bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tool for Predicting Medical Student Burnout From Sustained Stress Levels: Factor Analysis of the Medical Education Hassles Scale-R
Authors: Johnson Jane C. , Degenhardt Brian F. , Smith Carol K. , Wolf Thomas M. , Peterson D. Fred
Published: February 2018

Context

Acute stress during medical school affects the health of students and is associated with burnout. The Medical Education Hassles Scale-R (MEHS-R) is designed to measure acute stress among medical students. Researchers using the MEHS-R primarily report overall hassles scores, which are unable to discriminate between different categories of hassles encountered.

Objective

The present study examined the factor structure of the MEHS-R to identify subscales that would be useful to categorize hassles for research and assessment purposes.

Design

Longitudinal, observational study.

Setting

Two osteopathic medical schools.

Participants

Five hundred six first-year medical students.

Main Outcome Measure

The MEHS-R was administered at orientation and 9 to 10 times throughout the first year, classified into examination, vacation, and routine medical school activity periods. Students rated the 101 items on a 4-point scale (0=none to 3=a great deal) to indicate how much of a hassle each item had been during the previous week. Demographic subgroups were males, females, married students, single students, whites, and ethnic minorities.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis was conducted on data collected at the first school during orientation. Seven subscales were identified: Academic and Time Pressures, Financial, Social, External Influences, Day-to-Day Functioning, Relationships With Immediate Family, and Health. Cronbach α were ≥0.75. Stability of these subscales was examined using confirmatory factor analysis. Both of the fit indices used indicated the 7-subscale model for the MEHS-R adequately fit the data obtained during examination and routine medical school activity periods, one fit index indicated adequate fit for the vacation period, and neither indicated adequate fit for the data from the second school. Of the 7 subscales, 5 had a strong correspondence with categories identified by the scale developers. Fit indices also indicated the 7-subscale model was adequately generalizable to the demographic subgroups with the exception of the ethnic minorities subgroup.

Conclusions

Exploratory factor analysis performed on the MEHS-R supported formation of subscales similar to categories identified during MEHS-R development. Results of the current study supported the use of the MEHS-R for the investigation of acute stress in medical students. In future research, targeted wellness interventions for medical students may be developed based on student responses to this instrument.
Crystal structure correlations with the intrinsic thermodynamics of human carbonic anhydrase inhibitor binding
Authors: Smirnov Alexey , Zubrienė Asta , Manakova Elena , Gražulis Saulius , Matulis Daumantas
Published: February 2018

The structure-thermodynamics correlation analysis was performed for a series of fluorine- and chlorine-substituted benzenesulfonamide inhibitors binding to several human carbonic anhydrase (CA) isoforms. The total of 24 crystal structures of 16 inhibitors bound to isoforms CA I, CA II, CA XII, and CA XIII provided the structural information of selective recognition between a compound and CA isoform. The binding thermodynamics of all structures was determined by the analysis of binding-linked protonation events, yielding the intrinsic parameters, i.e., the enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs energy of binding. Inhibitor binding was compared within structurally similar pairs that differ bypara-ormeta-substituents enabling to obtain the contributing energies of ligand fragments. The pairs were divided into two groups. First,similarbinders—the pairs that keep the same orientation of the benzene ring exhibited classical hydrophobic effect, a less exothermic enthalpy and a more favorable entropy upon addition of the hydrophobic fragments. Second,dissimilarbinders—the pairs of binders that demonstrated altered positions of the benzene rings exhibited the non-classical hydrophobic effect, a more favorable enthalpy and variable entropy contribution. A deeper understanding of the energies contributing to the protein-ligand recognition should lead toward the eventual goal of rational drug design where chemical structures of ligands could be designed based on the target protein structure.
Regenerative agriculture: merging farming and natural resource conservation profitably
Authors: LaCanne Claire E. , Lundgren Jonathan G.
Published: February 2018

Most cropland in the United States is characterized by large monocultures, whose productivity is maintained through a strong reliance on costly tillage, external fertilizers, and pesticides (Schipanski et al., 2016). Despite this, farmers have developed a regenerative model of farm production that promotes soil health and biodiversity, while producing nutrient-dense farm products profitably. Little work has focused on the relative costs and benefits of novel regenerative farming operations, which necessitates studying in situ, farmer-defined best management practices. Here, we evaluate the relative effects of regenerative and conventional corn production systems on pest management services, soil conservation, and farmer profitability and productivity throughout the Northern Plains of the United States. Regenerative farming systems provided greater ecosystem services and profitability for farmers than an input-intensive model of corn production. Pests were 10-fold more abundant in insecticide-treated corn fields than on insecticide-free regenerative farms, indicating that farmers who proactively design pest-resilient food systems outperform farmers that react to pests chemically. Regenerative fields had 29% lower grain production but 78% higher profits over traditional corn production systems. Profit was positively correlated with the particulate organic matter of the soil, not yield. These results provide the basis for dialogue on ecologically based farming systems that could be used to simultaneously produce food while conserving our natural resource base: two factors that are pitted against one another in simplified food production systems. To attain this requires a systems-level shift on the farm; simply applying individual regenerative practices within the current production model will not likely produce the documented results.
Feature-by-feature comparison and holistic processing in unfamiliar face matching
Authors: Megreya Ahmed M.
Published: February 2018

