bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traumatisme et travail dans l’étiologie des névroses de guerre
Authors: Demaegdt Christophe
Published: September 2015

Cet article revient sur le débat autour des névroses de guerre qui a occupé la communauté psychanalytique à la fin de la Première Guerre mondiale. Bien que les controverses étiologiques portant sur cette entité clinique n’accordent que peu de place à l’expérience subjective du travail, l’auteur soutient que c’est en rencontrant la souffrance spécifique au travail du soldat que plusieurs propositions théoriques originales ont été formulées. Le conflit psychique relatif à l’engagement dans la guerre, que Freud repère et thématise avec la notion de Moi-guerrier en 1918, sera finalement abandonné au profit de l’introduction de la pulsion de mort en 1920. Cette issue conceptuelle naturalisera les problèmes métapsychologiques, cliniques et éthiques, posés par ces névroses de guerre, qu’il convient de réexaminer. À partir des connaissances tirées de la clinique du travail, et en particulier du concept de souffrance éthique, cet article engage une discussion avec la psychanalyse sur les rapports entre travail, clivage, et violence.
Simulation and Analysis of Direct-driven Wind Turbine
Authors: Hao Hu , Gu Bo , Yan Ren , Hui Huang
Published: September 2015

Direct-driven wind turbine has become one of the mainstream technologies in wind power generation. Studying the system structure and the control technology of direct-driven wind turbine is the basis for optimization operation of direct-driven wind turbine. The system structure of direct-driven wind turbines is analyzed and the main subsystem mathematical model of direct-driven wind turbine are established, including wind speed model, aerodynamic model, generator model, and grid side converter model. The overall model of direct-driven wind turbine is established by integration of each subsystem mathematical model. The overall model of the direct-driven wind turbine is modeled and analyzed, and the simulation results show that the direct-driven wind turbine model can accurately reflect the dynamic characteristics of the direct-driven wind turbine operation process.
Experiments with a Virtual Lab for Industrial Robots Programming
Authors: Abreu Paulo , Barbosa Manuel Romano , Lopes António Mendes
Published: September 2015

This paper presents the use of a virtual lab for teaching industrial robots programming to university students. The virtual lab, that replicates the existing physical lab, is built using an industrial simulation software package, RobotStudioâ„¢. The capabilities of this tool are explored in order to complement the introduction of theoretical concepts with practical programming experience. In addition to illustrate the use of different coordinate systems in a robotic cell, a description of the tool center point calibration and examples of evaluating different moving strategies to cover a plane surface, are also presented.
Communication and Diagnostic Interfaces in Remote Laboratory Management Systems
Authors: Krbeček Michal , Schauer František
Published: September 2015

There are many Remote laboratories (RLs) in the world which are created mainly by schools or some organizations. But the trend suggests that in the future all of these laboratories will be merged into large grids which will be administered by Remote Laboratory Management Systems (RLMS). Such systems are composed from many parts which communicate with each other. This communication can be crucial for correct functioning of whole system.

The paper intends to contribute to the standardized solutions in communication schemes of RLMSs. Each part of RLMS is described in terms of communication requirements. The largest volume of data is transmitted through the Internet. The security of this communication channel based on TCP/IP protocol is described in detail. The last part of paper describes the proposal and creation of data communication and diagnostic interface for individual remote experiments included in RLMS.
Deep Belief Network Based 3D Models Classification in Building Information Modeling
Authors: Wang Li , Zhao Zhi-kai , Xu Na
Published: September 2015

3D models classification is a critical process of Building Information Modeling (BIM). A Deep Learning Approach is proposed to classify 3D models in BIM environment. The ray based feature extraction algorithm is used to extract features of 3D models and form features matrix. The Deep Belief Network constructed by Restricted Boltzmann Machines applies the features matrix and classifies the models adopting the effective training process. The process of training DBN is layer by layer. Experiments were taken on the public 3D model library of PSB model database. The results show that compared with several commonly used classification method, the proposed method of this paper has achieved good results in the 3D model classification for efficiently BIM.
Airline Delay Time Series Differentials
Authors: Wesonga Ronald , Nabugoomu Fabian , Masimbi Brian
Published: September 2015

Flight delays affect passenger travel satisfaction and increase airline costs. The authors explore airline differences with a focus on their delays based on autoregressive integrated moving averages. Aviation daily data were used in the analysis and model development. Time series modelling for six airlines was done to predict delays as a function of airport's timeliness performance. Findings show differences in the time series prediction models by airline. Differential analysis in the time series prediction models for airline delay suggests variations in airline efficiencies though at the same airport. The differences could be attributed to different management styles in the countries where the airlines originate. Thus, to improve airport timeliness performance, the study recommends airline disaggregated studies to explore the dynamics attributable to determinants of airline unique characteristics.
Characterization of Cold Sprayed Copper Coatings on Al Alloy Substrate
Authors: Goyal Tarun , Sidhu T. S. , Walia R. S.
Published: September 2015

