bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equatorial middle atmospheric chemical composition changes during sudden stratospheric warming events
Authors: Nath O. , Sridharan S.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Chemical composition data obtained from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) and Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) instruments onboard EOS-Aura and ENVISAT satellites are used to investigate the variation of ozone (O3), water vapor (H2O) and methane (CH4) volume mixing ratios (VMRs) in the height range 20–60 km over the equatorial region during the sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) of 2004, 2009 and 2012, the occurrence of which are identified using the ERA (European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasting Reanalysis) Interim temperature and zonal wind data sets. It is found that the O3 VMR shows increment whereas H2O VMR shows decrement during the SSW event and the possible reasons for these changes in the VMRs are investigated. In the upper stratosphere, the source of water vapor is oxidation of CH4 which takes place either by hydroxyl (OH) or by atomic oxygen (O). However, the OH VMR available for the year 2009 SSW event does not show any significant variation. The decrease of zonal mean MLS temperature over the equator during the SSW suggests that the rate of the reaction of ozone production (O + O2 ⟶ O3 + M), which increases with decreasing temperature, shifts the O/O3 ratio towards O3, resulting in the decrease of CH4 oxidation and consequent decrease in water vapor.
Assessing net community production in a glaciated Alaskan fjord
Authors: Reisdorph S. C. , Mathis J. T.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. The impact of deglaciation in Glacier Bay has been observed to seasonally influence the biogeochemistry of this marine system. The influence from surrounding glaciers, particularly tidewater glaciers, has the potential to affect the efficiency and structure of the marine food web within Glacier Bay. To assess the magnitude and the spatial and temporal variability in net community production in a glaciated fjord, we measured dissolved inorganic carbon, inorganic macronutrients, dissolved oxygen, and particulate organic carbon between July 2011 and July 2012 in Glacier Bay, Alaska. High net community production rates were observed across the bay (~ 54 to ~ 81 mmol C m−2 d−1) between the summer and fall of 2011. However, between the fall and winter, as well as between the winter and spring of 2012, air–sea fluxes of carbon dioxide and organic matter respiration made net community production rates negative across most of the bay as inorganic carbon and macronutrient concentrations returned to pre-bloom levels. The highest organic carbon production occurred within the west arm between the summer and fall of 2011 with ~ 4.5 × 105 kg C d−1. Bay-wide, there was carbon production of ~ 9.2 × 105 g C d−1 between the summer and fall. Respiration and air–sea gas exchange were the dominant drivers of carbon chemistry between the fall and winter of 2012. The substantial spatial and temporal variability in our net community production estimates may reflect glacial influences within the bay, as meltwater is depleted in macronutrients relative to marine waters entering from the Gulf of Alaska in the middle and lower parts of the bay. Further glacial retreat will likely lead to additional modifications in the carbon biogeochemistry of Glacier Bay, with unknown consequences for the local marine food web, which includes many species of marine mammals.
Hydrography in the Mediterranean Sea during a cruise with RV Poseidon in April 2014
Authors: Hainbucher D. , Cardin V. , Siena G. , Hübner U. , Moritz M. , Drübbisch U. , Basan F.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. We report on data from an oceanographic cruise in the Mediterranean Sea on the German research vessel Poseidon in April 2014. Data were taken on a west–east section, starting at the Strait of Gibraltar and ending south-east of Crete, as well on sections in the Ionian and Adriatic Sea. The objectives of the cruise were threefold: to contribute to the investigation of the spatial evolution of the Levantine Intermediate Water (LIW) properties and of the deep water masses in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, and to investigate the mesoscale variability of the upper water column. The measurements include salinity, temperature, oxygen and currents and were conducted with a conductivity, temperature and depth(CTD)/rosette system, an underway CTD and an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP). The sections are on tracks which have been sampled during several other cruises, thus supporting the opportunity to investigate the long-term temporal development of the different variables. The use of an underway CTD made it possible to conduct measurements of temperature and salinity with a high horizontal spacing of 6 nm between stations and a vertical spacing of 1 dbar for the upper 800 m of the water column.
OESbathy version 1.0: a method for reconstructing ocean bathymetry with generalized continental shelf-slope-rise structures
Authors: Goswami A. , Olson P. L. , Hinnov L. A. , Gnanadesikan A.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. We present a method for reconstructing global ocean bathymetry that combines a standard plate cooling model for the oceanic lithosphere based on the age of the oceanic crust, global oceanic sediment thicknesses, plus generalized shelf-slope-rise structures calibrated at modern active and passive continental margins. Our motivation is to develop a methodology for reconstructing ocean bathymetry in the geologic past that includes heterogeneous continental margins in addition to abyssal ocean floor. First, the plate cooling model is applied to maps of ocean crustal age to calculate depth to basement. To the depth to basement we add an isostatically adjusted, multicomponent sediment layer constrained by sediment thickness in the modern oceans and marginal seas. A three-parameter continental shelf-slope-rise structure completes the bathymetry reconstruction, extending from the ocean crust to the coastlines. Parameters of the shelf-slope-rise structures at active and passive margins are determined from modern ocean bathymetry at locations where a complete history of seafloor spreading is preserved. This includes the coastal regions of the North, South, and central Atlantic, the Southern Ocean between Australia and Antarctica, and the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of South America. The final products are global maps at 0.1° × 0.1° resolution of depth to basement, ocean bathymetry with an isostatically adjusted multicomponent sediment layer, and ocean bathymetry with reconstructed continental shelf-slope-rise structures. Our reconstructed bathymetry agrees with the measured ETOPO1 bathymetry at most passive margins, including the east coast of North America, north coast of the Arabian Sea, and northeast and southeast coasts of South America. There is disagreement at margins with anomalous continental shelf-slope-rise structures, such as around the Arctic Ocean, the Falkland Islands, and Indonesia.
Impacto del DR-CAFTA en las exportaciones del sector agrícola y su contribución al crecimiento económico de Honduras, periodo 2000-2011
Authors: Menjivar José S , Luis Martínez José
Published: September 2015

