bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Employee Services through a Community Approach in Increasing Customer Interests in Saving at BPRS Bhakti Sumekar
Authors: Jannah Khozinatul , Romlah Romlah , Sholihah Imroatus
Published: July 2024

BPRS Bhakti Sumekar KC Madya Pamekasan  is  a sharia financial institution which is surrounded by many  large  banks. The existence of these banks is a big challenge for BPRS Bhakti Sumekar KC Madya Pamekasan  to survive and be able to compete. This  research analyzes the relationship between employe service and  customers’  interest in saving at BPRS Bhakti Sumekar KC Madya Pamekasan. Data was obtained through structured interviews with branch heads and marketing managers. To ensure the level of trust in the information, data triangulation was carried out using different techniques, namely observation of the environment and forms of community services implemented at BPRS Bhakti Sumekar. All data analyzed to describe the impact of employee services oninterest in saving at BPRS Bhakti Sumekar KC Madya Pamekasan.  The research method involves  in-depth interviews with employees and customers, as well as direct observatiton of service interactions. The findings show that employee service quality plays  an important role in shaping customeers’  interes  in saving, with  interpersonal aspects and trust being the main factors. The implecations of this research can help BPRS Bhakti Sumekar in designing service strategies  that are more effective and focus on customer needs  and preferences The findings of this research show that customers' interest in saving is increasing due to adequate bonuses and community services that customers receive. Community services are provided in the form of football pick-up and drop-off services, balance printing services, and problem solving.
Sorafenib combination with imatinib enhances apoptotic and cell cycle arrest effects with no effect on viability and BCR-ABL expression of K-562 cells
Authors: Al-Husein Belal A. , Al-Azayzih Ahmad , Redha Fatema S.
Published: July 2024

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is one of the myeloproliferative disorders that affect hematopoiesis. Historically, many therapies have been used for the management of this disease with moderate response. The discovery of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), marked by the introduction of imatinib, revolutionized the therapy of CML. Resistance to imatinib, however, marks CML cells in refractory disease. Additionally, advanced stages of CML may still be refractory to available therapies. Sorafenib is an inhibitor of multiple intracellular and receptor protein kinases that is approved by the FDA for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma patients and renal cell cancer. Other TKIs, such as erlotinib and sunitinib, are under study for the treatment of CML patients. In this study, the synergistic effect of the combination of imatinib and sorafenib on the K-562 CML cell line was evaluated. We used viability assay, cell cycle analysis, apoptosis assay, reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR detect the expression of Breakpoint Cluster Region – abelson fusion oncogene and to evaluate the interaction of the combination. The study showed that the addition of sorafenib to imatinib did not produce a significant synergistic effect on the viability of cells. The combination, however, had a significant effect on cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis with no effect on the reduction of BCR-ABL mRNA expression on K-562 cells.
SNEDDS to improve the bioactivities of Pandanus tectorius leaves: Optimization, antioxidant, and anticancer activities via apoptosis induction in human cervical cancer cell line
Authors: Husnun Kholieqo Alifa , Islamiah Kassim Murni Nur , Tengku Muhammad Tengku Sifzizul , Anam Khairul , Sung Yeong Yik , Amir Hermansyah , Nugraha Praja Husna , Andriani Yosie
Published: July 2024

Cancer continues to be a deadly disease on a global scale. Furthermore, despite the high expense of their development, synthetic chemotherapeutic drugs currently being used in clinical settings have failed to meet expectations during the past ten years. Therefore, new herbal medications might be alternative anticancer agents that are effective and affordable. Antioxidants in herbs might lessen oxidative stress and prevent carcinogenesis by slowing down and blocking the initiation of cancer cell development. Some researchers have reported that Pandanus tectorius has antioxidant activity. However, the antioxidant and anticancer properties of P. tectorius leave (PTL) in the form of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS), specifically against human cervical cancer cells (HeLa) have not been studied. This study examined the anticancer activity of PTL-SNEDDS via induction of apoptosis on HeLa cells. All three PTL extracts (hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol) were successfully formulated into SNEDDS formulation and showed improvement in antioxidant and anticancer activity compared to the crude extract. The cells’ morphological characteristics showed that PTL-SNEDDS-treated cells died from both early and late apoptosis. Thus, these findings introduce PTL-SNEDDS as an anticancer agent against human cervical cancer.
Optimization and characterization of hyper cross-linked cyclodextrins for improved efinaconazole delivery: A comprehensive study
Authors: Mohan Mothilal , Rudroju Anusha
Published: July 2024

This study optimized cyclodextrin (NS) for controlled efinaconazole release in topical hydrogels. Utilizing Taguchi statistical design, key factors such as reaction time, temperature, stirring speed, and solvent volume were optimized. Efinaconazole was loaded into the polymers, forming inclusion complexes confirmed by FTIR, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction analyses. Hydrogel formulation was achieved using Carbopol 934. Optimized conditions were reaction time (480 minutes), temperature (100°C), stirring speed (3,000 rpm), and solvent volume (100 ml). Plain NS had an average particle size of 141–160 nm, while efinaconazole-loaded nanosponges ranged from approximately 69–84 nm. In-vitro release studies showed significantly enhanced release from nanosponge complexes compared to pure drugs. EFNS6, with controlled release, was chosen for further investigation to formulate a topical hydrogel due to its effective regulation of efinaconazole release. NS protected efinaconazole from photodegradation and prevented its chemical degradation over 6 months. In-vitro skin permeation studies highlighted NS’ potential to enhance efinaconazole delivery into skin layers.
Anti-psoriatic evaluation of aloe emodin-loaded topical hydrogel in an imiquimod-induced human plaque-type psoriasis in BALB/c mice
Authors: Pandey Ashish , Srivastava Nimisha , Chandra Dubey Ramesh , Dhaneshwar Suneela , Shukla Alok Kumar
Published: July 2024

