bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A computationally efficient depression-filling algorithm for digital elevation models applied to proglacial lake drainage
Authors: Berends Constantijn J. , van de Wal Roderik S. W.
Published: May 2016

Abstract. We present and evaluate several optimizations to a standard flood-fill algorithm in terms of computational efficiency. As an example, we determine the land/ocean-mask for a 1 km resolution digital elevation model (DEM) of North America and Greenland, a geographical area of roughly 7000 by 5000 km (roughly 35 million elements), about half of which is covered by ocean. Determining the land/ocean-mask with our improved flood-fill algorithm reduces computation time by 90 % relative to using a standard stack-based flood-fill algorithm. In another experiment, we use the bedrock elevation, ice thickness and geoid perturbation fields from the output of a coupled ice-sheet–sea-level equation model at 30,000 years before present and determine the extent of Lake Agassiz, using both the standard and improved versions of the flood-fill algorithm. We show that several optimizations to the flood-fill algorithm used for filling a depression up to a water level, that is not defined at forehand, decrease the computation time by up to 99 %. The resulting reduction in computation time allows determination of the extent and volume of depressions in a DEM over large geographical grids or repeatedly over long periods of time, where computation time might otherwise be a limiting factor.
Rod Function in Diabetic Patients without and with Early Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Longhin Evelyn , Tormene Alma P. , Olivato Elena , Convento Enrica , Vujosevic Stela , Pilotto Elisabetta , Kotsafti Olympia , Midena Edoardo
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To compare rod function among diabetic patients without and with mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR) and healthy controls by means of scotopic microperimetry and dark-adapted electroretinography.

Methods

Sixty-one diabetic patients and 30 age-matched controls (control group) underwent complete ophthalmic examination, scotopic microperimetry, and dark-adapted 0.01 electroretinography (DA-ERG).

Results

In 32 eyes, DR was absent (no-DR group); in 29 eyes, only microaneurysms were observed (DR group). No statistically significant differences in fixation stability, fixation location, or scotopic sensitivity among the 3 groups were observed. Implicit time and amplitude of the DA-ERG b-wave of no-DR and DR groups were not different from controls. Scotopic microperimetry showed a dense scotoma centered onto the fovea in all subjects, consistent with the rod-free zone. Greater scotopic sensitivity was found in a ring located 8° from the fovea (9.33 ± 1.33 dB).

Conclusions

Diabetic patients without DR and with mild nonproliferative DR did not show alterations in rod-based function, as examined by microperimetry and confirmed by DA-ERG. Scotopic microperimetry measures rod-based function and offers additional information in the evaluation of the aspects of involvement of retinal cells in diabetes.
Prediction of the Development of Late Enophthalmos in Pure Blowout Fractures: Delayed Orbital Tissue Atrophy Plays a Major Role
Authors: Kim Sue Min , Jeong Yeon Seong , Lee Jae , Park Myong Chul , Park Dong Ha
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To retrospectively evaluate the risk factors for the development of late enophthalmos in pure blowout fractures.

Methods

We reviewed 49 cases of pure blowout fractures diagnosed in Ajou University Hospital, South Korea, from January 2005 to June 2015. We assumed that several factors influence the development of late enophthalmos, including bony defect size, volume of displaced soft tissue, number of fracture sites, involvement of floor, soft tissue incarceration through the bony defect, and patient age.

Results

Twenty-one patients were diagnosed with late enophthalmos (group 1) while 28 patients were not (group 2). Soft tissue incarceration, presumably causing the soft tissue injury, was the only factor that increased the risk for late enophthalmos in this study (p = 0.04, odds ratio 4.5). In contrast with previous studies, there were no meaningful correlation between bony defect size or volume of displaced soft tissue and development of late enophthalmos. Number of fracture sites, involvement of floor, and patient age did not increase the risk for late enophthalmos.

Conclusions

We suggest that the delayed orbital tissue atrophy due to soft tissue injury plays a more important role than other hypotheses in the development of late enophthalmos. It is necessary to overcorrect to some extent if there is soft tissue incarceration through the bony defect in the initial computed tomography, and clinicians should warn patients about the development of late enophthalmos despite orbital reconstructive surgery.
Anterior Lamina Cribrosa Surface Position in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension and Glaucoma
Authors: Villarruel Jenni M. , Li Xiao Q. , Bach-Holm Daniella , Hamann Steffen
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To compare the anterior lamina cribrosa (LC) surface position in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), primary open-angle glaucoma (high-tension glaucoma [HTG] and normal-tension glaucoma [NTG]), and healthy controls using enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT).

Methods

This was a retrospective, cross-sectional observational study of 11 eyes with IIH, 20 eyes with HTG, 20 eyes with NTG, and 37 control eyes. Serial horizontal B-scans of the optic nerve head were obtained using EDI-OCT. The LC depth, defined as the distance from the Bruch membrane opening plane to the anterior LC surface, was manually measured on selected B-scans covering the central three-quarters of the optic nerve head in each eye.

Results

Mean LC depth in patients with IIH (325.2 ± 92.1 µm) was significantly (p<0.01) decreased compared to control subjects (387.8 ± 53.9 µm). In HTG, the mean LC depth (493.0 ± 115.2 µm) was significantly increased compared to NTG (376.6 ± 27.1 µm, p<0.05) and control subjects (332.7 ± 53.1 µm, p<0.001). The trans-LC pressure difference (TLPD) (intraocular pressure − cerebrospinal fluid pressure) was positively correlated with the LC depth (r = 0.96, p<0.001) and inversely correlated with visual field perimetric mean deviation in patients with IIH (r = -0.88, p<0.001).

