bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Scalable Context-Aware Objective Function (SCAOF) of Routing Protocol for Agricultural Low-Power and Lossy Networks (RPAL)
Authors: Chen Yibo , Chanet Jean-Pierre , Hou Kun-Mean , Shi Hongling , De Sousa Gil
Published: August 2015

In recent years, IoT (Internet of Things) technologies have seen great advances, particularly, the IPv6 Routing Protocol for Low-power and Lossy Networks (RPL), which provides a powerful and flexible routing framework that can be applied in a variety of application scenarios. In this context, as an important role of IoT, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) can utilize RPL to design efficient routing protocols for a specific application to increase the ubiquity of networks with resource-constrained WSN nodes that are low-cost and easy to deploy. In this article, our work starts with the description of Agricultural Low-power and Lossy Networks (A-LLNs) complying with the LLN framework, and to clarify the requirements of this application-oriented routing solution. After a brief review of existing optimization techniques for RPL, our contribution is dedicated to a Scalable Context-Aware Objective Function (SCAOF) that can adapt RPL to the environmental monitoring of A-LLNs, through combining energy-aware, reliability-aware, robustness-aware and resource-aware contexts according to the composite routing metrics approach. The correct behavior of this enhanced RPL version (RPAL) was verified by performance evaluations on both simulation and field tests. The obtained experimental results confirm that SCAOF can deliver the desired advantages on network lifetime extension, and high reliability and efficiency in different simulation scenarios and hardware testbeds.
The Balanced Cross-Layer Design Routing Algorithm in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Li Ning , Martínez José-Fernán , Díaz Vicente
Published: August 2015

Recently, the cross-layer design for the wireless sensor network communication protocol has become more and more important and popular. Considering the disadvantages of the traditional cross-layer routing algorithms, in this paper we propose a new fuzzy logic-based routing algorithm, named the Balanced Cross-layer Fuzzy Logic (BCFL) routing algorithm. In BCFL, we use the cross-layer parameters’ dispersion as the fuzzy logic inference system inputs. Moreover, we give each cross-layer parameter a dynamic weight according the value of the dispersion. For getting a balanced solution, the parameter whose dispersion is large will have small weight, and vice versa. In order to compare it with the traditional cross-layer routing algorithms, BCFL is evaluated through extensive simulations. The simulation results show that the new routing algorithm can handle the multiple constraints without increasing the complexity of the algorithm and can achieve the most balanced performance on selecting the next hop relay node. Moreover, the Balanced Cross-layer Fuzzy Logic routing algorithm can adapt to the dynamic changing of the network conditions and topology effectively.
Replication and Inhibitors of Enteroviruses and Parechoviruses
Authors: Linden Lonneke , Wolthers Katja , Van Kuppeveld Frank
Published: August 2015

The Enterovirus (EV) and Parechovirus genera of the picornavirus family include many important human pathogens, including poliovirus, rhinovirus, EV-A71, EV-D68, and human parechoviruses (HPeV). They cause a wide variety of diseases, ranging from a simple common cold to life-threatening diseases such as encephalitis and myocarditis. At the moment, no antiviral therapy is available against these viruses and it is not feasible to develop vaccines against all EVs and HPeVs due to the great number of serotypes. Therefore, a lot of effort is being invested in the development of antiviral drugs. Both viral proteins and host proteins essential for virus replication can be used as targets for virus inhibitors. As such, a good understanding of the complex process of virus replication is pivotal in the design of antiviral strategies goes hand in hand with a good understanding of the complex process of virus replication. In this review, we will give an overview of the current state of knowledge of EV and HPeV replication and how this can be inhibited by small-molecule inhibitors.
Small Wonders—The Use of Nanoparticles for Delivering Antigen
Authors: Taki Aya , Smooker Peter
Published: August 2015

Despite the discovery of many potential antigens for subunit vaccines, universal protection is often lacking due to the limitations of conventional delivery methods. Subunit vaccines primarily induce antibody-mediated humoral responses, whereas potent antigen-specific cellular responses are required for prevention against some pathogenic infections. Nanoparticles have been utilised in nanomedicine and are promising candidates for vaccine or drug delivery. Nanoparticle vehicles have been demonstrated to be efficiently taken up by dendritic cells and induce humoral and cellular responses. This review provides an overview of nanoparticle vaccine development; in particular, the preparation of nanoparticles using a templating technique is highlighted, which would alleviate some of the disadvantages of existing nanoparticles. We will also explore the cellular fate of nanoparticle vaccines. Nanoparticle-based antigen delivery systems have the potential to develop new generation vaccines against currently unpreventable infectious diseases.
The State of the Art of Mobile Robots on a Solid Surface
Authors: Rasam Himanshu R. , Mikolajczyk Tadeusz , Pimenov Danil Yurievich
Published: August 2015