Aloe emodin, an anthraquinone derivative, mainly obtained from Aloe vera, possesses an extensive spectrum of pharmacological properties, including anti-proliferative, anticancer, wound healing, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. The objective of the present study was to prepare aloe emodin-loaded topical hydrogel formulations for managing plaque-type psoriasis. Different proportions of carbopol 940, chitosan, and hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose K15M (HPMC K15M) were used as gelling agents. The prepared hydrogels were characterized for pH, viscosity, rheological behavior, spreadability, extrudability, swelling index, drug content, and accelerated stability. Based on physicochemical and in vitro permeation studies, PHGL1 containing aloe emodin (1%) and carbopol 940 (1%) was selected. The acute dermal toxicity study was also conducted as per the OECD guidelines 402. The mechanism of drug release followed Korsemeyer–Peppa’s model. The optimized batch showed a pH range from 6.867 ± 0.015 to 6.91 ± 0.254, drug content 94.6% ± 0.686% w/w of the active principle when studied in triplicate for drug content analysis, the measured viscosity of the formulation was 31402.33 ± 149.0783 mPaS exhibiting a shear thinning system along with thixotropic behavior at 25°C, and sustained drug release of 78% in 8 hours. An ex vivo permeation study demonstrated that 203.73 μg/ml/cm2 drug permeated through skin in 24 hours. Application of aloe emodin-loaded topical hydrogel to psoriatic skin resulted in a reduction of epidermal thickness, scaling, and ear thickness. The key inflammatory marker tissue necrosis factor (TNF-α) also showed a significant decrease. Compared with the marketed formulation, the test formulation showed no significant difference in the percentage reduction in ear thickness. No acute dermal toxicity was observed at the initial dose of 200 mg. The outcome suggests the promising potential of aloe emodin-loaded hydrogel in improving plaque-like psoriasis without dermal toxicity. Further studies are warranted to establish its efficacy in the management of psoriasis.
Sex differences in discrimination behavior and orbitofrontal engagement during context-gated reward prediction
Authors: Peterson Sophie , Maheras Amanda , Wu Brenda , Chavira Jose , Keiflin Ronald
Published: July 2024

Animals, including humans, rely on contextual information to interpret ambiguous stimuli. Impaired context processing is a hallmark of several neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and addiction. While sex differences in the prevalence and manifestations of these disorders are well established, potential sex differences in context processing remain uncertain. Here, we examined sex differences in the contextual control over cue-evoked reward seeking and its neural correlates, in rats. Male and female rats were trained in a bidirectional occasion-setting preparation in which the validity of two auditory reward-predictive cues was informed by the presence, or absence, of a visual contextual feature (LIGHT: X+/DARK: X−/LIGHT: Y−/DARK: Y+). Females were significantly slower to acquire contextual control over cue-evoked reward seeking. However, once established, the contextual control over behavior was more robust in female rats; it showed less within-session variability (less influence of prior reward) and greater resistance to acute stress. This superior contextual control achieved by females was accompanied by an increased activation of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) compared to males. Critically, these behavioral and neural sex differences were specific to the contextual modulation process and not observed in simple, context-independent, reward prediction tasks. These results indicate a sex-biased trade-off between the speed of acquisition and the robustness of performance in the contextual modulation of cued reward seeking. The different distribution of sexes along the fast learning ↔ steady performance continuum might reflect different levels of engagement of the OFC, and might have implications for our understanding of sex differences in psychiatric disorders.
Remote automated delivery of mechanical stimuli coupled to brain recordings in behaving mice
Authors: Burdge Justin , Jhumka Anissa , Ogundare Simon , Baer Nicholas , Fulton Sasha , Bistis Brittany , Foster William , Toussaint Andre , Li Miao , Morizawa Yosuke M , Yadessa Leah , Khan Ashar , Delinois Abednego , Mayiseni Wadzanayi , Loran Noah , Yang Guang , Abdus-Saboor Ishmail
Published: July 2024

