bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethnic identification, discrimination, and mental and physical health among Syrian refugees: The moderating role of identity needs
Authors: Çelebi Elif , Verkuyten Maykel , Bagci Sabahat Cigdem
Published: May 2017

Using a risk and resilience framework and motivated identity construction theory, we investigated the moderating role of identity needs in the association between social identification and perceived discrimination with mental and physical health among a sample of Syrian refugees (N = 361) in Turkey. Results showed that there were two clusters of interrelated identity needs, namely, belonging (belonging, continuity, and esteem) and efficacy (efficacy, meaningfulness, and distinctiveness). Higher perceived ethnic discrimination was found to be associated with poorer mental and physical health but not for respondents who derived a sense of efficacy from their Syrian identity. Higher Syrian identification was associated with lower depression and anxiety but more strongly for refugees who derived a sense of belonging and continuity from their Syrian identity. The findings indicate that investigating the motivational aspects of identity formation is important for understanding when discrimination and group identification undermine or rather contribute to the well‐being and health of refugees. These findings are discussed in relation to the growing research on social identities and health.
The visual influence of ostracism
Authors: Golubickis Marius , Sahraie Arash , Hunt Amelia R. , Visokomogilski Aleksandar , Topalidis Pavlos , Neil Macrae C.
Published: May 2017

Reflecting the fundamental human need to establish and maintain positive connections with others, it has been suggested that an Ostracism Detection System is sensitized to targets by which one has been ostracized. Evidence supporting the operation of this system has yet to be provided, however. Accordingly, using binocular rivalry to explore attentional processing, here, we considered the extent to which targets previously associated with ostracism dominate visual awareness. Participants initially performed a virtual ball‐tossing game (i.e., Cyberball) in which they were “ostracized” or “included” by the other players. Afterwards, the faces of these players were presented together with houses in a binocular rivalry task. The results revealed that targets associated with ostracism (vs. inclusion) dominated longest in visual awareness.
Stigma consciousness modulates cortisol reactivity to social stress in women
Authors: Doyle David Matthew , Molix Lisa
Published: May 2017

The aim of the current study was to examine whether stigma consciousness shapes cortisol responses to social stress among women in the laboratory. Undergraduate women (N = 45) completed background measures and then participated in a public speaking task, with assessments of cortisol prior to the stressor as well as 20 and 40 minutes post stressor onset. Results from multilevel models revealed that women higher in stigma consciousness evidenced blunted cortisol reactivity following social stress across the study session compared to women lower in stigma consciousness. This interaction was robust to adjustment for a number of covariates, including demographic (e.g., age), physiological (e.g., menstrual cycle), and psychological (e.g., depressive symptomatology) factors. Potential explanations for observed cortisol patterns are discussed, including hyporeactivity of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and elevated anticipatory stress. In conclusion, implications for health disparities research are considered.
Tunneling‐Assisted Trapping as one of the Possible Mechanisms for the Origin of Hysteresis in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Almosni Samy , Cojocaru Ludmila , Li Debin , Uchida Satoshi , Kubo Takaya , Segawa Hiroshi
Published: May 2017

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are among the promising candidates to reach the highest efficiency among single‐junction solar cells due to their band gap around 1.55 eV, strong absorption, and long charge carrier diffusion length. However, the anomalous hysteresis observed in its current–voltage (I–V) curves that creates confusion about the true efficiency has been a serious drawback for further improvement of its stable power output. Hence, understanding the origin of the I–V hysteresis is important and has been discussed widely in recent publications. Herein, the hysteresis in the I–V curves of PSCs has been studied by using a two‐dimensional model employing the Silvaco Atlas software. The study was performed using planar structure cells made of fluorine‐doped tin oxide glass substrate (FTO), a compact‐titanium‐oxide (c‐TiO2) electron‐transport layer, methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3) layer, 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis‐(N,N‐di‐4‐methoxyphenylamine)‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (spiro‐OMeTAD) hole‐transport layer and gold back contact. The effect of trap‐assisted charge accumulation in c‐TiO2 and recombination at the c‐TiO2/MAPbI3 interface on the I–V curves is assessed. The study shows that these two processes can reproduce the hysteresis behavior as a function of the scan rate and voltage preset in PSCs. Also, this study suggests that decreasing charge trapping and recombination at the c‐TiO2/MAPbI3 interface could be important to reduce hysteresis and improve the PSC efficiency.
Improvement of the flame retardancy of plasticized poly(lactic acid) by means of phosphorus‐based flame retardant fillers
Authors: Yemisci Fatma , Yesil Sertan , Aytac Ayse
Published: May 2017