This paper presents an overview of the state of art of mobile robots presenting aspects of their current level of sophistication, fields mobile robots are being presently used, the future application and scope of mobile robots. Classifying the primary research topics of multi-robot systems into seven major categories (Biological inspirations, architecture, localization/mapping/exploration, object transport and manipulation, motion co-ordination, reconfigurable and learning robot systems, vision), we discuss the current state of research in these areas. An attempt to cover the points for which a general agreement has emerged within the scientific domain, are then presented, followed by a discussion of alternative approaches and currently unsolved problems. This paper also reviews the most relevant literature and previous research activity regarding mobile robotics. We conclude by identifying more topics of scientific consensus, open research issues and a discussion of some application areas where mobile robots could be used with existing technology.
Association of non-synonymous SNPs of OPN gene with litter size traits in pigs
Authors: Kumchoo T. , Mekchay S.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Osteopontin (OPN) gene is a secreted phosphoprotein which appears to play a key function in the conceptus implantation, placentation and maintenance of pregnancy in pigs. The objectives of this study were to verify the non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their association with litter size traits in commercial Thai Large White pigs. A total of 320 Thai Large White sows were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Three SNPs at c.425G> A, c.573T> C and c.881C> T revealed amino acid exchange rates of p.110Ala> Thr, p.159Val> Ala and p.262Pro> Ser, respectively, and were then segregated. These three SNPs were significantly associated with total number born (TNB) and number born alive (NBA) traits. No polymorphisms of the two SNP markers (c.278A> G and c.452T> G) were observed in this study. Moreover, the SNPs at c.425G> A and c.573T> C were found to be in strong linkage disequilibrium. The association of OPN with litter size emphasizes the importance of porcine OPN as a candidate gene for reproductive traits in pig breeding.
Sensitivity of thermal infrared sounders to the chemical and micro-physical properties of UTLS secondary sulphate aerosols
Authors: Sellitto P. , Legras B.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Monitoring upper tropospheric-lower stratospheric (UTLS) secondary sulphate aerosols and their chemical and micro-physical properties from satellite nadir observations is crucial to better understand their formation and evolution processes and then to estimate their impact to the UTLS chemistry, and on regional and global radiative balance. Here we present a study aimed at the evaluation of the sensitivity of thermal infrared (TIR) satellite nadir observations to the chemical composition and the size distribution of idealized UTLS sulphate aerosol layers. The extinction properties of sulphuric acid/water droplets, for different sulphuric acid mixing ratios and temperatures, are systematically analysed. The extinction coefficients are derived by means of a Mie code, using refractive indexes taken from the GEISA (Gestion et Étude des Informations Spectroscopiques Atmosphériques: Management and Study of Spectroscopic Information) spectroscopic database and log-normal size distributions with different effective radii and number concentrations. IASI (Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer) pseudo-observations are generated using forward radiative transfer calculations performed with the 4A (Automatized Atmospheric Absorption Atlas) radiative transfer model, to estimate the impact of the extinction of idealized aerosol layers, at typical UTLS conditions, on the brightness temperature spectra observed by this satellite instrument. We found a marked and typical spectral signature of these aerosol layers between 700 and 1200 cm−1, due to the absorption bands of the sulphate and bi-sulphate ions and the undissociated sulphuric acid, with the main absorption peaks at 1170 and 905 cm−1. The dependence of the aerosol spectral signature to the sulphuric acid mixing ratio, and effective number concentration and radius, as well as the role of interferring parameters like the ozone, sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide and ash absorption, and temperature and water vapour profile uncertainties, are analyzed and critically discussed.
Looking beyond stratification: a model-based analysis of the biological drivers of oxygen depletion in the North Sea
Authors: Große F. , Greenwood N. , Kreus M. , Lenhart H. J. , Machoczek D. , Pätsch J. , Salt L. A. , Thomas H.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The problem of low oxygen conditions, often referred to as hypoxia, occurs regularly in the North Sea, a temperate European shelf sea. Stratification represents a major process regulating the seasonal dynamics of bottom oxygen. However, lowest oxygen conditions in the North Sea do not occur in the regions of strongest stratification. This suggests that stratification is an important prerequisite for hypoxia, but that the complex interaction between hydrodynamics and the biological processes drives its development. In this study we use the ecosystem model HAMSOM-ECOHAM5 to provide a general characteristic of the different North Sea oxygen regimes, and to quantify the impact of the different physical and biological factors driving the oxygen dynamics below the thermocline and in the bottom layer. We show that the North Sea can be subdivided into three different regimes in terms of oxygen dynamics: (1) a highly productive, non-stratified coastal regime, (2) a productive, seasonally stratified regime with a small sub-thermocline volume, and (3) a productive, seasonally stratified regime with a large sub-thermocline volume, with regime 2 being highly susceptible to hypoxic conditions. Our analysis of the different processes driving the oxygen development reveals that inter-annual variations in the oxygen conditions are caused by variations in primary production, while spatial differences can be attributed to differences in stratification and water depth. In addition, we show that benthic bacteria represent the main oxygen consumers in the bottom layer, consistently accounting for more than 50 % of the overall consumption. By providing these valuable insights, we show that ecosystem models can be a useful tool for the interpretation of observations and the estimation of the impact of anthropogenic drivers on the North Sea oxygen conditions.
Attribution in the presence of a long-memory climate response
Authors: Rypdal K.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Multiple, linear regression is employed to attribute variability in the global surface temperature to various forcing components and prominent internal climatic modes. The purpose of the study is to asses how sensitive attribution is to long-range memory (LRM) in the model for the temperature response. The model response to a given forcing component is its fingerprint, and is different for a zero response-time (ZRT) model and one with LRM response. The fingerprints are used as predictors in the regression scheme to express the response as a linear combination of footprints. For the instrumental period 1880–2010 the LRM response model explains 89 % of the total variance and is also favoured by information-theoretic model-selection criteria. The anthropogenic footprint is relatively insensitive to LRM scaling in the response, and explains almost all global warming after AD 1970. The solar footprint is weakly enhanced by LRM response, while the volcanic footprint is reduced by a factor of two. The natural climate variability on multidecadal time scales has no systematic trend and is dominated by the footprint of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation. The 2000–2010 hiatus is explained as a natural variation. A corresponding analysis for the last millennium is performed, using a Northern Hemisphere temperature reconstruction. The Little Ice Age (LIA) is explained as mainly due to volcanic cooling or as a long-memory response to strong radiative disequilibrium during the Medieval Warm Anomaly, and is not attributed to the low solar activity during the Maunder minimum.
Vertical movements of frost mounds in subarctic permafrost regions analyzed using geodetic survey and satellite interferometry
