bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alkaloid Composition of the Nicotiana Species
Authors: Sisson VA , Severson RF
Published: February 2016

Plants from 64 Nicotiana species were sampled in the greenhouse in 1983 and 1984 and from the field in 1985 and 1986 for the purpose of developing a chemical profile of each species. Mature green leaves were harvested at flowering, freeze-dried and ground to pass a 1 mm screen prior to chemical analysis. In this study we report the type and amounts of nicotinoid alkaloids. Alkaloid values were determined by glass-capillary gas chromatography and were averaged over the two years for each environment. Both total alkaloids (mg g-1 dry weight) and the distribution (percentage composition) of nicotine, nornicotine, anabasine, and anatabine were highly correlated between years for greenhouse and field samples. Greenhouse and field data were highly correlated, although total-alkaloid levels were significantly higher from field-grown plants. All of the Nicotiana species tested contained a measurable alkaloid fraction (at least 10 µg g-1). There was a wide range in total-alkaloid levels with nearly a 200-fold difference among greenhouse-grown samples and a 400-fold difference among field-grown species. In general, total-alkaloid levels among the species were found to be relatively low. Eleven species were found to have a different alkaloid composition when green leaf and air-dried samples were compared. Evidence is presented for the association between alkaloid characteristics and the phylogenetic classification of the species in the genus.
Practical Modeling of Filter Filtration Efficiency
Authors: Kao J
Published: February 2016

A simple and general mathematical model has been developed to calculate filter-filtration efficiency, which is based on practical design parameters: pressure drop, filter dimension, flow rate, and filament denier. This model has been verified by examining published experimental data, which include a broad range of design parameters. This model surpasses other models currently described in the literature in terms of accuracy. The drag force of the filter (which is accounted for by the pressure drop times the circumference squared, DP • C2) appears to be the most important contribution to filter-filtration efficiency, but its contribution can be drastically reduced by varying design parameters.
Therapists' Perceptions of Application and Implementation of AM-PAC “6-Clicks” Functional Measures in Acute Care: Qualitative Study
Authors: Dewhirst Regan C. , Ellis Daniel P. , Mandara Emily A. , Jette Diane U.
Published: February 2016

Background

Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) “6-Clicks” tools are functional measures used in acute care. No studies have identified reactions and perceptions of therapists in implementing these measures.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore therapists' perceptions regarding the application and implementation of AM-PAC “6-Clicks” tools.

Design

This study used a qualitative design with thematic analysis.

Methods

A convenience sample of 13 physical therapists and occupational therapists participated in semistructured telephone interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded, after which thematic analysis was used to determine common themes.

Results

Five themes were identified: (1) unclear purpose, (2) lack of confidence in scoring, (3) too simple for decision making or generalizing patient function, (4) no effect on clinical routine, and (5) potential for communicating patient function across disciplines.

Limitations

Participants came from one health care system. A relatively small percentage of staff agreed to participate in this study, and additional interviews might have revealed new themes.

Conclusions

As participants in this study implemented the AM-PAC “6-Clicks” tools, they considered the role of the measures, how they fit within the context of practice, and their value. They also were concerned with the accuracy and feasibility of the tools. The tools were accepted as potentially valuable to assist administrative decisions and research; however, they were not perceived as particularly useful for routine patient care. Participants lacked complete confidence in the reliability of their scoring and expressed concern that the scores might be substituted for their clinical decision making. They also felt that the tools were too simple to fully reflect patients' overall function and were not useful alone for discharge planning. Participants believed the tools had the potential to be used for communication among colleagues about patients' physical function.
NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Controlling Intervertebral Disk Cell Response to Inflammatory and Mechanical Stressors
Authors: Tisherman Robert , Coelho Paulo , Phillibert David , Wang Dong , Dong Qing , Vo Nam , Kang James , Sowa Gwendolyn
Published: February 2016

Background

Intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD) has a greater than 90% lifetime incidence and is one of the leading causes of chronic back pain in the United States. Despite the high societal cost of IDD, there is limited understanding of the biological effects of mechanical overloading on further degeneration. The transcription factor NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) has been implicated as a key mediator of disk cell response to inflammatory and mechanical stresses and represents a potential control point.

Objective

The study objective was to measure the effect of NF-κB signaling pathway inhibition on annulus fibrosus (AF) cell matrix synthesis and gene expression under conditions of combined inflammatory and mechanical stimulation.

Methods

Annulus fibrosus cells were harvested from rabbit intervertebral disks and grown in vitro on flexible plates. The cells were exposed to inflammatory and mechanical stimulation for 24 hours with and without NF-κB inhibition. Nuclear translocation of NF-κB was measured via immunofluorescent staining. Intervertebral disk cell homeostasis was assessed via inflammatory, anabolic, and catabolic gene expression and via matrix synthetic ability.

