bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ON THE SPATIAL CORRELATION OF SEISMIC NOISE IN AN ATTENUATING MEDIUM
Authors: Kai‐Ming WANG , Lai‐Yu LU , Qing‐Hua LIU
Published: January 2017

Traditionally, for the tomography based on the correlation of seismic noise, primarily the phase information of ambient noise correlation function (NCF) is used to extract the seismic velocity and anisotropy of the earth by travel time inversion. Researchers recently utilize the amplitude of NCF to extract the earth's attenuation. According to the theory, NCF is proportional to the first kind of zero‐order Bessel function in 2‐D elastic case, which is directly extended to dissipative medium by introducing an exponential attenuation coefficient. The attenuation of the structure is then obtained by comparing the observed data from NCF to the Bessel function multiplied by a decaying exponential term. The NCF, however, is affected by the azimuth averaging of ambient noise source distribution in attenuating media. This empirical and simple extension may not be used to extract reliable decay coefficient. In this paper, we study the theoretical expressions of NCF in frequency domain between two stations under different coordinate systems and accordingly different source distributions which are composed by superposition of plane waves. We show that the coherency expressions in dissipative media vary with coordinate systems. The expressions are different for different normalizing factors. The attenuation coefficient obtained by fitting the coherency J0(k0r)e−α(ω)r with the observed data is smaller than the real one.
THE ARGUMENTATION OF THE PROPERTIES OF BOREHOLE SYSTEM AT LINXIA STATION, CHINA
Authors: Xu‐Yan LIU , Jin‐Ling YANG , Chao‐Xian CHEN , Yu‐Mei GUAN , Guang CHEN , Wen‐Bo ZHAO , Ming‐Quan HONG
Published: January 2017

2 years of four‐component borehole strain data and well water level data are preprocessed to remove trends and outliers at Linxia Station from 2013 to 2014. The sum of observation strain values of two orthogonal measurement lines is equivalent to surface strain of borehole, and two thirds of near‐ground surface strain is equal to volume strain. The volume strain can be obtained from four‐component borehole strain observation, and the properties of the borehole system can be demonstrated from time and frequencies domain based on the comparison between volume strain and underground well water level observation. Results show that the volume strain and well water level is highly negatively correlated in time domain. The sensitivity of borehole system is −0.1620 mm/10−9. Enlarging the proportion of two coordinates of volume strain and well water level observation curves of selected two months in the two year period, we found that the peak and valley of water level curve corresponds to the valley and peak of volume strain one by one, and the phase lag is very small. In the frequency domain, the monthly tidal factor and the phase lag of diurnal and semidiurnal wave groups of volume strain and well water level were obtained with the Venedikov tidal harmonic analysis method, and the sensitivity and phase lag of the borehole strain system were calculated out subsequently. Results show that the sensitivities of most wave groups are not only close to each other, but also close to the sensitivity of annually periodic change obtained from the time domain, while the errors of phase lag are large. Considering that the phase lag obtained by arctangent is easily influenced by calculation error, the phase lag close to zero from time domain should be better in reliability. The analysis in time and frequency domain showed that the response of well water level to volume strain is substantially linear time‐invariant. The borehole system of Linxia station basically meets the superposition, homogeneity and time invariance. Therefore, the borehole system at Linxia station is a linear time‐invariant system basically.
THE THREE‐DIMENSIONAL IMAGING TECHNOLOGY AND ITS IMPROVEMENT FOR GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE BASED ON TRT SYSTEM
Authors: Ming‐Zhou BAI , Gang TIAN , Cheng‐Liang WANG , Hai SHI , Yi‐Cong NIE , Yu‐Peng SHEN
Published: January 2017

The TRT technology is used to achieve recognition of the disaster body with the help of seismic wave reflection principle; it can locate disaster body using a confocal ellipsoid changing with time composed by seismic focus and the receiving focus. By comparing the abnormal image area formed by TRT technology with the tunnel disaster area caused by the earthquake, the TRT anomaly area is divided into four types, which is cluster abnormal area, single abnormal area, faulted abnormal area and interbedded abnormal area. Aiming at TRT technology's own problems which is that the calculation of direct wave velocity is not enough accurate and the setting of background wave velocity is unreasonable, a corresponding improvement method is proposed. On one hand, to get the actual direct wave velocity between seismic focus and the receiving focus, through calculating the minimum actual spreading track of the direct wave in the tunnel. On the other hand, to obtain 1‐a confidence interval of actual direct wave velocity in the condition of Gaussian distribution, based on the distribution of direct wave velocity. To entry the upper and lower limits of the confidence interval as the background velocity into the TRT system, and gain two sets TRT's image, which gets rid of the singleness and blindness in setting the background wave velocity, and makes a certain confidence interval consideration for the improved geological hazard forecasting. The result of the present example shows that the effect of improved geological hazard forecasting is much better than the forecasting effect of setting the background wave velocity, in a certain degree, that avoids the possibility of omission in disaster prediction.
Influence of Chironomid Larvae on Activated Sludge and Nitrogen Removal in Domestic Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Zhang Qiong , Wang Shuying , Yang Jinhui , Peng Yongzhen
Published: January 2017