Identity comparisons of photographs of unfamiliar faces are prone to error but imperative for security settings, such as the verification of face identities at passport control. Therefore, finding techniques to improve face-matching accuracy is an important contemporary research topic. This study investigates whether matching accuracy can be enhanced by verbal instructions that address feature comparisons or holistic processing. Findings demonstrate that feature-by-feature comparison strategy had no effect on face matching. In contrast, verbal instructions focused on holistic processing made face matching faster, but they impaired accuracy. Given the recent evidence for the heredity of face perception and the previously reported small or no improvements of face-matching ability, it seems reasonable to suggest that improving unfamiliar face matching is not an easy task, but it is presumably worthwhile to explore new methods for improvement nonetheless.
Overcoming barriers to monitoring patients taking second-generation antipsychotics
Authors: Peña Anita , DeJongh Beth , Haas Matthew , Harms Michelle
Published: February 2018

Introduction:

Patients taking second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are at increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome because of the side effect profiles of these medications. A medication use evaluation (MUE) was conducted and showed that baseline monitoring rates of metabolic parameters in patients taking SGAs are low. A pharmacist-run metabolic syndrome monitoring clinic (MSMC) is available to mental health (MH) outpatients; however, the clinic is underused by providers. The purpose of this project was to increase baseline metabolic syndrome monitoring rates in patients taking SGAs by implementing interventions to overcome barriers to monitoring and to accessing the MSMC.

Methods:

Appropriate tools to improve monitoring were obtained, and an electronic consult for the MSMC was created. A presentation and pamphlet were developed to improve awareness. Information about free patient transportation was obtained and distributed. Efficacy was assessed by evaluating patient referrals to the clinic before and after intervention, comparing baseline monitoring rates after implementation with the MUE data, and administering an anonymous survey to outpatient MH providers.

Results:

There was a 37.5% increase in overall referral rates to the MSMC after intervention, but only 51.5% of patients attended appointments as scheduled. Monitoring of vital signs increased, but monitoring of laboratory parameters decreased. A total of 60% (9 of 15) of providers completed a survey, of which one third indicated they still forget to refer patients to the MSMC.

Discussion:

Overall, baseline metabolic monitoring rates remained low despite implementing several interventions. Patient and provider outreach is crucial for initiating and maintaining a successful metabolic monitoring system for patients taking SGAs.
Assessing prescribing practices of clozapine before and after the implementation of an updated risk evaluation and mitigation strategy
Authors: Curry Brent , Palmer Emma , Mounce Crystal , Smith Gilbert , Shah Vital
Published: February 2018

Introduction:

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication approved for treatment-resistant schizophrenia and suicidal behavior in schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders. Despite its therapeutic efficacy, clozapine is associated with several adverse effects, including agranulocytosis. In late 2015, the Food and Drug Administration updated the risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) for clozapine with new requirements for monitoring, prescribing, and dispensing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clozapine prescribing practices at a Kentucky state psychiatric hospital before and after the implementation of the updated REMS program.

Methods:

The primary outcome of this study was to evaluate clozapine prescribing practices by identifying the number of patients on clozapine therapy in the 6 months pre and post updated REMS implementation. Included in the study were patients at a Kentucky state psychiatric hospital on clozapine therapy for the 24 months before the updated REMS implementation and in the 6-month study period after the implementation. The secondary objective of this study examined psychiatrist comfort level of prescribing clozapine.

Results:

Since the implementation of the updated REMS program, there has been an increased percentage of patients that were prescribed clozapine at a Kentucky state psychiatric hospital. This increase was not statistically significant (P = .2610).

Discussion:

The prescribing practices of clozapine within this facility did not differ significantly comparing pre- and post-REMS change in terms of number of patients prescribed clozapine, patient's dose, and therapy duration. Data from this study contributes to the body of knowledge evaluating this new standard of practice under the updated REMS.
Valproic acid–induced hyperammonemia: Incidence, clinical significance, and treatment management
Authors: Baddour Elisa , Tewksbury Ashley , Stauner Nick
Published: February 2018

Introduction:

Valproic acid (VPA)–induced hyperammonemia poses several clinical challenges in psychiatric medicine. The reported incidence of this adverse effect varies widely across the literature. Furthermore, practitioners treat hyperammonemia in asymptomatic patients although studies suggest this practice is unnecessary. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if patients with VPA-induced hyperammonemia are appropriately identified for treatment based on their symptom presentation as well as determine the most efficacious treatment approach for VPA-induced hyperammonemia.

Methods:

This study was completed at a community teaching hospital, and patients were retrospectively identified from June 1, 2011, to June 30, 2016, and included if they were admitted to a psychiatric unit, received at least 1 dose of VPA, and had at least 1 ammonia level drawn during admission. Hyperammonemia was defined as greater than 47 μmol/L, and symptomatic hyperammonemia was defined based on specific symptom presentation. The treatment modality was successful if the ammonia level was within normal range at discharge.