Conclusions

The LC is positioned anteriorly in patients with IIH and posteriorly in glaucomatous eyes compared to normal controls. The positional changes of the LC could be a result of the TLPD between the intraocular and intracranial pressure compartments.
Impact of Introducing 2 Simple Technique Modifications on the Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Learning Curve
Authors: Arnalich-Montiel Francisco , Pérez-Sarriegui Ane , Casado Alfonso
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To analyze the impact of performing premarking of the Descemet roll and using SF6 20% on a surgeon's Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) learning process.

Methods

A total of 30 consecutive eyes with endothelial dysfunction undergoing DMEK during the learning curve of a surgeon were retrospectively analyzed. Prior to the study, the surgeon had already performed 10 DMEKs. The first 15 consecutive patients were included in group 1 (no premarking and air tamponade) and the other 15 consecutive patients were included in group 2 (premarking and SF6 tamponade). Main outcome parameters were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), endothelial cell density (ECD) loss at 6 months, and intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Results

Among the 2 groups, BCVA and ECD loss at 6 months were similar. However, there was a statistically significant reduction in primary graft failure (40% vs 0%) and need of rebubbling due to complete or partial graft detachment (40% vs 6%) when comparing group 1 versus group 2. In group 1, half of the patients needing rebubbling had primary graft failure.

Conclusions

Based on our personal experience, premarking the graft to assess orientation and using a SF6 gas tamponade dramatically reduces the risk of primary graft failure and the need for rebubbling even during the first stages of the learning curve. These findings should encourage surgeons to safely change from Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty to DMEK.
A Novel Hybrid Type (Custom-Made plus off-the-Shelf) Total Femoral PROSTALAC
Authors: Araç Süleyman Şükrü , Boya Hakan
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Treatment of periprosthetic joint infection following revision-Total Hip Arthroplasty is more problematic when there is poor bone quality and severe bone loss. Migration of revision prosthesis with a long stem to the knee joint in infected cases makes treatment more complex. In these cases, total femoral replacement is the only treatment option and eradication of infection is mandatory before the replacement. In 2-staged reconstruction treatment, there is a need for a PROSTALAC to replace the whole femur.

Methods

We describe here a novel hybrid type (custom-made plus off-the-shelf) total femoral PROSTALAC for cases in need of whole femoral bone and femoral component removal for the treatment of periprosthetic joint infection in total hip arthroplasty.

Result

Both sides of the PROSTALAC have anatomical joint surfaces, so the articulation with the acetabulum proximally is expected to be more stable. The off-the-shelf anatomic joint surface of the PROSTALAC distally allows articulation compatible with a proximal tibial off-the-shelf spacer.

Conclusions

This simple hybrid-type total femoral PROSTALAC can be adjusted to femoral length, has anatomical joint surfaces that produce a more stable articulation, and can articulate with an off-the-shelf proximal tibial spacer.
Party Institutionalisation in the Czech Republic: Towards a New Measurement of the Theoretical Concept
Authors: Stauber Jakub
Published: May 2016

The overall stability of the party system is usually studied on the basis of system-level aggregates such as electoral volatility or the effective number of political parties. Such an approach can be problematic, because it primarily measures just one dimension of stability, which is defined as the stability of electoral support. The article argues that this external dimension of stability should be further analysed in the context of the development of intra-party structures. The institutionalisation theory includes both dimensions, so it is capable of interpreting complex relations between them. Based on empirical data, the article systematically compares nine relevant political parties in the Czech Republic to better understand differences in the stabilisation of different types of party organisations in the context of party system changes in recent years.
Petr Voda: Jaká je role postkomunismu? Volební geografie České a Rakouské republiky v letech 1990-2013
Authors: Lysek Jakub
Published: May 2016

Knižní recenze /Book review.
Zuzana Maďarová a Alexandra Ostertágová (eds.): Občianky a revolucionárky. Ako, kedy, kde sa vylučujú nevhodné subjekty
Authors: Mottlová Markéta
Published: May 2016

Knižní recenze / Book review.
Why “The Value of Why”?
Authors: McGarvey Lynn , Kline Kate
Published: May 2016

The Teaching Children Mathematics Editorial Panel explains their choices of feature articles for an entire issue devoted to the value of asking the question Why?
Hats off to you
Authors: Columba Lynn
Published: May 2016

Connect and integrate children's literature with mathematics by using a high-interest theme for students to improve their critical thinking skills. “Hats Off to You” is a salute to children's authors and the love of hats.
A Vehicle for Instructional Transformation
Authors: Munson Jen , Morant Tamyka S.
Published: May 2016

The journey of closing the assessment-instruction loop begins with sustained, embedded professional development.
Count trends for migratory Bald Eagles reveal differences between two populations at a spring site along the Lake Ontario shoreline
Authors: Wright Kyle R.
Published: May 2016