Results

NF-κB nuclear translocation in response to interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) was reversed with exposure to NF-κB inhibition. NF-κB inhibition decreased matrix metalloproteinase-3, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 gene expression and prostaglandin E2 production response to combined inflammatory and mechanical stimulation. Proteoglycan and collagen synthesis were decreased by combined stimulation, but this effect was not reversed by NF-κB inhibition.

Limitations

In vitro modeling of conditions within the disk may not fully reflect the response that AF cells have in native matrix.

Conclusions

NF-κB signaling mediates catabolic and inflammatory responses to inflammatory and mechanical stimulation but does not mediate the decrease in matrix synthesis under combined harmful stimulation. Identification of key control points in the cellular responses to inflammatory and mechanical stimuli will facilitate rational design of exercise-based therapies and facilitate synergistic treatments of novel biochemical treatments with rehabilitation regimens.
Obstacle Crossing During Gait in Children With Cerebral Palsy: Cross-Sectional Study With Kinematic Analysis of Dynamic Balance and Trunk Control
Authors: Malone Ailish , Kiernan Damien , French Helen , Saunders Valerie , O'Brien Timothy
Published: February 2016

Background

Balance problems are common in children who have cerebral palsy (CP) but are active and ambulant. Control of the whole-body center of mass is critical in maintaining dynamic stability during challenging mobility tasks, such as clearing an obstacle while walking.

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare trunk and lower limb kinematics and center-of-mass control in children with CP and those in children with typical development during obstacle crossing.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study. Thirty-four children who were 5 to 17 years of age (17 with CP and 17 with typical development) and matched in age and height completed 2 gait trials involving crossing a 10-cm obstacle.

Methods

Three-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data were captured with a general-purpose 3-dimensional motion tracking system and forceplates. Trunk data were captured with a validated model.

Results

All children cleared the obstacle with similar hip and knee kinematics, step length, and single-support duration. In children with CP, step width was increased by 4.81 cm, and center-of-mass velocity was significantly slower at lead limb toe-off (0.31 m/s) and during lead limb clearance (0.2 m/s). Children with CP showed altered trunk and pelvis movement, characterized by significantly greater pelvic obliquity, pelvic tilt, and trunk rotation throughout the task, increased lateral trunk lean during lead limb crossing (3.7°), and greater sagittal trunk movement as the trail limb crossed (5.1°).

Limitations

The study was not powered to analyze differences between children with diplegia and those with hemiplegia.

Conclusions

Children with CP required greater adjustments at the trunk and pelvis to achieve successful obstacle crossing. The increase in trunk movement could have been compensatory for reduced stability distally or for a primary problem reflecting poor proximal control. The findings suggest that rehabilitation should focus on both proximal trunk control and distal stability to improve balance.
Dietary Protein Intake and Lean Muscle Mass in Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Report From the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study
Authors: Boland Alexandra M. , Gibson Todd M. , Lu Lu , Kaste Sue C. , DeLany James P. , Partin Robyn E. , Lanctot Jennifer Q. , Howell Carrie R. , Nelson Heather H. , Chemaitilly Wassim , Pui Ching-Hon , Robison Leslie L. , Mulrooney Daniel A. , Hudson Melissa M. , Ness Kirsten K.
Published: February 2016

Background

Survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are at risk for low lean muscle mass and muscle weakness, which may contribute to inactivity and early development of chronic diseases typically seen in older adults. Although increasing protein intake, in combination with resistance training, improves lean muscle mass in other populations, it is not known whether muscular tissue among survivors of ALL, whose impairments are treatment-related, will respond similarly.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate associations among dietary protein intake, resistance training, and lean muscle mass in survivors of ALL and age-, sex-, and race-matched controls.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study.

Methods

Lean muscle mass was determined with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, dietary information with 24-hour recalls, and participation in resistance training with a questionnaire. Participants were 365 survivors of ALL (52% male; 87% white; median age=28.5 years, range=23.6–31.7) and 365 controls with no previous cancer.

Results

Compared with controls, survivors of ALL had lower lean muscle mass (55.0 versus 57.2 kg, respectively) and lower percentage of lean muscle mass (68.6% versus 71.4%, respectively) than controls. Similar proportions of survivors (71.1%) and controls (69.7%) met recommended dietary protein intake (0.8 g/kg/d). Survivors (45.4%) were less likely to report resistance training than controls (53.8%). In adjusted models, 1-g higher protein intake per kilogram of body mass per day was associated with a 7.9% increase and resistance training ≥1×wk, with a 2.8% increase in lean muscle mass.

