bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FRAIL‐HF, a Study to Evaluate the Clinical Complexity of Heart Failure in Nondependent Older Patients: Rationale, Methods and Baseline Characteristics
Authors: Vidán María T. , Sánchez Elísabet , Fernández‐Avilés Francisco , Serra‐Rexach José A. , Ortiz Javier , Bueno Héctor
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT

The clinical scenario of heart failure (HF) in older hospitalized patients is complex and influenced by acute and chronic comorbidities, coexistent geriatric syndromes, the patient's ability for self‐care after discharge, and degree of social support. The impact of all these factors on clinical outcomes or disability evolution is not sufficiently known. FRAIL‐HF is a prospective observational cohort study designed to evaluate clinical outcomes (mortality and readmission), functional evolution, quality of life, and use of social resources at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after admission in nondependent elderly patients hospitalized for HF. Clinical features, medical treatment, self‐care ability, and health literacy were prospectively evaluated and a comprehensive geriatric assessment with special focus on frailty was systematically performed in hospital to assess interactions and relationships with postdischarge outcomes. Between May 2009 and May 2011, 450 consecutive patients with a mean age of 80 ± 6 years were enrolled. Comorbidity was high (mean Charlson index, 3.4 ± 2.9). Despite being nondependent, 118 (26%) had minor disability for basic activities of daily living, only 76 (16.2%) had no difficulty in walking 400 meters, and 340 (75.5%) were living alone or with another elderly person. In addition, 316 patients (70.2%) fulfilled frailty criteria. Even nondependent older patients hospitalized for HF show a high prevalence of clinical and nonclinical factors that may influence prognosis and are usually not considered in routine clinical practice. The results of FRAIL‐HF will provide important information about the relationship between these factors and different postdischarge clinical, functional, and quality‐of‐life outcomes.
Image‐based cell‐resolved screening assays in flow
Authors: Cheung Man Ching , McKenna Brian , Wang Steve S. , Wolf Dane , Ehrlich Daniel J.
Published: December 2014

A parallel microfluidic cytometer (PMC) is based on a one‐dimensional (1D) scanning detector, a parallel array of flow channels, and new multiparameter analysis algorithms that operate on low‐pixel‐count 1D images. In this article, we explore a series of image‐based live‐ and fixed‐cell screening assays, including two NF‐kB nuclear translocations and T‐cell capping. We then develop a new multiparametric linear weighted classifier that achieves a Z′ factor sufficient for scaled pharmaceutical discovery with Jurkat cells in suspension. We conclude that the PMC should have the throughput and statistical power to permit a new capability for image‐based high‐sample‐number pharmaceutical screening with suspension samples. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Synthesis of Chiral Functionalised Cyclobutylpyrrolidines and Cyclobutylamino Alcohols from (–)‐(S)‐Verbenone – Applications in the Stabilisation of Ruthenium Nanocatalysts
Authors: Aguilera Jordi , Favier Isabelle , Sans Marta , Mor Àlex , Álvarez‐Larena Ángel , Illa Ona , Gómez Montserrat , Ortuño Rosa M.
Published: December 2014

Stereoselective and efficient synthetic routes to pyrrolidines and amino alcohols anchored to chiral polysubstituted cyclobutane moieties have been developed from (–)‐(S)‐verbenone. These original frameworks, in particular the diamines and amino alcohols, are appropriate stabilisers of metallic nanoparticles, especially for the synthesis of ruthenium nanomaterials, which found catalytic applications in the hydrogenation of arenes and nitrobenzene derivatives to afford selectively the corresponding cyclohexane or aniline derivatives.
Dynamic spatial regression models for space‐varying forest stand tables
Authors: Finley Andrew O. , Banerjee Sudipto , Weiskittel Aaron R. , Babcock Chad , Cook Bruce D.
Published: December 2014

Many forest management planning decisions are based on information about the number of trees by species and diameter per unit area. This information is commonly summarized in astand table, where a stand is defined as a group of forest trees of sufficiently uniform species composition, age, condition, or productivity to be considered a homogeneous unit for planning purposes. Typically, information used to construct stand tables is gleaned from observed subsets of the forest selected using a probability‐based sampling design. Such sampling campaigns are expensive, and hence, only a small number of sample units are typically observed. This data paucity means that stand tables can only be estimated for relatively large areal units. Contemporary forest management planning and spatially explicit ecosystem models require stand table input at higher spatial resolution than can be affordably provided using traditional approaches. We propose a dynamic multivariate Poisson spatial regression model that accommodates both spatial correlation between observed diameter distributions and also correlation between tree counts across diameter classes within each location. To improve fit and prediction at unobserved locations, diameter specific intensities can be estimated using auxiliary data such as management history or remotely sensed information. The proposed model is used to analyze a diverse forest inventory dataset collected on the United States Forest Service Penobscot Experimental Forest in Bradley, Maine. Results demonstrate that explicitly modeling the residual spatial structure via a multivariate Gaussian process and incorporating information about forest structure from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) covariates improve model fit and can provide high spatial resolution stand table maps with associated estimates of uncertainty. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling individual tree growth by fusing diameter tape and increment core data
Authors: Schliep Erin M. , Dong Tracy Qi , Gelfand Alan E. , Li Fan
Published: December 2014

