bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A technique for inferring zonal irregularity drift from single‐station GNSS measurements of intensity (S4) and phase (σφ) scintillations
Authors: Carrano Charles S. , Groves Keith M. , Rino Charles L. , Doherty Patricia H.
Published: July 2016

The zonal drift of ionospheric irregularities at low latitudes is most commonly measured by cross‐correlating observations of a scintillating satellite signal made with a pair of closely spaced antennas. The Air Force Research Laboratory–Scintillation Network Decision Aid (AFRL‐SCINDA) network operates a small number of very high frequency (VHF) spaced‐receiver systems at low latitudes for this purpose. A far greater number of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) scintillation monitors are operated by the AFRL‐SCINDA network (25–30) and the Low‐Latitude Ionospheric Sensor Network (35–50), but the receivers are too widely separated from each other for cross‐correlation techniques to be effective. In this paper, we present an alternative approach that leverages the weak scatter scintillation theory to infer the zonal irregularity drift from single‐station GNSS measurements of S4, σφ, and the propagation geometry. Unlike the spaced‐receiver technique, this approach requires assumptions regarding the height of the scattering layer (which introduces a bias in the drift estimates) and the spectral index of the irregularities (which affects the spread of the drift estimates about the mean). Nevertheless, theory and experiment suggest that the ratio of σφ to S4 is less sensitive to these parameters than it is to the zonal drift. We validate the technique using VHF spaced‐receiver measurements of zonal irregularity drift obtained from the AFRL‐SCINDA network. While the spaced‐receiver technique remains the preferred way to monitor the drift when closely spaced antenna pairs are available, our technique provides a new opportunity to monitor zonal irregularity drift using regional or global networks of widely separated GNSS scintillation monitors.
Influence of plankton community structure on the sinking velocity of marine aggregates
Authors: Bach L. T. , Boxhammer T. , Larsen A. , Hildebrandt N. , Schulz K. G. , Riebesell U.
Published: July 2016

About 50 Gt of carbon is fixed photosynthetically by surface ocean phytoplankton communities every year. Part of this organic matter is reprocessed within the plankton community to form aggregates which eventually sink and export carbon into the deep ocean. The fraction of organic matter leaving the surface ocean is partly dependent on aggregate sinking velocity which accelerates with increasing aggregate size and density, where the latter is controlled by ballast load and aggregate porosity. In May 2011, we moored nine 25 m deep mesocosms in a Norwegian fjord to assess on a daily basis how plankton community structure affects material properties and sinking velocities of aggregates (Ø 80–400 µm) collected in the mesocosms' sediment traps. We noted that sinking velocity was not necessarily accelerated by opal ballast during diatom blooms, which could be due to relatively high porosity of these rather fresh aggregates. Furthermore, estimated aggregate porosity (Pestimated) decreased as the picoautotroph (0.2–2 µm) fraction of the phytoplankton biomass increased. Thus, picoautotroph‐dominated communities may be indicative for food webs promoting a high degree of aggregate repackaging with potential for accelerated sinking. Blooms of the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi revealed that cell concentrations of ~1500 cells/mL accelerate sinking by about 35–40%, which we estimate (by one‐dimensional modeling) to elevate organic matter transfer efficiency through the mesopelagic from 14 to 24%. Our results indicate that sinking velocities are influenced by the complex interplay between the availability of ballast minerals and aggregate packaging; both of which are controlled by plankton community structure.
A global quantification of compound precipitation and wind extremes
Authors: Martius Olivia , Pfahl Stephan , Chevalier Clément
Published: July 2016

The concomitant occurrence of extreme precipitation and winds can have severe impacts. Here this concomitant occurrence is quantified globally using ERA‐Interim reanalysis data. A logistic regression model is used to determine significant changes in the odds of precipitation extremes given a wind extreme that occurs on the same day, the day before, or the day after. High percentages of cooccurring wind and precipitation extremes are found in coastal regions and in areas with frequent tropical cyclones, with maxima of more than 50% of concomitant events. Strong regional‐scale variations in this percentage are related to the interaction of weather systems with topography resulting in Föhn winds, gap winds, and orographic drying and the structure and tracks of extratropical and tropical cyclones. The percentage of concomitant events increases substantially if spatial shifts by one grid point are taken into account. Such spatially shifted but cooccurring events are important in insurance applications.
Ionosphere‐magnetosphere energy interplay in the regions of diffuse aurora
Authors: Khazanov G. V. , Glocer A. , Sibeck D. G. , Tripathi A. K. , Detweiler L. G. , Avanov L. A. , Singhal R. P.
Published: July 2016

