bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health-Seeking Behavior of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and Their Family Caregivers
Authors: Kumboyono Kumboyono , Refialdinata Jeki , Wihastuti Titin A , Rachmawati Septi D , Aziz Aditya N
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) is a life-threatening condition. Immediate and proper treatment will decrease mortality rate. Patient awareness on ACS is still lacking and as the consequence, ACS patients do not seek immediate help.

Problem

The patients’ efforts to get rid of ACS symptoms.

Methods

The study was a descriptive, qualitative study in which a semi-structured, in-depth interview became the instrument. The respondents were 34 participants (including 17 ACS patients and 17 family caregivers). Data analysis was done by triangulation of data sources.

Results

Three themes were obtained, namely: (1) prefer traditional and self-treatment, for example (a) traditional medicine, (b) taking non-prescription drugs to overcome ACS symptoms, and (c) spontaneous action; (2) using available health resources and facilities that consisted of (a) getting initial treatment at home by nurses, (b) visiting a health center to take care of the symptoms, and (c) using non-ambulance service to visit the health centers; and (3) expectations on health care services to patients composed by sub-themes such as (a) the expectation to get information that supports the healing, and (b) the caring attitude of the heath professional.

Conclusions:

The results showed that in the prehospital setting when experiencing ACS symptoms, the patients try to overcome the symptoms independently. However, as the symptoms get worse, they utilize health facilities in different ways. At the time of obtaining health services, patients are satisfied with health professionals who show caring attitudes, explain the results of the examination, and provide health education on health care efforts. Thus, to prevent mortality and morbidity, it is important for a health professional to educate the public about ACS, including topics about ACS healthy lifestyles and potential threats if it is too late to get treatment. Furthermore, it is also important for the government to implement prehospital emergency services nation-wide.KumboyonoK,RefialdinataJ,WihastutiTA,RachmawatiSD,AzizAN.Health-seeking behavior of patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome and their family caregivers.Prehosp Disaster Med.2018;33(6):614–620.
MATHEMATICAL MODELLING OF THE REMOVAL OF ORGANIC MICROPOLLUTANTS IN THE ACTIVATED SLUDGE PROCESS: A LINEAR BIODEGRADATION MODEL
Authors: NELSON MARK I. , ALQAHTANI RUBAYYI T. , HAI FAISAL I.
Published: November 2018

Before wastewaters can be released into the environment, they must be treated to reduce the concentration of organic pollutants in the effluent stream. There is a growing concern as to whether wastewater treatment plants are able to effectively reduce the concentration of micropollutants that are also contained in their influent streams. We investigate the removal of micropollutants in treatment plants by analysing a model that includes biodegradation and sorption as the main mechanisms of micropollutant removal. For the latter a linear adsorption model is used in which adsorption only occurs onto particulates.

The steady-state solutions of the model are found and their stability is determined as a function of the residence time. In the limit of infinite residence time, we show that the removal of biodegradable micropollutants is independent of the processes of adsorption and desorption. The limiting concentration can be decreased by increasing the concentration of growth-related macropollutants. Although, in principle, it is possible that the concentration of micropollutants is minimized at a finite value of the residence time, this was found not to be the case for the particular biodegradable micropollutants considered.

For nonbiodegradable pollutants, we show that their removal is always optimized at a finite value of the residence time. For finite values of the residence time, we obtain a simple condition which identifies whether biodegradation is more or less efficient than adsorption as a removal mechanism. Surprisingly, we find that, for the micropollutants considered, adsorption is always more important than biodegradation, even when the micropollutant is classified as being highly biodegradable with low adsorption.
Validation of GATE Monte Carlo code for simulation of proton therapy using National Institute of Standards and Technology library data
Authors: Zarifi Shiva , Taleshi Ahangari Hadi , Jia Sayyed Bijan , Tajik-Mansoury Mohammad Ali
Published: November 2018

Aim

To validate the Geant4 Application for Tomographic Emission (GATE) Monte Carlo simulation code by calculating the proton beam range in the therapeutic energy range.

Materials and methods

In this study, the GATE code which is based on Geant4 was used for simulation. The proton beams in the therapeutic energy range (5–250 MeV) were simulated in a water medium, and then compared with the data from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in order to investigate the accuracy of different physics list available in the GATE code. In addition, the optimal value of SetCut was assessed.

Results

In all energy ranges, the QBBC physics had a greater deviation in the ranges relative to the NIST data. With respect to the range calculation accuracy, the QGSP_BIC_EMY and QGSP_BERT_HP_EMY physics were in the range of statistical uncertainty; however, QGSP_BIC_EMY produced better results using the least squares. Based on an investigation into the range calculation precision and simulation efficiency, the optimal SetCut was set at 0·1 mm.

Findings

Based on an investigation into the range calculation precision and simulation yield, the QGSP_BIC_EMY physics and the optimal SetCut was recommended to be 0·1 mm.
CATEGORIES, ONE-CYCLES ON CUBIC FOURFOLDS, AND THE BEAUVILLE–VOISIN FILTRATION
Authors: Shen Junliang , Yin Qizheng
Published: November 2018

We explore the connection between$K3$categories and 0-cycles on holomorphic symplectic varieties. In this paper, we focus on Kuznetsov’s noncommutative$K3$category associated to a nonsingular cubic 4-fold.

