bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phospholipids as cancer biomarkers: Mass spectrometry‐based analysis
Authors: Bandu Raju , Mok Hyuck Jun , Kim Kwang Pyo
Published: June 2016

Lipids, particularly phospholipids (PLs), are key components of cellular membrane. PLs play important and diverse roles in cells such as chemical‐energy storage, cellular signaling, cell membranes, and cell–cell interactions in tissues. All these cellular processes are pertinent to cells that undergo transformation, cancer progression, and metastasis. Thus, there is a strong possibility that some classes of PLs are expected to present in cancer cells and tissues in cellular physiology. The mass spectrometric soft‐ionization techniques, electrospray ionization (ESI), and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) are well‐established in the proteomics field, have been used for lipidomic analysis in cancer research. This review focused on the applications of mass spectrometry (MS) mainly on ESI‐MS and MALDI‐MS in the structural characterization, molecular composition and key roles of various PLs present in cancer cells, tissues, blood, and urine, and on their importance for cancer‐related problems as well as challenges for development of novel PL‐based biomarkers. The profiling of PLs helps to rationalize their functions in biological systems, and will also provide diagnostic information to elucidate mechanisms behind the control of cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. The investigation of cellular PLs with MS methods suggests new insights on various cancer diseases and clinical applications in the drug discovery and development of biomarkers for various PL‐related different cancer diseases. PL profiling in tissues, cells and body fluids also reflect the general condition of the whole organism and can indicate the existence of cancer and other diseases. PL profiling with MS opens new prospects to assess alterations of PLs in cancer, screening specific biomarkers and provide a basis for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 37:107‐138, 2018
A framework for transitioning patients from pediatric to adult health settings for patients with neurogenic bladder
Authors: Lewis Jennifer , Frimberger Dominic , Haddad Emily , Slobodov Gennady
Published: June 2016

Background

Adolescents with neurogenic bladder are a vulnerable population that severely lacks consistent transitional care from pediatric to adult urology settings.

Aims

Our practice determined that 100 patients with spina bifida and other neurogenic bladder conditions were not appropriately transferred to the adult setting once reaching adulthood.

Methods

We initiated a transitional program to establish a dedicated and formal process for adolescent patients to transition to adult urology. The REACH clinic implements a formalized staging framework to facilitate migration of adolescents and young adults to the adult health setting. A social worker was incorporated to act as a patient advocate, behavioral health consultant, and resource specialist.

Results

To date 45 patients have been enrolled in the transition program. We have identified and categorized according to the appropriate stage. The REACH clinic has appropriately outlined the goals and mission of the program and resources utilized are financially practical and feasible by conducting a monthly combined clinic. The program has been instrumental in improving tracking and monitoring of these patients through their transition period.

Conclusion

Through the efforts of the pediatric and adult urology teams, the REACH program is a dedicated framework that provides structure for transition of the adolescent patient. The addition of a social worker has resulted in enriched rapport and will likely result in improved compliance. This program allows for surveillance and evaluation of patient outcome indicators in this patient population. We believe that early introduction and frequent encounters with the adult urologic team is crucial to successful transitions. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:973–978, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An extended boundary element method formulation for the direct calculation of the stress intensity factors in fully anisotropic materials
Authors: Hattori G. , Alatawi I. A. , Trevelyan J.
Published: June 2016

We propose a formulation for linear elastic fracture mechanics in which the stress intensity factors are found directly from the solution vector of an extended boundary element method formulation. The enrichment is embedded in the boundary element method formulation, rather than adding new degrees of freedom for each enriched node. Therefore, a very limited number of new degrees of freedom is added to the problem, which contributes to preserving the conditioning of the linear system of equations. The Stroh formalism is used to provide boundary element method fundamental solutions for any degree of anisotropy, and these are used for both conventional and enriched degrees of freedom. Several numerical examples are shown with benchmark solutions to validate the proposed method. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A nonparametric probabilistic approach for quantifying uncertainties in low‐dimensional and high‐dimensional nonlinear models
Authors: Soize C. , Farhat C.
Published: June 2016

A nonparametric probabilistic approach for modeling uncertainties in projection‐based, nonlinear, reduced‐order models is presented. When experimental data are available, this approach can also quantify uncertainties in the associated high‐dimensional models. The main underlying idea is twofold. First, to substitute the deterministic reduced‐order basis (ROB) with a stochastic counterpart. Second, to construct the probability measure of the stochastic reduced‐order basis (SROB) on a subset of a compact Stiefel manifold in order to preserve some important properties of a ROB. The stochastic modeling is performed so that the probability distribution of the constructed SROB depends on a small number of hyperparameters. These are determined by solving a reduced‐order statistical inverse problem. The mathematical properties of this novel approach for quantifying model uncertainties are analyzed through theoretical developments and numerical simulations. Its potential is demonstrated through several example problems from computational structural dynamics. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response of Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome to Sirolimus Treatment
Authors: Salloum Ralph , Fox Courtney E. , Alvarez‐Allende Carlos R. , Hammill Adrienne M. , Dasgupta Roshni , Dickie Belinda H. , Mobberley‐Schuman Paula , Wentzel Mary Sue , Chute Carol , Kaul Ajay , Patel Manish , Merrow Arnold C. , Gupta Anita , Whitworth John R. , Adams Denise M.
Published: June 2016

Background

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare multifocal venous malformation syndrome involving predominantly the skin and gastrointestinal tract. Traditional treatment modalities include corticosteroids, interferon‐α, sclerotherapy, and aggressive surgical resection. Sirolimus has been used in several single case reports.