The recovery of Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucophalus), after DDT and other organochlorine insecticides were banned in the United States, can be regarded as one of the most iconic success stories resulting from the Endangered Species Act. Interest remains high in the recovery and growth of the Bald Eagle population. Common to evaluating growth and recovery rates are counts at nesting sites and analyses of individuals fledged per season. But this is merely one snapshot that ignores survival rates as eagles grow to maturity. By analyzing indices from migration counts, we get a different snapshot better reflecting the survival of young birds. Different populations of Bald Eagles breed at different sites at different times of the year. Typical migration count analyses do not separate the populations. A separation of two distinct populations can be achieved at spring count sites by taking advantage of the tendency for northern summer breeding birds to migrate north in spring earlier than southern winter breeding birds who disperse north later in spring. In this paper I analyze migratory indices at a spring site along Lake Ontario. The analysis shows that eagles considered to be primarily of the northern summer breeding population showed an estimated growth rate of 5.3 ± 0.85% (SE) per year with 49% of eagles tallied in adult plumage, whereas the migrants considered to be primarily of the southern breeding population had an estimated growth rate of 14.0 ± 1.79% with only 22% in adult plumage. Together these results argue that the populations of southern breeding Bald Eagles are growing at a substantially higher rate than northern breeding eagles. These findings suggest that aggregate population indices for a species at migration counting sites can sometimes obscure important differences among separate populations at any given site and that separating counts by time period can be a useful way to check for differences among sub-populations.
Isolation and characterization of eight microsatellite loci fromGaleocerdo cuvier(tiger shark) and cross-amplification inCarcharhinus leucas, Carcharhinus brevipinna,Carcharhinus plumbeusandSphyrna lewini
Authors: Pirog Agathe , Jaquemet Sébastien , Blaison Antonin , Soria Marc , Magalon Hélène
Published: May 2016

The tiger sharkGaleocerdo cuvier(Carcharhinidae) is a large elasmobranch suspected to have, as other apex predators, a keystone function in marine ecosystems and is currently considered Near Threatened (Red list IUCN). Knowledge on its ecology, which is crucial to design proper conservation and management plans, is very scarce. Here we describe the isolation of eight polymorphic microsatellite loci using 454 GS-FLX Titanium pyrosequencing of enriched DNA libraries. Their characteristics were tested on a population of tiger shark (n= 101) from Reunion Island (South-Western Indian Ocean). All loci were polymorphic with a number of alleles ranging from two to eight. No null alleles were detected and no linkage disequilibrium was detected after Bonferroni correction. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.03 to 0.76 and from 0.03 to 0.77, respectively. No locus deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and the globalFISof the population was of 0.04NS. Some of the eight loci developed here successfully cross-amplified in the bull sharkCarcharhinus leucas(one locus), the spinner sharkCarcharhinus brevipinna(four loci), the sandbar sharkCarcharhinus plumbeus(five loci) and the scalloped hammerhead sharkSphyrna lewini(two loci). We also designed primers to amplify and sequence a mitochondrial marker, the control region. We sequenced 862 bp and found a low genetic diversity, with four polymorphic sites, a haplotype diversity of 0.15 and a nucleotide diversity of 2 × 10−4.
A biofilter for treating toluene vapors: performance evaluation and microbial counts behavior
Authors: Zhu Yazhong , Li Shunyi , Luo Yimeng , Ma Hongye , Wang Yan
Published: May 2016

A lab-scale biofilter packed with mixed packing materials was used for degradation of the toluene. Different empty bed residence times, 148.3, 74.2 and 49.4 s, were tested for inlet concentration ranging from 0.2 to 1.2 g/m3. The maximum elimination capacity of 36.0 g/(m3h) occurred at an inlet loading rate of 45.9 g/(m3h). The contribution of the lower layer was higher than other layers and always had the highest elimination capacity. The carbon dioxide production rate and distribution of micro-organisms followed toluene elimination capacities. The results of this study indicated that mixed packing materials could be considered as a potential biofilter carrier, with low pressure drop (less than 84.9 Pa/m), for treating air streams containing VOCs.
On which timescales do gas transfer velocities control North Atlantic CO2 flux variability?
Authors: Couldrey Matthew P. , Oliver Kevin I. C. , Yool Andrew , Halloran Paul R. , Achterberg Eric P.
Published: May 2016

The North Atlantic is an important basin for the global ocean's uptake of anthropogenic and natural carbon dioxide (CO2), but the mechanisms controlling this carbon flux are not fully understood. The air‐sea flux of CO2, F, is the product of a gas transfer velocity, k, the air‐sea CO2 concentration gradient, ΔpCO2, and the temperature‐ and salinity‐dependent solubility coefficient, α. k is difficult to constrain, representing the dominant uncertainty in F on short (instantaneous to interannual) timescales. Previous work shows that in the North Atlantic, ΔpCO2 and k both contribute significantly to interannual F variability but that k is unimportant for multidecadal variability. On some timescale between interannual and multidecadal, gas transfer velocity variability and its associated uncertainty become negligible. Here we quantify this critical timescale for the first time. Using an ocean model, we determine the importance of k, ΔpCO2, and α on a range of timescales. On interannual and shorter timescales, both ΔpCO2 and k are important controls on F. In contrast, pentadal to multidecadal North Atlantic flux variability is driven almost entirely by ΔpCO2; k contributes less than 25%. Finally, we explore how accurately one can estimate North Atlantic F without a knowledge of nonseasonal k variability, finding it possible for interannual and longer timescales. These findings suggest that continued efforts to better constrain gas transfer velocities are necessary to quantify interannual variability in the North Atlantic carbon sink. However, uncertainty in k variability is unlikely to limit the accuracy of estimates of longer‐term flux variability.
Exploring historical and future urban climate in the Earth System Modeling framework: 2. Impact of urban land use over the Continental United States
Authors: Li Dan , Malyshev Sergey , Shevliakova Elena
Published: May 2016

