bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LONG-TERM SHORELINE CHANGES ON MARGINAL COAST OF TIDAL FLAT IN TOKYO BAY AND RAPID DEFORMATION OF SAND BARS OWING TO TSUNAMI
Authors: Mikami Yasumitsu
Published: June 2017

Long-term shoreline changes on the marginal coast of the Banzu tidal flat in Tokyo Bay were investigated using

aerial photographs. In the area immediately north of the Obitsu River mouth, the beach was eroded owing to the

decrease in sand supply from the river, resulting in the exposure of a layer composed of cohesive material in the

previous tidal flat, and sand was transported northward to form a sand spit at the mouth of the north tributary. In

2011, the giant tsunami generated by the Great East Japan Earthquake propagated deep into Tokyo Bay, and sand

bars were pushed landward by 7 m parallel to the shoreline owing to the tsunami overflow.
INFLUENCE OF HISTORICAL BATHYMETRIC CHANGES DUE TO URBANIZATION ON THE VULNERABILITY OF STORM SURGE IN TOKYO BAY
Authors: Tatekoji Akifumi , Nakamura Ryota , Shibayama Tomoya
Published: June 2017

In this study, the influence of historical changes on bathymetry to the intensity and features of the storm surge in the Tokyo Bay is evaluated using the meteorology-ocean-tide models. In detail, storm surge of 1917 is reproduced using an historical Taisho Typhoon of 1917 in order to quantify the influence of bathymetric changes. This paper possesses two important findings. The first is that past storm surge occurred mainly because of shallow water area spanning over the inner bay which can be characteristics of past bathymetry. The second is that the high vulnerable area affected by storm surge has been shifted from mudflat shallow area in the inner bay to the below-sea-level inland area, due to landfill and urbanization which have continued approximately 100 years after the storm. As a conclusion, the bathymetry shifting due to human activity has a great influence to changing the effects of coastal disasters even in the same location.
A PREDICTIVE MODEL FOR SCOUR DEPTH OF COASTAL BUILDING FAILURES DUE TO TSUNAMIS
Authors: Nicholas Mara Jauane , Jayaratne Ravindra , Suzuki Takayuki , Shibayama Tomoya
Published: June 2017

The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami was one of the strongest earthquakes which generated a major tsunami in

modern history. The tsunami disaster had an estimated cost of 16.9 trillion yen (US$ 217.3 billion) and affected the Coastal

buildings, services, infrastructure and industrial sectors. Approximately 61% of damaged cost was from the building sector. A

practical predictive scour depth model at seaward face was developed to highlight the scour failure of Coastal buildings in Miyagi,

Fukushima and Iwate prefectures affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. The predictive model for

representative scour depth was developed in terms of various hydraulic, geometrical and soil properties affecting Coastal buildings.

An analysis was undertaken to investigate the effectiveness of the authorsâ€™ predictive scour model against the existing models. The

results of the authorsâ€™ proposed model suggested that the tsunami velocity played a significant role on tsunami-induced scour, other

scour models such as Tonkin et al.â€™s model (2003) is reliant on the accuracy of sub models and hydrodynamic forces while the

Colorado State University model as modified by Nadal et al. (2010) is reliant on the geometric parameter of the structure.
ENHANCED FIELD OBSERVATION BASED PHYSICAL AND NUMERICAL MODELLING OF TSUNAMI INDUCED BOULDER TRANSPORT PHASE 1: PHYSICAL EXPERIMENTS
Authors: Oetjen Jan , Engel Max , BrÃ¼ckner Helmut , Pudasaini Shiva P. , SchÃ¼ttrumpf Holger
Published: June 2017

Coasts around the world are affected by high-energy wave events like storm surges or tsunamis. By focusing on tsunami impacts, we investigate tsunami-induced transport of boulders by an interdisciplinary combination of field observations, laboratory experiments and advanced numerical modelling. In phase 1 of the project we conduct physical laboratory experiments based on real-world data. Following the experimental phase we will develop an enhanced numerical boulder transport model (BTM) based on an existing two-phase model.
A HOLISTIC METHOD TO SELECT TIDAL STREAM ENERGY HOTSPOTS
Authors: Vazquez Angela , Iglesias Gregorio
Published: June 2017

Potential areas for tidal stream energy development are conventionally selected on the basis of resource assessments. For all the importance of the resource, there are other elements (technological, economic, spatial, etc.) that must be taken into account in this selection. The objective of the present work is to develop a new methodology to select tidal stream hotspots accounting for all these relevant elements, and to apply it to a case study, showing in the process how the potential for tidal energy development can be fundamentally altered by technological, economic and spatial constraints. The case study is conducted in the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary (UK), one of the regions with the largest tidal resource in the world. First, the most energetic areas are identified by means of a hydrodynamics model, calibrated and validated with field data. Second, the method calculates the energy that can be harnessed in these areas by means of a geospatial Matlab-based program designed ad hoc, and on the basis of the power curve and dimensions of a specific tidal turbine. Third, the spatial distribution of the levelised cost of energy (LCOE) is calculated, and a number of locations are selected as potential tidal sites. The fourth element in the approach is the consideration of restrictions due to overlap with other marine uses, such as shipping. As a result, potential conflict-free areas for tidal stream energy exploitation at an economical cost are identified. Thus, the case study illustrates this holistic approach to selecting tidal stream sites and the importance of elements other than the resource, which â€“ for all its relevance â€“ is shown to not guarantee by itself the potential for tidal stream energy development.
DETAILED SHORELINE MODELLING OF NARROWNECK ARTIFICIAL REEF, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
Authors: Kaergaard Kasper , Mortensen Simon , Deigaard Rolf , Strauss Darrell , Hunt Shannon
Published: June 2017