Limitations

The cross-sectional study design limits temporal evaluation of the association between protein intake and lean muscle mass.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that survivors of childhood ALL with low lean muscle mass may benefit from optimizing dietary protein intake in combination with resistance training. Research is needed to determine whether resistance training with protein supplementation improves lean muscle mass in survivors of childhood ALL.
Effects of Autonomous Vehicle Ownership on Trip, Mode, and Route Choice
Authors: Levin Michael W. , Boyles Stephen D.
Published: February 2016

Autonomous vehicles (AVs) may significantly change traveler behavior and network congestion. Empty repositioning trips allow travelers to avoid parking fees or share the vehicle with other household members. Computer precision and reaction times may also increase road and intersection capacities. AVs are currently being test driven on public roads and may be publicly available within the next two decades; they therefore may be within the span of 20- to 30-year planning analyses. Despite this time scale, AV behavior has yet to be incorporated into planning models. This paper presents a multiclass, four-step model that includes AV repositioning to avoid parking fees (although incurring additional fuel costs) and increases in link capacity as a function of the proportion of AVs on the link. Demand is divided into classes by value of time and AV ownership. Mode choice—parking, repositioning, or transit—is determined through a nested logit model. Traffic assignment is based on a generalized cost function of time, fuel, and tolls. The results on a city network show that transit ridership decreases and the number of personal vehicle trips sharply increases as a result of repositioning. However, increases in link capacity offset the additional congestion. Although link volume increases significantly, only modest decreases in average link speeds are observed.
Exploration of Short-Term Vehicle Utilization Choices in Households with Multiple Vehicle Types
Authors: Angueira Jaime (Ricky) , Faghih-Imani Ahmadreza , Enam Annesha , Konduri Karthik C. , Eluru Naveen
Published: February 2016

With the growing concerns of energy sustainability, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change, there is an increasing interest in understanding vehicle ownership and utilization decisions better so that effective policies can be implemented to reduce the negative impacts of private automobile usage. Although there is a rich body of literature on the long-term decisions of vehicle ownership and the composition of vehicles, the short-term choices of which vehicle to use from the household's vehicle holdings and what distance will be traveled to access opportunities, as well as the interrelationship between the two, are less understood. The purpose of this study was to contribute to the literature on short-term vehicle utilization decisions with the use of data collected in 2009 from the National Household Travel Survey. A latent class segmentation model was estimated with alternate interrelationship structures as the latent classes. Within each latent class, the choices were modeled consistently with the interrelationship structure through the introduction of the first choice as an explanatory variable in the model of the second choice. Additionally, scale was introduced to account for differences in the choices and interrelationships across regions. Most of the model estimation results were behaviorally plausible and consistent with expectations. A significant finding was that interrelationships in both latent classes were insignificant. It was also found that the latent model, even with the insignificant interrelationships, outperformed the alternate model formulations in terms of model fit. This finding shows that the latent segments may capture unobserved heterogeneity beyond the interrelationships.
Synthetic Population Generation by Combining a Hierarchical, Simulation-Based Approach with Reweighting by Generalized Raking
Authors: Casati Daniele , Müller Kirill , Fourie Pieter J. , Erath Alexander , Axhausen Kay W.
Published: February 2016

A recent approach for generating populations of synthetic individuals through simulation is extended to produce households of grouped individuals. The contingency tables of the generated populations match external controls on the individual and household levels while exhibiting far greater variety in composition than existing approaches can offer. The method involves a two-step approach. The first consists of a procedure based on Gibbs sampling, which has only recently been applied to population generation in transportation modeling and is generically called Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). For this work, the model was generalized, and an extension was developed, hierarchical MCMC, which was able to generate a hierarchical structure. The second step, a postprocessing step, uses generalized raking (GR), which reweights the output from hierarchical MCMC to perfectly satisfy known marginal control totals on the individual and household levels. The application input data—a demographic sample and some known marginals from Singapore—added further complexities to the problem, which had not yet been explored in the current literature. Despite data challenges, consecutively applying the methods above produced realistic synthetic populations. Results confirm their goodness of fit and their generated hierarchical structures.
Integrating CEMDAP and MATSIM to Increase the Transferability of Transport Demand Models
Authors: Ziemke Dominik , Nagel Kai , Bhat Chandra
Published: February 2016

An activity-based approach to transport demand modeling is considered the most behaviorally sound procedure to assess the effects of transport policies. This paper investigates whether it is possible to transfer an estimated model for activity generation from elsewhere (the estimation context) and use local area (application context) traffic counts to develop a local area activity-based transport demand representation. Here, the estimation context is the Los Angeles, California, area, and the application context is Berlin. Results in this paper suggest that such a transfer approach is feasible, according to a comparison with a Berlin travel survey. Additional studies need to be undertaken to examine the stability of the results obtained in this paper.
Understanding the Potential of Variable Tolling to Smooth Congestion on Downstream Facilities: Applications of a Joint Time-of-Day and Route Choice Model
Authors: Erhardt Gregory D. , Patil Sunil , Light Thomas , Tsang Flavia , Burge Peter , Sorensen Paul , Zmud Mia
Published: February 2016

