bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Investigation of Pulse Wave Propagation in Arteries Using Fluid Structure Interaction Capabilities
Authors: Elkenani Hisham , Al-Bahkali Essam , Souli Mhamed
Published: September 2017

The aim of this study is to present a reliable computational scheme to serve in pulse wave velocity (PWV) assessment in large arteries. Clinicians considered it as an indication of human blood vessels’ stiffness. The simulation of PWV was conducted using a 3D elastic tube representing an artery. The constitutive material model specific for vascular applications was applied to the tube material. The fluid was defined with an equation of state representing the blood material. The onset of a velocity pulse was applied at the tube inlet to produce wave propagation. The Coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) modeling technique with fluid structure interaction (FSI) was implemented. The scaling of sound speed and its effect on results and computing time is discussed and concluded that a value of 60 m/s was suitable for simulating vascular biomechanical problems. Two methods were used: foot-to-foot measurement of velocity waveforms and slope of the regression line of the wall radial deflection wave peaks throughout a contour plot. Both methods showed coincident results. Results were approximately 6% less than those calculated from the Moens-Korteweg equation. The proposed method was able to describe the increase in the stiffness of the walls of large human arteries via the PWV estimates.
Aerodynamic Optimization Design of a Multistage Centrifugal Steam Turbine and Its Off-Design Performance Analysis
Authors: Li Hui , Huang Dian-Gui
Published: September 2017

Centrifugal turbine which has less land occupation, simple structure, and high aerodynamic efficiency is suitable to be used as small to medium size steam turbines or waste heat recovery plant. In this paper, one-dimensional design of a multistage centrifugal steam turbine was performed by using in-house one-dimensional aerodynamic design program. In addition, three-dimensional numerical simulation was also performed in order to analyze design and off-design aerodynamic performance of the proposed centrifugal steam turbine. The results exhibit reasonable flow field and smooth streamline; the aerodynamic performance of the designed turbine meets our initial expectations. These results indicate that the one-dimensional aerodynamic design program is reliable and effective. The off-design aerodynamic performance of centrifugal steam turbine was analyzed, and the results show that the mass flow increases with the decrease of the pressure ratio at a constant speed, until the critical mass flow is reached. The efficiency curve with the pressure ratio has an optimum efficiency point. And the pressure ratio of the optimum efficiency agrees well with that of the one-dimensional design. The shaft power decreases as the pressure ratio increases at a constant speed. Overall, the centrifugal turbine has a wide range and good off-design aerodynamic performance.
Colorectal Malignancy in a Prospective Irish Inflammatory Bowel Disease Population 15 Years Since Diagnosis: Comparison with the EC-IBD Cohort
Authors: Shuhaibar Mary , O’Morain Colm
Published: September 2017

Background and Aim. As part of the EC-IBD prospective inception cohort study, we had unique opportunity to follow up our patients since diagnosis in the early 1990s. Patients and Methods. All patients from the greater Dublin area (n=192) were followed up from inception between 1991 and 1993 until the 30 September 2009. Patients who developed malignancies were logged electronically with verification of the site and histology. Results. Of the initial 192 patients, 133 were included in the 15-year follow-up. Of those, 80 (60.2%) had UC and 53 (39.8%) had CD. There were 82 (61.7%) males and 51 (38.3%) females. Six patients had extraintestinal malignancy; however, there was no CRC related to IBD noted in our cohort. Four of the 6 identified cases had UC (64%) with a mean age of 54.25 years at the time of cancer diagnosis, whereas the two CD patients had a mean age of 51.5 years at the time of cancer diagnosis. Conclusion. CRC was not observed in our cohort. The six extraintestinal malignancies did not show significant relation to IBD. The high total colectomy rate (in the prebiological therapy era) may have contributed to low malignancy rate.
How to Share Secret Efficiently over Networks
Authors: Harn Lein , Hsu Ching-Fang , Xia Zhe , Zhou Junwei
Published: September 2017

In a secret-sharing scheme, the secret is shared among a set of shareholders, and it can be reconstructed if a quorum of these shareholders work together by releasing their secret shares. However, in many applications, it is undesirable for nonshareholders to learn the secret. In these cases, pairwise secure channels are needed among shareholders to exchange the shares. In other words, a shared key needs to be established between every pair of shareholders. But employing an additional key establishment protocol may make the secret-sharing schemes significantly more complicated. To solve this problem, we introduce a new type of secret-sharing, calledprotected secret-sharing(PSS), in which the shares possessed by shareholders not only can be used to reconstruct the original secret but also can be used to establish the shared keys between every pair of shareholders. Therefore, in the secret reconstruction phase, the recovered secret is only available to shareholders but not to nonshareholders. In this paper, an information theoretically secure PSS scheme is proposed, its security properties are analyzed, and its computational complexity is evaluated. Moreover, our proposed PSS scheme also can be applied to threshold cryptosystems to prevent nonshareholders from learning the output of the protocols.
A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of the Effect of Lifestyle Modification on Metabolic Control in Overweight Children
Authors: Lien Angela Shin-Yu , Tsai Jia-Ling , Lee Jian-Tao , Wu Mei-Yao , Jiang Yi-Der , Yen Hung-Rong
Published: September 2017