Tree growth estimation is a challenging task as difficulties associated with data collection and inference often result in inaccurate estimates. Two main methods for tree growth estimation are diameter tape measurements and increment cores. The former involves repeatedly measuring tree diameters with a cloth or metal tape whose scale has been adjusted to give diameter readings directly. This approach has the advantage that diameters can be measured rapidly. However, because of the substantial error involved during tape measurements, negative diameter increments are often observed. Alternatively, annual radius increment data can be obtained by taking tree cores and averaging repeated measurements of the ring widths. Acquiring and analyzing tree cores is a time‐consuming process, and taking multiple cores may have adverse effects on tree health. Therefore, radius increment data are typically only available for a subset of trees within a stand. We offer a fusion of the data sources, which enables us to accommodate missingness and to borrow strength across individuals. It enables individual tree‐level inference as well as average or stand level inference. Our model recognizes that tree growth in a given year depends upon tree size at the start of the year as well as levels of appropriate covariates operating in that year. We apply our modeling to a fairly large dataset taken from two forest stands at Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory in the southern Appalachians collected from 1991 to 2011. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differences and Similarities Between Bulimia Nervosa, Compulsive Buying and Gambling Disorder
Authors: Jiménez‐Murcia Susana , Granero Roser , Moragas Laura , Steiger Howard , Israel Mimi , Aymamí Neus , Gómez‐Peña Mónica , Sauchelli Sarah , Agüera Zaida , Sánchez Isabel , Riesco Nadine , Penelo Eva , Menchón José M. , Fernández‐Aranda Fernando
Published: December 2014

Aim

The objective of the study was to analyse shared commonalities and differences between bulimia nervosa (BN) and certain impulse‐related disorders, namely compulsive buying (CB) and gambling disorder (GD), with respect to general psychopathology and personality traits.

Methods

A total of 188 female patients [50 BN without comorbid CB (BN−CB), 49 BN with comorbid CB (BN+CB), 53 GD and 36 CB] and 50 comparison non‐psychiatric women participated in the current study. All patients were diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth revised edition, the Temperament and Character Inventory—Revised, and other clinical indices.

Results

A positive‐growing trend was observed in psychopathology and personality traits across the four clinical groups. Comorbid BN with CB was associated with highest eating psychopathology and social anxiety. On Novelty Seeking, the CB, GD and BN+CB were similar to each other, whereas BN−CB presented a distinct profile. Moreover, the BN+CB group displayed more dysfunctional personality traits and higher general psychopathology. The clinical groups demonstrated overall higher levels of psychopathology compared with the control group.

Conclusions

The results of this study demonstrate that disorders with impulsive traits (CB, GD, BN+CB and BN−CB) follow a linear trend in general psychopathology and specific personality traits, but differ along specific personality and psychopathological dimensions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
The Case for Natural Gas Fueled Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Power Systems for Distributed Generation
Authors: Chick L. , Weimar M. , Whyatt G. , Powell M.
Published: December 2014

Natural‐gas‐fueled solid oxide fuel cell (NGSOFC) power systems yield electrical conversion efficiencies exceeding 55% and may become a viable alternative for distributed generation (DG) if stack life and manufacturing economies of scale can be realized. Currently, stacks last approximately 2 years and few systems are produced each year because of the relatively high cost of electricity from the systems. PNNL has performed cost modeling for production of 270 kW (DC) NGSOFC power systems, sized for light industry or large box stores. If mass manufacturing (10.000 units per year) and a stack life of 15 years can be reached, the cost of electricity from an NGSOFC system is estimated to be about 8,2 ¢/kWh, well within the range of commercial and residential retail prices at the national level (9,9–10 ¢/kWh and 11–12 ¢/kWh, respectively). With 5 ¢/kWh in estimated additional benefits from DG, NGSOFC could be well positioned to replace the forecasted 59–77 gigawatts of capacity loss resulting from coal plant closures due to stricter emissions regulations and low natural gas prices.
Intrinsic excitability changes induced by acute treatment of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons with exogenous amyloid β peptide
Authors: Tamagnini Francesco , Scullion Sarah , Brown Jon T. , Randall Andrew D.
Published: December 2014

