bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geohazard Risk Assessment and Seismicity
Authors: Hengesh James , Baumont David
Published: April 2017

Major infrastructure projects in marine environments are exposed to a wide range of geological and seismic hazards, and invariably these projects benefit from careful consideration of their unique geological conditions. In offshore projects, it is necessary to characterize hazards during all phases of a project as understanding the nature of a hazard can enable steps to be taken that can reduce the risk to the system.

Risk is the product of three important parameters, including geological hazard, structural vulnerability, and consequence. There are five general types of geological or seismic hazards, including (i) surface fault rupture, (ii) strong ground shaking, (iii) liquefaction‐related ground deformation, (iv) seismically induced slope failure, and (v) tsunami. Ground motion hazards can be assessed using the probabilistic seismic hazard analyses (PSHA) approach. This approach is particularly useful in characterizing the hazard because the results are presented in terms of an annual frequency of exceedance, or frequency of occurrence, which is one of the primary factors necessary to consider hazards in a risk‐based framework. Performing a PSHA requires two basic inputs that describe earthquake sources and the transmission of seismic energy through the earth's crust: the seismic source model and the ground motion model. Treatment of uncertainty is a critical part of developing these inputs.
Submarine Landslides—Stability Analysis and Risk Assessment for Offshore Developments
Authors: Puzrin Alexander M. , Rushton David , Mackenzie Brian , Germanovich Leonid N. , Randolph Mark
Published: April 2017

As oil and gas developments move into deeper waters, potential exposure to geohazards becomes an important project risk driver. Landslide deposits and features observed on the seabed in the vicinity of potential future development indicate processes that were active in the geological past and can be expected to continue in the future. Rapid yet spatially extensive analysis of landslide risk is a key requirement of the geohazard assessment for many oil and gas developments, with an aim to provide an estimate of the annual probability of slope failure across the entire proposed development area as an input to the QRA. Well‐established methods exist for probabilistic assessment of slope stability through GIS‐based application of a limit equilibrium infinite slope geomechanical model. Shear band propagation is an effective mechanism to explain large landslides observed in the sediment record that cannot be explained through limit equilibrium alone. A novel GIS‐based probabilistic slope stability assessment using SBP approach allows for improved pixel‐based estimates of the annual probability of failure for a variety of observed landslide mechanisms, such as slab, spreading, ploughing and run‐out failures. This GIS‐based tool has been successfully employed as part of a landslide risk assessment of the ACG development, Caspian Sea, contributing to a landslide risk score for each geohazard province within the area.
The Generation of Tsunamis
Authors: Tappin David R.
Published: April 2017

Tsunamis are gravity‐driven water waves. Most are generated by vertical displacement of the seabed that propagates through the water column to the sea surface. The resulting elevated surface wave collapses through gravity and then propagates outward from the source. Dispersion of the initial wave generates a multiple wave train. Tsunamis are mainly (∼80%) generated by earthquakes, but other mechanisms include subaerial and submarine landslides and volcanic collapse and eruption. Other, less frequent, tsunami mechanisms include bolide (asteroid) impact and weather events (meteotsunamis), but these are generated at the water surface, respectively, from external impact and from wind friction.

The magnitude of a tsunamigenic earthquake has the main control on the tsunami, although “tsunami” earthquakes generate tsunamis much larger than expected from their earthquake source magnitude. Tsunamigenic earthquake mechanisms include interplate boundary rupture, splay faulting, and intraplate rupture. Landslide tsunami mechanisms include slumps and translational failures that may be initiated from either the bottom or the top. Landslide volume, water depth, and initial acceleration are the main controls on tsunami magnitude, although other factors such as the failure mechanism and the location of initiation are influential.

There are three main aspects of a tsunami; (i) initial wave generation, (ii) propagation, and (iii) onland run‐up. Initial wave generation from earthquakes is mainly from seabed vertical displacement, and a rule of thumb suggests that in most instances the maximum initial wave elevation is up to twice this. The maximum initial wave elevation from a landslide tsunami is theoretically determined by the ocean depth and thus could be thousands of meters.

Local tsunami run‐up elevations vary with source mechanism and vary considerably. Although dependent on local bathymetry and topography, these are likely to be more elevated and focused from submarine landslides than from earthquakes. The different mechanisms generate different tsunami wave frequencies; these determine travel distances, with the low frequency tsunamis from earthquakes traveling much farther than tsunamis from landslides, which are much higher frequency. Final onland run‐up is mainly dependent on source mechanism as well as local offshore bathymetry and coastal topography.
Ship Acquisition, Production, Maintenance, and Repair
Authors: Daidola John
Published: April 2017

This article addresses ship acquisition and production; topics include ship design, shipyard layout, selection of classification and equipment suppliers, procurement contracts, material and equipment procurement, ship construction methodology, commissioning, testing, and trials.
Hull Coatings, Maintenance, and Repair
Authors: Breglia Joseph
Published: April 2017