Childhood obesity is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We aimed to determine the effects of lifestyle modification programs on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels in overweight children. We queried six relevant electronic databases and manually searched for studies published before December 2016. Overweight/obese children who underwent a lifestyle modification for more than 6 months were included. A total of 3923 children from eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Compared with the control group, the lifestyle modification group had significantly lower FPG levels by 1.3 mg/dL. The mean differences were significantly decreased for both secondary outcomes; BMI z‐score decreased by 0.16 units and insulin levels decreased by 2.4 mU/L. The metaregression showed that the follow‐up duration was associated with FPG levels and BMI and insulin levels and half year is a suitable follow‐up duration for this population. This study showed that lifestyle modification programs may be effective in reducing the FPG levels of overweight/obese children. Further high‐quality RCTs with longer follow‐up periods are needed to evaluate the long‐term effect of this complementary approach for diabetes mellitus prevention on overweight/obese children.
Unilateral Atraumatic Expulsion of an Ectopic Pregnancy in a Case of Bilateral Ectopic Pregnancy
Authors: Sampson Victoria , Mogekwu Oluremi , Ahmed Ammar , Bano Farida
Published: September 2017

Ectopic pregnancy occurs in 1-2% of pregnancies. The fallopian tube is the most common site; however, bilateral tubal ectopic pregnancy is an extremely rare phenomenon, seen in approximately 1/200,000 pregnancies. It is usually the result of assisted reproductive techniques (ART). Ultrasound (USS) and serial beta-hCG levels have shown poor efficacy for accurate diagnosis. Laparoscopy is the diagnostic gold standard. The majority of cases are managed surgically with bilateral salpingectomy. A 26-year-old female presented to our early pregnancy unit with pain and vaginal bleeding at 5-week gestation after IVF. USS was inconclusive and her b-hCG levels rose with worsening pain; therefore, a decision was made for diagnostic laparoscopy. Although there was a clear right sided ectopic pregnancy, the left tube was swollen and therefore a methylene blue dye test was carried out to confirm blockage. Atraumatic milking, to expose the dye, expelled necrotic tissue which histology confirmed to be a second ectopic pregnancy. She made a good recovery with falling beta-hCG levels and left tubal preservation. As the use of ART increases, bilateral ectopic pregnancies will become more common. Novel and established techniques should be used to help confirm the diagnosis and assist in tubal preservation.
Changes in Proteinuria on the Risk of All-Cause Mortality in People with Diabetes or Prediabetes: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Sun Yang , Wang Anxin , Liu Xiaoxue , Su Zhaoping , Li Junjuan , Luo Yanxia , Chen Shuohua , Wang Jianli , Li Xia , Zhao Zhan , Zhu Huiping , Wu Shouling , Guo Xiuhua
Published: September 2017

Background. Proteinuria has been related to all-cause mortality, showing regression or progression. However, few studies have focused on the relationship between proteinuria changes and all-cause mortality. The main purpose of this paper is to examine the associations between proteinuria changes and all-cause mortality in people with diabetes or prediabetes. Methods. Dipstick proteinuria at baseline and a 2-year follow-up were determined in the participants attending the Kailuan prospective cohort study. Participants were then divided into three categories: elevated proteinuria, stable proteinuria, and reduced proteinuria. Four Cox proportional hazard models were built to access the relations of proteinuria changes to all-cause mortality, adjusting for other confounding covariates. Results. A total of 17,878 participants were finally included in this study. There were 1193 deaths after a median follow-up of 6.69 years. After adjusting for major covariates and proteinuria at baseline, mortality risk was significantly associated with elevated proteinuria (hazard ratio (HR): 1.54, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.33–1.79) and reduced proteinuria (HR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.55–0.89), compared to those with stable proteinuria. Conclusion. Proteinuria changes were independently associated with mortality risk in either diabetic or prediabetic population.
Evaluating the Sealing Effectiveness of a Caprock-Fault System for CO2-EOR Storage: A Case Study of the Shengli Oilfield
Authors: Bai Bing , Hu Qifang , Li Zhipeng , Lü Guangzhong , Li Xiaochun
Published: September 2017

An effective sealing system is crucial for CO2-EOR storage, and these sealing systems are typically composed of the caprocks and faults that surround a reservoir. Therefore, the sealing effectiveness of a caprock-fault system must be evaluated at various stages of CO2-EOR storage projects. This paper presents a new evaluation framework that considers specific site characteristics and a case study on the sealing effectiveness of the caprock-fault system in the Shengli Oilfield. The proposed method is a weighted ranking system where a set of 17 indicators has been developed for the assessment and ranking of the G89 block in terms of their sealing ability for CO2 sequestration. Additional indicators are involved in the method, such as the newly proposed parameter, frontier displacement work which reflects the influence of formation pressure, displacement pressure resistance, and caprock thickness. The new approach considers the sealing mechanisms of caprocks and faults as well as the configuration relationships between them. The method was used to evaluate the sealing effectiveness of the G89 block that has a considerable number of faults and good sealing ability of caprock in the Shengli Oilfield.
IFN-α Boosting of Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette Güerin-Vaccine Promoted Th1 Type Cellular Response and Protection against M. tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Rivas-Santiago C. E. , Guerrero G. G.
Published: September 2017

