bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictability of dry season reforecasts over the tropical and the sub‐tropical South American region
Authors: Frumkin Adam , Misra Vasubandhu 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn this study, we diagnose the fidelity of South American dry season (June–July–August) reforecasts from a global climate model (GCM) and a regional climate model (RCM). This includes a set of downscaled integrations of the RCM that uses a bias correction method called anomaly nesting, which is designed to remove the bias of the GCM that forces the RCM at the lateral boundaries. The models are integrated for seven dry seasons (2001–2007), and each season consists of six ensemble members. For this study, we focus on two primary regions: the Amazon River Basin (ARB) and the subtropical (ST) region.The paper discusses the regions of model bias for 2 m air temperature and for precipitation within ARB and ST regions first using corresponding independent observations and then with the NCEP Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR). The paper also dwells on the predictability of the above normal, normal and below normal occurrences of the two variables using signal‐to‐noise ratios and calculation of the area under the relative operative characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). The models produced the largest biases of both variables over elevated terrain and within the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). Signal‐to‐noise ratios show that the models exhibit more predictability in ARB than they do in ST and that there is more predictability for surface air temperature than for precipitation. AUCs confirm that temperature is more skilfully predicted than precipitation and that the models exhibit more skill in ARB than in ST. AUCs also show that the anomaly nesting integrations have a limited advantage over the rest with some modest improvements in skill of surface temperature prediction over ARB.Lastly, we evaluate how the three models depict land‐atmosphere interactions during the dry season and compare their results with CFSR. We find conflicting results between the global and regional model predictions and CFSR on the relative coupling strength between the land and the atmosphere during the dry season. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Estimating daily mean temperature from synoptic climate observations
Authors: Ma Yuting , Guttorp Peter 
Published: May 2012

AbstractWe compare some different approaches to estimating daily mean temperature (DMT). In many countries, the routine approach is to calculate the average of the directly measured minimum and maximum daily temperature. In some, the maximum and minimum are obtained from hourly measurements. In other countries, temperature readings at specific times throughout the day are taken into account. For example, the Swedish approach uses a linear combination of five temperature readings, including the minimum and the maximum, with coefficients that depend on longitude and month. We first look at data with very high temporal resolution, and compare some different approaches to estimating DMT. Then, we compare the Swedish formula to various averages of the daily minimum and maximum, finding the latter method being substantially less precise. We finally compare the Swedish formula to hourly averages, and find that a recalibrated linear combination improves estimation accuracy. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Lake‐level fluctuations at Lake Bourget (eastern France) around 4500–3500 cal. a BP and their palaeoclimatic and archaeological implications
Authors: Magny Michel , Arnaud Fabien , Billaud Yves , Marguet André 
Published: May 2012

AbstractOn the basis of sedimentological analysis of two cores taken at Chatillon, Lake Le Bourget (northern French Pre‐Alps), and well dated by radiocarbon dates in addition to tree ring dates obtained from an archaeological layer, this paper presents a high‐resolution lake‐level record for the period 4500–3500 cal. a BP. The collected data provide evidence of a complex palaeohydrological (climatic) oscillation spanning the ca. 4300–3850 cal. BP time interval, with major lake‐level maxima at ca. 4200 and 4050–3850 cal. a BP separated by a lowering episode around 4100 cal. a BP. The lake‐level highstands observed at Chatillon between 4300 and 3850 cal. BP appear to be synchronous with (i) a major flooding period recorded in deep cores from the large lakes Le Bourget and Bodensee, and (ii) glacier advance and tree line decline in the Alps. Such wetter and cooler climatic conditions in west‐central Europe around 4000 cal. a BP may have been a nonlinear response to decrease and seasonal changes in insolation. They may also provide a possible explanation for the general abandonment of prehistoric lake dwellings north of the Alps between 4360 and 3750 cal. a BP. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of multiplex PCR for simultaneous detection of rope‐forming Bacillus strains in Iranian bread dough