Hull coatings and general hull maintenance are imperative to ensuring vessel sustainability, longevity and reliability. Each facet of hull maintenance and repair requires deliberate planning and intentions that consider criticality, the hull structure strength and material; type and thickness. Individual components including fittings, tanks (ballast and cargo), rudders, stern areas and all watertight boundaries are also considered by their service and exposure to the elements of stress, corrosion, erosion and their potential to contaminate the environment. Class Societies and Flag States require a minimum standard for good hull condition monitoring and maintenance practices that are intended to mitigate the risks associated with vessel operation. These minimum standards in combination with a commitment by vessel owners and operators to service reliability can be the basis for a sound, effective and lasting maintenance program.
Pipeline Fatigue and Fracture Design
Authors: Bai Qiang , Pan Junhua
Published: April 2017

This article provides an overview of pipeline fatigue and fracture design that are relevant to design and analysis of subsea pipelines/risers. It focuses on the fundamentals of analysis methodology for fatigue and fracture and provides a general overview of fatigue design standard for offshore engineering, control factors, and improvement techniques.

This article includes discussion of some key parameters used in the fracture design, such as crack initiation and propagation, fracture toughness. It also presents information on the engineering critical assessment (ECA) and failure assessment diagram. Finally, the recognized industry codes of ECA are outlined.
CFDModeling of Diesel Combustion
Authors: Vogiatzaki Konstantina
Published: April 2017

Diesel engines are the most efficient combustion engines today, playing an important role in transport of goods and passengers on land and on sea. The main drivers for the design of future engines is the control of the emissions without sacrificing their advanced fuel economy. These drivers led to important innovations in multiple components of the engine, which, however, complicated the nature of the processes taking place and increased the need for highly accurate simulation frameworks. In the current article, the focus is on the recent progress of combustion modeling of diesel engines. The major general challenges encountered are first introduced briefly and then the progress in various research areas is reported in more details. Special focus is given to the most commonly used combustion models describing their advantages as well as their shortcomings. In the end, some closing remarks are presented as guidelines for future modeling efforts.
Marine Waste Heat Recovery System
Authors: Suárez de la Fuente Santiago
Published: April 2017

The usage of wasted energy in human‐made processes to reduce the need of more energy coming from raw materials has been recorded since the Industrial Revolution. Shipping, being the most energy‐efficient means of transportation, commonly uses waste heat recovery systems on board to further increase its operative efficiency. Waste heat is used to produce steam or electricity which is consumed on board. As main engines' thermal efficiencies start to plateau because they are close to the theoretical maximum efficiencies and as emission regulation becomes more stringent, it is important to look for alternative usages, processes, and designs of waste heat recovery systems.

The purpose of this article is to give the reader a broad idea of how the energy on board a ship can be reutilized in order to increase the ship's fuel consumption, hence reducing the emission of noxious gases (e.g., CO2and NOx) into the environment. Also, it explores traditional and alterative waste heat recovery processes, usages, and systems, which are installed on board nowadays or could be in the near future. This work focuses mainly on the use of the ship's prime mover waste heat, but this does not mean that the technologies and approaches described in this article cannot be applied to other systems such as auxiliary engines or electrical generators on board.

This article starts with the history of waste recovery systems and then moves for a brief description of different marine CO2‐mitigating strategies and where the available waste heat can be found on board. It then covers what a thermal machine is and how it can be used to produce heating, cooling, and mechanical and electrical power through different thermodynamic and electrical processes. Finally, it concludes that traditional and alternative waste heat recovery systems installed on board are important players in achieving more efficient shipping.
The Second Peloponnesian War, 431–404BC
Authors: Echeverría Fernando
Published: April 2017

The most substantial classical Greek war was recorded by the historian Thucydides, who analyzed the downfall of his native Athens at the hands of Sparta and its Peloponnesian League, which were ultimately supported by limitless Persian money. The first decade of the war saw Athens overcome plague and financial shortages to persuade Sparta to abandon the fight. The failure of massive expeditions against Syracuse degraded Athenian resources and then interference in Persian affairs resulted in Persian money flowing to the Spartans, enabling them repeatedly to replace destroyed fleets whereas the Athenians gradually ran out of money, rowers, and ships.
The Gallic Wars, Northern Italy, 225–222BC
Authors: Rawlings Louis
Published: April 2017

Alarmed at Roman settlement in formerly Gallic territory, the Boii and Insubres of Cisalpine Gaul hired mercenaries (the Gaesatae) from across the Alps, and with these they crossed the Apennines. A major engagement was fought at Faesulae in 225bc, but, after defeating the Romans, the Gauls decided to turn home with their loot. The Roman survivors were rallied and followed the Gauls up the Italian peninsular while a second Roman army blocked their way north. Trapped between the two armies at Telamon, the Gauls were destroyed. In 223, the Romans invaded Cisalpine Gaul. The Senate refused peace overtures, and the Insubres hired more mercenaries over the winter. After another successful Roman campaign in 222, the Insubres surrendered, and by 219 Cisalpine Gaul appeared sufficiently pacified for the Romans to settle colonists at Placentia and Cremona.
Campaigns against Sertorius, 81–72
BC
Authors: Matyszak Philip
Published: April 2017