The role of type I IFNs in the pathogenesis and control of mycobacterial infection is still controversial. It has been reported that type I IFNs exacerbated M. tuberculosis infection through hampering Th1 type cellular immune response. However, under certain conditions they can act as natural immune adjuvants for commercial vaccines. At this point, we have reported recently that successive IFN-alpha boosting of Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette Güerin (BCG) vaccinated mice protected adult mice from intradermal M. lepraemurium infection and a difference in iNOS was observed. In the present work, we have found that intramuscular IFN-α boosting of Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette Güerin (BCG) vaccine, either in vitro (human cell line or macrophages derived from PBMC) or in vivo (aerosol mouse model of MTb infection), promoted mostly the development of specific anti-antimycobacterial Th1 type cytokines (IFN-γ; IL-12, TNF-alpha, and IL-17; IL1β) while bacterial load reduction (0.9 logs versus PBS or BCG vaccine) was observed. These findings indicate that, under the experimental settings reported here, interferon alpha can drive or affect the TH cellular immune response in favour of BCG-inducing immunity against M. tuberculosis infection.
Impact of the Microstructure of Polymer Drag Reducer on Slick-Water Fracturing
Authors: Liu Zhi-yu , Zhou Fu-jian , Qu Hong-yan , Yang Zhao , Zou Yu-shi , Wang Dao-bin
Published: September 2017

Many studies have focused on the drag reduction performance of slick-water, but the microdrag reduction mechanism remains unclear since the microstructure of the drag reducer and its effect on this mechanism have not been well studied. In this study, the microstructure of the drag reducer in slick-water was effectively characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The viscoelasticity and drag reduction performance of the drag reducer with different microstructures were then investigated. Further, the effects of the microstructure of the drag reducer on the viscoelasticity and drag reduction performance of slick-water were analyzed. The results demonstrated that the viscoelasticity of slick-water is governed by the microstructure of the drag reducer, which exhibits a network structure. In addition, the drag reduction performance is related to the viscoelasticity. At low flow rates, the drag reduction performance is dominantly influenced by viscosity, whereas, at high flow rates, it is governed mainly by elasticity. Furthermore, the drag reducer with a uniformly distributed network structure exhibits the most stable drag reduction performance. This drag reducer was used in a field test and the obtained results were consistent with those of a laboratory experiment.
Quality Control of Mutton by Using Volatile Compound Fingerprinting Techniques and Chemometric Methods
Authors: Zhan Ping , Tian Honglei , Sun Baoguo , Zhang Yuyu , Chen Haitao
Published: September 2017

A method for chromatographic fingerprinting of flavor was established for the quality control of mutton. Twenty-five mutton samples that were chosen from twelve batches were investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O). Spectral correlative chromatograms combined with GC-O assessment were employed, and 32 common odor-active compounds that characterize mutton flavor fingerprint were obtained. Based on the flavor chromatographic fingerprint data, principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were designed and employed as chromatographic fingerprint methods. Defined categories were perfectly discriminated after PLS-DA was conducted on the fused matrix, demonstrating a 100% accurate classification. Fourteen constituents were further screened with PLS-DA to be the main chemical markers, and they were used to develop similar approaches for the determination of mutton quality and traceability. The flavor fingerprint of mutton established using SPME-GC-MS/O coupled with PLS-DA is appropriate for differentiating and identifying samples, and the procedure would be used in quality control.
Treating High-Caries Risk Occlusal Surfaces in First Permanent Molars through Sealants and Supervised Toothbrushing: A 3-Year Cost-Effective Analysis
Authors: Goldman Ann , Leal Soraya C. , de Amorim Rodrigo G. , Frencken Jo E.
Published: September 2017

We conducted a 3-year cost-effectiveness analysis on the cavitated dentine carious lesion preventive capabilities of composite resin (CR) (reference group) and atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) high-viscosity glass-ionomer cement (HVGIC) sealants compared to supervised toothbrushing (STB) in high-risk first permanent molars. School children aged 6-7 years in 6 schools (2 per group) received CR and ART/HVGIC sealants or STB daily for 180 days each school year. Data were collected prospectively and cost estimates were made for sample data and a projection of 1,000 sealants/STB high-risk permanent molars. Although STB had the best outcome, its high implementation cost (95% of cost for supervisors visiting schools 180 days/school year) affected the results. ART/HVGIC was cost-effective compared to CR for the sample data (savings of USD 37 per cavitated dentine carious lesion prevented), while CR was cost-effective compared to ART/HVGIC for the projection (savings of USD 17 per cavitated dentine carious lesion prevented), and both were cost-saving compared to STB. Two STB scenarios were tested in sensitivity analyses with variations in caries incidence and number of supervision days; results showed STB had lower costs and higher savings per cavitated dentine carious lesion prevented than CR and ART/HVGIC. A major assumption is that both scenarios have the same high effectiveness rate experienced by STB under study conditions; however, they point to the value of further research on the benefits of adopting STB as a long-term venture in a general population of school children.
A Rare Thermophilic Bug in Complicated Diverticular Abscess
Authors: Lin Kyawzaw , Lin Sithu , Lin Aung Naing , Lin Thinzar , Htun Zin Mar , Reddy Madhavi
Published: September 2017