El desarrollo de la política comercial en las economías pequeñas y en vías de desarrollo juega un rol importante en el dinamismo de la actividad económica. A raíz de ello, esta investigación se centra en analizar el impacto generado por la entrada en vigencia del DR-CAFTA en las exportaciones del sector agrícola y su contribución al crecimiento económico de Honduras. En este sentido, dadas las incertidumbres sobre el impacto del DR-CAFTA en la economía hondureña, esta investigación se realizó basándose en el enfoque cuantitativo de carácter explicativo y retrospectivo en el marco de las ganancias o pérdidas del mismo. Asimismo, se fundamentó en fuentes secundarias, utilizando como principal técnica de análisis la estadística inferencial a través de la aplicación de modelos de regresión lineal múltiple de mínimos cuadrados ordinarios (MCO) en el software estadístico denominado STATA (por sus siglas en inglés).De acuerdo a los diferentes escenarios realizados econométricamente, se encontró que la entrada en vigencia del DR-CAFTA ha generado un impacto positivo en las exportaciones del sector agrícola, el mayor impacto del acuerdo recae en las exportaciones agrícolas hacia República Dominicana, en donde ha contribuido en un 80.8 % en el crecimiento anual de las exportaciones, comparado con un escenario sin la apertura del acuerdo; en un segundo lugar se encuentra Guatemala con una contribución del 78.4 %, en un tercer lugar Costa Rica con 62.9 %, cuarto lugar Nicaragua con 51.1 %, quinto lugar El Salvador con 44.3 % y en último lugar EE.UU. con 43.5 %.Revista Portal de la Ciencia, No. 7, diciembre 2014; 89-106
Corvettes, Curve Fitting, and Calculus'
Authors: Murawska Jaclyn M. , Nabb Keith A.
Published: September 2015

A nonroutine task with three hallmarks of a good problem offers the flexibility to model real-life, messy data.
Penguin Math
Authors: Green Daniel , Kearney Thomas
Published: September 2015

Many students are not motivated to learn mathematics when textbook examples contain largely nonexistent contexts or when the math is not used to solve significant problems found in real life. This article's project explores how male Emperor penguins are able to survive in Antarctica. In so doing, it addresses measurement, applies geometry, and helps foster problem-solving skills, all within a real-life context.
Toy Stories: Modeling Rates
Authors: Swanson Patricia E.
Published: September 2015

Using wind-up toys to compare distance over time gave these children a stake in understanding how the numbers make sense.
A principle of economy predicts the functional architecture of grid cells
Authors: Wei Xue-Xin , Prentice Jason , Balasubramanian Vijay
Published: September 2015

Grid cells in the brain respond when an animal occupies a periodic lattice of ‘grid fields’ during navigation. Grids are organized in modules with different periodicity. We propose that the grid system implements a hierarchical code for space that economizes the number of neurons required to encode location with a given resolution across a range equal to the largest period. This theory predicts that (i) grid fields should lie on a triangular lattice, (ii) grid scales should follow a geometric progression, (iii) the ratio between adjacent grid scales should be √e for idealized neurons, and lie between 1.4 and 1.7 for realistic neurons, (iv) the scale ratio should vary modestly within and between animals. These results explain the measured grid structure in rodents. We also predict optimal organization in one and three dimensions, the number of modules, and, with added assumptions, the ratio between grid periods and field widths.
Axon injury triggers EFA-6 mediated destabilization of axonal microtubules via TACC and doublecortin like kinase
Authors: Chen Lizhen , Chuang Marian , Koorman Thijs , Boxem Mike , Jin Yishi , Chisholm Andrew D
Published: September 2015

Axon injury triggers a series of changes in the axonal cytoskeleton that are prerequisites for effective axon regeneration. In Caenorhabditis elegans the signaling protein Exchange Factor for ARF-6 (EFA-6) is a potent intrinsic inhibitor of axon regrowth. Here we show that axon injury triggers rapid EFA-6-dependent inhibition of axonal microtubule (MT) dynamics, concomitant with relocalization of EFA-6. EFA-6 relocalization and axon regrowth inhibition require a conserved 18-aa motif in its otherwise intrinsically disordered N-terminal domain. The EFA-6 N-terminus binds the MT-associated proteins TAC-1/Transforming-Acidic-Coiled-Coil, and ZYG-8/Doublecortin-Like-Kinase, both of which are required for regenerative growth cone formation, and which act downstream of EFA-6. After injury TAC-1 and EFA-6 transiently relocalize to sites marked by the MT minus end binding protein PTRN-1/Patronin. We propose that EFA-6 acts as a bifunctional injury-responsive regulator of axonal MT dynamics, acting at the cell cortex in the steady state and at MT minus ends after injury.
Geological and taphonomic context for the new hominin species Homo naledi from the Dinaledi Chamber, South Africa
Authors: Dirks Paul HGM , Berger Lee R , Roberts Eric M , Kramers Jan D , Hawks John , Randolph-Quinney Patrick S , Elliott Marina , Musiba Charles M , Churchill Steven E , de Ruiter Darryl J , Schmid Peter , Backwell Lucinda R , Belyanin Georgy A , Boshoff Pedro , Hunter K Lindsay , Feuerriegel Elen M , Gurtov Alia , Harrison James du G , Hunter Rick , Kruger Ashley , Morris Hannah , Makhubela Tebogo V , Peixotto Becca , Tucker Steven
Published: September 2015