The MIKE 21 FM Shoreline Model was applied to predict the coastal response of an artificial reef constructed in the surf-zone at Narrowneck, Queensland, Australia. The construction of the reef began in 1999 and completed in 2000; it was constructed from geotextile sand bag; a portion of which broke during construction and the following period. The reef was maintained by addition of new sand bags until 2006. The coastal response from the reef was analyzed by integrating the beach volume between the height of the dune and the depth of closure using measured coastal profiles. The analysis showed that in the early days of the reef a clear salient in the beach volume was observed in the lee of the reef. This salient was smaller in 2006 and in later years, 2012 and 2013 it was no longer visible in the data. The MIKE 21 FM shoreline model was applied to reproduce the observed coastal response. It was found that the position of the longshore bar relative to the position of the reef is important for the predicted coastal response. By running the model using a subset of the measured coastal profiles from the site, the envelope of the predicted coastal response matches reasonably well with the measured response.
INVESTIGATION OF MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGE AT THE CUA DAI RIVER MOUTH THROUGH SATELLITE IMAGE ANALYSIS
Authors: Tanaka Hitoshi , Hoang Vo Cong , Nguyen Viet Trung
Published: June 2017

Morphology of Cua Dai River mouth and adjacent sandy beaches in Hoi An City, Vietnam has been being eroded severely in recent years. Based on analysis of Landsat images, the long-term evolution, decadal scale, of morphology at this area since 1975 to 2015 is discussed. Morphology of river mouth in the period from 1975 to 1991 is highly similar to one in the period from 2003 to 2015, long sandspit on the left side and cuspate shoreline (cuspate foreland) on the right side, whereas the formation of double sandspit and welding between them after that was observed in the period from 1995 to 2002. From the characteristics of morphological change, there are three types of river mouth formed during the 40-year long period are classified. In addition, results of image analysis also indicate that the right bank of river shifted southward about 250 m. This is corresponding to the period with elongation of sandspit on the left after welding from offshore sandbar. The tip of cuspate shoreline on the right side was also observed to move to the south during the period that right river bank shifting southward. Besides the reduction of sediment supply to the river mouth, the shifting to south of main river channel diverting more sediment deposit on the right side of the river mouth, resulting in the erosion of the Cua Dai Beach on the left side became more serious. Countermeasure, which diverts more sediment to the left side, is highly required. Detailed effectiveness and magnitude of this structure can be evaluated based on numerical simulation.
ESTIMATION OF TSUNAMI FORCE ACTING ON THE BLOCK ARMORED BREAKWATER DUE TO SOLITON FISSION
Authors: Maruyama Sohei , Takayama Tomotsuka , Shimosako Kenichiro , Yahiro Akihiko , Suzuki Kojiro , Aota Toru , Tanaka Masashi , Matsumoto Akira , Hanzawa Minoru
Published: June 2017

A series of hydraulic model experiments were performed to verify the effect of armoring concrete blocks on tsunami pressure reduction in a state of soliton fission. Applicable ranges for the Tanimoto and modified Tanimoto formulas for wave pressures acting on a caisson have been determined in terms of the ratio of tsunami height to water depth. An estimation formula for the tsunami pressure reduction factor of the armoring blocks was proposed as a result of a comparison of tsunami force between the states without and with the armoring blocks. The calculated tsunami forces acting on a caisson armored with blocks agreed well with the corresponding experimental ones. Sufficient stability of the armoring blocks against tsunamis was also confirmed by the experiments.
A NEW HYBRID ANN MODEL FOR EVALUATING THE EFFICIENCY OF Î -TYPE FLOATING BREAKWATER
Authors: Ghasemi Hadi , Kolahdoozan Morteza , Pena Enrique , Ferreras Javier , Figuero Andrés
Published: June 2017

Floating breakwaters (FBs) have been specially regarded in recent years as a means to protect small harbors and marine structures against affection of short period waves. FBs have different types in terms of geometric shapes; one of the most common of which is the Ï€-type FB. Generally, FBs are designed to reduce wave energy. The parameter used to evaluate the efficiency of FBs in the wave energy reduction is the wave transmission coefficient (Kt). Thus, accurate estimate of Kt is an important aspect in FBs design. In the present study, new hybrid artificial neural network (ANN) models are developed for predicting Kt of Ï€-type FBs. Actually, a new algorithm that combines particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) is used for learning ANN models. These models are developed by the use of experimental data sets obtained from the Kt of Ï€-type FBs using a wave basin of the University of a CoruÃ±a, Spain. A proposed model performance was evaluated and results show that this model can be successfully applied for the prediction of the Kt. Also, results of proposed model show that the efficiency of this model is improved in compare with the introduced formulas cited in the literature. After assuring the acceptability of the prediction results, this model as one of an efficient tool was used for extending the experimental data and selection of the optimal design of Ï€-type FBs in terms of the geometric characteristics.
A CFD STUDY ON THE STRUCTURAL RESPONSE OF A SLOPING TOP CAISSON
Authors: Daliri Mohammad , Dentale Fabio , Salerno Daniela , Buccino Mariano
Published: June 2017