This study reveals the successful low pressure cold spray deposition of near-uniform, defect free and dense copper coatings approximately 700-1900 µm thick, on Al alloy for electro-technical applications. The micro structural characteristics of the deposits have been studied using the combined techniques of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron-probe micro analysis (EPMA). The coatings exhibited characteristic splat-like, layered morphologies due to the deposition of solid powder particles which appeared to have been plastically deformed on impact to the substrate. The developed coatings have a dense (in the range of 3090-5015 kg/m3)and nearly uniform microstructure, with almost uniform hardness values in the range of 120 -140 Hv, and electrical conductivity in the range of 23-30 MS/m. EDAX, XRD and EPMA results revealed that the main constituent in the coating is Cu.
The PDK1–Rsk Signaling Pathway Controls Langerhans Cell Proliferation and Patterning
Authors: Zaru Rossana , Matthews Stephen P. , Edgar Alexander J. , Prescott Alan R. , Gomez-Nicola Diego , Hanauer André , Watts Colin
Published: September 2015

Langerhans cells (LC), the dendritic cells of the epidermis, are distributed in a distinctive regularly spaced array. In the mouse, the LC array is established in the first few days of life from proliferating local precursors, but the regulating signaling pathways are not fully understood. We found that mice lacking the kinase phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 selectively lack LC. Deletion of the phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 target kinases, ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (Rsk1) and Rsk2, produced a striking perturbation in the LC network: LC density was reduced 2-fold, but LC size was increased by the same magnitude. Reduced LC numbers in Rsk1/2−/− mice was not due to accelerated emigration from the skin but rather to reduced proliferation at least in adults. Rsk1/2 were required for normal LC patterning in neonates, but not when LC were ablated in adults and replaced by bone marrow–derived cells. Increased LC size was an intrinsic response to reduced LC numbers, reversible on LC emigration, and could be observed in wild type epidermis where LC size also correlated inversely with LC density. Our results identify a key signaling pathway needed to establish a normal LC network and suggest that LC might maintain epidermal surveillance by increasing their “footprint” when their numbers are limited.
Рациональные поверхности
Authors: Prokhorov Yuri Gennadievich
Published: September 2015