Using a newly developed urban canopy model (UCM) coupled to the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) land model LM3 (LM3‐UCM), this study examines the urban land use impacts over the Continental United States (CONUS) under the present‐day climate and two future scenarios. Using natural (undisturbed) vegetation systems as references where no land use has occurred, the LM3‐UCM simulations show that the spatial pattern of summer (June, July, and August) temperature differences between urban and natural vegetation systems is primarily controlled by the spatial pattern of differences in evapotranspiration, which further depends on the spatial distribution of precipitation. The magnitude of temperature differences generally increases as the summer precipitation amount increases and then levels off when the total summer precipitation amount exceeds 400 mm, which is broadly consistent with previous studies but with significant variability. In winter (December, January, February), the magnitude of temperature differences is more controlled by the building heating than the precipitation amount. At high latitudes where snow is an important factor in radiative balance, the magnitude is also affected by a larger net shortwave radiation input for urban areas due to the lower albedo of cities. Although both urban and natural vegetation temperatures increase as the climate warms, their increasing rates are different and hence their differences change with time. It is found that the multidecadal trend of summer temperature difference is negligible. However, the winter temperature difference shows a strong negative trend, which is caused by reduced building heating requirements under a warming climate.
Analytical solution to transient Richards' equation with realistic water profiles for vertical infiltration and parameter estimation
Authors: Hayek Mohamed
Published: May 2016

A general analytical model for one‐dimensional transient vertical infiltration is presented. The model is based on a combination of the Brooks and Corey soil water retention function and a generalized hydraulic conductivity function. This leads to power law diffusivity and convective term for which the exponents are functions of the inverse of the pore size distribution index. Accordingly, the proposed analytical solution covers many existing realistic models in the literature. The general form of the analytical solution is simple and it expresses implicitly the depth as function of water content and time. It can be used to model infiltration through semi‐infinite dry soils with prescribed water content or flux boundary conditions. Some mathematical expressions of practical importance are also derived. The general form solution is useful for comparison between models, validation of numerical solutions and for better understanding the effect of some hydraulic parameters. Based on the analytical expression, a complete inverse procedure which allows the estimation of the hydraulic parameters from water content measurements is presented.
Study of the spacecraft potential under active control and plasma density estimates during the MMS commissioning phase
Authors: Andriopoulou M. , Nakamura R. , Torkar K. , Baumjohann W. , Torbert R. B. , Lindqvist P.‐A. , Khotyaintsev Y. V. , Dorelli J. , Burch J. L. , Russell C. T.
Published: May 2016

Each spacecraft of the recently launched magnetospheric multiscale MMS mission is equipped with Active Spacecraft Potential Control (ASPOC) instruments, which control the spacecraft potential in order to reduce spacecraft charging effects. ASPOC typically reduces the spacecraft potential to a few volts. On several occasions during the commissioning phase of the mission, the ASPOC instruments were operating only on one spacecraft at a time. Taking advantage of such intervals, we derive photoelectron curves and also perform reconstructions of the uncontrolled spacecraft potential for the spacecraft with active control and estimate the electron plasma density during those periods. We also establish the criteria under which our methods can be applied.
Photoinduced Absorption Spectroscopy of CoPi on BiVO4: The Function of CoPi during Water Oxidation
Authors: Ma Yimeng , Kafizas Andreas , Pendlebury Stephanie R. , Le Formal Florian , Durrant James R.
Published: May 2016

This paper employs photoinduced absorption and electrochemical techniques to analyze the charge carrier dynamics that drive photoelectrochemical water oxidation on bismuth vanadate (BiVO4), both with and without cobalt phosphate (CoPi) co‐catalyst. These results are correlated with spectroelectrochemical measurements of CoII oxidation to CoIII in a CoPi/FTO (fluorine doped tin oxide) electrode during dark electrocatalytic water oxidation. Electrocatalytic water oxidation exhibits a non‐linear dependence on CoIII density, with a sharp onset at 1 × 1017 CoIII cm−2. These results are compared quantitatively with the degree of CoPi oxidation observed under conditions of photoinduced water oxidation on CoPi–BiVO4 photoanodes. For the CoPi–BiVO4 photoanodes studied herein, ≤5% of water oxidation proceeds from CoPi sites, making the BiVO4 surface the predominant water oxidation site. This study highlights two key factors that limit the ability of CoPi to improve the catalytic performance of BiVO4: 1) the kinetics of hole transfer from the BiVO4 to the CoPi layer are too slow to effectively compete with direct water oxidation from BiVO4; 2) the slow water oxidation kinetics of CoPi result in a large accumulation of CoIII states, causing an increase in recombination. Addressing these factors will be essential for improving the performance of CoPi on photoanodes for solar‐driven water oxidation.
Steps Towards Industrialization of Cu–III–VI2Thin‐Film Solar Cells:Linking Materials/Device Designs to Process Design For Non‐stoichiometric Photovoltaic Materials
Authors: Hwang Huey‐Liang , Chang Hsueh‐Hsin , Sharma Poonam , Letha Arya Jagadhamma , Shao Lexi , Zhang Yafei , Tseng Bae‐Heng
Published: May 2016

