bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of adiposity, measures of metabolic dysregulation, and elevated alanine aminotransferase in subjects with normal body mass index
Authors: Treeprasertsuk Sombat , Romero-Corral Abel , Somers Virend K. , Sierra-Johnson Justo , Lindor Keith D. , Angulo Paul , Lopez-Jimenez Francisco
Published: August 2015

Background: Differences in body fat (BF) distribution in patients with normal body mass index (BMI) with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) remains poorly described.

Objective: To determine the relationship between total BF, waist circumference (WC), insulin resistance (IR), and cardiometabolic risk profile in subjects with elevated ALT and normal BMI.

Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data from 4,914 US participants in the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database, who were ≥20 years of age, had normal BMI, and had body composition assessed by bioimpedance.

Results: Mean ± SD age was 41.4 ± 0.3 years, and 58% participants were women. BF was 20 ± 0.1% in men and 29.9 ± 0.1% in women. As total BF increased by tertiles, there was a tendency towards a higher prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in men (6.1%, 6.5%, 9.5%, P = 0.13), but not in women (8.7%, 8.2%, 10.7%, P = 0.71). As WC increased by tertiles, there was a higher prevalence of elevated ALT in men (2.6%, 8.6%, 6.6%, P < 0.0001), but not in women. As ALT increased, men had significantly higher levels of nonhigh density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), increased apolipoprotein B, increased IR, and lower levels of C-reactive protein, whereas, women had higher levels of non-HDL-C and increased IR.

Conclusion: In subjects with normal BMI, increased WC is associated with a higher prevalence of elevated ALT in men, but not in women. Higher levels of ALT correlated with a poor cardiometabolic risk profile.
Validation of the Thai version of the Duke Activity Status Index in patients with a previous myocardial infarction
Authors: Vibulchai Nisakorn , Thanasilp Sureeporn , Preechawong Sunida , Broome Marion E.
Published: August 2015

Background: The Duke Activity Status Index is a widely used instrument for measuring functional status in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, items and subscales on this instrument have not been validated for Thai patients with a previous myocardial infarction (MI).

Objective: To test the reliability and validity of the Thai version of the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI-T) in Thai patients with a previous MI using a cross-sectional study design.

Methods: The DASI-T was translated using forward and backward translation methods and administered to 100 MI patients from outpatient departments of two general hospitals in Thailand. Internal consistency was determined to test reliability. Two criterion measures (i.e. Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) classification, SF-36 physical functioning subscale) were used to test the concurrent validity of the DASI-T. Age group and CCS classification were used to determine known-groups validity of the DASI-T.

Results: Cronbach’s α for the DASI-T total score was 0.76. No ceiling or floor effect was detected for the DASI-T total score. DASI-T total score was significantly correlated with the CCS classification (r = -0.68, P < 0.01) and SF-36 physical functioning subscale (r = 0.79, P < 0.01). DASI-T total scores could differentiate MI patients based on age (P = 0.040) or CCS classification (P = 0.000).

Conclusion: The DASI-T is a potentially reliable and valid instrument with which to assess functional status in MI patients and is also useful to evaluate a treatment effect and be a guideline for clinical purposes (i.e. exercise prescription, risk stratification).
Rheumatic and congenital heart diseases among school children of Khon Kaen, Thailand: declining prevalence of rheumatic heart disease
Authors: Chaikitpinyo Arnkisa , Panamonta Manat , Wongswadiwat Yuttapong , Weraarchakul Wiboon , Panamonta Ouyporn , Panthongviriyakul Aunejit , Thepsuthammarat Kaewjai
Published: August 2015

Background: Rheumatic fever (RF), rheumatic heart disease (RHD), and congenital heart disease (CHD) are still major problems among Thai school children.

Objective: To examine trends in the prevalence of RF/RHD and CHD along with the socioeconomic status of school children in urban Khon Kaen, northeastern Thailand.

Methods: We conducted cross-sectional survey of 8,555 school children aged 5-15 years from 4 schools in urban Khon Kaen from January to March 2006. Pediatric cardiologists examined the school children and all cardiac diagnoses were confirmed by echocardiography. Socioeconomic data were also collected. Schools were divided into high and low socioeconomic status (SES) schools, based on the prevailing levels of parental education and household income. All positive cases of heart disease were followed and reviewed at a university hospital up to December 2013.

Results: Of 8,555 children examined, 2 had RF/RHD, and 10 had CHD. The prevalence of RF/RHD was 0.23 per 1,000 (95% CI 0.03-0.84), and the prevalence of CHD was 1.2 per 1,000 (95% CI 0.56-2.15). Prevalence of RF/RHD among urban school children in the center of northeastern Thailand had declined from 1.13 to 0.23 per 1,000 since 1986. The indices of socioeconomic development revealed marked improvement during this 20 year interim. The prevalence of RF/RHD was higher among low SES schools (4.6 per 1,000) compared with high SES schools (0 per 1,000).

Conclusion: There is a low prevalence of RHD in school children in this region compared with the period before 1986.
Original article. Childhood infective endocarditis in Khon Kaen University Hospital from 1992 to 2011
Authors: Siwaprapakorn Warawut , Panamonta Manat , Chaikitpinyo Arnkisa , Lumbiganon Pagakrong , Panamonta Ouyporn , Pachirat Orathai , Prathanee Sompop , Wongswadiwat Yuttapong , Jirapradittha Junya , Thepsuthammarat Kaewjai
Published: August 2015

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) is an important cause of child morbidity and mortality, but the current burden of the disease in Thai children is unknown.