В основу настоящего издания положен материал курса, читавшегося автором в Математическом институте им. В.А. Стеклова Российской академии наук осенью 2013 г.
Simultaneous Retrievals of Polar Mesospheric Clouds (PMCs) with Ozone from OMI UV measurements
Authors: Bak J. , Liu X. , Kim J. H. , Deland M. T. , Chance K.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. The presence of polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs) at high latitudes could affect the retrieval of ozone profiles using backscattered ultraviolet (BUV) measurements. PMC-induced errors in ozone profile retrievals from Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) BUV measurements are investigated through comparisons with Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) ozone measurements. This comparison demonstrates that the presence of PMCs leads to systematic biases at altitudes above 6 hPa in summer high latitudes; the biases increase from ~ −2 % at 2 hPa to ~ −20 % at 0.5 hPa on average, and are significantly correlated with brightness of PMCs. Sensitivity studies show that the radiance sensitivity to PMCs strongly depends on wavelengths, increasing by a factor of ~ 4 from 300 to 265 nm. It also strongly depends on the PMC scattering, thus depending on viewing geometry. The optimal estimation-based retrieval sensitivity analysis shows that PMCs located at 80–85 km have the greatest effect on ozone retrievals at ~ 0.2 hPa (~ 60 km), where the retrieval errors range from −2.5 % with PMC optical depth (POD) of 10−4 to −20 % with 10−3 at back scattering angles, and the impacts increase by a factor of ~ 5 at forward scattering angles due to stronger PMC sensitivities. To reduce the interference of PMCs on ozone retrievals, we perform simultaneous retrievals of POD and ozone with a loose constraint of 10−3 for POD, which results in retrieval errors of 1–4 × 10−4. It is demonstrated that the negative bias of OMI ozone retrievals relative to MLS could be improved by including the PMC in the forward model calculation and retrieval.
Broadband cavity enhanced spectroscopy in the ultraviolet spectral region for measurements of nitrogen dioxide and formaldehyde
Authors: Washenfelder R. A. , Attwood A. R. , Flores J. M. , Rudich Y. , Brown S. S.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Formaldehyde (CH2O) is the most abundant aldehyde in the atmosphere, and strongly affects photochemistry through its photolysis. We describe simultaneous measurements of CH2O and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) using broadband cavity enhanced spectroscopy in the ultraviolet spectral region. The light source consists of a continuous-wave diode laser focused into a Xenon bulb to produce a plasma that emits high-intensity, broadband light. The plasma discharge is optically filtered and coupled into a 1 m optical cavity. The reflectivity of the cavity mirrors is 0.99933 ± 0.00003 (670 ppm loss) at 338 nm, as determined from the known Rayleigh scattering of He and zero air. This mirror reflectivity corresponds to an effective path length of 1.49 km within the 1 m cell. We measure the cavity output over the 315–350 nm spectral region using a grating monochromator and charge-coupled device (CCD) array detector. We use published reference spectra with spectral fitting software to simultaneously retrieve CH2O and NO2 concentrations. Independent measurements of NO2 standard additions by broadband cavity enhanced spectroscopy and cavity ringdown spectroscopy agree within 2 % (slope for linear fit = 0.98 ± 0.03 with r2 = 0.998). Standard additions of CH2O measured by broadband cavity enhanced spectroscopy and calculated based on flow dilution are also well-correlated, with r2 = 0.9998. During constant, mixed additions of NO2 and CH2O, the 30 s measurement precisions (1σ) of the current configuration were 140 and 210 pptv, respectively. The current 1-min detection limit for extinction measurements at 315–350 nm provides sufficient sensitivity for measurement of trace gases in laboratory experiments and ground-based field experiments. Additionally, the instrument provides highly accurate, spectroscopically-based trace gas detection that may complement higher precision techniques based on non-absolute detection methods. In addition to trace gases, this approach will be appropriate for measurements of aerosol extinction in ambient air, and this spectral region is important for characterizing the strong ultraviolet absorption by brown carbon aerosol.
A microwave satellite water vapour column retrieval for polar winter conditions
Authors: Perro C. , Lesins G. , Duck T. , Cadeddu M.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. A new microwave satellite water vapour retrieval for use in polar winter conditions is presented. The retrieval employs a priori information and an iterative approach. It is tested using simulated and actual measurements from the Microwave Humidity Sounder (MHS) satellite instruments. Ground truth is provided by the G-band vapor radiometer (GVR) at Barrow, Alaska. For water vapour columns less than 6 kg m−2, comparison with the GVR gives a standard deviation of 0.39 kg m−2 and a systematic bias of 0.08 kg m−2. The errors are shown to be significantly less than for other satellite measurement systems. The errors are comparable to those from atmospheric reanalyses; however, the MHS data come at much higher horizontal resolution (< 40 km) and are shown to reveal more structure. The retrieval can be used to obtain pan-Arctic maps of water vapour columns of unprecedented quality. The retrieval may also be applied to the Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS) and the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS).
Air–sea CO2 fluxes in the East China Sea based on multiple-year underway observations
Authors: Guo X.-H. , Zhai W.-D. , Dai M.-H. , Zhang C. , Bai Y. , Xu Y. , Li Q. , Wang G.-Z.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. This study reports the most comprehensive data set thus far of surface seawater pCO2 (partial pressure of CO2) and the associated air–sea CO2 fluxes in a major ocean margin, the East China Sea (ECS), based on 24 surveys conducted in 2006 to 2011. We showed highly dynamic spatial variability in sea surface pCO2 in the ECS except in winter, when it ranged across a narrow band of 330 to 360 μatm. We categorized the ECS into five different domains featuring with different physics and biogeochemistry to better characterize the seasonality of the pCO2 dynamics and to better constrain the CO2 flux. The five domains are (I) the outer Changjiang estuary and Changjiang plume, (II) the Zhejiang–Fujian coast, (III) the northern ECS shelf, (IV) the middle ECS shelf, and (V) the southern ECS shelf. In spring and summer, pCO2 off the Changjiang estuary was as low as < 100 μatm, while it was up to > 400 μatm in autumn. pCO2 along the Zhejiang–Fujian coast was low in spring, summer and winter (300 to 350 μatm) but was relatively high in autumn (> 350 μatm). On the northern ECS shelf, pCO2 in summer and autumn was > 340 μatm in most areas, higher than in winter and spring. On the middle and southern ECS shelf, pCO2 in summer ranged from 380 to 400 μatm, which was higher than in other seasons (< 350 μatm). The area-weighted CO2 flux on the entire ECS shelf was −10.0 ± 2.0 in winter, −11.7 ± 3.6 in spring, −3.5 ± 4.6 in summer and −2.3 ± 3.1 mmol m−2 d−1 in autumn. It is important to note that the standard deviations in these flux ranges mostly reflect the spatial variation in pCO2 rather than the bulk uncertainty. Nevertheless, on an annual basis, the average CO2 influx into the entire ECS shelf was 6.9 ± 4.0 mmol m−2 d−1, about twice the global average in ocean margins.
Co-evolution of volcanic catchments in Japan
Authors: Yoshida T. , Troch P. A.
Published: September 2015

Abstract. Present day landscapes have evolved over time through interactions between the prevailing climates and geological settings. Understanding the linkage between spatial patterns of landforms, soils, and vegetation in landscapes and their hydrological response is critical to make quantitative predictions in ungaged basins. Catchment co-evolution is a theoretical framework that seeks to formulate hypotheses about the mechanisms and conditions that determine the historical development of catchments and how such evolution affects their hydrological response. In this study, we selected 14 volcanic catchments of different ages (from 0.225 to 82.2 Ma) in Japan. We derived indices of landscape properties (drainage density) as well as hydrological response (annual water balance, baseflow index, and flow duration curves) and examined their relation with catchment age and climate (through the aridity index). We found significant correlation between drainage density and baseflow index with age, but not with climate. The age of the catchments was also significantly related to intra-annual flow variability. Younger catchments tend to have lower peak flows and higher low flows, while older catchments exhibit more flashy runoff. The decrease of baseflow with catchment age confirms previous studies that hypothesized that in volcanic landscapes the major flow pathways have changed over time, from deep groundwater flow to shallow subsurface flow. The drainage density of our catchments decreased with age, contrary to previous findings in similar volcanic catchments but of significant younger age than the ones explored here. In these younger catchments, an increase in drainage density with age was observed, and it was hypothesized that this was because of more landscape incision due to increasing near-surface lateral flow paths in more mature catchments. Our results suggests two hypotheses on the evolution of drainage density in matured catchments. One is that as catchments further evolve, hydrologically active channels retreat as less recharge leads to lower average aquifer levels and less baseflow; the other is that it does not significantly change after catchments reached maturity in terms of surface dissection.
Selected Abstracts From Other Journals
Authors: Gehani A. A. , Hammoudeh M.
Published: September 2015