The canonical framework for testing pain and mechanical sensitivity in rodents is manual delivery of stimuli to the paw. However, this approach can produce variability in results, requires significant training, and is ergonomically unfavorable to the experimenter. To circumvent limitations in manual delivery of stimuli, we have created a device called the ARM (
A
utomated
R
eproducible
M
echano-stimulator). Built using a series of linear stages, cameras, and stimulus holders, the ARM is more accurate at hitting the desired target, delivers stimuli faster, and decreases variability in delivery of von Frey hair filaments. We demonstrate that the ARM can be combined with traditional measurements of pain behavior and automated machine-learning based pipelines. Importantly, the ARM enables remote testing of mice with experimenters outside the testing room. Using remote testing, we found that mice appeared to habituate more quickly when an experimenter was not present and experimenter presence leads to significant sex-dependent differences in withdrawal behavior. Lastly, to demonstrate the utility of the ARM for neural circuit dissection of pain mechanisms, we combined the ARM with cellular-resolved microendoscopy in the amygdala, linking stimulus, behavior, and brain activity of amygdalar neurons that encode negative pain states. Taken together, the ARM improves speed, accuracy, and robustness of mechanical pain assays and can be combined with automated pain detection systems and brain recordings to map pain sensation and affect.
Systematic review assessing the effects of amendments on acidic soils pH in tea plantations
Authors: Yang Zhenyu , Yao Bo , Li Ronghui , Yang Wenyan , Dong Dubin , Ye Zhengqian , Wang Yuchun , Ma Jiawei
Published: July 2024

Soil acidification has emerged as a critical limiting factor for the sustainable development of the tea industry. In this article, a comprehensive review of 63 original research articles focusing on the impact of amendments on the pH in tea plantations soil was conducted. Through meta-analysis, the effect of applying soil amendments to increase the pH of tea plantation soil and its influencing factors were investigated. The results revealed that lime had a significant impact, increasing the pH by 18% in tea plantation soil, while rapeseed cake had a minimal (2%) effect. It was observed that as the quantity of amendments and pH levels increased, so did their impact on the pH of tea plantation soil. Subgroup analysis within biochar showed varying effects, depending on soil pH, with an 11% increase in acidic soil. Among these amendments, biochar produced at pyrolysis temperature ranging from 501–600 °C and derived from animal waste demonstrated significant effect on increasing soil pH in tea plantations by 9% and 12%, respectively. This study offers valuable insights into improving and ensuring the health and sustainability of tea plantations.
Contribution to Comparison Different Countries Regarding Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Authors: Grković Vojin
Published: July 2024

The paper discusses the problem of objectively comparing different countries in terms of their carbon dioxide emissions, in the light of climate and environmental justice. Applied methodology represents the combination of analytical method and comparative method. Two traditional and two untraditional indicators are considered. The indicators are applied to a selected group of countries that includes part of the BRICS countries and the G7 countries. The ratio of the share of carbon dioxide emissions of a country in the global emission and the share of its population in the global population gives the same distribution of countries from the selected group as the ratio of the carbon dioxide emissions of a country and its population. On the other hand, the observation of carbon dioxide emissions together with carbon dioxide absorption by the forests in relation to the country’s population shows a different distribution of the observed countries. The paper also reviews the possibilities of further improvement in the definition of appropriate indicators for an advanced comparison of different countries in terms of their carbon dioxide emissions.
Complex indicators that comprise anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions, forest absorption capacity and population can contribute to objective comparison of different countries regarding their carbon dioxide emissions, from the climate and environmental justice point of view.
Assessment of Genetic Variability in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) Genotypes
Authors: Veeresh  , Y. Pampanna, , Diwan J. R. , Patil M. G. , H. Ashok,
Published: July 2024

The present investigation was carried out at New Orchard, Main Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Raichur, during late Kharif 2021-22 using thirty-one genotypes and laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. High magnitude GCV and PCV were reported for the traits viz., fruit yield per hectare, fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per plant, plant height, leaf area per plant, number of ridges on fruit surface, fruit girth and fibre content indicates that maximum variability exists in these traits. The traits viz., number of nodes per plant, fruit length, ten fruits weight, shelf-life, stem girth, harvesting period and first flowering node recorded the medium GCV and PCV values. While, low GCV and PCV values were observed for the characters viz., number of leaves per plant, chlorophyll content, days to 50 per cent flowering and days to first flowering showing little variability for these characters. High heritability accompanied by high genetic advance over per cent mean was observed for number of ridges on fruit surface, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, fruit yield per hectare, fruit girth, leaf area per plant, plant height, number of nodes per plant, fruit length, fibre content, stem girth and ten fruits weight which indicates additive gene effects and selection based on these characters may be effective. Hence, characters showing high to moderate values of PCV, GCV and high estimate of heritability and genetic advance as per cent mean were considered as most important characters and selection of these traits will be more effective in improvement of fruit yield per plant.
Vascular access on YouTube: Navigating the stream of information for hemodialysis patients
Authors: Yildirim Alp ,   Ankara Atatürk Sanatoryum Training and Research Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ankara, Türkiye, Saglam Muhammed Sefa , Mola Serkan , Budak Ali Baran ,   Niğde Ömer Halis Demir Training and Research Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Niğde, Türkiye,   Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ankara, Türkiye,   Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
Published: July 2024