Both electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves and whistler mode chorus waves resonate with electrons of the Earth's plasma sheet in the energy range from tens of eV to several keV and produce the electron diffuse aurora at ionospheric altitudes. Interaction of these superthermal electrons with the neutral atmosphere leads to the production of secondary electrons (E < 500–600 eV) and, as a result, leads to the activation of lower energy superthermal electron spectra that can escape back to the magnetosphere and contribute to the thermal electron energy deposition processes in the magnetospheric plasma. The ECH and whistler mode chorus waves, however, can also interact with the secondary electrons that are coming from both of the magnetically conjugated ionospheres after they have been produced by initially precipitated high‐energy electrons that came from the plasma sheet. After their degradation and subsequent reflection in magnetically conjugate atmospheric regions, both the secondary electrons and the precipitating electrons with high (E > 600 eV) initial energies will travel back through the loss cone, become trapped in the magnetosphere, and redistribute the energy content of the magnetosphere‐ionosphere system. Thus, scattering of the secondary electrons by ECH and whistler mode chorus waves leads to an increase of the fraction of superthermal electron energy deposited into the core magnetospheric plasma.
Short periodicities in low‐frequency plasma waves at Saturn
Authors: Carbary J. F. , Kurth W. S. , Mitchell D. G.
Published: July 2016

Short‐period amplitude modulations (~60 min period) have been detected in the ~100 Hz plasma wave emissions observed by the Radio Plasma Wave Science instrument on the Cassini spacecraft in orbit around Saturn. These periodicities were detected throughout the mission from mid‐2004 to the present, and this is the first statistical study of them. The modulations are observed throughout the magnetosphere and can last from ~2 h to ~20 h, although the duration may be biased by spacecraft observing conditions. The periodicities are statistically much more likely to be seen at high latitudes, both north and south, and at local times between dusk and midnight. When corrected for latitude and local time, the occurrence frequency has declined in time since 2005. Considering all observations, the mean period of these events is 65.3 ± 20.7 min, with a peak (modal value) at 63.3 min. The period has no dependence on local time or latitude. Alfvén waves have interhemispheric transit times commensurate with the mean periods and should thus be considered principal candidates for their production.
High‐stress triaxial direct‐shear fracturing of Utica shale and in situ X‐ray microtomography with permeability measurement
Authors: Frash Luke P. , Carey J. William , Lei Zhou , Rougier Esteban , Ickes Timothy , Viswanathan Hari S.
Published: July 2016

The challenge of characterizing subsurface fluid flow has motivated extensive laboratory studies, yet fluid flow through rock specimens in which fractures are created and maintained at high‐stress conditions remains underinvestigated at this time. The studies of this type that do exist do not include in situ fracture geometry measurements acquired at stressed conditions, which would be beneficial for interpreting the flow behavior. Therefore, this study investigates the apparent permeability induced by direct‐shear fracture stimulation through Utica shale (a shale gas resource and potential caprock material) at high triaxial stress confinement and for the first time relates these values to simultaneously acquired in situ X‐ray radiography and microtomography images. Change in fracture geometry and apparent permeability was also investigated at additional reduced stress states. Finite element and combined finite‐discrete element modeling were used to evaluate the in situ observed fracturing process. Results from this study indicate that the increase in apparent permeability through fractures created at high‐stress (22.2 MPa) was minimal relative to the intact rock (less than 1 order of magnitude increase), while fractures created at low stress (3.4 MPa) were significantly more permeable (2 to 4 orders of magnitude increase). This study demonstrates the benefit of in situ X‐ray observation coupled with apparent permeability measurement to analyze fracture creation in the subsurface. Our results show that the permeability induced by fractures through shale at high stress can be minor and therefore favorable in application to CO2 sequestration caprock integrity but unfavorable for hydrocarbon recovery from unconventional reservoirs.
Comparative study of tectonic tremor locations: Characterization of slow earthquakes in Guerrero, Mexico
Authors: Maury J. , Ide S. , Cruz‐Atienza V. M. , Kostoglodov V. , González‐Molina G. , Pérez‐Campos X.
Published: July 2016

Deep tectonic tremor in Guerrero, Mexico, has been observed using dense temporal seismic networks (i.e., the Meso‐American Subduction Experiment and Guerrero Gap Experiment (G‐GAP) arrays) during two different time periods. We apply a set of seismic waveform analysis methods to these data sets to constrain the locations of tremors and determine the associated moment tensors. First we detect and locate the tremors. Next, very low frequency (VLF) signals are identified by stacking waveform data during tremor bursts, and their moment tensors are determined. Finally, to better investigate the link between tremors and VLF earthquakes, we detect VLF events using a matched filtering algorithm to search continuous seismic records. None of the 11 VLF events detected by this method occurred in the absence of tremor bursts suggesting they are indeed part of the same phenomena. Unlike previous investigations, our results for the G‐GAP period reveal that downdip tremor activity (i.e., in the so‐called “sweet spot”) is segmented into two patches separated by 40 km in the along‐trench direction, indicating possible variations in the geometry of the plate interface and/or slab effective pressure. Moment tensors of VLF signals are consistent with shear slip on the near‐horizontal plate interface, but source depths are about 5 km deeper than the established plate interface. The slip directions of the VLF events are slightly (~10°) counterclockwise of the plate convergence direction, indicating that strain energy promoting left‐lateral strike‐slip motion may accumulate in the continental crust during the interseismic period.
Effects of sources, transport, and postdepositional processes on levoglucosan records in southeastern Tibetan glaciers
Authors: You Chao , Yao Tandong , Xu Baiqing , Xu Chao , Zhao Huabiao , Song Lili
Published: July 2016