By introducing a filtration on the$\text{CH}_{1}$-group of a cubic 4-fold$Y$, we conjecture a sheaf/cycle correspondence for the associated$K3$category ${\mathcal{A}}_{Y}$. This is a noncommutative analog of O’Grady’s conjecture concerning derived categories of$K3$surfaces. We study instances of our conjecture involving rational curves in cubic 4-folds, and verify the conjecture for sheaves supported on low degree rational curves.

Our method provides systematic constructions of (a) the Beauville–Voisin filtration on the$\text{CH}_{0}$-group and (b) algebraically coisotropic subvarieties of a holomorphic symplectic variety which is a moduli space of stable objects in${\mathcal{A}}_{Y}$.
Octagonal-shaped wideband MIMO antenna for human interface device and S-band application
Authors: Chouhan Sanjay , Panda Debendra Kumar , Kushwah Vivek Singh , Mishra Pankaj Kumar
Published: November 2018

A four-element wide-band octagonal ring-shaped antenna is proposed for human interface device and S-band applications. The isolation structure comprises a parasitic element and a T-shaped structure. The antenna has −10 dB impedance bandwidth 63% (2.1–4.0 GHz) with miniaturized dimension of 54.98 mm × 76 mm. The multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna gain is 2.83 dBi at the 2.4 GHz resonant frequency. The designed MIMO has envelop correlation coefficient of 0.026 in the 2:1 VSWR band. The −10 dB total active reflection coefficient bandwidth of 1.2 GHz has been achieved in the entire frequency band, and has MEG value of ≤−3 dB. The specific absorption rate has found below the safety limit near the human head, palm and wrist.
High-risk psychotropic medications for US children with trauma sequelae
Authors: Barnett E. R. , Concepcion Zayas M. T.
Published: November 2018

Children exposed to trauma are predisposed to develop a number of mental health syndromes. They are prone to under-treatment with effective psychosocial interventions and over-treatment with high-risk psychotropic medications, especially polypharmacy and the use of antipsychotics for unapproved conditions. We review the evidence for psychosocial and pharmacological treatments for mental health problems associated with high exposure to childhood trauma – identifying those in foster care as an index group – and the frequency of high-risk pharmacological practices. We describe current efforts to reduce over-treatment of children with high-risk psychotropic medications and propose further recommendations to protect and provide effective care for these vulnerable children.
Eutrophication Leads to Accumulation of Recalcitrant Autochthonous Organic Matter in Coastal Environment
Authors: Asmala Eero , Haraguchi Lumi , Markager Stiig , Massicotte Philippe , Riemann Bo , Staehr Peter A. , Carstensen Jacob
Published: November 2018

Anthropogenic nutrient enrichment is changing the structure and the function of coastal ecosystems. These coastal zones are transitions between freshwater and marine systems where multiple biogeochemical processes remove, produce, and transform organic matter. The extent to which the coastal zone is merely a conduit for terrestrial (allochthonous) organic matter versus a distinct source of autochthonous organic matter fueled by eutrophication is unclear. To address this issue, we characterized the freshwater and marine dissolved organic matter (DOM) pools in a eutrophic estuary with a long water residence time (Roskilde Fjord, Denmark) over an annual cycle. We combined elemental, optical (absorbance and fluorescence), and isotopic analyses to obtain insight about the bulk properties of the DOM pool during this period. We also used sediment traps to analyze the changes related to the exchange of organic matter between the particulate organic matter and DOM fractions. The results showed that labile autochthonous DOM from in situ primary production was rapidly transformed to more recalcitrant DOM that accumulated in the estuary despite continuous exchange with the open sea. Also, parts of the particulate organic matter pool were degraded rapidly (within 24 hr) and transformed into the DOM pool. Accumulated DOM was characterized by relatively low molecular size and stable carbon isotopic value and by high protein‐like fluorescence. These results indicate that autotrophic material can be a major source of specific recalcitrant DOM in eutrophic coastal waters, contributing significantly to the flux of organic carbon to the ocean.
The Improved Freeze–Thaw Process of a Climate‐Vegetation Model: Calibration and Validation Tests in the Source Region of the Yellow River
Authors: Yang Q. , Dan L. , Wu J. , Jiang R. , Dan J. , Li W. , Yang F. , Yang X. , Xia L.
Published: November 2018

The freeze–thaw process significantly impacts land surface processes in permafrost and influences the regional climate. In this study, the freeze–thaw process in the atmosphere‐vegetation interaction model (AVIM) was improved by utilizing the universal soil hydrothermal coupling equations, and by introducing the freezing depression point‐based freeze–thaw parameterization scheme to form a model known as the AVIM frozen soil model (AVIM_FSM). Then, the seasonal frozen soil observational data at Maqu station, located in the Yellow River source region, were used to calibrate the freeze–thaw‐related parameters with an artificial intelligence particle swarm optimization method, and the model was validated. The results indicated that by improving the freeze–thaw process, the temporal variations in soil temperature and liquid water content simulated by the AVIM_FSM model agreed well with the observations. By calibrating the parameters, the deviations between the observations and corresponding simulations were reduced compared with those in the AVIM. Based on the AVIM_FSM, the physical mechanism of the freeze–thaw process was discussed, the different freeze–thaw parameterization schemes were compared, the related freeze–thaw process parameters were quantitatively evaluated, and the following was indicated: (1) the freeze–thaw process was mainly determined by radiation, sensible heat flux, and ice change in frozen soil; (2) the freezing depression point‐based freeze–thaw parameterization scheme was superior to the empirical scheme, which can reasonably describe the freezing and thawing start dates with lower deviations; and (3) the particle swarm optimization algorithm can efficiently calibrate the freeze–thaw‐related parameters and improve the simulation accuracy.
Simulation of Stochastic Processes Exhibiting Any‐Range Dependence and Arbitrary Marginal Distributions
Authors: Tsoukalas Ioannis , Makropoulos Christos , Koutsoyiannis Demetris
Published: November 2018