Aim: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) presents significant challenges for patients and healthcare systems. Treatment options include renal transplant, peritoneal dialysis, and hemodialysis, with hemodialysis being the most common, necessitating suitable vascular access like arteriovenous fistula (AVF), graft, or catheter. This study aims to analyze the quality of YouTube videos on vascular access for hemodialysis, using the 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines of the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) as a benchmark and employing JAMA, Global Quality, and DISCERN scores. To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating YouTube content quality on this topic. Material and Methods: A YouTube search for 'arteriovenous fistula' was conducted, analyzing the first 200 videos based on predetermined criteria. Exclusions included videos lacking sound, not in English, off-topic, or duplicates. Data collected included uploader details, upload date, views, comments, likes, and duration. Video accuracy was assessed using the DISCERN tool, JAMA Benchmark Criteria, and Global Quality Scoring System (GQSS). Results: Out of 200 videos, 13 were excluded, leaving 187 for analysis. The interobserver agreement was high (κ=0.967). The videos amassed 12,854,643 views, with a median duration of 5 minutes and a median of 3412 views per video. Most views were for videos with poor DISCERN scores. There was a significant association between DISCERN scores and video characteristics. Videos with higher DISCERN scores had longer durations (p=0.01). However, videos with lower scores received more likes and views (p<0.01). The mean DISCERN score was 33.7, indicating poor quality, with only 18.8% rated as good or excellent. Conclusion: The study underscores the variability in the quality of YouTube content regarding vascular access for hemodialysis. Patients are encouraged to prioritize videos uploaded by healthcare professionals, ensuring both quality and accuracy. Despite limitations, this study contributes to informed decision-making in the context of hemodialysis vascular access.
Responses of East Asian summer monsoon to natural and anthropogenic forcings in the 17 latest CMIP5 models
Authors: Song Fengfei , Zhou Tianjun , Qian Yun
Published: December 2013

In this study, we examined the responses of East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) to natural (solar variability and volcanic aerosols) and anthropogenic (greenhouse gasses and aerosols) forcings simulated in the 17 latest Coupled Model Intercomparison Program phase 5 models with 105 realizations. The observed weakening trend of low‐level EASM circulation during 1958–2001 is partly reproduced under all‐forcing runs. A comparison of separate forcing experiments reveals that the aerosol forcing plays a primary role in driving the weakened low‐level monsoon circulation. The preferential cooling over continental East Asia caused by aerosol affects the monsoon circulation through reducing the land‐sea thermal contrast and results in higher sea level pressure over northern China. In the upper level, both natural forcing and aerosol forcing contribute to the observed southward shift of East Asian subtropical jet through changing the meridional temperature gradient.
Strong chemistry‐climate feedbacks in the Pliocene
Authors: Unger Nadine , Yue Xu
Published: December 2013

The Pliocene epoch was the last sustained interval when global climate was significantly warmer than today but has been difficult to explain fully based on the external forcings from atmospheric carbon dioxide and surface albedo. Here we use an Earth system model to simulate terrestrial ecosystem emissions and atmospheric chemical composition in the mid‐Pliocene (about 3 million years ago) and the preindustrial (~1750s). Tropospheric ozone and aerosol precursors from vegetation and wildfire are ~50% and ~100% higher in the mid‐Pliocene due to the spread of the tropical savanna and deciduous biomes. The chemistry‐climate feedbacks contribute a net global warming that is +30–250% of the carbon dioxide effect and a net aerosol global cooling that masks 15–100% of the carbon dioxide effect. These large vegetation‐mediated ozone and aerosol feedbacks operate on centennial to millennial timescales in the climate system and have not previously been included in paleoclimate sensitivity assessments.
OMPS Limb Profiler instrument performance assessment
Authors: Jaross Glen , Bhartia Pawan K. , Chen Grace , Kowitt Mark , Haken Michael , Chen Zhong , Xu Philippe , Warner Jeremy , Kelly Thomas
Published: December 2013

Following the successful launch of the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) aboard the Suomi National Polar‐orbiting Partnership (SNPP) spacecraft, the NASA OMPS Limb team began an evaluation of instrument and data product performance. The focus of this paper is the instrument performance in relation to the original design criteria. Performance that is closer to expectations increases the likelihood that limb scatter measurements by SNPP OMPS and successor instruments can form the basis for accurate long‐term monitoring of ozone vertical profiles. The team finds that the Limb instrument operates mostly as designed and basic performance meets or exceeds the original design criteria. Internally scattered stray light and sensor pointing knowledge are two design challenges with the potential to seriously degrade performance. A thorough prelaunch characterization of stray light supports software corrections that are accurate to within 1% in radiances up to 60 km for the wavelengths used in deriving ozone. Residual stray light errors at 1000 nm, which is useful in retrievals of stratospheric aerosols, currently exceed 10%. Height registration errors in the range of 1 km to 2 km have been observed that cannot be fully explained by known error sources. An unexpected thermal sensitivity of the sensor also causes wavelengths and pointing to shift each orbit in the northern hemisphere. Spectral shifts of as much as 0.5 nm in the ultraviolet and 5 nm in the visible, and up to 0.3 km shifts in registered height, must be corrected in ground processing.
Modeling of aggregation kernel using Monte Carlo simulations of spray fluidized bed agglomeration
Authors: Hussain Mubashir , Peglow Mirko , Tsotsas Evangelos , Kumar Jitendra
Published: December 2013