The concept of in‐line sputtering and selenization become industrial standard for Cu–III–VI2 solar cell fabrication, but still it's very difficult to control and predict the optical and electrical parameters, which are closely related to the chemical composition distribution of the thin film. The present review article addresses onto the material design, device design and process design using parameters closely related to the chemical compositions. Its variation leads to change in the Poisson equation, current equation, and continuity equation governing the device design. To make the device design much realistic and meaningful, we need to build a model that relates the opto‐electrical properties to the chemical composition. The material parameters as well as device structural parameters are loaded into the process simulation to give a complete set of process control parameters. The neutral defect concentrations of non‐stoichiometric CuMSe2 (M = In and Ga) have been calculated under the specific atomic chemical potential conditions using this methodology. The optical and electrical properties have also been investigated for the development of a full‐function analytical solar cell simulator. The future prospects regarding the development of copper–indium–gallium–selenide thin film solar cells have also been discussed.
Viscosity and drop size evolution during suspension polymerization
Authors: Vonka Michal , Soos Miroslav , Storti Giuseppe
Published: May 2016

Annually, suspension polymerization produces kilotons of material with properties given by process conditions. The prediction of material properties requires a relevant description of processes on various scales from the molecular level to reactor design. The polymerization occurring on the molecular scale was described by a kinetic scheme of homopolymerization. The molecular level was connected to the meso‐scale by the viscosity evolution inside a single monomer/polymer drop. The viscosity model follows the change in the reaction mixture composition and its predictions were validated by the rheology measurements. During the suspension polymerization, the viscosity evolution affects the dispersion breakage and coalescence on the meso‐scale, which is closely connected to the flow conditions given by the reactor design and operation conditions. This complex problem was described by a coupled CFD‐PBE model. The presented study proposes a modeling approach to control the suspension polymerization by stirring speed to obtain the desired drop size. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 4229–4239, 2016
Mortality from neurodegenerative diseases in a cohort of US flight attendants
Authors: Pinkerton Lynne E. , Hein Misty J. , Grajewski Barbara , Kamel Freya
Published: May 2016

Background

Concern exists about the potential chronic neurological effects among aircrew of exposure to chemical contaminants from engine oil in aircraft cabin air. We evaluated mortality from neurodegenerative diseases among 11,311 former US flight attendants.

Methods

Vital status was ascertained through 2007, and life table analyses were conducted to obtain standardized mortality ratios (SMRs).

Results

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) mortality was over twice as high in the cohort as in the US general population, based on nine observed ALS deaths. There was no clear pattern in risk when SMRs for ALS were stratified by exposure duration. Mortality from other neurodegenerative diseases was not elevated.

Conclusions

Our findings are limited due to small numbers of observed deaths and reliance on mortality data, but suggest that flight attendants may have an increased risk of ALS. Additional research is needed. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:532–537, 2016. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Long‐term self‐reported exposure to occupational noise is associated with BMI‐defined obesity in the US general population
Authors: Dzhambov Angel Mario , Dimitrova Donka Dimitrova
Published: May 2016

Background

Evidence is emerging about the risk of obesity associated with traffic noise. The present study aimed to explore the association between self‐reported occupational noise exposure and body mass index (BMI)‐defined obesity in the US general population.

Methods

This study is based on the 2014 National Health Interview Survey. Information regarding self‐reported occupational lifetime noise exposure was linked to self‐reported BMI, adjusting for other covariates.

Results

The multivariate models yielded OR = 1.46 (95% CI: 1.27, 1.68) for obesity, and 0.97 kg/m2 (95% CI: 0.57, 1.36) higher BMI among participants exposed to high level of noise for ≥15 years, in comparison to never exposed participants. Moderation analysis revealed that among those less than 55 years of age noise had significantly stronger adverse effect. Those without cancer and diabetes also experienced stronger adverse effect.

Conclusions

Self‐reported exposure to occupational noise was associated with increased odds of obesity and continuously measured BMI. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:1009–1019, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tuning the Hydrophilicity and Hydrophobicity of the Respective Cation and Anion: Reversible Phase Transfer of Ionic Liquids
Authors: Yao Wenhui , Wang Huiyong , Cui Guokai , Li Zhiyong , Zhu Anlian , Zhang Suojiang , Wang Jianji
Published: May 2016

The separation and recycling of catalyst and cocatalyst from the products and solvents are of critical importance. In this work, a class of functionalized ionic liquids (ILs) were designed and synthesized, and by tuning the hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of cation and anion, respectively, these ILs could reversibly transfer between water and organics triggered upon undergoing a temperature change. From a combination of multiple spectroscopic techniques, it was shown that the driving force behind the transfer was originated from a change in conformation of the PEG chain of the IL upon temperature variation. By utilizing the novel property of this class of ILs, a highly efficient and controllable CuI‐catalyzed cycloaddition reaction was achieved wherein the IL was used to entrain, activate, and recycle the catalyst, as well as to control the reaction.
An Organometallic Compound which Exhibits a DNA Topology‐Dependent One‐Stranded Intercalation Mode
Authors: Ma Zhujun , Palermo Giulia , Adhireksan Zenita , Murray Benjamin S. , von Erlach Thibaud , Dyson Paul J. , Rothlisberger Ursula , Davey Curt A.
Published: May 2016