Results:

Of the 357 patients screened, 347 patients met all inclusion criteria for analysis. The reported incidence of hyperammonemia was found to be 36% with 43.2% of those patients presenting with symptoms. Lactulose initiation was the most common treatment modality chosen (48.7%). Discontinuation of VPA was the most effective treatment (56.3% success rate).

Discussion:

The results demonstrate that many patients with elevated ammonia levels are asymptomatic and therefore, based on findings within the literature, may not require treatment. Although lactulose was found to be the most common treatment initiated, the most effective was discontinuation of VPA.
Review of pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Shawen Avery E. , Drayton Shannon J.
Published: February 2018

Smoking cessation is a chronic issue surrounding individuals with schizophrenia. It is estimated that up to 90% of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia smoke cigarettes. The purpose of this article is to provide a nonsystematic review of the efficacy of smoking cessation interventions as well as to explore the potential neuropsychiatric adverse effects of these agents in patients with schizophrenia. Eighteen studies were found and included in the review. Overall, nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, and varenicline have all proven their effectiveness at either promoting smoking abstinence or a significant reduction in cigarette use.
A review of medical marijuana for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: Real symptom re-leaf or just high hopes?
Authors: Shishko Ilona , Oliveira Rosana , Moore Troy A. , Almeida Kenneth
Published: February 2018

Introduction:

The incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common within the population and even more so among veterans. Current medication treatment is limited primarily to antidepressants. Such medicines have shown to produce low remission rates and may require 9 patients to be treated for 1 to have a response. Aside from the Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense guidelines, other guidelines do not recommend pharmacotherapy as a first-line option, particularly in the veteran population. Marijuana has been evaluated as an alternative and novel treatment option with 16 states legalizing its use for PTSD.

Methods:

A systematic search was conducted to evaluate the evidence for the use of marijuana for PTSD. Studies for the review were included based on a literature search from Ovid MEDLINE and Google Scholar.

Results:

Five studies were identified that evaluated the use of marijuana for PTSD. One trial was conducted in Israel and actively used marijuana. Three studies did not use marijuana in the treatment arm but instead evaluated the effects postuse. A retrospective chart review from New Mexico relied on patients to recall their change in PTSD symptoms when using marijuana. Three studies concluded there might be a benefit, but two discouraged its use. Although the two negative studies show a statistical difference in worse PTSD outcomes, clinical significance is unclear.

Discussion:

Conflicting data exist for the use of marijuana for PTSD; however, current evidence is limited to anecdotal experiences, case reports, and observational studies, making it difficult to make clinical recommendations.
Space-sharing Strategy for Building Dynamic Container Yard Storage Considering Uncertainty on Number of Incoming Containers
Authors: Nurminarsih Siti , Rusdiansyah Ahmad , Putri Maulin Masyito
Published: February 2018

The implementation of AEC (Asian Economic Community) leads to demand increase at ports in Indonesia. This increasing demand is followed by operational efficiency at the port as well. In fact, ports in Indonesia have an average dwell time for 5 days. One of the causes of this long dwell time is container transfer inefficiencies during loading process. In this research, we will focus in yard management and increasing land utilization. To increase the land utilization, we develop the space-sharing concept to reduce the initial space needed for a given workload. Since the ships arrivals are also varying, this concept will be possible. We develop the concept by adding uncertainty on number of incoming containers at operational level as the determining factor in planning a shared yard area. We propose a simulation approach to evaluate strategies in making yard template.
Teachers' and Parents' Knowledge about Disabilities and Inclusion in Nigeria
Authors: Barrio Brenda L. , Miller Darcy , Ojeme Caroline , Tamakloe Deborah
Published: February 2018

There has been a gradual move toward the inclusion of students with disabilities in Nigeria promoted by the National Policy of Education, as well as polices emerging from UNESCO; however, the infrastructure and resources to make inclusion happen are generally lacking. Based on this report and the need for more information on teachers' and parents' understanding about disabilities and inclusion as demonstrated in the literature, this study explored disability-related knowledge and understanding among teachers and parents in Nigeria. Specifically, using an exploratory case study including quantitative and qualitative data, this research was designed to explore teachers' and parents' knowledge about and understanding of students with disabilities and inclusion in the southwest region of Nigeria. Findings revealed that there is a need for more teacher and parent training in Nigeria regarding students with disabilities, especially as their willingness to support students who are struggling is positive. This willingness is a key component and first steps for moving schools and communities in Nigeria toward more inclusive environments.
The Southwest Indian Ocean Bathymetric Compilation (swIOBC)
Authors: Dorschel B. , Jensen L. , Arndt J. E. , Brummer G.‐J. , de Haas H. , Fielies A. , Franke D. , Jokat W. , Krocker R. , Kroon D. , Pätzold J. , Schneider R. R. , Spieß V. , Stollhofen H. , Uenzelmann‐Neben G. , Watkeys M. , Wiles E.
Published: February 2018