We describe the physical context of the Dinaledi Chamber within the Rising Star cave, South Africa, which contains the fossils of Homo naledi. Approximately 1550 specimens of hominin remains have been recovered from at least 15 individuals, representing a small portion of the total fossil content. Macro-vertebrate fossils are exclusively H. naledi, and occur within clay-rich sediments derived from in situ weathering, and exogenous clay and silt, which entered the chamber through fractures that prevented passage of coarser-grained material. The chamber was always in the dark zone, and not accessible to non-hominins. Bone taphonomy indicates that hominin individuals reached the chamber complete, with disarticulation occurring during/after deposition. Hominins accumulated over time as older laminated mudstone units and sediment along the cave floor were eroded. Preliminary evidence is consistent with deliberate body disposal in a single location, by a hominin species other than Homo sapiens, at an as-yet unknown date.
Giant pulsations on the afternoonside: Geostationary satellite and ground observations
Authors: Motoba Tetsuo , Takahashi Kazue , Rodriguez Juan V. , Russell Christopher T.
Published: September 2015

Giant pulsations (Pgs) are a special class of oscillations recognized in ground magnetometer records as exhibiting highly regular sinusoidal waveforms in the east‐west component with periods around 100s. Previous statistical studies showed that Pgs occur almost exclusively on the morningside with peak occurrence in the postmidnight sector. In this paper, we present observations of Pgs extending to the afternoonside, using data from the GOES13 and 15 geostationary satellites and multiple ground magnetometers located in North America. For a long‐lasting event on 29 February 2012, which spanned ∼08–18h magnetic local time, we show that basic Pg properties did not change with the local time, although the period of the pulsations was longer at later local time due to increasing mass loading. There is evidence that the Pgs resulted from fundamental poloidal mode standing Alfvén waves, both on the morning and afternoonsides. Oscillations of energetic particles associated with the field oscillations exhibited an energy‐dependent phase, which has previously been reported and explained by drift resonance. A statistical analysis of the ground magnetic field data (L = 3.8–7.4) covering 2008–2013 confirms that afternoon Pgs are not unusual. We identified a total of 105 Pg events (about 70% (30%) of the events occurred during non‐storm (late storm recovery) periods), 31 of which occurred on the afternoonside. The afternoon Pgs occur under solar wind and geomagnetic conditions that are similar to the morning Pgs, but the afternoon Pgs tend to have short durations and occur frequently in winter instead of around spring and fall equinoxes that are favored by the morning Pgs.
Lithological control on gas hydrate saturation as revealed by signal classification of NMR logging data
Authors: Bauer Klaus , Kulenkampff Johannes , Henninges Jan , Spangenberg Erik
Published: September 2015

In this paper, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) downhole logging data are analyzed with a new strategy to study gas hydrate‐bearing sediments in the Mackenzie Delta (NW Canada). In NMR logging, transverse relaxation time (T2) distribution curves are usually used to determine single‐valued parameters such as apparent total porosity or hydrocarbon saturation. Our approach analyzes the entire T2 distribution curves as quasi‐continuous signals to characterize the rock formation. We apply self‐organizing maps, a neural network clustering technique, to subdivide the data set of NMR curves into classes with a similar and distinctive signal shape. The method includes (1) preparation of data vectors, (2) unsupervised learning, (3) cluster definition, and (4) classification and depth mapping of all NMR signals. Each signal class thus represents a specific pore size distribution which can be interpreted in terms of distinct lithologies and reservoir types. A key step in the interpretation strategy is to reconcile the NMR classes with other log data not considered in the clustering analysis, such as gamma ray, hydrate saturation, and other logs. Our results defined six main lithologies within the target zone. Gas hydrate layers were recognized by their low signal amplitudes for all relaxation times. Most importantly, two subtypes of hydrate‐bearing shaly sands were identified. They show distinct NMR signals and differ in hydrate saturation and gamma ray values. An inverse linear relationship between hydrate saturation and clay content was concluded. Finally, we infer that the gas hydrate is not grain coating, but rather, pore filling with matrix support is the preferred growth habit model for the studied formation.
Complex coastal oceanographic fields can be described by universal multifractals
Authors: Skákala Jozef , Smyth Timothy J.
Published: September 2015

Characterization of chlorophyll and sea surface temperature (SST) structural heterogeneity using their scaling properties can provide a useful tool to estimate the relative importance of key physical and biological drivers. Seasonal, annual, and also instantaneous spatial distributions of chlorophyll and SST, determined from satellite measurements, in seven different coastal and shelf‐sea regions around the UK have been studied. It is shown that multifractals provide a very good approximation to the scaling properties of the data: in fact, the multifractal scaling function is well approximated by universal multifractal theory. The consequence is that all of the statistical information about data structure can be reduced to being described by two parameters. It is further shown that also bathymetry scales in the studied regions as multifractal. The SST and chlorophyll multifractal structures are then explained as an effect of bathymetry and turbulence.
Pull‐Off Behavior of MAX Phase Ceramic Bolted Connections: Experimental Testing and Simulation Analysis
Authors: He Rujie , Cheng Xiangmeng , Qu Zhaoliang , Fang Daining
Published: September 2015

