bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling anomalies in the spring and autumn land surface phenology of the European forest
Authors: Rodriguez-Galiano V. F. , Sanchez-Castillo M. , Dash J. , Atkinson P. M.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. This research reveals new insights into the climatic drivers of anomalies in land surface phenology (LSP) across the entire European forest, while at the same time establishes a new conceptual framework for predictive modelling of LSP. Specifically, the Random Forest method, a multivariate, spatially non-stationary and non-linear machine learning approach, was introduced for phenological modelling across very large areas and across multiple years simultaneously: the typical case for satellite-observed LSP. The RF model was fitted to the relation between LSP anomalies and numerous climate predictor variables computed at biologically-relevant rather than human-imposed temporal scales. In addition, the legacy effect of an advanced or delayed spring on autumn phenology was explored. The RF models explained 81 and 62 % of the variance in the spring and autumn LSP anomalies, with relative errors of 10 and 20 %, respectively: a level of precision that has until now been unobtainable at the continental scale. Multivariate linear regression models explained only 36 and 25 %, respectively. It also allowed identification of the main drivers of the anomalies in LSP through its estimation of variable importance. This research, thus, shows clearly the inadequacy of the hitherto applied linear regression approaches for modelling LSP and paves the way for a new set of scientific investigations based on machine learning methods.
Microbial nutrient limitation in arctic lakes in a permafrost landscape of southwest Greenland
Authors: Burpee B. , Saros J. E. , Northington R. M. , Simon K. S.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. Permafrost is degrading across regions of the Arctic, which can lead to increases in nutrient concentrations in surface freshwaters. The oligotrophic state of many arctic lakes suggests that enhanced nutrient inputs may have important effects on these systems, but little is known about microbial nutrient limitation patterns in these lakes. We investigated microbial extracellular enzyme activities (EEAs) to infer seasonal nutrient dynamics and limitation across 24 lakes in southwest Greenland during summer (June and July). From early to late summer, enzyme activities that indicate microbial carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) demand increased in both the epilimnia and hypolimnia by 74 % on average. Microbial investment in P acquisition was generally higher than that for N. Interactions among EEAs indicated that bacteria were primarily P limited. Dissolved organic matter (DOM, measured as dissolved organic carbon) was strongly and positively correlated with microbial P demand (R2 = 0.84 in July), while there were no relationships between DOM and microbial N demand. Microbial P limitation in June epilimnia (R2 = 0.67) and July hypolimnia (R2 = 0.57) increased with DOM concentration. The consistency of microbial P limitation from June to July was related to the amount of DOM present, with some low DOM lakes becoming N-limited in July. Our results suggest that future changes in P or DOM inputs to these lakes are likely to alter microbial nutrient limitation patterns.
Comparison between observed and simulated aeolian snow mass fluxes in Adélie Land, East Antarctica
Authors: Amory C. , Trouvilliez A. , Gallée H. , Favier V. , Naaim-Bouvet F. , Genthon C. , Agosta C. , Piard L. , Bellot H.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. Using the original setup described in Gallée et al. (2013), the MAR regional climate model including a coupled snowpack/aeolian snow transport parameterization, was run at a fine spatial (5 km horizontal and 2 m vertical) resolution over 1 summer month in coastal Adélie Land. Different types of feedback were taken into account in MAR including drag partitioning caused by surface roughness elements. Model outputs are compared with observations made at two coastal locations, D17 and D47, situated respectively 10 and 100 km inland. Wind speed was correctly simulated with positive values of the Nash test (0.60 for D17 and 0.37 for D47) but wind velocities above 10 m s−1 were underestimated at both D17 and D47; at D47, the model consistently underestimated wind velocity by 2 m s−1. Aeolian snow transport events were correctly reproduced with the right timing and a good temporal resolution at both locations except when the maximum particle height was less than 1 m. The threshold friction velocity, evaluated only at D17 for a 7-day period without snowfall, was overestimated. The simulated aeolian snow mass fluxes between 0 and 2 m at D47 displayed the same variations but were underestimated compared to the second-generation FlowCaptTM values, as was the simulated relative humidity at 2 m above the surface. As a result, MAR underestimated the total aeolian horizontal snow transport for the first 2 m above the ground by a factor of 10 compared to estimations by the second-generation FlowCaptTM. The simulation was significantly improved at D47 if a 1-order decrease in the magnitude of z0 was accounted for, but agreement with observations was reduced at D17. Our results suggest that z0 may vary regionally depending on snowpack properties, which are involved in different types of feedback between aeolian transport of snow and z0.
Envelhecimento da população do Paraná e impacto das aposentadorias e pensões na renda
Authors: Nakatani-Macedo Carina Diane , Fiuza-Moura Flávio Kauê , Ferreira Carlos Roberto , Camara Marcia Regina Gabardo da
Published: July 2015