Tibetan glaciers are substantially influenced by smoke aerosols derived from intensive biomass burning (BB) emissions in surrounding regions. However, knowledge regarding the impact of smoke aerosols on Tibetan glaciers is limited. Here we present levoglucosan records extracted from two southeastern Tibetan (SET) glaciers. We found that Zuoqiupu (ZQP) Glacier, situated on the windward side of the mountains, is more strongly affected by BB aerosols when compared with Cuopugou (CPG) Glacier on the leeward side. On ZQP Glacier, the highest levoglucosan concentration was detected at an elevation near the equilibrium line altitude. The injection height of smoke plumes and the actions of postdepositional processes on the glacier surface determined the distribution patterns of levoglucosan concentrations at different altitudes. Spatiotemporal variability in levoglucosan and black carbon distributions after deposition may be caused by the different source characteristics and by different postdepositional geochemical behaviors on the glacier surface. Intense wildfires can lead to extremely high concentrations (higher than 25 ng mL−1) of black carbon in ice near the surface of SET glaciers and can therefore play an important role in glacial melt during the premonsoon season.
Influence of oil and gas emissions on summertime ozone in the Colorado Northern Front Range
Authors: McDuffie Erin E. , Edwards Peter M. , Gilman Jessica B. , Lerner Brian M. , Dubé William P. , Trainer Michael , Wolfe Daniel E. , Angevine Wayne M. , deGouw Joost , Williams Eric J. , Tevlin Alex G. , Murphy Jennifer G. , Fischer Emily V. , McKeen Stuart , Ryerson Thomas B. , Peischl Jeff , Holloway John S. , Aikin Kenneth , Langford Andrew O. , Senff Christoph J. , Alvarez Raul J. , Hall Samuel R. , Ullmann Kirk , Lantz Kathy O. , Brown Steven S.
Published: July 2016

Tropospheric O3 has been decreasing across much of the eastern U.S. but has remained steady or even increased in some western regions. Recent increases in VOC and NOx emissions associated with the production of oil and natural gas (O&NG) may contribute to this trend in some areas. The Northern Front Range of Colorado has regularly exceeded O3 air quality standards during summertime in recent years. This region has VOC emissions from a rapidly developing O&NG basin and low concentrations of biogenic VOC in close proximity to urban‐Denver NOx emissions. Here VOC OH reactivity (OHR), O3 production efficiency (OPE), and an observationally constrained box model are used to quantify the influence of O&NG emissions on regional summertime O3 production. Analyses are based on measurements acquired over two summers at a central location within the Northern Front Range that lies between major regional O&NG and urban emission sectors. Observational analyses suggest that mixing obscures any OPE differences in air primarily influenced by O&NG or urban emission sector. The box model confirms relatively modest OPE differences that are within the uncertainties of the field observations. Box model results also indicate that maximum O3 at the measurement location is sensitive to changes in NOx mixing ratio but also responsive to O&NG VOC reductions. Combined, these analyses show that O&NG alkanes contribute over 80% to the observed carbon mixing ratio, roughly 50% to the regional VOC OHR, and approximately 20% to regional photochemical O3 production.
Development of high‐speed mobile radio communication systems using 40 GHz frequency band
Authors: Tsuji H. , Tsukamoto K. , Suzuki K. , Nagayama H.
Published: July 2016

We investigated a broadband communication system for high‐speed vehicles such as airplane in which the millimeter wave band (40 GHz band) facilitates broadband wireless communications. Some developments and evaluations toward such the realization have been conducted. This paper introduces examples and results of the efforts to realize high‐speed mobile communication systems that take advantage of the features of the millimeter wave band along with overcoming the challenges associated with high‐frequency band development.
Cu nanoparticles/PVC Composites: Thermal, Rheological, and Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Miranda Cristian , Rodríguez‐Llamazares Saddys , Castaño Johanna , Mondaca María Angélica
Published: July 2016

The effect of Cu nanoparticle (NP) content (0.3–3.0 wt%) on antibacterial, thermal, and rheological properties of PVC composites prepared by melt blending method was investigated. The composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), capillary rheology, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES). A homogeneous distribution of copper on the composite surface was observed by SEM‐EDX. TEM images of Cu NPs/PVC composite films showed well‐dispersed and distributed Cu NPs and microparticles in the PVC matrix, but the size of particles increased with increasing copper content. The shear thinning and power law behavior was observed for all samples. At low shear rates (100 s−1) apparent viscosity of composites with copper loading lower than 1.2 wt% exhibited a “ball bearing” effect. The Cu particles enhanced the thermal stability of Cu NPs/PVC composites compared with neat PVC. The release of copper ions from Cu NPs/PVC composite films into the aqueous medium was negligible after 6 h of immersion. Polymer films with Cu NP amount higher than 0.6 wt% showed a similar kinetics of bacterial growth; therefore, a substantial improvement of antimicrobial activity was not observed with increasing Cu NP content.
Association of ADIPOQ, LEP, and FTO gene polymorphisms with large for gestational age infants
Authors: Kroll Caroline , Mastroeni Silmara S.B.S. , Veugelers Paul J. , Mastroeni Marco F.
Published: July 2016

Objective

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the ADIPOQ rs2241766, LEP rs7799039, and FTO rs9939609 polymorphisms on the birth weight status of Brazilian infants.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted in southern Brazil. Large for gestational age (LGA) newborns (n = 105), and the same number of small for gestational age/adequate for gestational age newborns, were included. Genotyping of the rs2241766, rs7799039, and rs9939609 polymorphisms was done by PCR‐RFLP analysis. Logistic regression was used to investigate the association between LGA newborns and the presence of the polymorphisms.