Hydrometeorological processes are typically characterized by temporal dependence, short‐ or long‐range (e.g., Hurst behavior), as well as by non‐Gaussian distributions (especially at fine time scales). The generation of long synthetic time series that resembles the marginal and joint properties of the observed ones is a prerequisite in many uncertainty‐related hydrological studies, since they can be used as inputs and hence allow the propagation of natural variability and uncertainty to the typically deterministic water‐system models. For this reason, it has been for years one of the main research topics in the field of stochastic hydrology. This work presents a novel model for synthetic time series generation, termed Symmetric Moving Average (neaRly) To Anything, that holds out the promise of simulating stationary univariate and multivariate processes with any‐range dependence and arbitrary marginal distributions, provided that the former is feasible and the latter have finite variance. This is accomplished by utilizing a mapping procedure in combination with the relationship that exists between the correlation coefficients of an auxiliary Gaussian process and a non‐Gaussian one, formalized through the Nataf's joint distribution model. The generality of Symmetric Moving Average (neaRly) To Anything is stressed through two hypothetical simulation studies (univariate and multivariate), characterized by different dependencies and distributions. Furthermore, we demonstrate the practical aspects of the proposed model through two real‐world cases, one that concerns the generation of annual non‐Gaussian streamflow time series at four stations and another that involves the synthesis of intermittent, non‐Gaussian, daily rainfall series at a single location.
The HydroGrid as a Framework for Interconnected Water Systems: Emerging Technologies
Authors: Yeghiazarian L. , Nistor V.
Published: November 2018

This paper introduces the concept of the HydroGrid as a framework to describe connected water systems. We draw upon the knowledge and engineering experience employed in electrical grid operations to outline mirroring concepts in the HydroGrid, with a particular focus on monitoring, analysis, and control. The electrical grid is well monitored in real time. Monitoring data are used for dynamic analysis, and based on analytical projections, the grid is controlled to reduce the chance of cascading failures. We discuss analogous developments for the HydroGrid, using the example of microbial surface water contamination for illustration. Emerging technologies in advanced materials, signal transduction and wireless communications enable development of autonomous mobile devices for dynamic microbial water quality monitoring. As this technology matures, the devices will have the capability to stream real‐time or near‐real‐time data for analysis with stochastic models of contaminant fate and transport. Modeling results, combined with controllability analysis of water systems, can then be used to determine system‐wide prevention and mitigation strategies. Progress is measured with probability‐based metrics of HydroGrid sustainability such as reliability, vulnerability, and resilience. We highlight challenges in data requirements and processing, and finally, we broadly discuss interdependent functions of the HydroGrid such as human and animal health services, food safety, and aquatic ecosystems health.
How Asymmetries Between Arctic and Antarctic Climate Sensitivity Are Modified by the Ocean
Authors: Singh H. A. , Garuba O. A. , Rasch P. J.
Published: November 2018

We investigate how the ocean response to CO2 forcing affects hemispheric asymmetries in polar climate sensitivity. Intermodel comparison of Phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project CO2 quadrupling experiments shows that even in models where hemispheric ocean heat uptake differences are small, Arctic warming still exceeds Antarctic warming. The polar climate impact of this evolving ocean response to CO2 forcing is then isolated using slab ocean experiments in a state‐of‐the‐art climate model. Overall, feedbacks over the Southern Hemisphere more effectively dissipate top‐of‐atmosphere anomalies than those over the Northern Hemisphere. Furthermore, a poleward shift in ocean heat convergence in both hemispheres amplifies destabilizing ice albedo and lapse rate feedbacks over the Arctic much more so than over the Antarctic. These results suggest that the Arctic is intrinsically more sensitive to both CO2 and oceanic forcings than the Antarctic and that ocean‐driven climate sensitivity asymmetry arises from feedback destabilization over the Arctic rather than feedback stabilization over the Antarctic.
Channel Filtering Generates Multifractal Solute Signals
Authors: Hensley Robert T. , Cohen Matthew J. , Jawitz James W.
Published: November 2018

Catchments act as a sequence of hierarchical filters, damping input signals and generating less variable streamflow and stream solute concentration output signals. Spectral analysis across a wide array of solutes and catchments has revealed ~1/f scaling behavior (i.e., spectral power inversely proportional to frequency) spanning periods of hours to decades, attributed to hillslope filtering. We hypothesize that additional filtering by stream channel processes should occur. However, most catchments in which solute scaling behavior has been resolved have channel travel times too short for this to be evident from the relatively low sampling rates utilized. We use high‐frequency (1–4 hr−1) sampling in larger catchments (up to 3 × 106 km2) to show that solute signals are indeed multifractal, steepening from ~1/f spectral at low frequencies to ~1/f 2 at higher frequencies. Across conservative, reactive, and gaseous solutes we demonstrate that departure from 1/f scaling occurs at frequencies that correspond with metrics of catchment size.
High‐Resolution Receiver Function Imaging Across the Cascadia Subduction Zone Using a Dense Nodal Array
Authors: Ward K. M. , Lin F. , Schmandt B.
Published: November 2018