The aim of this study is to improve the flame resistance and toughness of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with the addition of low amount of flame retardant fillers and plasticizer simultaneously. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was used as plasticizer for PLA. Ammonium polyphosphate, boron phosphate, and tri‐phenyl phosphate (TPP) were used as flame retardant additives. Among these flame retardant additives, boron phosphate was synthesized from its raw materials by using microwave heating technique. Characterization of PLA/PEG‐based flame retardant composites was performed by conducting tensile, impact, differential scanning calorimeter, thermal gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscope, limiting oxygen index, and UL‐94 vertical burning tests. Mechanical tests showed that the highest tensile strength, impact strength, and elongation at break values were obtained with the addition of ammonium polyphosphate and TPP into PLA/PEG matrix, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the composites exhibited that the more homogeneous filler distribution in the matrix was observed for TPP containing composite. The best flame retardancy performance was also provided by TPP when compared with the other flame retardant additives in the plasticized PLA‐based composites.
Stratifying risk in the prevention of recurrent variceal hemorrhage: Results of an individual patient meta‐analysis
Authors: Albillos Agustín , Zamora Javier , Martínez Javier , Arroyo David , Ahmad Irfan , De‐la‐Peña Joaquin , Garcia‐Pagán Juan‐Carlos , Lo Gin‐Ho , Sarin Shiv , Sharma Barjesh , Abraldes Juan G. , Bosch Jaime , Garcia‐Tsao Guadalupe ,   on behalf of the Baveno Cooperation
Published: May 2017

Endoscopic variceal ligation plus beta‐blockers (EVL+BB) is currently recommended for variceal rebleeding prophylaxis, a recommendation that extends to all patients with cirrhosis with previous variceal bleeding irrespective of prognostic stage. Individualizing patient care is relevant, and in published studies on variceal rebleeding prophylaxis, there is a lack of information regarding response to therapy by prognostic stage. This study aimed at comparing EVL plus BB with monotherapy (EVL or BB) on all‐source rebleeding and mortality in patients with cirrhosis and previous variceal bleeding stratified by cirrhosis severity (Child A versus B/C) by means of individual time‐to‐event patient data meta‐analysis from randomized controlled trials. The study used individual data on 389 patients from three trials comparing EVL plus BB versus BB and 416 patients from four trials comparing EVL plus BB versus EVL. Compared with BB alone, EVL plus BB reduced overall rebleeding in Child A (incidence rate ratio 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.18‐0.89; P = 0.025) but not in Child B/C, without differences in mortality. The effect of EVL on rebleeding was different according to Child (P for interaction <0.001). Conversely, compared with EVL, EVL plus BB reduced rebleeding in both Child A and B/C, with a significant reduction in mortality in Child B/C (incidence rate ratio 0.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.25‐0.85; P = 0.013). Conclusion: Outcomes of therapies to prevent variceal rebleeding differ depending on cirrhosis severity: in patients with preserved liver function (Child A), combination therapy is recommended because it is more effective in preventing rebleeding, without modifying survival, while in patients with advanced liver failure (Child B/C), EVL alone carries an increased risk of rebleeding and death compared with combination therapy, underlining that BB is the key element of combination therapy. (Hepatology 2017;66:1219‐1231).
A review of nanofluid preparation, stability, and thermo‐physical properties
Authors: Dey Debashis , Kumar Pankaj , Samantaray Sikata
Published: May 2017

