bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new statistical downscaling model for autumn precipitation in China
Authors: Liu Ying , Fan Ke 
Published: May 2012

AbstractEffective statistical downscaling schemes based on singular value decomposition (SVD) for boreal autumn (September‐October‐November) precipitation over China were developed. It was found that rainfall over China is closely tied to large‐scale atmospheric and oceanic circulation over specific regions. The general circulation models (GCMs), which are from DEMETER project (Development of a European Multi‐model Ensemble System for Seasonal to Interannual Prediction), perform reasonably well in simulating the mean states of geopotential height at 500 hPa (GH5) during autumns from 1960 to 2001. Consequently, the variable GH5 over East Asia from DEMETER GCMs was used as one predictor for downscaling. Meanwhile, another predictor is the preceding sea surface temperature (SST) signal from observed data over the tropical Pacific. The downscaling results involving only the GH5 predictor (GH5 scheme) or both the GH5 and SST predictors (GH5 + SST scheme) were discussed and compared in this study. Downscaling based on two kinds of schemes showed considerable improvement compared with original DEMETER GCMs in predicting regional autumn precipitation. In particular, downscaling predictions based on the GH5 + SST scheme showed lower root mean square errors than those based on the GH5 scheme, especially for the precipitation anomaly pattern of the El Niño event in 1997 and the La Niña event in 1998. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Patient experience in outpatient pediatric otolaryngology
Authors: Boss Emily F. , Thompson Richard E. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Patient experience scores are emerging as a key measure of healthcare quality. This report evaluated differences in outpatient otolaryngology patient satisfaction scores by age.Study Design:Patient‐level analysis of Press Ganey Medical Practice surveys completed by otolaryngology patients or parents in 2010.Methods:Surveys were grouped by child (<18 years old) or adult age. Children were evaluated in three subgroups (0–5 years, 6–12 years, and 13–17 years). The survey contains 29 items, which comprise six service domains of access, visit, nursing, provider, personal issues, and assessment. Comparison of mean scores was performed using the Kruskal‐Wallis rank test for nonparametric data. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate association of age with receipt of highest scores (HI‐SCORES) in each domain.Results:Of 44,010 surveys analyzed, 5,996 (13.6%) were pediatric. The majority of children were <6 years (n = 3,141; 52.4%). Mean scores were lower for children overall (88.4 children vs. 90.2 adults) and in domains of access, visit, nursing, issues, and assessment (P < .005, all comparisons); scores were equal for care provider. Mean scores were lowest for children 0 to 5 years across all domains (overall means: 88.0, 0–5; 88.4, 6–12; 89.4, 13–17; 90.2 >18; P = .0001) and increased with age. Multivariate analysis showed that children were less likely than adults to give HI‐SCORES overall (odds ratio, 0.81, 95% confidence interval, 0.76‐0.86; P < .001) and in all domains (P = .0001) except for provider.Conclusions:Compared to adults, satisfaction is lower in all service domains except care provider for pediatric otolaryngology patients, and is lowest for younger children. Otolaryngologists should consider the unique needs of the child and family to improve overall patient experience.
Retrograde cochlear implantation in postmeningitic basal turn ossification
Authors: Senn Pascal , Rostetter Claudio , Arnold Andreas , Kompis Martin , Vischer Mattheus , Häusler Rudolf , Ozdoba Christoph , Mantokoudis Georgios , Caversaccio Marco 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Postmeningitic basal turn ossification is a challenge for successful cochlear implantation despite the availability of sophisticated implants and advanced drill‐out procedures. A less complex concept consisting of a cochleostomy near the apex with retrograde array insertion is evaluated clinically and experimentally with emphasis on imaging of intracochlear array morphology.Study Design:Retrospective case–control study.Methods:Outcome, hearing performance, and radiological findings including three‐dimensional (3D) reconstructions were assessed in the long term in eight retrograde implanted ears of seven postmeningitic deaf patients and compared to an etiology‐ and device‐matched control group of 17 basal turn implanted ears of 14 patients. Experimental insertions into three autopsy‐derived human temporal bones were evaluated using high‐resolution microtomography, 3D reconstruction, and histology.Results:No complications occurred. At the long‐term follow‐up, the average monosyllabic word test scores were 41% for the study group and 67% for the control group (P = .03). Radiological follow‐up revealed insertion sites into either the apical or middle turn and frequent intracochlear array direction changes (n = 5). Experimental implantations in temporal bones resulted in folding‐free, retrograde, middle turn insertions (n = 3).Conclusions:The retrograde cochlear implantation is a safe and efficient alternative approach in basal turn ossification. Despite a high occurrence of intracochlear array direction changes, open set speech discrimination was achieved in all patients. Postoperative computed tomography is recommended for fitting the speech processor according to intracochlear array positions. The experimental insertion in temporal bones helped to optimize the approach.
Polymeric Fibrous Matrices for Substrate‐Mediated Human Embryonic Stem Cell Lineage Differentiation
Authors: Cooper Ashleigh , Leung Matthew , Zhang Miqin 
Published: May 2012