Objectives: To determine the current burden of IE in Thai children.

Patients and Methods: The records of all children aged <15 years admitted to Khon Kaen University Hospital from 1992 to 2011 were reviewed.

Results: Of 69,822 admissions, 56 patients fulfilled the modified Duke criteria for definite IE giving a rate of 0.8 cases per 1,000 admissions. Age at diagnosis was 7.9 ± 3.8 years (range, 8 days to 14.8 years). There was congenital heart disease in 38 (68%) patients, rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in 10 (18%), and no previous heart disease in 8 (14%). RHD was a less frequent underlying disease during the latter half (2002-2011) of the period studied (1/34 vs. 9/22, P < 0.001). Blood cultures were positive for pathogens in 34 (61%) patients with 11 cases of Streptococcus viridians and 8 cases of Staphylococcus aureus infections. Vegetations on echocardiography were present in 46 (82%) patients. For 8 embolic events, patients with large vegetations had a higher rate (4/6) than patients with small and no vegetations (4/50) (P < 0.003). In-hospital mortality was 11%. Eight patients with S. aureus infection had a higher mortality (5/8) than 26 patients (1/26) infected with other pathogens (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: The changing epidemiology of pediatric IE was toward fewer children with RHD. Mortality among children with IE was higher in those with S. aureus infection.
Brief communication (Original). Anesthesia for cesarean section in parturients diagnosed with placenta previa in a Thai university hospital: a retrospective analysis of 562 consecutive cases
Authors: Charoenraj Pornarun , Charuluxananan Somrat , Chatrkaw Phornlert , Tunprasit Chooksak , Wangdumrongwong Parinya , Phupong Vorapong
Published: August 2015

Background: Anesthesia for cesarean delivery in parturients diagnosed with placenta previa remains controversial.

Objectives: To investigate factors correlated with choice of anesthesia in these parturients and their outcomes.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients with placenta previa and cesarean delivery at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Peri operative anesthetic and complication data were collected using a structured collection form. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Among 50,237 deliveries from July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2011, there were 562 cesarean sections in diagnosed cases of placenta previa. Cesarean deliveries (479) were performed under spinal anesthesia (81%), epidural anesthesia (1.8%), and if the effects spinal anesthesia dissipated, general anesthesia (2.3%). Among 46 cases of cesarean hysterectomy, 27 patients (58.7%) received regional anesthesia. However, 6 of 10 patients with planned cesarean hysterectomy underwent general anesthesia, while 1 of 4 of a group with regional anesthesia needed conversion to general anesthesia. There was no serious anesthesia-related complication. Factors related to general anesthesia were: a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status OR 2.7 (95% CI 1.7-4.3) P < 0.001; presentation with bleeding OR 1.8(95% CI 1.0-3.1) P = 0.033; anterior site of placenta OR 1.8 (95% CI 1.1-3.2) P = 0.025; heart rate >125 bpm OR 5.6 (95% CI 1.5-214) P = 0.01; and pack red cell transfusion OR 3.4 (95% CI 2.0-5.7) P < 0.001.

Conclusions: Most parturients received regional anesthesia. Neuroaxial anesthesia and general anesthesia are safe.
Brief communication (Original). Development and validation of a scale for “attitudes towards calcium consumption”
Authors: Sriring Pennapa , Kanjanarach Tipaporn
Published: August 2015

Background: Attitude is recognized as a key determinant of health-related behaviors, including calcium intake for prevention of osteoporosis. Most existing instruments that measure attitudes towards calcium consumption are not appropriate for use in the Thai population because they focus on attitudes towards the consumption of dairy products, which are not a common source of calcium for Thais.

Objectives: To develop and validate an instrument for measuring attitudes towards calcium consumption among Thai adults.

Methods: An initial attitudinal scale (25 items) was developed and administered to 250 Thais (age ≥20 years) living in Khon Kaen, the largest province in the northeast Thailand, to assess its dimensions using exploratory factor analysis. Three factors were identified. The scale was reduced to 15 items and administered to 733 subjects to validate the identified factor structure and optimize the length of the scale.

Results: A three-factor model (10 items) was validated and interpreted as (1) a negative effect of calcium consumption on the body (4 items, reliability = 0.90), (2) the health benefits of calcium consumption for the body (3 items, reliability = 0.78), and (3) the need to take calcium on a regular basis (3 items, reliability = 0.86). The model fitted the data well (relative χ2 = 1.43, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = 0.98, confirmatory fit index = 0.997, root mean square error of approximation = 0.024).

Conclusion: The developed scale is a reliable and useful instrument for measuring attitudes towards calcium consumption. Further research is needed to validate the scale in different populations.
Brief communication (Original). Predictive factors for postoperative complications in radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Wongvittavas Non , Panumatrassamee Kamol , Opanuraks Julin , Usawachintachit Manint , Ratchanon Supoj , Tantiwongse Kavirach , Bunyaratavej Chanatee , Santi-ngamkun Apirak , Prasopsanti Kriangsak
Published: August 2015

Background: Radical nephrectomy is the treatment of choice for large renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Objectives: To describe the complications after radical nephrectomy for suspected or proven RCC and analyze the risk factors.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed medical records from 110 patients who underwent radical nephrectomy for RCC in our institution between January 2007 and December 2013. The clinicopathological data of all patients were recorded and complications were graded using modified Clavien classification. Univariate and multivariate analysis was made of the predictive factors for complications.