Procedure

We performed a single‐institution retrospective review of four children with BRBNS, who received sirolimus as part of their treatment regimens. A diagnosis of BRBNS was based on clinical, radiologic, and pathologic criteria.

Results

Median age was 6.5 years (range: 2–16 years). Pathologic evaluations revealed a combined malformation with venous and lymphatic components. The novel finding of a lymphatic component was confirmed with PROX‐1 immunostaining. Patients received oral sirolimus with target drug levels between 10 and 13 ng/ml. Responses to treatment were defined as stabilization/decrease in size of lesions; resolution of transfusion requirements; reduction in pain, and improvement in quality of life (QOL). Median time to response was 1.5 months (SD ± 0.96 month, range: 1–3 months). Median follow‐up was 21 months (range: 18–26 months). Lesion size and characteristics improved in all patients. All patients reported decrease in pain and improvement in QOL. All three patients requiring transfusions became transfusion‐independent. One patient had resolution of coagulopathy. Adverse effects of sirolimus consisted of mucositis in three patients and neutropenia in one patient.

Conclusions

Sirolimus is safe and efficient for the treatment of BRBNS. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the long‐term effectiveness of this drug. This is the first report that identifies a lymphatic component as part of BRBNS.
Poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites based on graphene oxide: a comparative investigation of the effects of surface chemistry on properties and foaming behavior
Authors: Wang Yuwei , Liao Xia , Li Shaojie , Luo Yong , Yang Qi , Li Guangxian
Published: June 2016

The effects of oxygen functional groups and alkyl chains at the surface of graphene oxide (GO) on the thermal stability, mechanical properties and foaming behavior of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposites were investigated. Alkyl‐functionalized GO (GO‐ODA) was prepared by grafting octadecylamine (ODA) on the surface of GO. PMMA/GO and PMMA/GO‐ODA nanocomposite were obtained by solution blending and were foamed using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). GO‐ODA, with the presence of alkyl chains, showed a better dispersion capability in PMMA matrix than GO with a large amount of oxygen functional groups. In addition, the good dispersion capability increased thermal stability and mechanical strength. In comparison with PMMA/GO samples foamed at 70 °C, PMMA/GO‐ODA nanocomposite foams displayed improved cell structures with higher cell density, smaller cell size and more homogeneous cell size distribution, which results from the strong heterogeneous nucleation due to alkyl chains on the GO surface. The foaming behaviors became more complicated at 80 °C as the GO might be intercalated and exfoliated with the aid of scCO2, thus further enhancing the heterogeneous nucleation during the foaming process. The results indicated that the surface chemistry of GO was closely related to the properties and foaming behavior of the nanocomposites. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Network representation of protein interactions: Theory of graph description and analysis
Authors: Kurzbach Dennis
Published: June 2016

A methodological framework is presented for the graph theoretical interpretation of NMR data of protein interactions. The proposed analysis generalizes the idea of network representations of protein structures by expanding it to protein interactions. This approach is based on regularization of residue‐resolved NMR relaxation times and chemical shift data and subsequent construction of an adjacency matrix that represents the underlying protein interaction as a graph or network. The network nodes represent protein residues. Two nodes are connected if two residues are functionally correlated during the protein interaction event. The analysis of the resulting network enables the quantification of the importance of each amino acid of a protein for its interactions. Furthermore, the determination of the pattern of correlations between residues yields insights into the functional architecture of an interaction. This is of special interest for intrinsically disordered proteins, since the structural (three‐dimensional) architecture of these proteins and their complexes is difficult to determine. The power of the proposed methodology is demonstrated at the example of the interaction between the intrinsically disordered protein osteopontin and its natural ligand heparin.
Collecting and Analysing Data on Climate‐related Local Mobility: the MISTIC Toolkit
Authors: Safra de Campos Ricardo , Bell Martin , Charles‐Edwards Elin
Published: June 2016

It is widely recognised that environmental events may trigger permanent and seasonal migration but less attention has been given to the way they shape the everyday mobility that shapes household livelihood strategies. This dearth of attention can be traced to a lack of statistical data, the difficulties of collecting information on local space‐time trajectories and the absence of sound statistical measures by which to express them. We review prior work on the migration–environment nexus and trace the development of methods that aim to capture and measure temporary population movement. We identify nine discrete dimensions of mobility and introduce the Mobility in Space and Time among Individuals and Communities (MISTIC) toolkit that is designed to capture the spatio‐temporal patterns of household everyday mobility using a flexible, participant centred approach that facilitates data recording and subsequent analysis. We illustrate application of the toolkit using data from 90 smallholder, subsistence households in semi‐arid rural Northeast Brazil. The empirical evidence reveals systematic changes in the frequency and duration of both production and consumption‐related movements in response to the 2010–2013 drought. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inverse Sub‐structuring Method for Rigidly Coupled Product Transport System based on Frequency Response Function Testing Probe Technique
Authors: Wang Jun , Wang Qi‐li , Sun Zhong‐zhen , Lu Li‐xin , Wang Zhi‐wei
Published: June 2016