The aim of this research was to understand the conditions under which time-varying tolls could be used to effectively smooth congestion on a downstream, untolled roadway. This question was answered in the context of the 183A Turnpike in Texas, but the analysis was extended to draw lessons for the potential use and evaluation of time-varying tolls as a congestion management strategy elsewhere. The study relied on two primary data sources: license plate reader data, to observe traffic routing, and a stated preference survey, to understand travelers’ trade-offs between travel time, tolls, and time-of-day shifts. A joint time-of-day and route choice model was developed and implemented in a spreadsheet for the rapid evaluation of a range of scenarios. Model inputs were then varied across key dimensions to achieve a better understanding of the conditions under which such a strategy might or might not be effective. The analysis revealed that under the conditions and constraints specific to the 183A corridor, time-of-day tolling would have a limited effect, but that there are a range of conditions for which time-of-day tolling could be a cost-effective means of managing downstream congestion.
Clinical implications of the cortical hyperintensity belt sign in fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images after bypass surgery for moyamoya disease
Authors: Hamano Eika , Kataoka Hiroharu , Morita Naomi , Maruyama Daisuke , Satow Tetsu , Iihara Koji , Takahashi Jun C.
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE

Transient neurological symptoms are frequently observed during the early postoperative period after direct bypass surgery for moyamoya disease. Abnormal signal changes in the cerebral cortex can be seen in postoperative MR images. The purpose of this study was to reveal the radiological features of the “cortical hyperintensity belt (CHB) sign” in postoperative FLAIR images and to verify its relationship to transient neurological events (TNEs) and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF).

METHODS

A total of 141 hemispheres in 107 consecutive patients with moyamoya disease who had undergone direct bypass surgery were analyzed. In all cases, FLAIR images were obtained during postoperative days (PODs) 1–3 and during the chronic period (3.2 ± 1.13 months after surgery). The CHB sign was defined as an intraparenchymal high-intensity signal within the cortex of the surgically treated hemisphere with no infarction or hemorrhage present. The territory of the middle cerebral artery was divided into anterior and posterior parts, with the extent of the CHB sign in each part scored as 0 for none; 1 for presence in less than half of the part; and 2 for presence in more than half of the part. The sum of these scores provided the CHB score (0–4). TNEs were defined as reversible neurological deficits detected both objectively and subjectively. The rCBF was measured with SPECT using N-isopropyl-p-[123I]iodoamphetamine before surgery and during PODs 1–3. The rCBF increase ratio was calculated by comparing the pre- and postoperative count activity.

RESULTS

Cortical hyperintensity belt signs were detected in 112 cases (79.4%) and all disappeared during the chronic period. Although all bypass grafts were anastomosed to the anterior part of the middle cerebral artery territory, CHB signs were much more pronounced in the posterior part (p < 0.0001). TNEs were observed in 86 cases (61.0%). Patients with TNEs showed significantly higher CHB scores than those without (2.31 ± 0.13 vs 1.24 ± 0.16, p < 0.0001). The CHB score, on the other hand, showed no relationship with the rCBF increase ratio (p = 0.775). In addition, the rCBF increase ratio did not differ between those patients with TNEs and those without (1.15 ± 0.033 vs 1.16 ± 0.037, p = 0.978).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings strongly suggest that the presence of the CHB sign during PODs 1–3 can be a predictor of TNEs after bypass surgery for moyamoya disease. On the other hand, presence of this sign appears to have no direct relationship with the postoperative local hyperperfusion phenomenon. Vasogenic edema can be hypothesized as the pathophysiology of the CHB sign, because the sign was transient and never accompanied by infarction in the present series.
Management of subaxial cervical instability in very young or small-for-age children using a static single-screw anterior cervical plate: indications, results, and long-term follow-up
Authors: Garber Sarah T. , Brockmeyer Douglas L.
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE

Subaxial cervical instability in very young or small-for-age children is uncommon and typically arises from trauma or skeletal dysplasia. Various operative techniques have been used to achieve stabilization in pediatric patients with evidence of instability, including anterior, posterior, and combined approaches. In this study, the authors report their results with subaxial cervical instability in this patient population treated using a static single-screw anterior cervical plate (ACP) system and allograft fusion.

METHODS

In a retrospective chart review, the authors identified all patients 6 years of age or younger who underwent an anterior cervical fusion procedure using a static single-screw ACP system either as a stand-alone construct or as part of an anterior-posterior stabilization procedure. Reasons for fusion included trauma, tumor, and congenital anomalies.

RESULTS

Five patients 6 years of age or younger underwent anterior cervical fusion using a static single-screw system during the 19-year study period. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 51 months (mean 26.8 months). Two patients underwent repeat surgery, one 7 days after and the other 21 months after their initial procedure. At last follow-up, a mean vertical growth of 22.8% was seen across the fused segments, with no evidence of kyphotic or lordotic abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS

In very young or small-for-age children, the use of a static single-screw ACP system appears to be a safe and effective option to manage subaxial cervical instability. Bony fusion and continued longitudinal growth occur within the fused segments, with no evidence of long-term cervical malalignment.
Modeled cost-effectiveness of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion compared with posterolateral fusion for spondylolisthesis using N2QOD data
Authors: Carreon Leah Y. , Glassman Steven D. , Ghogawala Zoher , Mummaneni Praveen V. , McGirt Matthew J. , Asher Anthony L.
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) has become the most commonly used fusion technique for lumbar degenerative disorders. This suggests an expectation of better clinical outcomes with this technique, but this has not been validated consistently. How surgical variables and choice of health utility measures drive the cost-effectiveness of TLIF relative to posterolateral fusion (PSF) has not been established. The authors used health utility values derived from Short Form-6D (SF-6D) and EQ-5D and different cost-effectiveness thresholds to evaluate the relative cost-effectiveness of TLIF compared with PSF.