Authors: Sadeghi Alireza , Mortazavi Seyed Ali , Bahrami Ahmad Reza , Sadeghi Balal 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: The objective of this study was optimisation of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) by a new primer set for simultaneous detection of ropiness agents as the main bacterial spoilage of Iranian bread. After inoculation of bread dough with activated Bacillus licheniformis (ATCC 9789) and Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), DNA was extracted from the dough and subjected to PCR. Then simplex and multiplex PCR tests were optimised.RESULTS: From the results obtained, the optimum PCR conditions for simultaneous detection of the target genes in Bacillus species were an annealing temperature of 59 °C and an MgCl2 concentration of 2.5 mmol L−1. To design primers for these two bacteria, owing to close homology and the existence of similar conserved sequences in their 16S rRNA genes, lpaL and aprE genes (497 and 744 bp target sequences) respectively were chosen. Finally, by sequencing of PCR products, accurate and specific detection of the two desired Bacillus species was confirmed. The results were registered with GenBank under accession numbers HQ877873 and HQ871154.CONCLUSION: Compared with culture‐dependent methods, this procedure offers significantly higher accuracy and speed, which are crucial criteria when it comes to food safety and high volumes of referred samples respectively. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Proximate and fatty acid composition and cholesterol content of different cuts of guinea fowl meat as affected by cooking method
Authors: Hoffman Louwrens C , Tlhong Tumelo M 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Poultry is one of the leading meat products in South Africa, and its nutritional composition can be affected by the cut and cooking method. Limited food composition data are available for typical South African poultry products. This study investigated the effect of different cuts and cooking methods on the proximate and fatty acid composition as well as the cholesterol content of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) meat.RESULTS: The open‐roasting method produced the highest moisture content for all cuts, and the baking bag method the lowest. The baking bag method resulted in the highest protein content. Cooking method had no effect on fat content, although breast had the lowest and thigh the highest fat content. Ash content was highest in the open‐roasted drumstick. All cuts, regardless of cooking method, had a favourable polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid (P/S) ratio (>0.4). Their n‐6/n‐3 ratio was also within the recommended beneficial range (<4:1). Both cooking method and cut affected cholesterol content.CONCLUSION: Different cuts of guinea fowl vary in proximate and fatty acid composition as well as in cholesterol content, which in turn is affected to varying degrees by cooking method. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Discrimination of the Lactobacillus acidophilus group using sequencing, species‐specific PCR and SNaPshot mini‐sequencing technology based on the recA gene
Authors: Huang Chien‐Hsun , Chang Mu‐Tzu , Huang Mu‐Chiou , Wang Li‐Tin , Huang Lina , Lee Fwu‐Ling 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: To clearly identify specific species and subspecies of the Lactobacillus acidophilus group using phenotypic and genotypic (16S rDNA sequence analysis) techniques alone is difficult. The aim of this study was to use the recA gene for species discrimination in the L. acidophilus group, as well as to develop a species‐specific primer and single nucleotide polymorphism primer based on the recA gene sequence for species and subspecies identification.RESULTS: The average sequence similarity for the recA gene among type strains was 80.0%, and most members of the L. acidophilus group could be clearly distinguished. The species‐specific primer was designed according to the recA gene sequencing, which was employed for polymerase chain reaction with the template DNA of Lactobacillus strains. A single 231‐bp species‐specific band was found only in L. delbrueckii. A SNaPshot mini‐sequencing assay using recA as a target gene was also developed. The specificity of the mini‐sequencing assay was evaluated using 31 strains of L. delbrueckii species and was able to unambiguously discriminate strains belonging to the subspecies L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus.CONCLUSION: The phylogenetic relationships of most strains in the L. acidophilus group can be resolved using recA gene sequencing, and a novel method to identify the species and subspecies of the L. delbrueckii and L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus was developed by species‐specific polymerase chain reaction combined with SNaPshot mini‐sequencing. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Truncated moment problems in the class of generalized Nevanlinna functions
Authors: Derkach Vladimir , Hassi Seppo , de Snoo Henk 
Published: May 2012

AbstractTruncated moment and related interpolation problems in the class of generalized Nevanlinna functions are investigated. General solvability criteria will be established and complete parametrizations of solutions are given. The framework used in the paper allows the treatment of even and odd order problems in a parallel manner. The main new results concern the case where the corresponding Hankel matrix of moments is degenerate. One of the new effects in the indefinite case is that the degenerate moment problem may have infinitely many solutions. However, with a careful application of an indefinite analogue of a step‐by‐step Schur algorithm a complete description of the set of solutions will be obtained.