Chironomid larvae (CL), aquatic invertebrates in freshwater environments are the common macro‐scale organisms in activated sludge wastewater treatment systems. The effects of CL on biomass quantity, sludge characteristics, and nitrogen removal efficiency were investigated in a domestic wastewater treatment system in this study. The batch tests showed that CL induced sludge reduction and enhanced sludge settlement. A maximum sludge weight reduction rate of 42% was achieved at the CL wet‐weight density of 0.5 g CL/g total suspend solid (TSS), and the sludge volume index (SVI) decreased from 146 to 78 mL/g as the CL wet‐weight density increased from 0 to 0.5 g CL/g TSS. After 52 operation cycles, the system with the CL density of 0.5 g CL/g TSS had a lower sludge yield (0.22 g volatile suspended solid (VSS)/g removed chemical oxygen demand (CODremoved) than the control reactor without CL addition (0.34 g VSS/g CODremoved). Addition of CL enhanced the simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND), but partially inhibited nitrification.
Validation of parallelizing transformations of sequential programs
Authors: Dutta Sudakshina
Published: January 2017

Transformations for high‐performance superscalar, vector, and parallel processors maximize parallelism and memory locality. Often parallelizing compilers apply transformations, such as loop parallelization and loop vectorization, to convert a sequential array‐handling program into a parallel program. Validation of such transformations is extremely useful in the prevalent high‐performance computing environment. This paper proposes a novel algorithm for construction of the dependence graph of the generated parallel programs. These transformations are validated by checking equivalence of the dependence graphs of the original sequential program and the transformed parallel program using a standard algorithm reported in the literature. The above equivalence checker works even when the above parallelizing transformations are preceded by various enabling transformations except for loop collapsing transformation that changes the dimensions of the arrays. In the present paper, the scope of the equivalence checker has been expanded to handle this special case by informing it of the correspondence between the index spaces of the corresponding of input and output arrays in the sequential and the parallel programs. The proposed methods are implemented and tested against a set of available benchmark programs that are parallelized by the polyhedral auto‐parallelizer LooPo and the auto‐vectorizer Scout.
Bistability and Bifurcation in Minimal Self‐Replication and Nonenzymatic Catalytic Networks
Authors: Wagner Nathaniel , Mukherjee Rakesh , Maity Indrajit , Peacock‐Lopez Enrique , Ashkenasy Gonen
Published: January 2017

Bistability and bifurcation, found in a wide range of biochemical networks, are central to the proper function of living systems. We investigate herein recent model systems that show bistable behavior based on nonenzymatic self‐replication reactions. Such models were used before to investigate catalytic growth, chemical logic operations, and additional processes of self‐organization leading to complexification. By solving for their steady‐state solutions by using various analytical and numerical methods, we analyze how and when these systems yield bistability and bifurcation and discover specific cases and conditions producing bistability. We demonstrate that the onset of bistability requires at least second‐order catalysis and results from a mismatch between the various forward and reverse processes. Our findings may have far‐reaching implications in understanding early evolutionary processes of complexification, emergence, and potentially the origin of life.
Pleural fluid cytology samples in cases of suspected lung cancer: An experience from a tertiary care centre
Authors: Kaur Gurwinder , Nijhawan Raje , Gupta Nalini , Singh Navneet , Rajwanshi Arvind
Published: January 2017

Objective

Pleural effusion is present in some patients with lung carcinoma. This study was undertaken to evaluate the role of pleural fluid cytology in suspected cases of lung carcinoma.

Methods

In this prospective study, 86 cases of suspected primary lung carcinoma associated with pleural effusion were included. Cytomorphology of conventional smears was combined with LBC smears and a cytomorphological diagnosis was offered. An immunopanel of CK7, CK5/6, p63, TTF1, calretinin, and CD56 was applied on cell blocks. Additional immunochemical markers were performed based on clinical details and cytomorphology, wherever indicated.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 56.8 years. The female to male ratio was 2.1:1. Lung nodule/mass could be detected in 70.9% cases by CECT chest. Cytomorphology was evaluated in all the 86 cases and IHC was used to refine the cytomorphological diagnosis. After IHC along with clinico‐radiological details, 61/86 (71%) cases were confirmed as metastasis from lung primary, 5/86 (5.8%) were diagnosed as metastatic adenocarcinoma of extrapulmonary origin, and 6/86 (7%) were metastatic SCC. A diagnosis of adenosquamous carcinoma was suspected in five cases. Other cases included small cell carcinoma (n = 2), large cell carcinoma (n = 2), large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (n = 3), and mesothelioma (n = 1). One case remained “uncategorized” even after IHC.