Accumulation of beta‐amyloid (Aβ) peptides in the human brain is a canonical pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent work in Aβ‐overexpressing transgenic mice indicates that increased brain Aβ levels can be associated with aberrant epileptiform activity. In line with this, such mice can also exhibit altered intrinsic excitability (IE) of cortical and hippocampal neurons: these observations may relate to the increased prevalence of seizures in AD patients. In this study, we examined what changes in IE are produced in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells after 2–5 h treatment with an oligomeric preparation of synthetic human Aβ 1–42 peptide. Whole cell current clamp recordings were compared between Aβ‐(500 nM) and vehicle‐(DMSO 0.05%) treated hippocampal slices obtained from mice. The soluble Aβ treatment did not produce alterations in sub‐threshold intrinsic properties, including membrane potential, input resistance, and hyperpolarization activated “sag”. Similarly, no changes were noted in the firing profile evoked by 500 ms square current supra‐threshold stimuli. However, Aβ 500 nM treatment resulted in the hyperpolarization of the action potential (AP) threshold. In addition, treatment with Aβ at 500 nM depressed the after‐hyperpolarization that followed both a single AP or 50 Hz trains of a number of APs between 5 and 25. These data suggest that acute exposure to soluble Aβ oligomers affects IE properties of CA1 pyramidal neurons differently from outcomes seen in transgenic models of amyloidopathy. However, in both chronic and acute models, the IE changes are toward hyperexcitability, reinforcing the idea that amyloidopathy and increased incidence in seizures might be causally related in AD patients. © 2014 The Authors Hippocampus Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rating curve estimation under epistemic uncertainty
Authors: McMillan H. K. , Westerberg I. K.
Published: December 2014

River discharge values, estimated using a rating curve, are subject to both random and epistemic errors. We present a new likelihood function, the ‘Voting Point’ likelihood that accounts for both error types and enables generation of multiple possible multisegment power‐law rating curve samples that aim to represent the total uncertainty. The rating curve samples can be used for subsequent discharge analysis that needs total uncertainty estimation, e.g. regionalisation studies or calculation of hydrological signatures.

We demonstrate the method using four catchments with diverse rating curve error characteristics, where epistemic uncertainty sources include weed growth, scour and redeposition of the bed gravels in a braided river, and unconfined high flows. The results show that typically, the posterior rating curve distributions include all of the gauging points and succeed in representing the spread of discharge values caused by epistemic rating errors. We aim to provide a useful method for hydrology practitioners to assess rating curve, and hence discharge, uncertainty that is easily applicable to a wide range of catchments and does not require prior specification of the particular types and causes of epistemic error at the gauged location. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electricity generation and struvite recovery from human urine using microbial fuel cells
Authors: You Jiseon , Greenman John , Melhuish Chris , Ieropoulos Ioannis
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

Urine is an abundant waste product which requires energy intensive treatment processes in modern wastewater treatment plants. However urine can be utilised as fertiliser in the form of struvite. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising technology for treating waste while producing electricity. Combining these two approaches, a 3‐stage MFC/struvite extraction process system was developed and its feasibility tested in order to maximise urine utilisation in terms of electricity generation and struvite recovery.

RESULTS

In the first stage, while generating electrical energy, MFCs accelerated urea hydrolysis, which was beneficial for the struvite precipitation process in the following stage. After collecting struvite by adding magnesium into the initial effluent, the supernatant was used at the final stage for additional power and more efficient COD reduction. In total, 82% of PO43−‐P and 20% of COD of undiluted human urine were removed by the 3‐stage system. Also 14.32 W m−3 (absolute power: 358 µW) and 11.76 W m−3 (absolute power: 294 µW) of power was produced from the 1st and 3rd stages of the system, respectively, during operation.

CONCLUSION

This work shows how MFCs and struvite precipitation could be integrated for both energy generation and resource recovery from urine, leading to a more sustainable energy future. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of nifedipine tocolysis on Doppler indices of the uterine and umbilical Arteries
Authors: Ulubaşoğlu Hasan , Özmen Bayar Ülkü , Kaya Cihan , Ungan Burcu
Published: December 2014

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral nifedipine on Doppler indices of the uterine artery (UtA) and umbilical artery (UA) before and 24 hours, 48 hours, and 1 week after tocolytic treatment.

Methods

This was a prospective, self‐controlled, cohort study of 65 pregnant women undergoing nifedipine tocolysis. Doppler assessment of the UtA and UA was performed before treatment and 24 hours, 48 hours, and 1 week after the initial 4 doses of 10 mg of oral nifedipine, administered at 20‐minute intervals. The maintenance dosage was 20 mg of oral nifedipine administered every 6 hours for 48 hours, for a total dose of 80 mg/day.

Results

There was a decrease in the 24‐hour values of the UA pulsatility index, resistance index (RI), systolic‐diastolic (S:D) ratio, right UtA pulsatility index, RI, S:D ratio, and left UtA RI and S:D ratio with nifedipine therapy in comparison with the values recorded prior to nifedipine therapy. However, these differences were not statistically significant. There were no statistically significant differences between the data recorded prior to nifedipine administration and those obtained at 48 hours and 1 week after treatment.