This paper represents a comprehensive review on the preparation and stability of nanofluid, the convective heat transfer coefficient and different thermo‐physical properties such as thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, viscosity, and so on. Here, for each thermo‐physical property, measurement methods, enhancement mechanisms, and criticisms of different studies are also presented. However, based on the available literature, it is concluded that a nanofluid has, in general, better thermo‐physical properties even at a very low particle concentration (typically 1% or less) than conventional heat transfer fluids. The only drawback is high viscosity which leads to a higher pressure drop. At a very low particle concentration, this drawback can be minimized. Three tables are provided for three thermo‐physical properties namely thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and viscosity, which can be used as a ready reference for calculating the nanofluid properties.
The Glendhu experimental catchment study, upland east Otago, New Zealand: 34 years of hydrological observations on the afforestation of tussock grasslands
Authors: Fahey Barry , Payne John
Published: May 2017

This paper presents results from 34 years of the Glendhu Experimental Catchment Study, established in 1979 by the former New Zealand Forest Service in upland east Otago in New Zealand's South Island to determine the hydrological consequences of converting indigenous tussock grassland to plantation forestry. A traditional paired catchment approach was adopted; after a 2.5‐year pretreatment period, one catchment (GH2, 310 ha) was planted over two thirds of its area in Pinus radiata, and an adjacent catchment (GH1, 216 ha) was left in tussock as a control. The average annual reduction in water yield from the planted catchment between canopy closure in 1991 and 2013, compared with that in tussock, was 273 mm (33%). Annual water yields from the planted catchment continued to decline relative to the tussock catchment until 2010. Since then, the difference in annual water yields between the two catchments has narrowed. Ripping before planting caused some redistribution of the total streamflow from stormflow to baseflow. Following canopy closure, afforestation has reduced the low flow (Q95) by an average of 26% compared with the tussock catchment. Average peak flows for small events (2–5 L/s/ha) were reduced by 78%, but only by 37% for larger, less frequent storms (>15 L/s/ha), suggesting that peak flows during high magnitude storms are less dependent on the prevailing land cover.
Variability of dissolved organic carbon in precipitation during storms at the Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory
Authors: Iavorivska Lidiia , Boyer Elizabeth W. , Grimm Jeffrey W. , Miller Matthew P. , DeWalle David R. , Davis Kenneth J. , Kaye Margot W.
Published: May 2017

Organic compounds are removed from the atmosphere and deposited to the Earth's surface via precipitation. In this study, we quantified variations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in precipitation during storm events at the Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory, a forested watershed in central Pennsylvania (USA). Precipitation samples were collected consecutively throughout the storm during 13 events, which spanned a range of seasons and synoptic meteorological conditions, including a hurricane. Further, we explored factors that affect the temporal variability by considering relationships of DOC in precipitation with atmospheric and storm characteristics. Concentrations and chemical composition of DOC changed considerably during storms, with the magnitude of change within individual events being comparable or higher than the range of variation in average event composition among events. Although some previous studies observed that concentrations of other elements in precipitation typically decrease over the course of individual storm events, results of this study show that DOC concentrations in precipitation are highly variable. During most storm events, concentrations decreased over time, possibly as a result of washing out of the below‐cloud atmosphere. However, increasing concentrations that were observed in the later stages of some storm events highlight that DOC removal with precipitation is not merely a dilution response. Increases in DOC during events could result from advection of air masses, local emissions during breaks in precipitation, or chemical transformations in the atmosphere that enhance solubility of organic carbon compounds. This work advances understanding of processes occurring during storms that are relevant to studies of atmospheric chemistry, carbon cycling, and ecosystem responses.
Increase of cells expressing PD‐1 and PD‐L1 and enhancement of IFN‐γ production via PD‐1/PD‐L1 blockade in bovine mycoplasmosis
Authors: Goto Shinya , Konnai Satoru , Okagawa Tomohiro , Nishimori Asami , Maekawa Naoya , Gondaira Satoshi , Higuchi Hidetoshi , Koiwa Masateru , Tajima Motoshi , Kohara Junko , Ogasawara Satoshi , Kato Yukinari , Suzuki Yasuhiko , Murata Shiro , Ohashi Kazuhiko
Published: May 2017