In the summer of 2017, we deployed 174 nodal geophones in the Cascadia Subduction Zone forearc with the specific aim of conducting a high‐resolution receiver function study. The dense trench perpendicular line in central Oregon with 500‐m spacing recorded continuous data for approximately 40 days. Our plate tectonic‐scale imaging results show the same features as previous broadband seismic deployments including the top of the subducting Juan de Fuca Plate, the slab Moho, and the continental Moho. Although our deployment was limited to around 40 days, the dense station spacing allowed us to image the shallow Oregon forearc in remarkable detail. In our shallow results, we image a continuous positive arrival that we interpret as the top of the accreted Siletzia terrane. We suggest that hybrid nodal/broadband deployments could be used in conjunction with offshore seismic studies to image subduction zones in unprecedented detail.
Simulated Responses of the West African Monsoon and Zonal‐Mean Tropical Precipitation to Early Holocene Orbital Forcing
Authors: Smyth Jane E. , Hill Spencer A. , Ming Yi
Published: November 2018

This study seeks to improve our mechanistic understanding of how the insolation changes associated with orbital forcing impact the West African monsoon and zonal‐mean tropical precipitation. We impose early Holocene orbital parameters in simulations with the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory AM2.1 atmospheric general circulation model, either with fixed sea surface temperatures, a 50‐m thermodynamic slab ocean, or coupled to a dynamic ocean (CM2.1). In all cases, West African Monsoon rainfall expands northward, but the summer zonal‐mean Intertropical Convergence Zone does not—there is drying near 10°N, and in the slab ocean experiment a southward shift of rainfall. This contradicts expectations from the conventional energetic framework for the Intertropical Convergence Zone location, given anomalous southward energy fluxes in the deep tropics. These anomalous energy fluxes are not accomplished by a stronger Hadley circulation; instead, they arise from an increase in total gross moist stability in the northern tropics.
Rippled Electron‐Scale Structure of a Dipolarization Front
Authors: Pan Dong‐Xiao , Khotyaintsev Yuri V. , Graham Daniel B. , Vaivads Andris , Zhou Xu‐Zhi , André Mats , Lindqvist Per‐Arne , Ergun Robert E. , Le Contel Olivier , Russell Christopher T. , Torbert Roy B. , Giles Barbara , Burch James L.
Published: November 2018

We use the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission to investigate electron‐scale structures at a dipolarization front. The four spacecraft are separated by electron scales and observe large differences in plasma and field parameters within the dipolarization front, indicating strong deviation from typically assumed plane or slightly curved front surface. We attribute this to ripples generated by the lower hybrid drift instability (LHDI) with wave number of kρe≃0.4 and maximum wave potential of ∼1 kV ∼kBTe. Power law‐like spectra of E⊥ with slope of −3 indicates the turbulent cascade of LHDI. LHDI is observed together with bursty high‐frequency parallel electric fields, suggesting coupling of LHDI to higher‐frequency electrostatic waves.
A New Method to Retrieve Thermospheric Parameters From Daytime Bottom‐Side Ne(h) Observations
Authors: Perrone L. , Mikhailov A. V.
Published: November 2018

A new method to extract neutral composition (O, O2, N2), exospheric temperature Tex, vertical plasma drift, W, and the total solar Extreme Ultraviolet flux with λ ≤ 1050 Å from routine ionosonde bottom‐side electron density, Ne(h), observations has been proposed. The method can be used around noontime hours for all months of the year at middle latitudes where the ionospheric F‐layer is formed by solar Extreme Ultraviolet radiation. The uncertainty of the retrieved neutral gas density coincides with the announced Mean Relative Deviation ±(10‐15%) of CHAMP/STAR neutral gas density observations. The method also provides statistically significant better results in a comparison with modern Mass‐Spectrometer‐Incoherent‐Scatter, Jacchia‐Bowman 2008, and Drag Temperature Model 2013 empirical models. The thermospheric parameters retrieved for the St. Patrick Day magnetic storm and two so‐called Q‐disturbance periods are given as an example of the method application. The retrieved neutral gas densities for the St. Patrick Day storm are compared to Swarm‐B accelerometer observations. The proposed method may be considered as a useful tool for analyses of the state of the upper atmosphere under various geophysical conditions.
Oceanic Eddy Characteristics and Generation Mechanisms in the Kuroshio Extension Region
Authors: Ji Jinlin , Dong Changming , Zhang Biao , Liu Yu , Zou Bin , King Gregory P. , Xu Guangjun , Chen Dake
Published: November 2018

