoid muscle and that used in the model. Mass‐specific bite forces in these rays are the highest recorded for elasmobranchs. Cownose rays exemplify a species that, through allometric growth of bite performance and morphological novelties, have expanded their ecological performance over ontogeny.
Genes mirror geography in Daphnia magna
Authors: Fields Peter D. , Reisser Céline , Dukić Marinela , Haag Christoph R. , Ebert Dieter 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIdentifying the presence and magnitude of population genetic structure remains a major consideration in evolutionary biology as doing so allows one to understand the demographic history of a species as well as make predictions of how the evolutionary process will proceed. Next‐generation sequencing methods allow us to reconsider previous ideas and conclusions concerning the distribution of genetic variation, and what this distribution implies about a given species evolutionary history. A previous phylogeographic study of the crustacean Daphnia magna suggested that, despite strong genetic differentiation among populations at a local scale, the species shows only moderate genetic structure across its European range, with a spatially patchy occurrence of individual lineages. We apply RAD sequencing to a sample of D. magna collected across a wide swath of the species' Eurasian range and analyse the data using principle component analysis (PCA) of genetic variation and Procrustes analytical approaches, to quantify spatial genetic structure. We find remarkable consistency between the first two PCA axes and the geographic coordinates of individual sampling points, suggesting that, on a continent‐wide scale, genetic differentiation is driven to a large extent by geographic distance. The observed pattern is consistent with unimpeded (i.e. no barriers, landscape or otherwise) migration at large spatial scales, despite the fragmented and patchy nature of favourable habitats at local scales. With high‐resolution genetic data similar patterns may be uncovered for other species with wide geographic distributions, allowing an increased understanding of how genetic drift and selection have shaped their evolutionary history.
Schenker at the Piano
Authors: SIEGEL HEDI 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTDrawing on letters, diaries, lesson‐books and contemporary accounts, this article highlights the importance of piano playing in Schenker's daily life. He was active as a pianist on the concert stage early in his career (in 1899 he toured with the baritone Johannes Messchaert), but after the first decade of the twentieth century he played mainly alone or in the company of his family, friends and pupils. At social gatherings in Vienna and during summer vacations he quite frequently performed for and with his friends. He made music with members of his family, playing duets with his wife, Jeanette, and accompanying his nephew Georg, a cellist. When teaching, he gave demonstrations at the piano for his pupils and also often played duets with them. His pianism gave rise to the valuable sections on performance in his analytic essays and influenced his choice of examples for Free Composition.
High mutation rate ofNPHP3in 18Chinese infantile nephronophthisis patients
Authors: Sun Liangzhong , Tong Huajuan , Wang Haiyan , Yue Zhihui , Liu Ting , Lin Hongrong , Li Jun , Wang Changxi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimThe present study was designed to explore mutations ofNPHP2andNPHP3and clinical features in 18Chinese infantile nephronophthisis (NPHP) patients.MethodsPatients were subjected to screen for mutations in bothNPHP2andNPHP3, and clinical data were collected.ResultsEighteen patients from 17 families were included in this study. Eight of 17 (47.1%) patients detected were identified to have mutations inNPHP3, but none had a mutation inNPHP2. Of the patients withNPHP3mutations, four had compound heterozygous mutations, and the other four harboured single heterozygous mutations. Ten of theNPHP3mutations were novel. Low molecular weight proteinuria was observed in all 16 detected patients. Renal histology were available in seven children, five patients showed infantile typeNPHPfeatures, and the other two patients from the same family showed juvenile typeNPHPfeatures. Liver involvement was observed in all patients withNPHP3mutations and congenital heart disease in two patients harbouringNPHP3mutation of c.2369T > C(p.L790P).ConclusionsIn this group of infantileNPHPpatients, mutations ofNPHP3were prevalent, whereas mutation ofNPHP2was absent. Genotype to phenotype correlations were observed in patients withNPHP3mutations and all patients withNPHP3mutations showed renal‐hepatic phenotype.
The nature and sources of variability in pediatric surgical case duration
Authors: Bravo Fernanda , Levi Retsef , Ferrari Lynne R. , McManus Michael L. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryBackgroundCase time variability confounds surgical scheduling and decreases access to limited operating room resources. Variability arises from many sources and can differ among institutions serving different populations. A rich literature has developed around case time variability in adults, but little in pediatrics.ObjectiveWe studied the effect of commonly used patient and procedure factors in driving case time variability in a large, free‐standing, academic pediatric hospital.MethodsWe analyzed over 40 000 scheduled surgeries performed over 3 years. Using bootstrapping, we computed descriptive statistics for 249 procedures and reported variability statistics. We then used conditional inference regression trees to identify procedure and patient factors associated with pediatric case time and evaluated their predictive power by comparing prediction errors against current practice. Patient and procedure factors included patient's age and weight, medical status, surgeon identity, and ICU request indicator.ResultsOverall variability in pediatric case time, as reflected by standard deviation, was 30% (25.8, 34.7) of the median case time. Relative variability (coefficient of variation), was largest among short cases. For a few procedure types, the regression tree can improve prediction accuracy if extreme behavior cases are preemptively identified. However, for most procedure types, no useful predictive factors were identified and, most notably, surgeon identity was unimportant.ConclusionsPediatric case time variability, unlike adult cases, is poorly explained by surgeon effect or other characteristics that are commonly abstracted from electronic records. This largely relates to the ‘long‐tailed’ distribution of pediatric cases and unpredictably long cases. Surgeon‐specific scheduling is therefore unnecessary and similar cases may be pooled across surgeons. Future scheduling efforts in pediatrics should focus on prospective identification of patient and procedural specifics that are associated with and predictive of long cases. Until such predictors are identified, daily management of pediatric operating rooms will require compensatory overtime, capacity buffers, schedule flexibility, and cost.