The present work attempts to consider the microscopic mechanisms of spray fluidized bed agglomeration while modeling the macroscopic kinetics of the process. A microscale approach, constant volume Monte‐Carlo simulation, is used to analyze the effects of micro‐processes on the aggregation behavior and identify the influencing parameters. The identified variables, namely the number of wet particles, the total number of particles, and the number of droplets are modeled and combined in the form of an aggregation kernel. The proposed kernel is then used in a one‐dimensional population balance equation for predicting the particle number density distribution. The only fitting parameters remaining in the population balance system are the collision frequency per particle and a success fraction accounting for the dissipation of kinetic energy. Predictions of the population balance model are compared with the results of Monte‐Carlo simulations for a variation of significant operating parameters and found to be in good agreement. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 855–868, 2014
Determinants of Mortality Among Postmenopausal Women in the Women's Health Initiative Who Report Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kuller Lewis H. , Mackey Rachel H. , Walitt Brian T. , Deane Kevin D. , Holers V. Michael , Robinson William H. , Sokolove Jeremy , Chang Yuefang , Liu Simin , Parks Christine G. , Wright Nicole C. , Moreland Larry W.
Published: December 2013

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. We measured anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP) antibody levels and determined use of disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) among women in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI). Using these data, we undertook this study to assess total mortality over 10 years of followup among white, black, or Hispanic women with self‐reported RA in the WHI.

Methods

Using stored baseline serum, we measured anti‐CCP, rheumatoid factor (RF), and antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) in 9,988 women who reported having RA. Based on a previous chart review study, probable RA was defined as either self‐reported RA and anti‐CCP positivity, or anti‐CCP negativity and DMARD use. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to model the relationship of self‐reported RA, DMARD exposure, and anti‐CCP positivity to total mortality, using followup data through April 2009.

Results

At baseline, the mean age was 62.8 years; 24.5% of subjects were black and 10% were Hispanic. Prevalence of anti‐CCP positivity was 8.1% (n = 812), and 217 women were anti‐CCP negative but had reported use of DMARDs; therefore, 1,029 women (of 9,988) were classified as having probable RA, and 8,958 were classified as unlikely to have RA (with data on DMARD use missing for 1 subject). Age‐adjusted mortality rates were ∼2‐fold higher for anti‐CCP–positive women, with 20.2 deaths per 1,000 person‐years, as compared to 11.4 deaths per 1,000 person‐years among anti‐CCP–negative women with self‐reported RA who never used DMARDs. Among women who did not report any arthritis at baseline, we found 8.3 deaths per 1,000 person‐years. The increased risk among anti‐CCP–positive women with RA was not explained by age, RF positivity, ANA positivity, or DMARD use.

Conclusion

Anti‐CCP–positive RA was associated with substantial excess mortality among postmenopausal women in the WHI. This result was not explained by the risk factors we measured.
Linear trend of occurrence and intensity of heavy rainfall events on Northeast Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira Priscilla Teles , Silva Cláudio Moisés Santos e , Lima Kellen Carla
Published: December 2013

A comprehensive dataset of daily rainfall covering the period from 1972 to 2002 was used to compute the climatology and trend of occurrence and intensity of heavy, weak and normal events of rainfall on Northeast Brazil (NEB). For selection of rainfall events, we used the technique of quantiles and the trend was identified using the nonparametric Mann–Kendall test. The heavy events are modulated by La Niña and El Niño occurrences and in general they presented negative trend concerning to number of episodes and positive trend to daily rainfall.
Randomized clinical trial of pigtail catheter versus chest tube in injured patients with uncomplicated traumatic pneumothorax
Authors: Kulvatunyou N , Erickson L , Vijayasekaran A , Gries L , Joseph B , Friese R F , O'Keeffe T , Tang A L , Wynne J L , Rhee P
Published: December 2013

Background

Small pigtail catheters appear to work as well as the traditional large-bore chest tubes in patients with traumatic pneumothorax, but it is not known whether the smaller pigtail catheters are associated with less tube-site pain. This study was conducted to compare tube-site pain following pigtail catheter or chest tube insertion in patients with uncomplicated traumatic pneumothorax.

Methods

This prospective randomized trial compared 14-Fr pigtail catheters and 28-Fr chest tubes in patients with traumatic pneumothorax presenting to a level I trauma centre from July 2010 to February 2012. Patients who required emergency tube placement, those who refused and those who could not respond to pain assessment were excluded. Primary outcomes were tube-site pain, as assessed by a numerical rating scale, and total pain medication use. Secondary outcomes included the success rate of pneumothorax resolution and insertion-related complications.

Results

Forty patients were enrolled. Baseline characteristics of 20 patients in the pigtail catheter group were similar to those of 20 patients in the chest tube group. No patient had a flail chest or haemothorax. Pain scores related to chest wall trauma were similar in the two groups. Patients with a pigtail catheter had significantly lower mean(s.d.) tube-site pain scores than those with a chest tube, at baseline after tube insertion (3·2(0·6) versus 7·7(0·6); P < 0·001), on day 1 (1·9(0·5) versus 6·2(0·7); P < 0·001) and day 2 (2·1(1.1) versus 5·5(1·0); P = 0·040). The decreased use of pain medication associated with pigtail catheter was not significantly different. The duration of tube insertion, success rate and insertion-related complications were all similar in the two groups.