O presente artigo discute a evolução do processo de envelhecimento da população dos municípios do Paraná e suas consequências na participação das aposentadorias e pensões no total da renda. Utilizou-se a base de dados censitários do IPARDES - 1980, 1991, 2000 e 2010, para os 399 municípios do Paraná. A base de dados utilizada para aferir a evolução da participação do rendimento das aposentadorias e pensões foram as PNADs (Pesquisa Nacional de Amostras de Domicílios) entre 1988 e 2012, através da metodologia de Decomposição do Índice de Gini. Conclui-se que no intervalo de 30 anos a participação percentual de idosos na população mais que triplicou, em média, para os municípios do Paraná, de 3,81% em 1980 e para 12,83%, em 2010 e que há uma maior concentração de idosos nos municípios localizados mais ao norte do estado. A renda provinda das aposentadorias e pensões expandiu em 125% na participação da renda total; em 1988, a participação era de 7,5% na renda total, tendo aumentado para 15,9% em 2012.
Aspectos do mecanismo de ação do amônio glufosinato: culturas resistentes e resistência de plantas daninhas
Authors: Brunharo Caio Augusto De Castro Grossi , Christoffoleti Pedro Jacob , Nicolai Marcelo
Published: July 2015

Com o advento de culturas geneticamente modificadas para a tolerância ao herbicida não-seletivo amônio glufosinato no Brasil, associado à sua importância como herbicida alternativo às áreas infestadas por plantas daninhas resistentes ao glyphosate, o conhecimento de certos aspectos sobre seu mecanismo de ação, particularidades da molécula e manejo consciente tornam-se necessários. Nesse sentido, a presente revisão de literatura foi realizada na tentativa de abranger, à luz do atual conhecimento, os conceitos sobre a bioquímica envolvida no mecanismo de ação desse importante herbicida, sua dinâmica de entrada na célula vegetal, sua utilização em culturas geneticamente modificadas e seu “manejo protetivo”, com a intensão de prolongar ao máximo possível essa indispensável ferramenta do sistema de produção de alimentos.
A Simplified Land Model (SLM) for use in cloud‐resolving models: Formulation and evaluation
Authors: Lee Jungmin M. , Khairoutdinov Marat
Published: July 2015

A Simplified Land Model (SLM) that uses a minimalist set of parameters with a single‐layer vegetation and multilevel soil structure has been developed distinguishing canopy and undercanopy energy budgets. The primary motivation has been to design a land model for use in the System for Atmospheric Modeling (SAM) cloud‐resolving model to study land‐atmosphere interactions with a sufficient level of realism. SLM uses simplified expressions for the transport of heat, moisture, momentum, and radiation in soil‐vegetation system. The SLM performance has been evaluated over several land surface types using summertime tower observations of micrometeorological and biophysical data from three AmeriFlux sites, which include grassland, cropland, and deciduous‐broadleaf forest. In general, the SLM captures the observed diurnal cycle of surface energy budget and soil temperature reasonably well, although reproducing the evolution of soil moisture, especially after rain events, has been challenging. The SLM coupled to SAM has been applied to the case of summertime shallow cumulus convection over land based on the Atmospheric Radiation Measurements (ARM) Southern Great Plain (SGP) observations. The simulated surface latent and sensible heat fluxes as well as the evolution of thermodynamic profiles in convective boundary layer agree well with the estimates based on the observations. Sensitivity of atmospheric boundary layer development to the soil moisture and different land cover types has been also examined.
Group‐sparsity regularization for ill‐posed subsurface flow inverse problems
Authors: Golmohammadi Azarang , Khaninezhad Mohammad‐Reza M. , Jafarpour Behnam
Published: July 2015

Sparse representations provide a flexible and parsimonious description of high‐dimensional model parameters for reconstructing subsurface flow property distributions from limited data. To further constrain ill‐posed inverse problems, group‐sparsity regularization can take advantage of possible relations among the entries of unknown sparse parameters when: (i) groups of sparse elements are either collectively active or inactive and (ii) only a small subset of the groups is needed to approximate the parameters of interest. Since subsurface properties exhibit strong spatial connectivity patterns they may lead to sparse descriptions that satisfy the above conditions. When these conditions are established, a group‐sparsity regularization can be invoked to facilitate the solution of the resulting inverse problem by promoting sparsity across the groups. The proposed regularization penalizes the number of groups that are active without promoting sparsity within each group. Two implementations are presented in this paper: one based on the multiresolution tree structure of Wavelet decomposition, without a need for explicit prior models, and another learned from explicit prior model realizations using sparse principal component analysis (SPCA). In each case, the approach first classifies the parameters of the inverse problem into groups with specific connectivity features, and then takes advantage of the grouped structure to recover the relevant patterns in the solution from the flow data. Several numerical experiments are presented to demonstrate the advantages of additional constraining power of group‐sparsity in solving ill‐posed subsurface model calibration problems.
Plant nutrients do not covary with soil nutrients under changing climatic conditions
Authors: Luo Wentao , Elser James J. , Lü Xiao‐Tao , Wang Zhengwen , Bai Edith , Yan Caifeng , Wang Chao , Li Mai‐He , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Han Xingguo , Xu Zhuwen , Li Hui , Wu Yunna , Jiang Yong
Published: July 2015