The paper discusses preliminary results of a CFD study on the structural response of a Sloping Top Breakwater subject to wave overtopping. The analysis showed that the transmitted wave field act to increase both the landward and the seaward forces and that the conventional design methods may be not adequate to guarantee an appropriate degree of safety to the structure. The study also confirmed the previous finding by Walkden et al. (2001), which noticed the existence of strong impulsive loadings on the inner face of the wall, due to violent overtopping events.
PROPELLER JET FLOW, PILE SUPPORTED PIERS AND SEA BED INTERACTION
Authors: Tan Remziye Ilayda , Yuksel YalÃ§Ä±n , Celikoglu YeÅŸim
Published: June 2017

In maritime trade, from all over the world, transportation performed over the seas has been rapidly increasing due to high technological improvements leading the ships to have huge power and high speeds. The approach of even the big ships to the piers is now done by using the shipâ€™s own engine power without the help of tugs because of the operation and economic reasons. However; this has been observed to cause local scour around the piers. Local scour commonly defined as the scour which is occurred in the immediate vicinity of the hydraulic structures due to the direct impact of the structure on the flow. It is very important to reduce local scour caused by ships propeller jets. A thorough understanding of the erosion of the bed due to local scour remains a challenge since it is associated with a highly turbulent flow field. The propeller jet has 3D flow area and high velocities. The erosion problem around the berthing structures due to propeller jet can occur in three ways. These are; a) On a slope, b) At the bottom of vertical wall, c) Around piles. In this study, propeller jet flow was considered to investigate scour formations around piles with non-cohesive sediment bed. The scour mechanism induced by propeller jet with and without pile conditions were investigated experimentally and their comparisons were made. Because there was not enough study for the scouring process for pile type berthing structures under propeller jet flow in the literature.
COMPENSATORY REVERSE FLOW OF PROGRESSIVE WAVES WITH FINITE AMPLITUDE
Authors: Shakhin Victor M. , Shakhina Tatiana V.
Published: June 2017

This paper is devoted to problem of mass transport of fluid for the surface progressive waves. Both Stokes and cnoidal waves are considered. New solutions for the transitional current are obtained. It is discovered that the mass transport of fluid in the direction of wave propagation exists only in the top layer. In the underlying layers a compensatory reverse flow is formed. The existence of a compensatory flow was verified experimentally. It is revealed that theoretical results duly conform to experimental data.
TETRAPODS
Authors: Danel Pierre
Published: June 2017

The tetrapod is no longer entirely a new-comer in the field of marine construction. The sea water intake of the Roches Noires thermic power station at Casablanca, North Africa, the first structure for which tetrapods were used, was constructed nearly four years ago. However, it is of interest to recall the ideas which stimulated the invention of this new type of protection
SURFACE WAVES ON ENCLOSED BODIES OF WATER
Authors: Burling R.W.
Published: June 2017

A series of observations was made on the surface waves on a reservoir half a mile wide and one mile in length in winds between 250 and 1300 cm/sec. A slight increase in wave period, and a considerable increase in wave height were observed when the air was colder than the surface water. The data obtained are compared with previous observations made on Abbott's Lagoon in California.
TWO-DIMENSIONAL SEICHE IN A BASIN SUBJECTED TO INCIDENT WAVES
Authors: Le Mehaute B.
Published: June 2017

Seiche movements in lakes have for a long time been submitted to the calculations of the most competent scientists.

Studies of seiche in open basins subject to the action of ocean waves are not so numerous and above all they are less rigorous. However the studies of Lord RAYLEIGH, HONDA, TERADA, YOSHIOA, ISITANI and HANSEN can be mentioned, and the important work by PROUDMAN on tide movements.(which often have a similar character to seiches), the studies of NEUMANN introducing the notion of hydraulic impedance, and those of LAMOEN on the theory of estuaries etc.

More recently MC MOWN made theoretical and experimental studies at the Laboratoire Dauphinois d'Hydrauligue, for circular and square harbours.

Formulae have been known for a long time giving the resonance period of long basins: basins which are sufficiently long for the oscillations to be considered only in the direction of the basin's length. By analogy with sound tubes two cases have been considered: that of basins completely closed and that of basins completely open.

Standing wave; open basin; incident waves

After a short review of the usefulness of maritime structures, particularly vertical wall breakwaters, long term observations of hydrogeological breaking on the bottom of Italy's Seas, as caused by the subaqueous source of fresh water, are discussed. The correlation between hydrogeological breaking and wave motion perturbation produced by compressed air or by oil is presented. These considerations are related to the observations of Admiral Alessandro Cialdi on the morphological breaking of waves above sand banks, thus producing calmness in the upper water.