Background: Although capacities for intensive monitoring of patients with stroke are still limited, patients at risk for early neurologic worsening are poorly defined.
Private Cloud Infrastructure for Applications of Mechanical and Medical Engineering
Authors: Kačeniauskas Arnas , Pacevič Ruslan , Staškūnienė Miglė , Šešok Dmitrij , Rusakevičius Dainius , Aidietis Audrius , Davidavičius Giedrius
Published: September 2015

The paper presents the development of the private cloud infrastructure providing advanced services for research in mechanical and medical engineering. The cloud services have been developed by using Apache jclouds API and JetS3t Toolkit to enhance management of Eucalyptus cloud infrastructure and to increase accessibility of engineering software. The performance of the developed cloud infrastructure has been assessed testing CPU, memory IO, disk IO, network and the deployed software services. The obtained results have been compared with the performance of the native hardware. The technical implementation of deployed cloud services has been evaluated by the utilising a number of use cases from different research areas of mechanical and medical engineering.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.itc.44.3.7379
A Novel Chaotic System for Secure Communication Applications
Authors: Durdu Ali , Uyaroğlu Yılmaz , Özcerit Ahmet Turan
Published: September 2015

The secure communication using synchronization between identical chaotic systems have been introduced in literature for a long time. A well-known practical application of chaotic synchronized systems is the Pecora and Carroll (P-C) secure communication method. In this paper, the P-C secure communication algorithm is applied to a novel three dimensional, autonomous chaotic attractor. Having a 45○ slope between sub-driver and sub-receiver circuits of a novel chaotic attractor clearly demonstrates that it can be used for the purpose of secure communications.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.itc.44.3.7720
How to Select and Prioritize Water Main Replacement
Authors: Garcia Darlene , Funchion Susan
Published: September 2015

Colorado Springs Utilities' staff learned how critical it is to understand the entire water system's health so the staff could prioritize main replacement and perform advanced condition assessment.
Save Energy by Refurbishing and Coating Pumps
Authors: Maier Paul , King Chris , Metzger Richard
Published: September 2015

Monroe County Water Authority (N.Y.) discovered that coating pumps prevents or at least impedes a decline in pump performance and corresponding increase in energy consumption from internal corrosion and tuberculation buildup.
Self‐Assessment Program Helps Utilities Meet Distribution System Goals
Authors: Schippert Tom , Maccarella Jeffrey
Published: September 2015

The Partnership for Safe Water's Distribution System Optimization Program is helping a US military base improve system performance and overall operations.
Custom Wrench Offers a Break‐Free Method to Close Plastic Valves
Authors: Mowbray Kate
Published: September 2015

A new wrench was developed to close valves where space is limited. Some 3/16‐in. steel flat stock was bent and welded to make the U‐shape handle grip at the back of the wrench to even out the stress points on the valve.
Competing basal ganglia pathways determine the difference between stopping and deciding not to go
Authors: Dunovan Kyle , Lynch Brighid , Molesworth Tara , Verstynen Timothy
Published: September 2015

The architecture of corticobasal ganglia pathways allows for many routes to inhibit a planned action: the hyperdirect pathway performs fast action cancellation and the indirect pathway competitively constrains execution signals from the direct pathway. We present a novel model, principled off of basal ganglia circuitry, that differentiates control dynamics of reactive stopping from intrinsic no-go decisions. Using a nested diffusion model, we show how reactive braking depends on the state of an execution process. In contrast, no-go decisions are best captured by a failure of the execution process to reach the decision threshold due to increasing constraints on the drift rate. This model accounts for both behavioral and functional MRI (fMRI) responses during inhibitory control tasks better than alternative models. The advantage of this framework is that it allows for incorporating the effects of context in reactive and proactive control into a single unifying parameter, while distinguishing action cancellation from no-go decisions.
Hippocampome.org: a knowledge base of neuron types in the rodent hippocampus
Authors: Wheeler Diek W , White Charise M , Rees Christopher L , Komendantov Alexander O , Hamilton David J , Ascoli Giorgio A
Published: September 2015