Authors: Beck I. , Ludwig R. , Bernier M. , Strozzi T. , Boike J.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Permafrost-affected soils cover about 40–45 % of Canada. The environment in such areas, especially those located within the discontinuous permafrost zone, has been impacted more than any other by recorded climatic changes. A number of changes, such as surface subsidence and the degradation of frost mounds due to permafrost thawing, have already been observed at many locations. We surveyed three frost mounds (lithalsas) in the subarctic, close to Umiujaq in northern Quebec, using high-precision differential global positioning system (d-GPS) technology during field visits in 2009, 2010 and 2011, thus obtaining detailed information on their responses to the freezing and thawing that occur during the course of the annual temperature cycle. Seasonal pulsations were detected in the frost mounds, and these responses were shown to vary with their state of degradation and the land cover. The most degraded lithalsa showed a maximum amplitude of vertical movement (either up or down) between winter (freezing) and summer (thawing) of 0.19 ± 0.09 m over the study period, while for the least degraded lithalsa this figure was far greater (1.24 ± 0.47 m). Records from areas with little or no vegetation showed far less average vertical movement over the study period (0.17 ± 0.03 m) than those with prostrate shrubs (0.56 ± 0.02 m), suggesting an influence from the land cover. A differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (D-InSAR) analysis was also completed over the lithalsas using selected TerraSAR-X images acquired from April to October 2009 and from March to October 2010, with a repeat cycle of 11 days. Interferograms with baselines shorter than 200 m were computed revealing a generally very low interferometric coherence, restricting the quantification of vertical movements of the lithalsas. Vertical surface movements of the order of a few centimeters were recorded in the vicinity of Umiujaq.
Qualitative soil moisture assessment in semi-arid Africa – the role of experience and training on inter-rater reliability
Authors: Rinderer M. , Komakech H. C. , Müller D. , Wiesenberg G. L. B. , Seibert J.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Soil and water management is particularly relevant in semi-arid regions to enhance agricultural productivity. During periods of water scarcity, soil moisture differences are important indicators of the soil water deficit and are traditionally used for allocating water resources among farmers of a village community. Here we present a simple, inexpensive soil wetness classification scheme based on qualitative indicators which one can see or touch on the soil surface. It incorporates the local farmers' knowledge on the best soil moisture conditions for seeding and brick making in the semi-arid environment of the study site near Arusha, Tanzania. The scheme was tested twice in 2014 with farmers, students and experts (April: 40 persons, June: 25 persons) for inter-rater reliability, bias of individuals and functional relation between qualitative and quantitative soil moisture values. During the test in April farmers assigned the same wetness class in 46 % of all cases, while students and experts agreed on about 60 % of all cases. Students who had been trained in how to apply the method gained higher inter-rater reliability than their colleagues with only a basic introduction. When repeating the test in June, participants were given improved instructions, organized in small subgroups, which resulted in a higher inter-rater reliability among farmers. In 66 % of all classifications, farmers assigned the same wetness class and the spread of class assignments was smaller. This study demonstrates that a wetness classification scheme based on qualitative indicators is a robust tool and can be applied successfully regardless of experience in crop growing and education level when an in-depth introduction and training is provided. The use of a simple and clear layout of the assessment form is important for reliable wetness class assignments.
Quantitative historical hydrology in Europe
Authors: Benito G. , Brázdil R. , Herget J. , Machado M. J.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. In recent decades, the quantification of flood hydrological characteristics (peak discharge, hydrograph shape, and runoff volume) from documentary evidence has gained scientific recognition as a method to lengthen flood records of rare and extreme events. This paper describes the methodological evolution of quantitative historical hydrology under the influence of developments in hydraulics and statistics. In the 19th century, discharge calculations based on flood marks were the only source of hydrological data for engineering design, but were later left aside in favour of systematic gauge records and conventional hydrological procedures. In the last two decades, there has been growing scientific and public interest in understanding long-term patterns of rare floods, in maintaining the flood heritage and memory of extremes, and developing methods for deterministic and statistical application to different scientific and engineering problems. A compilation of 46 case studies across Europe with reconstructed discharges demonstrates that (1) in most cases present flood magnitudes are not unusual within the context of the last millennium, although recent floods may exceed past floods in some temperate European rivers (e.g. the Vltava and Po rivers); (2) the frequency of extreme floods has decreased since the 1950s, although some rivers (e.g. the Gardon and Ouse rivers) show a reactivation of rare events over the last two decades. There is a great potential for gaining understanding of individual extreme events based on a combined multiproxy approach (palaeoflood and documentary records) providing high-resolution time flood series and their environmental and climatic changes; and for developing non-systematic and non-stationary statistical models based on relations of past floods with external and internal covariates under natural low-frequency climate variability.
Technical Note: Medium-term morphodynamics in an unprotected sandy beach of the Adriatic Sea
Authors: Postacchini M. , Soldini L. , Lorenzoni C. , Mancinelli A.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. In the recent years attention has been paid to the beach protection by means of soft and hard defenses. Along the Italian coasts of the Adriatic Sea, sandy beaches are the most common landscapes and around 70 % of the Marche-Region coasts (central Adriatic), is protected by defense structures. The longest free-from-obstacle nearshore area in the Region includes the beach of Senigallia, characterized by a multiple barred beach, frequently monitored during the last decades. The bathymetries surveyed in 2006, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 show a good adaptation of the beach to the Dean-type equilibrium profile, though a strong short-/medium-term variability of the wave climate has been observed during the monitored periods. This suggests a slight influence of wave forcing on the long-term profiles, which seems to only depend on the sediment size. Further, the medium-term dynamics of the submerged bars and their geometric features have been related to the wave climate collected by a wave buoy located 40 km off Senigallia during the analyzed temporal windows. An overall interpretation of the complete dynamics, i.e. hydrodynamics (buoy data), sediment characteristics (equilibrium-profile A parameter) and morphodynamics (bathymetric surveys), suggests that the wave climate is fundamental for the morphodynamic changes of the beach in the medium term: waves coming from NNE/ESE are characterized by a larger/smaller steepness and induce seaward/shoreward bar migration, as well as bar smoothing/steepening. Moving southward, the bar dimension increases, while the equilibrium profile suggests a decrease of the sediment size in the submerged beach, this probably due to the presence of both harbor jetty and river mouth North of the investigated area.
Do severe obese patients with stress urinary incontinence benefit from transobturator tape procedure? 3-year surgical outcome
Authors: Yonguc Tarik , Aydogdu Ozgu , Bozkurt Ibrahim Halil , Degirmenci Tansu , Gunlusoy Bulent , Sen Volkan , Yarimoglu Serkan
Published: August 2015

