bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical modeling of the impact of sea level rise on tidal basin morphodynamics
Authors: van der Wegen Mick 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe morphod ynamic adaptation of estuaries to sea level fluctuations has been subject of geological studies based on sediment core analysis and qualitative modeling efforts. Limited attention has been paid to understanding bathymetric evolution based on a detailed process level. The current study aims to explore governing morphodynamic processes and timescales by application of a 2D, process‐based modeling approach. The starting point of the analysis is an 80 km long and 2.5 km wide basin. Starting from a sandy flat bed, stable channel‐shoal patterns emerge within a century under semidiurnal tidal forcing. We impose a gradual rise in sea level (up to 0.67 m per century) and compare the results with a run excluding sea level rise (SLR). Model results show that SLR drowns the basin so that intertidal area disappears. This process generates tidal asymmetry reflected by an emerging M4 tidal constituent. The basin shifts from exporting to importing sediment reflected by shoal patterns migrating in the landward direction. The landward sediment transport remains too limited to compensate for the loss in intertidal area and to restore equilibrium within a millennial time scale. Further sensitivity tests on initial bathymetry, tidal amplitude forcing, and rate of SLR show that shallow basins with limited tidal forcing are most vulnerable to SLR.
Sensitivity analysis of a process‐based ecosystem model: Pinpointing parameterization and structural issues
Authors: Pappas Christoforos , Fatichi Simone , Leuzinger Sebastian , Wolf Annett , Burlando Paolo 
Published: February 2013

AbstractDynamic vegetation models have been widely used for analyzing ecosystem dynamics and their interactions with climate. Their performance has been tested extensively against observations and by model intercomparison studies. In the present analysis, Lund‐Potsdam‐Jena General Ecosystem Simulator (LPJ‐GUESS), a state‐of‐the‐art ecosystem model, was evaluated by performing a global sensitivity analysis. The study aims at examining potential model limitations, particularly with regard to long‐term applications. A detailed sensitivity analysis based on variance decomposition is presented to investigate structural model assumptions and to highlight processes and parameters that cause the highest variability in the output. First‐ and total‐order sensitivity indices were calculated for selected parameters using Sobol's methodology. In order to elucidate the role of climate on model sensitivity, different climate forcings were used based on observations from Switzerland. The results clearly indicate a very high sensitivity of LPJ‐GUESS to photosynthetic parameters. Intrinsic quantum efficiency alone is able to explain about 60% of the variability in vegetation carbon fluxes and pools for a wide range of climate forcings. Processes related to light harvesting were also found to be important together with parameters affecting forest structure (growth, establishment, and mortality). The model shows minor sensitivity to hydrological and soil texture parameters, questioning its skills in representing spatial vegetation heterogeneity at regional or watershed scales. In the light of these results, we discuss the deficiencies of LPJ‐GUESS and possibly that of other, structurally similar, dynamic vegetation models and we highlight potential directions for further model improvements.