Hippocampome.org is a comprehensive knowledge base of neuron types in the rodent hippocampal formation (dentate gyrus, CA3, CA2, CA1, subiculum, and entorhinal cortex). Although the hippocampal literature is remarkably information-rich, neuron properties are often reported with incompletely defined and notoriously inconsistent terminology, creating a formidable challenge for data integration. Our extensive literature mining and data reconciliation identified 122 neuron types based on neurotransmitter, axonal and dendritic patterns, synaptic specificity, electrophysiology, and molecular biomarkers. All ∼3700 annotated properties are individually supported by specific evidence (∼14,000 pieces) in peer-reviewed publications. Systematic analysis of this unprecedented amount of machine-readable information reveals novel correlations among neuron types and properties, the potential connectivity of the full hippocampal circuitry, and outstanding knowledge gaps. User-friendly browsing and online querying of Hippocampome.org may aid design and interpretation of both experiments and simulations. This powerful, simple, and extensible neuron classification endeavor is unique in its detail, utility, and completeness.
Genomic DNA transposition induced by human PGBD5
Authors: Henssen Anton G , Henaff Elizabeth , Jiang Eileen , Eisenberg Amy R , Carson Julianne R , Villasante Camila M , Ray Mondira , Still Eric , Burns Melissa , Gandara Jorge , Feschotte Cedric , Mason Christopher E , Kentsis Alex
Published: September 2015

Transposons are mobile genetic elements that are found in nearly all organisms, including humans. Mobilization of DNA transposons by transposase enzymes can cause genomic rearrangements, but our knowledge of human genes derived from transposases is limited. In this study, we find that the protein encoded by human PGBD5, the most evolutionarily conserved transposable element-derived gene in vertebrates, can induce stereotypical cut-and-paste DNA transposition in human cells. Genomic integration activity of PGBD5 requires distinct aspartic acid residues in its transposase domain, and specific DNA sequences containing inverted terminal repeats with similarity to piggyBac transposons. DNA transposition catalyzed by PGBD5 in human cells occurs genome-wide, with precise transposon excision and preference for insertion at TTAA sites. The apparent conservation of DNA transposition activity by PGBD5 suggests that genomic remodeling contributes to its biological function.
Temporal stability of an endemic Mexican treefrog
Authors: Cruz-Ruiz Griselda , Venegas-Barrera Crystian S. , Sanchez-Sanchez Hermilo , Manjarrez Javier
Published: September 2015

The demographic characteristics of an amphibian population fluctuate independently over time, mainly in response to the temporal variation of environmental factors, especially precipitation and temperature. These temporal fluctuations may contribute to the size of an amphibian population and could be used to determine the current conservation status of a species. During a five year (2004–2008) period, we studied the relative abundance, sex ratio, and age-sex structure of a population of metamorphosed individuals of the endemic treefrogHyla eximiain Central Mexico. We also studied the species’ relationship with climatic variables such as temperature and precipitation. We found an interannual constant abundance during the study period. However, interannual differences were observed in the population structure by age-sex category (males, females, or juveniles), with decreased abundance of males and juveniles during the rainy months (August–November). The annual abundance ofH. eximiawas positively correlated with rainfall, but negatively with monthly temperature. We found the sex ratio was male-biased (2:1), except for year 2008. Also, differences in snout-vent length (SVL) were found between years, suggesting changes in recruitment of new individuals. We conclude that variations in abundance, and frequencies by age-sex category, ofH. eximiaare related to seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation characteristics of temperate zones. However, this temporal stability may suggest that anurans have an unusual capacity to persist even in the face of human-induced habitat change.
An examination of disparities in cancer incidence in Texas using Bayesian random coefficient models
Authors: Sparks Corey
Published: September 2015

Disparities in cancer risk exist between ethnic groups in the United States. These disparities often result from differential access to healthcare, differences in socioeconomic status and differential exposure to carcinogens. This study uses cancer incidence data from the population based Texas Cancer Registry to investigate the disparities in digestive and respiratory cancers from 2000 to 2008. A Bayesian hierarchical regression approach is used. All models are fit using the INLA method of Bayesian model estimation. Specifically, a spatially varying coefficient model of the disparity between Hispanic and Non-Hispanic incidence is used. Results suggest that a spatio-temporal heterogeneity model best accounts for the observed Hispanic disparity in cancer risk. Overall, there is a significant disadvantage for the Hispanic population of Texas with respect to both of these cancers, and this disparity varies significantly over space. The greatest disparities between Hispanics and Non-Hispanics in digestive and respiratory cancers occur in eastern Texas, with patterns emerging as early as 2000 and continuing until 2008.
Sonographic Evaluation of the Plantar Heel in Asymptomatic Endurance Runners
Authors: Hall Mederic M. , Finnoff Jonathan T. , Sayeed Yusef A. , Smith Jay
Published: September 2015

Objectives

The primary purpose of this investigation was to determine the prevalence and spectrum of asymptomatic sonographically determined structural changes in the plantar fascia and plantar heel pad among experienced runners without a history of heel pain.

Methods

Thirty‐nine asymptomatic runners without a history of plantar heel pain were recruited. The following sonographic measures were recorded: power Doppler sonography in the plantar heel pad and plantar fascia, echo texture of the plantar heel pad, uncompressed heel pad thickness, compressed heel pad thickness, heel pad compressibility index, plantar fascia thickness, and plantar fascia echo texture.