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) play vital roles in plant growth and development. Yet how climate regimes and soil fertility influence plant N and P stoichiometry is not well understood, especially in the belowground plant parts. Here we investigated plant aboveground and belowground N and P concentrations ([N] and [P]) and their stoichiometry in three dominant genera along a 2200 km long climatic gradient in northern China. Results showed that temperature explained more variation of [N] and [P] in C4 plants, whereas precipitation exerted a stronger influence on [N] and [P] in C3 plants. Both plant aboveground and belowground [N] and [P] increased with decreasing precipitation, and increasing temperatures yet were negatively correlated with soil [N] and [P]. Plant N:P ratios were unrelated with all climate and soil variables. Plant aboveground and belowground [N] followed an allometric scaling relationship, but the allocation of [P] was isometric. These results imply that internal processes stabilize plant N:P ratios and hence tissue N:P ratios may not be an effective parameter for predicting plant nutrient limitation. Our results also imply that past positive relationships between plant and nutrient stocks may be challenged under changing climatic conditions. While any modeling would need to be able to replicate currently observed relationships, it is conceivable that some relationships, such as those between temperature or rainfall and carbon:nutrient ratios, should be different under changing climatic conditions.
Inferring magnetospheric heavy ion density using EMIC waves
Authors: Kim Eun‐Hwa , Johnson Jay R. , Kim Hyomin , Lee Dong‐Hun
Published: July 2015

We present a method to infer heavy ion concentration ratios from electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) wave observations that result from ion‐ion hybrid (IIH) resonance. A key feature of the IIH resonance is the concentration of wave energy in a field‐aligned resonant mode that exhibits linear polarization. These mode‐converted waves at the IIH resonance are localized at the location where the frequency of a compressional wave driver matches the IIH resonance condition, which depends sensitively on the heavy ion concentration. This dependence makes it possible to estimate the heavy ion concentration ratio. In this paper, we evaluate the absorption coefficients at the IIH resonance at Earth's geosynchronous orbit for variable concentrations of He+ and wave frequencies using a dipole magnetic field model. We find that the resonance only occurs over a limited range of wave frequency such that the IIH resonance frequency is close to but not exactly the same as the crossover frequency. Using the wave absorption and EMIC waves observed from the GOES 12 satellite, we demonstrate how this technique can be used to estimate the He+ concentration of around 4% near L = 6.6 assuming electron‐H+‐He+ plasma.
Austral summer N2O sink and source characteristics and their impact factors in Prydz Bay, Antarctica
Authors: Zhan Liyang , Chen Liqi , Zhang Jiexia , Yan Jinpei , Li Yuhong , Wu Man , Xu Suqing , Lin Qi , Pan Jianming , Zhao Jun
Published: July 2015

The ocean, particularly the Southern Ocean, is considered a significant source of atmospheric N2O, which is an ozone‐depleting greenhouse gas. However, there are limited data available supporting this conclusion. Thus, this study sampled and analyzed the oceanic N2O in Prydz Bay. The results demonstrated that the distribution of N2O in this embayment differed between the north and south sides of the Antarctic Slope Front (ASF), corresponding to the different hydrographic characteristics on each side. Although the air to sea N2O flux north of the shelf break is ∼−1.20 ± 0.44 μmol m−2 d−1, the source sink characteristics need to be further constrained because the Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW) may occasionally outcrop over the surface layer. The water masses over the continental shelf south of the shelf break may be a temporary or even a permanent N2O sink when sea ice is absent. The air to sea flux south of the shelf break is ∼−3.65 ± 0.95 μmol m−2 d−1, and the water column is undersaturated with N2O, which may result from the deep convection of N2O‐undersaturated surface water during the winter. Evidence also suggests that the formation of Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) may provide a pathway for N2O removal from the upper layer at high latitudes.
Assessment of precipitation anomalies in California using TRMM and MERRA data
Authors: Savtchenko Andrey K. , Huffman George , Vollmer Bruce
Published: July 2015

Using modern satellite (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission, TRMM, 1998–2014) and reanalysis (Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, MERRA, 1979–2015) data, we reassess certain aspects of the precipitation climate in California from the past decades. California has a well‐pronounced rain season that peaks in December–February. However, the 95% confidence interval around the climatological precipitation during these months imply that deviations on the order of 60% of the expected amounts are very likely during the most important period of the rain season. While these positive and negative anomalies alternate almost every year and tend to cancel each other, severe multiyear declines of precipitation in California appear on decadal scales. The 1986–1994 decline of precipitation was similar to the current one that started in 2011 and is apparent in the reanalysis data. In terms of accumulated deficits of precipitation, that episode was no less severe than the current one. While El Niño (the warm phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation, ENSO) is frequently cited as the natural forcing expected to bring a relief from drought, our assessment is that ENSO has been driving at best only 6% of precipitation variability in California in the past three decades. Using fractional risk analysis of precipitation during typical versus drying periods, we show that the likelihood of losing the most intensive precipitation events drastically increases during the multiyear drying events. Storms delivering up to 50% of the precipitation in California are driven by atmospheric rivers making landfall. However, these phenomena can be suppressed and even blocked by persistent ridges of atmospheric pressure in the northeast Pacific. The reanalysis and satellite data are proven to be reliable to the extent where they yield information on developing conditions and observed precipitation anomalies.
Parental age effects on odor sensitivity in healthy subjects and schizophrenia patients
Authors: Malaspina Dolores , Walsh‐Messinger Julie , Antonius Daniel , Dracxler Roberta , Rothman Karen , Puthota Jennifer , Gilman Caitlin , Feuerstein Jessica L. , Keefe David , Goetz Deborah , Goetz Raymond R. , Buckley Peter , Lehrer Douglas S. , Pato Michele , Pato Carlos
Published: July 2015