Conclusions

Oral nifedipine is a safe tocolytic agent with no long‐term effect on fetomaternal circulation in pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 43:322–326, 2015
Chronic exercise confers neuroprotection in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Pryor William M. , Freeman Kimberly G. , Larson Rebecca D. , Edwards Gaylen L. , White Lesley J.
Published: December 2014

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the CNS, resulting in accumulated loss of cognitive, sensory, and motor function. This study evaluates the neuropathological effects of voluntary exercise in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. Two groups of C57BL/6J mice were injected with an emulsion containing myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein and then randomized to housing with a running wheel or a locked wheel. Exercising EAE mice exhibited a less severe neurological disease score and later onset of disease compared with sedentary EAE animals. Immune cell infiltration and demyelination in the ventral white matter tracts of the lumbar spinal cord were significantly reduced in the EAE exercise group compared with sedentary EAE animals. Neurofilament immunolabeling in the ventral pyramidal and extrapyramidal motor tracts displayed a more random distribution of axons and an apparent loss of smaller diameter axons, with a greater loss of fluorescence immunolabeling in the sedentary EAE animals. In lamina IX gray matter regions of the lumbar spinal cord, sedentary animals with EAE displayed a greater loss of α‐motor neurons compared with EAE animals exposed to exercise. These findings provide evidence that voluntary exercise results in reduced and attenuated disability, reductions in autoimmune cell infiltration, and preservation of axons and motor neurons in the lumbar spinal cord of mice with EAE. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Raman study of datolite CaBSiO4(OH) at simultaneously high pressure and high temperature
Authors: Goryainov S. V. , Krylov A. S. , Vtyurin A. N. , Pan Y.
Published: December 2014

Using an in situ method of Raman spectroscopy and resistance‐heated diamond anvil cell, the system datolite CaBSiO4(OH) – water has been investigated at simultaneously high pressure and temperature (up to Р ~5 GPa and Т ~250 °С). Two polymorphic transitions have been observed: (1) pressure‐induced phase transition or the feature in pressure dependence of Raman band wavenumbers at P = 2 GPа and constant T = 22 °С and (2) heating‐induced phase transition at T ~90 °С and P ~5 GPа. The number of Raman bands is retained at the first transition but changed at the second transition. The first transition is mainly distinguished by the changes in the slopes of pressure dependence of Raman peaks at 2 GPa. The second transition is characterized by several strong changes: the wavenumber jumps of major bands, the merging of strong doublets at 378 and 391 cm−1 (values for ambient conditions), the splitting of the intermediate‐intensity band at 292 cm−1, and the transformation of some low‐wavenumber bands at 160–190 cm−1. No spectral and visual signs of overhydration and amorphization have been observed. No noticeable dissolution of datolite in the water medium occurred at 5 GPa and 250 °С after 3 h, which corresponds to typical conditions of the ‘cold’ zones of slab subduction. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopy as a tool to the in situ study of three lichens species from Antarctica and Brazil
Authors: Fernandes Rafaella F. , Spielmann Adriano A. , de Oliveira Luiz Fernando C.
Published: December 2014

In this investigation the chemistry of the lichens Gondwania regalis, Teloschistes exilis and Xanthoria candelaria (Teloschistaceae) have been recorded by means of Raman spectroscopy. The non‐destructive analysis provided the recognition of parietin and conjugated polyenes, probably belonging to the carotenoid family for all the investigated specimens. Bands at ca. 1370 and 1600 cm−1, respectively, assigned to the ν(C―O) and ν(CO) modes of the phenyl group of the anthraquinone compound, as well the bands at ca. 1005, 1158 and 1527 cm−1, possibly assigned to the β‐carotene in the FT‐Raman spectra, have provided valuable spectroscopy data for the identification of the biomarkers for these lichen pigments. Thus, this is the first report of parietin and carotenoid in T. exilis and X. candelaria tissues even as the parietin anthraquinone for G. regalis tissues, which are effective pigments against free radicals from UV radiation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temporal signatures of resistivity in bending of indium tin oxide‐coated flexible transparent conductive films for flexible electronics: Influence of coating thickness and bending radius
Authors: Zhao Wei , Cakmak Miko
Published: December 2014

The study is focused on the fundamental understanding of behaviors of polymer films coated with indium tin oxide (ITO) of varying thicknesses and thus various conductivities/transparencies in repeated bending by tracking the electrical resistivity real‐time using a specially designed multi‐purpose flexing system. The results show that temporal increases of resistance provide important clues as to the initiation and progress of failure. In tension, the resistance typically remains flat unless a critical minimum radius of curvature is breached that leads to progressive cracking of ITO coating bringing rapid rise of resistance. This critical minimum radius of curvature increases with the increase of ITO coating thickness making the higher conductivity films more susceptible to damage. In compression mode, similar temporal signature can be found when bent to a curvature below a critical minimum radius. When cracks form in both modes, the resistance signature changes to one of oscillation and the high and low values observed at each cycle progressively increase with more cycles leading ultimately to catastrophic failure.
Comparative study of source–drain contact metals for amorphous InGaZnO thin‐film transistors
Authors: Nag Manoj , Bhoolokam Ajay , Steudel Soeren , Chasin Adrian , Groeseneken Guido , Heremans Paul
Published: December 2014