Introduction

Bovine mycoplasma, chiefly Mycoplasma bovis, is a pathogen that causes pneumonia, mastitis, arthritis, and otitis media in cattle. This pathogen exerts immunosuppressive effects, such as the inhibition of interferon production. However, the mechanisms involved in bovine mycoplasmosis have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the role of the programmed death‐1 (PD‐1)/programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) pathway in immunosuppression in bovine mycoplasmosis.

Methods

In the initial experiments, we used enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to measure interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from cattle with mycoplasmosis.

Results

Expectedly, IFN‐γ production significantly decreased in cattle with mycoplasmosis compared with that in clinically healthy cattle. Concomitantly, flow cytometric analysis revealed that the proportions of PD‐1+CD4+ and PD‐L1+CD14+ cells significantly increased in peripheral blood of the infected cattle. Interestingly, the number of PD‐1+CD4+ and PD‐1+CD8+ T cells were negatively correlated with IFN‐γ production from PBMCs in bovine mycoplasmosis. Additionally, blockade of the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway in vitro by anti‐bovine PD‐1‐ and anti‐bovine PD‐L1 antibodies significantly upregulated the production of IFN‐γ from anti‐mycoplasma‐specific cells.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway could be involved in immune exhaustion of bovine mycoplasma‐specific T cells. In conclusion, our study opens up a new perspective in the therapeutic strategy for bovine mycoplasmosis by targeting the immunoinhibitory receptor pathways.
Non‐animal assessment of skin sensitization hazard: Is an integrated testing strategy needed, and if so what should be integrated?
Authors: Roberts David W. , Patlewicz Grace
Published: May 2017

There is an expectation that to meet regulatory requirements, and avoid or minimize animal testing, integrated approaches to testing and assessment will be needed that rely on assays representing key events (KEs) in the skin sensitization adverse outcome pathway. Three non‐animal assays have been formally validated and regulatory adopted: the direct peptide reactivity assay (DPRA), the KeratinoSens™ assay and the human cell line activation test (h‐CLAT). There have been many efforts to develop integrated approaches to testing and assessment with the “two out of three” approach attracting much attention. Here a set of 271 chemicals with mouse, human and non‐animal sensitization test data was evaluated to compare the predictive performances of the three individual non‐animal assays, their binary combinations and the “two out of three” approach in predicting skin sensitization potential. The most predictive approach was to use both the DPRA and h‐CLAT as follows: (1) perform DPRA – if positive, classify as sensitizing, and (2) if negative, perform h‐CLAT – a positive outcome denotes a sensitizer, a negative, a non‐sensitizer. With this approach, 85% (local lymph node assay) and 93% (human) of non‐sensitizer predictions were correct, whereas the “two out of three” approach had 69% (local lymph node assay) and 79% (human) of non‐sensitizer predictions correct. The findings are consistent with the argument, supported by published quantitative mechanistic models that only the first KE needs to be modeled. All three assays model this KE to an extent. The value of using more than one assay depends on how the different assays compensate for each other's technical limitations. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Greater Gains in Spine and Hip Strength for Romosozumab Compared With Teriparatide in Postmenopausal Women With Low Bone Mass
Authors: Keaveny Tony M , Crittenden Daria B , Bolognese Michael A , Genant Harry K , Engelke Klaus , Oliveri Beatriz , Brown Jacques P , Langdahl Bente L , Yan Chris , Grauer Andreas , Libanati Cesar
Published: May 2017

Romosozumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits sclerostin and has been shown to reduce the risk of fractures within 12 months. In a phase II, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of treatment-naïve postmenopausal women with low bone mass, romosozumab increased bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip and spine by the dual effect of increasing bone formation and decreasing bone resorption. In a substudy of that trial, which included placebo and teriparatide arms, here we investigated whether those observed increases in BMD also resulted in improvements in estimated strength, as assessed by finite element analysis. Participants received blinded romosozumab s.c. (210 mg monthly) or placebo, or open-label teriparatide (20 μg daily) for 12 months. CT scans, obtained at the lumbar spine (n = 82) and proximal femur (n = 46) at baseline and month 12, were analyzed with finite element software (VirtuOst, O.N. Diagnostics) to estimate strength for a simulated compression overload for the spine (L1 vertebral body) and a sideways fall for the proximal femur, all blinded to treatment assignment. We found that, at month 12, vertebral strength increased more for romosozumab compared with both teriparatide (27.3% versus 18.5%; p = 0.005) and placebo (27.3% versus –3.9%; p < 0.0001); changes in femoral strength for romosozumab showed similar but smaller changes, increasing more with romosozumab versus teriparatide (3.6% versus –0.7%; p = 0.027), and trending higher versus placebo (3.6% versus −0.1%; p = 0.059). Compartmental analysis revealed that the bone-strengthening effects for romosozumab were associated with positive contributions from both the cortical and trabecular bone compartments at both the lumbar spine and hip. Taken together, these findings suggest that romosozumab may offer patients with osteoporosis a new bone-forming therapeutic option that increases both vertebral and femoral strength within 12 months. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Failure to find a distance effect in pigeon choice
Authors: Bell Matthew C. , Sanabria Federico
Published: May 2017

Primates take longer to choose between alternatives with smaller differences in value. This effect—a particular instance of the distance effect in symbolic comparisons—has not been replicated in birds. Instead, birds appear to respond independently to each alternative, such that the latency to choose depends primarily on the alternative of highest value. Three experiments tested for the distance effect in pigeons under conditions not previously considered. Experiment 1 presented pigeons with forced‐ and binary free‐choice trials, where each alternative was one of three possible delays to reinforcement (4, 8, and 16 s). Pigeons were exposed to the choice stimuli for different amounts of time and with different sample response requirements prior to the choice response. Experiment 2 added a fourth (0‐s delay) alternative. Experiment 3 substituted the 16‐s delay with a second 4‐s delay. In all experiments, pigeons systematically chose the shortest delay to reinforcement. Latency to choose the 4‐s delay did not vary when choosing against the 8‐s or 16‐s delay, regardless of whether choice stimuli were exposed for the duration of nine pecks (Experiment 1), or whether a 0‐s delay alternative was sometimes present (Experiment 2). Latency to choose the preferred of two identical alternatives (4‐s vs. 4‐s) was shorter than the latency to choose between different alternatives (4‐s vs. 8‐s; Experiment 3); this is the opposite of a distance effect. These results show no evidence of a distance effect in pigeon choice, consistent with the hypothesis that pigeons respond independently to each choice alternative.
BAC Recombineering of the Agouti Loci from Spotted Gar and Zebrafish Reveals the Evolutionary Ancestry of Dorsal–Ventral Pigment Asymmetry in Fish
Authors: Cal Laura , MegÍas Manuel , Cerdá‐reverter José miguel , Postlethwait John h. , Braasch Ingo , Rotllant Josep
Published: May 2017