Ti3SiC2 bolt and nut were fabricated and their microstructure and mechanical properties were studied. The Ti3SiC2 ceramic had a relative density of 99.2%, and the flexural strength, Young's modulus and fractured toughness was 451.9 ± 29.7 MPa, 378.4 GPa and 6.23 ± 0.22 MPa·m1/2, respectively. The pull‐off behavior of this novel bolted connection was experimental and simulated. The experimental maximum pull‐off load and strength were 3745 N and 132.5 MPa, respectively. The FEM simulated maximum pull‐off load and strength were 4213 N and 149.1 MPa, respectively. Besides, the stress distributions among the Ti3SiC2 bolt and nut were also simulated. From this study, we believe that the Ti3SiC2 bolted connection is suitable for engineering applications.
Fe2O3–TiO2 Nano‐heterostructure Photoanodes for Highly Efficient Solar Water Oxidation
Authors: Barreca Davide , Carraro Giorgio , Gasparotto Alberto , Maccato Chiara , Warwick Michael E. A. , Kaunisto Kimmo , Sada Cinzia , Turner Stuart , Gönüllü Yakup , Ruoko Tero‐Petri , Borgese Laura , Bontempi Elza , Van Tendeloo Gustaaf , Lemmetyinen Helge , Mathur Sanjay
Published: September 2015

Harnessing solar energy for the production of clean hydrogen by photo­electrochemical water splitting represents a very attractive, but challenging approach for sustainable energy generation. In this regard, the fabrication of Fe2O3–TiO2 photoanodes is reported, showing attractive performances [≈2.0 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode in 1 M NaOH] under simulated one‐sun illumination. This goal, corresponding to a tenfold photoactivity enhancement with respect to bare Fe2O3, is achieved by atomic layer deposition of TiO2 over hematite (α‐Fe2O3) nanostructures fabricated by plasma enhanced‐chemical vapor deposition and final annealing at 650 °C. The adopted approach enables an intimate Fe2O3–TiO2 coupling, resulting in an electronic interplay at the Fe2O3/TiO2 interface. The reasons for the photocurrent enhancement determined by TiO2 overlayers with increasing thickness are unraveled by a detailed chemico‐physical investigation, as well as by the study of photo­generated charge carrier dynamics. Transient absorption spectroscopy shows that the increased photoelectrochemical response of heterostructured photoanodes compared to bare hematite is due to an enhanced separation of photogenerated charge carriers and more favorable hole dynamics for water oxidation. The stable responses obtained even in simulated seawater provides a feasible route in view of the eventual large‐scale generation of renewable energy.
6q22.33 microdeletion in a family with intellectual disability, variable major anomalies, and behavioral abnormalities
Authors: Mackenroth Luisa , Hackmann Karl , Beyer Anke , Schallner Jens , Novotna Barbara , Klink Barbara , Schröck Evelin , Di Donato Nataliya
Published: September 2015

Interstitial deletions on the long arm of chromosome six have been described for several regions including 6q16, 6q22.1, and 6q21q22.1, and with variable phenotypes such as intellectual disability/developmental delay, growth retardation, major and minor facial anomalies. However, an isolated microdeletion of the sub‐band 6q22.33 has not been reported so far and thus, no information about the specific phenotype associated with such a copy number variant is available. Here, we define the clinical picture of an isolated 6q22.33 microdeletion based on the phenotype of six members of one family with loss of approximately 1 Mb in this region. Main clinical features include mild intellectual disability and behavioral abnormalities as well as microcephaly, heart defect, and cleft lip and palate. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Paternal uniparental disomy chromosome 14‐like syndrome due a maternal de novo 160 kb deletion at the 14q32.2 region not encompassing the IG‐ and the MEG3‐DMRs: Patient report and genotype–phenotype correlation
Authors: Corsello Giovanni , Salzano Emanuela , Vecchio Davide , Antona Vincenzo , Grasso Marina , Malacarne Michela , Carella Massimo , Palumbo Pietro , Piro Ettore , Giuffrè Mario
Published: September 2015

The human chromosome 14q32 carries a cluster of imprinted genes which include the paternally expressed genes (PEGs) DLK1 and RTL1, as well as the maternally expressed genes (MEGs) MEG3, RTL1as, and MEG8. PEGs and MEGs expression at the 14q32.2‐imprinted region are regulated by two differentially methylated regions (DMRs): the IG‐DMR and the MEG3‐DMR, which are respectively methylated on the paternal and unmethylated on the maternal chromosome 14 in most cells. Genetic and epigenetic abnormalities affecting these imprinted gene clusters result in two different phenotypes currently known as maternal upd(14) syndrome and paternal upd(14) syndrome. However, only few patients carrying a maternal deletion at the 14q32.2‐imprinted critical region have been reported so far. Here we report on the first patient with a maternal de novo deletion of 160 kb at the 14q32.2 chromosome that does not involves the IG‐DMR or the MEG3‐DMR but elicits a full upd(14)pat syndrome's phenotype encompassing the three mentioned MEGs. By the analysis of this unique genotype–phenotype correlation, we further widen the spectrum of the congenital anomalies associated to this rare disorder and we propose that the paternally expressed imprinted RTL1 gene, as well as its maternally expressed RTL1as antisense transcript, may play a prominent causative role. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A powerful phenotype for gene‐finding studies derived from trajectory analyses of symptoms of anxiety and depression between age seven and 18
Authors: Lubke Gitta H. , Miller Patrick J. , Verhulst Brad , Bartels Meike , van Beijsterveldt Toos , Willemsen Gonneke , Boomsma Dorret I. , Middeldorp Christel M.
Published: September 2015