In this work, we compared the thin‐film transistor (TFT) characteristics of amorphous InGaZnO TFTs with six different source–drain (S/D) metals (MoCr, TiW, Ni, Mo, Al, and Ti/Au) fabricated in bottom‐gate bottom‐contact (BGBC) and bottom‐gate top‐contact (BGTC) configurations. In the BGTC configuration, nearly every metal can be injected nicely into the a‐IGZO leading to nice TFT characteristics; however, in the BGBC configuration, only Ti/Au is injected nicely and shows comparable TFT characteristics. We attribute this to the metal‐containing deposits in the channel and the contact oxidation during a‐IGZO layer sputtering in the presence of S/D metal. In bias‐stress stability, TFTs with Ti/Au S/D metal showed good results in both configurations; however, in the BGTC configuration, not all the TFTs showed as good bias results as Ti/Au S/D metal TFTs. We attribute this to backchannel interface change, which happened because of the metal‐containing deposits at the backchannel during the final the SiO2 passivation.
Pattern formations of 2D Rayleigh–Bénard convection with no‐slip boundary conditions for the velocity at the critical length scales
Authors: Sengul Taylan , Shen Jie , Wang Shouhong
Published: December 2014

We study the Rayleigh–Bénard convection in a 2D rectangular domain with no‐slip boundary conditions for the velocity. The main mathematical challenge is due to the no‐slip boundary conditions, because the separation of variables for the linear eigenvalue problem, which works in the free‐slip case, is no longer possible. It is well known that as the Rayleigh number crosses a critical threshold Rc, the system bifurcates to an attractor, which is an (m − 1)‐dimensional sphere, where m is the number of eigenvalues, which cross zero as R crosses Rc. The main objective of this article is to derive a full classification of the structure of this bifurcated attractor when m = 2. More precisely, we rigorously prove that when m = 2, the bifurcated attractor is homeomorphic to a one‐dimensional circle consisting of exactly four or eight steady states and their connecting heteroclinic orbits. In addition, we show that the mixed modes can be stable steady states for small Prandtl numbers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trapped modes along a periodic array of freely floating obstacles
Authors: Dias Gonçalo A. S. , Videman Juha H.
Published: December 2014

We consider the coupled problem describing the motion of a linear array of three‐dimensional obstacles floating freely in a homogeneous fluid layer of finite depth. The interaction of time‐harmonic waves with the floating objects is analyzed under the usual assumptions of linear water‐wave theory. Quasi‐periodic boundary conditions and a simplified reduction scheme turn the system into a linear spectral problem for a self‐adjoint operator in Hilbert space. Based upon the operator formulation, we derive a sufficient condition for the nonemptiness of its discrete spectrum. Various examples of obstacles that generate trapped modes are given. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Q‐symmetry and conditional Q‐symmetries for Drinfel'd–Sokolov–Wilson system
Authors: Zedan Hassan A. , Alghamdi M. , Tantawy Seham Sh.
Published: December 2014

We study in this paper the Q‐symmetry and conditional Q‐symmetries of Drinfel'd–Sokolov–Wilson equations. The solutions which we obtain in this paper take the form of convergent power series with easily computable components. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The validity of military screening for mental health problems: diagnostic accuracy of the PCL, K10 and AUDIT scales in an entire military population
Authors: Searle Amelia K. , Van Hooff Miranda , McFarlane Alexander C. , Davies Christopher E. , Fairweather‐Schmidt A. Kate , Hodson Stephanie E. , Benassi Helen , Steele Nicole
Published: December 2014

Depression, alcohol use disorders and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are serious issues among military personnel due to their impact on operational capability and individual well‐being. Several military forces screen for these disorders using scales including the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and Post‐traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL). However, it is unknown whether established cutoffs apply to military populations. This study is the first to test the diagnostic accuracy of these three scales in a population‐based military cohort.

A large sample of currently‐serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) Navy, Army and Air Force personnel (n = 24,481) completed the K10, AUDIT and PCL‐C (civilian version). Then, a stratified sub‐sample (n = 1798) completed a structured diagnostic interview detecting 30‐day disorder. Data were weighted to represent the ADF population (n = 50,049).

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses suggested all three scales had acceptable sensitivity and specificity, with areas under the curve from 0.75 to 0.93. AUDIT and K10 screening cutoffs closely paralleled established cutoffs, whereas the PCL‐C screening cutoff resembled that recommended for US military personnel.

These self‐report scales represent a cost‐effective and clinically‐useful means of screening personnel for disorder. Military populations may need lower cutoffs than civilians to screen for PTSD. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐echo Length and Offset VARied Saturation (MeLOVARS) method for improved CEST imaging
Authors: Song Xiaolei , Xu Jiadi , Xia Shuli , Yadav Nirbhay N. , Lal Bachchu , Laterra John , Bulte Jeff W.M. , van Zijl Peter C.M. , McMahon Michael T.
Published: December 2014

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop a technique for rapid collection of chemical exchange saturation transfer images with the saturation varied to modulate signal loss transfer and enhance contrast.