A schizophrenia phenotype for paternal and maternal age effects on illness risk could benefit etiological research. As odor sensitivity is associated with variability in symptoms and cognition in schizophrenia, we examined if it was related to parental ages in patients and healthy controls. We tested Leukocyte Telomere Length (LTL) as an explanatory factor, as LTL is associated with paternal age and schizophrenia risk. Seventy‐five DSM‐IV patients and 46 controls were assessed for detection of PEA, WAIS‐III for cognition, and LTL, assessed by qPCR. In healthy controls, but not schizophrenia patients, decreasing sensitivity was monotonically related to advancing parental ages, particularly in sons. The relationships between parental aging and odor sensitivity differed significantly for patients and controls (Fisher's R to Z: χ2 = 6.95, P = 0.009). The groups also differed in the association of odor sensitivity with cognition; lesser sensitivity robustly predicted cognitive impairments in patients (<0.001), but these were unassociated in controls. LTL was unrelated to odor sensitivity and did not explain the association of lesser sensitivity with cognitive deficits.Parental aging predicted less sensitive detection in healthy subjects but not in schizophrenia patients. In patients, decreased odor sensitivity strongly predicted cognitive deficits, whereas more sensitive acuity was associated with older parents. These data support separate risk pathways for schizophrenia. A parental age‐related pathway may produce psychosis without impairing cognition and odor sensitivity. Diminished odor sensitivity may furthermore be useful as a biomarker for research and treatment studies in schizophrenia. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A commercial production route to prepare polymer‐based nanocomposites by unmodified multilayer graphene
Authors: Fu Xubing , Liu Yan , Zhao Xingke , Zhao Dajiang , Yang Guisheng
Published: July 2015

In this study, we report our progress toward an effective method to prepare polyamide 6 (PA6)/multilayer graphene (MLG) nanocomposites via in situ polymerization. The thermal and mechanical properties of PA6 nanocomposites were investigated with low unmodified MLG content of 0.01–0.5 wt %. The dispersion of MLG sheets in the host matrix was studied in extensive detail while the properties of the resultant nanocomposites were systematically measured. Results indicate that the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were significantly enhanced; the flexural modulus, flexural strength and impact strength increased by ∼97%, ∼69%, and ∼76% relative to pristine PA6. Furthermore, the thermal stability of nanocomposites was enhanced and the weight loss temperature of PA6 was increased ∼15°C at 0.5 wt % content of MLG. Moreover, incorporation of low loading of MLG can increase the crystallization speed of PA6 composites and promote the formation of the γ‐crystalline phase while also improving the crystallization temperature. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42742.
A Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for Gold and Mercury Ions
Authors: Üçüncü Muhammed , Karakuş Erman , Emrullahoğlu Mustafa
Published: July 2015

A fluorescent probe that displays a ratiometric fluorescence response towards gold and mercury ions has been devised. Emitting at a relatively longer wavelength, the conjugated form of the fluorescent dye transforms in the presence of the gold or mercury ions into a new dye, the molecular structure of which lacks the conjugation and consequently emits at a distinctly shorter wavelength.
An any‐sink energy‐efficient routing protocol in multi‐hop wireless sensor networks for planetary exploration
Authors: Oddi Guido , Pietrabissa Antonio , Liberati Francesco , Di Giorgio Alessandro , Gambuti Raffaele , Lanna Andrea , Suraci Vincenzo , Delli Priscoli Francesco
Published: July 2015

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are made of spatially distributed autonomous sensors, which cooperate to monitor physical or environmental parameters and to deliver such data to one or more data sinks. A promising field of application of WSNs is planetary exploration, characterized by a continuous monitoring of the surface to have clear notion of planet conditions and prepare for future manned missions. The potentially large size of the region to be monitored and the line‐of‐sight limitations (as, for instance, on the Moon, which is the case study discussed in the paper) hamper the possibility of having 1‐hop sensor‐sink communications. Therefore, to allow sensed data to reach the sink(s), the sensors must be able to create and maintain a multi‐hop ad hoc network. This paper proposes an ad hoc routing algorithm applicable to WSNs for planetary exploration, aiming at (i) assuring any‐cast communications with multiple data sinks, (ii) minimizing the control overhead for routing maintenance, (iii) being light in terms of memory/computational requirements, to be installed into low‐power and low‐memory/processing devices, (iv) being rapid to reconfigure in the presence of node failures and (v) optimizing the choice of the paths, to achieve energy balancing and saving. Extensive simulations show the efficiency of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In sickness and in health: A cross‐sectional analysis of concordance for musculoskeletal pain in 13,507 couples
Authors: Campbell P. , Shraim M. , Jordan K.P. , Dunn K.M.
Published: July 2015

Background

Musculoskeletal pain conditions are common and create substantial burden for the individual and society. While research has shown concordance between couples for risk of some diseases, e.g. heart disease or diabetes, little information is available on such effects for musculoskeletal pain conditions. Our aims were to investigate the presence of concordance between couples for consultations about pain, and to examine theoretical influences on such concordance.