Results

Doppler flow was shown in the plantar heel pads of 88% (68 of 77) of heels and 92% (36 of 39) of runners. Heel pad echo texture abnormalities were found in 86% (66 of 77) of heels and 97% (38 of 39) of runners. Mean values for right and left uncompressed heel pad thickness were 13.8 and 13.7 mm, respectively. The mean heel pad compressibility indices were 0.51 for the right heel and 0.53 for the left heel. Eight percent (6 of 77) of fat pads in 10% (4 of 39) of runners had abnormal compressibility indices. Doppler flow was present in the plantar fascia in 31% (24 of 77) of heels and 44% (17 of 39) of runners. The mean plantar fascia thicknesses were 3.78 mm for the right and 3.87 mm for the left. Forty‐eight percent (37 of 77) of heels had an abnormal plantar fascia echo texture.

Conclusions

At least 1 potentially abnormal sonographic finding was present in each heel of all asymptomatic runners in this study. Consequently, sonographic abnormalities in the plantar heel should be interpreted within the clinical context when evaluating runners.
Sonographic Features of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ of the Breast With Microinvasion
Authors: Yao Jie-Jie , Zhan Wei-Wei , Chen Man , Zhang Xiao-Xiao , Zhu Ying , Fei Xiao-Chun , Chen Xiao-Song
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To compare the sonographic results, clinicopathologic characteristics, and biomarkers in pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast and DCIS with microinvasion.

Methods

A total of 218 patients with pathologically proven DCIS based on sonography in our hospital (2009–2013) were retrospectively enrolled. Clinicopathologic characteristics and biomarkers were examined. Grayscale sonographic results were investigated according to the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System lexicon, and color Doppler sonography was used to assess the vascularization distribution and degree. All variables were compared by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

All patients were female, with a mean age of 55.3 years (range, 32–78 years). One hundred sixty patients with 160 lesions had pure DCIS, and 58 patients with 58 lesions had DCIS with microinvasion. Ductal carcinoma in situ with microinvasion was more likely to have sentinel lymph node metastases, larger tumors, a higher tumor grade, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positivity, and a high Ki‐67 index (all P < .05). Univariate analysis showed that DCIS with microinvasion was more likely to be hypoechoic with microcalcifications, have a mixed vascularization distribution (equal peripheral and internal blood flow signals), and have a high degree of vascularization (at least 2 penetrating vessels; all P < .05). Multivariate analysis indicated that the presence of microcalcifications and a high degree of vascularization were significantly and independently associated with microinvasion (both P < .001).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that DCIS with microinvasion is more likely to have microcalcifications and a high degree of vascularization than pure DCIS. Patients with these sonographic features are more likely to have a high tumor grade, sentinel lymph node metastases, larger tumors, a high Ki‐67 index, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positivity.
Sensitivity and Specificity of the Toe‐Brachial Index for Detecting Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Tehan Peta , Bray Alan , Keech Ruth , Rounsley Richard , Carruthers Angela , Chuter Vivienne Helaine
Published: September 2015

Objectives

The toe‐brachial index (TBI) is an alternative to the ankle‐brachial index (ABI) in screening for peripheral arterial disease (PAD); however, there is limited evidence comparing their diagnostic accuracy. This study compared the diagnostic accuracy of the ABI and TBI in a population at risk of PAD.

Methods

The sensitivity and specificity of the ABI and TBI were determined by color duplex sonography. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 119 participants were recruited (75 male and 44 female). The sensitivity for PAD was highest for the TBI (71%; ABI, 45%), and the specificity was highest for the ABI (93%; TBI, 78%). Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that the TBI (ROC area, 0.77; P = .0001) had greater clinical efficacy for diagnosis of PAD than the ABI (ROC area, 0.65; P = .005).

Conclusions

In specific populations, the TBI may have greater clinical efficacy than the ABI for diagnosis of PAD.
Prognostic Value of Diagnostic Sonography in Patients With Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: Fleischer Adam E. , Albright Rachel H. , Crews Ryan T. , Kelil Tatiana , Wrobel James S.
Published: September 2015

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to determine whether the sonographic appearance of the plantar fascia is predictive of the treatment (ie, pain) response in patients receiving supportive therapy for proximal plantar fasciitis. This study was a secondary analysis of data obtained from a randomized controlled trial of ambulatory adults, which examined the efficacy of 3 different foot supports for plantar fasciitis.

Methods

Participants underwent diagnostic sonographic examinations of their heel at baseline and again at 3 months by a single experienced foot and ankle surgeon. Quantitative (eg, thickness) and qualitative (eg, biconvexity) characteristics of the fascia were recorded according to a standard protocol. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of the pain response.

Results

Seventy patients completed a baseline evaluation, and 63 patients completed a 3‐month follow‐up assessment. The pain response was not associated with the type of foot support (P> .05). The only significant indicator of an unfavorable response in the univariate and multivariate analyses was biconvexity of the plantar fascia on sonography at presentation (multivariate odds ratio, 4.76 [95% confidence interval, 1.16–19.5; P= .030). Furthermore, changes in self‐reported pain over the 3‐month study period were not accompanied by alterations in plantar fascia thickness over this time (r = .056; P = .671).