Methods

Multi‐echo Length and Offset VARied Saturation (MeLOVARS) divides the saturation pulse of length Tsat into N = 3–8 submodules, each consisting of a saturation pulse with length of Tsat/N (∼0.3–1 s), one or more low flip‐angle gradient‐echo readout(s) and a flip back pulse. This results in N readouts with increasing saturation time from Tsat/N to Tsat without extra scan time.

Results

For phantoms, eight images with Tsat incremented every 0.5 s from 0.5–4 s were collected simultaneously using MeLOVARS, which allows rapid determination of exchange rates for agent protons. For live mice bearing glioblastomas, the Z‐spectra for five different Tsat values from 0.5 to 2.5 s were acquired in a time normally used for one Tsat. With the additional Tsat‐dependence information, LOVARS phase maps were produced with a more clearly defined tumor boundary and an estimated 4.3‐fold enhanced contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR). We also show that enhancing CNR is achievable by simply averaging the collected images or transforming them using the principal component analysis.

Conclusions

MeLOVARS enables collection of multiple saturation‐time‐weighted images without extra time, producing a LOVARS phase map with increased CNR. Magn Reson Med 73:488–496, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Non‐targeted Metabolomic Profile of Fagus Sylvatica L. Leaves using Liquid Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Cadahía Estrella , Fernández de Simón Brígida , Aranda Ismael , Sanz Miriam , Sánchez‐Gómez David , Pinto Ernani
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Fagus sylvatica L. is one of the most widely distributed broad‐leaved tree species in central and western Europe, important to the forest sector and an accurate biomarker of climate change.

Objective

To profile the beech leaf metabolome for future studies in order to investigate deeper into the characterisation of its metabolic response.

Methods

Leaf extracts were analysed using LC–MS by electrospray ionisation in negative mode from m/z 100–1700 and GC–MS by electron ionisation in scan mode from m/z 35–800.

Results

The LC–MS profile resulted in 56 compounds, of which 43 were identified and/or structurally characterised, including hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavan‐3‐ols and proanthocyanidins, and flavonols. From a second analysis based on GC–MS, a total of 111 compounds were identified, including carbohydrates, polyalcohols, amino acids, organic acids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, sterols and other related compounds. Many of the compounds identified were primary metabolites involved in major plant metabolic pathways, however, some secondary metabolites were also detected. Some of them play roles as tolerance‐response osmoregulators and osmoprotectors in abiotic stress, or as anti‐oxidants that reduce the effect of reactive oxygen species and promote many protective functions in plants.

Conclusions

This study provides a broad and relevant insight into the metabolic status of F. sylvatica leaves, and serves as a base for future studies on physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in biotic or abiotic stress. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning curve analysis of concentrated photovoltaic systems
Authors: Haysom Joan E. , Jafarieh Omid , Anis Hanan , Hinzer Karin , Wright David
Published: December 2014

Price declines and volume growth of concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) systems are analysed using the learning curve methodology and compared with other forms of solar electricity generation. Logarithmic regression analysis determines a learning rate of 18% for CPV systems with 90% confidence of that rate being between 14 and 22%, which is higher than the learning rates of other solar generation systems (11% for CSP and 12 to 14% for PV). Current CPV system prices are competitive with PV and CSP, which, when combined with the higher learning rate, indicates that CPV is likely to further improve its marketability. A target price of 1 $/W in 2020 could be achieved with a compound growth rate of 67% for the total deployed volume between 2014 and 2020, which would realize a cumulative deployed volume of 7900 MW. Other projections of deployment volumes from commercial sources are converted using the learning rate into future price scenarios, resulting in predicted prices in the range of 1.1 to 1.3 $/W in 2020. © 2014 The Authors. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Synthesis of self‐healing polyurethane urea‐based supramolecular materials
Authors: Kim Young Joo , Huh Pil Ho , Kim Byung Kyu
Published: December 2014

Supramolecular polyurethane ureas are expected to have superior mechanical properties primarily due to the reversible, noncovalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding interactions. We synthesized polyurethane prepolymers from small molecular weight of poly(tetramethylene ether)glycol and isophorone diisocyanates, which were end capped with propylamine to synthesize polyurethane ureas with high contents of urea and urethane groups for hydrogen‐bonding formations to facilitate self‐healing. The effects of polyurethane urea molecular weight (3000 ≤ Mn ≤ 9000), crosslinking, and cutting direction were studied in terms of thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties with an emphasis on the self‐healing efficiency. It was found that the thermal self‐healability was more pronounced as the molecular weight of polyurethane urea decreased, showing a maximum of more than 96% with 3000 Mn when the sample was cut along the stretch direction. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 468–474
Emerging applications of small angle solution scattering in structural biology
Authors: Chaudhuri Barnali N.
Published: December 2014