Results

Infants carrying the GG genotype of the rs7799039 polymorphism were 2.12 times more likely to be born LGA than those carrying the GA + AA genotypes (95% CI: 1.17–3.83). These results did not change substantially after adjusting for potential confounding variables (OR = 1.98; 95% CI 1.05–3.73) and adjustment for the three polymorphisms (OR = 1.98; 95% CI 1.05‐3.74). Regarding the ADIPOQ polymorphism, newborns carrying the TG or GG genotype were 1.88 times more likely to be born LGA than those carrying the TT genotype, although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.082). No association was found between the FTO gene polymorphism and newborn weight status.

Conclusions

This study showed that the GG genotype of the LEP polymorphism rs7799039 is a risk factor for LGA infants. The exact role and mechanism of action of the GG genotype of this polymorphism in weight status control remain to be elucidated, and more studies are needed.
Potential arms race in the coevolution of primates and angiosperms: brazzein sweet proteins and gorilla taste receptors
Authors: Guevara Elaine E. , Veilleux Carrie C. , Saltonstall Kristin , Caccone Adalgisa , Mundy Nicholas I. , Bradley Brenda J.
Published: July 2016

Objectives

We explored whether variation in the sweet taste receptor protein T1R3 in primates could contribute to differences in sweet taste repertoire among species, potentially reflecting coevolution with local plants. Specifically, we examined which primates are likely to be sweet “tasters” of brazzein, a protein found in the fruit of the African plant Pentadiplandra brazzeana that tastes intensely sweet to humans, but provides little energy. Sweet proteins like brazzein are thought to mimic the taste of sugars to entice seed dispersers. We examined the evolution of T1R3 and assessed whether primates are likely “deceived” by such biochemical mimicry.

Methods

Using published and new sequence data for TAS1R3, we characterized 57 primates and other mammals at the two amino acid sites necessary to taste brazzein to determine which species are tasters. We further used dN/dS‐based methods to look for statistical evidence of accelerated evolution in this protein across primate lineages.

Results

The taster genotype is shared across most catarrhines, suggesting that most African primates can be “tricked” into eating and dispersing P. brazzeana's seeds for little caloric gain. Western gorillas (Gorilla gorilla), however, exhibit derived mutations at the two brazzein‐critical positions, and although fruit is a substantial portion of the western gorilla diet, they have not been observed to eat P. brazzeana. Our analyses of protein evolution found no signature of positive selection on TAS1R3 along the gorilla lineage.

Discussion

We propose that the gorilla‐specific mutations at the TAS1R3 locus encoding T1R3 could be a counter‐adaptation to the false sweet signal of brazzein.
Replication of laser‐textured alumina surfaces by polydimethylsiloxane: Improvement of surface hydrophobicity
Authors: Yilbas Bekir Sami , Yousaf M. Rizwan , Ali H. , Al‐Aqeeli N.
Published: July 2016

Alumina tiles are textured by a laser beam to obtain improved hydrophobic characteristics at the surfaces. Since the textured surfaces are optically opaque, the resulting surfaces are copied and replicated by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Some of the texture features such as whiskers‐like structures with complex shapes could not be copied by PDMS and synthesized silica particles are deposited onto PDMS copied and replicated surfaces to create a lotus effect. Analytical tools are incorporated to characterize the PDMS copied and replicated surfaces as well as synthesized silica particles deposited surfaces. Dynamic water contact angle measurements are carried out to assess hydrophobic characteristics of the resulting surfaces. It is found that PDMS copied and replicated surfaces have almost identical surface texture morphology to that of laser treated surface. Introducing synthesized silica particles improved the lotus effect on the PDMS copied and replicated surfaces; in which case, the hysteresis of droplet contact angle remains significantly low. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44015.
A comparative study to predict the interphase modulus in polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Zare Yasser
Published: July 2016

In this study, the interphase modulus (Ei) in polymer nanocomposites is calculated by two methods and the calculated results are compared at different conditions. In the first method, the experimental moduli of samples are applied to Ji model and suitable “Ei” is calculated. In the second method, a multilayered interphase is considered, in which the Young's moduli of layers (Ek) depend to the distance between the nanoparticle surface and the polymer matrix by power function of “Y” parameter. The “Ei” is calculated for multilayered interphase assuming the same and different layer thicknesses (tk) by Parallel and Series models. Finally, the “Ei” values calculated by the explained methods are compared for two reported samples. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44076.
Fabrication of super‐ductile PP/LDPE blended parts with a chemical blowing agent
Authors: Zhou Ying‐Guo , Su Bei , Turng Lih‐Sheng
Published: July 2016