Results: Fifty postoperative complications occurred in 34 patients (31%) within 30 days, including 11% transfusion related complications. There were 22% minor complications (6% grade 1, 16% grade 2) and 9% major complication (5% grade 3, 2% grade 4, and 2% grade 5). The most common complications were transfusion-related, re-laparotomy because of bleeding, and prolong ileus. In univariate analysis, pathological T-stage (P = 0.001), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (P = 0.007), tumor size (P = 0.01), and tumor diameter >4 cm (P = 0.03) were significant predicting factors. Major Charlson comorbidity index (CCI >2) was the only significant factor for major complications (P = 0.04). In multivariate analysis, ASA score was a significant independent predictor for overall complications (odds ratio 4.83, P = 0.01).

Conclusions: ASA score was a significant predictive factor for overall postoperative complications. Comorbidities was also a predictor for major complications in radical nephrectomy. Preoperative risk stratification for complications should be considered during decision-making and for proper counseling of patients.
Faux Your Entertainment: Amazon.com Product Reviews as a Locus of Digital Performance
Authors: Blank Trevor J.
Published: August 2015

Over the last couple of years, numerous product pages on Amazon.com have been intentionally and collaboratively overrun with humorous fake customer reviews aimed at mocking the items for sale or what they symbolize. In doing so, participants have managed to carve out a vernacular niche within the institutional confines of Amazon, establishing a vibrant digital venue for performative discourse and play. This essay examines how and why these commandeered product pages on Amazon proliferate, and analyzes how individuals interact with the digital space in pursuit of meaningful interaction online. So doing, this essay demonstrates how individuals collaborate through performative humor and narrative-smithery online to further turn the tables on institutional forces.
Training Community-Engaged Culture Workers at a Public University
Authors: Fenn John , Blandy Douglas , Arnold T. J. , Lorbach Johanna , Moore Stephanie , Shepherd Jay , Silberman Lauren
Published: August 2015

An ambitious program to develop partnerships between the University of Oregon (UO) and small-to mid-sized Oregon cities forms the backdrop for a critical discussion of ways in which graduate students from one UO degree program develop community-engaged projects. Across two such projects, the authors explore how approaches to arts and culture participation can inform ideas of sustainability and community development by offering opportunities for neighborhoods to engage in self-definition through the process of cultural mapping. The authors contend that this process also facilitates reciprocal communication between community members and civic institutions, especially in situations where such communication has been absent historically. Ultimately, this paper proposes that the model for partnerships and experiential work outlined illustrates potential for sustaining graduate education, communities, and collaborative infrastructure.
Dendritic sodium spikes are required for long-term potentiation at distal synapses on hippocampal pyramidal neurons
Authors: Kim Yujin , Hsu Ching-Lung , Cembrowski Mark S , Mensh Brett D , Spruston Nelson
Published: August 2015

Dendritic integration of synaptic inputs mediates rapid neural computation as well as longer-lasting plasticity. Several channel types can mediate dendritically initiated spikes (dSpikes), which may impact information processing and storage across multiple timescales; however, the roles of different channels in the rapid vs long-term effects of dSpikes are unknown. We show here that dSpikes mediated by Nav channels (blocked by a low concentration of TTX) are required for long-term potentiation (LTP) in the distal apical dendrites of hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Furthermore, imaging, simulations, and buffering experiments all support a model whereby fast Nav channel-mediated dSpikes (Na-dSpikes) contribute to LTP induction by promoting large, transient, localized increases in intracellular calcium concentration near the calcium-conducting pores of NMDAR and L-type Cav channels. Thus, in addition to contributing to rapid neural processing, Na-dSpikes are likely to contribute to memory formation via their role in long-lasting synaptic plasticity.
Climate extremes dominating seasonal and interannual variations in carbon export from the Mississippi River Basin
Authors: Tian Hanqin , Ren Wei , Yang Jia , Tao Bo , Cai Wei‐Jun , Lohrenz Steven E. , Hopkinson Charles S. , Liu Mingliang , Yang Qichun , Lu Chaoqun , Zhang Bowen , Banger Kamaljit , Pan Shufen , He Ruoying , Xue Zuo
Published: August 2015

Knowledge about the annual and seasonal patterns of organic and inorganic carbon (C) exports from the major rivers of the world to the coastal ocean is essential for our understanding and potential management of the global C budget so as to limit anthropogenic modification of global climate. Unfortunately our predictive understanding of what controls the timing, magnitude, and quality of C export is still rudimentary. Here we use a process‐based coupled hydrologic/ecosystem biogeochemistry model (the Dynamic Land Ecosystem Model) to examine how climate variability and extreme events, changing land use, and atmospheric chemistry have affected the annual and seasonal patterns of C exports from the Mississippi River basin to the Gulf of Mexico. Our process‐based simulations estimate that the average annual exports of dissolved organic C (DOC), particulate organic C (POC), and dissolved inorganic C (DIC) in the 2000s were 2.6 ± 0.4 Tg C yr−1, 3.4 ± 0.3 Tg C yr−1, and 18.8 ± 3.4 Tg C yr−1, respectively. Although land use change was the most important agent of change in C export over the past century, climate variability and extreme events (such as flooding and drought) were primarily responsible for seasonal and interannual variations in C export from the basin. The maximum seasonal export of DIC occurred in summer while for DOC and POC the maximum occurred in winter. Relative to the 10 year average (2001–2010), our modeling analysis indicates that the years of maximal and minimal C export cooccurred with wet and dry years (2008: 32% above average and 2006: 32% below average). Given Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change‐predicted changes in climate variability and the severity of rain events and droughts of wet and dry years for the remainder of the 21st century, our modeling results suggest major changes in the riverine link between the terrestrial and oceanic realms, which are likely to have a major impact on C delivery to the coastal ocean.
On the mechanisms of decadal variability of the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation over the 20th century
Authors: Yi Daling Li , Zhang Liping , Wu Lixin
Published: August 2015