To investigate the utility of longitudinal data in genetic analyses of symptoms of anxiety and depression, we assessed individual differences between age 7 and 18 using growth mixture models, and investigated the genetic and non‐genetic factors contributing to the trajectories. Mothers of 7,706 girl and 7,418 boy twins from the Netherlands Twin Register rated the anxious depression scale (SxAnxDep) of the Child Behavior Check List (CBCL) at age 7, 10, and 12 years. Two thousand seven hundred and six girl and 1,856 boy twins completed the Youth Self Report (YSR) at age 14, 16, and 18. While individual trajectories varied considerably, these differences were largely idiosyncratic and could not be grouped into separate latent classes with class‐specific average growth curves. The intercept, which reflects the individuals' baseline level of SxAnxDep across time, explained 55–58% of the total phenotypic variance. The slope factor, which captures a common average trend over time, did not explain variance in the phenotype. This finding also underlines the high level of idiosyncrasy of trajectories that lack a common longitudinal structure. The analyses of twin data showed that the random intercept factor of SxAnxDep during childhood and during adolescence is considerably more heritable than the observations at any single age, namely between 60% and 84%. One explanation is that different factors contribute to the level of symptoms of anxiety and depression at any given time point, including temporary events and emotions. When considering baseline stability, these temporary influences average out, with the result of a more reliable and more heritable phenotype. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of asthma severity and control
Authors: McMains K. Christopher
Published: September 2015

Background

Asthma is a disease of great variability. Untreated asthma can have lifelong implications in terms of lung growth as well as residual lung function throughout life. Close attention to establishing severity of the disease and level of control established in each patient through treatment are important to achieving the best results.

Methods

Available English‐language literature was reviewed. Citations were included based on the quality of the original paper and relevance to the specific aims of this primer.

Results

Assessing intrinsic severity of the patient's disease at the first encounter using impairment measures of short‐acting beta agonist use, nighttime awakenings, interference of disease with normal activity, and pulmonary function testing, as well as measures of patient risk of acute exacerbations is vitally important. At subsequent patient encounters, adjusting therapy based on both impairment and risk components of control will improve long‐term outcomes.

Conclusion

Any practitioner undertaking to care for asthma patients should be conversant with the degrees of disease severity and levels of disease control on therapy. Application of these principles will maximize patient benefit from asthma care.
Pharmacotherapy for the treatment of asthma: current treatment options and future directions
Authors: Choby Garret W. , Lee Stella
Published: September 2015

Background

Asthma is a prevalent disease characterized by chronic inflammatory changes of the airway and marked by airway hyperresponsiveness, edema, and excess mucus production. Management of the disease has focused upon reversing the early airway changes and limiting the late effects of airway remodeling. Several classes of medications are available for the effective treatment and long‐term control of asthma and novel therapeutic options are in development that hold promise in improving patient outcome.

Methods

A review of updated guidelines and current literature was conducted to identify available pharmacologic treatments of asthma and determine future directions in development of novel therapeutic options.

Results

Inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective medications in long‐term asthma control with adjunct medications such as β2‐agonists, which can provide symptomatic relief. Other classes of asthma control medications including anticholinergics, cromolyns, and leukotriene receptor modifiers can also be used to develop an effective management strategy based on asthma severity.

Conclusion

Several classes of medications are available for the effective management of asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids play a central role in control of inflammation and several other adjuncts are available to tailor therapy to the patient's symptoms. New therapeutic options that target downstream inflammatory mediators can provide increased efficacy while limiting side effects.
Diagnosis of asthma: diagnostic testing
Authors: Brigham Emily P. , West Natalie E.
Published: September 2015

Background

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, encompassing both atopic and non‐atopic phenotypes. Diagnosis of asthma is based on the combined presence of typical symptoms and objective tests of lung function. Objective diagnostic testing consists of 2 components: (1) demonstration of airway obstruction, and (2) documentation of variability in degree of obstruction.

Methods

A review of current guidelines and literature was performed regarding diagnostic testing for asthma.

Results

Spirometry with bronchodilator reversibility testing remains the mainstay of asthma diagnostic testing for children and adults. Repetition of the test over several time points may be necessary to confirm airway obstruction and variability thereof. Repeated peak flow measurement is relatively simple to implement in a clinical and home setting. Bronchial challenge testing is reserved for patients in whom the aforementioned testing has been unrevealing but clinical suspicion remains, though is associated with low specificity. Demonstration of eosinophilic inflammation, via fractional exhaled nitric oxide measurement, or atopy, may be supportive of atopic asthma, though diagnostic utility is limited particularly in nonatopic asthma. All efforts should be made to confirm the diagnosis of asthma in those who are being presumptively treated but have not had objective measurements of variability in the degree of obstruction.