Customer Satisfaction and Elapsed Time since Purchase as Drivers of Price Knowledge
Authors: Homburg Christian , Koschate‐Fischer Nicole , Wiegner Christian M. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the influence of customer satisfaction and elapsed time since purchase on customers’ explicit and implicit knowledge of price. The results of two large, independent surveys of customers who purchased a consumer durable good indicate that customer satisfaction and elapsed time have different effects on explicit versus implicit price knowledge. Customer satisfaction has a negative impact on explicit price knowledge, but no substantial effect on implicit price knowledge. The length of time between purchase and retrieval of the price information has a negative impact on explicit price knowledge but no substantial effect on implicit price knowledge. Finally, customer satisfaction has a moderating role, in that the higher the customer satisfaction level, the stronger the negative impact of elapsed time on explicit price knowledge.
Biochemical analysis of cystic fluid in the diagnosis of fetal intra‐abdominal masses
Authors: Lecarpentier Edouard , Dreux Sophie , Blanc Thomas , Schaub Bruno , Ville Yves , Mandelbrot Laurent , Ghoneimi Alaa El , Oury Jean‐François , Muller Françoise 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe aim of the study was to evaluate a biochemical analysis of fluid sampled in utero from fetal abdominal cystic masses.MethodsA retrospective study of 42 intra‐abdominal cystic masses [ovarian cysts (n = 22), cloaca (n = 8), urodigestive fistulae (n = 4), and urogenital sinuses (n = 8)] was carried out. The control group (n = 30) consisted of fetal urine. Seven biochemical markers were assayed: sodium, estradiol, β2‐microglobulin, total proteins and digestive enzymes, gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase, aminopeptidase M, and intestinal alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme. Outcome of pregnancies and final diagnosis of intra‐abdominal mass were known in all cases.ResultsBiochemical patterns allowed to demonstrate (1) an ovarian origin based on elevated level of estradiol and of total proteins (100% specificity, 100% sensitivity); (2) urodigestive fistula based on the presence of high levels of digestive enzymes (cloaca in female fetuses or recto‐urethral fistula in male fetuses); and (3) a renal origin (urinary pattern with low total proteins and absence of digestive enzymes); however, a biochemical pattern could not differentiate between fetal urogenital sinus and megacystis.ConclusionEtiological diagnosis of a fetal cystic abdominal mass could impact both prenatal and postnatal management providing adapted prenatal counseling by a pediatric surgeon in surgically correctable congenital anomalies. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The placental component in early‐onset and late‐onset preeclampsia in relation to fetal growth restriction
Authors: Kovo Michal , Schreiber Letizia , Ben‐Haroush Avi , Gold Eran , Golan Abraham , Bar Jacob 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo identify pathological placental differences between early‐onset and late‐onset preeclampsia, in relation to fetal growth restriction (FGR).MethodsPlacentas from patients with preeclampsia were analyzed for lesions of maternal vascular supply consistent with maternal underperfusion and lesions of fetal vascular supply consistent with fetal thrombo‐occlusive disease. Findings were compared between patients who gave birth before 34 weeks (early‐onset preeclampsia) and after 34 weeks (late‐onset preeclampsia).ResultsCompared with the late‐onset group (n = 93), the early‐onset group (n = 37) had higher rates of FGR (62.2% vs 25.8%, P < 0.001) and lesions of maternal vascular supply (95% vs 60%, P < 0.001). Within the early‐onset group, cases with FGR (n = 23) had more lesions of fetal vascular supply (47.8% vs 7%, P = 0.01), with similar high rates of lesions of maternal vascular supply (91% vs 100%) compared with those without FGR. Within the late‐onset preeclampsia group, cases with FGR (n = 24) had higher rates of maternal vascular supply lesions (88% vs 51%, P = 0.003) than those without FGR, but similar rates of fetal vascular supply lesions (25% vs 16%, P = 0.32).ConclusionThe placental fetal vascular supply lesions in combination with maternal vascular lesions are more dominant in early‐onset preeclampsia with FGR as compared with early‐onset preeclampsia without FGR. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cellulose‐click‐ferrocenes as docking spots for cyclodextrin