Conclusions

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) performed on the pleural fluid sample can accurately diagnose and subtype primary lung carcinoma even in cases where radiology failed to identify a definite lung lesion. IHC can further help in delineating primary site in tumors of extrapulmonary origin. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:195–201. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Disrupted trophic interactions affect recruitment of boreal deciduous and coniferous trees in northern Europe
Authors: Angelstam Per , Manton Michael , Pedersen Simen , Elbakidze Marine
Published: January 2017

Loss of large carnivore populations may lead to increased population densities of large herbivores, and subsequent cascading effects on the composition, structure, and function of ecosystems. Using a macroecological approach based on studies in multiple boreal forest landscapes in the Baltic Sea region and Russia, we tested the hypothesis that disrupted trophic interactions among large carnivores and large herbivores affect the recruitment of both ecologically and economically valuable tree species. We measured damage levels on young trees and large herbivore density in 10 local landscapes representing a gradient from extinct to extant populations of both large carnivores and large herbivores. We also tested the alternative hypothesis that forest management intensity is correlated to reduced recruitment of these tree species. At the macroecological scale there was an inverse relationship between the number of large carnivores and large herbivores. This coincided with a steep gradient in browsing damage on the ecologically important aspen, rowan and sallow as hosts for specialized species, as well as the economically important Scots pine. In one landscape hunting had replaced the presence of carnivores. Mean damage levels of these four tree species were correlated with large herbivore abundance, but not with forest management intensity. We discuss the pros and cons of this macroecological approach, as well as the challenge of governing and managing trophic interactions at multiple scales.
Agents of change and temporal nutrient dynamics in the Altamaha River Watershed
Authors: Takagi Kimberly K. , Hunter Kimberley S. , Cai Wei‐Jun , Joye Samantha B.
Published: January 2017

Nutrient and carbon dynamics in river ecosystems are shifting, and climate change is likely a driving factor; however, some previous studies indicate anthropogenic modification of natural resources may supersede the effects of climate. To understand temporal changes in river ecosystems, consideration of how these agents act independently and collectively to affect watershed biogeochemistry is necessary. Through the Georgia Coastal Ecosystems Long‐Term Ecological Research Project, we assessed nutrient (phosphorus, nitrogen, silicate) and carbon dynamics, with specific regard to import and export, in the Altamaha River Basin from 2000 to 2012. This is the first study in the region to document the biogeochemical patterns in the Altamaha's four main tributaries, the Little Ocmulgee, Ocmulgee, Oconee, and Ohoopee rivers, and the relationships between biogeochemistry and historical precipitation and discharge patterns as well as agricultural and population census data. As discharge patterns are a primary driver of nutrient loads, we determined that water use was a dominant factor in the shifting ecosystem dynamics. Dissolved inorganic nitrogen loads were primarily driven by population density and dissolved inorganic phosphorus loads were strongly influenced by livestock biomass. Taken together, we conclude that both the transportation and biogeochemical cycling of nutrients within the Altamaha River Watershed were highly impacted by anthropogenic influences, which were then further exacerbated by continued climate change. Furthermore, the N‐ and P‐loads in the Altamaha River and tributaries were dominated by dissolved organic nitrogen and dissolved organic phosphorus, emphasizing a need to further study the bioavailability of these species and the mechanisms driving their potential ecological impacts.
Pattern and scale in latitude–production relationships for freshwater fishes
Authors: Rypel Andrew L. , David Solomon R.
Published: January 2017

Empirically understanding spatial variation in secondary production rates is central to ecology. Yet for most taxa, such patterns are rarely examined, especially at different levels of ecological organization (e.g., species‐ vs. community‐level patterns). We compiled data on biomass, production, and P/B rates of freshwater fish communities and species across latitudes and contrast patterns observed at the community level with those observed for species. At the community level, and at two distinct spatial scales (global vs. continental‐North American), negative or neutral relationships were apparent between biomass, production, and P/B with latitude; however, there was substantial scatter in these data. Yet at the species level in North America, production was often closely linked to latitude, but in the opposite direction: Many species showed improved production with latitude. Latitudinal increases in species‐level production rates were strongest for cool‐ and cold‐water species, and species rarely showed the opposite trend. Species‐level increases in production with latitude strengthened when production rates were normalized by the thermal opportunity for production, suggesting potential adaptations of individuals and populations to shorter growing seasons (i.e., “countergradient” production) at high latitudes. At the global scale, there were apparent unimodal relationships between community fish production measures and species richness; however, these patterns became linearized or non‐significant at the continental scale. Decreased interspecific competition at northern latitudes combined with genetic adaptations (e.g., countergradient growth) could explain a tendency for increased species production in northern populations, while total community production remains reduced. Latitude has contrasting effects on fish production at different spatial scales and levels of biological organization. Thus while freshwater fish communities are somewhat more productive and diverse at lower latitudes, species production in northern populations is often surprisingly high.
2D Coordination Polymer Built from Lithium Dimethylmalonate and CoII Ions: The Influence of Dehydration on Spectral and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Zorina‐Tikhonova Ekaterina N. , Gogoleva Natalya V. , Sidorov Aleksei A. , Kiskin Mikhail A. , Kolotilov Sergey V. , Ivanova Tatiana M. , Maslakov Konstantin I. , Dobrokhotova Zhanna V. , Efimov Nikolay N. , Novotortsev Vladimir M. , Eremenko Igor L.
Published: January 2017