First report and molecular characterization of hepatitis E virus infection in renal transplant recipients in Brazil
Authors: Passos Ana Maria , Heringer Tiago Pires , Medina‐Pestana José Osmar , Ferraz Maria Lucia Gomes , Granato Celso Francisco Hernandes 
Published: February 2013

AbstractHepatitis E virus (HEV) causes acute and chronic hepatitis in organ transplant recipients. Serological evidence for HEV infection has been discovered in various population groups in Brazil, and a single acute case has been confirmed. To date, however, no cases of HEV infection in immunocompromised patients have been reported in Brazil. This study aimed to identify and characterize hepatitis E cases in renal transplant recipients in Brazil. A retrospective study was performed on 96 serum samples from renal transplant recipients with unexplained liver enzymes elevation. Three confirmed cases of HEV infection were identified that lacked seroconversion to HEV IgG antibodies. The prevalence of HEV in these patients was 3.1%. Using a sequence analysis of a 304‐nucleotide fragment within ORF2, the strains were classified as genotype 3 with a low percent identity to previously characterized strains. This is the first report of hepatitis E infection in renal transplant recipients in Brazil, and the data indicate that a novel genotype 3 subvariant may be present and that further investigation is necessary to characterize the circulating HEV strains. In this setting, HEV infection should be considered as a potential cause of abnormal liver tests of unknown origin. J. Med. Virol. 85:615–619, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Snow variability in the Swiss Alps 1864–2009
Authors: Scherrer Simon C. , Wüthrich Christian , Croci‐Maspoli Mischa , Weingartner Rolf , Appenzeller Christof 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTWe present a climate analysis of nine unique Swiss Alpine new snow series that have been newly digitized. The stations cover different altitudes (450–1860 m asl) and all time series cover more than 100 years (one from 1864 to 2009). In addition, data from 71 stations for the last 50–80 years for new snow and snow depth are analysed to get a more complete picture of the Swiss Alpine snow variability. Important snow climate indicators such as new snow sums (NSS), maximum new snow (MAXNS) and days with snowfall (DWSF) are calculated and variability and trends analysed. Series of days with snow pack (DWSP) ≥ 1 cm are reconstructed with useful quality for six stations using the daily new snow, local temperature and precipitation data. Our results reveal large decadal variability with phases of low and high values for NSS, DWSF and DWSP. For most stations NSS, DWSF and DWSP show the lowest values recorded and unprecedented negative trends in the late 1980s and 1990s. For MAXNS, however, no clear trends and smaller decadal variability are found but very large MAXNS values (>60 cm) are missing since the year 2000. The fraction of NSS and DWSP in different seasons (autumn, winter and spring) has changed only slightly over the ∼150 year record. Some decreases most likely attributable to temperature changes in the last 50 years are found for spring, especially for NSS at low stations. Both the NSS and DWSP snow indicators show a trend reversal in most recent years (since 2000), especially at low and medium altitudes. This is consistent with the recent ‘plateauing’ (i.e. slight relative decrease) of mean winter temperature in Switzerland and illustrates how important decadal variability is in understanding the trends in key snow indicators.
Alveograph and Mixolab parameters associated with Puroindoline‐D1 genes in Chinese winter wheats
Authors: Chen Feng , Li Huanhuan , Li Xiangnan , Dong Zhongdong , Zuo Aihui , Shang Xiaoli , Cui Dangqun 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundGrain texture is one of the most important characteristics of bread wheat and has a significant influence on end‐use qualities.ResultsForty‐three Chinese cultivars were tested under three environments and used to characterise kernel hardness, Puroindoline‐D1 alleles and Alveograph and Mixolab parameters. The results indicated that SKCS hardness was positively correlated with Alveograph tenacity and P/L and Mixolab protein weakening (C2) and water absorption and negatively correlated with Mixolab starch gelatinisation (C3), amylasic activity (C4) and starch gelling (C5). Variance analysis showed that Puroindoline‐D1 had a significant impact on SKCS hardness and most Alveograph and Mixolab parameters. Furthermore, among three Puroindoline‐D1 genotypes, PINA‐null/Pinb‐D1a possessed the highest SKCS hardness, Alveograph tenacity and W and Mixolab stability and water absorption but the lowest Alveograph extensibility and G and Mixolab C3, C4 and C5. Pina‐D1a/Pinb‐D1a had the lowest SKCS hardness, Alveograph tenacity and W and Mixolab C2, water absorption and stability but the highest Alveograph extensibility and G and Mixolab C3, C4 and C5. Pina‐D1a/Pinb‐D1b possessed the lowest Mixolab C2 − C1, C3 − C2, C4 − C3 and C5 − C4.ConclusionPina‐D1a/Pinb‐D1a was softer and had lower tenacity and water absorption. PINA‐null/Pinb‐D1a was harder and had higher tenacity and water absorption. Pina‐D1a/Pinb‐D1b had lower difference values among Mixolab parameters. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Relationship between fermentation index and other biochemical changes evaluated during the fermentation of Mexican cocoa (Theobroma cacao) beans