We present a comprehensive regional bathymetric data compilation for the southwest Indian Ocean (swIOBC) covering the area from 4°S to 40°S and 20°E to 45°E with a spatial resolution of 250 m. For this, we used multibeam and singlebeam data as well as data from global bathymetric data compilations. We generated the swIOBC using an iterative approach of manual data cleaning and gridding, accounting for different data qualities and seamless integration of all different kinds of data. In comparison to existing bathymetric charts of this region, the new swIOBC benefits from nearly four times as many data‐constrained grid cells and a higher resolution, and thus reveals formerly unseen seabed features. In the central Mozambique Basin a surprising variety of landscapes were discovered. They document a deep reaching influence of the Mozambique Current eddies. Details of the N‐S trending Zambezi Channel could be imaged in the central Mozambique Basin.
Differentiation of a Hydrous Arc Magma Recorded in Melt Inclusions in Deep Crustal Cumulate Xenoliths from Ichinomegata Maar, NE Japan
Authors: Yanagida Y. , Nakamura M. , Yasuda A. , Kuritani T. , Nakagawa M. , Yoshida T.
Published: February 2018

The Ichinomegata maar, located in the back‐arc side of the northeastern Japan arc, erupted calc‐alkaline andesitic magma with abundant deep‐crustal and mantle xenoliths at about 60–80 ka. We investigated the relationship between fractionated solids and differentiated silicic melts at middle to lower crust conditions through petrologic analyses of hornblende‐bearing cumulate xenoliths and melt inclusions. The Sr and Nd isotope compositions are similar to those of the host magmas, suggesting their cognate origin. The crystallization sequence is determined to be olivine, spinel → clinopyroxene → hornblende, magnetite → plagioclase → apatite, based on the observation of texture and solid solution compositions. Of the five types of xenolith studied, the leuco‐hornblende gabbro preserved interstitial glass and melt inclusions with a silica content (SiO2) of 63.9–74.0 wt % and high water content (up to 8.1 wt %). Hornblende geobarometry indicates an equilibrium pressure of 0.39–0.64 GPa, which corresponds to a depth of 15–24 km. The delay of plagioclase crystallization due to high water content characterizes differentiation of the hydrous arc magma. We successfully constructed an internally consistent differentiation model of the corundum‐normative calc‐alkaline trend to the silicic melt inclusions, starting from primitive basalt via successive fractionation of a calculated wherlite and cumulate xenoliths. In middle to late stage differentiation, hornblende gabbros are the dominantly fractionated assemblages. Our results are consistent with published differentiation experiments of hydrous arc magmas and the lithology of the deep crust beneath the back arc of the NE Japan arc as estimated from seismic tomography.
Geology of the Alarcon Rise, Southern Gulf of California
Authors: Clague David A. , Caress David W. , Dreyer Brian M. , Lundsten Lonny , Paduan Jennifer B. , Portner Ryan A. , Spelz‐Madero Ronald , Bowles Julie A. , Castillo Paterno R. , Guardado‐France Rigoberto , Le Saout Morgane , Martin Julie F. , Santa Rosa‐del Río Miguel A. , Zierenberg Robert A.
Published: February 2018

Meter‐scale AUV bathymetric mapping and ROV sampling of the entire 47 km‐long Alarcon Rise between the Pescadero and Tamayo transforms show that the shallowest inflated portion of the segment hosts all four active hydrothermal vent fields and the youngest, hottest, and highest effusion rate lava flows. This shallowest inflated part is located ∼1/3 of the way between the Tamayo and Pescadero transforms and is paved by a 16 km2 channelized flow that erupted from 9 km of en echelon fissures and is larger than historic flows on the East Pacific Rise or on the Gorda and Juan de Fuca Ridges. Starting ∼5 km south of the Pescadero transform, 6.5 km of the Alarcon Rise is characterized by faulted ridges and domes of fractionated lavas ranging from basaltic andesite to rhyolite with up to 77.3 wt % SiO2. These are the first known rhyolites from the submarine global mid‐ocean ridge system. Silicic lavas range from >11.7 ka, to as young as 1.1 ka. A basalt‐to‐basaltic andesite sequence and an andesite‐to‐dacite‐to‐rhyolite sequence are consistent with crystal fractionation but some intermediate basaltic andesite and andesite formed by mixing basalt with dacite or rhyolite. Magmatism occurred along the bounding Tamayo and Pescadero transforms as extensive channelized flows. The flows erupted from ring faults surrounding uplifted sediment hills inferred to overlie sills. The transforms are transtensional to accommodate magma migration from the adjacent Alarcon Rise.
Climatic Constraints on Growth Rate and Geochemistry (Sr/Ca and U/Ca) of the Coral Siderastrea stellata in the Southwest Equatorial Atlantic (Rocas Atoll, Brazil)
Authors: Evangelista H. , Sifeddine A. , Corrège T. , Servain J. , Dassié E. P. , Logato R. , Cordeiro R. C. , Shen C.‐C. , Le Cornec F. , Nogueira J. , Segal B. , Castagna A. , Turcq B.
Published: February 2018