The inverse sub‐structuring method has been recently proposed and applied for inverse analysis of product transport system, to predict the component‐level frequency response functions (FRFs) and the coupling dynamic stiffness from only the system‐level FRFs. However, previous applications of this method were all developed based on the assumption that the components were coupled by flexible couplings. Actually, increasing more components are welded or bolted to construct a coupled system, which should be treated as rigidly coupled system. The aim of this paper is to derive a new FRF‐based inverse sub‐structuring method for the analysis of the dynamic characteristics of a two‐component coupled product transport system with rigid couplings. And then a so‐called FRF testing probe technique is proposed and applied to measure the difficult‐to‐monitor FRFs at the coupling interface. The developed method is verified by a lumped‐mass model, showing exact agreement. Finally, the experiment on a physical prototype of two‐substructure coupled product transport system is performed to further check the accuracy of the suggested method. The proposed method is an extension of previous inverse sub‐structuring method and may help to obtain the main controlling factors and contributions from the various structure‐borne paths for product transport system. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential accuracy of navigated K‐wire guided supra‐acetabular osteotomies in orthopedic surgery: a CT fluoroscopy cadaver study
Authors: Postl Lukas K. , Kirchhoff Chlodwig , Toepfer Andreas , Kirchhoff Sonja , Schmitt‐Sody Marcus , von Eisenhart‐Rothe Rüdiger , Burgkart Rainer
Published: June 2016

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of supra‐acetabular pelvic tumor resections in human, full‐body cadavers and under realistic operation room conditions with the help of a navigation system and K‐wires as guidance for the oscillating saw.

Methods

Seven hemipelvises from fresh, human, male, full‐body cadavers were used. A preoperative and a postoperative CT was performed. Under control of the navigation system K‐wires were inserted and served as guidance for the oscillating saw to reduce the error by vibration and jerking movements. The accuracy of the computer aided resections was compared with the accuracy of freehand resections in customized 3D printed pelvises with geometries identical to the cadavers used.

Results

The mean deviation of the navigated osteotomies was 1.9 mm (standard deviation 1.0 mm) significantly (P < 0.001) lower than the mean deviation of freehand osteotomies at 9.2 mm (standard deviation 3.7 mm).

Conclusion

Navigated K‐wires for supra‐acetabular osteotomies allow significantly higher accuracy than freehand procedures under simulated operation room conditions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Size effect in the titanium/diamond‐like carbon bilayer films: effect of relative thickness on their structure and mechanical properties
Authors: Zhou B. , Liu Z. , Rogachev A.V. , Piliptsou D.G. , Tang B.
Published: June 2016

Titanium/diamond‐like carbon (Ti/DLC) bilayer films with different relative thickness were fabricated by direct‐current and pulsed cathode arc plasma method. Microstructure, morphological characteristics, and mechanical properties of the films were investigated in dependence of the thickness of Ti and DLC layers by Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, Knoop sclerometer, and surface profilometer. Raman spectra of Ti/DLC bilayers show the microstructure evolution (the size and ordering degree of sp2‐hybridized carbon clusters) with varying the thicknesses of Ti interlayer and DLC layer. Nano‐scaled Ti interlayer of 12–20 nm thickness presents the largest size effect. The catalytic effect of the sublayer is most pronounced in the carbon layer of less than 106 nm. In these thickness ranges, the bilayer films possessed the highest micro‐hardness and reactivity between atoms at interface. Internal stress in the bilayer monotonically decreases, with the thickness of Ti interlayer increasing to 30 nm and then becomes stable with the thickness. These results are associated with the occurrence of atomic diffusion process at Ti/C interface, and they are of cardinal significance to optimize the structure and mechanical properties of carbon‐based multilayer films. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring the Direction of Charge Transfer in Porphyrin – PbSe Quantum Dot Hybrids
Authors: Shaikh Ahson J.
Published: June 2016

The binding interaction of amine, thiol and carboxylic acid functionalized porphyrins to PbSe semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) has been studied by focusing on absorption and fluorescence of porphyrins in presence of PbSe QDs and absorption and fluorescence of PbSe QDs in presence of porphyrins. Only tetra‐carboxylic acid functionalized porphyrins appear to have significant binding to QDs. Fluorescence life time measurements show that the binding is dynamic rather than static, opposed to the case of metallic gold nanoparticles previously studied. QDs appear to reduce in size by dissolution, when they are exposed for longer times to porphyrins containing carboxylic acid functional groups. Transient absorption spectroscopy shows that charge transfer occurs uni‐directional from porphyrins to QDs as expected and not the other way round.
The Annulation of Vinyl Azides with Potassium Ethyl Xanthogenate: A Straightforward Synthesis of Thiazole‐2(3H)‐thiones
Authors: Rajaguru Kandasamy , Mariappan Arumugam , Muthusubramanian Shanmugam , Bhuvanesh Nattamai
Published: June 2016