Methods

This was a 1‐year cross‐sectional study of musculoskeletal pain consultations in a UK primary care database. In total 27,014 patients (13,507 couples) aged between 30 and 74 years were included. The main outcome measure was the presence of a musculoskeletal morbidity read code indicating a consultation for musculoskeletal conditions (any, back, neck, knee, shoulder, foot, osteoarthritis). Logistic regression was used to test associations with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results

Patients whose partner had a musculoskeletal pain consultation were also more likely to consult for a musculoskeletal condition (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.12–1.32). This association was found to be strongest for shoulder disorders (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.06–3.47). No significant associations were found for other pain conditions.

Conclusion

Results show that partner concordance is present for consultations for some musculoskeletal conditions but not others. Possible explanations for concordance include the shared health behaviours between couples leading to potential heightened awareness of symptoms. Given the high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain within populations, it may be worth considering further the mechanisms that explain partner concordance.
Immersed boundary method for unsteady kinetic model equations
Authors: Pekardan Cem , Chigullapalli Sruti , Sun Lin , Alexeenko Alina
Published: July 2015

Predicting unsteady flows and aerodynamic forces for large displacement motion of microstructures requires transient solution of Boltzmann equation with moving boundaries. For the inclusion of moving complex boundaries for these problems, three immersed boundary method flux formulations (interpolation, relaxation, and interrelaxation) are presented. These formulations are implemented in a 2‐D finite volume method solver for ellipsoidal‐statistical (ES)‐Bhatnagar‐Gross‐Krook (BGK) equations using unstructured meshes. For the verification, a transient analytical solution for free molecular 1‐D flow is derived, and results are compared with the immersed boundary (IB)‐ES‐BGK methods. In 2‐D, methods are verified with the conformal, non‐moving finite volume method, and it is shown that the interrelaxation flux formulation gives an error less than the interpolation and relaxation methods for a given mesh size. Furthermore, formulations applied to a thermally induced flow for a heated beam near a cold substrate show that interrelaxation formulation gives more accurate solution in terms of heat flux. As a 2‐D unsteady application, IB/ES‐BGK methods are used to determine flow properties and damping forces for impulsive motion of microbeam due to high inertial forces. IB/ES‐BGK methods are compared with Navier–Stokes solution at low Knudsen numbers, and it is shown that velocity slip in the transitional rarefied regime reduces the unsteady damping force. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A targeted functional RNA interference screen uncovers glypican 5 as an entry factor for hepatitis B and D viruses
Authors: Verrier Eloi R. , Colpitts Che C. , Bach Charlotte , Heydmann Laura , Weiss Amélie , Renaud Mickaël , Durand Sarah C. , Habersetzer François , Durantel David , Abou‐Jaoudé Georges , López Ledesma Maria M. , Felmlee Daniel J. , Soumillon Magali , Croonenborghs Tom , Pochet Nathalie , Nassal Michael , Schuster Catherine , Brino Laurent , Sureau Camille , Zeisel Mirjam B. , Baumert Thomas F.
Published: July 2015

Chronic hepatitis B and D infections are major causes of liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. Efficient therapeutic approaches for cure are absent. Sharing the same envelope proteins, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis delta virus use the sodium/taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (a bile acid transporter) as a receptor to enter hepatocytes. However, the detailed mechanisms of the viral entry process are still poorly understood. Here, we established a high‐throughput infectious cell culture model enabling functional genomics of hepatitis delta virus entry and infection. Using a targeted RNA interference entry screen, we identified glypican 5 as a common host cell entry factor for hepatitis B and delta viruses. Conclusion: These findings advance our understanding of virus cell entry and open new avenues for curative therapies. As glypicans have been shown to play a role in the control of cell division and growth regulation, virus–glypican 5 interactions may also play a role in the pathogenesis of virus‐induced liver disease and cancer. (Hepatology 2016;63:35–48)
Randomized, controlled trial of entecavir versus placebo in children with hepatitis B envelope antigen–positive chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Jonas Maureen M. , Chang Mei‐Hwei , Sokal Etienne , Schwarz Kathleen B. , Kelly Deirdre , Kim Kyung Mo , Ling Simon C. , Rosenthal Philip , Oraseanu Dumitru , Reynolds Laurie , Thiry Alexandra , Ackerman Peter
Published: July 2015