The Kuroshio Extension region is well known for its strong eddy activity. In this paper, using satellite altimetry‐measured sea surface height anomaly data from 1993 to 2012 in an extended Kuroshio Extension region (140–180°E, 25–45°N), we analyze eddy characteristics: eddy size, polarity, lifetime, intensity, trajectory, and spatial and temporal distributions. Using temperature and salinity vertical profiles measured by Argo floats, we examine the eddy impact on vertical stratification. During the 20‐year period, 7,574 eddies are identified (based on following complete eddy trajectories) with a lifetime equal to or longer than 4 weeks. The numbers of cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies are found to be approximately the same. The distribution of eddy sizes peaks at a radius of about 40 km. The radius at the peak is at the same order as the first baroclinic deformation radius or the horizontal shear scale of the Kuroshio flow. The normalized eddy statistical characteristics show that eddies have different characteristics at different stages of their lifetimes. Among eddies with lifetimes longer than 50 weeks, more anticyclonic (cyclonic) eddies are found north (south) of 35°N. In contrast, among eddies with lifetimes shorter than 20 weeks, more cyclonic (anticyclonic) eddies are found north (south) of 35°N. The asymmetric distribution of eddies suggests two different eddy generation mechanisms: (1) the development of meanders in the Kuroshio path leading to the pinch off of eddies with longer lifetime (larger size) and (2) horizontal shear instability (barotropic instability) leading to eddies of shorter life (smaller size). We further apply an eddy‐resolved numerical product to quantitatively investigate the eddy generation mechanisms.
Strong Contrast in Remote Black Carbon Aerosol Loadings Between the Atlantic and Pacific Basins
Authors: Katich Joseph M. , Samset B. H. , Bui T. Paul , Dollner M. , Froyd K. D. , Campuzano‐Jost P. , Nault B. A. , Schroder J. C. , Weinzierl B. , Schwarz J. P.
Published: November 2018

Measurements of black carbon (BC) aerosol mass concentration in remote air are sparse, leading to poorly constrained regions that models struggle to represent. Here we present a new data set of BC concentration over the remote Pacific and Atlantic basins from 80 N to 65°S latitude that was obtained as part of NASA's Atmospheric Tomography campaign in July/August 2016. More than 100 vertical profiles, extending from ~0.2 to 13 km altitude above mean sea level, reveal sharp contrasts in loadings between the two basins. Over the Pacific, we found average BC concentration vertical profiles to be largely consistent with seasonally matched data obtained in 2011. Substantially higher loads were observed over the Atlantic in the low to middle troposphere than in the Pacific, likely due to strong regional sources and reduced convective removal in the tropics in this basin. Atlantic and Pacific BC concentrations converge in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, reflecting similar high‐altitude background concentrations. Comparison of the Atlantic data to the Aerosol Comparisons between Observations and Models suite of models (Phase II) reinforces previous speculation about the ensemble in the remote by quantifying an upper‐troposphere model‐high‐bias of as much as two orders of magnitude over wide latitude bands. However, these direct BC measurements reveal Aerosol Comparisons between Observations and Models ensemble underestimation of biomass burning BC in the outflow of continental Africa by nearly a factor of 5. This high‐BC loading region likely dominates BC's direct radiative effect over remote areas of the Pacific and Atlantic basins during the month of August.
Radar Reflectivity and Altitude Distributions of Lightning Flashes as a Function of Three Main Storm Types
Authors: Mecikalski Retha M. , Carey Lawrence D.
Published: November 2018

In an effort to improve our knowledge on the horizontal and vertical distribution of lightning initiation and propagation, ~500 multicells (producing a total of 72,619 flashes), 27 mesoscale convective systems (producing 214,417 flashes) and 23 supercells (producing 169,861 flashes) that occurred over northern Alabama and southern Tennessee were analyzed using data from the North Alabama Lightning Mapping Array and the Multi‐Radar Multi‐Sensor suite. From this analysis, two‐dimensional (2‐D) histograms of where flashes initiated and propagated relative to radar reflectivity and altitude were created for each storm type. The peak of the distributions occurred between 8.0 and 10.0 km (−24.0 to −38.5 °C) and between 30 and 35 dBZ for flashes that initiated within multicellular storms. For flashes that initiated within mesoscale convective systems, these peaks were 8.0–9.0 km (−27.1 to −34.6 °C) and 30–35 dBZ, respectively, and for supercells, they were 10.0–12.0 km (−42.6 to −58.1 °C) and 35–40 dBZ, respectively. The 2‐D histograms for the flash propagations were slightly different than for the flash initiations and showed that flashes propagated in lower reflectivities as compared to where they initiated. The 2‐D histograms were also compared to test cases; the root‐mean‐square errors and the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient (R) were calculated with several of the comparisons having R values >0.7 while the root‐mean‐square errors were always ≤0.017 (≤10%), irrespective of storm type. Finally, the mean flash sizes for the multicell, mesoscale convective system, and supercell flashes were 8.3, 9.9, and 7.4 km, respectively.
A General Methodology for Climate‐Informed Approaches to Long‐Term Flood Projection—Illustrated With the Ohio River Basin
Authors: Schlef Katherine E. , François Baptiste , Robertson Andrew W. , Brown Casey
Published: November 2018