2D coordination polymer [Li2Co(H2O)4(Me2Mal)2]n (1) was synthesized by interaction of lithium dimethylmalonate (Li2Me2mal) and cobalt(II) acetate. The structure of 1 can be described as {Li(H2O)2(Me2Mal‐κ‐O,O′)} anions linked by CoII cations through bridging water molecules and Me2Mal2– dianions. Upon heating to 130–190 °C, compound 1 loses water molecules and transforms into [Li2Co(Me2Mal)2]n (2). Compound 2 is non‐porous and amorphous, its rehydration by water leads to formation of 1, as shown by powder XRD. Dehydration of 1 is associated with a drastic color change from pink to violet. The temperature dependency of magnetic susceptibility χM for 1 in the range 2–300 K was analyzed by using a model, which takes into account spin–orbit coupling in CoII and exchange interactions as a molecular field. Transformation 1 → 2 leads to less than 6 % change of χMT in the temperature range 2–300 K; this small change of magnetic susceptibility is consistent with conclusions that most of the CoII ions in 2 are in pseudo‐octahedral donor sets. Analysis of the χMT versus T curve for 2 was performed by using three models, which consider magnetism of uniform CoII ions or the co‐existence of CoII species in different donor sets.
Reduced Graphene Oxide Wrapped Mesoporous Hierarchical TiO2‐CdS as a Photoanode for High‐Performance Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Wang Chengxiang , Yuan Zhimin , Zhang Luyuan , Yin Longwei
Published: January 2017

We developed a facile strategy for the fabrication of TiO2/CdS/RGO (RGO = reduced graphene oxide) composites as photoanodes for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by growing CdS on the surface of mesoporous hierarchical TiO2 and then wrapping the TiO2/CdS with graphene oxide nanosheets. The TiO2/CdS/RGO nanostructures display an enhanced light‐harvesting efficiency with a redshift from the ultraviolet to visible region and show an improved dye‐adsorption capacity owing to the large surface area and mesoporous structures. Furthermore, the recombination of photoinduced electron–hole pairs can be greatly suppressed owing to the matched band‐gap structures of TiO2 and CdS. The RGO nanosheets have excellent electric conductivity and provide unhindered pathways for accelerated electron transfer. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements demonstrate the enhanced charge‐transfer kinetics and prolonged lifetime of the photogenerated electrons for the TiO2/CdS/RGO nanostructures. DSSCs based on TiO2/CdS/RGO photoanodes exhibit a greatly enhanced short‐circuit current density of 13.27 mA cm–2 and an improved photoelectric conversion efficiency of up to 6.5 %, and these values are 31 and 44 % higher than those of DSSCs based on a pristine TiO2 photoanode. The remarkable photoelectric performance of the DSSCs based on mesoporous hierarchical TiO2/CdS/RGO hybrid photoanode can be attributed to synergistic effects between the TiO2/CdS heterojunction and the graphene nanosheets.
Flow Dehydration and Hydrogenation of Allylic Alcohols: Application to the Waste‐Free Synthesis of Pristane
Authors: Furuta Akihiro , Hirobe Yuki , Fukuyama Takahide , Ryu Ilhyong , Manabe Yoshiyuki , Fukase Koichi
Published: January 2017

Hydroxy‐substituted sulfonic acid functionalized silica (HO‐SAS) in combination with THF containing a small amount of water as a solvent proved to be a reliable system for the dehydration of allylic alcohols. This process generally caused dehydration within 1 min through a column reactor charged with HO‐SAS. The flow dehydration was sequenced by flow hydrogenation, which resulted in the synthesis of pristane. A scalable flow synthesis of pristane was successfully performed and afforded 10 g of pristane after an operation of 2 h. We also performed dehydration and hydrogenation by using a mixed column of HO‐SAS and 10 % Pd/C.
Specific glutamic acid residues in targeted proteins induce exaggerated retardations in Phos‐tag SDS‐PAGE migration
Authors: Kinoshita Eiji , Kinoshita‐Kikuta Emiko , Karata Kiyonobu , Kawano Toshiki , Nishiyama Atsuhiro , Yamato Morihisa , Koike Tohru
Published: January 2017

We describe two unique proteins, Escherichia coli ClpX and human histone H2A, that show extremely retarded migrations relative to their molecular weights in Phos‐tag SDS‐PAGE, despite being nonphosphorylated. Although ClpX separated into multiple migration bands in Phos‐tag gels, the separation was not due to phosphorylation. The N‐terminal 47–61 region of ClpX was responsible for producing multiple phosphorylation‐independent structural variants, even under denaturing conditions, and some of these variants were detected as highly up‐shifted bands. By systematic Ala‐scanning mutation analysis in the N‐47–61 region, we concluded that the Glu‐51 or Glu‐54 residue was responsible for the appearance of exaggerated mobility‐shifting bands. Histone H2A showed a much slower migration in Phos‐tag gels in comparison with other major histones having similar molecular weights, and we found that the Glu‐62 or Glu‐65 residue caused the retarded migration. In addition, Phos‐tag SDS‐PAGE permitted us to detect a shift in the mobility of the phosphorylated form of histone H2A from that of the nonphosphorylated one. This is the first report showing that exaggerated retardation in the migration of a certain protein in Phos‐tag SDS‐PAGE is induced by interactions between the Phos‐tag molecule and the carboxylate group of a specific Glu residue on the target.
A Nafion‐filled Polycarbonate Track‐Etched Composite Membrane with Enhanced Selectivity for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Gloukhovski R. , Tsur Y. , Freger V.
Published: January 2017