This ongoing, randomized phase III study assesses the safety and efficacy of entecavir versus placebo in nucleos(t)ide‐naïve children (2 to <18 years) with hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg)‐positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Blinded treatment was administered for a minimum of 48 weeks. After week 48, patients with HBeAg seroconversion continued blinded treatment; those without switched to open‐label entecavir. The primary endpoint was HBeAg seroconversion and HBV DNA <50 IU/mL at week 48. A total of 180 patients were randomized (2:1) and treated. Baseline median age was 12 years, with approximately 50% of children ages >12 to <18, and 25% each ages ≥2 to ≤6 and >6 to ≤12. Rates for the primary endpoint at week 48 were significantly higher with entecavir than placebo (24.2% [29 of 120] vs. 3.3% [2 of 60]; P = 0.0008). Furthermore, higher response rates were observed with entecavir compared with placebo for the key week 48 secondary endpoints: HBV DNA <50 IU/mL (49.2% [59 of 120] vs. 3.3% [2 of 60]; P < 0.0001); alanine aminotransferase normalization (67.5% [81 of 120] vs. 23.3% [14 of 60]; P < 0.0001); and HBeAg seroconversion (24.2% [29 of 120] vs. 10.0% [6 of 60]; P = 0.0210). Among entecavir‐randomized patients, there was an increase in all efficacy endpoints between weeks 48 and 96, including an increase from 49% to 64% in virological suppression. The cumulative probability of emergent entecavir resistance through years 1 and 2 of entecavir was 0.6% and 2.6%, respectively. Entecavir was well tolerated with no observed differences in adverse events or changes in growth compared with placebo. Conclusion: In childhood CHB, entecavir demonstrated superior antiviral efficacy to placebo with a favorable safety profile. These results support the use of entecavir as a therapeutic option in children and adolescents with CHB. (Hepatology 2016;63:377–387)
Decreasing transition times in elementary school classrooms: Using computer‐assisted instruction to automate intervention components
Authors: Hine Jeffrey F. , Ardoin Scott P. , Foster Tori E.
Published: July 2015

Research suggests that students spend a substantial amount of time transitioning between classroom activities, which may reduce time spent academically engaged. This study used an ABAB design to evaluate the effects of a computer‐assisted intervention that automated intervention components previously shown to decrease transition times. We examined the effects of the intervention on the latency to on‐task behavior of 4 students in 2 classrooms. Data also were collected on students' on‐task behavior during activities and teachers' use of prompts and praise statements. Implementation of the intervention substantially decreased students' latencies to on‐task behavior and increased on‐task behavior overall. Further, the 2 teachers used fewer prompts to cue students to transition and stay on task and provided more praise during intervention phases. We discuss how automating classroom interventions may affect student and teacher behavior as well as how it may increase procedural fidelity.
Building blocks of a fish head: Developmental and variational modularity in a complex system
Authors: Lehoux Caroline , Cloutier Richard
Published: July 2015

Evolution of the vertebrate skull is developmentally constrained by the interactions among its anatomical systems, such as the dermatocranium and the sensory system. The interaction between the dermal bones and lateral line canals has been debated for decades but their morphological integration has never been tested. An ontogenetic series of 97 juvenile and adultAmia calva(Actinopterygii) was used to describe the patterning and modularity of sensory lateral line canals and their integration with supporting cranial bones. Developmental modules were tested for the otic canal and supratemporal commissure by computing correlations in the branching sequence of groups of pores. Landmarks were digitized on 25 specimens to test a priori hypotheses of variational and developmental modularity at the level of canals and dermal bones. Branching sequence suggests a specific patterning supported by significant positive correlations in the sequence of appearance of branches between bilateral sides. Differences in patterning between the otic canal and the supratemporal commissure and tests of modularity with geometric morphometrics suggest that both canals form distinct modules. The integration between bones and canals was insufficient to detect a module. However, both components were not independent. Groups of pores tended to disappear without affecting other groups of pores suggesting that they are quasi‐independent units acting as modules. This study provides evidence of a hierarchical organization for the modular sensory system that could explain variation of pattern of canals among species and their association with dermal bones.J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 324B: 614–628, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Propranolol and venlafaxine for vestibular migraine prophylaxis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Salviz Mehti , Yuce Turgut , Acar Hurtan , Karatas Abdullah , Acikalin R. Murat
Published: July 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

We compared the effectiveness of venlafaxine and propranolol for the prophylaxis of vestibular migraine (VM).

Study Design

Prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Methods

Sixty‐four subjects with definite VM were enrolled. The subjects were randomly assigned to receive propranolol (group P, n = 33) or venlafaxine (group V, n = 31) for VM prophylaxis. Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scores, the Vertigo Severity Score (VSS), and the number of vertiginous attacks were recorded before and 4 months after treatment. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores were also recorded to monitor the resolution of psychiatric symptoms.