Actinomycosis is a form of painful abscess in the gastrointestinal tract or in deep tissue caused by actinomyces species. They are one of the commensal bacteria in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract of humans but can opportunistically cause infection in immunosuppressive hosts through invasion of breached mucosa or necrotic tissue while mimicking malignancy, gastrointestinal tuberculosis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Actinomyces israelii is, by far, the major and most common human pathogen throughout literatures. By virtue of rarity and diagnostic confusion with masquerading malignancies, only 10% of the cases have been diagnosed preoperatively, so as to be able to verge patients from undergoing unnecessary surgical intervention. Herein, we present a rare case of complicated diverticular abscess manifested by Actinomyces meyeri after postoperative tissue diagnosis.
Recurrent Diabetic Macular Edema: What to Do
Authors: Gonçalves Rita Santos , Teixeira Carla , Coelho Pedro
Published: September 2017

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a leading cause of blindness in the working population. Herein, we report the case of a patient with recurrent DME for about 6 years, uncontrolled by several medical and surgical treatments, that was successfully treated with a single sustained-release fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant in her right eye. The affected eye had presented a visual acuity of 2/10 and a central macular thickness of 488 µm prior to the injection. After treatment with the fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant, the patient’s right eye presented an improvement in best corrected visual acuity to 6/10 and a reduction of central macular thickness to 198 µm. These functional and anatomical results were continuous and sustained during a follow-up period of more than 12 months, and with an acceptable and manageable safety profile. These results show that fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implantation is an effective treatment option in DME and should be considered in the DME treatment pathway.
Hepatectomy for Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma with Right-Sided Ligamentum Teres Using a Hepatectomy Simulation System
Authors: Hai Seikan , Hatano Etsuro , Hirano Tadamichi , Asano Yasukane , Suzumura Kazuhiro , Sueoka Hideaki , Fujimoto Jiro
Published: September 2017

Right-sided ligamentum teres (RSLT) is a rare congenital anomaly often accompanied by variation of the hepatic vasculature. We herein report a surgical case of a hilar cholangiocarcinoma with RSLT in whom preoperative hepatectomy simulation proved useful for understanding the anatomical structure of the liver. A 78-year-old male with obstructive jaundice was referred to our department for further examination. The patient was suspected of having a hilar cholangiocarcinoma originating from the left hepatic bile duct by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), and CT also showed right umbilical portion (RUP). Three-dimensional images of the hepatic vasculature and biliary system reconstructed using a hepatectomy simulation system suggested that all portal branches ramified from RUP were right paramedian branches, and three leftward portal branches from these ran parallel to the peripheral bile ducts confluent with the left hepatic bile duct, where the tumor was present. Hepatic resection of part of the ventral area of the right paramedian sector and left hemiliver was performed along the demarcation line drawn after clamping the portal branches; the ratio of estimated liver resection volume was 28.9%. After the operation, bile leakage occurred. However, the leakage was treated with percutaneous drainage alone, and the patient was discharged 77 days after the operation. The patient is doing well without any signs of recurrence 21 months after the operation. The vascular and biliary anatomy in patients with RSLT is complicated and should be evaluated in detail preoperatively using a hepatectomy simulation system.
Differential Detection of Enterovirus and Herpes Simplex Virus in Cerebrospinal Fluid by Real-Time RT-PCR
Authors: Sarquiz-Martínez Brenda , González-Bonilla César R. , Santacruz-Tinoco Clara Esperanza , Muñoz-Medina José E. , Pardavé-Alejandre Héctor D. , Barbosa-Cabrera Elizabeth , Ramírez-González José Ernesto , Díaz-Quiñonez José Alberto
Published: September 2017

Background: Enterovirus (EV) and herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV1 and HSV2) are the main etiologic agents of central nervous system infections. Early laboratory confirmation of these infections is performed by viral culture of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), or the detection of specific antibodies in serum (e.g., HSV). The sensitivity of viral culture ranges from 65 to 75%, with a recovery time varying from 3 to 10 days. Serological tests are faster and easy to carry out, but they exhibit cross-reactivity between HSV1 and HSV2. Although molecular techniques are more sensitive (sensitivity >95%), they are more expensive and highly susceptible to cross-contamination. Methods: A real-time RT-PCR for the detection of EV, HSV1, and HSV2 was compared with end-point nested PCR. Results: We tested 87 CSF samples of patients with a clinical diagnosis of viral meningitis or encephalitis. Fourteen samples were found to be positive by RT-PCR, but only 8 were positive by end-point PCR. The RT-PCR showed a specificity range of 94-100%, the negative predictive value was 100%, and the positive predictive value was 62, 100, and 28% for HSV1, HSV2, and EV, respectively. Conclusion: Real-time RT-PCR detected EV, HSV1, and HSV2 with a higher sensitivity and specificity than end-point nested RT-PCR.
(-)-Hydroxycitric Acid Reduced Lipid Droplets Accumulation Via Decreasing Acetyl-Coa Supply and Accelerating Energy Metabolism in Cultured Primary Chicken Hepatocytes
Authors: Li Longlong , Peng Mengling , Ge Chongyang , Yu Lei , Ma Haitian
Published: September 2017