Introduction: We evaluate the impact of severe obesity on surgical outcomes of the transobturator tape (TOT) procedure in patients with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).Methods: In total, 32 women with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] >35 kg/m2) were included in the study. All patients were preoperatively evaluated with history, pelvic examination, ultrasonography, and cough stress test. All patients completed the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short form (ICIQ-SF) preoperatively and at the postoperative followup. Cure of incontinence was defined as being completely dry after surgery. Cure was assessed subjectively and objectively. Subjective improvement defined as an International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short form (ICIQ-SF) score ≤12 and satisfaction with surgery. Failure was defined as having no change or worsening of urinary incontinence after surgery. Postoperative patient satisfaction was assessed using a visual analog scale.Results: The mean follow-up time and mean BMI were 40.9 ± 20.9 months and 38 ± 3 kg/m2, respectively. According to preoperative ICIQ-SF questionnaire scores, 20 patients (62.5%) had severe and 12 patients (37.5 %) had very severe urinary incontinence symptoms. No patient had slight or moderate symptoms. None of the patients experienced worsening symptoms after surgery. Objective cure, subjective cure, subjective improvement and patient satisfaction rates were 81.2%, 46.8%, 37.5%, and 84.3% respectively. Our overall complication rate was 9.3%. None of the patients experienced intraoperative complications.Conclusion: In experienced hands, TOT is an effective and safe procedure to treat SUI, with minimal complications in severe obese women.
Obamacare na Obama, deel II: King v. Burwell
Authors: Ranchordás S.H.
Published: August 2015