Results

At 4 months after treatment, the DHI total score decreased from 55.8 ± 2.7 to 31.3 ± 3.7 and from 50.9 ± 2.5 to 19.9 ± 2.9 (P < .001), the mean number of total vertiginous attacks decreased from 12.6 ± 1.8 to 1.9 ± 0.7 and from 12.2 ± 1.8 to 2.6 ± 1.1 (P < .001), and VSS decreased from 7.3 ± 0.3 to 2.1 ± 0.4 and from 7.9 ± 0.3 to 1.8 ± 0.5 (P < .001) in groups P and V, respectively. However, the treatment effects were similar in both groups (P > .05). BAI scores significantly decreased in both groups, whereas BDI scores decreased only in group V.

Conclusions

This study provided evidence that venlafaxine and propranolol show equal effectiveness as prophylactic drugs for ameliorating vertiginous symptoms in VM patients. However, venlafaxine may be superior to propranolol in ameliorating depressive symptoms.

Level of Evidence

1b. Laryngoscope, 126:169–174, 2016
Familial risk of pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Orb Quinn , Curtin Karen , Oakley Gretchen M. , Wong Jathine , Meier Jeremy , Orlandi Richard R. , Alt Jeremiah A.
Published: July 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the risk of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in relatives of children with a diagnosis of CRS.

Study Design

Retrospective observational cohort study with population‐based matched controls.

Methods

A unique genealogical database linked to medical records was used to identify subjects ≤12 years old with a diagnosis of CRS from 1996 to 2011. The familial recurrence risks of CRS in first‐ through fifth‐degree relatives of probands were calculated using Cox models and compared to controls randomly selected from the Utah population and matched 10:1 on sex and birth year.

Results

We identified 496 pediatric patients with CRS. Siblings of patients with CRS demonstrated a 57.5‐fold increased risk (P < 10−8) of also having pediatric CRS. First cousins had a 9.0‐fold increased risk (P < 10−3) and second cousins had a 2.9‐fold increased risk (P = .002) of pediatric CRS. First‐degree relatives, second‐degree relatives, and first cousins of pediatric cases demonstrated a significant increased risk of having adult CRS. Parents of probands demonstrated a 5.6‐fold increased risk (P < 10−15). Fifty‐five probands had one affected parent versus three probands with two affected parents.

Conclusions

In the largest population study to date of children with CRS, a significant familial risk is confirmed. Parents of probands were also at increased risk, although it was much more likely for one parent to be affected than both, suggesting a genetic component of the disease. Further understanding of the genetic basis of CRS and its interplay with environmental factors could clarify the etiology and lead to more effective targeted treatments.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope, 126:739–745, 2016
Do otolaryngology residency applicants relocate for training?
Authors: Gebhard Grant M. , Hauser Leah J. , Dally Miranda J. , Weitzenkamp David A. , Cabrera‐Muffly Cristina
Published: July 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine whether there is an association between the geographic location of an applicant's undergraduate school, medical school, and residency program among matched otolaryngology residency applicants.

Study Design

Observational.

Methods

Otolaryngology residency program applications to our institution from 2009 to 2013 were analyzed. The geographic location of each applicant's undergraduate education and medical education were collected. Online public records were queried to determine the residency program location of matched applicants. Applicants who did not match or who attended medical school outside the United States were excluded. Metro area, state, and region were determined according to US Census Bureau definitions.

Results

From 2009 to 2013, 1,089 (78%) of 1,405 applicants who matched into otolaryngology residency applied to our institution. The number of subjects who attended medical school and residency in the same geographic region was 241 (22%) for metropolitan area, 305 (28%) for state, and 436 (40%) for region. There was no difference in geographic location retention by gender or couples match status of the subject. United States Medical Licensing Exam step 1 scores correlated with an increased likelihood of subjects staying within the same geographic region (P = .03).

Conclusions

Most otolaryngology applicants leave their previous geographic area to attend residency. Based on these data, the authors recommend against giving weight to geography as a factor when inviting applicants to interview.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 126:829–833, 2016
Characterization of retentive capacity of the subpericranial pocket in cochlear implants with and without a pedestal
Authors: Papsin Blake C. , Cushing Sharon L. , Hubbard Bradley J. , Wong Daniel D. E. , Gordon Karen A.
Published: July 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

To quantify the retentive capacity (RC) of the subpericranial pocket (SpP) in children undergoing cochlear implantation (CI) and measure improvements in RC with the addition of a pedestal to the device base. Retention of a CI in an SpP relies on the integrity of surrounding tissues to determine device position and resist movement from external forces. We hypothesize that device position can be controlled and resistance to movement can be improved with placement of a small pedestal on the base of the CI receiver stimulator.

Study Design

Analysis of prospectively assembled data.

Methods

Ninety‐seven patients (145 devices) underwent CI (48 bilateral, 49 unilateral). Intraoperatively, a force gauge measured the displacement force on a template Nucleus 5 (Cochlear Corporation, Sydney, Australia) implant placed in an SpP prior to routine suture fixation of a standard device. In 47 patients (64 devices), displacement forces were also measured for a custom template Nucleus 5 implant with pedestal.