Background/Aims: (-)-Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) had been shown to suppress fat accumulation in animals and humans, while the underlying biochemical mechanism is not fully understood, especially little information is available on whether (-)-HCA regulates energy metabolism and consequently affects fat deposition. Methods: Hepatocytes were cultured for 24 h and then exposed to (-)-HCA (0, 1, 10, 50 µM), enzyme protein content was determined by ELISA; lipid metabolism gene mRNA levels were detected by RT-PCR. Results: (-)-HCA significantly decreased the number and total area of lipid droplets. ATP-citrate lyase, fatty acid synthase and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c mRNA level were significantly decreased after (-)-HCA treatment, whereas peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α mRNA level was significantly increased. (-)-HCA significantly decreased ATP-citrate lyase activity and acetyl-CoA content in cytosol, but significantly increased glucose consumption and mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate. (-)-HCA promoted the activity/content of glucokinase, phosphofructokinase-1, pyruvate kinase, pyruvate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, aconitase, succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, NADH dehydrogenase and ATP synthase remarkably. Conclusions: (-)-HCA decreased lipid droplets accumulation by reducing acetyl-CoA supply, which mainly achieved via inhibition of ATP-citrate lyase, and accelerating energy metabolism in chicken hepatocytes. These results proposed a biochemical mechanism of fat reduction by (-)-HCA in broiler chickens in term of energy metabolism.
Protective Effects of Adiponectin Against Diabetic Renal Injury in a Mouse Model of Diabetes
Authors: Hu Jiacai , Dong Junjun , Yang Zhijie , Wu Hao , Yang Na
Published: September 2017

Background/Aims: Adiponectin (Apn) has shown anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory potential. In the study, we studied and tested the protective effects of Apn against diabetic renal injury and the possible mechanism of these effects. Methods: After 1 week of adaptive feeding, 30 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: the control group, the model group, the Apn (L) group, the Apn (M) group and the Apn (H) group. All mice were marked and weighed. Following 4 weeks of a pro-diabetic high-fat diet, the model group and Apn groups were injected intraperitoneally with a high dose of STZ (85 mg/kg), while the normal control group was injected with sodium citrate. Fasting blood glucose was measured daily, starting 3 days after STZ injection. After confirming the success of the diabetic model by measuring blood glucose of more than 16.7 nM for 3 successive days, we observed the animal models for an additional 4 weeks. After body weights were measured, urinary albumin, urinary protein, SOD activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by ELISA, BCA and biochemical assay respectively . Moreover, plasma insulin was assayed by radioimmunoassay, insulin expression in pancreatic β cells was assayed by immunohistochemistry and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and corresponding PKC and PKA signaling in the kidney cortex were also assayed by Western blot and Real-time PCR. Results: The results showed that Apn can significantly reduce MDA and enhance SOD activity. Moreover, Apn promoted the synthesis and secretion of insulin by islet β-cells and reduced RAGE accumulation in the kidney, which was associated with down-regulated PKC expression and upregulated PKA expression. Conclusion: Apn has protective effects against hyperglycemia and can effectively enhance antioxidation, promote the secretion of insulin and reduce the accumulation of glycosylated products in T2DM mice; these effects were associated with inhibition of PKC and promotion of PKA signaling.
Building Blocks of Structural Intervention
Authors: Raphael Claire E. , Alkhouli Mohamad , Maor Elad , Panaich Sidakpal S. , Alli Oluseun , Coylewright Megan , Reeder Guy S. , Sandhu Gurpreet , Holmes David R. , Nishimura Rick , Malouf Joseph , Cabalka Allison , Eleid Mackram F. , Rihal Charanjit S.
Published: September 2017

Structural heart disease is a rapidly evolving field, and approaches to procedural training are not standardized. We describe a novel modular approach to procedural training that considers each procedure as a series of building blocks that may be taught and assessed separately. Ten key structural heart disease building blocks can be identified, which, when combined with the cognitive skills of structural intervention and device-specific training, allow appropriate planning and implementation of structural procedures. Structural procedures require careful navigation of the aorta, left atrium, and right heart, including detailed understanding of relational anatomy. Component blocks include large bore vascular access, navigation within the left atrium, occlusion, snaring, and 3-dimensional relational anatomy. These building blocks also provide the foundation for new procedures through innovative use of the skill sets and devices to approach new clinical problems. The addition of device-specific training may be provided via proctoring and industry support. Using this approach, competency in less common procedures may be achieved and maintained. We discuss each building block in detail, approaches specific to the structural heart disease patient, the need for cross-discipline training, and empirical recommendations for training using this approach. We postulate that this new paradigm may be the preferred approach for training and assessment of structural heart disease interventional skills.
Sound, Electronics, and Music: A Radical and Hopeful Experiment in Early Music Education
Authors: Hayes Lauren
Published: September 2017