Authors: Romero‐Cortes Teresa , Salgado‐Cervantes Marco Antonio , García‐Alamilla Pedro , García‐Alvarado Miguel Angel , del C Rodríguez‐Jimenes Guadalupe , Hidalgo‐Morales Madeleine , Robles‐Olvera Víctor 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundDuring traditional cocoa processing, the end of fermentation is empirically determined by the workers; consequently, a high variability on the quality of fermented cocoa beans is observed. Some physicochemical properties (such as fermentation index) have been used to measure the degree of fermentation and changes in quality, but only after the fermentation process has concluded, using dried cocoa beans. This would suggest that it is necessary to establish a relationship between the chemical changes inside the cocoa bean and the fermentation conditions during the fermentation in order to standardize the process.ResultsCocoa beans were traditionally fermented inside wooden boxes, sampled every 24 h and analyzed to evaluate fermentation changes in complete bean, cotyledon and dried beans. The value of the fermentation index suggested as the minimal adequate (≥1) was observed at 72 h in all bean parts analyzed. At this time, values of pH, spectral absorption, total protein hydrolysis and vicilin‐class globulins of fermented beans suggested that they were well fermented.ConclusionSince no difference was found between the types of samples, the pH value could be used as a first indicator of the end of the fermentation and confirmed by evaluation of the fermentation index using undried samples, during the process. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of parboiling on the formation of resistant starch, digestibility and functional properties of rice flour from different varieties grown in Sri Lanka
Authors: Gunaratne Anil , Kao Wu , Ratnayaka Jennet , Collado Lilia , Corke Harold 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundHydrothermal treatment used in parboiling could induce formation of novel starch properties having potential food applications. In the current work, functional, digestible and retrogradation properties of flour from non‐parboiled and steamed parboiled six rice varieties with high amylose content of around 30% but differing in length and width ratio were investigated and compared.ResultsThe parboiling process reduced swelling volume and amylose leaching in all tested varieties. Among the varieties studied, the resistant starch content ranged from 1.6% in AT 306 to 0.46% in BG 357. Parboiling reduced the resistant starch content in AT 306 by about 50%, but it did not significantly affect the resistant starch content of the other varieties. The amylose–lipid complex remained unchanged after parboiling. Amylopectin retrogradation was not observed in parboiled rice. Amylose retrogradation was not seen except for AT 306. Pasting behaviour of parboiled rice flours showed high pasting stability and low setback. Flours were more susceptible to enzymatic hydrolysis after parboiling. Partial gelatinisation during parboiling was sufficient to produce grains with excellent milling quality showing a head rice recovery that ranged from 98% to 100% among the varieties studied.ConclusionDegree of gelatinisation is the most important factor that determines the high head rice recovery. High pasting stability and low setback of flour of parboiled rice indicate some potential food applications. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Persistence of tree cavities used by cavity‐nesting vertebrates declines in harvested forests
Authors: Edworthy Amanda B. , Martin Kathy 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAn abundant supply of cavity‐bearing trees is important for maintaining wildlife communities in harvested forests. During harvesting, suitable trees and cavities are directly removed, and the longevity of cavities in retained trees may be reduced by increased exposure to wind and other disturbance factors. We examined patterns of cavity survival in retained trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) trees in harvested stands compared with those in unharvested mature stands by monitoring the persistence of individual cavities. We followed 930 cavities in 3 harvest treatments for up to 17 years in pre‐cut and uncut forest, and up to 13 years