Exploiting the synthetic utility of vinyl azide motif, the cascade annulation of vinyl azides with potassium ethyl xanthogenate has been demonstrated under mild and catalyst free condition to afford thiazole‐2(3H)‐thiones in good to excellent yields. The reaction features green solvent and reliable scalability with low‐cost readily available starting materials making the process eco‐friendly.
Room Temperature Ring Opening of Epoxides Over Triflic Acid Functionalized Cage Like Mesoporous Materials
Authors: Dutta Prantu , Kalita Pranjal , Baruah Pranjal K.
Published: June 2016

Here, we have synthesized triflic acid functionalized three dimensional cage like KIT‐5 mesoporous materials for ring opening of epoxides with alcohols to produce β‐alkoxyalcohols. The mesoporosity and structure of the materials are retained, which is confirmed from characterization data of the catalysts. These data suggested the presence of triflic acid in the channel of mesoporous materials. Excellent to very good yield of the desired products were obtained using our methodology, which is due to the higher acidity of the triflic acid functionalized catalyst used. Present studies suggested that triflic acid functionalized mesoporous catalyst possessed higher catalytic activity than that of zeolites and other metal substituted mesoporous materials. The stability of the catalyst was also found to be excellent and used for three consecutive cycles without any significant lose in yield.
Integrating firefly algorithm in artificial neural network models for accurate software cost predictions
Authors: Kaushik Anupama , Tayal Devendra Kr. , Yadav Kalpana , Kaur Arvinder
Published: June 2016

Human effort is one of the main resources of software cost estimation. A successful software project development primarily relies on accurate effort prediction at an early stage of development. There are many effort prediction models in the literature. Deciding which model to choose is a challenge for the project managers. This paper investigates whether it is possible to improve the accuracy of software cost estimations by coupling firefly algorithm with the existing artificial neural network (ANN) models used in software cost predictions. The firefly algorithm is one of the recent evolutionary computing models inspired by the behaviour of fireflies in nature. This is compared with particle swarm optimization used already in literature for software cost estimations. The ANN models examined in this work include radial basis function network and functional link artificial neural networks models. The experimental results show that ANN models perform extremely well by incorporating firefly algorithm and intuitionistic fuzzy C‐means for data preprocessing. The proposed approach is empirically validated through a statistical framework. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalysis of Cascade and Multicomponent Reactions of Carbonyl Compounds and CH Acids by Electricity
Authors: Elinson Michail N. , Vereshchagin Anatoly N. , Ryzhkov Fedor V.
Published: June 2016

This review is concerned with modern trends in the use of electrochemically induced chain reactions in cascade and multicomponent electroorganic synthesis. The review summarizes the data on the use of electrochemically induced chain reactions in cascade and multicomponent organic synthesis, which were published mainly in the last decade.
Improving CSMA/CA network performance under hidden collision
Authors: Sebgui Marouane , Almhana Jalal , Bah Slimane , Elgraini Belhaj
Published: June 2016

Dynamic spectrum access policy allows a secondary user (SU) to access a primary user (PU) channel when it is idle. However, the idle state may result from the PU's silent activities, which can be wrongly perceived as an opportunity for the SU to access the channel and lead to “hidden collision” when it effectively tries to access the channel under this condition. At best of our knowledge, this issue has yet to be addressed in the literature. In this paper, we will first define a three‐state model that describes hidden collision conditions, then propose a probabilistic model in which a transient state is added to force the SU to wait a certain period of time before accessing the channel, thereby translating into better protection for the PU. Based on this model and using Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance protocol, we will evaluate the PU's and SU's throughput and delay with and without transient state as well as the gain in using our approach. Our computation results show a substantial improvement of the PU's throughput from 19.6 to 61.1%.
Mesh adaptive direct search approach for D2D resource management
Authors: Ahmad Mushtaq , Naeem Muhammad , Ahmed Ashfaq , Iqbal Muhammad , Anpalagan Alagan
Published: June 2016

Device‐to‐device (D2D) communications are being considered a way forward to achieve higher data rate targets for futuristic wireless networks. D2D introduces interference among cellular users and D2D users. A joint resource allocation (JRA) strategy in cellular network with D2D functionality can definitely enhance overall data rate. The strategy under consideration maximizes the overall data rate of cellular network besides meeting threshold of power and interference constraints. The JRA is a class of mixed integer non‐linear constraint optimization problems and is NP hard. Because of discrete nature of variables in the problem, optimal solution performs extensive search of integer variables, and problem becomes exponentially complex with the increasing number of user pairs. In this paper, mesh adaptive direct search algorithm is applied to solve the aforementioned problem. The algorithm is suitable for complex problems of combinatorial nature to solve the JRA strategy in D2D. The proposed algorithm converges to optimal solution within acceptable computational iterations. Simulation results of system capacity and interference also demonstrate the suitability of the proposed approach viz‐a‐viz other algorithms. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ACL Damage and Deficiency is Associated with More Severe Preoperative Deformity, Lower Range of Motion at the Time of TKA
Authors: Berend Michael E. , Meding John B. , Malinzak Robert A. , Faris Philip M. , Jackson Michael D. , Davis Kenneth E. , Ritter Merrill A.
Published: June 2016

Background

ACL status varies in the arthritic knee during TKA.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of this study was to examine clinical features and intraoperative findings associated with stages of ACL degeneration.