Although relatively rare compared to similar latitudes in the Pacific or Indian Oceans, massive coral colonies are present in the Tropical/Equatorial Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. However, detailed geochemical compositions of these corals are still largely unknown. In this work, we present growth rates, Sr/Ca, and U/Ca ratios of the coral colony (Siderastrea stellata) sampled at Rocas Atoll, off the Brazilian coast. These variables are primarily affected by sea surface temperature (SST) at seasonal scale, and by wind stress at interannual scale, these results represent a broad new finding. A lower significance at the interannual time scale between Sr/Ca and U/Ca with respect to SST is attributed to the low SST amplitude closed to Equator. An investigation on the dependence of coral growth rates with respect to the “cloud shading effect” promoted by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) does not show significant influence. Additionally, rain seems to act on local geochemistry of Sr/Ca ratios and growth rate at the decadal scale.
High‐Resolution Integrated Cyclostratigraphy From the Oyambre Section (Cantabria, N Iberian Peninsula): Constraints for Orbital Tuning and Correlation of Middle Eocene Atlantic Deep‐Sea Records
Authors: Dinarès‐Turell Jaume , Martínez‐Braceras Naroa , Payros Aitor
Published: February 2018

The astronomical timescale accuracy generally exceeds other dating methods. Precise age models are pivotal for paleoclimatic research. The middle Eocene astronomical timescale has been poorly constrained due to scarcity of suitable records leading to the so call “Eocene astronomical timescale gap.” We present magnetic susceptibility and color proxy records from an expanded 60 m long cyclic hemipelagic succession from the Oyambre Cape in northern Spain (∼1.3 My long stratigraphic section tuned to the ∼43.1–44.4 Ma interval in the Lutetian stage). We use the strong eccentricity amplitude modulation of precession in the sedimentary record for orbital tuning. The tuned record is correlated at precession level with previously tuned Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 1260 from the equatorial Atlantic (the only oceanic record that registers geochemical variations in the precession band) and to other lower resolution deep‐sea records at eccentricity level from the Southern Atlantic. Our data is consistent with a very long eccentricity minimum (driven by a ∼2.4 My periodicity) at 43.15 Ma in the orbital solutions and an age for the C20n/C20r reversal boundary at ∼43.45 Ma. However, we challenge previous correlations between these Atlantic sites (shifts of one 100 ky eccentricity cycle). Data allows to rule out correlation to either younger or older 405 ky eccentricity cycles, which constrains chronologies for the middle Eocene, emphasizing the need for consistent astrochronological frameworks involving expanded outcrops. This should aid to overcome oceanic drilling shortcomings and sedimentary complexities. Our study highlights this integration need to achieve accuracy and stability of orbital timescales underpinning Eocene paleoclimatic records.
Calibrating the Spatiotemporal Root Density Distribution for Macroscopic Water Uptake Models Using Tikhonov Regularization
Authors: Li N. , Yue X. Y.
Published: February 2018

Macroscopic root water uptake models proportional to a root density distribution function (RDDF) are most commonly used to model water uptake by plants. As the water uptake is difficult and labor intensive to measure, these models are often calibrated by inverse modeling. Most previous inversion studies assume RDDF to be constant with depth and time or dependent on only depth for simplification. However, under field conditions, this function varies with type of soil and root growth and thus changes with both depth and time. This study proposes an inverse method to calibrate both spatially and temporally varying RDDF in unsaturated water flow modeling. To overcome the difficulty imposed by the ill‐posedness, the calibration is formulated as an optimization problem in the framework of the Tikhonov regularization theory, adding additional constraint to the objective function. Then the formulated nonlinear optimization problem is numerically solved with an efficient algorithm on the basis of the finite element method. The advantage of our method is that the inverse problem is translated into a Tikhonov regularization functional minimization problem and then solved based on the variational construction, which circumvents the computational complexity in calculating the sensitivity matrix involved in many derivative‐based parameter estimation approaches (e.g., Levenberg‐Marquardt optimization). Moreover, the proposed method features optimization of RDDF without any prior form, which is applicable to a more general root water uptake model. Numerical examples are performed to illustrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed method. Finally, discussions on the stability and extension of this method are presented.
Using High‐Resolution Data to Assess Land Use Impact on Nitrate Dynamics in East African Tropical Montane Catchments
Authors: Jacobs Suzanne R. , Weeser Björn , Guzha Alphonce C. , Rufino Mariana C. , Butterbach‐Bahl Klaus , Windhorst David , Breuer Lutz
Published: February 2018