AbstractChitosan‐based fibrous matrices are prepared to mimic the ECM architecture and elucidate substrate‐mediated hESC differentiation due to topographical scale and anisotropy without exogenic morphogens. Fibrous matrices support fewer pluripotent hESCs than films but enable topography‐mediated hESC differentiation. Matrices composed of 400 nm and 1.1 µm diameter fibers support increased expression of neural markers indicative of ectodermal commitment while matrices of 200 nm diameter fibers increase expression of osteogenic and hepatic markers indicative of endodermal and mesodermal commitment. The fibrous‐mediated hESC differentiation highlights the significant implication of tailored ECM‐like substrates for hESC‐based therapies. magnified image
A single‐question screen for rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder: A multicenter validation study
Authors: Postuma Ronald B. , Arnulf Isabelle , Hogl Birgit , Iranzo Alex , Miyamoto Tomoyuki , Dauvilliers Yves , Oertel Wolfgang , Ju Yo‐El , Puligheddu Monica , Jennum Poul , Pelletier Amelie , Wolfson Christina , Leu‐Semenescu Smaranda , Frauscher Birgit , Miyamoto Masayuki , Cochen De Cock Valerie , Unger Marcus M. , Stiasny‐Kolster Karin , Livia Fantini Maria , Montplaisir Jacques Y. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground:Idiopathic rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia that is an important risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD) and Lewy body dementia. Its prevalence is unknown. One barrier to determining prevalence is that current screening tools are too long for large‐scale epidemiologic surveys. Therefore, we designed the REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Single‐Question Screen (RBD1Q), a screening question for dream enactment with a simple yes/no response.Methods:Four hundred and eighty‐four sleep‐clinic–based participants (242 idiopathic RBD patients and 242 controls) completed the screen during a multicenter case‐control study. All participants underwent a polysomnogram to define gold‐standard diagnosis according to standard criteria.Results:We found a sensitivity of 93.8% and a specificity of 87.2%. Sensitivity and specificity were similar in healthy volunteers, compared to controls or patients with other sleep diagnoses.Conclusions:A single‐question screen for RBD may reliably detect disease, with psychometric properties favorably comparable to those reported for longer questionnaires. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
2′‐Hydroxyflavanone induces apoptosis through Egr‐1 involving expression of Bax, p21, and NAG‐1 in colon cancer cells
Authors: Shin Soon Young , Kim Ji Ho , Lee Jung Ho , Lim Yoongho , Lee Young Han 
Published: May 2012

ScopeNatural flavanones exhibit cancer preventive and/or therapeutic effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the action of the antitumor activity of hydroxyflavanone using the HCT116 colon cancer cell line.Methods and resultsWe investigated the effect of hydroxyflavanones on antitumor activity. We found that 2′‐hydroxyflavanone (2′‐HF) potently inhibited the clonogenicity of HCT116 cells. 2′‐HF triggered apoptosis in both wild‐type and p53‐null HCT116 cells, as revealed by DNA fragmentation and caspase activation. 2′‐HF upregulated nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐activated gene 1 (NAG‐1) expression through induction of Egr‐1. Silencing of NAG‐1 or Egr‐1 using small interfering RNA (siRNA) could attenuate 2′‐HF‐induced apoptosis. Egr‐1 also upregulated the proapoptotic gene Bax and the cell cycle inhibitor p21.ConclusionDietary 2′‐HF may possess antitumor activity against human colon cancer.
Ellagitannin metabolites, urolithin A glucuronide and its aglycone urolithin A, ameliorate TNF‐α‐induced inflammation and associated molecular markers in human aortic endothelial cells
Authors: Giménez‐Bastida Juan A. , González‐Sarrías Antonio , Larrosa Mar , Tomás‐Barberán Francisco , Espín Juan C. , García‐Conesa María‐Teresa 
Published: May 2012