Methods

Coronal deformity, ROM, intra-articular degenerative patterns, and ligament releases were assessed for 1656 knees during TKA. Common patterns of deformity and severity of degenerative change were assessed as a function of the severity of ACL deficiency.

Results

Of the 1656 knees assessed, 27% had a normal ACL, 55% exhibited damage, and 18% exhibited complete absence of the ACL. Increased coronal deformity and lower preoperative ROM was associated with ACL deficiency. Increased chondral and meniscal damage and more extensive osteophyte formation were also found. More extensive ligament releases were required in ACL-deficient knees.

Conclusions

The status of the ACL is predictive of the need for increased surgical deformity correction. A better understanding of ACL status is an important consideration during in choosing TKA as opposed to unicompartmental arthroplasty. The status of the ACL should be considered in planning for implant choice in TKA.
Sedimentologic Attributes of the Proterozoic Siliciclastic Packages of the Garhwal – Kumaun Lesser Himalaya, India: Implication for their Relationship and Palaeobasinal Conditions
Authors: Ghosh Sumit K. , Jalal Poonam , Islam R.
Published: June 2016

The present work addresses the long-standing issues on the characterization aspect of the Proterozoic siliciclastic successions exposed in the central part of the Lesser Himalaya, restricted between the Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) and the Main Central Thrust (MCT). Geologic, sedimentologic, and petrographic study divides the Lesser Himalaya in two zones-northern Palaeo-Mesoproterozoic Inner Lesser Himalayan (ILH) and southern Neoproterozoic Outer Lesser Himalayan (OLH) zones. The major lithofacies recognized from the zones are - (i) coarse grained siliciclastic (CGS), (ii) interbedded medium and fine-grained siliciclastic (IMFS), (iii) argillite (ARG), and (iv) siliciclastic–argillite rhythmites (SAR). Amongst all these facies, the nearshore IMFS facies shows consistent presence in both OLH and ILH zones. From the facies distribution pattern, a northwest – southeasterly trending palaeo-shoreline has been envisaged. The CGS facies in the ILH hints towards an alluvial fan setting during 1.8 Ga rifting phase associated with penecontemporaneous basic magmatism. Compositionally, the siliciclastics of both the zones (ILH and OLH) are arenite and wacke types with minimal variation in their detrital proportions, derived from the early Proterozoic (between 2.4-1.6Ga) Aravalli-Delhi Supergroup provenance. Nearly matching types and content of detrital modes and the lithofacies pattern of the ILH and OLH siliciclastics probably conclude the derivation from the rising (nearby) Aravalli-Delhi orogen and deposition in a foreland like situation.
Ore Mineralogy and Mineral-Chemistry of Uranium Mineralisation, and Geochemistry of Metasomatised Calc-silicate Rocks at Raghunathpura, Mahendragarh District, Haryana
Authors: Roy Minati , Sunilkumar T. S. , Kumar Sanjay , Bhairam C. L. , Parihar P. S.
Published: June 2016

Uranium mineralization at Raghunathpura, Mahendragarh district, Haryana is confined to a major shear zone within the metasedimentary lithounits which is marked by prominent alkali metasomatism. The metasedimentary lithounits of the area belong to the Ajabgarh Group of Delhi Supergroup and form part of the Khetri basin. Alkali metasomatised calc-silicate rock is the main host for anomalous uranium mineralisation and is mainly composed of tremolite-actinolite, diopside, scapolite (mariolite type), wollastonite, calcite, quartz, graphite and sphene. Hydrothermal/metasomatic alterations are manifested as multiple episodes of albitisation with minor microclinisation, carbonitisation, silicification and U-Th-sulfide-clay formation. The radioactive mineral phases are uraninite (uraninite I and II), coffinite, brannerite, U-Ti complex, uranothorite, thorite, allanite, monazite and associated sulphides are pyrrhotite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, molybdenite and galena. Repeated hydrothermal alterations in this shear zone has remobilised the uranium as seen by the alteration of uraninite, metamictised uranothorite and formation of remobilized graphite. Mineral chemistry of uraninites and their chemical ages indicate two distinct phases of formation of which the rounded uraninite I, rich in Th and REE represents the earliest phase with a chemical age of 809 Ma. Uraninite II with a chemical age of 745Ma is Th- poor and the mineral chemistry indicates its origin from a relatively low temperature fluid. Th-bearing and Th-poor coffinite are recorded, of which Th-bearing coffinite is the product of alteration of uraninite I and Th-poor is of remobilized origin. The observed mineralogical and chemical features are suggestive of a hydrothermal mineralisation associated with one or more episodes of alkali metasomatism.
Trace Elements and REE Geochemistry of Siriwasan Carbonatite, Chhota Udaipur, Gujarat
Authors: Viladkar Shrinivas G. , Gittins John
Published: June 2016