Discussions of pedagogical approaches to computer music are often rooted within the realm of higher education alone. This article describes Sound, Electronics, and Music, a large-scale project in which tutelage was provided on various topics related to sound and music technology to around 900 schoolchildren in Scotland in 2014 and 2015. Sixteen schools were involved, including two schools for additional support needs. The project engaged several expert musicians and researchers to deliver the different areas of the course. Topics included collective electroacoustic composition, hardware hacking, field recording, and improvisation. A particular emphasis was placed on providing a form of music education that would engender creative practice that was available to all, regardless of musical ability and background. The findings and outcomes of the project suggest that we should not be restricting to the university level the discussion of how to continue to educate future generations in the practices surrounding computer music. We may be failing to engage an age group that is growing readily familiar with the skills and vocabulary surrounding new technologies.
Luther’s Legacy: Rethinking the Theology of Lay Discipleship 500 Years after the Reformation
Authors: Graham Elaine
Published: September 2017

The 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation is significant in many respects, not least in providing an opportunity to revisit Martin Luther’s emphasis on the role of the laity. Yet his legacy of a positive and theologically robust understanding of vocation as located in the everyday world as well as the religious life has only sporadically informed the church’s understanding of lay ministry, and has frequently been frustrated by clericalism and institutional inertia. By revisiting some modern theologies of the laity from the mid-twentieth century, and in dialogue with a recent Church of England report, this article will suggest some ways in which understandings of lay ministry and discipleship might be renewed. A focus on a learning church, education for discernment and a worldly, missional ecclesiology will help to direct the church to a vision of an empowered, confident and theologically literate laity.
Writing/Reading the Bible in Postcolonial Perspective
Authors: Davidson Steed Vernyl
Published: September 2017

Examining the legacies of European imperialism, this essay traces how the Bible reflects strong affinities with empire and provides ongoing justifications for empire and concentrations of power, including the evolution of the Bible from its production in empires of antiquity and the Bible’s supportive role in the development of modern imperialism. The essay also engages the ambiguities of the Bible as anti-imperial tool. Set within an examination of postcolonial studies as a revolutionary and revisionary discourse, this essay presses for a more vigorous postcolonializing of the Bible in biblical studies. A description of the contemporary features and manifestation of empire forms the context within which further exploration of postcolonial biblical critical work can take place. Following an assessment of previous work in the field, the challenges of intersectional work with queer studies, terrorism studies, technology, and ecological studies are laid out as future tasks.
Alloionema californicum Nermuť, Půža, Mráček & Lewis, 2016 is a junior synonym of Alloionema similis Holovachov, Boström, Tandingan De Ley, Mc Donnell, Alvarado, Paine & De Ley, 2016 (Nematoda: Alloionematidae)
Authors: NERMUŤ JIŘÍ , HOLOVACHOV OLEKSANDR , LEY IRMA TANDINGAN DE , PŮŽA VLADIMÍR
Published: September 2017

The genus Alloionema (Rhabditida: Alloionematidae) currently includes three nominal species—the type species, Alloionema appendiculatum, and two recently described species: A. similis and A. californicum. Comparison of morphological, molecular and ecological characters demonstrates that A. similis and A. californicum belong to the same species, providing support for their synonymization, as proposed in this publication.
A new species of tick (Acari: Ixodidae) from seabirds in New Zealand and Australia, previously misidentified as Ixodes eudyptidis
Authors: HEATH ALLEN C.G. , PALMA RICARDO L.
Published: September 2017

The tick Ixodes eudyptidis Maskell, 1885 has long been recognised as a parasite of penguins and a number of other seabird hosts and, despite a convoluted taxonomic history, there has been no disagreement as to its validity. The opportunity to examine a larger series of ticks from a wider range of hosts than previously available has led to the finding of a morphologically close and hitherto undescribed species, which is herewith described and named as Ixodes laridis sp.nov. The new species has a superficial similarity to its sibling, I. eudyptidis, but on close examination it displays a number of morphological differences that justify its taxonomic separation. Also, the hosts of the new species are principally gulls, gannets and cormorants, while I. eudyptidis is restricted to penguins. The recognition of this new species has implications for faunal lists in both New Zealand and Australia, as well for seabird health, as it appears that I. eudyptidis does not cause paresis as originally thought, but it is I. laridis that causes potentially fatal paralysis in its hosts.        A taxonomic history and review of I. eudyptidis and keys to all stages of the species of Ixodes recorded from New Zealand, and from Australian seabirds are given. Reference to Ixodes kohlsi Arthur, 1955, a species currently restricted to Australia, is made for comparative purposes because of the similarity of both its morphology and host associations with the other species under consideration. Aspects of the distribution, zoogeography, hosts and ecology of all three species of ticks are discussed.
A Unified Formulation of Radiative Transfer in Plane-Parallel Atmospheres Based on General Decomposition of Radiance. Part I: The Theory
Authors: Wang Biao
Published: September 2017