Therefore, it appears possible to establish a very suggestive analogy between the atomic disintegration of the transformation of potential energy of the oscillatory tide wave into kinematic energy of its components (because of breaking), in accordance with the disintegration of the circular motion.
A CAPACITANCE-WIRE RECORDER FOR SMALL WAVES
Authors: Tucker M.J. , Charnock H.
Published: June 2017

For some years there has been an increasingly urgent requirement for a satisfactory device for the measurement of small waves such as those in harbour models and wave tanks. Many earlier instruments developed for this purpose used floats, but these suffer from certain practical disadvantages. In particular a large arm is necessary to transmit the motion of the float to the measuring device, which must be well clear of the water surface, and this arm introduces inertia and hence lag into the system. To reduce this lag the float has to be fairly large, and it cannot be regarded as measuring the wave height at a point on the surface. The device described below, in which the capacitance between an insulated copper wire and the surrounding water is measured (figure l), does effectively measure the height at a point on the surface and has given satisfactory results in several applications.

Instruments working on this principle are used in many hydraulics laboratories, and a description of those used at the Laboratoire Dauphinois d'Hydraulique has been given by Boudan in "La Houille Blanche", Vol. 8, p. 526 (Aug.-Sept. 1953). The National Institute of Oceanography demonstrated one of these wave recorders at the Conversazione of the Institution of Civil Engineers in June 1952, and it was briefly reported in the July 1952 issue of "The Dock and Harbour Authority". The instrument described below appears to be simpler than others at present in use, and the authors feel that a description of it will be of general interest.
THE KELVIN-HELMHOLTZ INSTABILITY OF WAVES ON THE SURFACE OF THE SEA
Authors: Francis J.R.D.
Published: June 2017

The initiation of waves on the sea's surface by wind has been a subject of interest for many years. There are two ways in which a wave can become unstable and grow. The first is that investigated by Kelvin and Helmholtz many years ago: both air and water are assumed perfect fluids and, if a wave is to grow, the upward force due to the reduction of pressure on the wave crests is greater than the weight of the wave. The pressure reduction is due to the local acceleration of the wind over the wave.
WATER WAVES DUE TO A LOCAL DISTURBANCE
Authors: Prins J. E.
Published: June 2017

A model investigation of the characteristics of waves generated by a local disturbance was made in order to obtain comparison with the theories of UNOKI and NAKANO (1953) and KRANZER and KELLER (1955). The two-dimensional model for the case of initial local elevation or depression of uniform height of the water surface showed that certain wave characteristics such as phase periods and "interference" pattern could be described reasonably well within certain limits of water depth and height and extent of the disturbed area. Beyond those limits the leading part separated from the generated wave pattern as a solitary wave or a more complicated wave system. For a certain range of conditions the leading part was preceded by a bore during the first portion of the travel.
EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH IN FORMATION BY WAVES OF STABLE PROFILES OF UPSTREAM FACES OF EARTH DAMS AND RESERVOIR SHORES
Authors: Popov I.J.
Published: June 2017

Within the last few years the Soviet hydraulic engineers have been making continuous efforts to avoid use of concrete slabs and blocks and stone riprap as protective cover of upstream slopes of earth dams and reservoir shores against the disrupting effects of waves generated by the action of wind upon the water surface. Their efforts have been aimed at finding the cheaper procedure. Of all the possible ways of slope and shore protection, an engineering measure, the idea of which consists in distributing the wave energy dissipation over a considerably large portion of a sufficiently gentle slope, should be given a special attention. This measure makes it possible to substantially relieve the protective cover and in some cases to leave the slope uncovered. The possibility of unlined slopes, stable enough agains wave action is proved out by the experience of reservoir operation. Shores and underwater slopes of artificial lakes composed of non-cohesive soils are usually subject to considerable disintegration due to wave action. The process of disintegration which goes on rather fast at the initial stage of lake existence, slowff down with the formation of a flat lake-side shallow, whereon dissipation of wave energy takes place. At a certain stage of development the underwater slope assumes such dimensions and outlines which enable it to dissipate the whole of the wave energy and practically to protect shores from further destruction. The profile of the slope at which it will permanently stand underwater is referred to as the "profile of equilibrium" or "dynamically stable profile". The term "equilibrium" in this case doesn't imply absolute immovability of the material acted on by waves, but stands for such a movable state at which particles of the soil are making oscillatory movements round some middle position without the resultant movement neither towards nor off shore.
LABORATORY STUDY OF RUBBLE FOUNDATIONS FOR VERTICAL BREAKWATERS
Authors: Brebner A. , Donnelly P.
Published: June 2017

Laboratory tests have been conducted to determine the stability characteristics of pell-mell placed rubble of sensibly uniform shape and size used as a foundation or as toe protection for the vertical superstructure of a composite breakwater. Data are presented for the design of such breakwater foundations.
AN APPROXIMATION OF THE WAVE RUN-UP FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION
Authors: Saville Thorndike
Published: June 2017