The high proton conductivity of Nafion© membranes in direct methanol fuel cells is attributed to a random three dimensional 3D network of elongated ion channels formed by bundles of rod‐like inverted micelles. However, this network is also responsible for high methanol crossover. In addition, its conductivity is impaired at temperatures 120 °C and above due to ion channel rearrangement, thus limiting the operational temperature to 60–80 °C. Here we report a composite proton exchange membrane prepared by filling the pores of polycarbonate track‐etched membrane with Nafion, which promote channel orientation roughly normal to the surface. The proton conductivity of this geometry is significantly enhanced, presumably due to the restricted swelling, resulting in a better ion channel connectivity and realignment in the axial pore direction upon hydration. The permeability of sodium chloride and methanol, though, is suppressed, presumably due to formation of regions of closely packed sulfonic groups, which facilitate proton transfer but strongly exclude other solutes. Composite membranes with improved conductivity and selectivity based on the principle presented here are expected to allow operating direct methanol fuel cells at higher temperatures and with higher methanol concentrations, thus reducing costs and increasing the efficiency.
Mutual effect of cerebral amyloid β and peripheral lymphocytes in cognitively normal older individuals
Authors: Yasuno Fumihiko , Kazui Hiroaki , Kajimoto Katsufumi , Ihara Masafumi , Morita Naomi , Taguchi Akihiko , Yamamoto Akihide , Matsuoka Kiwamu , Takahashi Masato , Nakagawara Jyoji , Tsuji Masahito , Iida Hidehiro , Kishimoto Toshifumi , Nagatsuka Kazuyuki
Published: January 2017

Objective

We hypothesized that cerebral amyloid accumulation is reflected in the periphery in the pre‐dementia stage and used flow cytometry to investigate the peripheral lymphocytes as an easily accessible biomarker to observe neuro‐inflammation. We aimed to determine whether peripheral lymphocytes are related to the cortical amyloid burden or vice versa in cognitively normal older subjects.

Methods

We applied [11C] Pittsburgh compound B (PiB)‐positron emission tomography to 36 cognitively normal older individuals, and Aβ deposition was quantified by cortical binding potential (PiB‐BPND). Blood samples were obtained, and lymphocyte subsets were evaluated. We examined differences between low and high PiB‐BPND groups in the percentage of B cells, T cells, helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, regulatory T cells, and natural killer cells.

Results

Subjects with high PiB‐BPND showed significantly higher percentage of cytotoxic T cells (%CD3+). Correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between the percentage of cytotoxic T cells and global cortical mean PiB‐BPND. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that cytotoxic T cells were significantly related to the value of global cortical mean PiB‐BPND and vice versa.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that a specific peripheral immune response, reflected in the increased ratio of cytotoxic T cells, could be regarded as a preclinical sign of AD and could be attributed to the Aβ neuropathological mechanism. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tinnitus distress is linked to enhanced resting‐state functional connectivity from the limbic system to the auditory cortex
Authors: Chen Yu‐Chen , Xia Wenqing , Chen Huiyou , Feng Yuan , Xu Jin‐Jing , Gu Jian‐Ping , Salvi Richard , Yin Xindao
Published: January 2017

The phantom sound of tinnitus is believed to be triggered by aberrant neural activity in the central auditory pathway, but since this debilitating condition is often associated with emotional distress and anxiety, these comorbidities likely arise from maladaptive functional connections to limbic structures such as the amygdala and hippocampus. To test this hypothesis, resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to identify aberrant effective connectivity of the amygdala and hippocampus in tinnitus patients and to determine the relationship with tinnitus characteristics. Chronic tinnitus patients (n = 26) and age‐, sex‐, and education‐matched healthy controls (n = 23) were included. Both groups were comparable for hearing level. Granger causality analysis utilizing the amygdala and hippocampus as seed regions were used to investigate the directional connectivity and the relationship with tinnitus duration or distress. Relative to healthy controls, tinnitus patients demonstrated abnormal directional connectivity of the amygdala and hippocampus, including primary and association auditory cortex, and other non‐auditory areas. Importantly, scores on the Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaires were positively correlated with increased connectivity from the left amygdala to left superior temporal gyrus (r = 0.570, P = 0.005), and from the right amygdala to right superior temporal gyrus (r = 0.487, P = 0.018). Moreover, enhanced effective connectivity from the right hippocampus to left transverse temporal gyrus was correlated with tinnitus duration (r = 0.452, P = 0.030). The results showed that tinnitus distress strongly correlates with enhanced effective connectivity that is directed from the amygdala to the auditory cortex. The longer the phantom sensation, the more likely acute tinnitus becomes permanently encoded by memory traces in the hippocampus. Hum Brain Mapp 38:2384–2397, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Explorations in the Dynamics of Crystalline Solids and the Evolution of Crystal Formation Processes
Authors: Harris Kenneth D. M.
Published: January 2017