ScopeNumerous in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that ellagitannins exhibit anti‐inflammatory, anti‐atherosclerotic and anti‐angiogenic activity which support their potential preventive effect against cardiovascular diseases. Ellagitannins exhibit low bioavailability and are transformed in the gut to ellagic acid and its microbiota metabolites urolithin A (Uro‐A) and urolithin B (Uro‐B). Urolithins are found in plasma mostly as glucuronides at low μM concentrations. We investigated whether urolithin glucuronides and their aglycones exhibit vascular protective effects.Methods and resultsHuman aortic endothelial cells were exposed to tumor necrosis factor alpha and to Uro‐A glucuronide, Uro‐B glucuronide or their corresponding aglycones at low μM concentrations to determine their effects on monocytes adhesion and endothelial cell migration. The levels of related adhesion cytokines and growth molecular markers were also measured. Uro‐A glucuronide (∼5–15 μM) inhibited monocyte adhesion and endothelial cell migration in a significant manner. These effects were associated with a moderate but significant down‐regulation of the levels of chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1). Uro‐A inhibited endothelial cell migration and was able to decrease the expression of CCL2 and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8).ConclusionOur results suggest that these metabolites might be involved, at least in part, in the beneficial effects against cardiovascular diseases attributed to the consumption of ellagitannin‐containing foods.
Squalene ameliorates atherosclerotic lesions through the reduction of CD36 scavenger receptor expression in macrophages
Authors: Granados‐Principal Sergio , Quiles Jose L. , Ramirez‐Tortosa Cesar L. , Ochoa‐Herrera Julio , Perez‐Lopez Patricia , Pulido‐Moran Mario , Ramirez‐Tortosa MCarmen 
Published: May 2012

ScopeAnti‐atherogenic features of olive oil (OO) have been attributed, in part, to minor compounds, via diverse mechanisms, although its effects on the CD36 receptor have not been examined. We investigated the effects of minor compounds of OO (squalene (SQ), tyrosol (Tyr) and hydroxytyrosol (OH‐Tyr)), on the expression of the CD36 receptor, as well as on monocyte/macrophage differentiation and proliferation.Methods and resultsU937 monocytic cells and macrophages (obtained with 10 nM phorbol‐myristate‐acetate) were exposed to Tyr, OH‐Tyr or SQ at 0, 10, 75 and 200 μM with/without native or oxidised LDL(oxLDL). Flow cytometry was used to achieve the expression of CD36 in both cell types exposed to oxLDL plus antioxidants, as well as the inhibition of monocyte/macrophage differentiation after oxLDL and apoptosis. SQ caused a dose‐dependent reduction of CD36 in the presence of native and moderate LDL in monocytes and macrophages. Phenotype‐dependent cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects were found for OH‐Tyr (p < 0.05), while SQ affected neither monocytes nor macrophages (p < 0.01).ConclusionSQ does not prevent monocyte migration and activation into macrophages, but it would inhibit oxLDL uptake by macrophages, by reducing CD36 expression. This study provides new data about the role of the components of OO in the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Effect of supplementation with an 80:20 cis9,trans11 conjugated linoleic acid blend on the human platelet proteome
Authors: Bachmair Eva‐Maria , Bots Michiel L. , Mennen Louise I. , Kelder Thomas , Evelo Chris T. , Horgan Graham W. , Ford Isobel , de Roos Baukje 
Published: May 2012