post‐harvest (reserve patches and dispersed retention), in temperate‐mixed forests of interior British Columbia, Canada. Average annual cavity loss rates were 5.6% in pre‐cut and uncut forest, 7.2% for cavities in trees retained in reserves, and 8.1% for cavities in retained trees dispersed throughout cuts. Correspondingly, median cavity longevity was 15 years for cavities in pre‐cut and uncut forest, 10 years for cavities retained in reserves, and 9 years for those in dispersed retention. Risk of loss increased most for cavities in living trees (factor of 2.17), but we found no detectable difference for cavities in recently dead trees and trees with advanced decay. We suggest retention of a range of aspen size and decay classes to allow for future cavity‐tree recruitment in harvested stands. Inclusion of wildlife reserves as part of an overall forest management plan will also help to mitigate the effects of windthrow and maintain long‐lived cavity resources required by a large portion of forest wildlife. © 2013 The Wildlife Society
Current practice patterns for sleep‐disordered breathing in children
Authors: Friedman Norman R. , Perkins Jonathan N. , McNair Bryan , Mitchell Ron B. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Since the primary therapy for children with sleep‐disordered breathing(SDB) is adenotonsillectomy, a survey was developed to determine the current practice patterns for children with SDB by pediatric otolaryngologists.Study design:Cross‐sectional surveyMethods:An Internet‐based survey was sent to all American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology members. In addition to descriptive statistics, a logistic regression was performed to assess if years in practice, polysomnogram (PSG) wait time, or frequency of evaluating snoring children changes management.Results:The response rate was 39% (135/345). Children with SDB were “most of the time” referred for PSGs by 4% of respondents. Sixty‐five percent referred for PSG “sometimes,” and 31% referred “rarely” or “never.” An increased wait time was a significant predictor of PSG frequency (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 0.92–1.0, P = 0.039). Children with Down syndrome or obesity had preoperative PSG requested “always” 20% and 8% of the time. The primary reason for requesting a PSG in a normal child was inconsistent clinical evaluation (58%). To diagnose obesity, most (72%) record height and weight, but only 34% record BMI% for age. Overnight observation was performed “most of the time” for the following groups: Obese (70%), Down syndrome (83%), and <3 years (83%).Conclusions:Pediatric otolaryngologists are noncompliant with the 2002 American Academy of Pediatrics and the 2011 American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery guidelines. Despite noncompliance, they fortunately have a lower threshold to monitor high‐risk children overnight following surgery. The recommended Center for Disease Control measures to diagnose childhood obesity occasionally are being utilized. An educational campaign is necessary to update clinicians who take care of children on the new evidence‐based guidelines.
Blood levels ofTNF‐α,IL‐10, andIL‐12in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Demirhan Erhan , Eskut Neslihan Purdas , Zorlu Yasar , Cukurova Ibrahim , Tuna Gamze , Kirkali Fatos Guldal 
Published: February 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo investigate the blood levels of TNF‐α, IL‐10, and IL‐12 in the idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients, and the change of these cytokine levels after treatment.Study DesignProspective clinical trial.MethodsTwenty‐three patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss and 20 healthy people were selected as study and control groups. Blood samples for TNF‐α, IL‐10, and IL‐12 were taken before treatment and 6 weeks after treatment. The study group was given combined treatment including dexamethasone, heparin, pentoxifyline, vitamin B1, and B6 for 10 days, and was divided into two groups: treatment responders and treatment nonresponders. The treatment responders group was also divided into three groups according to most accepted criteria for improvement in the literature. Audiograms were taken before treatment and 6 weeks after treatment to determine the response to the treatment.ResultsThere was no significant difference between pre‐ and posttreatment values of IL‐10 and IL‐12 in all study groups (P> 0.05). There was also no significant difference between pre‐ and posttreatment values of TNF‐α in treatment responders (P> 0.05). Treatment nonresponders had more elevated posttreatment values of TNF‐α than pretreatment values (P< 0.05).ConclusionIL‐10 and IL‐12 may not play a critical role in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. But our data supports the role of TNF‐α in the pathophysiology of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and TNF‐α receptor blockers may have benefits in these patients.Level of Evidence3B.Laryngoscope, 2013