This article describes a few selected areas of research within the field of structural chemistry, with emphasis on aspects that have been influenced and inspired by the seminal work of Jack Dunitz. The topics covered include the study of dynamic properties of crystalline materials, focusing on the use of solid‐state 2H NMR spectroscopy to unravel details of dynamic hydrogen‐bonding arrangements in crystalline alcohols and amino acids, as well as the use of in situ Raman microspectrometry to explore molecular transport processes through porous crystals. A case study involving the determination of both structural properties and dynamic properties of a material (ammonium cyanate) that is not amenable to structural characterization by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction is also presented. On the theme of exploring the time evolution of crystallization pathways, the recent development and application of in situ solid‐state NMR techniques for mapping time‐dependent changes that occur in the solid phase during crystallization processes are discussed. Finally, the article contemplates the prospects for deriving a fundamental physicochemical understanding of crystal nucleation processes, which is identified as perhaps the most significant challenge in structural chemistry in the next few decades.
The effectiveness of a multidisciplinary, team‐based approach to cesarean hysterectomy in modern obstetric practice
Authors: Gillespie Caitlin , Sangi‐Haghpeykar Haleh , Munnur Uma , Suresh Maya S. , Miller Harold , Hawkins Shannon M.
Published: January 2017

Objective

To examine the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary, team‐based approach to management of cesarean hysterectomy.

Methods

In a retrospective chart review, data were analyzed from a quality assurance database of hysterectomies performed after cesarean delivery at one institution in the USA. Patients were identified through billing codes for cesarean delivery, cross‐referenced to codes for hysterectomy. Demographic, reproductive, and outcome data were compared before (2000–2005) and after (2011–2013) implementation of a multidisciplinary team‐based protocol.

Results

Across the two study periods, 107 cesarean hysterectomies were identified (69 pre‐implementation, 38 post‐implementation). In univariate analysis, the post‐implementation group had fewer days in surgical intensive care than did the pre‐implementation group (0.21 ± 0.41 vs 1.04 ± 2.44 days; P=0.011), and a lower frequency of febrile morbidity (4 [11%] vs 22 [32%]; P=0.033]. In multivariate analysis with adjustment for potential confounders, the likelihood of postoperative febrile morbidity was higher during the pre‐implementation than the post‐implementation period (adjusted odds ratio 3.5, 95% confidence interval 1.09–13.65; P=0.048).

Conclusion

Outcomes were improved after the multidisciplinary team‐based approach to cesarean hysterectomy was implemented. Team‐based approaches to care of women undergoing cesarean hysterectomy are important to improve outcomes.
How to Implement Therapeutic Evaluative Conditioning in a Clinical Setting
Authors: Franklin Joseph C. , Fox Kathryn R. , Ribeiro Jessica D.
Published: January 2017

Self‐injurious behaviors (SIBs), including both suicidal and nonsuicidal self‐injury, are major public health problems that have been on the rise in recent decades. There are few effective SIB interventions, and those that are effective cannot reach most people who are in need of help–that is, these interventions are not scalable. To address this need, we recently developed a scalable, app‐based treatment called Therapeutic Evaluative Conditioning (TEC) that preliminary studies have shown causes reductions in SIBs (Franklin et al., 2016). Although TEC was developed and evaluated as a standalone, self‐administered intervention, it may also be a valuable therapeutic tool within traditional clinical settings. Here we provide a case illustration of a young adult female who presented at an outpatient clinic with a long history of self‐injurious behaviors and multiple failed treatment attempts. In discussing this case, we describe how to implement TEC within such a setting and what might be expected as a result.
Mesenchymal stem cells improves survival in LPS‐induced acute lung injury acting through inhibition of NETs formation
Authors: Pedrazza Leonardo , Cunha Aline Andrea , Luft Carolina , Nunes Nailê Karine , Schimitz Felipe , Gassen Rodrigo Benedetti , Breda Ricardo Vaz , Donadio Marcio Vinícius Fagundes , de Souza Wyse Angela Terezinha , Pitrez Paulo Marcio Condessa , Rosa Jose Luis , de Oliveira Jarbas Rodrigues
Published: January 2017

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are syndromes of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure resulting from a variety of direct and indirect injuries to the gas exchange parenchyma of the lungs. During the ALI, we have an increase release of proinflammatory cytokines and high reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. These factors are responsible for the release and activation of neutrophil‐derived proteases and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The excessive increase in the release of NETs cause damage to lung tissue. Recent studies have studies involving the administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of experimental ALI has shown promising results. In this way, the objective of our study is to evaluate the ability of MSCs, in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced ALI model, to reduce inflammation, oxidative damage, and consequently decrease the release of NETs. Mice were submitted lung injury induced by intratracheal instillation of LPS and subsequently treated or not with MSCs. Treatment with MSCs was able to modulate pulmonary inflammation, decrease oxidative damage, and reduce the release of NETs. These benefits from treatment are evident when we observe a significant increase in the survival curve in the treated animals. Our results demonstrate that MSCs treatment is effective for the treatment of ALI. For the first time, it is described that MSCs can reduce the formation of NETs and an experimental model of ALI. This finding is directly related to these cells modulate the inflammatory response and oxidative damage in the course of the pathology.
Intracellular transcytosis of albumin in glomerular endothelial cells after endocytosis through caveolae
Authors: Moriyama Takahito , Sasaki Kayo , Karasawa Kazunori , Uchida Keiko , Nitta Kosaku
Published: January 2017