The decadal variability of the North Pacific gyre oscillation (NPGO) over the 20th century is examined from a long‐term integration of the Simple Ocean Data Assimilation (SODA) reanalysis. The NPGO is reflected by the second dominant pattern of sea surface height (SSH) variability in SODA, with a north‐south dipole structure over the northeast Pacific. SSH anomalies in this region exhibit distinct decadal variability with a significant spectrum peak at approximately 18 years. The upper‐ocean heat budget reveals that this dipole structure associated with the NPGO is predominantly due to the anomalous Ekman pumping and Ekman advection induced by the surface wind. The NPGO mode in SODA reanalysis originates from atmosphere stochastic noise (North Pacific Oscillation) which has a meridional dipole pattern but no preferred time scale. The oceanic planetary wave, particularly the advective baroclinic mode, integration of atmospheric stochastic noise leads to a spatial resonance with preferred decadal time scale. The limitation of current study is also discussed.
Effect of maghemization on the magnetic properties of nonstoichiometric pseudo‐single‐domain magnetite particles
Authors: Almeida Trevor P. , Muxworthy Adrian R. , Kasama Takeshi , Williams Wyn , Damsgaard Christian , Frandsen Cathrine , Pennycook Timothy J. , Dunin‐Borkowski Rafal E.
Published: August 2015

The effect of maghemization on the magnetic properties of magnetite (Fe3O4) grains in the pseudo‐single‐domain (PSD) size range is investigated as a function of annealing temperature. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy confirm the precursor grains as Fe3O4 ranging from ∼150 to ∼250 nm in diameter, whilst Mössbauer spectrometry suggests the grains are initially near‐stoichiometric. The Fe3O4 grains are heated to increasing reaction temperatures of 120–220°C to investigate their oxidation to maghemite (γ‐Fe2O3). High‐angle annular dark field imaging and localized electron‐energy loss spectroscopy reveal slightly oxidized Fe3O4 grains, heated to 140°C, exhibit higher oxygen content at the surface. Off‐axis electron holography allows for construction of magnetic induction maps of individual Fe3O4 and γ‐Fe2O3 grains, revealing their PSD (vortex) nature, which is supported by magnetic hysteresis measurements, including first‐order reversal curve analysis. The coercivity of the grains is shown to increase with reaction temperature up to 180°C, but subsequently decreases after heating above 200°C; this magnetic behavior is attributed to the growth of a γ‐Fe2O3 shell with magnetic properties distinct from the Fe3O4 core. It is suggested there is exchange coupling between these separate components that results in a vortex state with reduced vorticity. Once fully oxidized to γ‐Fe2O3, the domain states revert back to vortices with slightly reduced coercivity. It is argued that due to a core/shell coupling mechanism during maghemization, the directional magnetic information will still be correct; however, the intensity information will not be retained.
S‐wave splitting in the offshore South Island, New Zealand: Insights into plate‐boundary deformation
Authors: Karalliyadda S. C. , Savage M. K. , Sheehan A. , Collins J. , Zietlow D. , Shelley A.
Published: August 2015

Local and regional S‐wave splitting in the offshore South Island of the New Zealand plate‐boundary zone provides constraints on the spatial and depth extent of the anisotropic structure with an enhanced resolution relative to land‐based and SKS studies. The combined analysis of offshore and land measurements using splitting tomography suggests plate‐boundary shear dominates in the central and northern South Island. The width of this shear zone in the central South Island is about 200 km, but is complicated by stress‐controlled anisotropy at shallow levels. In northern South Island, a broader (>200 km) zone of plate‐boundary parallel anisotropy is associated with the transitional faulting between the Alpine fault and Hikurangi subduction and the Hikurangi subduction zone itself. These results suggest S‐phases of deep events (∼90 km) in the central South Island are sensitive to plate‐boundary derived NE‐SW aligned anisotropic media in the upper‐lithosphere, supporting a “thin viscous sheet” deformation model.
Wettability measurement under high P‐T conditions using X‐ray imaging with application to the brine‐supercritical CO2 system
Authors: Chaudhary Kuldeep , Guiltinan Eric J. , Cardenas M. Bayani , Maisano Jessica A. , Ketcham Richard A. , Bennett Philip C.
Published: August 2015