The mechanical blending of polypropylene (PP) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) is an economical and simple method for producing new polymeric materials for specific applications. However, the reduction in strain‐at‐break of the blend is one of its main shortcomings. In this study, PP/LDPE foamed parts were fabricated by conventional injection molding (CIM) with azodicarbonamide as a chemical blowing agent (CBA) and tested for tensile properties at two test speeds. Also, the fracture surfaces of the parts were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, to investigate the underlying mechanism of the super‐ductility, the tested samples were carefully analyzed and compared, and further characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and SEM. The results suggest that fabricating PP/LDPE super‐ductile parts using CIM with a CBA is feasible. The results also indicate that there is a close relationship between the mechanical properties and morphological structures, which are deeply influenced by the dosage of CBA, the PP/LDPE ratio, and the packing parameters. Furthermore, compared to conventional injection molded solid parts, the ductility of the foamed parts can be dramatically improved by the formation of microfibrils in the PP phase, which come into being under certain processing conditions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44101.
Solvent‐free synthesis of chiral molecularly imprinted polymers: Porosity control using a nano‐sized solid porogen
Authors: Duarte Mariana , Billing Johan , Yilmaz Ecevit
Published: July 2016

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been synthesized in the absence of a solvent using fumed silica nanoparticles to create a porous network. The method employed led to a chiral imprinting effect and allowed for an excellent control over the internal morphology of imprinted and non‐imprinted polymer (NIP) materials. The polymers possess high surface areas (>300 m2) and identical pore size (112 Å). The MIP exhibited an imprinting factor (IF) of 9 and a selectivity value (α) of 1.83 for (−)‐ephedrine. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44104.
Covidien micro vascular plug in congenital heart diseases and vascular anomalies: A new kid on the block for premature babies and older patients
Authors: Boudjemline Younes
Published: July 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of the MVP™ microvascular plug(Covidien) for closure of vascular anomalies in patients with congenital heart diseases (CHD).

Background

The MVP™ is a novel device with PTFE integrated. The device has been recently introduced in the radiological field and reported exclusively for neurological anomalies. Methods: All CHD patients receiving the device from April 2015 until July 2015 were included in the study and followed up clinically as well as by transthoracic echocardiography. Standard safety and follow‐up such as vascular complications, embolization rate, and residual shunting were assessed.

Results

Twelve patients with a median age of 2.6‐years (0.03–12.6 years) and a mean weight of 13 kg (2.8–34.2 kg) were included. Devices were delivered from the femoral artery in 10 and from the femoral vein in 2 patients. Devices were used for closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure (n = 5), aorto‐pulmonary collaterals or Blalock–Taussig shunt (n = 5), veno‐venous fistula (n = 1), and coronary fistula (n = 1). One device was retrieved before release due to inappropriate size estimation (PDA spasm). The PDA was successfully closed using a PDA device (Lifetech, Medtronic). Immediate angiographic evaluation showed minimal or no shunt in 90% (10/11 patients) and 100% occlusion rate after a mean follow‐up of 3.2‐months. There was no device embolization, hemolysis, or any other complication following closure.

Conclusions

The delivery of new MVP™ micro vascular plug system (Covidien) is safe and effective in patients with CHD for closure of a variety of vascular abnormalities. The low profile of the device and the sheathless nature of the procedure make it particularly interesting for PDA closure in premature babies. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding responses to materials and colors in interiors
Authors: Ulusoy Begüm , Nilgün Olguntürk
Published: July 2016

This article investigates the free associations of materials and colors in the context of interior architecture. Materials and colors rarely appear alone in interiors; therefore, in the scope of this study, the researchers explored material pairs and color pairs in addition to single materials and single colors. To elicit free associations from these interior design elements, 192 randomly selected volunteers participated in an experiment using a group of material (fabric, timber, plasterboard) and color (red, green, white) models under controlled conditions. The results contribute to an increased understanding of the associations between the concepts of materials and colors in interiors. While, each model was associated with sensory descriptors, only some models were associated with symbolic or affective descriptors. Single materials were related to different descriptors in interiors on their own, but when they were paired they were associated with fewer affective descriptors. The results showed that color pairs were always associated with all types of descriptors with an exception of red and green color pair, which was not mentioned with affective descriptors. The study findings are expected to be beneficial for interior architects, architects, product designers and researchers who want to shape and investigate a user's experience of interiors. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 42, 261–272, 2017
Anticoagulants: Major Advances Without Clear Consensus
Authors: Hohl RJ
Published: July 2016