Obamacare na Obama, deel II: King v. Burwell

De bijdrage is het vervolg op de rubriek in RegelMaat 2015, afl. 3. Sindsdien heeft het Amerikaanse Hooggerechtshof een belangrijk arrest gewezen, waardoor volgens de auteur de kans dat Obamacare in de Amerikaanse rechtsorde wordt verankerd groter is geworden. Het Hof oordeelde dat mensen, ongeacht in welke staat ze wonen, recht hebben op een bijdrage van de federale overheid om hun ziektekostenverzekering te kunnen betalen. Of de markt van zorgverzekeringen in een bepaalde staat wordt beheerd door die staat zelf, of door de federale overheid, heeft daarvoor geen gevolg. De auteur wijst erop dat deze uitspraak van groot belang is en ook aandacht kreeg in Nederland, maar achterbleef bij de uitspraak over het homohuwelijk.
Van ambt naar vrij beroep
Authors: Schilderman Hans
Published: August 2015

Office or liberal profession. Spiritual care as provision in the public sphere

This contribution discusses two forms in which spiritual care in the Netherlands can be organized: in terms of a (church) office which reflects the current form, or as liberal profession which is a form to be conceivably pursued as an alternative proper to the sociocultural and institutional developments that this text indicates. The historical Dutch context of pillarization is tributary to a form of spiritual care that seems less apt to deal with the challenges ahead. The conditions and requirements of a liberal model are presented, but also put into perspective of the limited opportunities of the professional association of spiritual care to manoeuvre in politics and policies.
Low‐latitude Pi2 oscillations observed by polar Low Earth Orbiting satellite
Authors: Thomas Neethal , Vichare Geeta , Sinha A. K. , Rawat Rahul
Published: August 2015

Low‐latitude Pi2 pulsations in the topside ionosphere are investigated using vector magnetic field measurements from LEO satellite, CHAMP, and underneath ground station. Substorm‐associated Pi2s are initially identified using high‐resolution data from Indian station Shillong, during 2007–2009, and are further classified into three subgroups of Pi2 band (6–25 mHz), based on its frequency. During nighttime, coherent in‐phase oscillations are observed in the compressional component at satellite and horizontal component at underneath ground station for all the Pi2 events, irrespective of the Pi2 frequency. We observe that the identification of daytime Pi2s at CHAMP (compressional component) depends on the frequency of Pi2 oscillation; i.e., 40%, 45%, and 100% of Pi2 events observed in dayside ground station with frequency between 6–10 mHz, 10–15 mHz, and 15–25 mHz were identified at satellite, respectively. At CHAMP during daytime, the presence of a dominant power in the lower frequencies of Pi2 band, which is unique to satellite, is consistently observed and can modify the Pi2 oscillations. Pi2s having frequency >15 mHz are less affected by these background frequencies, and a clear signature of daytime Pi2s at CHAMP is possible to observe, provided that contribution from non‐Pi2 frequencies at satellite from the lower end of Pi2 band is eliminated. Daytime Pi2s identified in the topside ionosphere showed coherent but mostly opposite phase oscillations with underneath ground station, and satellite‐to‐ground amplitude ratio is, in general, found to be less than 1. Present results indicate that a combination of fast cavity‐mode oscillations and an instantaneous transmission of Pi2 electric field from high‐ to low‐latitude ionosphere is responsible for the observation of daytime Pi2s.
Coevolution of bed surface patchiness and channel morphology: 1. Mechanisms of forced patch formation
Authors: Nelson Peter A. , McDonald Richard R. , Nelson Jonathan M. , Dietrich William E.
Published: August 2015

Riverbeds frequently display a spatial structure where the sediment mixture composing the channel bed has been sorted into discrete patches of similar grain size. Even though patches are a fundamental feature in gravel bed rivers, we have little understanding of how patches form, evolve, and interact. Here we present a two‐dimensional morphodynamic model that is used to examine in greater detail the mechanisms responsible for the development of forced bed surface patches and the coevolution of bed morphology and bed surface patchiness. The model computes the depth‐averaged channel hydrodynamics, mixed‐grain‐size sediment transport, and bed evolution by coupling the river morphodynamic model Flow and Sediment Transport with Morphological Evolution of Channels (FaSTMECH) with a transport relation for gravel mixtures and the mixed‐grain‐size Exner equation using the active layer assumption. To test the model, we use it to simulate a flume experiment in which the bed developed a sequence of alternate bars and temporally and spatially persistent forced patches with a general pattern of coarse bar tops and fine pools. Cross‐stream sediment flux causes sediment to be exported off of bars and imported into pools at a rate that balances downstream gradients in the streamwise sediment transport rate, allowing quasi‐steady bar‐pool topography to persist. The relative importance of lateral gravitational forces on the cross‐stream component of sediment transport is a primary control on the amplitude of the bars. Because boundary shear stress declines as flow shoals over the bars, the lateral sediment transport is increasingly size selective and leads to the development of coarse bar tops and fine pools.
A new approach to modeling aerosol effects on East Asian climate: Parametric uncertainties associated with emissions, cloud microphysics, and their interactions
Authors: Yan Huiping , Qian Yun , Zhao Chun , Wang Hailong , Wang Minghuai , Yang Ben , Liu Xiaohong , Fu Qiang
Published: August 2015