Land use change alters nitrate (NO3‐N) dynamics in stream water by changing nitrogen cycling, nutrient inputs, uptake and hydrological flow paths. There is little empirical evidence of these processes for East Africa. We collected a unique 2 year high‐resolution data set to assess the effects of land use (i.e., natural forest, smallholder agriculture and commercial tea plantations) on NO3‐N dynamics in three subcatchments within a headwater catchment in the Mau Forest Complex, Kenya's largest tropical montane forest. The natural forest subcatchment had the lowest NO3‐N concentrations (0.44 ± 0.043 mg N L−1) with no seasonal variation. NO3‐N concentrations in the smallholder agriculture (1.09 ± 0.11 mg N L−1) and tea plantation (2.13 ± 0.19 mg N L−1) subcatchments closely followed discharge patterns, indicating mobilization of NO3‐N during the rainy seasons. Hysteresis patterns of rainfall events indicate a shift from subsurface flow in the natural forest to surface runoff in agricultural subcatchments. Distinct peaks in NO3‐N concentrations were observed during rainfall events after a longer dry period in the forest and tea subcatchments. The high‐resolution data set enabled us to identify differences in NO3‐N transport of catchments under different land use, such as enhanced NO3‐N inputs to the stream during the rainy season and higher annual export in agricultural subcatchments (4.9 ± 0.3 to 12.0 ± 0.8 kg N ha−1 yr−1) than in natural forest (2.6 ± 0.2 kg N ha−1 yr−1). This emphasizes the usefulness of our monitoring approach to improve the understanding of land use effects on riverine N exports in tropical landscapes, but also the need to apply such methods in other regions.
Impact of Stage Measurement Errors on Streamflow Uncertainty
Authors: Horner I. , Renard B. , Le Coz J. , Branger F. , McMillan H. K. , Pierrefeu G.
Published: February 2018

Stage measurement errors are generally overlooked when streamflow time series are derived from uncertain rating curves. We introduce an original method for propagating stage uncertainties due to two types of stage measurement errors: (i) errors of the stage read during the gauging and (ii) systematic and nonsystematic (independent) errors of the recorded stage time series. The error models are generic and can be used for any probabilistic rating curve estimation method that provides an ensemble of rating curves. The new method is applied to a range of six contrasting hydrometric stations in France. Uncertainty budgets quantifying the contribution of various error sources to the total streamflow uncertainty are computed and compared for streamflow time series averaged at time intervals from hour to year. A sensitivity analysis is conducted on the stage time series error model to identify the most sensitive parameters. The results are site specific, which illustrates the key role played by the properties of both the hydrometric site and the gauged catchment. Across the range of sites, stage errors of the gaugings are found to have limited impact on rating curve uncertainty, at least for gaugings performed in fair conditions. Nonsystematic errors in the stage time series have a negligible effect, generally. However, systematic stage errors should not be neglected. Over the six hydrometric stations in this study, the 95% uncertainty component reflecting stage systematic errors (from ±0.5 cm to ±6.8 cm) alone ranged from 4% to 12% of daily average streamflow, and from 1% to 3% of yearly average streamflow as sensors were assumed to be recalibrated every 30 days. Perspectives for improving and validating the streamflow uncertainty estimation techniques are eventually discussed.
Acute vitreoretinal trauma and inflammation after traumatic brain injury in mice
Authors: Evans Lucy P. , Newell Elizabeth A. , Mahajan MaryAnn , Tsang Stephen H. , Ferguson Polly J. , Mahoney Jolonda , Hue Christopher D. , Vogel Edward W. , Morrison Barclay , Arancio Ottavio , Nichols Russell , Bassuk Alexander G. , Mahajan Vinit B.
Published: February 2018

Objective

Limited attention has been given to ocular injuries associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The retina is an extension of the central nervous system and evaluation of ocular damage may offer a less‐invasive approach to gauge TBI severity and response to treatment. We aim to characterize acute changes in the mouse eye after exposure to two different models of TBI to assess the utility of eye damage as a surrogate to brain injury.

Methods

A model of blast TBI (bTBI) using a shock tube was compared to a lateral fluid percussion injury model (LFPI) using fluid pressure applied directly to the brain. Whole eyes were collected from mice 3 days post LFPI and 24 days post bTBI and were evaluated histologically using a hematoxylin and eosin stain.

Results

bTBI mice showed evidence of vitreous detachment in the posterior chamber in addition to vitreous hemorrhage with inflammatory cells. Subretinal hemorrhage, photoreceptor degeneration, and decreased cellularity in the retinal ganglion cell layer was also seen in bTBI mice. In contrast, eyes of LFPI mice showed evidence of anterior uveitis and subcapsular cataracts.

Interpretation

We demonstrated that variations in the type of TBI can result in drastically different phenotypic changes within the eye. As such, molecular and phenotypic changes in the eye following TBI may provide valuable information regarding the mechanism, severity, and ongoing pathophysiology of brain injury. Because vitreous samples are easily obtained, molecular changes within the eye could be utilized as biomarkers of TBI in human patients.
Intramuscular Fat Accumulation and Associations With Body Composition, Strength, and Physical Functioning in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Baker Joshua F. , Mostoufi‐Moab Sogol , Long Jin , Zemel Babette , Ibrahim Said , Taratuta Elena , Leonard Mary B.
Published: February 2018

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with adverse body composition profiles and low muscle density due to the accumulation of intramuscular fat. Linear regression was used to assess differences between RA patients and controls and to determine associations between muscle density, strength, and physical functioning.

Methods

Patients with RA, ages 18–70 years, and healthy control subjects underwent whole‐body dual x‐ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography, in order to quantify the appendicular lean mass index (ALMI) and the fat mass index (FMI), visceral fat area, and muscle density. Dynamometry was used to measure hand grip strength and muscle strength at the knee and lower leg. Disability and physical functioning were measured using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Linear regression analyses were performed to assess differences related to RA and associations between muscle density, strength, and function.