Authors: Ritter Helmut , Knudsen Berit , Mondrzik Beate E. , Branscheid Robert , Kolb Ute 
Published: May 2012

AbstractA novel synthesis of ferrocene‐modified cellulose, prepared from 6‐azido‐6‐deoxy‐cellulose and ethynylferrocene, is presented. The two components were coupled via copper‐catalyzed click‐type cycloaddition under microwave‐assisted conditions. The surface structure of the cellulose derivative was investigated in comparison with that of pure, microcrystalline cellulose using electron microscopy (scanning, transmission and scanning transmission), showing iron atoms of ferrocene as homogeneously distributed particles. They are detectable as clear signals in the energy‐dispersive X‐ray profile. In addition, Rame‐β‐cyclodextrin was supramolecularly attached to cellulose and the complex formed was studied by use of 2D ROESY NMR and dynamic light scattering. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Internet‐based program for coping with cancer: a randomized controlled trial with hematologic cancer patients
Authors: David N. , Schlenker P. , Prudlo U. , Larbig W. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectivePsychosocial patient care in oncology is no longer limited to the inpatient setting. Outpatient services are in demand. Internet‐based interventions could aid in optimizing service delivery across disciplines. The effectiveness of an Internet‐based program for hematologic cancer patients was tested in a randomized controlled trial under field experimental conditions.MethodsA 4‐week cognitive‐behavioral program for coping with cancer was offered to hematologic cancer patients online. One hundred eighty‐six registrants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 105) or a waiting list (n = 81). The outcome measures, ‘mental adjustment’ (MAC) and ‘psychological distress’ (BSI), were assessed at registration and after 4 weeks. Patient satisfaction was assessed (ZUF‐8), and complete‐cases and intention‐to‐treat analyses were performed.ResultsAt registration, the majority of participants displayed clinically significant distress (BSI) and lacked alternative access concerning psychosocial care. One hundred eleven patients filled out the post questionnaire at 4 weeks. In contrast to the waiting list, the intervention group displayed a significant increase in fighting spirit (d = 0.42; CI 95%, 0.04 to 0.80). The effect was confirmed by intention‐to‐treat analysis (d = 0.33; CI 95%, 0.04 to 0.62). Otherwise, no effects were observed. Patient satisfaction with the program was high.ConclusionThe results demonstrate the potential efficacy of Internet‐based programs while highlighting their limitations. Future research is needed to clarify and optimize efficacy, taking different program components and patient characteristics into particular consideration. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In‐Situ Observation of Cracks in Frozen Soil using Synchrotron Tomography
Authors: Bhreasail Á. Ní , Lee P. D. , O'Sullivan C. , Fenton C. H. , Hamilton R. , Rockett P. , Connolley T. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTPhase‐contrast synchrotron micro‐computed tomography (μCT) is well suited to studying the microstructure of frozen soil. To take advantage of the high‐resolution three‐dimensional images that can be generated using μCT, a specialised in‐situ rig was designed and commissioned. This miniature temperature‐controlled oedometer is capable of controlling soil sample thermal gradients and applying uniaxial deformation while measuring stress. This system was used to apply repeated freeze‐thaw cycles to water‐saturated samples of Leighton Buzzard sand, Reigate sand and spherical glass ballotini (an idealised soil). High‐resolution images were obtained using a monochromatic, parallel beam of x‐rays generated on Beamline I12 of the Diamond synchrotron. Cracking in the ice was directly measured utilising the phase‐contrast fringes generated by ice‐air interfaces. Examination of these images revealed two modes of crack formation in the ice phase of frozen soil: micro‐cracks between soil particles, and longer, well‐developed cracks that follow along ice‐soil particle boundaries and span across the ice between particles. Both crack types were orientated parallel to the freezing front (normal to the heat flow), affecting both the frozen soils' mechanical behaviour, and we hypothesise that these cracks are potential initiation sites for ice lens development. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of electrospray ionization ion‐trap tandem mass spectrometry and principal component analysis to directly distinguish monosaccharides