Conclusion

For patients with a simple, uncomplicated traumatic pneumothorax, use of a 14-Fr pigtail catheter is associated with reduced pain at the site of insertion, with no other clinically important differences noted compared with chest tubes. Registration number: NCT01537289 (http://clinicaltrials.gov).
Identification of two forms of the Eso1 protein in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Chen Zhiming , Cao Hongshi , Guo Weichao , Lu Yingqiang
Published: December 2013

In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Eso1p is a protein fusion. Two‐thirds of its N‐terminus is conserved to budding yeast Rad30, which functions in error‐free replication of UV‐damaged DNA. A third of the C‐terminus is highly conserved to budding yeast Eco1, a lysine acetyltransferase, which is essential for the establishment of cohesion. Both Rad30p and Eco1p need to be finely tuned in budding yeast. Given the distinct function existed in Rad30p and Eco1p, it is enigmatic how the Eso1p, the protein fusion regulated in S. pombe, works. We have identified two forms of the Eso1 protein by Western blot, and detected the Eco1‐homology fragment by M/S analysis following TAP purification of Eso1 protein. The result raises the possibility that Eso1 might be processed in vivo to release the Eco1‐homology fragment, which allows the independent regulation of Rad30‐homology and Eco1‐homology fragments.
Urothelial differentiation of human amniotic fluid stem cells by urothelium specific conditioned medium
Authors: Kang Henry H. , Kang Julia J. , Kang Hyung‐Gyoo , Chung Seyung S.
Published: December 2013

Human amniotic fluid stem cells (HAFSCs) have a high proliferative capacity and a good differentiation potential, and may thus be suitable for regenerative medicine. To date, urothelial differentiation mechanisms of HAFSCs are poorly understood. We have investigated the urothelial differentiation potential of HAFSCs so that they can be therapeutically applied to cure defective diseases of bladder. To induce the stem cell differentiation, HAFSCs were cultured in a bladder cancer‐derived conditioned medium. After 2 weeks of culture, HAFSCs began to express the urothelial lineage‐specific markers (UPII, CK8 and FGF10). Meanwhile, pluripotency markers (Oct‐4, Sox‐2 and Nanog) were downregulated at both RNA and protein levels in the differentiated HAFSCs. Immunocytochemistry data revealed that differentiated HAFSCs expressed urothelial markers of UPII and CK8. We have screened the receptor tyrosine kinase arrays with the differentiated HAFSCs. The screening showed that MuSK, Tie‐1 and EphA4 receptor tyrosine kinases were upregulated, whereas EphA7 and FGF R1 kinases were downregulated in HAFSCs. The data suggest that HAFSCs can be an important urothelium cell source, which can be used for urinary tract engineering.
Effect of Interplanetary Disturbances and Geomagnetic Activities on Relativistic Electrons at Geosynchronous Orbit
Authors: Xiao‐Fang ZHANG , Jun LIU , Yao‐Ping WU , Lü ZHOU , Song‐Tao LIU
Published: December 2013

Using hourly averaged data of > 2 MeV electron fluxes measured with GOES 7/9/10/11 satellites during 1988–2010, this paper investigates statistically conditions of solar wind and geomagnetic activities during relativistic electrons flux (Fe) enhancements, and describes the dependence of relativistic electrons at geosynchronous orbit (GEO) on local time, magnetic storms. The results are as follows: (1) The local time dependence of GEO relativistic electrons is influenced by solar wind and geomagnetic activities. The noon/midnight electron flux ratio grows with increasing solar wind velocity (Vsw). On conditions of the Dst index above −50 nT, relativistic electrons show regular variation with local time, while during storms with Dst< −50 nT, the maximum electrons flux may not be measured at local noon. During the declining phase of a solar cycle relativistic electron fluxes approaching maximum, Vsw, the Kp index and the cube root of solar wind density (N) show better correlations with electron fluxes after 39∼57 h, 57∼80 h and 12∼24 h, respectively. (2) Before about two years of solar minimum and near the equinoxes, occurrence frequencies of intense relativistic electron flux enhancement events, in which the daily maximum relativistic electron flux Femax ≥ 104 pfu increased, while weaker events with 104 > Femax ≥ 103 pfu exhibited no such solar cycle and seasonal dependences. For most intense events, relativistic electron fluxes begin to increase during main phases of magnetic storms, while for weaker events, relativistic electron fluxes tend to increase during recovery phases. (3) The solar wind density shows as a good indicator of subsequent relativistic electron activities. For most electron flux enhancement events, relativistic electron flux decreased to its minimum after 0∼1 days of the maximum solar wind density, Nmax, while approaching the maximum after 0∼2 days of the minimum solar wind density, Nmin. (4) Above 90% of relativistic electron events occurred on conditions of high‐speed solar wind and geomagnetic disturbances, which are as follows: Vswmax > 516 km/s, Dstmin < −31 nT, Nmin < 2.8 cm−3, Nmax > 14.1 cm−3, Bzmin < −2.9 nT, AEmax > 698 nT. (5) For all magnetic storms, occurrence probability of daily maximum electron flux above 103 pfu after Dstmin, is about 53%, the percent of intense, weak events being 36%, 64%, respectively, which is hardly affected by intensities of storms. During storms, solar wind velocity, density, and the AE index are important indicators for subsequent relativistic electron activities.
3D Rheological Structure of the Continental Lithosphere Beneath China and Adjacent Regions
Authors: Yu‐Jun SUN , Shu‐Wen DONG , Tao‐Yuan FAN , Huai ZHANG , Yao‐Lin SHI
Published: December 2013