ScopeThe dietary fatty acid cis9,trans11 conjugated linoleic acid (cis9,trans11 CLA) has been shown to modify the function of endothelial cells, monocytes, and platelets, all of which are involved in the development of atherosclerosis. Potential mechanisms for the platelet effects have not been assessed previously. In this study, we assessed how supplementation of the diet with an 80:20 cis9,trans11 CLA blend affects the platelet proteome.Methods and resultsIn a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group trial, 40 overweight but apparently healthy adults received either 4 g per day of cis9,trans11 CLA‐enriched oil or placebo oil, consisting of palm oil and soybean oil, for 3 months. Total platelet proteins were extracted from washed platelets, separated using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and differentially regulated protein spots were identified by LC‐ESI‐MS/MS. Supplementation with the CLA blend, compared with placebo, resulted in significant alterations in levels of 46 spots (p < 0.05), of which 40 were identified. Network analysis revealed that the majority of these proteins participate in regulation of the cytoskeleton and platelet structure, as well as receptor action, signaling, and focal adhesion.ConclusionThe platelet proteomics approach revealed novel insights into regulation of cellular biomarkers of atherogenic and thrombotic pathways by an 80:20 cis9,trans11 CLA blend.
Saturation‐recovery metabolic‐exchange rate imaging with hyperpolarized [1‐13C] pyruvate using spectral‐spatial excitation
Authors: Schulte Rolf F. , Sperl Jonathan I. , Weidl Eliane , Menzel Marion I. , Janich Martin A. , Khegai Oleksandr , Durst Markus , Ardenkjaer‐Larsen Jan Henrik , Glaser Steffen J. , Haase Axel , Schwaiger Markus , Wiesinger Florian 
Published: May 2012

AbstractWithin the last decade hyperpolarized [1‐13C] pyruvate chemical‐shift imaging has demonstrated impressive potential for metabolic MR imaging for a wide range of applications in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. In this work, a highly efficient pulse sequence is described for time‐resolved, multislice chemical shift imaging of the injected substrate and obtained downstream metabolites. Using spectral‐spatial excitation in combination with single‐shot spiral data acquisition, the overall encoding is evenly distributed between excitation and signal reception, allowing the encoding of one full two‐dimensional metabolite image per excitation. The signal‐to‐noise ratio can be flexibly adjusted and optimized using lower flip angles for the pyruvate substrate and larger ones for the downstream metabolites. Selectively adjusting the excitation of the down‐stream metabolites to 90° leads to a so‐called “saturation‐recovery” scheme with the detected signal content being determined by forward conversion of the available pyruvate. In case of repetitive excitations, the polarization is preserved using smaller flip angles for pyruvate. Metabolic exchange rates are determined spatially resolved from the metabolite images using a simplified two‐site exchange model. This novel contrast is an important step toward more quantitative metabolic imaging. Goal of this work was to derive, analyze, and implement this “saturation‐recovery metabolic exchange rate imaging” and demonstrate its capabilities in four rats bearing subcutaneous tumors. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reliability‐based design optimization with dependent interval variables
Authors: Du Xiaoping 
Published: May 2012