The distribution of wave steepness (H/T ) for fully developed sea is obtained from Bretschneider's joint distribution of wave height and wave period. This steepness distribution is used with standard wave runup curves to develop a frequency curve of wave run-up. Use of this run-up distribution curve will permit more accurate estimation of the variability in wave run-up for design cases, and particularly the percent of time in which run-ups will exceed that predicted for the significant wave. The distribution may also be used with normal overtopping procedures to determine more accurate estimates of overtopping quantities. Wave run-up may be defined as the vertical height above mean water level to which water from a breaking wave will rise on a structure face. Accurate design data on the height of wave run-up is needed for determination of design crest elevations of protective structures subject to wave action such as seawalls, beach fills, surge barriers, and dams. Such structures are normally designed to prevent wave overtopping with consequent flooding on the landward side and, if of an earth type, possible failure by rearface erosion. Because of the importance of wave run-up elevations in determining structure heights and freeboards, a great deal of work has been done in the past six years in an attempt to relate wave run-up to incident wave characteristics, and slope or structure characteristics. Compilations based largely on laboratory experimental work have been made and have fe-?* suited in curves similar to those shown in Figure 1 which is reprinted from the U. S. Beach Erosion Board Technical Report No. 4. Such curves most frequently have related the dimensionless ratio of relative run-up (R/H ) to incident wave steepness in deep water (H /T ), as a function of structure type or slope. (H is the equivalent deep water wave height.) The curves shown in Figure 1 are of this type, and pertain to structures having a depth of water greater than three wave heights at the toe of the structure; this depth limitation in effect means that the wave breaks directly on the structure. The curves shown in Figure 1 are a portion of a set of five separate figures, covering different structure depths (d/H ). All are published in Beach Erosion Board Technical Report Number 4. These curves were derived primarily from small scale laboratory tests. Further laboratory tests with much larger waves (heights two to five feet) have shown that a scale effect exists for some conditions.
ON NON-SATURATED BREAKERS AND THE WAVE RUN-UP
Authors: Le Mehaute Bernard
Published: June 2017

Some theoretical results pertaining to the physical behavior of gravity waves on a sloped plane are presented. The notion of "saturated" breakers and "non-saturated" breakers which follow the breaking index curve is introduced. Criteria for different kinds of breaking and successive breaking of waves are presented. Some considerations on the wave run-up are deduced.

Then a critical analysis of the method of characteristics is presented, with some possible refinements. Path curvature effect is taken into account and the problem of waves climbing on a dry bed is solved. Criteria for determining saturated and non-saturated breakers and the wave run-up by the method of characteristics are proposed.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Remote C‐8 Alkylation of Quinolines with Activated and Unactivated Olefins: Mechanistic Study and Total Synthesis of EP4 Agonist
Authors: Sharma Ritika , Kumar Inder , Kumar Rakesh , Sharma Upendra
Published: June 2017

Reported herein is a rhodium(III)‐catalyzed regioselective distal C(sp2)‐H bond alkylation of quinoline N‐oxides using olefins as alkyl source and N‐oxide as the traceless directing group. The reaction exhibits broad substrate scope with excellent selectivity for C‐8 position and good yields of alkylated products. The usefulness of the developed catalytic protocol is established by synthesis of EP4 agonist. In mechanistic study, C‐8 olefinated quinoline was identified as the reaction intermediate, which gets reduced to desired C‐8 alkylated product in the presence of a rhodium(I) species (produced from rhodium(III) during reaction) and formic acid. Formic acid is produced from dimethylformamide in the presence of silver tetrafluoroborate.

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Female Germ Cell Loss From Radiation and Chemical Exposures
Authors: Dobson R. Lowry , Felton James S.
Published: June 2017

Female germ cell in some mammals are extremely sensitive to killing by ionizing radiation, especially during development. Primordial oocytes in juvenile mice have an LD30 of only 6‐7 rad, and the germ cell pool in squirrel monkeys is destroyed by prenatal exposure of 0.7 rad/day. Sensitivity varies greatly with species and germ cell stage. Unusually high sensitivity has not been found in macaques and may not occur in man, but this has not been established for all developmental stages. The exquisite oocyte radiosensitivity in mice apparently reflects vulnerability of the plasma membrane, not DNA, which may have implications fur estimating human genetic risks. Germ cells can be killed also by chemicals. Such oocyte loss, with similarities to radiation effects, is under increasing study, including chemotherapy observations in women. More than 75 compounds have been tested in mice, with in vivo toxicity quantified by oocyte loss; certain chemicals apparently act on the membrane.
Relevance of Parameters Related to Fertility and Reproduction in Toxicity Testing
Authors: Koëter Herman B.W.M.
Published: June 2017

Toxicity data of 37 compounds tested in both a subchronic study and one or more studies focused on reproduction were evaluated to obtain information on the significance of fertility and reproduction parameters in setting no‐effect levels (NEL). It appeared that a) the test system aimed at reproduction and development was more sensitive than the sub‐chronic study for 35% of the selected compounds and was equally sensitive for another 35%; b) for 65% of these compounds parameters related to reproduction and development were at least codecisive in determining the minimal‐effect level (MEL); c) for 21% of all compounds, parameters related to reproduction were the most sensitive and therefore decisive for the MEL. It was concluded than reproduction in its broadest very sensitive tool in toxicity testing. The possibilities of either applying a simple screen of fertility and reproduction at an early stage of toxicity testing or incorporating fertility and reproduction parameters in the current subchronic study are discussed.
Biological Monitoring in Surveillance of Exposure to Genotoxicants
Authors: Vainio Harri , Sorsa Marja , Hemminki Kari
Published: June 2017