Determination of volume–time curves for the right ventricle and its outflow tract for functional analyses
Authors: Gabbert Dominik D. , Entenmann Andreas , Jerosch‐Herold Michael , Frettlöh Felicitas , Hart Christopher , Voges Inga , Pham Minh , Andrade Ana , Pardun Eileen , Wegner P. , Hansen Traudel , Kramer Hans‐Heiner , Rickers Carsten 
Published: February 2013

PurposeThe determination of right ventricular volumes and function is of increasing interest for the postoperative care of patients with congenital heart defects. The presentation of volumetry data in terms of volume‐time curves allows a comprehensive functional assessment. By using manual contour tracing, the generation of volume–time curves is exceedingly time‐consuming.MethodsThis study describes a fast and precise method for determining volume–time curves for the right ventricle and for the right ventricular outflow tract. The method applies contour detection and includes a feature for identifying the right ventricular outflow tract volume. The segregation of the outflow tract is performed by four‐dimensional curved smooth boundary surfaces defined by prespecified anatomical landmarks.ResultsThe comparison with manual contour tracing demonstrates that the method is accurate and improves the precision of the measurement. Compared to manual contour tracing the bias is <0.1% ± 4.1% (right ventricle) and −2.6% ± 20.0% (right ventricular outflow tract). The standard deviations of inter‐ and intraobserver variabilities for determining the volume of the right ventricular outflow tract are reduced to less than half the values of manual contour tracing. The time consumption per patient is reduced from 341 ± 80 min (right ventricle) and 56 ± 11 min (right ventricular outflow tract) using manual contour tracing to 46 ± 9 min for a combined analysis of right ventricle and right ventricular outflow tract.ConclusionThe analysis of volume–time curves for the right ventricle and its outflow tract discloses new evaluation methods in clinical routine and science. Magn Reson Med 70:1718–1727, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the role of neuronal magnetic susceptibility and structure symmetry on gradient echo MR signal formation
Authors: Sukstanskii Alexander L. , Yablonskiy Dmitriy A. 
Published: February 2013

PurposePhase images obtained by gradient‐recalled echo (GRE) MRI provide new contrast in the brain that is distinct from that obtained with conventional T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted images. The results are especially intriguing in white matter where both signal amplitude and phase display anisotropic properties. However, the biophysical origins of these phenomena are not well understood. The goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive theory of GRE signal formation based on a realistic model of neuronal structure.MethodsWe use Maxwell equations to find the distribution of magnetic field induced by myelin sheath and axon. We account for both anisotropy of neuronal tissue “magnetic micro‐architecture” and anisotropy of myelin sheath magnetic susceptibility.ResultsModel describes GRE signal comprising of three compartments—axonal, myelin, and extracellular. Both axonal and myelin water signals have frequency shifts that are affected by the magnetic susceptibility anisotropy of long molecules forming lipid bilayer membranes. These parts of frequency shifts reach extrema for axon oriented perpendicular to the magnetic field and are zeros in a parallel case. Myelin water signal is substantially non‐monoexponential.ConclusionsBoth, anisotropy of neuronal tissue “magnetic micro‐architecture” and anisotropy of myelin sheath magnetic susceptibility, are important for describing GRE signal phase and magnitude. Magn Reson Med 71:345–353, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the performance of non‐conforming finite elements for the upper bound limit analysis of plates
Authors: Bleyer J. , de Buhan P. 
Published: February 2013

SUMMARYIn this paper, the upper bound limit analysis of thin plates in bending is addressed using various types of triangular finite elements for the generation of velocity fields and second‐order cone programming for the minimization problem. Three different C1‐discontinuous finite elements are considered: the quadratic six‐node Lagrange triangle (T6), an enhanced T6 element with a cubic bubble function at centroid (T6b) and the cubic Hermite triangle (H3). Through numerical examples involving Johansen and von Mises yield criteria, it is shown that cubic elements (H3) give far better results in terms of convergence rate and precision than fully conforming elements found in the literature, especially for problems involving clamped boundaries. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.