Dorsoventral pigment patterning, characterized by a light ventrum and a dark dorsum, is one of the most widespread chromatic adaptations in vertebrate body coloration. In mammals, this countershading depends on differential expression of agouti‐signaling protein (ASIP), which drives a switch of synthesis of one type of melanin to another within melanocytes. Teleost fish share countershading, but the pattern results from a differential distribution of multiple types of chromatophores, with black–brown melanophores most abundant in the dorsal body and reflective iridophores most abundant in the ventral body. We previously showed that Asip1 (a fish ortholog of mammalian ASIP) plays a role in patterning melanophores. This observation leads to the surprising hypothesis that agouti may control an evolutionarily conserved pigment pattern by regulating different mechanisms in mammals and fish. To test this hypothesis, we compared two ray‐finned fishes: the teleost zebrafish and the nonteleost spotted gar (Lepisosteus oculatus). By examining the endogenous pattern of asip1 expression in gar, we demonstrate a dorsoventral‐graded distribution of asip1 expression that is highest ventrally, similar to teleosts. Additionally, in the first reported experiments to generate zebrafish transgenic lines carrying a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) from spotted gar, we show that both transgenic zebrafish lines embryos replicate the endogenous asip1 expression pattern in adult zebrafish, showing that BAC transgenes from both species contain all of the regulatory elements required for regular asip1 expression within adult ray‐finned fishes. These experiments provide evidence that the mechanism leading to an environmentally important pigment pattern was likely in place before the origin of teleosts.
A Novel Pattern of Yolk Processing in Developing Snake Eggs (Colubridae: Lampropeltini) and its Functional and Evolutionary Implications
Authors: Powers Kathryn G. , Blackburn Daniel G.
Published: May 2017

Early amniotic vertebrates evolved large‐yolked eggs that permitted production of well‐developed, terrestrial hatchlings. This reproductive pattern required new mechanisms for cellularizing the yolk and mobilizing it for embryonic use. In birds, cells that line the yolk sac cavity phagocytose and digest the yolk material, a pattern that is commonly assumed to be universal among oviparous amniotes. However, recent evidence challenges the assumption that all squamate reptiles conform to the avian developmental pattern. In this paper, scanning electron microscopy and histology were used to study mechanisms of yolk processing in two colubrid snakes, the kingsnake Lampropeltis getula and the milksnake L. triangulum. Endodermal cells from the yolk sac splanchnopleure proliferate massively as they invade the yolk sac cavity, forming elaborate chains of interlinked cells. These cells grow in size as they phagocytose yolk material. Subsequently, vitelline capillaries invade the masses of yolk‐laden cells and become coated with the endodermal cells, forming an elaborate meshwork of cell‐coated strands. The close association of cells, yolk, and blood vessels allows yolk material to be cellularized, digested, and transported for embryonic use. The overall pattern is like that of the corn snake Pantherophis guttatus, but contrasts markedly with that of birds. Given recent evidence that this developmental pattern may also occur in certain lizards, we postulate that it is ancestral for squamates. Studies of lizards, crocodilians, and turtles are needed to clarify the evolutionary history of this pattern and its implications for the evolution of the amniotic (terrestrial) vertebrate egg.
A three‐dimensional placoderm (stem‐group gnathostome) pharyngeal skeleton and its implications for primitive gnathostome pharyngeal architecture
Authors: Brazeau Martin D. , Friedman Matt , Jerve Anna , Atwood Robert C.
Published: May 2017