In this study, we adopt a parametric sensitivity analysis framework that integrates the quasi‐Monte Carlo parameter sampling approach and a surrogate model to examine aerosol effects on the East Asian Monsoon climate simulated in the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM5). A total number of 256 CAM5 simulations are conducted to quantify the model responses to the uncertain parameters associated with cloud microphysics parameterizations and aerosol (e.g., sulfate, black carbon (BC), and dust) emission factors and their interactions. Results show that the interaction terms among parameters are important for quantifying the sensitivity of fields of interest, especially precipitation, to the parameters. The relative importance of cloud microphysics parameters and emission factors (strength) depends on evaluation metrics or the model fields we focused on, and the presence of uncertainty in cloud microphysics imposes an additional challenge in quantifying the impact of aerosols on cloud and climate. Due to their different optical and microphysical properties and spatial distributions, sulfate, BC, and dust aerosols have very different impacts on East Asian Monsoon through aerosol‐cloud‐radiation interactions. The climatic effects of aerosol do not always have a monotonic response to the change of emission factors. The spatial patterns of both sign and magnitude of aerosol‐induced changes in radiative fluxes, cloud, and precipitation could be different, depending on the aerosol types, when parameters are sampled in different ranges of values. We also identify the different cloud microphysical parameters that show the most significant impact on climatic effect induced by sulfate, BC, and dust, respectively, in East Asia.
Bifurcating stents in the pulmonary arteries: A novel technique to relieve bilateral branch pulmonary artery obstruction
Authors: Narayan Hari K. , Glatz Andrew C. , Rome Jonathan J.
Published: August 2015

Balloon angioplasty and stent placement in close proximity to the bifurcation of the branch pulmonary arteries can be challenging. Multiple approaches have been previously described, though none of these approaches both treats bilateral proximal branch pulmonary artery stenosis and provides an anchor for a transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement. We report a novel approach that involves serial stent placement and balloon dilation through the struts of the stent in each pulmonary artery, along with balloon expansion of the proximal portion of the stents to the diameter of the main pulmonary artery. In the two cases we describe, this strategy resulted in significant relief of branch pulmonary artery obstruction without compromising the anatomy of the main pulmonary artery segment. This technique can be an effective way to alleviate stenoses of the bilateral proximal branch pulmonary arteries and provides a landing zone for a future transcatheter pulmonary valve. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Discussion of paper ‘Seismic behavior and modeling of steel reinforced concrete (SRC) walls’ by Xiaodong Ji, Ya Sun, Jiaru Qian and Xinzheng Lu, Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics 2015; 44(6):955–972
Authors: Yuksel S. Bahadir
Published: August 2015

The paper under discussion presents a series of quasi‐static tests used to examine the behavior of steel reinforced concrete (SRC) walls subjected to high axial force and lateral cyclic loading. A total of six wall specimens were designed, including five SRC walls and one reinforced concrete (RC) wall. In the ‘Summary’ section of the discussed paper, the authors state that: ‘The use of SRC walls has gained popularity in the construction of high‐rise buildings because of their superior performance over conventional RC walls’. The authors also proposed that, the SRC wall specimens showed increased flexural strength and deformation capacity relative to their RC wall counterpart. The discussion is prompted to rectify some statements and conclusions of the paper under discussion. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of a Specialist-Led, School Physical Education Program on Bone Mass, Structure, and Strength in Primary School Children: A 4-Year Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Daly Robin M , Ducher Gaele , Hill Briony , Telford Rohan M , Eser Prisca , Naughton Geraldine , Seibel Markus J , Telford Richard D
Published: August 2015

This 4-year cluster randomized controlled trial of 365 boys and 362 girls (mean age 8.1 ± 0.3 years) from grade 2 in 29 primary schools investigated the effects of a specialist-taught physical education (PE) program on bone strength and body composition. All children received 150 min/week of common practice (CP) PE from general classroom teachers but in 13 schools 100 min/week of CP PE was replaced by specialized-led PE (SPE) by teachers who emphasized more vigorous exercise/games combined with static and dynamic postural activities involving muscle strength. Outcome measures assessed in grades 2, 4, and 6 included: total body bone mineral content (BMC), lean mass (LM), and fat mass (FM) by DXA, and radius and tibia (4% and 66% sites) bone structure, volumetric density and strength, and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) by pQCT. After 4-years, gains in total body BMC, FM, and muscle CSA were similar between the groups in both sexes, but girls in the SPE group experienced a greater gain in total body LM (mean 1.0 kg; 95% CI, 0.2 to 1.9 kg). Compared to CP, girls in the SPE group also had greater gains in cortical area (CoA) and cortical thickness (CoTh) at the mid-tibia (CoA, 5.0% [95% CI, 0.2% to 1.9%]; CoTh, 7.5% [95% CI, 2.4% to 12.6%]) and mid-radius (CoA, 9.3% [95% CI, 3.5% to 15.1%]; CoTh, 14.4% [95% CI, 6.1% to 22.7%]), whereas SPE boys had a 5.2% (95% CI, 0.4% to 10.0%) greater gain in mid-tibia CoTh. These benefits were due to reduced endocortical expansion. There were no significant benefits of SPE on total bone area, cortical density or bone strength at the mid-shaft sites, nor any appreciable effects at the distal skeletal sites. This study indicates that a specialist-led school-based PE program improves cortical bone structure, due to reduced endocortical expansion. This finding challenges the notion that periosteal apposition is the predominant response of bone to loading during the prepubertal and early-pubertal period. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Parameterization of an effective potential for protein–ligand binding from host–guest affinity data
Authors: Wickstrom Lauren , Deng Nanjie , He Peng , Mentes Ahmet , Nguyen Crystal , Gilson Michael K. , Kurtzman Tom , Gallicchio Emilio , Levy Ronald M.
Published: August 2015