Small angle solution X‐ray and neutron scattering recently resurfaced as powerful tools to address an array of biological problems including folding, intrinsic disorder, conformational transitions, macromolecular crowding, and self or hetero‐assembling of biomacromolecules. In addition, small angle solution scattering complements crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and other structural methods to aid in the structure determinations of multidomain or multicomponent proteins or nucleoprotein assemblies. Neutron scattering with hydrogen/deuterium contrast variation, or X‐ray scattering with sucrose contrast variation to a certain extent, is a convenient tool for characterizing the organizations of two‐component systems such as a nucleoprotein or a lipid‐protein assembly. Time‐resolved small and wide‐angle solution scattering to study biological processes in real time, and the use of localized heavy‐atom labeling and anomalous solution scattering for applications as FRET‐like molecular rulers, are amongst promising newer developments. Despite the challenges in data analysis and interpretation, these X‐ray/neutron solution scattering based approaches hold great promise for understanding a wide variety of complex processes prevalent in the biological milieu.
Photoluminescence and terahertz generation in InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well light‐emitting diode heterostructures under laser excitation
Authors: Prudaev Ilya , Sarkisov Sergey , Tolbanov Oleg , Kosobutsky Alexey
Published: December 2014

In this paper the results of experiments on terahertz generation from nitride light‐emitting diode heterostructures under two‐photon excitation by femtosecond laser pulses are reported. Dependencies of the photoluminescence and terahertz spectra on structural properties of the samples and intensity of laser pulses have been studied. It was found that the terahertz pulse amplitude increases and its spectrum shifts towards higher frequencies with an increasing number of quantum wells in the heterostructures. Photoluminescence spectral shape change at high excitation intensities was observed. The probable mechanisms explaining the observed experimental dependencies are discussed.
Atmospheric response in summer linked to recent Arctic sea ice loss
Authors: Petrie R. E. , Shaffrey L. C. , Sutton R. T.
Published: December 2014

Since 2007 a large decline in Arctic sea ice has been observed. The large‐scale atmospheric circulation response to this decline is investigated in ERA‐Interim reanalyses and HadGEM3 climate model experiments. In winter, post‐2007 observed circulation anomalies over the Arctic, North Atlantic and Eurasia are small compared to interannual variability. In summer, the post‐2007 observed circulation is dominated by an anticyclonic anomaly over Greenland which has a large signal‐to‐noise ratio. Climate model experiments driven by observed SST and sea ice anomalies are able to capture the summertime pattern of observed circulation anomalies, although the magnitude is a third of that observed. The experiments suggest high SSTs and reduced sea ice in the Labrador Sea lead to positive temperature anomalies in the lower troposphere which weaken the westerlies over North America through thermal wind balance. The experiments also capture cyclonic anomalies over Northwest Europe, which are consistent with downstream Rossby wave propagation.
Theoretical investigation of NH3‐SCR processes over zeolites: A review
Authors: Mao Yu , Wang Hai‐Feng , Hu P.
Published: December 2014

The selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx compounds with NH3 is a hot topic in recent years. Among various catalysts, zeolites are proved to be efficient and promising for NH3‐SCR, yet the whole processes and intrinsic mechanism are still not well understood due to the structural complexity of zeolites. With the improvement of theoretical chemistry techniques, quantum‐chemical calculations are now capable of modeling the structure, acidity, adsorption, and ultimately reaction pathways over zeolites to some extent. In this review, a brief summary of relevant concepts of NH3‐SCR is presented. Cluster approaches, embedded techniques, and periodic treatments are described as three main methods. Details of quantum‐chemical investigations toward the key issues such as, the structure of active sites, the adsorption of small molecules, and the reaction mechanism of NH3‐SCR over zeolites are discussed. Finally, a perspective for future theoretical research is given. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simulation study comparing exposure matching with regression adjustment in an observational safety setting with group sequential monitoring
Authors: Stratton Kelly G. , Cook Andrea J. , Jackson Lisa A. , Nelson Jennifer C.
Published: December 2014

Sequential methods are well established for randomized clinical trials (RCTs), and their use in observational settings has increased with the development of national vaccine and drug safety surveillance systems that monitor large healthcare databases. Observational safety monitoring requires that sequential testing methods be better equipped to incorporate confounder adjustment and accommodate rare adverse events. New methods designed specifically for observational surveillance include a group sequential likelihood ratio test that uses exposure matching and generalized estimating equations approach that involves regression adjustment. However, little is known about the statistical performance of these methods or how they compare to RCT methods in both observational and rare outcome settings. We conducted a simulation study to determine the type I error, power and time‐to‐surveillance‐end of group sequential likelihood ratio test, generalized estimating equations and RCT methods that construct group sequential Lan–DeMets boundaries using data from a matched (group sequential Lan–DeMets‐matching) or unmatched regression (group sequential Lan–DeMets‐regression) setting. We also compared the methods using data from a multisite vaccine safety study. All methods had acceptable type I error, but regression methods were more powerful, faster at detecting true safety signals and less prone to implementation difficulties with rare events than exposure matching methods. Method performance also depended on the distribution of information and extent of confounding by site. Our results suggest that choice of sequential method, especially the confounder control strategy, is critical in rare event observational settings. These findings provide guidance for choosing methods in this context and, in particular, suggest caution when conducting exposure matching. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Institutional Economics and Social Dilemmas: a Systems Theory Perspective
Authors: Valentinov Vladislav , Chatalova Lioudmila
Published: December 2014