The Siriwasan carbonatite-sill along with associated alkaline rocks and fenites is located about 10 km north of the well-known Amba Dongar carbonatite-alkaline rocks diatreme, in the Chhota Udaipur carbonatite-alkaline province. Carbonatite has intruded as a sill into the Bagh sandstone and overlying Deccan basalt. This resulted in the formation of carbonatite breccia with enclosed fragments of basement metamorphics, sandstone and fenites in the matrix of ankeritic carbonatite. The most significant are the plugs of sövite with varied mineralogy that include pyroxene, amphibole, apatite, pyrochlore, perovskite and sphene. REE in sövites is related to the content of pyrochlore, perovskite and apatite. The carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of some sövite samples and an ankeritic carbonatite plot in the “mantle box” pointing to their mantle origin. However, there is also evidence for mixing of the erupting carbonatite magma with the overlying Bagh limestone. The carbonatites of Siriwasan and Amba Dongar have the same Sr and Nd isotopic ratios and radiometric age, suggesting the same magma source. On the basis of available chemical analyses this paper is aimed to give some details of the Siriwasan carbonatites. The carbonatite complex has good potential for an economic mineral deposit but this is the most neglected carbonatite of the Chhota Udaipur province.
Remote Sensing and GIS Based Groundwater Potential Mapping for Sustainable Water Resource Management of Lidder Catchment in Kashmir Valley, India
Authors: Malik Mohammad Imran , Bhat M. Sultan , Najar Shahnaz Ahmad
Published: June 2016

The valley of Kashmir is blessed with abundant water resources. However, high population growth and concentration of population at favorable locations have resulted in increased demand for water. The problem is further aggravated in Lidder catchment where unplanned tourism development has resulted in deterioration of water quality. Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) approach is adopted using IRS P6 LISS III satellite data 2010, geological map published by Geological Survey of India, toposheets prepared by Survey of India, 1961 and field observation. Seven thematic layers (slope, lineament density, drainage density, soil, geology, geomorphology and land use land cover) are generated in GIS environment and weighted according to their relative relevance to groundwater occurrence. Knowledge-based weights and ranks are normalized, and a weighted linear combination technique is adopted to determine the groundwater potential (GWP). The catchment is divided into five zones of very high, high, medium, low and very low GWP. The results show that 50.22% of the total catchment area, which is uninhabited, has very low GWP. However, the densely populated southern part of the catchment has moderate to very high GWP. The study demonstrates that MCE using remote sensing and GIS technology could be efficiently employed as a very useful tool for the assessment and management of groundwater resources especially in regions where data is poor.
Depositional Features in Tourist Beaches of Chennai Metropolis, SE Coast of India: Inferences from Grain Size Studies
Authors: Santhiya G. , Lakshumanan C. , Jonathan M. P. , Sundrarajan M. , Srinivasalu S. , Viveganandan S. , Uma-Maheswari B.
Published: June 2016

The present study was undertaken to examine the depositional and transportation pattern in the tourist beaches of Chennai in SE coast of India. Twenty four samples were analyzed for textural parameters, Linear discriminate function (LDF), C-M plots and heavy/light minerals from beach, berm and dune regions. Results of textural parameters indicate that they are coarse grained in the three regions. Majority of the samples indicate that they are moderately well sorted, symmetrically skewed and leptokurtic. The LDF analysis allowed in identifying areas that are characterized by: (1) beach, (2) shallow agitated environment and (3) fluvial deposits. C-M plots indicate that the sediments in the beaches were deposited from the near shore environment. Heavy mineral analysis suggests that the heavy and light minerals were in the range of 0.5 to 16.9% and 82.08 to 98.14% and the light/dark layers are controlled by the prevailing tidal conditions in the coastal region. It is observed that sand is accumulating from the shallow agitated environment, while the transportation and deposition of sediments is mainly due to the interaction of tidal activities at the same time. C-M plots suggest that the sediments fall in the graded suspension and the saltation activities in the region also facilitate to understand the hydrodynamics of the region suggesting that they are deposited by high-energy activities.
Flow reversals in Rayleigh–Bénard convection with non-Oberbeck–Boussinesq effects
Authors: Xia Shu-Ning , Wan Zhen-Hua , Liu Shuang , Wang Qi , Sun De-Jun
Published: June 2016

Flow reversals in two-dimensional Rayleigh–Bénard convection led by non-Oberbeck–Boussinesq (NOB) effects due to large temperature differences are studied by direct numerical simulation. Perfect gas is chosen as the working fluid and the Prandtl number is 0.71 for the reference state. If NOB effects are included, the flow pattern $P_{11}$ with only one dominant roll often becomes unstable by the growth of the cold corner roll, which sometimes results in cession-led flow reversals. By exploiting the vorticity transport equation, it is found that the asymmetries of buoyancy and viscous forces are responsible for the growth of the cold corner roll because both such asymmetries cause an imbalance between the corner rolls and the large-scale circulation (LSC). The buoyancy force near the cold wall increases and decreases near the hot wall originating from the temperature-dependent isobaric thermal expansion coefficient ${\it\alpha}=1/T$ if NOB effects are included. Moreover, the decreased dissipation due to lower viscosity is favourable for the growth of the cold corner roll, while the increased viscosity further suppresses the growth of the hot corner roll. Finally, it is found that the boundary layer near the cold wall plays an important role in the mass transport from LSC to corner rolls subject to mass conservation.
A reduced-order model of three-dimensional unsteady flow in a cavity based on the resolvent operator
Authors: Gómez F. , Blackburn H. M. , Rudman M. , Sharma A. S. , McKeon B. J.
Published: June 2016