Estimating future hydrologic floods under nonstationary climate is a key challenge for flood management. Climate‐informed approaches to long‐term flood projection are an appealing alternative to traditional modeling chains. This work formalizes climate‐informed approaches into a general methodology consisting of four steps: (1) selection of predictand representing extreme events, (2) identification of credible large‐scale predictors that mechanistically control the occurrence and magnitude of the predictand, (3) development of a statistical model relating the predictors to the predictand, and (4) projection of the predictand by forcing the model with predictor projections. These four steps, developed from a review of the current literature, are demonstrated for multiple gages in the northwest Ohio River Basin in the United States Midwest as a case study. Floods are defined as annual maximum series events in January through April and are linked to geopotential height and soil moisture predictors in a Bayesian linear regression model. The projections generally show a slight decrease in future flood magnitude and demonstrate the transparency of the climate‐informed approach. An initial step for more general application across the United States and remaining challenges associated with climate‐informed flood projection are discussed.
Elevated extracellular calcium ions promote proliferation and migration of mesenchymal stem cells via increasing osteopontin expression
Authors: Lee Mi Nam , Hwang Hee-Su , Oh Sin-Hye , Roshanzadeh Amir , Kim Jung-Woo , Song Ju Han , Kim Eung-Sam , Koh Jeong-Tae
Published: November 2018

Supplementation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) at sites of bone resorption is required for bone homeostasis because of the non-proliferation and short lifespan properties of the osteoblasts. Calcium ions (Ca2+) are released from the bone surfaces during osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. However, how elevated extracellular Ca2+ concentrations would alter MSCs behavior in the proximal sites of bone resorption is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of extracellular Ca2+ on MSCs phenotype depending on Ca2+ concentrations. We found that the elevated extracellular Ca2+ promoted cell proliferation and matrix mineralization of MSCs. In addition, MSCs induced the expression and secretion of osteopontin (OPN), which enhanced MSCs migration under the elevated extracellular Ca2+ conditions. We developed in vitro osteoclast-mediated bone resorption conditions using mouse calvaria bone slices and demonstrated Ca2+ is released from bone resorption surfaces. We also showed that the MSCs phenotype, including cell proliferation and migration, changed when the cells were treated with a bone resorption-conditioned medium. These findings suggest that the dynamic changes in Ca2+ concentrations in the microenvironments of bone remodeling surfaces modulate MSCs phenotype and thereby contribute to bone regeneration.
Transition path times of coupled folding and binding reveal the formation of an encounter complex
Authors: Sturzenegger Flurin , Zosel Franziska , Holmstrom Erik D. , Buholzer Karin J. , Makarov Dmitrii E. , Nettels Daniel , Schuler Benjamin
Published: November 2018

The association of biomolecules is the elementary event of communication in biology. Most mechanistic information of how the interactions between binding partners form or break is, however, hidden in the transition paths, the very short parts of the molecular trajectories from the encounter of the two molecules to the formation of a stable complex. Here we use single-molecule spectroscopy to measure the transition path times for the association of two intrinsically disordered proteins that form a folded dimer upon binding. The results reveal the formation of a metastable encounter complex that is electrostatically favored and transits to the final bound state within tens of microseconds. Such measurements thus open a new window into the microscopic events governing biomolecular interactions.
A gas breathing hydrogen/air biofuel cell comprising a redox polymer/hydrogenase-based bioanode
Authors: Szczesny Julian , Marković Nikola , Conzuelo Felipe , Zacarias Sónia , Pereira Inês A. C. , Lubitz Wolfgang , Plumeré Nicolas , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Ruff Adrian
Published: November 2018

Hydrogen is one of the most promising alternatives for fossil fuels. However, the power output of hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells is often restricted by mass transport limitations of the substrate. Here, we present a dual-gas breathing H2/air biofuel cell that overcomes these limitations. The cell is equipped with a hydrogen-oxidizing redox polymer/hydrogenase gas-breathing bioanode and an oxygen-reducing bilirubin oxidase gas-breathing biocathode (operated in a direct electron transfer regime). The bioanode consists of a two layer system with a redox polymer-based adhesion layer and an active, redox polymer/hydrogenase top layer. The redox polymers protect the biocatalyst from high potentials and oxygen damage. The bioanodes show remarkable current densities of up to 8 mA cm-2. A maximum power density of 3.6 mW cm-2 at 0.7 V and an open circuit voltage of up to 1.13 V were achieved in biofuel cell tests, representing outstanding values for a device that is based on a redox polymer-based hydrogenase bioanode.
Harnessing photoinduced electron transfer to optically determine protein sub-nanoscale atomic distances
Authors: Pantazis Antonios , Westerberg Karin , Althoff Thorsten , Abramson Jeff , Olcese Riccardo
Published: November 2018

Proteins possess a complex and dynamic structure, which is influenced by external signals and may change as they perform their biological functions. We present an optical approach, distance-encoding photoinduced electron transfer (DEPET), capable of the simultaneous study of protein structure and function. An alternative to FRET-based methods, DEPET is based on the quenching of small conjugated fluorophores by photoinduced electron transfer: a reaction that requires contact of the excited fluorophore with a suitable electron donor. This property allows DEPET to exhibit exceptional spatial and temporal resolution capabilities in the range pertinent to protein conformational change. We report the first implementation of DEPET on human large-conductance K+ (BK) channels under voltage clamp. We describe conformational rearrangements underpinning BK channel sensitivity to electrical excitation, in conducting channels expressed in living cells. Finally, we validate DEPET in synthetic peptide length standards, to evaluate its accuracy in measuring sub- and near-nanometer intramolecular distances.
Targeting 17q23 amplicon to overcome the resistance to anti-HER2 therapy in HER2+ breast cancer
Authors: Liu Yunhua , Xu Jiangsheng , Choi Hyun Ho , Han Cecil , Fang Yuanzhang , Li Yujing , Van der Jeught Kevin , Xu Hanchen , Zhang Lu , Frieden Michael , Wang Lifei , Eyvani Haniyeh , Sun Yifan , Zhao Gang , Zhang Yuntian , Liu Sheng , Wan Jun , Huang Cheng , Ji Guang , Lu Xiongbin , He Xiaoming , Zhang Xinna
Published: November 2018