Conclusions

We conclude that patients who present with biconvexity of the plantar fascia may be less responsive to tier 1 treatment regimens that center around mechanical support of the plantar fascia. Furthermore, follow‐up measurements of the fascia in this population should not weigh heavily in decisions such as return to play.
Analysis of suicide attempts and completions at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System: a retrospective review
Authors: Oliveira Rosana , Moore Troy A. , Gutierrez Cynthia A.
Published: September 2015

Background

Suicide continues to be a growing public health issue, and suicidal behaviors have been identified as a critical problem in the military population, with the number of soldiers dying by suicide exceeding those killed in action.

Objective

This study aimed to characterize the population with attempted or completed suicides at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System and to analyze differences between those 2 populations. Other outcomes included adherence to psychiatric medications 6 months before suicide attempt or completion and psychiatric hospitalizations, psychiatric emergency department visits, and “no-show” appointments to mental health providers.

Methods

Data were collected from the Suicide Prevention and Application Network for patients from South Texas Veterans Health Care System who had attempted or completed suicide between September 1, 2011, and September 30, 2013. Those data were supplemented with data from the computerized patient-record system. A retrospective chart review was conducted to collect further information.

Results

Of 120 events included in the analysis, there were 97 attempts (81%) and 23 completions (19%). Men were significantly more likely to complete a suicide than women were (P = .025). Those that attempted suicide were more likely to have previous attempts compared with those who completed suicide (mean of 1.01 versus 0.17 respectively, P = .0035). The most frequent method for attempt was toxic ingestion (accounting for 61.9% of attempts), while the most frequent method of completing suicide was by using a firearm (87.0%); there was a statistically significant difference found between methods used for suicide attempt versus completion (P < .0001). Significantly more attempts than completions involved alcohol (21 versus 0 respectively; P = .013). Those on divalproex were less likely to complete suicide (16 attempts, 0 completions; P = .040). There were no differences between groups for the secondary outcomes studied.

Conclusions

Characteristics associated with completion of suicide in this analysis include male gender and using a firearm, while having previous attempts, being on divalproex, or using alcohol are associated with being more likely to attempt rather than complete suicide. More information is needed on how to appropriately identify high-risk veterans, and suicide safety plans should be developed for these patients to minimize their risk.
Evaluation of a depression case management service: Improving depression care and impact on suicide assessment
Authors: Hopper Jessica
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the US. Many factors impact suicide and suicide prevention; however, improved awareness, recognition, and depression management account for some of the best suicide prevention strategies.

Methods

A depression case management service, compared to usual care, was evaluated for its ongoing assessment of patients with depression and improvements in care.

Results

Case management demonstrates improved documentation of PHQ9 scores, response rates, and remission rates when compared to usual care.

Discussion

Additional benefits of case management are seen in improved suicide assessment and potential for intervention and access to care.
A mechanistic analysis of early Eocene latitudinal gradients of isotopes in precipitation
Authors: Winnick Matthew J. , Caves Jeremy K. , Chamberlain C. Page
Published: September 2015

We use a one‐dimensional reactive transport model of isotopes in precipitation (δ18O) to investigate the physical mechanisms controlling global meridional isotope profiles under early Eocene hothouse conditions. Simulations of early Eocene precipitation isotopes display reduced meridional gradients relative to the modern climate with the largest increases in δ18O occurring at high latitudes, matching proxy data. These reduced gradients are controlled primarily by polar amplification that increases high‐latitude length scales of specific humidity and match our compilation of proxy‐based reconstructions. Comparing Eocene general circulation model simulations run with pCO2 of 2240 and 4480 ppm, we find that meridional isotopic profiles are insensitive to the associated 5°C change in global temperatures due to the relative lack of polar amplification. Finally, we hypothesize that observed negative δD anomalies in precipitation during peak warming of early Eocene hyperthermal events are the result of a theorized reduction in the strength of midlatitude transient eddies.
Imaging the development of the cold dense plasma sheet
Authors: Fuselier S. A. , Dayeh M. A. , Livadiotis G. , McComas D. J. , Ogasawara K. , Valek P. , Funsten H. O. , Petrinec S. M.
Published: September 2015

The Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) frequently images the Earth's magnetosphere in Energetic Neutral Atoms (ENAs). In May 2013, there was an extended period of northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) while IBEX was imaging the Earth's magnetotail. During this period, IBEX imaged the development of the cold plasma sheet between about 15 and 20 Earth radii (RE) down the tail from the Earth. The ENA fluxes changed in both amplitude and average energy during this development. In addition, the plasma sheet may have thickened. At the end of the interval, the IMF turned southward and ENA fluxes decreased. The thickening of the plasma sheet suggests that the plasma in this region increases in both density and volume as it develops during extended periods of northward IMF. The decrease in the ENA flux suggests thinning of the plasma sheet and loss of plasma associated with the IMF turning.
Recent observed and simulated changes in precipitation over Africa
Authors: Maidment Ross I. , Allan Richard P. , Black Emily
Published: September 2015