Biological monitoring comprises analysis of samples taken of individuals with presumed or known exposures in order to estimate either the body uptake of a toxicant or to detect reversible effects of the exposure. In medical surveillance, biological monitoring is a preventive tool whose function is either to identify the hazardous exposures, or the early biological effects of such exposures. Biological monitoring is of special importance in identifying, exposures to genotoxicants, for which no safe thresholds are known and the effects of which are prone to large interindividual variations. Both the uptake of the genotoxicant(s) and their biological effect should be considered determinants of the hazard potential of the exposure. Thus the occurrence of either one of these phenomena is a reason for preventive health measures.
Industry relationships are associated with performing a greater number of sinus balloon dilation procedures
Authors: Eloy Jean Anderson , Svider Peter F. , Bobian Michael , Harvey Richard J. , Gray Stacey T. , Baredes Soly , Folbe Adam J.
Published: June 2017

Background

Industry outreach promotes awareness of novel technologies. However, concerns have been raised that such relationships may also unduly impact medical decision‐making. Our objective in this study was to evaluate industry relationships among practitioners who frequently employ balloon dilation (BD), characterizing whether there is any association between financial relationships and BD utilization.

Methods

Provider utilization data (FY‐2014) was accessed for individuals billing BD procedures to Medicare, the largest healthcare payor in the United States. The names of individuals included in these data sets were cross‐referenced with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Open Payment site to determine the extent of industry relationships during this same year. Individuals included in this analysis were organized by those with “significant” ($1,000 to $10,000) and “major” (> $10,000) industry relationships. Practice setting, training, and experience were also evaluated.

Results

Of the 302 otolaryngologists who billed enough BDs for inclusion in this data set, 99.3% were in private practice, 89.7% were board‐certified, 8.3% had facial plastic and reconstructive fellowship training, and 1.3% had rhinology fellowship training. There was a significant increase in BDs performed with increasing BD company financial contributions (analysis of variance, p = 0.0003). Individuals without “significant” relationships with BD companies billed fewer BDs than those with at least “significant” (>$1,000) relationships (57.0 ± 4.3 vs 87.7 ± 10.0, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

There is an association between receiving money from industry and the frequency with which otolaryngologists employ BD. Although our analysis demonstrates an association, these results in no way imply causation. Further analysis exploring the reasons for this association may be necessary.
A Phase III Study Evaluating Continuation, Tapering, and Withdrawal of Certolizumab Pegol After One Year of Therapy in Patients With Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Weinblatt Michael E. , Bingham Clifton O. , Burmester Gerd‐Rüdiger , Bykerk Vivian P. , Furst Daniel E. , Mariette Xavier , van der Heijde Désirée , van Vollenhoven Ronald , VanLunen Brenda , Ecoffet Cécile , Cioffi Christopher , Emery Paul
Published: June 2017

Objective

In disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug–naive patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who had achieved sustained low disease activity (a Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate of ≤3.2 at both week 40 and week 52) after 1 year of treatment with certolizumab pegol (CZP) at a standard dose (200 mg every 2 weeks plus optimized methotrexate [MTX]), we evaluated whether continuation of CZP treatment at a standard dose or at a reduced frequency (200 mg every 4 weeks plus MTX) was superior to stopping CZP (placebo plus MTX) in maintaining low disease activity for 1 additional year.

Methods

A total of 293 patients from period 1 of our study were re‐randomized 2:3:2 in period 2 to CZP at a standard dose (n = 84), CZP at a reduced frequency (n = 127), or placebo plus MTX (CZP stopped) (n = 82). The primary end point was the percentage of patients who maintained low disease activity throughout weeks 52–104 without flares. We used a hierarchical testing scheme, comparing CZP at a standard dose with CZP stopped. If P < 0.05 was achieved, then CZP at a reduced frequency was compared with CZP stopped (nonresponder imputation).

Results

The 293 patients from period 1 represented 36% fewer patients than projected, yielding a smaller number of patients eligible for period 2. Higher proportions of patients treated with the standard and reduced frequency regimens maintained low disease activity than those who had stopped CZP (48.8% and 53.2%, respectively, versus 39.2% [P = 0.112 and P = 0.041, respectively; nominal P value, first hierarchical test not significant]). Similar trends were observed for radiographic nonprogression (change from baseline of ≤0.5 in modified Sharp/van der Heijde score; 79.2% and 77.9% of patients, respectively, versus 70.3%) and normative physical function (Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index score of ≤0.5; 71.4% and 70.6% of patients, respectively, versus 57.0%). Safety profiles were similar between all groups, with no new safety signals identified for continuing CZP to week 104. No deaths were reported.