Conclusion

Multiple testing modalities are available for objective confirmation of airway obstruction and variability thereof, consistent with a diagnosis of asthma in the appropriate clinical context. Providers should be aware that both these characteristics may be present in other disease states, and may not be specific to a diagnosis of asthma.
ABCs of asthma inhaler and device training
Authors: Boise Elizabeth , Rotella Melissa
Published: September 2015

Background

The impact of poor adherence and medication administration is well documented, as are the difficulties with asthma inhaler and device usage. However, difficulties with these devices and inhalers continue to present significant challenges to many healthcare providers and patients.

Methods

A systematic review of the published, peer‐reviewed international literature was performed to identify likely teaching needs as well as available and recommended resources to address same.

Results

Asthma inhaler and device use and educational needs vary as widely as do the types and severity of usage errors committed. Multiple interventions have been studied and found to be effective at improving both patient technique and overall asthma outcomes.

Conclusion

Providers must ensure that patient teaching is performed by suitably prepared staff members. Education should be device‐specific, patient‐centered, and repeated at frequent intervals. Providers must frequently reassess patient understanding and ability with regard to asthma inhalers and devices in order to maximize therapeutic outcomes.
Gas–liquid numerical simulation on micro‐bubble generator and optimization on the nozzle‐to‐throat spacing
Authors: Wang Lijun , Jia Yan , Yan Xiaokang , Zhou Changchun
Published: September 2015

The Cyclonic‐Static Micro‐bubble Flotation Column (CSMFC) has been widely used in fine mineral separation. The micro‐bubble generator, as a key unit of this flotation column, is used to produce micro‐bubble which designed based on the principle of gas liquid jet pump. Unlike the other jet pump, the performance of micro‐bubble generator not only focuses on the air suction volume flow rate, but also includes the size and distribution of bubbles. In this paper, the performance of bubble generator is studied both experimentally and numerically. Three‐dimensional numerical simulations employing the Eulerian two‐phase flow model and S–N drag model by Fluent 14.0 software is carried out. The experimental and Computational Fluid Dynamics results, of air volume flow rate, match closely with each other. The maximum relative error between experiment and numerical simulation is smaller than 7.6%. Then these numerical models are utilized in simulating the 3D flow field of micro‐bubble generator with different nozzle‐to‐throat spacing. Thirteen sets of simulations were conducted to explore the influence of the dimensionless nozzle‐to‐throat spacing (0–3) on air volume flow rate, bubble diameter and distribution. The results demonstrate that the performance of bubble generator is optimal when the dimensionless nozzle‐to‐throat spacing is over 1.25–2.5 while the water volume flow rate is fixed to 50 m3/h. In this range, the bigger air suction volume flow rate, the smaller bubble diameter and higher bubble distribution uniformity index, which are beneficial for fine minerals flotation, were obtained. © 2015 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving hydrophobicity of polyurethane by PTFE incorporation
Authors: Koti Reddy Ch. , Shailaja D.
Published: September 2015

A simple and facile method was established of incorporating polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) on to polyurethane (PU) to improve hydrophobicity of PU by incorporating low levels of fluorine at a molecular level. Nanocomposites were made by preparing PU in the presence of PTFE using seeded miniemulsion polymerization method. The resulting PTFE/PU nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetric, and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). FTIR and TEM indicated changes observed in their structure, size and morphology. The water contact angle of PTFE/PU nanocomposite films increased with increasing amount of PTFE and more on blending with silica nanoparticles but a slight decrease in thermal stabilities of SiO2/PTFE/PU nanocomposites were noticed. The hydrophobicity imparted by PTFE to PU surface was found to be at its best for 1 : 2 PTFE/PU latex film. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42779.
Biodegradation of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate) by a novel P3/4HB depolymerase purified from Agrobacterium sp. DSGZ
Authors: Guo Ziqi , Li Fan , Liu Dongbo , Xia Hongmei , Yang Cheng , Chen Shan , Yang Yunfei
Published: September 2015

A poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate) (P3/4HB)‐degrading strain, Agrobacterium sp. DSGZ, was isolated from sewage by poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) mineral agar plates. A novel P3/4HB depolymerase with a molecular weight of 34 kDa was purified through a novel single‐step affinity chromatography method from the culture supernatant of the strain by using P3/4HB powder as a substrate. The purified depolymerase showed optimum activity at pH 7.0 and 50°C, and was stable at the pH range of 6.0 to 9.0 and temperature below 50°C. Enzyme activity was strongly inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), hydrophobic reagents, and some metal ions. The depolymerase degraded poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), P3/4HB, and polycaprolactone (PCL), instead of polylactic acid (PLA) or poly(butylene succinate) (PBS). Meanwhile, the depolymerase showed high hydrolytic activity against short‐chain length esters, such as butyrate acid ester and caprylic acid ester. The main degradation products of the depolymerase were identified as hydroxybutyrate monomers and dimers, and the monomers were identified as 3‐hydroxybutyrate (3HB) monomers and 4‐hydroxybutyrate (4HB) monomers. The preparation procedure, crystallinity, and 4HB composition of the P3/4HB copolymer showed evident effect on degradation behavior, and change in crystallinity was the main factor affecting degradation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42805.
Potential role of O‐GlcNAcylation and involvement of PI3K/Akt1 pathway in the expression of oncogenic phenotypes of gastric cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Zhang Nuobei , Chen Xin
Published: September 2015