We present a new method for measuring wettability or contact angle of minerals at reservoir pressure‐temperature conditions using high‐resolution X‐ray computed tomography (HRXCT) and radiography. In this method, a capillary or a narrow slot is constructed from a mineral or a rock sample of interest wherein two fluids are allowed to form an interface that is imaged using X‐rays. After some validation measurements at room pressure‐temperature conditions, we illustrate this method by measuring the contact angle of CO2‐brine on quartz, muscovite, shale, borosilicate glass, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon), and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) surfaces at 60–71°C and 13.8–22.8 MPa. At reservoir conditions, PTFE and PEEK surfaces were found to be CO2‐wet with contact angles of 140° and 127°, respectively. Quartz and muscovite were found to be water‐wet with contact angles of 26° and 58°, respectively, under similar conditions. Borosilicate glass‐air‐brine at room conditions showed strong water‐wet characteristics with a contact angle of 9°, whereas borosilicate glass‐CO2‐brine at 13.8 MPa and 60°C showed a decrease in its water‐wetness with contact angle of 54°. This method provides a new application for X‐ray imaging and an alternative to other methods.
Differences in size spectra of electrified storms over land and ocean
Authors: Bang Sarah D. , Zipser Edward J.
Published: August 2015

Numerous studies demonstrate the marked difference in intensity of land and ocean convection, the most pronounced being the higher frequency of intense convection and lightning over land. This study contributes to the ongoing debate of the physical reasons for this difference, through the use of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Feature (PF) database. We demonstrate that tropical oceanic PFs with lightning tend to be over 10 times larger and more mature than those over land. This relationship is most pronounced in archetypal land and ocean regimes (Congo and Central Pacific) and is also manifested throughout the entire (35°S to 35°N) TRMM domain, to varying extents. This relationship holds true when we select for PFs with 40 dBZ echo tops over at least 5.5 km in height, which continues to be an effective proxy for convective intensity and probability of lightning.
Three‐dimensional Hall MHD simulation of lunar minimagnetosphere: General characteristics and comparison with Chang'E‐2 observations
Authors: Xie Lianghai , Li Lei , Zhang Yiteng , Feng Yongyong , Wang Xinyue , Zhang Aibing , Kong Linggao
Published: August 2015

Lunar minimagnetosphere formed by the interaction between the solar wind and a local crustal field often has a scale size comparable to the ion inertia length, in which the Hall effect is very important. In this paper, the general characteristics of lunar minimagnetosphere are investigated by three‐dimensional Hall MHD simulations. It is found that the solar wind ions can penetrate across the magnetopause to reduce the density depletion and cause the merging of the shock and magnetopause, but the electrons are still blocked at the boundary. Besides, asymmetric convection occurs, resulting in the magnetic field piles up on one side while the plasma gathers on the other side. The size of the minimagnetosphere is determined by both the solar zenith angle and the magnetosonic Mach number, while the Hall effect is determined by the ratio of the pressure balance distance to the ion inertia length. When the ratio gets small, the shock may disappear. Finally, we present a global Hall MHD simulation for comparison with the observation from Chang'E‐2 satellite on 11 October 2010 and confirm that Chang'E‐2 flew across compression regions of two separate minimagnetospheres.
Two decades of temporal change of Earth's inner core boundary
Authors: Yao Jiayuan , Sun Li , Wen Lianxing
Published: August 2015

We report two decades of changing behavior of the Earth's inner core boundary (ICB), which provides the simplest explanation for the observed temporal change of the compressional seismic waves that are reflected from the ICB (PKiKP) and refracted in the inner core (PKIKP), from earthquake doublets occurring in South Sandwich Islands between 1993 and 2013. In the early period (before 2003), the ICB is enlarged beneath the western coast of Gabon, Republic of Congo, and southwest Tanzania in the reflected points of the PKiKP observed at seismic stations OBN, AAK, and ARU, while it experiences little change beneath Zimbabwe or/and Kenya, and beneath west Angola or/and north Central African Republic, in the PKIKP entry or/and exit points of AAK and ARU observations, respectively. In the later period (after 1998), the ICB regions beneath the western coast of Gabon, Republic of Congo, and southwest Tanzania either shrink or remain unchanged, and the temporal change migrates to beneath Zimbabwe or/and Kenya, and beneath west Angola or/and north Central African Republic, with a decrease of inner core surface by 5.59 km between 1998 and 2009 beneath Zimbabwe or Kenya and by 1.73 km beneath west Angola or north Central African Republic between 1998 and 2013. These results indicate that ICB temporal change occurs in localized regions and is episodic, rapidly migrating, and alternately enlarged and shrunk.
ASCAT wind quality under high subcell wind variability conditions
Authors: Lin Wenming , Portabella Marcos , Stoffelen Ad , Vogelzang Jur , Verhoef Anton
Published: August 2015

The assessment and validation of the quality of satellite scatterometer vector winds is challenging under increased subcell wind variability conditions, since reference wind sources such as buoy winds or model output represent very different spatial scales from those resolved by scatterometers (i.e., increased representativeness error). In this paper, moored buoy wind time series are used to assess the correlation between subcell wind variability and several Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT)‐derived parameters, such as the wind‐inversion residual, the backscatter measurement variability factor, and the singularity exponents derived from an image processing technique, called singularity analysis. It is proven that all three ASCAT parameters are sensitive to the subcell wind variability and complementary in flagging the most variable winds, which is useful for further application. A triple collocation (TC) analysis of ASCAT, buoy, and the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) model output is then performed to assess the quality of each wind data source under different variability conditions. A novel approach is used to compute the representativeness errors, a key ingredient for the TC analysis. The experimental results show that the estimated errors of each wind source increase as the subcell wind variability increases. When temporally averaged buoy winds are used instead of 10 min buoy winds, the TC analysis results in smaller buoy wind errors (notably at increased wind variability conditions) while ASCAT and ECMWF errors do not significantly change, further validating the proposed TC approach. It is concluded that at 25 km resolution, ASCAT provides the best quality winds in general.
Indian monsoon and the elevated‐heat‐pump mechanism in a coupled aerosol‐climate model
Authors: D'Errico Miriam , Cagnazzo Chiara , Fogli Pier Giuseppe , Lau William K. M. , von Hardenberg Jost , Fierli Federico , Cherchi Annalisa
Published: August 2015