A novel reduced-order model for time-varying nonlinear flows arising from a resolvent decomposition based on the time-mean flow is proposed. The inputs required for the model are the mean-flow field and a small set of velocity time-series data obtained at isolated measurement points, which are used to fix relevant frequencies, amplitudes and phases of a limited number of resolvent modes that, together with the mean flow, constitute the reduced-order model. The technique is applied to derive a model for the unsteady three-dimensional flow in a lid-driven cavity at a Reynolds number of 1200 that is based on the two-dimensional mean flow, three resolvent modes selected at the most active spanwise wavenumber, and either one or two velocity probe signals. The least-squares full-field error of the reconstructed velocity obtained using the model and two point velocity probes is of the order of 5 % of the lid velocity, and the dynamical behaviour of the reconstructed flow is qualitatively similar to that of the complete flow.
ProbioticLactobacillus gasseriSBT2055 improves glucose tolerance and reduces body weight gain in rats by stimulating energy expenditure
Authors: Shirouchi Bungo , Nagao Koji , Umegatani Minami , Shiraishi Aya , Morita Yukiko , Kai Shunichi , Yanagita Teruyoshi , Ogawa Akihiro , Kadooka Yukio , Sato Masao
Published: June 2016

ProbioticLactobacillus gasseriSBT2055 (LG2055) reduces postprandial TAG absorption and exerts anti-obesity effects in rats and humans; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In the present study, we addressed the mechanistic insights of the anti-obesity activity of LG2055 by feeding Sprague–Dawley rats diets containing skimmed milk fermented or not by LG2055 for 4 weeks and by analysing energy expenditure, glucose tolerance, the levels of SCFA in the caecum and serum inflammatory markers. Rats fed the LG2055-containing diet demonstrated significantly higher carbohydrate oxidation in the dark cycle (active phase for rats) compared with the control group, which resulted in a significant increase in energy expenditure. LG2055 significantly reduced cumulative blood glucose levels (AUC) compared with the control diet after 3 weeks and increased the molar ratio of butyrate:total SCFA in the caecum after 4 weeks. Furthermore, the LG2055-supplemented diet significantly reduced the levels of serum amyloid P component – an indicator of the inflammatory process. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that, in addition to the inhibition of dietary TAG absorption reported previously, the intake of probiotic LG2055 enhanced energy expenditure via carbohydrate oxidation, improved glucose tolerance and attenuated inflammation, suggesting multiple additive and/or synergistic actions underlying the anti-obesity effects exerted by LG2055.
Fermentation properties and potential prebiotic activity of Bimuno®galacto-oligosaccharide (65 % galacto-oligosaccharide content) onin vitrogut microbiota parameters
Authors: Grimaldi Roberta , Swann Jonathan R. , Vulevic Jelena , Gibson Glenn R. , Costabile Adele
Published: June 2016

Prebiotic oligosaccharides have the ability to generate important changes in the gut microbiota composition that may confer health benefits to the host. Reducing the impurities in prebiotic mixtures could expand their applications in food industries and improve their selectivity and prebiotic effect on the potential beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. This study aimed to determine thein vitropotential fermentation properties of a 65 % galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) content Bimuno®GOS (B-GOS) on gut microbiota composition and their metabolites. Fermentation of 65 % B-GOS was compared with 52 % B-GOS in pH- and volume-controlled dose–response anaerobic batch culture experiments. In total, three different doses (1, 0·5 and 0·33 g equivalent to 0·1, 0·05 and 0·033 g/l) were tested. Changes in the gut microbiota during a time course were identified by fluorescencein situhybridisation, whereas small molecular weight metabolomics profiles and SCFA were determined by1H-NMR analysis and GC, respectively. The 65 % B-GOS showed positive modulation of the microbiota composition during the first 8 h of fermentation with all doses. Administration of the specific doses of B-GOS induced a significant increase in acetate as the major SCFA synthesised compared with propionate and butyrate concentrations, but there were no significant differences between substrates. The 65 % B-GOS in syrup format seems to have, in all the analysis, an efficient prebiotic effect. However, the applicability of such changes remains to be shown in anin vivotrial.
Basement composition and basin geometry controls on upper-crustal deformation in the Southern Central Andes (30–36°S)
Authors: MESCUA JOSÉ F. , GIAMBIAGI LAURA , BARRIONUEVO MATÍAS , TASSARA ANDRÉS , MARDONEZ DIEGO , MAZZITELLI MANUELA , LOSSADA ANA
Published: June 2016