Results

Average RC of the SpP for the standard device was 5.59 N ± 2.73 standard deviation (SD), which increased to 9.401 N ± 4.6267 SD with a pedestaled device. Resistance to displacement decreased significantly across trials in both groups (P <.0001). Retentive capacity of the SpP increased significantly with the addition of a pedestaled device (P < .0001). The interaction between device and trial was also found to be significant (P = .05).

Conclusions

The RC of the SpP in children and the ability to resist device migration in the absence of fixation may improve with the addition of a pedestal attached to the device.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 126:1175–1179, 2016
Development of a novel larynx pacemaker multichannel array electrode: In vivo animal analysis
Authors: Faenger Bernd , Schumann Nikolaus P. , Arnold Dirk , Grassme Roland , Guntinas‐Lichius Orlando , Scholle Hans‐Christoph
Published: July 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Electrical stimulation of posterior cricoarytenoid muscle offers a physiological approach to retain the function of the paralyzed larynx muscle after paralysis. The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a durable, biocompatible, and atraumatic array electrode for inclusion in a larynx pacemaker. In addition to developing the electrode array, an evaluation methodology using in vivo multichannel electromyography was assessed.

Study Design

In vivo test procedures for material evaluation: an animal model.

Methods

Over the research period, 42 array electrodes representing nine different prototypes were implanted in the triceps brachii muscle of 21 rats. Biocompatibility and atraumatic functions were evaluated via observation. Electrode function and durability were determined by comparison of daily electromyographic measurements of the muscle activity of the front leg (triceps brachii muscle) during locomotion.

Results

The used animal model demonstrated electrode material problems that could not be material evaluation from in vitro tests alone. Through use of this in vivo method, it was found that an array tip that is durable, biocompatible, and atraumatic should consist of many small electrode plates cast in flexible silicone. The connecting wires to the individual electrode plates should be Litz wire, which consists of multiple strands.

Conclusions

The here demonstrated in vivo test method was a suitable animal model for designing and evaluating electrodes to be further developed for inclusion in human implants.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 126:429–436, 2016
Impact of the serum ferritin concentration in liver transplantation
Authors: Wakiya Taiichi , Sanada Yukihiro , Urahashi Taizen , Ihara Yoshiyuki , Yamada Naoya , Okada Noriki , Hirata Yuta , Hakamada Kenichi , Yasuda Yoshikazu , Mizuta Koichi
Published: July 2015

The serum ferritin (SF) concentration is a widely available and objective laboratory parameter. SF is also widely recognized as an acute‐phase reactant. The purpose of the present study was to identify the chronological changes in the recipient's SF concentration during liver transplantation (LT) and to clarify factors having an effect on the recipient's intraoperative SF level. In addition, the study retrospectively evaluated the usefulness of measuring SF during LT. Ninety‐eight pediatric recipients were retrospectively analyzed. The data were analyzed and compared according to the SF level in the recipient. Patients were classified into 2 groups based on the intraoperative peak SF levels of ≤1000 ng/mL (low‐SF group) or >1000 ng/mL (high‐SF group). The SF value increased dramatically after reperfusion and fell to normal levels within the early postoperative period. The warm ischemia time (WIT) was significantly longer in the high‐SF group (47.0 versus 58.5 minutes; P = 0.003). In addition, a significant positive correlation was observed between the peak SF value and WIT (r = 0.35; P < 0.001). There were significant positive correlations between the peak SF value and the donors' preoperative laboratory data, including transaminases, cholinesterase, hemoglobin, transferrin saturation, and SF, of which SF showed the strongest positive correlation (r = 0.74; P < 0.001). The multivariate analysis revealed that WIT and donor's SF level were a significant risk factor for high SF level in the recipient (P = 0.007 and 0.02, respectively). In conclusion, the SF measurement can suggest the degree of ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). A high SF level in the donor is associated with the risk of further acute reactions, such as IRI, in the recipient. Liver Transpl 21:1419‐1427, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
Multielement analysis in serum of healthy population of the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil by SRTXRF
Authors: Canellas Catarine G. L. , Carvalho Silvia M. F. , Leitão Roberta G. , Bellido Alfredo V. B. , Anjos Marcelino J. , Lopes Ricardo T.
Published: July 2015

The determination of multielemental concentrations in physiological fluids is of considerable interest in clinical chemistry. Since it has been established these levels in human serum can be utilized as indicators for several pathological conditions. The multielement composition determination in human serum is important for the investigation of their role in human physiology and metabolism. From this research, more detailed studies on the health of individuals living in the metropolitan region of the state of Rio de Janeiro can be realized in order to improve the quality of life of these individuals. We studied 180 healthy volunteers (80 males and 100 females) aged 19 to 60 years. All the serum samples had been collected of people who live in the urban area of Rio de Janeiro City/Brazil. The measurements were performed at the X‐Ray Fluorescence Beamline at the Brazilian National Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS), in Campinas, São Paulo. We were able to determine the concentrations of the following 11 elements: Na, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br and Rb. In this study, we used statistical analysis for the principal components. We were able to verify the presence of two factors that divided the elements into two groups: group 1 formed by elements: Cl, K, S and Ca and group 2 by elements Cu and Zn. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.