Abstract Therapeutics for thrombosis were discovered because of observations made nearly one hundred years ago. The mainstays of these treatments have been either heparin or warfarin, with the latter being preferred for long‐term anticoagulation. In the last six years, newer agents with antigoagulant activities have been approved for clinical use. These agents have advantages and disadvantages over warfarin and consensus for their use is still being formed, as is the manner in which the more traditional agents, such as warfarin, should be used and monitored.
Challenges and Hurdles to Business as Usual in Drug Development for Treatment of Rare Diseases
Authors: Swinney DC
Published: July 2016

Only 10–15 first‐in‐class new medicines are approved each year by the global pharmaceutical industry for all diseases, of which less than a third is for rare (orphan) diseases. The drug discovery processes to identify rare and common diseases are similar, suggesting it will be impossible to discover new drugs for even a small fraction of the rare diseases using the current paradigm. Different approaches are required to address this large unmet medical need.
Natural history of diseases: Statistical designs and issues
Authors: Jewell Nicholas P.
Published: July 2016

Understanding the natural history of a disease is an important prerequisite for designing studies that assess the impact of interventions, both chemotherapeutic and environmental, on the initiation and expression of the condition. Identification of biomarkers that mark disease progression may provide important indicators for drug targets and surrogate outcomes for clinical trials. However, collecting and visualizing data on natural history is challenging, in part, because disease processes are complex and evolve in different chronological periods for different subjects. Various epidemiological designs are used to elucidate components of the natural history process. We briefly discuss statistical issues, limitations, and challenges associated with various epidemiological designs.
Don't Do Different Things…Do Things Differently! Drug Development in Rare Diseases
Authors: Rudek MA , Korth‐Bradley JM
Published: July 2016

Although definitions of rare disease vary, most acknowledge that there are small numbers of affected patients compared with other conditions. Small numbers of patients, overlapping involvement of investigators as researchers and caregivers, as well as close relationships between researchers and manufacturers require a different pattern of drug development. Regulatory guidances for rare diseases are available, as well as ones for specific rare diseases. Maintaining drug supply for rare diseases also demands innovative approaches.
Implementing Algorithm‐Guided Warfarin Dosing in an Ethnically Diverse Patient Population Using Electronic Health Records and Preemptive CYP2C9 and VKORC1 Genetic Testing
Authors: Obeng A Owusu , Kaszemacher T , Abul‐Husn NS , Gottesman O , Vega A , Waite E , Myers K , Cho J , Bottinger EP , Ellis SB , Scott SA
Published: July 2016

Implementation of pharmacogenetic‐guided warfarin dosing has been hindered by inconsistent results from reported clinical trials and a lack of available algorithms that include alleles prevalent in non‐white populations. However, current evidence indicates that algorithm‐guided dosing is more accurate than empirical dosing. To facilitate multiethnic algorithm‐guided warfarin dosing using preemptive genetic testing, we developed a strategy that accounts for the complexity of race and leverages electronic health records for algorithm variables and deploying point‐of‐care dose recommendations.
History of Orphan Drug Regulation—United States and Beyond
Authors: Haffner ME
Published: July 2016

The US Orphan Drug Act, passed in 1982, was the first orphan drug legislation in the world. It is a law based on economic incentives making it financially possible for pharmaceutical firms to develop products for small patient populations. Since passage, many additional countries have developed orphan drug programs and many pharmaceutical firms have developed around the orphan program. Today, more than 500 drugs for rare diseases have been developed in the United States.
Serum asymmetric dimethylarginine and arginine levels predict microvascular and macrovascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ganz Tali , Wainstein Julio , Gilad Suzan , Limor Rona , Boaz Mona , Stern Naftali
Published: July 2016

Background

Increased oxidative stress in diabetes increases nitric oxide (NO) oxidation and low l‐arginine (Arg) could further reduce NO and impair vascular function, thereby accelerating, in the long run, vascular complications. We therefore measured Arg and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and healthy controls. Additionally, we observed the diabetic individuals over time to see if Arg and asymmetric dimethylarginine predicted T2DM complications.

Methods

We examined baseline serum Arg and ADMA levels in a cohort of 105 participants with type 2 diabetes and compared them with an age‐ and weight‐matched nondiabetic group of 137 individuals who served as a reference population. Additionally, we assessed whether Arg and/or ADMA predicted macrovascular and microvascular complications over 6 years of follow‐up.

Results

Serum Arg was lower in individuals with T2DM than in controls (64 ± 28 vs 75 ± 31 μmol/L; P = .009) and inversely related to hemoglobin A1c (r = −0.2; P = .002). Over follow‐up, we observed that participants with T2DM in the lowest quartile of Arg had increased risk for the subsequent evolution of nephropathy, peripheral neuropathy, and composite microvascular complications (odds ratio [OR] = 5.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.9 to 16; P = .002). The highest ADMA quartile was associated with increased risk for both microvascular (OR = 4.5; 95% CI −1.4 to 14.1; P = .009) and 6.5‐year incident macrovascular complications (OR = 8.3; 95% CI 1.9‐35.5; P = .004).