Deformation and uplift in the Andes are a result of the subduction of the Nazca plate below South America. The deformation shows variations in structural style and shortening along and across the strike of the orogen, as a result of the dynamics of the subduction system and the features of the upper plate. In this work, we analyse the development of thin-skinned and thick-skinned fold and thrust belts in the Southern Central Andes (30–36°S). The pre-Andean history of the area determined the formation of different basement domains with distinct lithological compositions, as a result of terrane accretions during Palaeozoic time, the development of a widespread Permo-Triassic magmatic province and long-lasting arc activity. Basin development during Palaeozoic and Mesozoic times produced thick sedimentary successions in different parts of the study area. Based on estimations of strength for the different basement and sedimentary rocks, calculated using geophysical estimates of rock physical properties, we propose that the contrast in strength between basement and cover is the main control on structural style (thin- v. thick-skinned) and across-strike localization of shortening in the study area.
Role of atopy in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: does an atopic condition affect the severity and recurrence of disease?
Authors: Li QC , Cheng KJ , Wang F , Zhou SH
Published: June 2016

Background:

The role of atopy in chronic rhinosinusitis is unclear: it is particularly controversial in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Methods:

A prospective study of 210 patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps was performed. Patient demographics, visual analogue scale scores, Lund–Kennedy endoscopy scores, Lund–Mackay computed tomography scores, serum total immunoglobulin E levels, serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels and Phadiatop test findings were analysed.

Results:

There were no significant differences in age, sex, visual analogue scale score, Lund–Mackay computed tomography score, total serum immunoglobulin E level, serum ECP level or Phadiatop test results between patients with primary and recurrent chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. A total of 99 patients (47 per cent) had positive atopy tests. No significant differences in sex, visual analogue scale score, Lund–Kennedy endoscopy score, Lund–Mackay computed tomography score or recurrence rates were found between atopic and non-atopic patients; however, atopic patients were significantly younger than non-atopic patients. Atopy status did not correlate with disease severity.

Conclusion:

There was no association between atopy status and either disease severity or recurrence in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, although atopic patients were younger than non-atopic patients.
Clinical outcomes of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck: a single institution 20-year experience
Authors: Ali S , Yeo J C-L , Magos T , Dickson M , Junor E
Published: June 2016

Background:

This study reports the clinical outcomes of head and neck adenoid cystic carcinoma treatment over a 20-year period.

Methods:

The treatment outcome of 51 head and neck adenoid cystic carcinoma patients treated between 1992 and 2013 were analysed. Patients were stratified into radical treatment and disease control groups.

Results:

A total of 40 patients underwent surgery and post-operative radiotherapy. The 10-year disease-specific survival rate was 93 per cent. Eleven patients had tumour recurrence: of these, nine were pulmonary metastases. The 11 patients in the disease control group had a median follow up of 21 months (range, 2–172 months); 5 underwent radical radiotherapy with palliative intent.

Conclusion:

There was late tumour recurrence in over 25 per cent of patients. Adenoid cystic carcinoma has a high tendency to relapse even after radical excision and adjuvant therapy. However, definitive radiotherapy should still be considered on an individual basis because it may provide local control and prolong patient survival.
Analysis of the incidence and factors predictive of inadvertent parathyroidectomy during thyroid surgery
Authors: Hone R W A , Tikka T , Kaleva A I , Hoey A , Alexander V , Balfour A , Nixon I J
Published: June 2016

Background:

Inadvertent (or incidental) parathyroidectomy can occur during thyroidectomy. However, the factors associated with inadvertent parathyroidectomy remain unclear. This study aimed to report the rate of inadvertent parathyroidectomy during thyroidectomy and associated risk factors.

Methods:

Variables including fine needle aspiration cytology findings, age, sex, thyroid weight, concurrent neck dissection, extent of thyroidectomy, and the presence of cancer and parathyroid tissue within the specimen were recorded for 266 patients. The incidence of post-operative hypocalcaemia was also recorded. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify factors associated with inadvertent parathyroidectomy.

Results:

The inadvertent parathyroidectomy rate was 16 per cent. Univariate analysis revealed that cancer and concurrent neck dissection predicted inadvertent parathyroidectomy. On multivariate analysis, only concurrent neck dissection remained an independent predictor of inadvertent parathyroidectomy: it was associated with a fourfold increase in inadvertent parathyroidectomy.

Conclusion:

The inadvertent parathyroidectomy rate was 16 per cent and concurrent neck dissection was identified as an independent predictor of inadvertent parathyroidectomy.
A phonological history of Amdo Tibetan rhymes
Authors: Gong Xun
Published: June 2016

In this study, a reconstruction is offered for the phonetic evolution of rhymes from Old Tibetan to modern-day Amdo Tibetan dialects. The relevant sound changes are proposed, along with their relative chronological precedence and the dating of some specific changes. Most interestingly, although Amdo Tibetan, identically to its ancestor Old Tibetan, does not have phonemic length, this study shows that Amdo Tibetan derives from an intermediate stage which, like many other Tibetan dialects, does make the distinction.