Understanding how small molecules interact with DNA is essential since it underlies a multitude of pathological conditions and therapeutic interventions. Many different intercalator compounds have been studied because of their activity as mutagens or drugs, but little is known regarding their interaction with nucleosomes, the protein‐packaged form of DNA in cells. Here, using crystallographic methods and molecular dynamics simulations, we discovered that adducts formed by [(η6‐THA)Ru(ethylenediamine)Cl][PF6] (THA=5,8,9,10‐tetrahydroanthracene; RAED‐THA‐Cl[PF6]) in the nucleosome comprise a novel one‐stranded intercalation and DNA distortion mode. Conversely, the THA group in fact remains solvent exposed and does not disrupt base stacking in RAED‐THA adducts on B‐form DNA. This newly observed DNA binding mode and topology dependence may actually be prevalent and should be considered when studying covalently binding intercalating compounds.
A Three‐Site Mechanism for Agonist/Antagonist Selective Binding to Vasopressin Receptors
Authors: Saleh Noureldin , Saladino Giorgio , Gervasio Francesco L. , Haensele Elke , Banting Lee , Whitley David C. , Sopkova‐de Oliveira Santos Jana , Bureau Ronan , Clark Timothy
Published: May 2016

Molecular‐dynamics simulations with metadynamics enhanced sampling reveal three distinct binding sites for arginine vasopressin (AVP) within its V2‐receptor (V2R). Two of these, the vestibule and intermediate sites, block (antagonize) the receptor, and the third is the orthosteric activation (agonist) site. The contacts found for the orthosteric site satisfy all the requirements deduced from mutagenesis experiments. Metadynamics simulations for V2R and its V1aR‐analog give an excellent correlation with experimental binding free energies by assuming that the most stable binding site in the simulations corresponds to the experimental binding free energy in each case. The resulting three‐site mechanism separates agonists from antagonists and explains subtype selectivity.
Chemical‐Bonding‐Directed Hierarchical Assembly of Nanoribbon‐Shaped Nanocomposites of Gold Nanorods and Poly(3‐hexylthiophene)
Authors: Pan Shuang , He Luze , Peng Juan , Qiu Feng , Lin Zhiqun
Published: May 2016

Nanoribbon‐shaped nanocomposites composed of conjugated polymer poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) nanoribbons and plasmonic gold nanorods (AuNRs) were crafted by a co‐assembly of thiol‐terminated P3HT (P3HT‐SH) nanofibers with dodecanethiol‐coated AuNRs (AuNRs‐DDT). First, P3HT‐SH nanofibers were formed due to interchain π–π stacking. Upon the addition of AuNRs‐DDT, P3HT‐SH nanofibers were transformed into nanoribbons decorated with the aligned AuNRs on the surface (i.e., nanoribbon‐like P3HT/AuNRs nanocomposites). Depending on the surface coverage of the P3HT nanoribbons by AuNRs, these hierarchically assembled nanocomposites exhibited broadened and red‐shifted absorption bands of AuNRs in nIR region due to the plasmon coupling of adjacent aligned AuNRs and displayed quenched photoluminescence of P3HT. Such conjugated polymer/plasmonic nanorod nanocomposites may find applications in fields, such as building blocks for complex superstructures, optical biosensors, and optoelectronic devices.
Highly ordered amphiphilic cyclopalladated arylimine self‐assembly films for catalyzing Heck and Suzuki coupling reactions
Authors: Zhao Yaqing , Zhao Na , Zou Meiling , Li Tiesheng , Li Guoping , Li Jinpeng , Wu Yangjie
Published: May 2016

A series of new cyclopalladated arylimine compounds (3a, 3b, 3c, 4a, 4b, 4c) were synthesized and characterized. Their catalytic properties for Heck and Suzuki coupling reactions in a homogeneous system were preliminarily investigated using water as solvent, in which no ligands, air isolation or assistant solvents were needed in cross‐coupling reactions. The optimization of the homogeneous system provided a basis for research on the heterogeneous catalytic reaction catalyzed by ordered self‐assembly films. Organized monolayers of 3a, 3b, 3c were prepared and utilized as CC coupling catalysts. Monolayers of 3a, 3b, 3c were deposited using Langmuir–Blodgett techniques and analyzed using π–A isotherms, UV–visible and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies and atomic force microscopy, which showed near orientation on the surface and stability under the optimized experimental conditions suitable for exploring Heck and Suzuki coupling reactions. The activity of immobilized 3c monolayer is enhanced relative to homogeneous reaction, in which the ordered monolayers are efficient with a catalyst loading as low as 10−5 mol%, turnover number as high as 79 200 and turnover frequency as high as 2640 h−1. The catalytic efficiency is 100 times higher than that in the homogeneous case using the same amount and ratio of reagent. The increased activity of immobilized 3c monolayer is due to a combination of its structure and changes in conformation when deposited onto the substrate. The topographic changes of catalyst films, stability of films and catalytic activity were investigated with atomic force microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, from which a heterogeneous catalytic mechanism for Suzuki coupling reaction is proposed. The study demonstrates that careful monolayer studies can provide useful models for the design and study of supported molecular catalyst systems. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pd‐catalyzed direct CH cyanation of picolinamides via bidentate chelation assistance
Authors: Wang Lulu , Yang Minxin , Liu Xiaochong , Song He , Han Lu , Chu Wenyi , Sun Zhizhong
Published: May 2016