The Sertorian War, in Spain, was a continuation of the civil war between the Marians and Sulla. Sertorius, a Marian, went to Spain with an army in 82
bc
to govern the province on behalf of Sulla's opponents. Relying on guerrilla warfare and the support of the local tribes, he inflicted several notable defeats on the regular Roman forces sent to subdue him, including the destruction of three legions at Ilerda in 78. Pompey was appointed to take command of the war in 77, but Sertorius was not finally defeated until the Senate flooded Spain with troops on hearing that he was planning an alliance with Mithridates; he was assassinated in 72 by a disaffected lieutenant, and his forces disintegrated.
The Gallic Wars, 61–51
BC
Authors: Rawlings Louis
Published: April 2017

In 59
bc
, Gaius Julius Caesar secured a five‐year command in Gaul and set about a systematic conquest, first defeating the migrating Helvetii and then provoking the Suebi, friends of Rome, into war. In 57 the northern Belgae and Nervi were conquered, and in 56 the western Veneti and the tribes of Aquitania were subdued. In 55, German tribes crossed the Rhine but were defeated after their leaders were captured by treachery. Caesar bridged the Rhine and made a brief demonstration, but he soon embarked on the first raid of Britain, to which he returned in force in 54. Over the following winter, tribes under the leadership of Ambiorix and the Eburones rebelled, achieving some successes, but Caesar was able to go on the offensive in 53 and crush their resistance. In 52 a general revolt broke out under the supreme command of Vercingetorix. After concentrating his forces, Caesar besieged Vercingetorix in Alesia but was himself surrounded by hostile forces. Attempts to break the Roman ring failed, and Vercingetorix was forced to surrender. Caesar spent the following year mopping up operations. By 50, Gaul was pacified, and Caesar was able to turn his thoughts to the coming showdown with Pompey and the Roman Senate.
The Persian Wars, 572–591
Authors: Whitby Michael
Published: April 2017

In 572 Justin II decided to exploit apparent Persian weaknesses to break the 50 years of peace. Disaster soon followed as Dara fell after a long siege; this forced the Romans onto the defensive, although under Maurice's command they managed to stabilize the new frontier. The Romans put the Persians under increasing pressure, though mutiny in the Roman army reduced their offensive capacity. Rivalries at the Persian court led to the overthrow of Hormizd and then to Khusro II's flight to the Roman empire. Emperor Maurice eventually agreed to support his reinstatement, which led to a new peace in 591.
Islamic Conquests, 622–645
Authors: Howard‐Johnston James D.
Published: April 2017

The first phase in the rise of Islam was the struggle between Muhammad with his allies at Medina and the traditional elite in Mecca. Muhammad's successes persuaded the Meccans to collaborate and their joint energies were directed externally in campaigns against Roman territory in the Levant and Persian territory in Mesopotamia. Neither empire coped with the challenge and by the end of the 630 s Muhammad's successors had captured Jerusalem and Damascus to push the Romans back toward the Anatolian plateau; they had also invaded Egypt and forced the last Sasanid ruler to abandon Mesopotamia.
Enantioselective Synthesis of (+)‐Mitomycin K by a Palladium‐Catalyzed Oxidative Tandem Cyclization
Authors: Gu Qiang‐Shuai , Yang Dan
Published: April 2017

The mitomycins, a family of bioactive natural products, feature a compact 6/5/5‐fused polycyclic ring structure densely decorated with highly reactive and/or fragile quinone, amino ketal, and aziridine as well as carbamate moieties. It is this striking feature that has defeated numerous synthetic attempts towards these apparently small molecules, rendering them one of the most formidable targets for total synthesis. We herein report the first enantioselective synthesis of (+)‐mitomycin K, a representative of G series mitomycins. The key step of this synthesis is an enantioselective oxidative cyclization catalyzed by a palladium/(+)‐sparteine system that had previously been developed by our group. The robustness of this method bodes well for further applications in the asymmetric total synthesis of natural products, particularly those with characteristic 6/5/5‐fused pyrroloindole skeletons.
Syntheses, structures and catecholase activities of homo‐ and hetero‐trinuclear cobalt(II) complexes constructed from an acyclic naphthalenediol‐based bis(Salamo)‐type ligand
Authors: Li Li‐Hong , Dong Wen‐Kui , Zhang Yang , Akogun Sunday Folaranmi , Xu Li
Published: April 2017

A series of homo‐ and hetero‐trinuclear cobalt(II) complexes [Co3(L)(OAc)2(CH3CH2OH)(H2O)] (1), [Co2Ba(L)(OAc)2] (2) and [Co2Ca(L)(OAc)2]·CHCl3 (3), containing an acyclic naphthalenediol‐based ligand H4L were synthesized. All the three complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV–vis spectra and single crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses. Comparative studies of the structures and spectroscopic properties are carried out on these complexes. All of the complexes show catechol oxidase activities in MeCN. Using UV–vis spectroscopy, we monitored the aerial oxidation of 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol (3,5‐DTBCH2) to 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylquinone (3,5‐DTBQ), which confirms the essential role of these complexes in enhancing the catalytic reaction.
Creating homogenous strain distribution within 3D cell‐encapsulated constructs using a simple and cost‐effective uniaxial tensile bioreactor: Design and validation study
Authors: Subramanian Gayathri , Elsaadany Mostafa , Bialorucki Callan , Yildirim‐Ayan Eda
Published: April 2017