Chromosome 17q23 amplification occurs in ~11% of human breast cancers. Enriched in HER2+ breast cancers, the 17q23 amplification is significantly correlated with poor clinical outcomes. In addition to the previously identified oncogene WIP1, we uncover an oncogenic microRNA gene, MIR21, in a majority of the WIP1-containing 17q23 amplicons. The 17q23 amplification results in aberrant expression of WIP1 and miR-21, which not only promotes breast tumorigenesis, but also leads to resistance to anti-HER2 therapies. Inhibiting WIP1 and miR-21 selectively inhibits the proliferation, survival and tumorigenic potential of the HER2+ breast cancer cells harboring 17q23 amplification. To overcome the resistance of trastuzumab-based therapies in vivo, we develop pH-sensitive nanoparticles for specific co-delivery of the WIP1 and miR-21 inhibitors into HER2+ breast tumors, leading to a profound reduction of tumor growth. These results demonstrate the great potential of the combined treatment of WIP1 and miR-21 inhibitors for the trastuzumab-resistant HER2+ breast cancers.
Lactobacillus elicits a 'Marmite effect' on the chicken cecal microbiome
Authors: Zou Angela , Sharif Shayan , Parkinson John
Published: November 2018

The poultry industry has traditionally relied on the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) to improve production efficiency and minimize infection. With the recent drive to eliminate the use of AGPs, novel alternatives are urgently required. Recently attention has turned to the use of synthetic communities that may be used to ‘seed’ the developing microbiome. The current challenge is identifying keystone taxa whose influences in the gut can be leveraged for probiotic development. To help define such taxa we present a meta-analysis of 16S rRNA surveys of 1572 cecal microbiomes generated from 19 studies. Accounting for experimental biases, consistent with previous studies, we find that AGP exposure can result in reduced microbiome diversity. Network community analysis defines groups of taxa that form stable clusters and further revealsLactobacillusto elicit a polarizing effect on the cecal microbiome, exhibiting relatively equal numbers of positive and negative interactions with other taxa. Our identification of stable taxonomic associations provides a valuable framework for developing effective microbial consortia as alternatives to AGPs.
Functional eubacteria species along with trans-domain gut inhabitants favour dysgenic diversity in oxalate stone disease
Authors: Suryavanshi Mangesh V. , Bhute Shrikant S. , Gune Rahul P. , Shouche Yogesh S.
Published: November 2018

Analyses across all three domains of life are necessary to advance our understanding of taxonomic dysbiosis in human diseases. In the present study, we assessed gut microbiota (eubacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes) of recurrent oxalate kidney stone suffers to explore the extent of trans-domain and functional species dysbiosis inside the gut. Trans-domain taxonomic composition, active oxalate metabolizer and butyrate-producing diversity were explored by utilizing frc-, but-, and buk- functional gene amplicon analysis. Operational taxonomic units (OTUs) level analyses confound with the observation that dysbiosis in gut microbiota is not just limited to eubacteria species, but also to other domains like archaea and eukaryotes. We found that some of healthy eubacterial population retained together with Oxalobacter formigenes and Lactobacillus plantarum colonization in disease condition (p < 0.001 & FDR = 0.05). Interestingly, trans-domain species diversity has been less shared and dysgenic taxa augmentation was found to be higher. Oxalate metabolizing bacterial species (OMBS) and butyrate-producing eubacteria species were found to be decreased in Oxalobacter non-colonizers; and Prevotella and Ruminococcus species which may contribute to oxalate metabolism and butyrate synthesis as well. Our study underscores fact that microbial dysbiosis is not limited to eubacteria only hence suggest the necessity of the trans-domain surveillance in metabolic diseases for intervention studies.
Lysosomal and network alterations in human mucopolysaccharidosis type VII iPSC-derived neurons
Authors: Bayó-Puxan Neus , Terrasso Ana Paula , Creyssels Sophie , Simão Daniel , Begon-Pescia Christina , Lavigne Marina , Salinas Sara , Bernex Florence , Bosch Assumpció , Kalatzis Vasiliki , Levade Thierry , Cuervo Ana Maria , Lory Philippe , Consiglio Antonella , Brito Catarina , Kremer Eric J.
Published: November 2018

Mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by deficient β-glucuronidase (β-gluc) activity. Significantly reduced β-gluc activity leads to accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in many tissues, including the brain. Numerous combinations of mutations in GUSB (the gene that codes for β-gluc) cause a range of neurological features that make disease prognosis and treatment challenging. Currently, there is little understanding of the molecular basis for MPS VII brain anomalies. To identify a neuronal phenotype that could be used to complement genetic analyses, we generated two iPSC clones derived from skin fibroblasts of an MPS VII patient. We found that MPS VII neurons exhibited reduced β-gluc activity and showed previously established disease-associated phenotypes, including GAGs accumulation, expanded endocytic compartments, accumulation of lipofuscin granules, more autophagosomes, and altered lysosome function. Addition of recombinant β-gluc to MPS VII neurons, which mimics enzyme replacement therapy, restored disease-associated phenotypes to levels similar to the healthy control. MPS VII neural cells cultured as 3D neurospheroids showed upregulated GFAP gene expression, which was associated with astrocyte reactivity, and downregulation of GABAergic neuron markers. Spontaneous calcium imaging analysis of MPS VII neurospheroids showed reduced neuronal activity and altered network connectivity in patient-derived neurospheroids compared to a healthy control. These results demonstrate the interplay between reduced β-gluc activity, GAG accumulation and alterations in neuronal activity, and provide a human experimental model for elucidating the bases of MPS VII-associated cognitive defects.
Pretreatment Inflammation-Based Markers Predict Survival Outcomes in Patients with Early Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Chu Michelle Ong , Shen Chien-Heng , Chang Te-Sheng , Xu Huang-Wei , Yen Chih-Wei , Lu Sheng-Nan , Hung Chao-Hung
Published: November 2018