We previously described albumin endocytosis through caveolae in human renal glomerular endothelial cells (HRGECs). This suggested a new albumin transcytosis pathway, in addition to the fenestral pathway. As a next step, we investigated albumin transcytosis in HRGECs after caveolar endocytosis. HRGECs were incubated with Alexa Fluor 488‐labeled bovine serum albumin from 0 to 360 min. Next, markers for endosomes, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), golgi apparatus (GA), lysosomes, and proteasomes and Fc receptors, microtubules, and actin were monitored by immunofluorescence. Labeled albumin co‐localization with endosomes was gradually and significantly increased and it was significantly higher than with the other markers at any timepoint. Albumin, placed on inside of the Transwell membrane, diffused through HRGEC monolayers during a 360 min incubation period. This transportation of albumin through HRGECs was inhibited by methyl beta cyclodextrin (MBCD), a caveolae disrupting agent. MBCD also decreased albuminuria, causing decreased caveolin‐1 (Cav‐1) expression on glomerular capillaries, in puromycin aminonucleoside induced nephrotic mice. Albumin transcytosis depends on early endosomes, but not on other organelles, Fc receptors, or cytoskeletal components. Caveolae disruption prevented albumin transportation through HRGECs and decreased albuminuria in nephrotic mice. This newly described caveolae‐dependent albumin pathway through glomerular endothelial cells is a potential pathogenetic mechanism for albuminuria, independent of the fenestrae.
Seilacher, Konstruktions‐Morphologie, Morphodynamics, and the Evolution of form
Authors: Briggs Derek E.G.
Published: January 2017

Adolf Seilacher (1925–2014) was a German paleontologist who made the concept of Konstruktions‐Morphologie (constructional morphology) his own, recognizing that organism morphology is not simply an adaptive response to selection pressure but incorporates phylogenetic and structural influences as well. He was particularly interested in “fabricational noise,” nonadaptive features that are a consequence of available materials and modes of growth, but he also elucidated the nature of adaptive radiations—in bivalves and sand dollars, for example. His interpretations relied on detailed study of specimens, and during a long international career he investigated examples from almost every invertebrate fossil group resulting in his 2015 bookMorphodynamics, a compilation of his observations and iconic drawings that was published after his death. Seilacher's insights and observations on fossils have the potential to generate hypotheses about evolutionary development that may eventually be tested experimentally.
Seasonal precipitation prediction via data‐adaptive principal component regression
Authors: Kim Joonpyo , Oh Hee‐Seok , Lim Yaeji , Kang Hyun‐Suk
Published: January 2017

This article studies a problem of predicting seasonal precipitation over East Asia from real observations and multi‐model ensembles. Classical model output statistics approach based on principal component analysis (PCA) has been widely used for climate prediction. However, it may not be efficient in predicting precipitation since PCA assumes that information of data should be retained by the second moment of them, which is too stringent to climate data that can be skewed or asymmetric. This article presents a method based on data‐adaptive PCA (DPCA) by Lim and Oh (2016) that can adapt to non‐Gaussian distributed data. In addition to investigate the utility of DPCA for climate study, we propose a data‐adaptive principal component regression for seasonal precipitation prediction, which consists of DPCA and a regularized regression technique that is able to handle high‐dimensional data. We apply the proposed method to nine general circulation models for prediction of precipitations on the summer season (June, July, and August). The prediction ability of the proposed method is evaluated in comparison with observations and model outputs (prediction) of each constituent model.
Analysing the relationship between ocean indices and rainfall in the Chao Phraya River Basin
Authors: Rangsiwanichpong Prem , Kazama So , Ekkawatpanit Chaiwat
Published: January 2017

We examined the variability of ocean indices and rainfall in the Chao Phraya River Basin. We used rescaled adjusted partial sums (RAPS) to analyse the relationship between rainfall and various ocean indices, such as the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), sea surface temperature indices and the Dipole Mode Index (DMI). Rainfall in the Chao Phraya River basin was strongly correlated with the SOI index. Furthermore, results of the analysis accounted for the location of the rainfall station and showed that rainfall in the high‐latitude area of the Chao Phraya River Basin was most highly correlated with the SOI index. However, sea surface temperature (SST) indices were more highly correlated with rainfall than the SOI index in the low‐latitude area.
Dry formulations of the biocontrol agent Candida sakeCPA‐1 using fluidised bed drying to control the main postharvest diseases on fruits
Authors: Carbó Anna , Torres Rosario , Usall Josep , Fons Estanislau , Teixidó Neus
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

The biocontrol agent Candida sake CPA‐1 is effective against several diseases. Consequently, the optimisation of a dry formulation of C. sake to improve its shelf life and manipulability is essential for increasing its potential with respect to future commercial applications. The present study aimed to optimise the conditions for making a dry formulation of C. sake using a fluidised bed drying system and then to determine the shelf life of the optimised formulation and its efficacy against Penicillium expansum on apples.