Vacuolar targeting of r‐proteins in sugarcane leads to higher levels of purifiable commercially equivalent recombinant proteins in cane juice
Authors: Palaniswamy Harunipriya , Syamaladevi Divya P. , Mohan Chakravarthi , Philip Anna , Petchiyappan Anushya , Narayanan Subramonian 
Published: July 2015

SummarySugarcane is an ideal candidate for biofarming applications because of its large biomass, rapid growth rate, efficient carbon fixation pathway and a well‐developed storage tissue system. Vacuoles occupy a large proportion of the storage parenchyma cells in the sugarcane stem, and the stored products can be harvested as juice by crushing the cane. Hence, for the production of any high‐value protein, it could be targeted to the lytic vacuoles so as to extract and purify the protein of interest from the juice. There is no consensus vacuolar‐targeting sequence so far to target any heterologous proteins to sugarcane vacuole. Hence, in this study, we identified an N‐terminal 78‐bp‐long putative vacuolar‐targeting sequence from the N‐terminal domain of unknown function (DUF) in Triticum aestivum 6‐SFT (sucrose: fructan 6‐fructosyl transferase). In this study, we have generated sugarcane transgenics with gene coding for the green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused with the vacuolar‐targeting determinants at the N‐terminal driven by a strong constitutive promoter (Port ubi882) and demonstrated the targeting of GFP to the vacuoles. In addition, we have also generated transgenics with His‐tagged β‐glucuronidase (GUS) and aprotinin targeted to the lytic vacuole, and these two proteins were isolated and purified from the transgenic sugarcane and compared with commercially available protein samples. Our studies have demonstrated that the novel vacuolar‐targeting determinant could localize recombinant proteins (r‐proteins) to the vacuole in high concentrations and such targeted r‐proteins can be purified from the juice with a few simple steps.
Clinical features of long‐term low‐dose levetiracetam treatment for epilepsy
Authors: Yoshikawa Sosuke , Shimakawa Shuichi , Fukui Miho , Nomura Shohei , Tanabe Takuya , Tamai Hiroshi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the rate of response to long‐term low‐dose levetiracetam (LEV) treatment and the clinical factors associated with response.MethodsThe response to low‐dose LEV of 43 patients with epilepsy (22 male, 21 female; age range, 5–39 years; median age, 13 years) was retrospectively assessed. Patients aged <15 years received <20 mg/kg/day LEV, whereas those aged ≥15 years received <1000 mg/day LEV. Clinical features were compared between responders to low‐dose LEV, responders to the recommended dose, and non‐responders.ResultsOf the 43 patients who received low‐dose LEV, 13 (30%) showed improvement, defined as seizure cessation or >75% seizure reduction over 6 months for patients with monthly, weekly, and daily seizures; and over 1 year for patients with yearly seizures. Efficacy was maintained for >1 year in 10 (77%) of the 13 patients. Long‐term response to low‐dose LEV was significantly associated with older age at onset and fewer previous treatments with ineffective anti‐epileptic drugs. All patients showing long‐term response to low‐dose LEV developed only focal seizures.ConclusionsTitration of LEV starting from a low dose may be effective in selected patients. Once patients respond to low‐dose treatment, maintenance of the effective dosage may prolong response.
Revisiting Wittgenstein on Family Resemblance and Colour(s)
Authors: Ma Lin , van Brakel Jaap 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWe argue that all general concepts are family resemblance concepts. These include concepts introduced by ostension, such as colour(s). Concepts of colour and of each of the specific colours are family resemblance concepts because similarities concerning an open‐ended range of colour or of appearance features crop up and disappear. After discussing the notion of “same colour” and Wittgenstein's use of the phrase “our colours”, we suggest family resemblance concepts in one tradition can often be extended to family resemblance concepts in another tradition, illustrated by Wittgenstein's use of the words Spiel and “game”.
Biological significance of dead biomass retention trait in Mediterranean Basin species: an analysis between different successional niches and regeneration strategies as functional groups
Authors: Baeza M. J. , Santana V. M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractStanding dead biomass retention is considered one of the most relevant fuel structural traits to affect plant flammability. However, very little is known about the biological significance of this trait and its distribution between different functional groups. Our aim was to analyse how the proportion of dead biomass produced in Mediterranean species is related to the successional niche of species (early‐, mid‐ and late‐successional stages) and the regeneration strategy of species (seeders and resprouters). We evaluated biomass distribution by size classes and standing dead biomass retention in nine dominant species from the Mediterranean Basin in different development stages (5, 9, 14 and 26 years since the last fire). The results revealed significant differences in the standing dead biomass retention of species that presented a distinct successional niche or regeneration strategy. These differences were restricted to the oldest ages studied (>9 years). Tree and small tree resprouters, typical in late‐successional stages, presented slight variations with age and a less marked trend to retain dead biomass, while seeder shrubs and dwarf shrubs, characteristic of early‐successional stages, showed high dead biomass loads. Our results suggest that the species that tend to retain more dead branches are colonising species that may promote fire in early‐successional stages.