A bidentate‐chelation assistant palladium‐catalyzed direct C‐H cyanation of picolinamides with TMSCN is described. The reaction of various derivatives gave the corresponding cyanated products in moderate to good yields under mild conditions. In addition, the cyanated product could transform into some valuable functional groups in good yields. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Näherungsweise Traglastbestimmung von Mikropfählen
Authors: Schaller Gerhard , Jung Stefan
Published: May 2016

Mikropfähle bestehen in der Regel aus einem Rundstahlkern mit Betonumhüllung. Sie werden bei Gründungen und Gründungsergänzungen unter beengten Verhältnissen wie z. B. in Kellerräumen mit üblicher Geschosshöhe verwandt. In Fällen, in denen das durchörterte Erdreich eine weichere Konsistenz aufweist, besteht u. U. „Knickgefahr”, die besonderer Überlegungen bei der Festlegung der Tragfähigkeit bedarf. Hierauf wird im Folgenden eingegangen. Aufgrund der vergleichsweise einfachen Ansätze ist eine „Handrechnung” – zweckmäßigerweise unter Zuhilfenahme eines Tabellenkalkulationsprogramms – möglich. Dadurch erhöht sich die Transparenz der Berechnung.
Nonlinear response surface in the study of interaction analysis of three combination drugs
Authors: Wan Wen , Pei Xin‐Yan , Grant Steven , Birch Jeffrey B. , Felthousen Jessica , Dai Yun , Fang Hong‐Bin , Tan Ming , Sun Shumei
Published: May 2016

Few articles have been written on analyzing three‐way interactions between drugs. It may seem to be quite straightforward to extend a statistical method from two‐drugs to three‐drugs. However, there may exist more complex nonlinear response surface of the interaction index () with more complex local synergy and/or local antagonism interspersed in different regions of drug combinations in a three‐drug study, compared in a two‐drug study. In addition, it is not possible to obtain a four‐dimensional (4D) response surface plot for a three‐drug study. We propose an analysis procedure to construct the dose combination regions of interest (say, the synergistic areas with ). First, use the model robust regression method (MRR), a semiparametric method, to fit the entire response surface of the , which allows to fit a complex response surface with local synergy/antagonism. Second, we run a modified genetic algorithm (MGA), a stochastic optimization method, many times with different random seeds, to allow to collect as many feasible points as possible that satisfy the estimated values of . Last, all these feasible points are used to construct the approximate dose regions of interest in a 3D. A case study with three anti‐cancer drugs in an in vitro experiment is employed to illustrate how to find the dose regions of interest.
Determination of the optimal sample size for a clinical trial accounting for the population size
Authors: Stallard Nigel , Miller Frank , Day Simon , Hee Siew Wan , Madan Jason , Zohar Sarah , Posch Martin
Published: May 2016

The problem of choosing a sample size for a clinical trial is a very common one. In some settings, such as rare diseases or other small populations, the large sample sizes usually associated with the standard frequentist approach may be infeasible, suggesting that the sample size chosen should reflect the size of the population under consideration. Incorporation of the population size is possible in a decision‐theoretic approach either explicitly by assuming that the population size is fixed and known, or implicitly through geometric discounting of the gain from future patients reflecting the expected population size. This paper develops such approaches. Building on previous work, an asymptotic expression is derived for the sample size for single and two‐arm clinical trials in the general case of a clinical trial with a primary endpoint with a distribution of one parameter exponential family form that optimizes a utility function that quantifies the cost and gain per patient as a continuous function of this parameter. It is shown that as the size of the population, N, or expected size, in the case of geometric discounting, becomes large, the optimal trial size is or . The sample size obtained from the asymptotic expression is also compared with the exact optimal sample size in examples with responses with Bernoulli and Poisson distributions, showing that the asymptotic approximations can also be reasonable in relatively small sample sizes.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the chemical constituents in Mahuang‐Fuzi‐Xixin decoction based on high performance liquid chromatography combined with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and triple quadrupole mass spectrometers
Authors: Sun Qihui , Cao Hongjie , Zhou Yanyan , Wang Xu , Jiang Haiqiang , Gong Lili , Yang Yong , Rong Rong
Published: May 2016

High‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (HPLC‐TOF/MS) and high‐performance liquid chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HPLC‐QQQ/MS/MS) were utilized to clarify the chemical constituents of Mahuang‐Fuzi‐Xixin Decoction. There are 52 compounds, including alkaloids, amino acids and organic acids were identified or tentatively characterized by their characteristic high resolution mass data by HPLC‐QQQ/MS/MS. In the subsequent quantitative analysis, 10 constituents, including methyl ephedrine, aconine, songrine, fuziline, neoline, talatisamine, chasmanine, benzoylmesaconine, benzoylaconine and benzoylhypaconine were simultaneously determined by HPLC‐QQQ/MS/MS with multiple reaction monitoring mode. Satisfactory linearity was achieved with wide linear range and fine determination coefficient (r > 0.9992). The relative standard deviations (RSD) of inter‐ and intra‐day precisions were <3%. This method was also validated by repeatability, stability and recovery with RSD <3% respectively. A highly sensitive and efficient method was established for chemical constituents studying, including identification and quantification of Mahuang‐Fuzi‐Xixin decoction.
Open Cezeri Library: A novel java based matrix and computer vision framework
Authors: Ataş Musa
Published: May 2016