Results

The study group included 103 patients with RA (51 men) and 428 healthy control subjects. Among patients with RA, low muscle density was associated with higher disease activity, C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6 levels, greater total and visceral fat area, lower ALMI Z scores, physical inactivity, and long‐term use of glucocorticoids (>1 year). Patients with low ALMI Z scores had lower muscle density Z scores compared with reference participants with similarly low ALMI scores. Low muscle density was independently associated with lower muscle strength, higher HAQ scores, and lower SPPB scores, after adjustment for ALMI and FMI Z scores.

Conclusion

The low muscle density observed in patients with RA was associated with low muscle mass, excess adiposity, poor strength, and greater disability. Interventions to address poor muscle quality could potentially affect important functional outcomes.
Ultrasonographic Efficacy of Biologic and Targeted Synthetic Disease‐Modifying Antirheumatic Drug Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis From a Multicenter Rheumatoid Arthritis Ultrasound Prospective Cohort in Japan
Authors: Nishino Ayako , Kawashiri Shin‐ya , Koga Tomohiro , Iwamoto Naoki , Ichinose Kunihiro , Tamai Mami , Nakamura Hideki , Origuchi Tomoki , Ueki Yukitaka , Yoshitama Tamami , Eiraku Nobutaka , Matsuoka Naoki , Okada Akitomo , Fujikawa Keita , Hamada Hiroaki , Tsuru Tomomi , Nagano Shuji , Arinobu Yojiro , Hidaka Toshihiko , Kawakami Atsushi
Published: February 2018

Objective

To explore the variables associated with initial favorable power Doppler (PD) ultrasound (US) response induced by biologic and targeted synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We have been prospectively investigating the course of active RA patients using US after the introduction of b/tsDMARDs in the Kyushu region of Japan since June 2013. A total of 150 patients have completed the first 6 months of observation at present and have been evaluated. US was assessed in 22 joints of bilateral hands using gray‐scale and PD images on a scale from 0–3. The sum of these scores was used as the indicator of US disease activity. We defined PD remission as attaining a total PD score of 0 at 6 months and investigated the associated variables by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

The total PD and gray‐scale scores and the clinical composite measures significantly improved at 6 months, whereas these reductions were less in bDMARD switchers as compared with bDMARD‐naive patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that short disease duration, the absence of any previous use of bDMARDs, and low total PD scores at baseline were independent predictors of PD remission at 6 months.

Conclusion

This present prospective US cohort has for the first time shown the variables that are associated with initial PD response to b/tsDMARDs.
Phenome‐Wide Association Studies Uncover a Novel Association of Increased Atrial Fibrillation in Male Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Barnado April , Carroll Robert J. , Casey Carolyn , Wheless Lee , Denny Joshua C. , Crofford Leslie J.
Published: February 2018

Objective

Phenome‐wide association studies (PheWAS) scan across billing codes in the electronic health record (EHR) and re‐purpose clinical EHR data for research. In this study, we examined whether PheWAS could function as an EHR‐based discovery tool for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and identified novel clinical associations in male versus female patients with SLE.

Methods

We used a de‐identified version of the Vanderbilt University Medical Center EHR, which includes more than 2.8 million subjects. We performed EHR‐based PheWAS to compare SLE patients with age‐, sex‐, and race‐matched control subjects and to compare male SLE patients with female SLE patients, controlling for multiple testing using a false discovery rate (FDR) P value of 0.05.

Results

We identified 1,097 patients with SLE and 5,735 matched control subjects. In a comparison of patients with SLE and matched controls, SLE patients were shown to be more likely to have International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes related to the SLE disease criteria. In the PheWAS of male versus female SLE patients, with adjustment for age and race, male patients were shown to be more likely to have atrial fibrillation (odds ratio 4.50, false discovery rate P = 3.23 × 10−3). Chart review confirmed atrial fibrillation, with the majority of patients developing atrial fibrillation after the SLE diagnosis and having multiple risk factors for atrial fibrillation. After adjustment for age, sex, race, and coronary artery disease, SLE disease status was shown to be significantly associated with atrial fibrillation (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Using PheWAS to compare male and female patients with SLE, we identified a novel association of an increased incidence of atrial fibrillation in male patients. SLE disease status was shown to be independently associated with atrial fibrillation, even after adjustment for age, sex, race, and coronary artery disease. These results demonstrate the utility of PheWAS as an EHR‐based discovery tool for SLE.
Janus Fabric with Self‐Propelled Directional Wetting Patterns Induced by Light and Temperature
Authors: Kong Yee Yee , Xin John H.
Published: February 2018