The pharyngeal skeleton is a key vertebrate anatomical system in debates on the origin of jaws and gnathostome (jawed vertebrate) feeding. Furthermore, it offers considerable potential as a source of phylogenetic data. Well‐preserved examples of pharyngeal skeletons from stem‐group gnathostomes remain poorly known. Here, we describe an articulated, nearly complete pharyngeal skeleton in an Early Devonian placoderm fish, Paraplesiobatis heinrichsi Broili, from Hunsrück Slate of Germany. Using synchrotron light tomography, we resolve and reconstruct the three‐dimensional gill arch architecture of Paraplesiobatis and compare it with other gnathostomes. The preserved pharyngeal skeleton comprises elements of the hyoid arch (probable ceratohyal) and a series of branchial arches. Limited resolution in the tomography scan causes some uncertainty in interpreting the exact number of arches preserved. However, at least four branchial arches are present. The final and penultimate arches are connected as in osteichthyans. A single median basihyal is present as in chondrichthyans. No dorsal (epibranchial or pharyngobranchial) elements are observed. The structure of the pharyngeal skeleton of Paraplesiobatis agrees well with Pseudopetalichthys from the same deposit, allowing an alternative interpretation of the latter taxon. The phylogenetic significance of Paraplesiobatis is considered. A median basihyal is likely an ancestral gnathostome character, probably with some connection to both the hyoid and the first branchial arch pair. Unpaired basibranchial bones may be independently derived in chondrichthyans and osteichthyans.
Dipole behaviour in maximum significant wave height over the Southern Indian Ocean
Authors: Gupta Nitika , Bhaskaran Prasad K. , Dash Mihir K.
Published: May 2017

The study reports on existence of a dipole pattern in maximum significant wave height (MSWH) as well in mean significant wave height over the Southern Indian Ocean (SIO) based on analysis using 24 years of satellite observations. Analysis using quality checked daily altimeter data from nine satellite missions for entire Indian Ocean region revealed the spatio‐temporal variability of observed dipole phenomena. Interestingly, the second empirical orthogonal function (EOF) mode (EOF2) in monthly and monthly anomaly MSWH data clearly shows the prevalence of dipole over the SIO having a period of 6 months for monthly dataset Principal Component (PC) leading to a 3 months oscillation. The EOF of monthly anomaly dataset analysis also exhibited a similar dipole pattern for the EOF2 mode having a period of 2.1 years. In addition, the study also considered seasonal EOF analysis for four austral seasons December–January–February (DJF), March–April–May (MAM), June–July–August (JJA), and September–October–November (SON). The EOF2 for all seasons exhibits a similar dipole pattern in SIO basin, except for the DJF months. Based on seasonal EOF analysis, the DJF and JJA EOF2s have similar dipole pattern that reverses its polarity because of wind variability for the MAM and SON EOF2s justifying 3 months dipole oscillation obtained for monthly datasets. The Radon transform is used to investigate the orientation of this dipole, and for the first time this method is used in the field of climatology to study orientation and the degree of polarity of a dipole pattern. Furthermore, the study investigated possible correlation of dipole with various proven climate indices establishing the fact that Southern Annular Mode Index (SAMI) showed a significant correlation. The other seasonal datasets also correlated well with SAMI, except DJF months that do not show the dipole pattern, and it had a good correlation with Nino3 index representing the El Nino Southern Oscillation Index.
Assessing the threat of future megadrought in Iberia
Authors: Guerreiro Selma B. , Kilsby Chris , Fowler Hayley J.
Published: May 2017

Water scarcity is a critical issue in Iberia but few studies have investigated future drought over the region. The few that do are continental or global studies and do not report the range of possible future projections. In this paper, historical drought and future projections of drought were examined, using observed and downscaled rainfall data from climate models, for the main Iberian international basins (Douro, Tagus and Guadiana). Two drought indices were used, the standardized precipitation index (SPI) and the drought severity index (DSI). However, problems were found in the distribution fitting required for the calculation of SPI which render this index inadequate for assessing droughts in Iberia. The skill of CMIP5 climate models in representing historical drought for the Douro, Tagus and Guadiana is very variable with some not showing enough persistence of dry conditions, and others simulating droughts that are too long and too severe. Nevertheless, the observed range of drought conditions for these basins was encompassed by the ensemble members. Furthermore, we found no relationship between performance in simulating mean large‐scale circulation and model ability to reproduce the historical drought characteristics for the region. All models project an intensification of drought conditions for the three basins. However, some only project small increases, while most project extreme multi‐year droughts by the end of the century. We found that climate model future projections are neither related to their performance in simulating historical drought nor to their large‐scale circulation patterns. This result emphasises the need for climate change impact studies to take into account the whole range of climate model projections in order to provide the best information for robust adaptation. Choosing one or a subset of climate models based on historical performance would not lead to a credible and justified reduction in uncertainty.
Optimization of screw fixation in rat bone with extracorporeal shock waves
Authors: Koolen Marianne K. E. , Kruyt Moyo C. , Zadpoor Amir A. , Öner Fetullah C. , Weinans Harrie , van der Jagt Olav P.
Published: May 2017