A coupled aerosol‐atmosphere‐ocean‐sea ice climate model is used to explore the interaction between aerosols and the Indian summer monsoon precipitation on seasonal‐to‐interannual time scales. Results show that when increased aerosol loading is found on the Himalayas slopes in the premonsoon period (April–May), intensification of early monsoon rainfall over India and increased low‐level westerly flow follow, in agreement with the elevated‐heat‐pump mechanism. The increase in rainfall during the early monsoon season has a cooling effect on the land surface. In the same period, enhanced surface cooling may also be amplified through solar dimming by more cloudiness and aerosol loading, via increased dust transported by low‐level westerly flow. The surface cooling causes subsequent reduction in monsoon rainfall in July–August over India. The time‐lagged nature of the reasonably realistic response of the model to aerosol forcing suggests that absorbing aerosols, besides their potential key roles in impacting monsoon water cycle and climate, may influence the seasonal variability of the Indian summer monsoon.
Evaluation of the Tenax trap in the Sample Analysis at Mars instrument suite on the Curiosity rover as a potential hydrocarbon source for chlorinated organics detected in Gale Crater
Authors: Miller Kristen E. , Kotrc Benjamin , Summons Roger E. , Belmahdi Imene , Buch Arnaud , Eigenbrode Jennifer L. , Freissinet Caroline , Glavin Daniel P. , Szopa Cyril
Published: August 2015

The Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite aboard Curiosity has detected chlorinated organic compounds in Martian sediment samples. The chlorine in these molecules is thought to derive from oxychlorine salts in Martian sediments, but the carbon source remains under investigation. To constrain possible carbon sources, we investigated how the composition and concentration of oxychlorine phases in solid samples affect organic molecules released from the Tenax traps on board SAM. We created Mars analogue soils by spiking olivine sand with calcium perchlorate, magnesium perchlorate, or ferric iron chloride and analyzed the volatiles generated during pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry using commercial instruments operated under SAM‐like conditions, with and without a Tenax trap. Benzoic acid, phthalic anhydride, high molecular weight aromatics, and chlorobenzenes are produced from the trap in response to volatiles released during Cl salt pyrolysis. Changes in composition or concentration of oxychlorine phases between samples could thus potentially produce an increase in chlorobenzene, as observed between samples from Rocknest and Cumberland. However, in our experiments benzoic acid, phthalic anhydride, and chlorobenzenes increase in proportion with the amount of HCl sent to the trap, while in Cumberland samples the chlorobenzene increase showed no corresponding increase in HCl. Based on our experiments, the Tenax trap is a possible source of the traces of chlorobenzene observed at Rocknest, John Klein, and Confidence Hills. The order‐of‐magnitude higher chlorobenzene abundances observed at Cumberland cannot be attributed to the Tenax trap. Furthermore, we found no evidence of significant trap degradation after hundreds of experiments with Cl salt‐containing analogue soils.
Revisiting the role of CH4 emissions from alpine wetlands on the Tibetan Plateau: Evidence from two in situ measurements at 4758 and 4320 m above sea level
Authors: Wei Da , Xu‐Ri  , Tarchen Tenzin , Dai Dongxue , Wang Yuesi , Wang Yinghong
Published: August 2015

The alpine wetlands on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) constitute 30% of China's wetlands, and previous studies have considered these wetlands to be important sources of CH4, based on several swamp measurements from the eastern edges of the plateau. However, the alpine wetlands consist of both swamps (9.5%) and swamp meadows (79.8%). In this study, the CH4 fluxes of a swamp meadow and a swamp were determined. The results showed that the swamp meadow emitted much less CH4 (130.8 ± 123.9 µg m−2 h−1) than the swamp (2795.2 ± 796.4 µg m−2 h−1). The CH4 fluxes within the swamp meadow showed distinct microscale spatial heterogeneity: the hollow terrain released CH4, while the hummocks absorbed CH4; this pattern was explained well by soil moisture. The CH4 emissions in the swamp meadow were highly sensitive to soil temperature variation (Q10 = 3.62), while they were more sensitive to soil moisture in the swamp. By summarizing existing measurements, and considering the differences in CH4 emissions from swamp meadows and swamps, the emissions of CH4 from alpine wetlands across the TP were recalculated to range from 0.215 to 0.412 Tg CH4 a−1, lower than previous studies. By comparison, the CH4 uptake by nonwetland ecosystems ranges from −0.68 to −0.53 Tg CH4 a−1. Therefore, this study conveys a notion that the alpine wetlands on the TP may not be significant CH4 sources. However, further studies are needed to reduce the uncertainty regarding CH4 emissions.
The variable nature of convection in the tropics and subtropics: A legacy of 16 years of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite
Authors: Houze Robert A. , Rasmussen Kristen L. , Zuluaga Manuel D. , Brodzik Stella R.
Published: August 2015