In this paper we introduce the Open Cezeri Library (OCL) framework as a domain specific language (DSL) for researchers, scientists, and engineering students to enable them to develop basic linear algebra operations via simple matrix calculations, image processing, computer vision, and machine learning applications in JAVA programming language. OCL provides a strong intuition of coding for the developer while implementing by means of a fluent interface. The significant aspect of the OCL is to combine the methods of well‐known platforms; MATLAB and JAVA, accordingly. Moreover, OCL supports a fluent interface so that users can extend a single line of codes by putting a dot between the methods because all the methods implemented actually return the host class. It was observed that the learning curve of the OCL is lower than the MATLAB and the native JAVA languages, and makes coding more readable, understandable, traceable, and enjoyable. In addition to this, the experiments revealed that the running performance of the OCL is quite comparable and can be used in a variety of diverse applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 24:736–743, 2016; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21745
Fascin‐1 as a novel diagnostic marker of triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Wang Chao‐Qun , Tang Chih‐Hsin , Chang Hao‐Teng , Li Xiao‐Ni , Zhao Yong‐Ming , Su Chen‐Ming , Hu Gui‐Nv , Zhang Tao , Sun Xin‐Xin , Zeng Yue , Du Zhang , Wang Yan , Huang Bi‐Fei
Published: May 2016

In some cases of breast cancer, diagnosis of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) requires further fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for determining human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status. However, few cases undergo FISH in China, leading to difficulty regarding subsequent treatment decisions. Here, we used immunohistochemical analysis to explore expression of fascin‐1, an actin‐bundling protein, as a diagnostic marker of TNBC. A total of 457 cases of breast cancer were divided into four molecular subtypes, including 82 cases (17.9%) of TNBC, 81 (17.7%) of HER2‐enriched, 185 (40.5%) of luminal A, and 109 (23.9%) of luminal B. Positive fascin‐1 expression was seen in 144 cases (31.5%), including 77 (16.8%) strong positive cases. Rates of positive and strong positive expression of fascin‐1 were significantly higher in cases of TNBC than in the other molecular subtypes. In all cases of breast cancer, the sensitivities and specificities of positive and strong positive fascin‐1 expression for predicting TNBC were 87.8% and 80.8%, and 78.0% and 96.5%, respectively. In cases of hormone receptor–negative breast cancer, the sensitivities and specificities of positive and strong positive fascin‐1 expression for predicting TNBC were 87.8% and 61.7%, and 78.0% and 92.6%, respectively. In 24 cases with estrogen receptor (ER)‐, PR‐, and HER2 2 +  equivocal status who underwent FISH, the sensitivity and specificity of strong positive fascin‐1 expression for predicting TNBC were 71.4% and 90.0%. These results suggest that strong positive fascin‐1 expression can be used as a diagnostic marker of TNBC.
High expression of integrin β6 in association with the Rho–Rac pathway identifies a poor prognostic subgroup within HER2 amplified breast cancers
Authors: Desai Krisha , Nair Madhumathy G. , Prabhu Jyothi S. , Vinod Anupama , Korlimarla Aruna , Rajarajan Savitha , Aiyappa Radhika , Kaluve Rohini S. , Alexander Annie , Hari P. S. , Mukherjee Geetashree , Kumar Rekha V. , Manjunath Suraj , Correa Marjorrie , Srinath B. S. , Patil Shekhar , Prasad M. S. N. , Gopinath K. S. , Rao Raman N. , Violette Shelia M. , Weinreb Paul H. , Sridhar T. S.
Published: May 2016

Integrin αvβ6 is involved in the transition from ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) of the breast. In addition, integrin β6 (ITGB6) is of prognostic value in invasive breast cancers, particularly in HER2+ subtype. However, pathways mediating the activity of integrin αvβ6 in clinical progression of invasive breast cancers need further elucidation. We have examined human breast cancer specimens (N = 460) for the expression of integrin β6 (ITGB6) mRNA by qPCR. In addition, we have examined a subset (N = 147) for the expression of αvβ6 integrin by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The expression levels of members of Rho–Rac pathway including downstream genes (ACTR2, ACTR3) and effector proteinases (MMP9, MMP15) were estimated by qPCR in the HER2+ subset (N = 59). There is a significant increase in the mean expression of ITGB6 in HER2+ tumors compared to HR+HER2‐ and triple negative (TNBC) subtypes (P = 0.00). HER2+ tumors with the highest levels (top quartile) of ITGB6 have significantly elevated levels of all the genes of the Rho–Rac pathway (P‐values from 0.01 to 0.0001). Patients in this group have a significantly shorter disease‐free survival compared to the group with lower ITGB6 levels (HR = 2.9 (0.9–8.9), P = 0.05). The mean level of ITGB6 expression is increased further in lymph node‐positive tumors. The increased regional and distant metastasis observed in HER2+ tumors with high levels of ITGB6 might be mediated by the canonical Rho–Rac pathway through increased expression of MMP9 and MMP15.