Mechanical loading bioreactors capable of applying uniaxial tensile strains are emerging to be a valuable tool to investigate physiologically relevant cellular signaling pathways and biochemical expression. In this study, we have introduced a simple and cost‐effective uniaxial tensile strain bioreactor for the application of precise and homogenous uniaxial strains to 3D cell‐encapsulated collagen constructs at physiological loading strains (0–12%) and frequencies (0.01–1 Hz). The bioreactor employs silicone‐based loading chambers specifically designed to stretch constructs without direct gripping to minimize stress concentration at the ends of the construct and preserve its integrity. The loading chambers are driven by a versatile stepper motor ball‐screw actuation system to produce stretching of the constructs. Mechanical characterization of the bioreactor performed through Finite Element Analysis demonstrated that the constructs experienced predominantly uniaxial tensile strain in the longitudinal direction. The strains produced were found to be homogenous over a 15 × 4 × 2 mm region of the construct equivalent to around 60% of the effective region of characterization. The strain values were also shown to be consistent and reproducible during cyclic loading regimes. Biological characterization confirmed the ability of the bioreactor to promote cell viability, proliferation, and matrix organization of cell‐encapsulated collagen constructs. This easy‐to‐use uniaxial tensile strain bioreactor can be employed for studying morphological, structural, and functional responses of cell‐embedded matrix systems in response to physiological loading of musculoskeletal tissues. It also holds promise for tissue‐engineered strategies that involve delivery of mechanically stimulated cells at the site of injury through a biological carrier to develop a clinically useful therapy for tissue healing. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1878–1887. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microsecond Dynamics in Ubiquitin Probed by Solid‐State 15N NMR Spectroscopy R1ρ Relaxation Experiments under Fast MAS (60–110 kHz)
Authors: Lakomek Nils‐Alexander , Penzel Susanne , Lends Alons , Cadalbert Riccardo , Ernst Matthias , Meier Beat H.
Published: April 2017

15N R1ρ relaxation experiments in solid‐state NMR spectroscopy are sensitive to timescales and amplitudes of internal protein motions in the hundreds of nano‐ to microsecond time window, which is difficult to probe by solution‐state NMR spectroscopy. By using 15N R1ρ relaxation experiments, a simplified approach to detect low microsecond protein dynamics is described and residue‐specific correlation times are determined from the ratio of 15N R1ρ rate constants at different magic angle spinning frequencies. Microcrystalline ubiquitin exhibits small‐amplitude dynamics on a timescale of about 1 μs across the entire protein, and larger amplitude motions, also on the 1 μs timescale, for several sites, including the β1–β2 turn and the N terminus of the α helix. According to the analysis, the microsecond protein backbone dynamics are of lower amplitude than that concluded in previous solid‐state NMR spectroscopy studies, but persist across the entire protein with a rather uniform timescale of 1 μs.
Seizure frequency correlates with loss of dentate gyrus GABAergic neurons in a mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Buckmaster Paul S. , Abrams Emily , Wen Xiling
Published: April 2017

Epilepsy occurs in one of 26 people. Temporal lobe epilepsy is common and can be difficult to treat effectively. It can develop after brain injuries that damage the hippocampus. Multiple pathophysiological mechanisms involving the hippocampal dentate gyrus have been proposed. This study evaluated a mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy to test which pathological changes in the dentate gyrus correlate with seizure frequency and help prioritize potential mechanisms for further study. FVB mice (n = 127) that had experienced status epilepticus after systemic treatment with pilocarpine 31–61 days earlier were video‐monitored for spontaneous, convulsive seizures 9 hr/day every day for 24–36 days. Over 4,060 seizures were observed. Seizure frequency ranged from an average of one every 3.6 days to one every 2.1 hr. Hippocampal sections were processed for Nissl stain, Prox1‐immunocytochemistry, GluR2‐immunocytochemistry, Timm stain, glial fibrillary acidic protein‐immunocytochemistry, glutamic acid decarboxylase in situ hybridization, and parvalbumin‐immunocytochemistry. Stereological methods were used to measure hilar ectopic granule cells, mossy cells, mossy fiber sprouting, astrogliosis, and GABAergic interneurons. Seizure frequency was not significantly correlated with the generation of hilar ectopic granule cells, the number of mossy cells, the extent of mossy fiber sprouting, the extent of astrogliosis, or the number of GABAergic interneurons in the molecular layer or hilus. Seizure frequency significantly correlated with the loss of GABAergic interneurons in or adjacent to the granule cell layer, but not with the loss of parvalbumin‐positive interneurons. These findings prioritize the loss of granule cell layer interneurons for further testing as a potential cause of temporal lobe epilepsy.
Importance of cytological subclassification of thyroid nodules with Bethesda category III cytology (AUS/FLUS) into architectural atypia only and nuclear atypia: A prospective study
Authors: Rosario Pedro Weslley , Calsolari Maria Regina
Published: April 2017

Background

The objective of this study was to compare two cytological subcategories of thyroid nodules with Bethesda category III initial cytology.

Methods

This was a prospective study. All patients with thyroid nodules > 1 cm were eligible and 98 patients with category III cytology were selected. Cytology was subcategorized into architectural atypia only (AA, n = 45) and nuclear atypia (NA, n = 53). All patients underwent a second fine‐needle aspiration (FNA). Only patients whose second cytology was benign and ultrasonography was non‐suspicious were not referred for surgery. In these patients, the nodules were considered benign.