For over 16 years, the Precipitation Radar of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite detected the three‐dimensional structure of significantly precipitating clouds in the tropics and subtropics. This paper reviews and synthesizes studies using the TRMM radar data to present a global picture of the variation of convection throughout low latitudes. The multiyear data set shows convection varying not only in amount but also in its very nature across the oceans, continents, islands, and mountain ranges of the tropics and subtropics. Shallow isolated raining clouds are overwhelmingly an oceanic phenomenon. Extremely deep and intense convective elements occur almost exclusively over land. Upscale growth of convection into mesoscale systems takes a variety of forms. Oceanic cloud systems generally have less intense embedded convection but can form very wide stratiform regions. Continental mesoscale systems often have more intense embedded convection. Some of the most intense convective cells and mesoscale systems occur near the great mountain ranges of low latitudes. The Maritime Continent and Amazonia exhibit convective clouds with maritime characteristics although they are partially or wholly land. Convective systems containing broad stratiform areas manifest most strongly over oceans. The stratiform precipitation occurs in various forms. Often it occurs as quasi‐uniform precipitation with strong melting layers connected with intense convection. In monsoons and the Intertropical Convergence Zone, it takes the form of closely packed weak convective elements. Where fronts extend into the subtropics, broad stratiform regions are larger and have lower and sloping melting layers related to the baroclinic origin of the precipitation.
SAMI3/SD‐WACCM‐X simulations of ionospheric variability during northern winter 2009
Authors: McDonald S. E. , Sassi F. , Mannucci A. J.
Published: August 2015

We have performed simulations using the Naval Research Laboratory's physics‐based model of the ionosphere, Sami3 is A Model of the Ionosphere (SAMI3), to illustrate how neutral wind dynamics is responsible for day‐to‐day variability of the ionosphere. We have used neutral winds specified from the extended version of the specified dynamics Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (SD‐WACCM‐X), in which meteorology below 92 km is constrained by atmospheric specifications from an operational weather forecast model and reanalysis. To assess the realism of the simulations against observations, we have carried out a case study during January–February 2009, a dynamically disturbed time characterized by a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) commencing 24 January 2009. Model results are compared with total electron content (TEC) from Jet Propulsion Laboratory global ionospheric maps. We show that SAMI3/SD‐WACCM‐X captures longitudinal variability in the equatorial ionization anomaly associated with nonmigrating tides, with strongest contributions coming from the diurnal eastward wave number 2 (DE2) and DE3. Both migrating and nonmigrating tides contribute to significant day‐to‐day variability, with TEC varying up to 16%. Our simulation during the SSW period reveals that at the Jicamarca longitude (285°E) on 27 January 2009 nonmigrating tides contribute to an enhancement of the electron density in the morning followed by a decrease in the afternoon. An enhancement of the semidiurnal eastward wave number 2 (SE2) and SE3 nonmigrating tides, likely associated with the appearance of the SSW, suggests that these tides increase the longitudinal variability of the SSW impact on the ionosphere. The conclusion is that realistic meteorology propagating upward from the lower atmosphere influences the dynamo region and reproduces aspects of the observed variability in the ionosphere.
m‐Indolocarbazole Derivative as a Universal Host Material for RGB and White Phosphorescent OLEDs
Authors: Lai Cheng‐Chang , Huang Min‐Jie , Chou Ho‐Hsiu , Liao Chuang‐Yi , Rajamalli Pachaiyappan , Cheng Chien‐Hong
Published: August 2015

The host materials designed for highly efficient white phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (PhOLEDs) with power efficiency (PE) >50 lm W‐1 and low efficiency roll‐off are very rare. In this work, three new indolocarbazole‐based materials (ICDP, 4ICPPy, and 4ICDPy) are presented composed of 6,7‐dimethylindolo[3,2‐a]carbazole and phenyl or 4‐pyridyl group for hosting blue, green, and red phosphors. Among this three host materials, 4ICDPy‐based devices reveal the best electroluminescent performance with maximum external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) of 22.1%, 27.0%, and 25.3% for blue (FIrpic), green (fac‐Ir(ppy)3), and red ((piq)2Ir(acac)) PhOLEDs. A two‐color and single‐emitting‐layer white organic light‐emitting diode hosted by 4ICDPy with FIrpic and Ir(pq)3 as dopants achieves high EQE of 20.3% and PE of 50.9 lm W−1 with good color stability; this performance is among the best for a single‐emitting‐layer white PhOLEDs. All 4ICDPy‐based devices show low efficiency roll‐off probably due to the excellent balanced carrier transport arisen from the bipolar character of 4ICDPy.
Lumped reaction kinetic models for pyrolysis of heavy oil in the presence of supercritical water
Authors: Liu Qing‐Kun , Zhu Dao‐Qi , Tan Xue‐Cai , Yuan Pei‐Qing , Cheng Zhen‐Min , Yuan Wei‐Kang , Yang Jing‐Yi
Published: August 2015