Rheological structure controls the intensity and styles of the lithospheric deformation. With the constraint of the upper mantle temperature derived from seismic velocity and the surface temperature from observation of meteorological stations, we have calculated the three‐dimensional thermal structure of the continental lithosphere beneath China and adjacent regions according to the observed thermal parameters. Based on the 3D thermal structure and strain rates derived from GPS observation, we have calculated the rheological structure of the continental lithosphere with the constraint of three deformation mechanisms: frictional strength, fracture strength, and creep strength. The results show that a weak ductile lower crust is widespread beneath China and adjacent regions. The weakest and thickest lower crust is found beneath the Tibetan Plateau. The rheological strength and effective viscosity of the lower crust are usually lower than that of the upper crust and the lithospheric mantle for two orders of magnitude. The lithospheric strength and effective viscosity of the Tibetan Plateau is lower than that of North China, South China and Indian plate. In general, the lateral variations of the lithospheric rheology are consistent with the spatial patterns of late Cenozoic crustal deformation and gravity lineament.
Microseismic Event Location Using Reverse‐Time Focusing and Interferometric Techniques for Surface and Borehole Observations
Authors: Chen‐Long WANG , Jiu‐Bing CHENG , Chen YIN , Hong LIU
Published: December 2013

Exploration and exploitation of unconventional reservoirs has become a new central issue of international hydrocarbon industry. For the unconventional reservoir has the characteristic of low‐permeability, multiple stages of hydraulic fracturing are usually required to create connected cracks through which hydrocarbons can flow. We can characterize the crack attributes (i.e., trending direction, density, etc.), evaluate the effect of hydrofracturing, analyze the rupture pattern, and infer the source mechanisms by locating and analyzing the induced microseismic events. Microseismic event locating can be achieved by using reverse‐time focusing technique. But many factors such as high noise, velocity errors, and sparsely‐sampled data will cause remarkable location errors. In this study, we combine the reverse‐time focusing technique with interferometric imaging, and discuss the multi‐sources locating method using multi‐component data acquired on the earth surface, in wells and jointly on the both conditions. Synthetic examples and case study reveal the advantage of suppressing artifacts and increasing accuracy. At the same time we point out the constraint factors of the reverse‐time focusing method in practical application, and provide some tactics.
Response of Nightside Aurora to Interplanetary Shock from Ground Optical Observation
Authors: Jian‐Jun LIU , Hong‐Qiao HU , De‐Sheng HAN , Zan‐Yang XING , Ze‐Jun HU , De‐Hong HUANG , Hui‐Gen YANG
Published: December 2013

Interaction between interplanetary shock and magnetosphere frequently induces dayside enhancements of auroral activity, and subsequent enhancement of auroral precipitation referred as shock aurora propagating dawnward and duskward from noon to the night sector. In some cases, these interplanetary shocks also induce enhanced activity during which the power precipitated into the night sector may reach values as high as observed during typical magnetospheric substorms. Present study analyzes the nightside auroral responses to the interplanetary shock sudden compression based‐on the ground optical auroral observations from Chinese Antarctic Zhongshan (ZHS) and Arctic Yellow River (YRS) stations for the first time. The analysis result of 18 shock associated aurora cases indicated that nightside auroral responses can be classified into auroral breakup and weak intensification or quiescent events. Epoch time analysis showed that both the solar wind‐magnetosphere coupling efficiency and electro‐magnetic environment inside magnetosphere determine the nightside auroral responses.
An Experimental Study on Evolution of the Thermal Field of En Echelon Faults During the Meta‐Instability Stage
Authors: Ya‐Qiong REN , Pei‐Xun LIU , Jin MA , Shun‐Yun CHEN
Published: December 2013

Detecting earthquake precursors is a difficult task in earthquake prediction at home and aboard. Carrying out rock deformation experiments in the laboratory and observing the evolution of the characteristics and rules of related physical parameters are fundamental to exploring of earthquake precursors. In this study, a sample of a compressive en echelon fault set was used to perform deformation experiments. An infrared thermal image system recorded temperature variations of the rock sample during the deformation stage. The deformation process with precursory significance is divided into strongly‐off‐linearity stage, meta‐ instability stage and instability stage based on the stress‐time curve. The purpose of this work is to study the spatial and temporal variations of the thermal field in each stage especially the meta‐instability stage and summarize the possible precursory phenomena. The experimental results show that the temperature in the jog area increases because of compressive stress state during the strongly‐off‐linearity stage. The temperature inside the fault decreases due to the crack in the jog area and the high temperature points on the fault spread and connect due to the converting of fault dislocation from local to overall during the stage of meta‐instability. And the synergy of temperature increases on the fault and the synergy of temperature decreases between the faults (including the jog area), which are two important signals before the instability. The temperature of the whole sample decreases because of stress release except for increasing on the faults caused by friction during the instability stage. In short, there are evident characteristics of the thermal field in the stage of meta‐instability, which can help identify the meta‐instability state. The temperature varies in different deformation stages and different tectonic positions, which means the stage of the deformation and the tectonic position of anomalies should be taken into consideration when we attempt to find thermal anomalies related to tectonic activity.
Characteristics of Heat Flow and Lithospheric Thermal Structure in the Junggar Basin, Northwestern China
Authors: Song RAO , Sheng‐Biao HU , Chuan‐Qing ZHU , Xiao‐Yin TANG , Wei‐Wei LI , Ji‐Yang WANG
Published: December 2013