O‐GlcNAcylation is a monosaccharide modification by a residue of N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) attached to serine or threonine moieties on nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. O‐GlcNAcylation is dynamically regulated by O‐GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and O‐GlcNAcase (OGA). Increasing evidence suggests that O‐GlcNAcylation is involved in a variety of human cancers. However, the exact role of O‐GlcNAcylation in tumor progression remains unclear. Here, we show that O‐GlcNAcylation accelerates oncogenic phenotypes of gastric cancer. First, cell models with increased or decreased O‐GlcNAcylation were constructed by OGT overexpression, downregulation of OGA activity with specific inhibitor Thiamet‐G, or silence of OGT. MTT assays indicated that O‐GlcNAcylation increased proliferation of gastric cancer cells. Soft agar assay and Transwell assays showed that O‐GlcNAcylation significantly enhanced cellular colony formation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Akt1 activity was stimulated by upregulation of phosphorylation at Ser473 mediated by elevated O‐GlcNAcylation. The enhanced cell invasion by Thiamet‐G treatment was suppressed by PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Although the cell invasion induced by Thiamet‐G was reduced by Akt1 shRNA, it was still higher in comparison with that to the control (cells with Akt1 shRNA alone). And Akt1 overexpression promoted Thiamet‐G‐induced cell invasion. These results suggested that O‐GlcNAcylation enhanced oncogenic phenotypes possibly partially involving PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Synthesis, characterization and optical properties of polymer‐based ZnS nanocomposites
Authors: Tiwari A. , Khan S. A. , Kher R. S. , Dhoble S. J. , Chandel A. L. S.
Published: September 2015

Nanostructured polymer–semiconductor hybrid materials such as ZnS–poly(vinyl alcohol) (ZnS–PVA), ZnS–starch and ZnS–hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (Zns–HPMC) are synthesized by a facile aqueous route. The obtained nanocomposites are characterized using various techniques such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV/vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL). XRD studies confirm the zinc blende phase of the nanocomposites and indicate the high purity of the samples. SEM studies indicate small nanoparticles clinging to the surface of a bigger particle. The Energy Dispersive Analysis by X‐rays (EDAX) spectrum reveals that the elemental composition of the nanocomposites consists primarily of Zn:S. FTIR studies indicate that the polymer matrix is closely associated with ZnS nanoparticles. The large number of hydroxyl groups in the polymer matrix facilitates the complexation of metal ions. The absorption spectra of the specimens show a blue shift in the absorption edge. The spectrum reveals an absorption edge at 320, 310 and 325 nm, respectively. PL of nanocomposites shows broad peaks in the violet–blue region (420–450 nm). The emission intensity changes with the nature of capping agent. The PL intensity of ZnS–HPMC nanocomposites is found to be highest among the studied nanocomposites. The results clearly indicate that hydroxyl‐functionalized HPMC is much more effective at nucleating and stabilizing colloidal ZnS nanoparticles in aqueous suspensions compared with PVA and starch. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple Chalcone‐based ratiometric chemosensor for silver ion
Authors: Velmurugan K. , Suresh S. , Santhoshkumar S. , Saranya M. , Nandhakumar R.
Published: September 2015

Herein, we report the selective binding of Ag+ ion by the anthracene‐based chalcone receptor 1. Receptor 1 behaves as a selective and sensitive chemosensor for the recognition of Ag+ over other heavy and transition metal ions without any interference and is capable of detecting the metal ion down to 0.15 × 10−6 M. Receptor 1 on binding with Ag+ ions exhibits a ratiometric fluorescence enhancement, which is due to the inhibition of photoinduced electron transfer along with the intramolecular charge transfer mechanism. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photoluminescence and thermoluminescence properties of Li2O‐Na2O‐B2O3 glass
Authors: Razak N. A. , Hashim S. , Mhareb M. H. A. , Tamchek N.
Published: September 2015

Influence of Nd3+ concentration on the optical and thermoluminescence (TL) properties of melt‐annealed synthesized 10 Na2O: 20 Li2O: (70‐x) B2O3: xNd2O3, where 0.1≤ x ≤0.7 (LNB) glasses are determined. The absence of sharp peaks in X‐ray diffraction patterns confirms the amorphous nature of the prepared glasses. The photoluminescence spectra under 800 nm laser excitations at room temperature exhibit three prominent peaks centred at 538, 603 and 675 nm corresponding to the transitions of 4G7/2 → 4I9/2, [4G7/2 → 4I11/2, 4G5/2 → 4I9/2] and [4G7/2→ 4I13/2, 4G5/2 → 4I11/2], respectively. The TL glow curve exhibits a prominent peak (Tm) at 180°C. The best performance of the prepared glass was found at 0.5 mol% of Nd2O3. We achieved a good linearity of TL response against dose between 0.5 to 4.0 Gy. The calculated value of the effective atomic number, Zeff, is 7.55 which is nearly tissue equivalent (Zeff = 7.42). These promising features demonstrate the capability of the aforementioned glass to be used as a radiation dosimeter. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Highlights

The thermoluminescence and optical properties of new compositions of lithium sodium borate glasses doped with Nd3+ ions were reported.

Attractive features were obtained from the TL, PL and UV–Vis light analysis.