Results

The second FNA more frequently revealed “benign cytology” in the AA subcategory (44.4% vs. 24.5% in the NA subcategory). The second cytology suggested “follicular neoplasm” or was “suspicious for follicular neoplasm” (category IV) in 5 patients (11.1%) of subcategory AA and was “suspicious for malignancy” (category V) in 13 (24.5%) of subcategory NA. Finally, malignancy was diagnosed in 15.5% of cases of subcategory AA and in 41.5% of subcategory NA. Follicular carcinoma was more frequent in subcategory AA, while classical papillary carcinoma was more frequent in subcategory NA. Excluding cases of the noninvasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary carcinoma, malignancy was diagnosed in 11.1% of patients of subcategory AA and in 35.8% of subcategory NA.

Conclusions

The results showed that subclassification of the Bethesda category III improves cancer risk prediction, with potential repercussions for clinical practice. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:604–607. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis, Structure, and Reductive Elimination of Cationic Monoarylpalladium(IV) Complexes Supported by a Tripodal Oxygen Ligand
Authors: So Yat‐Ming , Au‐Yeung Ka‐Chun , Sung Herman H. ‐Y. , Williams Ian D. , Leung Wa‐Hung
Published: April 2017

Cationic monoaryl–PdIV complexes supported by the Kläui tripodal ligand [Co(η5‐C5H5){P(O)(OEt)2}3]– (LOEt–) were synthesized, and their reductive elimination was studied. Treatment of trans‐[Pd(PPh3)2(Ar)(I)] and [{Pd(η2‐ppytBu)Cl}2] [ppytBuH = 2‐(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)pyridine] with [AgLOEt] afforded [Pd(Ar)(PPh3)(η2‐LOEt)] [Ar = Ph (1), p‐tolyl (2)] and [Pd(η2‐ppytBu)(η2‐LOEt)] (3), respectively. Chlorination of 1, 2, and 3 with PhICl2 in the presence of NH4PF6 afforded the cationic aryl–PdIV chloride complexes [Pd(Ph)(PPh3)(Cl)(LOEt)](PF6) (4), [Pd(p‐tolyl)(PPh3)(Cl)(LOEt)](PF6) (5), and [Pd(η2‐ppytBu)(Cl)(LOEt)](PF6) (6), respectively. Complexes 4 and 5 underwent C(sp2)–Cl elimination at 40 °C in acetonitrile to give a PdII–LOEt species and the corresponding chloroarene. On the other hand, the C(sp2)–Cl elimination of 6 occurred at room temperature and afforded a PdII species, presumably [Pd(ClppytBuH)(LOEt)](PF6), which further reacted with PhICl2 to yield [Pd(η2‐ClppytBu)Cl(LOEt)](PF6) (7) [ClppytBuH = 2‐(4‐tert‐butyl‐2‐chlorophenyl)pyridine]. The structures of complexes 1, 4, 6, and 7 were established by X‐ray crystallography.
Open microfluidic gel electrophoresis: Rapid and low cost separation and analysis of DNA at the nanoliter scale
Authors: Gutzweiler Ludwig , Gleichmann Tobias , Tanguy Laurent , Koltay Peter , Zengerle Roland , Riegger Lutz
Published: April 2017

Gel electrophoresis is one of the most applied and standardized tools for separation and analysis of macromolecules and their fragments in academic research and in industry. In this work we present a novel approach for conducting on‐demand electrophoretic separations of DNA molecules in open microfluidic (OM) systems on planar polymer substrates. The approach combines advantages of slab gel, capillary‐ and chip‐based methods offering low consumable costs (<0.1$) circumventing cost‐intensive microfluidic chip fabrication, short process times (5 min per analysis) and high sensitivity (4 ng/μL dsDNA) combined with reasonable resolution (17 bases). The open microfluidic separation system comprises two opposing reservoirs of 2–4 μL in volume, a semi‐contact written gel line acting as separation channel interconnecting the reservoirs and sample injected into the line via non‐contact droplet dispensing and thus enabling the precise control of the injection plug and sample concentration. Evaporation is prevented by covering aqueous structures with PCR‐grade mineral oil while maintaining surface temperature at 15°C. The liquid gel line exhibits a semi‐circular cross section of adaptable width (∼200–600 μm) and height (∼30–80 μm) as well as a typical length of 15–55 mm. Layout of such liquid structures is adaptable on‐demand not requiring time consuming and repetitive fabrication steps. The approach was successfully demonstrated by the separation of a standard label‐free DNA ladder (100–1000 bp) at 100 V/cm via in‐line staining and laser induced fluorescent end‐point detection using an automated prototype.
Classifying Adults with Binge Eating Disorder Based on Severity Levels
Authors: Dakanalis Antonios , Riva Giuseppe , Serino Silvia , Colmegna Fabrizia , Clerici Massimo
Published: April 2017