Multiple observational data sets and atmosphere‐only simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 are analyzed to characterize recent rainfall variability and trends over Africa focusing on 1983–2010. Data sets exhibiting spurious variability, linked in part to a reduction in rain gauge density, were identified. The remaining observations display coherent increases in annual Sahel rainfall (29 to 43 mm yr−1 per decade), decreases in March–May East African rainfall (−14 to −65 mm yr−1 per decade), and increases in annual Southern Africa rainfall (32 to 41 mm yr−1 per decade). However, Central Africa annual rainfall trends vary in sign (−10 to +39 mm yr−1 per decade). For Southern Africa, observed and sea surface temperature (SST)‐forced model simulated rainfall variability are significantly correlated (r~0.5) and linked to SST patterns associated with recent strengthening of the Pacific Walker circulation.
The importance of rare, high‐wind events for dust uplift in northern Africa
Authors: Cowie Sophie M. , Marsham John H. , Knippertz Peter
Published: September 2015

Dust uplift is a nonlinear thresholded function of wind speed and therefore particularly sensitive to the long tails of observed wind speed probability density functions. This suggests that a few rare high‐wind events can contribute substantially to annual dust emission. Here we quantify the relative roles of different wind speeds to dust‐generating winds using surface synoptic observations of dust emission and wind from northern Africa. The results show that winds between 2 and 5 m s−1 above the threshold cause the most emission. Of the dust‐generating winds, 25% is produced by very rare events occurring only at 0.1 to 1.4% of the time, depending on the region. Dust‐producing winds are underestimated in ERA‐I, since it misses the long tail found in observations. ERA‐I overpredicts (underpredicts) the frequency of emission strength winds in the southern (northern) regions. These problems cannot be solved by simple tunings. Finally, we show that rare events make the largest contribution to interannual variability in dust‐generating winds and that ERA severely underestimates this interannual variability.
Investigating decadal‐scale geomorphic dynamics in an alpine mountain setting
Authors: Micheletti Natan , Lambiel Christophe , Lane Stuart N.
Published: September 2015

We know little about the effect of recent climate variability upon landscapes at the timescale of decades because of (1) the complex, nonlinear, and path‐dependent nature of the response of a landscape to climate forcing and (2) the difficulty of quantifying spatially distributed impacts at the timescale of decades to centuries, despite this being the timescale over which significant hypotheses have been raised over human impacts upon climate change and hence geomorphic systems. A unique resource to investigate the linkages between climatic variability and geomorphic response is provided by the extensive coverage of aerial imagery commonly available since the 1950s. Here we use archival digital photogrammetry to produce high‐precision digital elevation models over large spatial scales, and so to reconstruct the quantitative history of surface downwasting and sediment flux in a high mountain alpine system, over the timescales of decades. Propagation of error methods is used to identify locations of significant landscape response and to compute volumes of significant surface change. Orthorectified aerial images are used in an image correlation framework to detect horizontal and vertical displacements of components of the landscape. Results are coupled to extant climate data and modeled snow cover to show how the landscape responds to climate forcing and to geomorphological maps to understand how this response varies between landscape elements. The results show distinct landscape response to both warming and cooling periods and a tendency for the acceleration of surface displacement under warming conditions. Precipitation and snow cover are critical in controlling glacier dynamics and rock glacier displacement velocities. However, while some landforms might lead to locally high sediment flux, landscape heritage can disconnect zones of high change rates from the valley bottom. Hence, the landscape response to climate forcing is not necessarily reflected in valley system processes or sediment deposits.
Modulating Mucin Hydration and Lubrication by Deglycosylation and Polyethylene Glycol Binding
Authors: Crouzier Thomas , Boettcher Kathrin , Geonnotti Anthony R. , Kavanaugh Nicole L. , Hirsch Julie B. , Ribbeck Katharina , Lieleg Oliver
Published: September 2015

A key property of mucin glycoproteins is their exceptional capacity to hydrate and lubricate surfaces. In vivo, mucins assemble into mucus hydrogels that cover the epithelium and protect it from dehydration and shear stress. A better understanding of the origin of these properties could lead to new treatment strategies for patients with poor mucus coverage, defective mucus production, or glycosylation as caused by Sjögren syndrome, dry eye, or in the case of certain bacterial infections. In this work, mucin coatings are used to show that mucin‐associated glycans are essential for the formation of such hydrated and lubricating layers. Native mucins are compared with deglycosylated mucins by analyzing their hydration and it is shown that their lubricative potential in the boundary and mixed lubrication regime is linked to the hydration. The removal of glycans from the mucin results in a 3.5‐fold decrease in hydration and an increase in friction by two orders of magnitude. This loss of function is countered by grafting polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules to defective mucins through lectin–glycan interactions. This lectin‐PEG conjugation restores hydration and improves lubrication of the partially deglycosylated mucin coatings. Thus, local complementation of defective mucus layers could prove to be a useful new treatment strategy.