Conclusion

l‐Arginine levels are lower in individuals with T2DM than in matched controls. Both low Arg and high ADMA, independent of each other and adjusted for classical risk factors, predict the incidence of microvascular complications.
Expression of heavy chain‐only antibodies can support B‐cell development in light chain knockout chickens
Authors: Schusser Benjamin , Collarini Ellen J. , Pedersen Darlene , Yi Henry , Ching Kathryn , Izquierdo Shelley , Thoma Theresa , Lettmann Sarah , Kaspers Bernd , Etches Robert J. , van de Lavoir Marie‐Cecile , Harriman William , Leighton Philip A.
Published: July 2016

Since the discovery of antibody‐producing B cells in chickens six decades ago, chickens have been a model for B‐cell development in gut‐associated lymphoid tissue species. Here we describe targeting of the immunoglobulin light chain locus by homologous recombination in chicken primordial germ cells (PGCs) and generation of VJCL knockout chickens. In contrast to immunoglobulin heavy chain knockout chickens, which completely lack mature B cells, homozygous light chain knockout (IgL−/−) chickens have a small population of B lineage cells that develop in the bursa and migrate to the periphery. This population of B cells expresses the immunoglobulin heavy chain molecule on the cell surface. Soluble heavy‐chain‐only IgM and IgY proteins of reduced molecular weight were detectable in plasma in 4‐week‐old IgL−/− chickens, and antigen‐specific IgM and IgY heavy chain proteins were produced in response to immunization. Circulating heavy‐chain‐only IgM showed a deletion of the CH1 domain of the constant region enabling the immunoglobulin heavy chain to be secreted in the absence of the light chain. Our data suggest that the heavy chain by itself is enough to support all the important steps in B‐cell development in a gut‐associated lymphoid tissue species.
A scalable software framework for data integration in bioprocess development
Authors: Schmid Ingrid , Aschoff Joachim
Published: July 2016

Effectiveness in lab workflows—despite progresses made in automation and lab informatics—is often hindered by insufficient integration of devices and data. The iLAB software framework, a middleware connecting and integrating devices and data, provides a plugin architecture that can be adapted to individual lab environments. Integration of devices is preferably based on standardized data and communication protocols. In addition to device integration, process data and result data from different sources (e.g. readers) are converted to a standard format and administered by a powerful database for further processing. In this paper, the use of iLAB in a bioprocess development application is described. Process parameters and measured values of two high‐throughput bioreactor systems (96‐well plates and 10 mL reactor vessels) are collected in the iLAB database. Data from screening experiments and offline data are visualized, analyzed, and compared. A filter algorithm allows searching for matching parameters in experiments as well as the comparison of correlated datasets, independently from the used bioreactor system. The database model enables the consolidation of data, the transition from data to information, and a solid base for management decisions on enterprise level.
Harvesting and lipids extraction of Pavlova Lutheri
Authors: Cancela A. , Maceiras R. , García B. , Alfonsín V. , Sánchez A.
Published: July 2016

The use of microalgal lipids for liquid fuels production is an emerging alternative. Before extracting lipids from microalgae, some important stages are necessary such as: microalgae dewatering and lipids extraction. The cultivation of microalgae is made in a great amount of water, then it is necessary the use of water removal techniques before the lipids extraction. Furthermore, lipids extraction techniques must be tuned up in order to achieve a better separation depending on the type of technique and the solvent. The purpose of the present study is to compare two different microalgae harvesting techniques and two methods for the total lipids extraction of Pavlova–Lutheri microalgae. The studied harvesting techniques for microalgae recovery were: flocculation–coagulation (99.8% efficiency) and electrocoagulation (97.4% efficiency). Two extraction methods were also studied with different solvents: Soxhlet and ultrasound. It was observed that, the use of ultrasound irradiation for lipids extraction improves the extraction efficiency. In ultrasound extraction, the highest percentage (47.20%) was reached with a mixture of chloroform and methanol 1:2 as extraction solvent. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1842–1847, 2016
Influence of timing, radiation, and reconstruction on complications and speech outcomes with tracheoesophageal puncture
Authors: Gitomer Sarah A. , Hutcheson Katherine A. , Christianson Brandon L. , Samuelson Madeleine B. , Barringer Denise A. , Roberts Dianna B. , Hessel Amy C. , Weber Randal S. , Lewin Jan S. , Zafereo Mark E.
Published: July 2016

Background

We evaluated the impact of radiation, reconstruction, and timing of tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) on complications and speech outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective review identified 145 patients who underwent TEP between 2003 and 2007.

Results

Ninety‐nine patients (68%) had primary and 46 (32%) had secondary TEP, with complications occurring in 65% and 61%, respectively (p = .96). Twenty‐nine patients (20%) had major complications (18 primary and 11 secondary; p = .42). Ninety‐four patients (65%) had pre‐TEP radiation, 39 (27%) post‐TEP radiation, and 12 (8%) no radiation. With patients grouped by TEP timing and radiation history, there was no difference in complications, fluency, or TEP use. With mean 4.7‐year follow‐up, 82% primary and 85% secondary used TEP for primary communication (p = .66). Free‐flap patients used TEP more commonly for primary communication after secondary versus primary TEP (90% vs 50%; p = .02).