The present paper explains why social dilemmas are endemic to the regime of functional differentiation theorized by Niklas Luhmann. It is argued that within this regime, social systems combine two systems‐theoretic identities elaborated by the theories of Luhmann and Bertalanffy. Social systems are operationally closed and thus limitedly sensitive to the environment; at the same time, they are metabolically dependent on it. Social dilemmas are shown to originate from the conflict between these two identities, a conflict that occurs when social systems disregard their critical environmental dependence. An implication of the argument is that economic incentives present the individual‐level projections of systemic imperatives arising from the operational closure of the functional system of the economy. This implication informs the institutional economics analysis of social dilemmas by explaining these in terms of the excessive intensity of economic incentives that makes economic actors insensitive to their critical dependence on their environment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnosis of fetal submicroscopic chromosomal abnormalities in failed array CGH samples: copy number by sequencing as an alternative to microarrays for invasive fetal testing
Authors: Cohen K. , Tzika A. , Wood H. , Berri S. , Roberts P. , Mason G. , Sheridan E.
Published: December 2014

Objectives

Array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) has become the technology of choice for high‐resolution prenatal whole genome analysis. Limitations of microarrays are mainly related to the analog nature of the analysis, and poor‐quality DNA can result in failed quality metrics with these platforms. We examined a cohort of abnormal fetuses with failed array CGH results using a next‐generation sequencing algorithm, CNV‐Seq. We assessed the ability of the platform to handle suboptimal prenatal samples and generate interpretable molecular karyotypes.

Methods

Nine samples obtained from abnormal fetuses and one from a normal control fetus were sequenced using an Illumina GAIIx. A segmentation algorithm for sequencing data was used to determine regional copy number data on the sequencing datasets.

Results

Phred quality scores were satisfactory for analysis of all samples. CNV‐Seq identified both large‐ and small‐scale abnormalities in the cohort, and normal results were obtained for fetuses for which microarray data were previously uninterpretable. No variants of uncertain significance were detected. Analysis of the digital sequencing datasets offered some advantages over array CGH output.

Conclusions

Using next‐generation sequencing for the detection of genomic copy number variants may be advantageous for poor‐quality, invasively‐acquired prenatal samples. CNV‐Seq could become a potential alternative to array CGH in this setting. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Recovery rate of harvest residues for bioenergy in boreal and temperate forests: A review
Authors: Thiffault Evelyne , Béchard Ariane , Paré David , Allen Darren
Published: December 2014

Harvest residues are an attractive woody biomass feedstock for bioenergy production. A portion of the total harvest residues are generally left in the cutblock due to technical and profitability constraints. A better understanding of the factors influencing the variability of residue operational recovery rate is important to inform accurately policy development on sustainable forest biomass procurement practices. We compiled the results of field trials from boreal and temperate forests to quantify the range of variation of residue recovery rates and to identify the main factors explaining this variability. The average recovery rate was 52.2%, with minimum and maximum values of 4.0 and 89.1%, and a near‐normal distribution around the average. The main factor contributing to this variation was country of operations, which encompasses aspects of bioenergy policy and markets, technological learning, and forestry context. A shift in bioenergy policy, a growth in (and a change in access to) bioenergy markets, and upward movements along the technological learning curve could increase residue recovery rates approaching the highest values observed in this study, such as those in Nordic countries (72% residue recovery), or even higher if economic and technological conditions keep improving. However, local stand conditions, especially in North America where natural variability is high among forest stands, may continue to constrain operational recovery of harvest residues. Our results suggest the need for the development of policies that define practices and thresholds based on the ecological suitability of ecosystems, with clear definitions and explicit standards for harvest residue inventory, quantification, and retention. WIREs Energy Environ 2015, 4:429–451. doi: 10.1002/wene.157

This article is categorized under:

Bioenergy > Climate and Environment

Bioenergy > Science and Materials
Hydrothermal/Solvothermal Crystal Growth: an Old but Adaptable Process
Authors: Demazeau Gérard , Largeteau Alain
Published: December 2014

Hydrothermal crystal growth can be described as a low temperature process under pressure using an aqueous solution as the solvent. The temperature gradient controls the transport phenomenon from the nutrient to the seeds. The solvothermal term is generally used when the solvent is a non‐aqueous solution. Different aspects will be particularly discussed: (a) The principle of hydrothermal/solvothermal crystal growth processes. (b) A brief history of the development of such processes. (c) The main factors involved during the crystal growth and their impact on the quality of the resulting macroscopic single crystals. (d) How these physical and chemical factors can be optimized to improve the quality of the crystals. The conclusions focus on the future developments of hydrothermal or solvothermal crystal growth processes.