Conclusion

The study failed to meet its primary end point. However, there were no clinically meaningful differences between the standard and reduced frequency doses of CZP plus MTX; both controlled RA more effectively than stopping CZP.
Effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields on postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Zhu Siyi , He Hongchen , Zhang Chi , Wang Haiming , Gao Chengfei , Yu Xijie , He Chengqi
Published: June 2017

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is considered to be a well‐defined subject that has caused high morbidity and mortality. In elderly women diagnosed with PMOP, low bone mass and fragile bone strength have been proven to significantly increase risk of fragility fractures. Currently, various anabolic and anti‐resorptive therapies have been employed in an attempt to retain healthy bone mass and strength. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs), first applied in treating patients with delayed fracture healing and nonunions, may turn out to be another potential and effective therapy for PMOP. PEMFs can enhance osteoblastogenesis and inhibit osteoclastogenesis, thus contributing to an increase in bone mass and strength. However, accurate mechanisms of the positive effects of PEMFs on PMOP remain to be further elucidated. This review attempts to summarize recent advances of PEMFs in treating PMOP based on clinical trials, and animal and cellular studies. Possible mechanisms are also introduced, and the future possibility of application of PEMFs on PMOP are further explored and discussed. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:406–424, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The regulatory role of Dipeptidyl peptidase I on the activation of immune granulocytes
Authors: Chu Yi , Guo Yaming , Walls Andrew F. , Zhou Xiaoying
Published: June 2017

Dipeptidyl peptidase I (DPPI), a lysosomal cysteine protease, required for activation of serine proteases of granulocytes including mast cells (MCs), neutrophils (NPs) and others, which were found in synovial tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). But, the role of DPPI associated with those cells in RA development is unclear. In this study, the collagen‐induced‐arthritis (CIA) rat‐model was employed to investigate the expression and activity levels of DPPI and its association with RA progress. Primary granulocytes were freshly extracted from bone‐marrows of normal or CIA rats, human mast cell line LAD‐2 and primary neutrophils, human‐recombinant‐DPPI, DPPI‐inhibitor Gly‐Phe‐CHN2, LTB4, anti‐IgE antibody, calcium ionophore were used to study the regulatory role of DPPI in cell activations. The increased DPPI activities in synovial fluids, serum, and bone‐marrow homogenates of CIA rats associated with RA severities progress were observed after injections. MMP2/9 expressions in SFs and bone‐marrow were in different patterns. Regular‐Blood‐Tests have shown the high leveled DPPI activities associated with granulocytes differentiations in‐vivo in blood of CIA rats. In‐vitro cell models, DPPI up‐regulated the proliferation of primary bone‐marrow granulocytes of normal rats, but inhibited that of CIA rats. DPPI up‐regulated and Gly‐Phe‐CHN2 down‐regulated MCs intracellular DPPI and chymase activities. Gly‐Phe‐CHN2 also inhibited the LTB4‐activated‐NPs and NP‐elastase activities. Following stimulation of calcium ionophore, the net‐releases of DPPI and β‐hexosaminidase from MCs were increased over a time‐course, while Gly‐Phe‐CHN2 down‐regulated MCs and NPs activation. Our findings demonstrate the role of DPPI in regulating MCs and NPs activation, and modulating proteolysis in the process of RA.
Bioelectrical signals improve cardiac function and modify gene expression of extracellular matrix components
Authors: Macfelda Karin , Kapeller Barbara , Holly Alexander , Podesser Bruno K. , Losert Udo , Brandes Kersten , Goettel Peter , Mueller Johannes
Published: June 2017

Aims

Beyond the influence of stimulating devices on cardiac excitation, their use in treating patients with heart failure has positive effects on the myocardium at the molecular level. Electrical signals can induce a wide spectrum of effects in living tissue. Therefore, we sought to determine whether applying electrical microcurrent directly to failing hearts leads to functional improvement.

Methods and results

Sixteen male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) with heart failure underwent application of a patch electrode to the left ventricular epicardium and placement of a subcutaneous counter electrode. The electrode delivered a 0.35 μA microcurrent to nine of the SHRs for 45 ± 3 days; the other seven SHRs were used as controls. At baseline and before the SHRs were humanely put to death, we measured the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the thickness of the LV posterior wall during systole and diastole (LVPWs/d). We used quantitative PCR to determine extracellular matrix parameters [collagen I–III, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2, MMP‐9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 3 (TIMP3), TIMP4, connexins (Cxs) 40/43/45, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, and interleukin (IL)‐6].

Among SHRs undergoing microcurrent application, LVEF normalized (mean decrease, 22.8%; P = 0.009), and LVPWs decreased (mean, 35.3%; P = 0.001). Compared with the control group, the SHRs receiving microcurrent exhibited a mean decrease in the gene expression of collagen I (10.6%, P = 0.003), TIMP3 (18.5%, P = 0.005), Cx43 (14.3%, P = 0.003), Cx45 (12.7%, P = 0.020), TGF‐β (13.0%, P = 0.005), and IL‐6 (53.7%, P = 0.000). Microcurrent application induced no changes in the expression of collagen III, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, TIMP4, or Cx40.

Conclusions

Applying microcurrent to the LV epicardium of SHRs leads to statistically significant functional improvement and alterations in the levels of inflammatory and extracellular matrix components.
Adjustments in channel morphology due to land‐use changes and check dam installation in mountain torrents of Calabria (southern Italy)
Authors: Fortugno Diego , Boix‐Fayos Carolina , Bombino Giuseppe , Denisi Pietro , Quiñonero Rubio Juan Manuel , Tamburino Vincenzo , Zema Demetrio Antonio
Published: June 2017