Conclusion

Primary and secondary tracheoesophageal speakers experience similar high rates of complications. Extent of pharyngeal reconstruction, rather than radiation, may be more important in selection of TEP timing. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1765–1771, 2016
Apheresis for collection of Ebola convalescent plasma in Liberia
Authors: Brown Jerry F. , Rowe Kathleen , Zacharias Peter , van Hasselt James , Dye John M. , Wohl David A. , Fischer William A. , Cunningham Coleen K. , Thielman Nathan M. , Hoover David L.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

This report describes initiation of apheresis capability in Liberia, Africa to support a clinical trial of convalescent plasma therapy for Ebola Virus Disease.

Methods

A bloodmobile was outfitted in the United States as a four‐bed apheresis unit with capabilities including pathogen reduction, electronic blood establishment computer system, designated areas for donor counseling and laboratory testing, and onboard electrical power generation. After air transport to Liberia, the bloodmobile was positioned at ELWA Hospital, Monrovia, and connected to the hospital's power grid. Liberian staff were trained to conduct donor screening, which included questionnaire and onsite blood typing and transfusion transmitted infection (TTI) testing, and plasma collection and processing.

Results

The bloodmobile was operational within 3 weeks after arrival of the advance team. Of 101 donors who passed the pre‐screening questionnaire, 32 were deferred. Twenty‐eight of ninty‐nine tested survivors were deferred for positive transfusion transmitted infection (TTI) tests; twenty‐one were positive for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or human immunodeficiency virus. The majority of donors had type O blood; all but one were Rh positive. Forty‐three survivors donated at least once; eighty‐nine apheresis attempts resulted in eighty‐one successful collections.

Conclusions

Apheresis capability was emergently established in Liberia to support an efficacy trial of Ebola Convalescent Plasma. Extensive cooperation among multinational team members, engineers, logisticians, and blood safety technical personnel at the operational site was required to surmount challenges to execution posed by logistical factors. The high proportion of positive TTI tests supported the use of a pathogen reduction system to enhance product safety. J. Clin. Apheresis 32:175–181, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Irreversible electroporation enhances delivery of gemcitabine to pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Bhutiani Neal , Agle Steven , Li Yan , Li Suping , Martin Robert C.G.
Published: July 2016

Introduction

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) utilizes short, high‐voltage pulses to irreversibly permeabilize the cell membrane, resulting in apoptotic cell death. In addition to the irreversible zone, IRE creates a reversible zone that could be utilized for enhanced drug delivery. The hypothesis of this study is that a zone of reversible electroporation exists and allows for increased chemotherapy delivery.

Methods

Ten immunocompromised mice with orthotopic human pancreatic adenocarcinoma tumors (Panc1) were treated with either IRE between two doses of gemcitabine (15 mg/kg) (ECT) (N = 5) or gemcitabine alone (N = 5). Gemcitabine levels in the serum, liver, and pancreas were analyzed with liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS).

Results

Concentration of gemcitabine within reversibly electroporated pancreatic tissue was higher in mice receiving ECT compared to those receiving gemcitabine alone (13,567 ng/ml vs.4,126 ng/ml; P = 0.0009). Pancreatic gemcitabine levels were 5.52 and 5.96 times higher than liver and serum levels, respectively, in the ECT group compared to 2.85 and 2.53 times higher (P = 0.117, P = 0.058), respectively, in mice receiving gemcitabine alone.

Conclusion

IRE can potentially reduce local recurrence by allowing increased drug delivery to the tissue in the reversible electroporation zone. This holds significant potential in augmenting efficacy of gemcitabine in treatment of locally advanced and borderline resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:181–186. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Burden of preoperative cardiovascular disease risk factors on breast cancer surgery outcomes
Authors: Huang Brian Z. , Camp Melissa S.
Published: July 2016

Background

Cardiovascular comorbidities have been studied sporadically in breast cancer surgery. No study has provided a comprehensive assessment of the severity and relative influence of preoperative cardiac risk factors on surgical outcomes.

Methods

78,338 breast cancer surgery patients were identified from the 2006 to 2012 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. We estimated the impact of chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, obesity, smoking), acute cardiac events (myocardial infarction, congestive heart disease, angina), and past cardiac procedures (cardiac surgery, percutaneous coronary intervention) on 30‐day postoperative complications, reoperation, and readmission.

Results

Nearly 65% of patients had chronic conditions, <1% had acute events, and 3% had past procedures. The prevalence of outcomes was low: 5% had complications, 4% underwent reoperation, and 4% were readmitted. Over 65% of complications were wound‐related. All risk factor categories were associated with complications (ORs from 1.26 to 4.18). Acute events had the strongest effect on overall (OR 3.54, CI 2.55–4.91) and medical (OR 4.18, CI 2.73–6.41) complications. Chronic conditions and past procedures also predicted reoperation and readmission (ORs from 1.57 to 2.68). The odds of all outcomes increased with the number of chronic conditions (ptrend < 0.001).

Conclusions

Cardiovascular disease has a significant impact on outcomes even in minimal‐risk breast cancer surgery. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:144–149. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.