METHODS

From the National Neurosurgery Quality and Outcomes Database (N2QOD), 101 patients with spondylolisthesis who underwent PSF were propensity matched to patients who underwent TLIF. Health-related quality of life measures and perioperative parameters were compared. Because health utility values derived from the SF-6D and EQ-5D questionnaires have been shown to vary in patients with low-back pain, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were derived from both measures. On the basis of these matched cases, a sensitivity analysis for the relative cost per QALY of TLIF versus PSF was performed in a series of cost-assumption models.

RESULTS

Operative time, blood loss, hospital stay, and 30-day and 90-day readmission rates were similar for the TLIF and PSF groups. Both TLIF and PSF significantly improved back and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) scores, and EQ-5D and SF-6D scores at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. At 12 months postoperatively, patients who had undergone TLIF had greater improvements in mean ODI scores (30.4 vs 21.1, p = 0.001) and mean SF-6D scores (0.16 vs 0.11, p = 0.001) but similar improvements in mean EQ-5D scores (0.25 vs 0.22, p = 0.415) as patients treated with PSF. At a cost per QALY threshold of $100,000 and using SF-6D–based QALYs, the authors found that TLIF would be cost-prohibitive compared with PSF at a surgical cost of $4830 above that of PSF. However, with EQ-5D–based QALYs, TLIF would become cost-prohibitive at an increased surgical cost of $2960 relative to that of PSF. With the 2014 US per capita gross domestic product of $53,042 as a more stringent cost-effectiveness threshold, TLIF would become cost-prohibitive at surgical costs $2562 above that of PSF with SF-6D–based QALYs or at a surgical cost exceeding that of PSF by $1570 with EQ-5D–derived QALYs.

CONCLUSIONS

As with all cost-effectiveness studies, cost per QALY depended on the measure of health utility selected, durability of the intervention, readmission rates, and the accuracy of the cost assumptions.
Sir Hugh Cairns and World War II British advances in head injury management, diffuse brain injury, and concussion: an Oxford tale
Authors: Stone James L. , Patel Vimal , Bailes Julian E.
Published: February 2016

The authors trace the Oxford, England, roots of World War II (WWII)–related advances in head injury management, the biomechanics of concussion and brain injury, and postwar delineation of pathological findings in severe concussion and diffuse brain injury in man. The prominent figure in these developments was the charismatic and innovative Harvey Cushing–trained neurosurgeon Sir Hugh Cairns. Cairns, who was to closely emulate Cushing's surgical and scholarly approach, is credited with saving thousands of lives during WWII by introducing and implementing innovative programs such as helmets for motorcyclists, mobile neurosurgical units near battle zones, and the military usage of penicillin. In addition, he inspired and taught a generation of neurosurgeons, neurologists, and neurological nurses in the care of brain and spinal cord injuries at Oxford's Military Hospital for Head Injuries. During this time Cairns also trained the first full-time female neurosurgeon. Pivotal in supporting animal research demonstrating the critical role of acceleration in the causation of concussion, Cairns recruited the physicist Hylas Holbourn, whose research implicated rotary acceleration and shear strains as particularly damaging. Cairns' work in military medicine and head injury remain highly influential in efforts to mitigate and manage brain injury.
Acute deep brain stimulation changes in regional cerebral blood flow in obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Dougherty Darin D. , Chou Tina , Corse Andrew K. , Arulpragasam Amanda R. , Widge Alik S. , Cusin Cristina , Evans Karleyton C. , Greenberg Benjamin D. , Haber Suzanne N. , Deckersbach Thilo
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a reversible, nonlesion-based treatment for patients with intractable obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The first studies on DBS for OCD stimulating the ventral capsule/ventral striatum (VC/VS) yielded encouraging results for this neuroanatomical site's therapeutic efficacy. This investigation was conducted to better understand which regions of the cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical network were acutely affected by VC/VS DBS for OCD. Furthermore, the objective was to identify which brain regions demonstrated changes in perfusion, as stimulation was applied across a dorsoventral lead axis that corresponded to different anatomical locations in the VC/VS.

METHODS

Six patients receiving VC/VS DBS for OCD underwent oxygen-15 positron emission tomography (15O-PET) scanning. Monopolar DBS was delivered at each of the 4 different electrodes on the stimulating lead in the VC/VS. The data were analyzed using SPM5. Paired t-tests were run in SPSS to identify significant changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) between stimulation conditions. Pearson's r correlations were run between these significant changes in rCBF and changes in OCD and depressive symptom severity.