RESULTS

The optimal conditions for the drying process were found to be 40 °C for 45 min and the use of potato starch as the carrier significantly enhanced the viability. However, none of the protective compounds tested increased the viability of the dried cells. A temperature of 25 °C for 10 min in phosphate buffer was considered as the optimum condition to recover the dried formulations. The dried formulations should be stored at 4 °C and air‐packaged; moreover, shelf life assays indicated good results after 12 months of storage. The formulated products maintained their biocontrol efficacy.

CONCLUSION

A fluidised bed drying system is a suitable process for dehydrating C. sake cells; moreover, the C. sake formulation is easy to pack, store and transport, and is a cost‐effective process. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Validity of the epworth sleepiness scale as a screening tool for obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Bonzelaar Lauren B. , Salapatas Anna M. , Yang Junhua , Friedman Michael
Published: January 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine whether the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) can be improved by having a bed partner or roommate (“partner”) also fill out the questionnaire; and to assess the applicability of the eight items in the questionnaire, particularly in an urban population.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify charts of subjects with an ESS score collected from both the subject and a partner. Consensus scores were also identified. Self‐reported ESS scores were compared to partner and consensus ESS scores. The number of subjects who did not drive was determined.

Results

One hundred consecutive charts were included in this study. Mean ESS score was significantly higher when scored by the partner (10.4 ± 5.8) compared to the subject (7.2 ± 4.7). In 73% of cases, the subject underestimated their score compared to the score given by the partner. The mean difference in score was 3.2 ± 3.5. Mean consensus ESS score was 12.3 ± 5.4. Using an ESS score of ≥10 as abnormal, subject scores did not correlate with the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA;P= .095). Partner and consensus scores, however, did correlate with the presence of OSA (P= .003 andP=.039, respectively). Thirty‐five percent of our subjects did not drive.

Conclusions

The difference in mean ESS score obtained from the subject compared to partner implies that this diagnostic form should be completed as a consensus between the patient and partner to provide a more accurate score.

Level of Evidence

4Laryngoscope, 2016 127:525–531, 2017
Investigations on chip flow control for coil edge machining
Authors: Tiffe M. , Vogel F. , Biermann D. , Geltz N.
Published: January 2017

Steel strips are frequently used in the metal working industry for the manufacturing of tubes and bearing sleeves. These steel strips are produced by cold and warm rolling and are commonly coiled up for transportation purposes. Moreover, the obtained coils are split into customized sizes. In order to use the steel strips for further processing the edges need to be machined with respect to deburring and joint preparation. Therefore, specialized machine tools are used which apply common turning inserts with a translational cutting motion. On the one hand this process is high efficient but on the other hand the process reliability is affected by the formation of long continuous chips. In order to meet the requirements for an increased process reliability investigations on chip flow control are carried out with the aid of the finite element method (FEM). The acquired results are presented in this article.
The effect of fiber angles on energy absorption of 50 % partially wrapped aluminium‐composite hybrid tube under axial crushing
Authors: Abbas T. , Ya H. Haji , Zaki M.
Published: January 2017

Hybrid tubes have several attractive definite properties like specific energy absorption and crush force efficiency. These tubes have applications in automobiles and aerospace industry. In this research, the circular aluminium tube is partially wrapped with E‐glass/Epoxy composite, using filament winding technique, to produce a hybrid tube. The fiber orientations in partial wrapping are ±10°, ±55° and 90° to the tube axis. Four composite layers are used and 50 % area of the aluminium tube is covered by composite in partial wrapping. The effect of fiber orientations on specific energy absorption and crush force efficiency under axial crushing is studied. Moreover, collapse modes of failure are also identified. The results indicate that ±55° fiber orientation is good in energy absorption and crush force efficiency. Moreover, specific energy absorption and crush force efficiency of partially wrapped the tube with ±55° fiber orientation are 45.61 % and 58.08 % more as compared with aluminium tube.
Protein kinase C in cancer: The top five unanswered questions
Authors: Cooke Mariana , Magimaidas Andrew , Casado‐Medrano Victoria , Kazanietz Marcelo G.
Published: January 2017

Few kinases have been studied as extensively as protein kinase C (PKC), particularly in the context of cancer. As major cellular targets for the phorbol ester tumor promoters and diacylglycerol (DAG), a second messenger generated by stimulation of membrane receptors, PKC isozymes play major roles in the control of signaling pathways associated with proliferation, migration, invasion, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. However, despite decades of research, fundamental questions remain to be answered or are the subject of intense controversy. Primary among these unresolved issues are the role of PKC isozymes as either tumor promoter or tumor suppressor kinases and the incomplete understanding on isozyme‐specific substrates and effectors. The involvement of PKC isozymes in cancer progression needs to be reassessed in the context of specific oncogenic and tumor suppressing alterations. In addition, there are still major hurdles in addressing isozyme‐specific function due to the limited specificity of most pharmacological PKC modulators and the lack of validated predictive biomarkers for response, which impacts the translation of these agents to the clinic. In this review we focus on key controversial issues and upcoming challenges, with the expectation that understanding the intricacies of PKC function will help fulfill the yet unsuccessful promise of targeting PKCs for cancer therapeutics.