Force field accuracy is still one of the “stalemates” in biomolecular modeling. Model systems with high quality experimental data are valuable instruments for the validation and improvement of effective potentials. With respect to protein–ligand binding, organic host–guest complexes have long served as models for both experimental and computational studies because of the abundance of binding affinity data available for such systems. Binding affinity data collected for cyclodextrin (CD) inclusion complexes, a popular model for molecular recognition, is potentially a more reliable resource for tuning energy parameters than hydration free energy measurements. Convergence of binding free energy calculations on CD host–guest systems can also be obtained rapidly, thus offering the opportunity to assess the robustness of these parameters. In this work, we demonstrate how implicit solvent parameters can be developed using binding affinity experimental data and the binding energy distribution analysis method (BEDAM) and validated using the Grid Inhomogeneous Solvation Theory analysis. These new solvation parameters were used to study protein–ligand binding in two drug targets against the HIV‐1 virus and improved the agreement between the calculated and the experimental binding affinities. This work illustrates how benchmark sets of high quality experimental binding affinity data and physics‐based binding free energy models can be used to evaluate and optimize force fields for protein–ligand systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
No association between mitochondrial DNA copy number and colorectal adenomas
Authors: Thyagarajan Bharat , Guan Weihua , Fedirko Veronika , Barcelo Helene , Tu Huakang , Gross Myron , Goodman Michael , Bostick Roberd M.
Published: August 2015

Despite previously reported associations between peripheral blood mtDNA copy number and colorectal cancer, it remains unclear whether altered mtDNA copy number in peripheral blood is a risk factor for colorectal cancer or a biomarker for undiagnosed colorectal cancer. Though colorectal adenomas are well‐recognized precursor lesions to colorectal cancer, no study has evaluated an association between mtDNA copy number and colorectal adenoma risk. Hence, we investigated an association between peripheral blood mtDNA copy number and incident, sporadic colorectal adenoma in 412 colorectal adenoma cases and 526 cancer‐free controls pooled from three colonoscopy‐based case–control studies that used identical methods for case ascertainment, risk factor determination, and biospecimen collection. We also evaluated associations between relative mtDNA copy number and markers of oxidative stress, including circulating F2‐isoprostanes, carotenoids, and fluorescent oxidation products. We measured mtDNA copy number using a quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We used unconditional logistic regression to analyze the association between mtDNA copy number and colorectal adenoma risk after multivariable adjustment. We found no association between logarithmically transformed relative mtDNA copy number, analyzed as a continuous variable, and colorectal adenoma risk (odds ratio = 1.02, 95%CI: 0.82–1.27; P = 0.86). There were no statistically significant associations between relative mtDNA copy number and other markers of oxidative stress. Our findings, taken together with those from previous studies, suggest that relative mtDNA copy number in peripheral blood may more likely be a marker of early colorectal cancer than of risk for the disease or of in vivo oxidative stress. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modeling and analysis of reactive solute transport in deformable channels with wall adsorption–desorption
Authors: Mabuza Sibusiso , Čanić Sunčica , Muha Boris
Published: August 2015

We show well posedness for a model of nonlinear reactive transport of chemical in a deformable channel. The channel walls deform due to fluid–structure interaction between an unsteady flow of an incompressible, viscous fluid inside the channel and elastic channel walls. Chemical solutes, which are dissolved in the viscous, incompressible fluid, satisfy a convection–diffusion equation in the bulk fluid, while on the deforming walls, the solutes undergo nonlinear adsorption–desorption physico‐chemical reactions. The problem addresses scenarios that arise, for example, in studies of drug transport in blood vessels. We show the existence of a unique weak solution with solute concentrations that are non‐negative for all times. The analysis of the problem is carried out in the context of semi‐linear parabolic PDEs on moving domains. The arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian approach is used to address the domain movement, and the Galerkin method with the Picard–Lindelöf theorem is used to prove existence and uniqueness of approximate solutions. Energy estimates combined with the compactness arguments based on the Aubin–Lions lemma are used to prove convergence of the approximating sequences to the unique weak solution of the problem. It is shown that the solution satisfies the positivity property, that is, that the density of the solute remains non‐negative at all times, as long as the prescribed fluid domain motion is ‘reasonable’. This is the first well‐posedness result for reactive transport problems defined on moving domains of this type. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular simulations study of novel 1,4‐dihydropyridines derivatives with a high selectivity for Cav3.1 calcium channel
Authors: Liu Xiaoguang , Yu Hui , Zhao Xi , Huang Xu‐Ri
Published: August 2015

1,4‐Dihydropyridines (DHPs) have been developed to treat hypertension, angina, and nerve system disease. They are thought to mainly target the L‐type calcium channels, but low selectivity prompts them to block Cav1.2 and Cav3.1 channels simultaneously. Recently, some novel DHPs with different hydrophobic groups have been synthesized and among them M12 has a higher selectivity for Cav3.1. However, the structural information about Cav3.1‐DHPs complexes is not available in the experiment. Thus, we combined homology modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and binding free energy calculations to quantitatively elucidate the inhibition mechanism of DHPs. The calculated results indicate that our model is in excellent agreement with experimental results. On the basis of conformational analysis, we identify the main interactions between DHPs and calcium channels and further elaborate on the different selectivity of ligands from the micro perspective. In conjunction with energy distribution, we propose that the binding sites of Cav3.1‐DHPs is characterized by several interspersed hydrophobic amino acid residues on the IIIS6 and IVS6 segments. We also speculate the favorable function groups on prospective DHPs. Besides, our model provides important information for further mutagenesis experiments.
Low Vitamin D Levels in Children with Fractures: A Comparative Cohort Study
Authors: Fabricant Peter D. , Dy Christopher J. , McLaren Son H. , Rauck Ryan C. , Ipp Lisa S. , Doyle Shevaun M.
Published: August 2015