RESULTS

Perfusion in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) significantly increased when monopolar DBS was turned on at the most ventral DBS contact, and this increase in dACC activity was correlated with reductions in depressive symptom severity (r(5) = −0.994, p = 0.001). Perfusion in the thalamus, striatum, and globus pallidus significantly increased when DBS was turned on at the most dorsal contact.

CONCLUSIONS

DBS of the VC/VS appears to modulate activity in the regions implicated in the pathophysiology of OCD. Different regions in the cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical circuit showed increased perfusion based on whether the stimulation was more ventral or dorsal along the lead axis in the VC/VS. Evidence was found that DBS at the most ventral site was associated with clinical changes in depressive symptom severity, but not OCD symptom severity.
Icing Forecasting for Power Transmission Lines Based on a Wavelet Support Vector Machine Optimized by a Quantum Fireworks Algorithm
Authors: Ma Tiannan , Niu Dongxiao , Fu Ming
Published: February 2016

Icing on power transmission lines is a serious threat to the security and stability of the power grid, and it is necessary to establish a forecasting model to make accurate predictions of icing thickness. In order to improve the forecasting accuracy with regard to icing thickness, this paper proposes a combination model based on a wavelet support vector machine (w-SVM) and a quantum fireworks algorithm (QFA) for prediction. First, this paper uses the wavelet kernel function to replace the Gaussian wavelet kernel function and improve the nonlinear mapping ability of the SVM. Second, the regular fireworks algorithm is improved by combining it with a quantum optimization algorithm to strengthen optimization performance. Lastly, the parameters of w-SVM are optimized using the QFA model, and the QFA-w-SVM icing thickness forecasting model is established. Through verification using real-world examples, the results show that the proposed method has a higher forecasting accuracy and the model is effective and feasible.
The Teleconnection of the Tropical Atlantic to Indo-Pacific Sea Surface Temperatures on Inter-Annual to Centennial Time Scales: A Review of Recent Findings
Authors: Kucharski Fred , Parvin Afroja , Rodriguez-Fonseca Belen , Farneti Riccardo , Martin-Rey Marta , Polo Irene , Mohino Elsa , Losada Teresa , Mechoso Carlos R.
Published: February 2016

In this paper, the teleconnections from the tropical Atlantic to the Indo-Pacific region from inter-annual to centennial time scales will be reviewed. Identified teleconnections and hypotheses on mechanisms at work are reviewed and further explored in a century-long pacemaker coupled ocean-atmosphere simulation ensemble. There is a substantial impact of the tropical Atlantic on the Pacific region at inter-annual time scales. An Atlantic Niño (Niña) event leads to rising (sinking) motion in the Atlantic region, which is compensated by sinking (rising) motion in the central-western Pacific. The sinking (rising) motion in the central-western Pacific induces easterly (westerly) surface wind anomalies just to the west, which alter the thermocline. These perturbations propagate eastward as upwelling (downwelling) Kelvin-waves, where they increase the probability for a La Niña (El Niño) event. Moreover, tropical North Atlantic sea surface temperature anomalies are also able to lead La Niña/El Niño development. At multidecadal time scales, a positive (negative) Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation leads to a cooling (warming) of the eastern Pacific and a warming (cooling) of the western Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. The physical mechanism for this impact is similar to that at inter-annual time scales. At centennial time scales, the Atlantic warming induces a substantial reduction of the eastern Pacific warming even under CO2 increase and to a strong subsurface cooling.
Comparison of Climate Preferences for Domestic and International Beach Holidays: A Case Study of Canadian Travelers
Authors: Rutty Michelle , Scott Daniel
Published: February 2016

Coastal tourism is the largest segment of global leisure tourism and it is firmly linked to the destination’s natural resources—with climatic resources chief among them. Through observations and survey responses of beach users, studies have evaluated climatic resources for coastal tourism by quantifying optimal and unacceptable conditions. However, these studies have not taken into consideration that different forms of holidays (e.g., daytrips, short trips, main annual holiday, “once-in-a-lifetime” trip) may have varying degrees of resilience to climatic conditions. This is the first study to explore whether ideal and unacceptable climatic conditions vary between domestic and international tourists. Using an in situ survey, Canadian beach users traveling domestically (n = 359) and internationally (n = 120) were examined. Key findings include statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) between the two sample groups for every climate variable, with the international sample more resilient to a broader range of weather conditions, including a greater acceptance for warm temperatures, longer rainfall durations, higher wind speeds, and greater cloud cover. This study adds further insight into the complexities of evaluating climate for tourism, with implications for the demand response of tourists to climate change.
The Effects of Hypoxia and Inflammation on Synaptic Signaling in the CNS
Authors: Mukandala Gatambwa , Tynan Ronan , Lanigan Sinead , O’Connor John
Published: February 2016