In Mediterranean semi‐arid conditions, the availability of studies monitoring channel adjustments as a response to reforestation and check dams over representative observation periods, could help develop new management strategies. This investigation is an integrated approach assessing the adjustments of channel morphology in a typical torrent of southern Italy after land‐use changes and check dam construction across a period of about 60 years. A statistical analysis of historical rainfall records, an analysis of land‐use changes in the catchment area and a geomorphological mapping of channel adjustments were carried out and combined with field surveys of bed surface grain‐size over a 5‐km reach including 14 check dams. The analysis of the historical rainfall records showed a slight decrease in the amount and erosivity of precipitation. Mapping of land‐use changes highlighted a general increase of vegetal coverage on the slopes adjacent to the monitored reaches. Together with the check dam network installation, this increase could have induced a reduction in water and sediment supply. The different erosional and depositional forms and adjustments showed a general narrowing between consecutive check dams together with local modifications detected upstream (bed aggradation and cross‐section expansion together with low‐flow realignments) and downstream (local incision) of the installed check dams. Changes in the torrent bends were also detected as a response to erosional and depositional processes with different intensities.

The study highlighted: the efficiency of check dams against the disrupting power of intense floods by stabilizing the active channel and the influence of reforestation in increasing hillslope protection from erosion and disconnectivity of water and sediment flows towards the active channel. Only slight management interventions (for instance, the conversion of the existing check dams into open structures) are suggested, in order to mobilize the residual sediment avoiding further generalized incision of the active channel and coast line erosion. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospun polyethylene terephthalate/graphene oxide nanofibrous membrane followed by HPLC for the separation and determination of tamoxifen in human blood plasma
Authors: Sereshti Hassan , Bakhtiari Sadjad , Najarzadekan Hamid , Samadi Soheila
Published: June 2017

An electrospun polyethylene terephthalate/graphene oxide nanofibrous mat was fabricated and used as an effective and novel membrane for the solid‐phase extraction of tamoxifen in human blood plasma samples before detection by high‐performance liquid chromatography. The membrane was characterized by some identification techniques, such as FTIR spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The effective variables of the extraction procedure including desorption condition (type and volume of the eluent), adsorbent dose, pH of sample solution, salt concentration, and sample loading time were investigated and their optimum values were obtained using one factor at a time methodology. Under the optimized conditions, the results showed wide linear concentration range of 5–2000 ng/mL with a determination coefficient of 0.992. The limits of detection and limits of quantification were 1.3 and 5.0 ng/mL, respectively. The intra‐day and inter‐day precisions were 3.4 and 4.6%, respectively. The method was successfully applied to determination of tamoxifen in the blood plasma samples and satisfactory relative recoveries (92.6–98.3 %) were achieved.
Transparent Conducting Electrodes from Conducting Polymer Nanofibers and Their Application as Thin‐Film Heaters
Authors: Duzyer Sebnem , Sinha‐Ray Sumit , Sinha‐Ray Suman , Yarin Alexander L.
Published: June 2017

Transparent conducting electrodes attract attention in relation to solar cells, touch panels, displays, e‐readers, and transparent heaters. In many cases, rarefied metal nets with optical transmittance of ≈90% and with minimal sheet resistance are sought after. Here, a mesh of conducting polymer nanofibers is developed as a transparent conducting electrode. A sheet resistance of 8.4 kΩ sq−1 with 84% optical transmittance is achieved with polyethylene oxide/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEO/PEDOT:PSS) blended polymer nanofibers. This study also demonstrates that such nanofiber being deposited on a glass substrate can be used as a transparent film heater in relevant applications such as window heating or displays at harsh environments. Such a transparent heater is rated at 0.41 W in.−2 for 120 V. It is also capable of heating a substrate up to ≈70 °C in 4 min at 60 V from room temperature without any degeneration of nanofiber network, rendering itself as a practically useful transparent heater. The performance of the PEO/PEDOT:PSS nanofiber‐coated transparent glass heater is comparable to that of the relatively expensive indium tin oxide thin‐film heaters.
Measurement and modeling of diffusion time dependence of apparent diffusion coefficient and fractional anisotropy in prostate tissue ex vivo
Authors: Bourne Roger , Liang Sisi , Panagiotaki Eleftheria , Bongers Andre , Sved Paul , Watson Geoffrey
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this study was to measure and model the diffusion time dependence of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) derived from conventional prostate diffusion‐weighted imaging methods as used in recommended multiparametric MRI protocols. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed at 9.4 T with three radical prostatectomy specimens, with diffusion times in the range 10–120 ms and b‐values 0–3000 s/mm2. ADC and FA were calculated from DTI measurements at b‐values of 800 and 1600 s/mm2. Independently, a two‐component model (restricted isotropic plus Gaussian anisotropic) was used to synthesize DTI data, from which ADC and FA were predicted and compared with the measured values. Measured ADC and FA exhibited a diffusion time dependence, which was closely predicted by the two‐component model. ADC decreased by about 0.10–0.15 μm2/ms as diffusion time increased from 10 to 120 ms. FA increased with diffusion time at b‐values of 800 and 1600 s/mm2 but was predicted to be independent of diffusion time at b = 3000 s/mm2. Both ADC and FA exhibited diffusion time dependence that could be modeled as two unmixed water pools — one having isotropic restricted dynamics, and the other unrestricted anisotropic dynamics. These results highlight the importance of considering and reporting diffusion times in conventional ADC and FA calculations and protocol recommendations, and inform the development of improved diffusion methods for prostate cancer imaging.