SUMMARYReliability‐based design optimization (RBDO) ensures design requirements are satisfied at required reliability levels in the presence of uncertainty. The recent RBDO methodologies can accommodate two types of uncertainty – aleatory type, represented by random variables, and epistemic type, represented by interval variables. However, only independent interval variables can be handled. The objective of this research is to introduce dependent interval variables into RBDO. The dependency of interval variables comes from equality and inequality constraints. With the intervals, the reliability is also an interval, and its lower bound is considered to preserve conservativeness. An efficient optimization method is developed to solve RBDO problems. The method is an extension of the existing framework of sequential optimization and reliability analysis with the inclusion of inequality constraints of interval variables. The new method is efficient because it decouples the optimization process from the process of reliability and interval analyses. The new method is applied to the RBDO of a slider mechanism with joint clearances, which are known as dependent interval variables. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pre‐polymerization Kinetics in Continuous and Pulsed Glow Discharge in Tetrafluoroethylene
Authors: Andreeva Alena V. , Kutsarev Ilya , Shatsky Alexander V. , Shterenberg Alexander M. , Zyn Vladislav I. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractKinetic pictures, i.e., full sets of all available kinetic curves, were obtained with the help of continuous mass spectrometry and analyzed with the purpose of studying some aspects of the mechanism of initial stages of molecular growth in a batch reactor. The kinetic curves were clearly parted into three types—initial, intermediate, and final. All of the new substances are evolving simultaneously and in parallel, independently of their molecular mass, from C2 to C18, what evidences that the fast stepwise or chain reactions of chemical synthesis are preceded by the slow limiting stage of the discharge activation. The method of momentary characteristics is demonstrated which allows to perform a quantitative analysis of the kinetic material even in the difficult cases of batch and modulated systems. magnified image
PTFE Surface Etching in the Post‐discharge of a Scanning RF Plasma Torch: Evidence of Ejected Fluorinated Species
Authors: Dufour Thierry , Hubert Julie , Viville Pascal , Duluard Corinne Y. , Desbief Simon , Lazzaroni Roberto , Reniers François 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe texturization of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) surfaces is achieved at atmospheric pressure by using the post‐discharge of a radio‐frequency plasma torch supplied in helium and oxygen gases. The surface properties are characterized by contact angle measurement, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. We show that the plasma treatment increases the surface hydrophobicity (with water contact angles increasing from 115 to 155°) only by modifying the PTFE surface morphology and not the stoichiometry. Measurements of sample mass losses correlated to the ejection of CF2 fragments from the PTFE surface evidenced an etching mechanism at atmospheric pressure. magnified image
Monte Carlo transport simulation of velocity undershoot in zinc blende and wurtzite InN
Authors: Wang Shulong , Liu Hongxia , Gao Bo , Zhuo Qingqing 
Published: May 2012

AbstractVelocity undershoot in zinc blende (ZB) and wurtzite (WZ) InN is investigated by ensemble Monte Carlo (EMC) calculation. The results show that velocity undershoot arises from the relatively long energy relaxation time compared with momentum. Monte Carlo transport simulations over wide range of electric fields is presented in the paper. The results show that velocity undershoot impacts the electron transport greatly, compared with velocity overshoot, when the electric field changes quickly with time and space. A comparison study between WZ and ZB InN shows that WZ InN has more advantages in device applications due to its excellent electron transport properties.
Microwave mediated synthesis of semiconductor quantum dots
Authors: Afrasiabi Roodabeh , Sugunan Abhilash , Shahid Robina , Toprak Muhammet S. , Muhammed Mamoun 
Published: May 2012

AbstractColloidal quantum dots (QD) have tuneable optoelectronic properties and can be easily handled by simple solution processing techniques, making them very attractive for a wide range of applications. Over the past decade synthesis of morphology controlled high quality (crystalline, monodisperse) colloidal QDs by thermal decomposition of organometallic precursors has matured and is well studied. Recently, synthesis of colloidal QDs by microwave irradiation as heating source is being studied due to the inherently different mechanisms of heat transfer, when compared to solvent convection based heating. Under microwave irradiation, polar precursor molecules directly absorb the microwave energy and heat up more efficiently. Here we report synthesis of colloidal II‐VI semiconductor QDs (CdS, CdSe, CdTe) by microwave irradiation and compare it with conventional synthesis based on convection heating. Our findings show that QD synthesis by microwave heating is more efficient and the chalcogenide precursor strongly absorbs the microwave radiation shortening the reaction time and giving a high reaction yield (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of the molecular structure in the prediction of thermodynamic properties for 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid
Authors: del Olmo Lourdes , López Rafael , García de la Vega José M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractA conformational study on the 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride (bmimCl) is presented to test the influence of the conformers in the estimation of physicochemical properties. Twenty starting structures were proposed, and 12 different conformers were obtained after geometry optimization at DFT (BVP86/TZVP/DGA1) level. COnductor‐like Screening MOdel (COSMO) methodology was applied to estimate their properties in the liquid phase. Sigma‐profiles and sigma‐potentials were computed for the conformers that are most ionic, least ionic, and energetically most stable. COSMO‐Real Solvents method was used to test predictions of boiling point, density, and viscosity for these individual conformers and for a statistical mixture of conformers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.