Characteristics of present‐day heat flow and thermal structure of lithosphere in basins are essential constraints to reveal the tectonic‐thermal evolution process and to reconstruct thermal history of the basins, which are of great significance for research of basin dynamics and evaluation of petroleum resources. This work is based on 11 newly measured high‐quality heat flow values from well‐log temperature data in 102 boreholes, oil‐test temperature data in over 400 new boreholes, and thermal conductivity data of 187 samples from 15 wells measured by optical scanning in the Junggar basin. Our purpose is to analyze features of heat flow and reveal thermal structure of lithosphere in this basin. The results show current geotemperature gradients between 11.6∼27.6 °C/km, 21.3+3.7 °C/km on average; and surface heat flow between 23.4∼56.1 mW/m2; 42.5+7.41 mW/m2 on average; which imply a cold basin with low geotemperature gradients and low heat flow. These values in the Junggar basin are distributed in largely consistent patterns, primarily controlled by the structural shape of the basement. They are the highest at the uplift in the east, next at the Luliang uplift, relatively low in the Wulungu depression, central depression, and the uplift in the west, and lowest in the range‐front depression of the North TianShan. Beneath the Junggar basin, the crustal heat flow is 18.8∼26.0 mW/m2, mantle heat flow 16.5∼23.7 mW/m2, the ratio of the former to the latter is 0.79∼1.58, indicative of a thermal structure of cold crust and cold mantle. The distribution of mantle heat flow values accords with topography of the Moho interface, which are high below uplifts and low beneath depressions in the basin.
Study of Rock Conductive Mechanism Based on Pore Structure
Authors: Tang‐Yan LIU , Tian‐Zhi TANG , Huan‐Hong DU , Hai‐Ning ZHANG , Hong‐Tao WANG
Published: December 2013

The Classic Archie's Laws give solutions to quantitative logging analysis. Unfortunately, only in the reservoir with simple pore structure are the Archie's Laws suitable. For many complex reservoirs in oil exploration, the classic Archie's Laws fail to provide accurate solutions in logging analysis. Based on the sphere‐cylinder model, we study rock resistivity and obtain the numerical simulations for different pore structures and oil saturations. Analysis of these results shows that pore structure is the principal factor to cause data divergence in experiments of rock conductivity. Comparing the rock conductivity of different pore structures with the same oil saturations, we confirm that the complex pore structure can result in the low resistivity in oil‐bearing layers.
Vertical Distribution and Mobility of Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soils along Jishui River Affected by Mining in Jiangxi Province, China
Authors: Liu Guannan , Xue Wei , Tao Li , Liu Xinhui , Hou Jing , Wilton Meaghan , Gao Ding , Wang Anjian , Li Ruiping
Published: December 2013

The vertical distribution of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn and their mobility (except Cr) were investigated in ten agricultural soil cores, collected near non‐ferrous metal mines and smelters along Jishui River, in Jiangxi Province, China. The surface soils near mines and smelters were contaminated by Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn, with concentrations higher than the guideline values of China. For most polluted sites, heavy metals were mainly retained in the surface soil (0–20 cm), and the contents of them became constant in deeper soil. In all soil cores, the mean content of Cr was lower than the guideline value of China. Correlation results between studied heavy metals and soil properties showed that heavy metal contents throughout the soil profile was mostly influenced by organic matter (OM), pH, and clay content. Particularly soil OM can significantly impact on transport of soil heavy metals. There were positive correlations of OM content with all studied heavy metals, and the correlations with Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn were significant or very significant. Heavy metal mobility in the studied region were assessed using a mobility index (MI) and mobility order was Cd ≫ Pb > Cu ≈ Zn.
Power usage of production supercomputers and production workloads
Authors: Pakin Scott , Storlie Curtis , Lang Michael , Fields Robert E. , Romero Eloy E. , Idler Craig , Michalak Sarah , Greenberg Hugh , Loncaric Josip , Rheinheimer Randal , Grider Gary , Wendelberger Joanne
Published: December 2013

Power is becoming an increasingly important concern for large supercomputer centers. However, to date, there have been a dearth of studies of power usage ‘in the wild’—on production supercomputers running production workloads. In this paper, we present the initial results of a project to characterize the power usage of the three Top500 supercomputers at Los Alamos National Laboratory: Cielo, Roadrunner, and Luna (#15, #19, and #47, respectively, on the June 2012 Top500 list). Power measurements taken both at the switchboard level and within the compute racks are presented and discussed. Some noteworthy results of this study are that (1) variability in power consumption differs across architectures, even when running a similar workload and (2) Los Alamos National Laboratory's scientific workload draws, on average, only 70–75% of LINPACK power and only 40–55% of nameplate power, implying that power capping may enable a substantial reduction in power and cooling infrastructure while impacting comparatively few applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.