The reaction kinetics of the pyrolysis of heavy oil in the presence of supercritical water (SCW) and high pressure N2 were measured. At any reaction temperature applied, the pyrolysis under SCW environments is faster than that under N2 environments. Meanwhile, at lower temperatures the pyrolysis under both environments is accelerated by the introduction of coke into the feedstock. On the basis of a first‐order four‐lump reaction network consisting of the sequential condensation of maltenes and asphaltenes, the pyrolysis in whichever medium can be preferably described either by the lumped reaction kinetic model modified with autocatalysis and pseudoequilibrium or by the model modified solely with pseudoequilibrium. Benefited from the reduced limitation of diffusion to reaction kinetics, the pyrolysis in the SCW phase is more sensitive to the increase in reaction temperature than that in the oil phase, disengaging readily from the dependence on autocatalysis at a lower temperature. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 207–216, 2016
Mosaic partial deletion of PTPN12 in a child with interrupted aortic arch type A
Authors: Duffy Elizabeth A. , Pretorius Pamela R. , Lerach Stephanie , Lohr Jamie L. , Hirsch Betsy , Souza Cleiton M. , Veillette André , Schimmenti Lisa A.
Published: August 2015

Congenital heart malformations, including those of the great vessels, are among the most common human birth defects. The goal of this study was to identify the significance of a de novo mosaic PTPN12 partial deletion identified in a newborn with an interrupted aortic arch type A, ventricular septal defect, and pyloric stenosis. PTPN12, a downstream target of the RAS pathway, has a known role in endothelial cell adhesion and migration. Neither genetic nor genomic variants in PTPN12 have been described in a human patient; therefore, we evaluated the effect of ptpn12 in a mouse conditional knockout and zebrafish knockdown model to determine the significance of a loss in gene expression. Observed loss of ptpn12 expression in zebrafish resulted in abnormal branchial arch and tail vasculature patterns, with reduced blood flow throughout the animal. This phenotype was supported by anomalous vasculature in a conditional Ptpn12 mouse knockout. Given the novel co‐occurrence of interrupted aortic arch type A, ventricular septal defect, and partial deletion of PTPN12 in the patient, as well as vascular phenotypes in Ptpn12 mouse and ptpn12 zebrafish models, it is likely that PTPN12 has a significant role in cardiovascular development and vessel formation during human embryonic development. Furthermore, the partial deletion of PTPN12 lead to interrupted aortic arch type A in this child and may represent a novel condition caused by a null mutation in the RAS pathway. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A review of 18p deletions
Authors: Hasi‐Zogaj Minire , Sebold Courtney , Heard Patricia , Carter Erika , Soileau Bridgette , Hill Annice , Rupert David , Perry Brian , Atkinson Sidney , O'Donnell Louise , Gelfond Jon , Lancaster Jack , Fox Peter T. , Hale Daniel E. , Cody Jannine D.
Published: August 2015

Since 18p‐ was first described in 1963, much progress has been made in our understanding of this classic deletion condition. We have been able to establish a fairly complete picture of the phenotype when the deletion breakpoint occurs at the centromere, and we are working to establish the phenotypic effects when each gene on 18p is hemizygous. Our aim is to provide genotype‐specific anticipatory guidance and recommendations to families with an 18p‐ diagnosis. In addition, establishing the molecular underpinnings of the condition will potentially suggest targets for molecular treatments. Thus, the next step is to establish the precise effects of specific gene deletions. As we look forward to deepening our understanding of 18p‐, our focus will continue to be on the establishment of robust genotype–phenotype correlations and the penetrance of these phenotypes. We will continue to follow our 18p‐ cohort closely as they age to determine the presence or absence of some of these diagnoses, including spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), and dystonia. We will also continue to refine the critical regions for other phenotypes as we enroll additional (hopefully informative) participants into the research study and as the mechanisms of the genes in these regions are elucidated. Mouse models will also be developed to further our understanding of the effects of hemizygosity as well as to serve as models for treatment development. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term changes in quality of life after endoscopic resection of sinonasal and skull‐base tumors
Authors: Derousseau Taylor , Manjunath Lakshman , Harrow Brian , Zhang Song , Batra Pete S.
Published: August 2015

Background

Minimally invasive endoscopic resection (MIER) has emerged as the new standard for surgical treatment of sinonasal and skull‐base tumors. The objective of the present study was to evaluate quality of life (QOL) 2 years after MIER.

Methods

Prospective 20‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐20) data was accrued on 104 patients over 4 years. The study cohort included 72 patients with sinonasal malignancy, while 32 patients with inverted papilloma (IP) served as controls.

Results

The overall and rhinologic subdomain SNOT‐20 scores for cancer patients did not statistically improve at 2 years (p = 0.12). They had statistically significant improvement in the psychological subdomain scores at 1 year (p = 0.03) and 2 years (p = 0.03). Similarly, the sleep subdomain scores improved at 1 year (p = 0.04) and 2 years (p = 0.03). In contrast, IP patients had statistically significant improvement in overall SNOT‐20 (p = 0.01), rhinologic (p = 0.01), and sleep (p = 0.05) subdomain scores at 6 months, which remained stable at 2 years. Analysis of various factors demonstrated that history of prior smoking adversely affected QOL scores in cancer patients, with higher total SNOT‐20 scores than nonsmokers (p = 0.01). Smokers also had higher psychological (p = 0.04), sleep (p = 0.01), and ear/facial (p = 0.001) domain scores than nonsmokers at 2 years.

Conclusion

The long‐term effects of MIER for sinus cancer showed improved psychological and sleep scores at both 1 year and 2 years. Unfortunately, rhinologic QOL did not statistically improve at any of the measured time points. History of smoking was noted to be the most important predictor of QOL 2 years after MIER for sinonasal malignancy.