A unified formulation of the general decomposition of radiance and the radiative transfer equation (RTE) of plane-parallel atmospheres and the general solutions of the generally decomposed RTE system (GD-RTES) are presented. It is shown that the eigenvalues of the coefficient matrix of the GD-RTES are real and the eigenvectors are independent of each other when the single-scattering albedo is less than unity; the general solution of the GD-RTES for a homogeneous layer can then be expressed in combinations of the exponential functions of the optical depth. The solution for nonhomogeneous atmosphere–surface systems can be obtained through either the matrix operator method or the linear system method. An outline of the general procedure is given, and a detailed example will be provided in Part II of this work. The formulation can serve as a meta-algorithm from which the prototypes of new algorithms can be developed and tested. Some of the conventional methods such as the discrete ordinate method and the spherical harmonic method can be considered as instances of the unified formulation. With the unified formulation, some interesting topics about the RTE and its solution can be discussed more generally, such as those about correction for energy conservation, treatment of boundary conditions, and transformation for numerical stability; some of the methods that have already proved useful to these issues in the well-established algorithms can be generalized to be available to the other methods that can be derived from the unified formulation.
The Effect of Ice Nuclei Efficiency on Arctic Mixed-Phase Clouds from Large-Eddy Simulations
Authors: Fu Shizuo , Xue Huiwen
Published: September 2017

The effects of ice nuclei (IN) efficiency on the persistent ice formation in Arctic mixed-phase clouds (AMCs) are investigated using a large-eddy simulation model, coupled to a bin microphysics scheme with a prognostic IN formulation. In the three cases where the IN efficiency is high, ice formation and IN depletion are fast. When the IN concentration is 1 and 10 g−1, IN are completely depleted and the cloud becomes purely liquid phase before the end of the 24-h simulation. When the IN concentration is 100 g−1, the IN supply is sufficient but the liquid water is completely consumed so that the cloud dissipates quickly. In the three cases when the IN efficiency is low, ice formation is negligible in the first several hours but becomes significant as the temperature is decreased through longwave cooling. Before the end of the simulation, the cloud is in mixed phase when the IN concentration is 1 and 10 g−1 but dissipates when the IN concentration is 100 g−1. In the case where two types of IN are considered, ice formation persists throughout the simulation. Analysis shows that as the more efficient IN are continuously removed through ice formation, the less efficient IN gradually nucleate more ice crystals because the longwave cooling decreases the cloud temperature. This mechanism is further illustrated with a simple model. These results indicate that a spectrum of IN efficiency is necessary to maintain the persistent ice formation in AMCs.
A Robust Null Hypothesis for the Potential Causes of Megadrought in Western North America
Authors: Ault Toby R. , St. George Scott , Smerdon Jason E. , Coats Sloan , Mankin Justin S. , Carrillo Carlos M. , Cook Benjamin I. , Stevenson Samantha
Published: September 2017

The western United States was affected by several megadroughts during the last 1200 years, most prominently during the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA; 800 to 1300 CE). A null hypothesis is developed to test the possibility that, given a sufficiently long period of time, these events are inevitable and occur purely as a consequence of internal climate variability. The null distribution of this hypothesis is populated by a linear inverse model (LIM) constructed from global sea surface temperature anomalies and self-calibrated Palmer drought severity index data for North America. Despite being trained only on seasonal data from the late twentieth century, the LIM produces megadroughts that are comparable in their duration, spatial scale, and magnitude to the most severe events of the last 12 centuries. The null hypothesis therefore cannot be rejected with much confidence when considering these features of megadrought, meaning that similar events are possible today, even without any changes to boundary conditions. In contrast, the observed clustering of megadroughts in the MCA, as well as the change in mean hydroclimate between the MCA and the 1500–2000 period, are more likely to have been caused by either external forcing or by internal climate variability not well sampled during the latter half of the twentieth century. Finally, the results demonstrate that the LIM is a viable tool for determining whether paleoclimate reconstructions events should be ascribed to external forcings or to “out of sample” climate mechanisms, or if they are consistent with the variability observed during the recent period.
Revisiting the Leading Drivers of Pacific Coastal Drought Variability in the Contiguous United States
Authors: Cook Benjamin I. , Williams A. Park , Mankin Justin S. , Seager Richard , Smerdon Jason E. , Singh Deepti
Published: September 2017

Coastal droughts that simultaneously affect California, Oregon, and Washington are rare, but they have extensive and severe impacts (e.g., wildfire and agriculture). To better understand these events, historical observations are used to investigate 1) drought variability along the Pacific coast of the contiguous United States and 2) years when extreme drought affects the entire coast. The leading pattern of cold-season (October–March) precipitation variability along the Pacific coast favors spatially coherent moisture anomalies, accounting for >40% of the underlying variance, and is forced primarily by internal atmospheric dynamics. This contrasts with a much weaker dipole mode (~20% of precipitation variability) characterized by antiphased moisture anomalies across 40°N and strong correlations with tropical Pacific sea surface temperatures (SSTs). Sixteen coastal-wide summer droughts occurred from 1895 to 2016 (clustering in the 1920s–1930s and post-2000), events most strongly linked with the leading precipitation mode and internal atmospheric variability. The frequency of landfalling atmospheric rivers south of 40°N is sharply reduced during coastal droughts but not north of this boundary, where their frequency is more strongly influenced by the dipole. The lack of a consistent pattern of SST forcing during coastal droughts suggests little potential for skillful seasonal predictions. However, their tendency to cluster in time and the impact of warming during recent droughts may help inform decadal and longer-term drought risks.
Effectiveness of Different Urban Heat Island Mitigation Methods and Their Regional Impacts
Authors: Zhang Ning , Chen Yan , Luo Ling , Wang Yongwei
Published: September 2017