Janus fabric with self‐propelled directional wetting patterns is achieved. First, the fabric substrate is coated with photosensitive oxide‐based nano titanium dioxide (TiO2) and subjected to post‐thermal treatment to make it superhydrophobic. Then one side of the fabric is photo‐irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) light through a photo mask to transform the irradiated surface from a superhydrophobic to a superhydrophilic one. As a result, two opposing wettabilities are formed on one side of the fabric surface whereas the opposite side retained its superhydrophobicity. The fabric system utilizes the dual stimuli‐responsive properties of nano TiO2: the well‐known, light‐induced superhydrophilicity; and the rarely studied, thermally induced superhydrophobicity. These two properties give rise to the self‐propelled movement of liquid in two and three dimensions: the liquid moves spontaneously from the superhydrophobic side to the opposite side and then it spreads out along the wetting patterns. The wetting pattern formed only on one side of the fabric without penetrating through to the superhydrophobic side. Such self‐propelled directional wetting patterns arise from a combination of the photo‐ and thermal‐induced chemical change of surface properties of TiO2 as well as the wetting contrast of the macroscale and nanoscale that developed within the fabric system facilitate the directional movement of liquid.
Development of Surface‐Engineered Tape‐Casting Method for Fabricating Freestanding Carbon Nanotube Sheets Containing Fe2O3 Nanoparticles for Flexible Batteries
Authors: Karam Zainab , Susantyoko Rahmat Agung , Alhammadi Ayoob , Mustafa Ibrahim , Wu Chieh‐Han , Almheiri Saif
Published: February 2018

Chemical vapor deposition and filtration are commonly used to fabricate freestanding multiwalled carbon nanotube sheets containing iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) (MWCNT–Fe2O3 sheets). However, the former is relatively expensive, and the latter suffers from poor scalability. Here, the authors develop an inexpensive, scalable, high‐throughput, tunable tape‐casting method for fabricating flexible, foldable freestanding MWCNT–Fe2O3 sheets. When tested as electrodes in lithium‐ion batteries, the sheets perform better than conventional graphite on copper foil (681 mAh g−1 after 20 cycles at 100.5 mA g−1/0.1 C‐rate vs. 72.5 mAh g−1 after 20 cycles at 37.2 mA g−1/0.1 C‐rate). Sheets prepared at Fe2O3:MWCNT mass ratios ranging from 1/4 to 2/1 are flexible and easy to be separated from the substrate, but a sheet prepared at a 9/1 ratio is not. The ratio can be tuned to suit various applications. Sheets with high (low) Fe2O3:MWCNT mass ratios has high (low) charge‐transfer resistance and are suitable for applications requiring high energy density (high power density). Mechanical compression of the sheets flattens them and increase their density from 0.449 to 0.771 g cm−3, which in turn increases their electrical conductivity from 3.56 × 103 to 5.73 × 103 S m−1.
Uniformly Grafting SnO2 Nanoparticles on Ionic Liquid Reduced Graphene Oxide Sheets for High Lithium Storage
Authors: Zhu Shengming , Dong Xufeng , Gao Song , Jin Xiaozhe , Huang Hao , Qi Min
Published: February 2018

SnO2‐based anode materials for lithium ion batteries suffer from inevitable pulverization and electrical disconnection during repeated charge–discharge cycles. Stabilizing nanostructure of SnO2 particles by graphene is one of the most extensively studied strategies to achieve high capacity and long‐term cyclability. However, in the wet chemistry, the reaggregation of the solvent–dispersed graphene and the SnO2 make it difficult to fabricate SnO2/graphene composites with desirable nanostructure which can be maintained during lithiation. Herein, the ionic liquid‐assisted method is applied to prepare SnO2 nanoparticles grafted on ionic liquid reduced graphene oxide (SnO2@IL‐RGO) composite through a novel “bridging effect” generated from the interaction between these two constituents and ionic liquid which efficiently maintains the desirable nanostructure and offers more conductive pathway upon cycling. The composite as an anode material achieves an increasing capacity up to 1508 mAh g−1 in the 427th cycle at high current of 1 A g−1. The ionic liquid‐assisted strategy may be a promising approach to promote the strong combination and uniform dispersion of other metal oxides on the carbonaceous materials, providing a new way to prepare metal oxide–carbon composites for wide applications.
Improved acoustic damping in polyurethane foams by the inclusion of silicon dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Asadi Khanouki Mostafa , Ohadi Abdolreza
Published: February 2018

In this research, flexible semi‐open cell polyurethane (PU) foams incorporating silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles are produced to have improved acoustic damping. Nanoparticles of different loading fractions and various sizes are employed to achieve improvement in sound absorption of foams. The effect of SiO2 nanoparticles’ size on the acoustic damping of PU foams, which is investigated in this study, has not been studied before. The mechanical, nonacoustical, and acoustical properties of the foams are measured by experiments or calculated by theoretical models. The results show that a PU foam sample incorporating only 0.05 wt% of nanoparticles has a great improvement (more than 90%) in sound absorption ability over the frequency range of 500–1,000 Hz. By the increase in the loading fraction of nanoparticles, a gradual decrease in acoustic damping is observed. Moreover, regarding size of nanoparticles, those with bigger nanometer sizes bring about a better sound absorption ability in PU foams. Besides acoustical properties, microcellular characteristics, nonacoustic parameters, and mechanical properties are also presented which are in agreement with the improved acoustical ability of foams quite well.