The prognostic significance of various systemic inflammation‐based markers has been explored in different cancers after surgery. This study aimed to investigate whether these markers could predict outcomes in patients with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA). One hundred eighteen patients with newly diagnosed HCC within the Milan criteria receiving RFA as initial therapy were retrospectively enrolled. Pretreatment inflammation-based markers including the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI), together with other clinicopathologic parameters were collected. Cumulative overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and by multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazard model. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates of patients were 90%, 67%, and 52%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that baseline high NLR ≥ 2.5 (p = 0.006), low PNI < 40 (p = 0.005), history of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (p = 0.005), non-Child-Pugh class A (p = 0.001) and elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ≥ 200 ng/mL (p = 0.005) significantly associated with the poor OS, whereas high PLR ≥ 100 did not. By multivariate analysis, high NLR ≥ 2.5 (hazard ratio (HR) 1.94; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05–3.59; p = 0.034), low PNI < 40 (HR 0.38; 95% CI, 0.20–0.72; p = 0.003), ESRD history (HR 3.60; 95% CI, 1.48–8.76; p = 0.005) and elevated AFP ≥ 200 ng/mL (HR 4.61; 95% CI, 1.75–12.13; p = 0.002) were independent factors. An elevated AFP level of ≥200 ng/mL was the significant factor associated with intrahepatic new RFS by univariate and multivariate analyses. In conclusion, pretreatment NLR and PNI are simple and useful predictors for OS in patients with early-stage HCC after RFA.
First in vitro evidence of modulated electro-hyperthermia treatment performance in combination with megavoltage radiation by clonogenic assay
Authors: McDonald Marjorie , Corde Stéphanie , Lerch Michael , Rosenfeld Anatoly , Jackson Michael , Tehei Moeava
Published: November 2018

Modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) is a form of hyperthermia used in the treatment of cancer. It is a variation that relies on a particular form of enhanced selectivity to enable more effective cancerous cell death yet maintaining the integrity of healthy non-cancerous cells. It is yet to successfully make the major step into the wider medical community despite several encouraging trials. In this study, we investigate mEHT from an in vitro perspective. We demonstrate a supra-additive effect on 9 L gliosarcoma cells when exposed to mEHT in combination with MV X-ray radiation. The supra-additive effect is hypothesized to be induced by the mEHT mechanism that in turn causes apoptosis, membrane damage and an increase in rate of cell growth. This proves to be extremely advantageous in the case of the aggressive 9 L cell line as it is known to be radioresistant. However, the universal success of this multimodal treatment does not appear to be positive for all cell lines and requires further research. Due to the fundamental approach taken in this research, our results also provide a new prospect for mEHT to be a tool for sterilizing otherwise radioresistant cancers.
Fibroblast growth factor-2, but not the adipose tissue-derived stromal cells secretome, inhibits TGF-β1-induced differentiation of human cardiac fibroblasts into myofibroblasts
Authors: Liguori Tácia Tavares Aquinas , Liguori Gabriel Romero , Moreira Luiz Felipe Pinho , Harmsen Martin Conrad
Published: November 2018

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a potent inducer of fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation and contributes to the pro-fibrotic microenvironment during cardiac remodeling. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) is a growth factor secreted by adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ASC) which can antagonize TGF-β1 signaling. We hypothesized that TGF-β1-induced cardiac fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation is abrogated by FGF-2 and ASC conditioned medium (ASC-CMed). Our experiments demonstrated that TGF-β1 treatment-induced cardiac fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts, as evidenced by the formation of contractile stress fibers rich in αSMA. FGF-2 blocked the differentiation, as evidenced by the reduction in gene (TAGLN, p < 0.0001; ACTA2, p = 0.0056) and protein (αSMA, p = 0.0338) expression of mesenchymal markers and extracellular matrix components gene expression (COL1A1, p < 0.0001; COL3A1, p = 0.0029). ASC-CMed did not block myofibroblast differentiation. The treatment with FGF-2 increased matrix metalloproteinases gene expression (MMP1, p < 0.0001; MMP14, p = 0.0027) and decreased the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase gene TIMP2 (p = 0.0023). ASC-CMed did not influence these genes. The proliferation of TGF-β1-induced human cardiac fibroblasts was restored by both FGF-2 (p = 0.0002) and ASC-CMed (p = 0.0121). The present study supports the anti-fibrotic effects of FGF-2 through the blockage of cardiac fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts. ASC-CMed, however, did not replicate the anti-fibrotic effects of FGF-2 in vitro.