Background

The currently accepted ranges for “normal” serum vitamin D have recently been challenged in adults on the basis that healthy bone metabolism requires higher levels of vitamin D than previously thought.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a new “biologically based” classification based on 25(OH)vitamin D levels that invoke an endocrine biomarker response (<20 ng/mL for deficiency and <32 ng/mL for insufficiency) is more appropriate for children with fractures than historical criteria.

Methods

Serum 25(OH)vitamin D levels were collected from 58 children with acute low-energy fractures from an outpatient orthopedic clinic from 2009 to 2012. These vitamin D levels were compared with a cohort of 103 children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) from an adjacent clinic, a condition with acknowledged low levels of vitamin D. Then, the prevalence of vitamin D sufficiency in the fracture cohort was evaluated and compared using both historical guidelines and newer biologically based criteria.

Results

25(OH)vitamin D levels in the fracture cohort did not differ from levels in the CKD cohort (27.5 vs. 24.6 ng/mL) indicating a similar distribution of vitamin D levels. This finding was consistent when controlling for significant covariables using linear regression analyses. In the fracture cohort, there was a discrepancy between historical and biologically based criteria in 64% of children.

Conclusions

The results of the current study suggest that fracture patients are more frequently vitamin D deficient than previously thought. This finding is more readily apparent when newer biologically based criteria for vitamin D sufficiency are used.
Dust Plate, Retina, Photograph: Imaging on Experimental Surfaces in Early Nineteenth-Century Physics
Authors: Ramalingam Chitra
Published: August 2015

Argument

This article explores the entangled histories of three imaging techniques in early nineteenth-century British physical science, techniques in which a dynamic event (such as a sound vibration or an electric spark) was made to leave behind a fixed trace on a sensitive surface. Three categories of “sensitive surface” are examined in turn: first, a metal plate covered in fine dust; second, the retina of the human eye; and finally, a surface covered with a light-sensitive chemical emulsion (a photographic plate). For physicists Michael Faraday and Charles Wheatstone, and photographic pioneer William Henry Fox Talbot, transient phenomena could be studied through careful observation and manipulation of the patterns wrought on these different surfaces, and through an understanding of how the imaging process unfolded through time. This exposes the often-ignored materiality and temporality of epistemic practices around nineteenth-century scientific images said to be “drawn by nature.”
Optical microscopy imaging for the diagnosis of the pharmacological reaction of mouse embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (mESC-CMs)
Authors: Ikeuchi Tomohiko , Espulgar Wilfred , Shimizu Eiichi , Saito Masato , Lee Jong-Kook , Dou Xiaoming , Yamaguchi Yoshinori , Tamiya Eiichi
Published: August 2015

Quantitative diagnosis of pharmacological chronotropic reactions on mouse embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (mESC-CMs) was successfully performed by utilizing derivative imaging analysis on recorded videos.
Synergistic “ping-pong” energy transfer for efficient light activation in a chromophore–catalyst dyad
Authors: Quaranta Annamaria , Charalambidis Georgios , Herrero Christian , Margiola Sofia , Leibl Winfried , Coutsolelos Athanassios , Aukauloo Ally
Published: August 2015

The synthesis of a porphyrin–RuIIpolypyridine complex where the porphyrin acts as a photoactive unit and the RuIIpolypyridine as a catalytic precursor is described.
Isocyanate deinsertion from κ1-O amidates: facile access to perfluoroaryl rhodium(i) complexes
Authors: Drover Marcus W. , Schafer Laurel L. , Love Jennifer A.
Published: August 2015

Perfluorophenyl-subsituted amidates undergo unprecedented C6F5 migration to Rh(i) on heating, providing a new route to Rh-C6F5 organometallic fragments.
Chromatographic methods for the isolation, separation and characterisation of dissolved organic matter
Authors: Sandron Sara , Rojas Alfonso , Wilson Richard , Davies Noel W. , Haddad Paul R. , Shellie Robert A. , Nesterenko Pavel N. , Kelleher Brian P. , Paull Brett
Published: August 2015

This review presents an overview of the separation techniques applied to the complex challenge of dissolved organic matter characterisation.
Extremely tough composites from fabric reinforced polyampholyte hydrogels
Authors: King Daniel R. , Sun Tao Lin , Huang Yiwan , Kurokawa Takayuki , Nonoyama Takayuki , Crosby Alfred J. , Gong Jian Ping
Published: August 2015

New ultra-tough and strong hydrogel composites have been fabricated from polyampholyte hydrogels and glass fiber fabrics.