Three upconversion luminescences permitting green, orange and red emissions were observed.
Selecting the optimal Tet‐On system for doxycycline‐inducible gene expression in transiently transfected and stably transduced mammalian cells
Authors: Das Atze T. , Zhou Xue , Metz Stefan W. , Vink Monique A. , Berkhout Ben
Published: September 2015

The doxycycline (dox)‐inducible Tet‐On system is widely used to control gene expression in mammalian cells. This system is based on the bacterial Tet operon, which has been modified and improved for its function in eukaryotic cells. To identify the optimal system for different applications, we compared Tet‐On variants in frequently used cell types that were either transiently transfected with the relevant plasmids or stably transduced with an ”all‐in‐one“ lentiviral vector. The V10 variant performed optimally in the transiently transfected cells and demonstrated no background activity without dox, high dox‐induced activity and the highest fold‐induction. Because of its very high dox‐sensitivity, the V16 system may be preferred if only low intracellular dox concentrations can be reached. V16 performed optimally in the transduced cells and demonstrated the highest activity and dox‐sensitivity without background activity. Moreover, V16 demonstrated more robust induction of gene expression after a latency period without dox. This study provides important findings for choosing the optimal Tet‐On system for diverse cell culture settings. V10 is the best system for most applications in which the DNA is episomally present in cells, whereas V16 may be optimal when the Tet‐On components are stably integrated in the cellular genome.
Catalytic Semireduction of Internal Alkynes with All‐Metal Aromatic Complexes
Authors: Deyris Pierre‐Alexandre , Cañeque Tatiana , Wang Yanlan , Retailleau Pascal , Bigi Franca , Maggi Raimondo , Maestri Giovanni , Malacria Max
Published: September 2015

A simple catalytic method involving all‐metal aromatic frameworks as precatalysts ensures an efficient route to (Z)‐alkenes. Aromatic triangular palladium clusters were used to reduce internal alkynes without any trace of the formation of alkane side products. These trinuclear complexes provide a catalytic system that parallels the activity and selectivity of their best mononuclear peers, and the catalyst likely operates through complementary mechanisms.
Local Multiphase Flow Characterization with Micro Particle Image Velocimetry Using Refractive Index Matching
Authors: Kollhoff Robin T. , Kelemen Katharina , Schuchmann Heike P.
Published: September 2015

An accurate flow characterization is crucial for the understanding and optimization of emulsification processes. A method is presented to determine velocity fields of droplet‐containing phases flowing through an orifice by micro particle image velocimetry (µPIV). In order to overcome optical inaccessibility of emulsions, a recipe of a transparent emulsion system was developed using refractive index matching. Velocity fields could successfully be determined for an emulsion containing 30 vol % of droplets in a rectangular orifice channel with the narrowest gap being 200 µm. Emulsion flow was compared to a pure continuous phase and the influence of the dispersed phase was analyzed for each individual step of µPIV image processing. For the presented experimental conditions, one‐ and two‐phase flows exhibited no difference in flow characteristics.
ChemInform Abstract: Superconductivity in Hf5Sb3‐xRux: Are Ru and Sb a Critical Charge‐Transfer Pair for Superconductivity?
Authors: Xie Weiwei , Luo Huixia , Seibel Elizabeth M. , Nielsen Morten B. , Cava Robert J.
Published: September 2015

Polycrystalline samples of Hf5Sb3‐xRux (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) are prepared by repeated arc melting of the elements with an Sb excess of 10% to compensate Sb losses during melting.
ChemInform Abstract: Following the Reaction of Heteroanions Inside a {W18O56} Polyoxometalate Nanocage by NMR Spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry.
Authors: Zheng Qi , Vila‐Nadal Laia , Busche Christoph , Mathieson Jennifer S. , Long De‐Liang , Cronin Leroy
Published: September 2015

The Dawson‐like “Trojan horse” cluster (Me2NH2)8 [W18O56(HPO3)2 (H2O)2]·20H2O is isolated from an aqueous solution of Na2WO4, H3PO3, and Me2NH (pH 2.8, stirring under heating).
ChemInform Abstract: Ba2B6O11, a Member of the BaO‐B2O3 Family, Featuring a Layer Framework.
Authors: Liu Lili , Yang Yun , Dong Xiaoyu , Lei Chen , Han Shujuan , Pan Shilie
Published: September 2015

Single crystals of Ba2B6O11 are prepared by spontaneous crystallization from a melt of BaF2, H3BO3, and PbO in the molar ratio of 5:25:3 (950 °C, 5 d; cooling to 200 °C at a rate of 0.02 °C/h).
ChemInform Abstract: Supercubooctahedron (Cs6Cl)2Cs5 [Ga15Ge9Se48] Exhibiting Both Cation and Anion Exchange.
Authors: Huang‐Fu Shang‐Xiong , Shen Jin‐Ni , Lin Hua , Chen Ling , Wu Li‐Ming
Published: September 2015

Light yellow, transparent single crystals of (V) are prepared by solid state reaction.
ChemInform Abstract: Polar Polymorphism: α‐, β‐, and γ‐Pb2Ba4Zn4B14 O31 — Synthesis, Characterization, and Nonlinear Optical Properties.
Authors: Yu Hongwei , Wu Hongping , Jing Qun , Yang Zhihua , Halasyamani P. Shiv , Pan Shilie
Published: September 2015

Single crystals of all polar polymorphs, α‐Pb2Ba4Zn4B14 O31 (α‐PBZB, space group P1, Z = 1), β‐PBZB (space group Cc, Z = 4), and γ‐PBZB (space group P32, Z = 3) are obtained from high temperature solutions of PbO, BaCO3, ZnO, and H3BO3 in molar ratios of 30:12:23:65 (α), 30:15:20:65 (β), and 10:25:20:65 (γ) (Pt crucible, 850 °C, 10 h; cooling to 500 °C at a rate of 5 °C/h).