Authors: Xia Bing , Zhou Yan , Liu Xin , Xiao Juan , Liu Qing , Gu Yucheng , Ding Lisheng 
Published: May 2012

RATIONALECarbohydrates are good source of drugs and play important roles in metabolism processes and cellular interactions in organisms. Distinguishing monosaccharide isomers in saccharide derivates is an important and elementary work in investigating saccharides. It is important to develop a fast, simple and direct method for this purpose, which is described in this study.METHODSStock solutions of monosaccharide with a concentration of 400 μM and sodium chloride at a concentration of 10 μM were made in water/methanol (50:50, v/v). The samples were subjected to electrospray ionization ion‐trap tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) and the detected [2M + Na – H2O]+ ions were further investigated by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), followed by applying principal component analysis (PCA) on the obtained MS/MS data sets.RESULTSThe MS/MS spectra of the [2M + Na – H2O]+ ions at m/z 365 for hexoses and m/z 305 for pentoses yielded unambiguous fragment patterns, while rhamnose can be directly identified by its ESI‐MS [M + Na]+ ion at m/z 187. PCA showed clustering of MS/MS data of identical monosaccharide samples obtained from different experiments. By using this method, the monosaccharide in daucosterol hydrolysate was successfully identified.CONCLUSIONSA new strategy was developed for differentiation of the monosaccharides using ESI‐MS/MS and PCA. In MS/MS spectra, the [2M + Na – H2O]+ ions yielded unambiguous distinction. PCA of the archived MS/MS data sets was applied to demonstrate the spatial resolution of the studied samples. This method presented a simple and reliable way for distinguishing monosaccharides by ESI‐MS/MS. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ozonation of the food dye Brilliant Blue in aqueous medium: monitoring and characterization of products by direct infusion electrospray ionization coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: da Silva Júlio César Cardoso , Bispo Glayson Leonardo , Pavanelli Sérgio Pinton , de Cássia Franco Afonso Robson José , Augusti Rodinei 
Published: May 2012

RATIONALEDyes have been widely used to accentuate or to provide different colors to foods. However, the high concentrations of dyes in effluents from the food industries can cause serious and unpredictable damages to aquatic life in general. Furthermore, since conventional biological treatments have been shown to be ineffective, the use of advanced oxidation processes to promote the depletion of such dyes in water bodies has turned out to be mandatory.METHODSThe degradation of the food dye Brilliant Blue by ozone in aqueous solution is reported herein. The overall process was monitored in real time by using direct infusion electrospray ionization high‐resolution mass spectrometry in the negative ion mode, ESI(−)‐HRMS.RESULTSPreliminary results (visual inspection and UV–vis spectra) showed the high efficiency of ozonation in causing the decoloration of an aqueous solution of the dye whereas TOC (total organic carbon) measurements revealed that such an oxidation process was unable to promote its complete mineralization. ESI(−)‐HRMS data showed that the substrate consumption occurred concomitantly with the appearance of four by‐products, all of them produced by an initial attack of hydroxyl radicals (generated via the decomposition of ozone) on the two imino moieties of the dye molecule. Structures were proposed for all the by‐products based mainly on the high‐resolution mass measurements and on the characteristic reactivity of typical functional groups towards hydroxyl radicals. An unprecedented degradation route of Brilliant Blue by ozone in aqueous solution could thus be proposed.CONCLUSIONSA greater ecotoxicity against Artemia salina was observed for the by‐products than for the original dye. This indicates that the identification of by‐products arising from oxidation treatments is of primary importance since such compounds can be more hazardous than the precursor itself. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.