Normal brain function is highly dependent on oxygen and nutrient supply and when the demand for oxygen exceeds its supply, hypoxia is induced. Acute episodes of hypoxia may cause a depression in synaptic activity in many brain regions, whilst prolonged exposure to hypoxia leads to neuronal cell loss and death. Acute inadequate oxygen supply may cause anaerobic metabolism and increased respiration in an attempt to increase oxygen intake whilst chronic hypoxia may give rise to angiogenesis and erythropoiesis in order to promote oxygen delivery to peripheral tissues. The effects of hypoxia on neuronal tissue are exacerbated by the release of many inflammatory agents from glia and neuronal cells. Cytokines, such as TNF-α, and IL-1β are known to be released during the early stages of hypoxia, causing either local or systemic inflammation, which can result in cell death. Another growing body of evidence suggests that inflammation can result in neuroprotection, such as preconditioning to cerebral ischemia, causing ischemic tolerance. In the following review we discuss the effects of acute and chronic hypoxia and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines on synaptic transmission and plasticity in the central nervous system. Specifically we discuss the effects of the pro-inflammatory agent TNF-α during a hypoxic event.
Rumination and Rebound from Failure as a Function of Gender and Time on Task
Authors: Whiteman Ronald , Mangels Jennifer
Published: February 2016

Rumination is a trait response to blocked goals that can have positive or negative outcomes for goal resolution depending on where attention is focused. Whereas “moody brooding” on affective states may be maladaptive, especially for females, “reflective pondering” on concrete strategies for problem solving may be more adaptive. In the context of a challenging general knowledge test, we examined how Brooding and Reflection rumination styles predicted students’ subjective and event-related responses (ERPs) to negative feedback, as well as use of this feedback to rebound from failure on a later surprise retest. For females only, Brooding predicted unpleasant feelings after failure as the task progressed. It also predicted enhanced attention to errors through both bottom-up and top-down processes, as indexed by increased early (400–600 ms) and later (600–1000 ms) late positive potentials (LPP), respectively. Reflection, despite increasing females’ initial attention to negative feedback (i.e., early LPP), as well as both genders’ recurring negative thoughts, did not result in sustained top-down attention (i.e., late LPP) or enhanced negative feelings toward errors. Reflection also facilitated rebound from failure in both genders, although Brooding did not hinder it. Implications of these gender and time-related rumination effects for learning in challenging academic situations are discussed.
Development of BIM Execution Plan for BIM Model Management during the Pre-Operation Phase: A Case Study
Authors: Lin Yu-Cheng , Chen Yen-Pei , Huang Wan-Ting , Hong Chia-Chun
Published: February 2016

Building information modeling (BIM) technologies use precise geometry and relevant data to enhance and improve the maintenance performance of facilities integrated with 3D object-oriented computer aided design (CAD). Although most owners agree on the potential benefits of integrating BIM technologies with facility management (FM), they must overcome many problems to plan and develop effective BIM execution plans for FM implementation. This study proposes and develops a BIM execution plan for BIM model management for FM during the pre-operation phase. Through the application of the proposed BIM execution plan, BIM can be effectively implemented during the operation and maintenance phases. In order to verify the proposed methodology and demonstrate its effectiveness in practice, the BIM execution plan is then applied in a selected case study of a building project in Taiwan. The combined results demonstrate that the proposed BIM execution plan is an effective approach for operation and maintenance management. The advantage of the proposed BIM execution plan lies not only in improving the efficiency of maintenance management work when integrated with BIM technologies, but also in maximizing the value and benefits of BIM to support maintenance management. Finally, limitations, difficulties, and suggestions are summarized for further development of the BIM execution plan for BIM model management during the pre-operation phase.
The Kinetics of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Aggregation in Aqueous Media Is Sensitive to Surface Charge
Authors: Koh Byumseok , Cheng Wei
Published: February 2016

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) dispersed in aqueous media have many potential applications in chemistry, biology and medicine. To disperse SWCNTs into aqueous media, it is often necessary to modify the surface of SWCNTs by either covalent or noncovalent methods. As a result of this modification, the properties of SWCNTs may be profoundly influenced by the nature of the surface modification. Here, by using SWCNTs dispersed with single-stranded DNA of different lengths, we show that the kinetics of SWCNTs’ aggregation in aqueous media is strongly dependent on the status of the overall surface charge. SWCNTs with a greater number of surface charges showed faster aggregation. The difference in the rate of aggregation can differ by more than ten-fold among different conditions tested. AFM imaging of the discrete time points along the aggregation process suggests that aggregation starts with the formation of microfilaments, which can further grow to form bigger aggregates. The formation of bigger aggregates also renders it more difficult to redisperse them back into the aqueous media. The concentration of counterions required to trigger SWCNT aggregation also shows a dependence on the concentration of KCl in the aqueous solution, which supports that electrostatic interactions instead of van der Waals interactions dominate the interactions among these individually-dispersed SWCNTs in aqueous media.
Growth and Functionality of Cells Cultured on Conducting and Semi-Conducting Surfaces Modified with Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAMs)
Authors: Aithal Rajendra , Doss Amber , Kumaraswamy Deepak , Mills David , Kuila Debasish
Published: February 2016