Cool roofs and green roofs are two popular methods to mitigate the urban heat island and improve urban climates. The effectiveness of different urban heat island mitigation strategies in the summer of 2013 in the Yangtze River delta, China, is investigated using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model coupled with a physically based single-layer urban canopy model. The modifications to the roof surface changed the urban surface radiation balance and then modified the local surface energy budget. Both cool roofs and green roofs led to a lower surface skin temperature and near-surface air temperature. Increasing the roof albedo to 0.5 caused a similar effectiveness as covering 25% of urban roofs with vegetation; increasing the roof albedo to 0.7 caused a similar near-surface air temperature decrease as 50% green roof coverage. The near-surface relative humidity increased in both cool roof and green roof experiments because of the combination of the impacts of increases in specific humidity and decreases in air temperature. The regional impacts of cool roofs and green roofs were evaluated using a regional effect index. A regional impact was found for near-surface air temperature and specific/relative humidity when the percentage of roofs covered with high-albedo materials or green roofs reached a higher fraction (greater than 50%). The changes in the vertical profiles of temperature cause a more stable atmospheric boundary layer over the urban area; at the same time, the crossover phenomena occurred above the boundary layer due to the decrease in vertical wind speed.
Validation of IMERG Precipitation in Africa
Authors: Dezfuli Amin K. , Ichoku Charles M. , Huffman George J. , Mohr Karen I. , Selker John S. , van de Giesen Nick , Hochreutener Rebecca , Annor Frank O.
Published: September 2017

Understanding of hydroclimatic processes in Africa has been hindered by the lack of in situ precipitation measurements. Satellite-based observations, in particular, the TRMM Multisatellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA) have been pivotal to filling this void. The recently released Integrated Multisatellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) project aims to continue the legacy of its predecessor, TMPA, and provide higher-resolution data. Here, IMERG-V04A precipitation data are validated using in situ observations from the Trans-African Hydro-Meteorological Observatory (TAHMO) project. Various evaluation measures are examined over a select number of stations in West and East Africa. In addition, continent-wide comparisons are made between IMERG and TMPA. The results show that the performance of the satellite-based products varies by season, region, and the evaluation statistics. The precipitation diurnal cycle is relatively better captured by IMERG than TMPA. Both products exhibit a better agreement with gauge data in East Africa and humid West Africa than in the southern Sahel. However, a clear advantage for IMERG is not apparent in detecting the annual cycle. Although all gridded products used here reasonably capture the annual cycle, some differences are evident during the short rains in East Africa. Direct comparison between IMERG and TMPA over the entire continent reveals that the similarity between the two products is also regionally heterogeneous. Except for Zimbabwe and Madagascar, where both satellite-based observations present a good agreement, the two products generally have their largest differences over mountainous regions. IMERG seems to have achieved a reduction in the positive bias evident in TMPA over Lake Victoria.
Volatility of Tornadogenesis: An Ensemble of Simulated Nontornadic and Tornadic Supercells in VORTEX2 Environments
Authors: Coffer Brice E. , Parker Matthew D. , Dahl Johannes M. L. , Wicker Louis J. , Clark Adam J.
Published: September 2017

Despite an increased understanding of the environments that favor tornado formation, a high false-alarm rate for tornado warnings still exists, suggesting that tornado formation could be a volatile process that is largely internal to each storm. To assess this, an ensemble of 30 supercell simulations was constructed based on small variations to the nontornadic and tornadic environmental profiles composited from the second Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX2). All simulations produce distinct supercells despite occurring in similar environments. Both the tornadic and nontornadic ensemble members possess ample subtornadic surface vertical vorticity; the determinative factor is whether this vorticity can be converged and stretched by the low-level updraft. Each of the 15 members in the tornadic VORTEX2 ensemble produces a long-track, intense tornado. Although there are notable differences in the precipitation and near-surface buoyancy fields, each storm features strong dynamic lifting of surface air with vertical vorticity. This lifting is due to a steady low-level mesocyclone, which is linked to the ingestion of predominately streamwise environmental vorticity. In contrast, each nontornadic VORTEX2 simulation features a supercell with a disorganized low-level mesocyclone, due to crosswise vorticity in the lowest few hundred meters in the nontornadic environment. This generally leads to insufficient dynamic lifting and stretching to accomplish tornadogenesis. Even so, 40% of the nontornadic VORTEX2 ensemble members become weakly tornadic. This implies that chaotic within-storm details can still play a role and, occasionally, lead to marginally tornadic vortices in suboptimal storms.