The clinical utility of the severity criterion for binge eating disorder (BED), introduced in the DSM‐5 as a means of addressing heterogeneity and variability in the severity of this disorder, was evaluated in 189 treatment‐seeking adults with (DSM‐5) BED. Participants classified with mild, moderate, severe and extreme severity of BED, based on their weekly frequency of binge eating episodes, differed significantly from each other in body mass index (BMI), eating disorder features, putative factors involved in the maintenance process of the disorder, comorbid mood, anxiety and personality disorders, psychological distress, social maladjustment and illness‐specific functional impairment (medium‐to‐large effect sizes). They were also statistically distinguishable in metabolic syndrome prevalence, even after adjusting for BMI (large effect size), suggesting the possibility of non‐BMI‐mediated mechanisms. The implications of the findings, providing support for the utility of the binge frequency as a severity criterion for BED, and directions for future research are outlined. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association
Regional patterns of postwildfire streamflow response in the Western United States: The importance of scale‐specific connectivity
Authors: Hallema Dennis W. , Sun Ge , Bladon Kevin D. , Norman Steven P. , Caldwell Peter V. , Liu Yongqiang , McNulty Steven G.
Published: April 2017

Wildfires can impact streamflow by modifying net precipitation, infiltration, evapotranspiration, snowmelt, and hillslope run‐off pathways. Regional differences in fire trends and postwildfire streamflow responses across the conterminous United States have spurred concerns about the impact on streamflow in forests that serve as water resource areas. This is notably the case for the Western United States, where fire activity and burn severity have increased in conjunction with climate change and increased forest density due to human fire suppression. In this review, we discuss the effects of wildfire on hydrological processes with a special focus on regional differences in postwildfire streamflow responses in forests. Postwildfire peak flows and annual water yields are generally higher in regions with a Mediterranean or semi‐arid climate (Southern California and the Southwest) compared to the highlands (Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Northwest), where fire‐induced changes in hydraulic connectivity along the hillslope results in the delivery of more water, more rapidly to streams. No clear streamflow response patterns have been identified in the humid subtropical Southeastern United States, where most fires are prescribed fires with a low burn severity, and more research is needed in that region. Improved assessment of postwildfire streamflow relies on quantitative spatial knowledge of landscape variables such as prestorm soil moisture, burn severity and correlations with soil surface sealing, water repellency, and ash deposition. The latest studies furthermore emphasize that understanding the effects of hydrological processes on postwildfire dynamic hydraulic connectivity, notably at the hillslope and watershed scales, and the relationship between overlapping disturbances including those other than wildfire is necessary for the development of risk assessment tools.
A missense mutation in damage‐specific DNA binding protein 2 is a genetic risk factor for limbal squamous cell carcinoma in horses
Authors: Bellone Rebecca R. , Liu Jiayin , Petersen Jessica L. , Mack Maura , Singer‐Berk Moriel , Drögemüller Cord , Malvick Julia , Wallner Barbara , Brem Gottfried , Penedo M. Cecilia , Lassaline Mary
Published: April 2017

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common cancer of the equine eye, frequently originating at the limbus, with the potential to invade the cornea, cause visual impairment, and result in loss of the eye. Several breeds of horses have a high occurrence of limbal SCC implicating a genetic basis for limbal SCC predisposition. Pedigree analysis in the Haflinger breed supports a simple recessive mode of inheritance and a genome‐wide association study (N = 23) identified a 1.5 Mb locus on ECA12 significantly associated with limbal SCC (Pcorrected= 0.04). Sequencing the most physiologically relevant gene from this locus,damage specific DNA binding protein 2(DDB2), identified a missense mutation (c.1013 C > T p.Thr338Met) that was strongly associated with limbal SCC (P = 3.41 × 10−10). Genotyping 42 polymorphisms narrowed the ECA12 candidate interval to 483 kb but did not identify another variant that was more strongly associated. DDB2 binds to ultraviolet light damaged DNA and recruits other proteins to perform global genome nucleotide excision repair. Computational modeling predicts this mutation to be deleterious by altering conformation of the β loop involved in photolesion recognition. ThisDDB2variant was also detected in two other closely related breeds with reported cases of ocular SCC, the Belgian and the Percheron, suggesting it may also be a SCC risk factor in these breeds. Furthermore, in humans xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group E, a disease characterized by sun sensitivity and increased risk of cutaneous SCC and melanomas, is explained by mutations inDDB2. Cross‐species comparison remains to be further evaluated.
Coffee consumption and the risk of colorectal cancer by anatomical subsite in Japan: Results from the HERPACC studies
Authors: Nakagawa‐Senda Hiroko , Ito Hidemi , Hosono Satoyo , Oze Isao , Tanaka Hideo , Matsuo Keitaro
Published: April 2017