Bioengineering of dermal and epidermal cells on surface modified substrates is an active area of research. The cytotoxicity, maintenance of cell phenotype and long-term functionality of human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells on conducting indium tin oxide (ITO) and semi-conducting, silicon (Si) and gallium arsenide (GaAs), surfaces modified with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) containing amino (–NH2) and methyl (–CH3) end groups have been investigated. Contact angle measurements and infrared spectroscopic studies show that the monolayers are conformal and preserve their functional end groups. Morphological analyses indicate that HDFs grow well on all substrates except GaAs, exhibiting their normal spindle-shaped morphology and exhibit no visible signs of stress or cytoplasmic vacuolation. Cell viability analyses indicate little cell death after one week in culture on all substrates except GaAs, where cells died within 6 h. Cells on all surfaces proliferate except on GaAs and GaAs-ODT. Cell growth is observed to be greater on SAM modified ITO and Si-substrates. Preservation of cellular phenotype assessed through type I collagen immunostaining and positive staining of HDF cells were observed on all modified surfaces except that on GaAs. These results suggest that conducting and semi-conducting SAM-modified surfaces support HDF growth and functionality and represent a promising area of bioengineering research.
Culturally Sustaining Leadership: A Pacific Islander’s Perspective
Authors: Hattori Mary
Published: February 2016

Social justice in educational settings can be advanced through culturally sustaining leadership development programs for indigenous students, faculty, and administrators. The state of Hawai‘i has been a fertile ground for culture-based development experiences for emerging leaders from islands throughout the Pacific. These opportunities arise from the recognition of dissonance created by customary leadership programs which often give little or no attention to native cultures of the Pacific islands and prioritize other models. This essay highlights elements of my Chamoru culture that form the foundation of a culturally responsive leadership praxis within the context of American educational institutions. I offer this as an example that may help others develop their own culturally sustaining practices and inspire creation of leadership development programs which honor native cultures while facilitating effective professional practices in mainstream settings.
Performance and Feasibility Study of a Standing Column Well (SCW) System Using a Deep Geothermal Well
Authors: Cho Jeong-Heum , Nam Yujin , Kim Hyoung-Chan
Published: February 2016

Deep geothermal heat pump systems have considerable energy saving potential for heating and cooling systems that use stable ground temperature and groundwater as their heat sources. However, deep geothermal systems have several limitations for real applications such as a very high installation cost and a lack of recognition as heating and cooling systems. In this study, we performed a feasibility assessment of a Standing Column Well (SCW) system using a deep geothermal well, based on a real-scale experiment in Korea. The results showed that the temperature of the heat source increased up to 42.04 °C in the borehole after the heating experiment, which is about 30 °C higher than that of normal shallow geothermal wells. Furthermore, the coefficient of performance (COP) of the heat pump during 3 months of operation was 5.8, but the system COP was only 3.6 due to the relatively high electric consumption of the pump. Moreover, the payback period of the system using a deep well for controlled horticulture in a glass greenhouse was calculated as 6 years compared with using a diesel boiler system.
Dynamic Analysis of Wind Turbine Gearbox Components
Authors: Zhao Mingming , Ji Jinchen
Published: February 2016

This paper studies the dynamic response of a wind turbine gearbox under different excitation conditions. The proposed 4 degree-of-freedom (DOF) dynamic model takes into account the key factors such as the time-varying mesh stiffness, bearing stiffness, damping, static transmission error and gear backlash. Both the external excitation due to wind and the internal excitation due to the static transmission error are included to represent the gearbox excitation conditions. With the help of the time history and frequency spectrum, the dynamic responses of wind turbine gearbox components are investigated by using the numerical integration method. This paper explains under which conditions the fretting corrosion, as one of the wind turbine gearbox failure modes, may occur. Furthermore, it is observed that the external excitation fluctuation has large influence on the dynamic responses of both the gears and bearings.
A Review of Modeling Bioelectrochemical Systems: Engineering and Statistical Aspects
Authors: Luo Shuai , Sun Hongyue , Ping Qingyun , Jin Ran , He Zhen
Published: February 2016

Bioelectrochemical systems (BES) are promising technologies to convert organic compounds in wastewater to electrical energy through a series of complex physical-chemical, biological and electrochemical processes. Representative BES such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have been studied and advanced for energy recovery. Substantial experimental and modeling efforts have been made for investigating the processes involved in electricity generation toward the improvement of the BES performance for practical applications. However, there are many parameters that will potentially affect these processes, thereby making the optimization of system performance hard to be achieved. Mathematical models, including engineering models and statistical models, are powerful tools to help understand the interactions among the parameters in BES and perform optimization of BES configuration/operation. This review paper aims to introduce and discuss the recent developments of BES modeling from engineering and statistical aspects, including analysis on the model structure, description of application cases and sensitivity analysis of various parameters. It is expected to serves as a compass for integrating the engineering and statistical modeling strategies to improve model accuracy for BES development.