Consumption of coffee, a popular beverage worldwide, has been associated with lower colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. Although CRC exhibits different biological characteristics by anatomical subsite, the possibly heterogeneous impact of coffee on CRC by anatomical subsite has remained unclear. Here, we conducted two case‐control studies to examine the association between coffee consumption and CRC risk as well as risk by anatomic subsite among Japanese using data from the Hospital‐based Epidemiological Research Program at Aichi Cancer Center I and II (HERPACC‐I and II). Subjects were enrolled in HERPACC‐I between 1988 and 2000 and in HERPACC‐II between 2001 and 2005. Coffee consumption was measured with a self‐administered questionnaire. A conditional logistic regression model was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) of CRC with coffee consumption, adjusted for potential confounders of age, smoking, alcohol drinking, red meat intake, BMI, exercise, family history of CRC, and diabetes mellitus history. We estimated summary ORs by pooling study‐specific ORs with a fixed effects model. In total, 2,696 CRC cases and 13,480 non‐cancer outpatients as controls were included. Overall, compared to non‐drinkers, ORs of less than 1 cup/day, 1–2 cups/day and 3 or more cups/day for CRC were 0.88 (95% CI: 0.77–1.00), 0.90 (95% CI: 0.80–1.01) and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.65–0.92), respectively (trend‐p = 0.009). Subsite‐specific analysis revealed a significant inverse linear trend between coffee consumption and distal colon cancer (p‐trend = 0.048), and a tendency toward a lower risk of rectal cancer (p‐trend = 0.068). These findings suggest that coffee consumption might impact the prevention of CRC, especially distal colon cancer.
Environmental perfluorooctane sulfonate exposure drives T cell activation in bottlenose dolphins
Authors: Soloff Adam C. , Wolf Bethany Jacobs , White Natasha D. , Muir Derek , Courtney Sean , Hardiman Gary , Bossart Gregory D. , Fair Patricia A.
Published: April 2017

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are highly stable compounds that have been associated with immunotoxicity in epidemiologic studies and experimental rodent models. Lengthy half‐lives and resistance to environmental degradation result in bioaccumulation of PFAAs in humans and wildlife. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), the most prevalent PFAA detected within the environment, is found at high levels in occupationally exposed humans. We have monitored the environmental exposure of dolphins in the Charleston, SC region for over 10 years and levels of PFAAs, and PFOS in particular, were significantly elevated. As dolphins may serve as large mammal sentinels to identify the impact of environmental chemical exposure on human disease, we sought to assess the effect of environmental PFAAs on the cellular immune system in highly exposed dolphins. Herein, we utilized a novel flow cytometry‐based assay to examine T cell‐specific responses to environmental PFAA exposure ex vivo and to exogenous PFOS exposure in vitro. Baseline PFOS concentrations were associated with significantly increased CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation from a heterogeneous resident dolphin population. Further analysis demonstrated that in vitro exposure to environmentally relevant levels of PFOS promoted proinflammatory cytokine production and proliferation in a dose‐dependent manner. Collectively, these findings indicate that PFOS is capable of inducing proinflammatory interferon‐gamma, but not immunoregulatory interleukin‐4 production in T cells, which may establish a state of chronic immune activation known to be associated with susceptibility to disease. These findings suggest that PFOS directly dysregulates the dolphin cellular immune system and has implications for health hazards. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Periarticular Bone Loss in Arthritis Is Induced by Autoantibodies Against Citrullinated Vimentin
Authors: Engdahl Cecilia , Bang Holger , Dietel Katharina , Lang Stefanie C , Harre Ulrike , Schett Georg
Published: April 2017

Periarticular bone loss is a long known but yet insufficiently understood phenomenon in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This study investigated whether autoimmunity against citrullinated proteins is causally involved in triggering periarticular bone loss. Periarticular bone loss was studied in the standard antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) mouse model with methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA) as well as a modified model with mutated citrullinated vimentin (MCV) alone or in combination with mBSA. Periarticular bone loss, subchondral osteoclastogenesis, as well as local expression of cytokines, osteoclast genes, and peptidyl-arginine deiminase (PAD) enzymes were assessed after arthritis induction. Immune cell and osteoclast precursor infiltration were detected in the periarticular bone marrow and local lymph nodes. In addition, periarticular bone loss was assessed upon challenge of mice with purified anti-MCV antibody. Despite inducing a milder form of arthritis than mBSA, MCV triggered significant periarticular bone loss associated with an increased infiltration of osteoclast precursors and mature osteoclasts in the periarticular bone marrow. MCV enhanced the expression of the osteoclast inducers RANKL and M-CSF, the cytokines IL-8, IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α, as well as PAD2 and PAD4 enzymes in the periarticular bone marrow. Furthermore, also anti-MCV antibody challenge induced significant periarticular bone loss and local osteoclastogenesis in the mice. Autoimmunity against citrullinated vimentin triggers periarticular bone loss by osteoclast activation in the bone marrow. These findings may explain why periarticular bone loss is already found very early in the disease course of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Effect of NGF From Venom of Chinese Cobra (Naja Atra)on Chondrocytes Proliferation and Metabolism In Vitro
Authors: Tan Jiachang , Lu Zhenhui , Miao Zhikang , Lei Danqing , Zheng Li , Zhao Jinmin
Published: April 2017

Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) is promising strategy for cartilage repair. However, chondrocyte phenotype is easily lost when expanded in vitro which defined as “dedifferentiation.” To ensure successful therapy, an effective pro‐chondrogenic agent is necessary to overcome the obstacle of limited cell numbers in the restoration process, and dedifferentiation is a prerequisite. In the present study, we investigated the chondro‐protective effect of NGF from Chinese cobra venom on human chondrocytes by determination of its specific effect on cell viability, proliferation, morphology, GAG production, and cartilage specific gene expression. The results suggested that NGF showed no cytotoxicity to chondrocytes below the concentration of 16 µg/mL. DNA and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content were, respectively, improved in NGF groups comparing to the control (P < 0.05). NGF up‐regulate the gene expression of ACAN, SOX9, and COL2A1 while down‐regulate the expression level of COL1A1 (P < 0.05). Moreover, the results of viability assay, hematoxylin‐eosin, safranin O, and immunohistochemical staining also suggested better performances in NGF groups. NGF of 6 µg/mL shown lower cytotoxicity on chondrocytes, more glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) synthesis and up‐regulated chondrogenic gene expression. This study may provide a basis for the development of a novel agent for the treatment of articular cartilage defects. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4308–4316, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Osteoblast role in osteoarthritis pathogenesis
Authors: Maruotti Nicola , Corrado Addolorata , Cantatore Francesco P.
Published: April 2017

Even if osteoarthritis pathogenesis is still poorly understood, numerous evidences suggest that osteoblasts dysregulation plays a key role in osteoarthritis pathogenesis. An abnormal expression of OPG and RANKL has been described in osteoarthritis osteoblasts, which is responsible for abnormal bone remodeling and decreased mineralization. Alterations in genes expression are involved in dysregulation of osteoblast function, bone remodeling, and mineralization, leading to osteoarthritis development. Moreover, osteoblasts produce numerous transcription factors, growth factors, and other proteic molecules which are involved in osteoarthritis pathogenesis.
Sonographic appearance of proliferative fasciitis‐‐‐A case report
Authors: Park So Young , Kim Gou Young , Chun Young Soo
Published: April 2017

Proliferative fasciitis is a benign entity involving the subcutaneous tissues and fascias, characterized by the proliferation of fibroblast‐like spindle cells and ganglion‐like cells. However, proliferative fasciitis may be easily confused with sarcoma clinically and pathologically, because it appears as a rapidly growing painful mass and has histologic features such as high cellularity, bizarre morphologic patterns, mitotic figures, and diffuse infiltrative proliferation. Imaging findings of proliferative fasciitis have been very rarely reported. We report the sonographic findings in a case of proliferative fasciitis in a 43‐year‐old woman with histopathological correlation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:445–449, 2017
Understanding south‐east Australian rainfall projection uncertainties: the influence of patterns of projected tropical warming
Authors: Timbal B. , Fiddes S. , Brown J. R.
Published: April 2017

South‐Eastern Australia and, in particular the state of Victoria, has experienced record deficits of rainfall over the last 20 years, in which the cool part of the year from April to October has been most affected. This situation has created difficulties for water managers, farmers and fire services, with the need to provide more certainty about future climate trends becoming clear. The latest climate projections for South‐Eastern Australia project an overall drying in the cool part of the year with little change in the rest of the year. Although this is in line with current trends, very large uncertainties are associated with these projections. In this study, this range of projections has been investigated, first by assessing how the current suite of climate models simulate the regional rainfall as well as the tropical variability, known to be a key driver of south‐eastern Australian climate. The models were found to be reasonable overall, although a number overestimate Victorian summer rainfall. Model rainfall projections are found to be related to the models' projected patterns of tropical warming, where 60% of the range in cool season rainfall projections can be explained by the range of pattern of tropical changes. In addition, the projected drying tends to be more intense in the models best able to simulate summer rainfall, thus suggesting that the upper end of the uncertainty range is less likely to be realized as it may reflect inherent model biases, rather than physical changes.
Analysis of spatial patterns of daily precipitation and wet spell extremes in Southeast Asia
Authors: Mandapaka Pradeep V. , Qin Xiaosheng , Lo Edmond Y. M.
Published: April 2017

The study investigates the spatial distribution of extreme daily rainfall and wet spells in Southeast Asia (SEA) at annual, seasonal, and intraseasonal scales using 16 years of data from the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission. A detailed analysis is conducted using various indices that characterize exceedance probabilities and relative contribution of extremes to the total rainfall. The selected indices include the Gini index, which is a measure of overall inequality, and is employed for the first time to examine SEA rainfall characteristics. The favoured regions (hotspots) of rainfall extremes during each season are identified, and their linkages with terrain and seasonal winds discussed. The intraseasonal variability in rainfall extremes is investigated by focusing on different phases of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO). At the annual scale, four main hotspots are observed, which are located off the coast of Myanmar, over eastern Indian Ocean, northwestern Borneo and over Philippines. A majority of indices shows considerable land–sea contrast, with lower values over land. Lower Gini index as obtained for land regions indicate that the rainfall distribution, and the relative contribution of each class to the total rainfall are more uniform over land compared to sea. The land–sea contrast in indices is stronger during boreal summer and winter, and weaker during boreal fall. During boreal spring, the Myanmar coast has high probability of extremes, which further increases during boreal summer. The most evident hotspot regions during boreal fall and winter are along the coast of Vietnam, and the eastern coast of Malay Peninsula, respectively. The wind‐terrain interactions play a crucial role in determining the location of most hotspots. In general, the impact of active (suppressed) MJO phases is to increase (decrease) the probability of extremes in the study domain. However, local scale departures from this general pattern are observed, which are discussed in this work.