Screw fixation in osteoporotic patients is becoming an increasing problem in orthopaedic surgery as deterioration of cortical and cancellous bone hamper biomechanical stability and screw fixation. This might result in delayed weight‐bearing or failure of instrumentation. We hypothesized that local peri‐operative shock wave treatment can optimize osseointegration and subsequent screw fixation. In eight female Wistar rats, two cancellous and two cortical bone screws were implanted in both femora and tibiae. Immediately after implantation, 3.000 unfocused extracorporeal shock waves (energy flux density 0.3 mJ/mm2) were applied to one side. The other side served as non‐treated internal control. Evaluation of osseointegration was performed after 4 weeks with the use of microCT scanning, histology with fluorochrome labeling, and pull‐out tests of the screws. Four weeks after extracorporeal shock wave treatment, treated legs exhibited increased bone formation and screw fixation around cortical screws as compared to the control legs. This was corroborated by an increased pull‐out of the shock wave treated cortical screws. The cancellous bone screws appeared not to be sensitive for shock wave treatment. Formation of neocortices after shock wave therapy was observed in three of eight animals. Furthermore, de novo bone formation in the bone marrow was observed in some animals. The current study showed bone formation and improved screw fixation as a result of shock wave therapy. New bone was also formed at locations remote from the screws, hence, not contributing to screw fixation. Further, research is warranted to make shock wave therapy tailor‐made for fracture fixation. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:76–84, 2018.
Patient compliance for postoperative radiotherapy and survival outcome of women with stage I endometrioid endometrial cancer
Authors: Matsuo Koji , Machida Hiroko , Ragab Omar M. , Garcia‐Sayre Jocelyn , Yessaian Annie A. , Roman Lynda D.
Published: May 2017

Background and Objectives

To examine characteristics and survival outcome of women with endometrial cancer who declined postoperative radiotherapy.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted to examine surgically‐treated grade 1‐2 stage IB and grade 3 stage IA‐IB endometrioid endometrial cancer in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program between 1983 and 2013 (n = 10 613). Associations of patient declination for guideline‐based postoperative radiotherapy and clinico‐pathological demographics or survival outcome were examined on multivariable analysis.

Results

There were 323 (3.0%) women who declined adjuvant radiotherapy. Women who declined postoperative radiotherapy were more likely to be older, White, Western U.S. residents, and register in recent years (all, adjusted‐P < 0.05). On multivariable analysis, patient declination for guideline‐based postoperative radiotherapy remained an independent prognostic factor for decreased endometrial cancer‐specific survival in unstaged grade 1‐2 stage IB or staged/unstated grade 3 stage IA‐IB diseases (adjusted‐hazard ratio 1.84, 95% confidence interval 1.34‐2.51, P = 0.001). Association of patient declination for guideline‐based postoperative radiotherapy and decreased overall survival remained independent in the entire cohort on multivariable analysis (adjuvant‐hazard ratio 1.71, 95% confidence interval 1.44‐2.02, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study suggested that patient compliance to guideline‐based postoperative radiotherapy is a prognostic factor for women with stage I endometrioid endometrial cancer.
Assessment of Fallopian Tube Fimbria Patency With 4‐Dimensional Hysterosalpingo‐Contrast Sonography in Infertile Women
Authors: Wang Weiqun , Zhou Qiulan , Gong Yafei , Li Ying , Huang Yinying , Chen Zhiyi
Published: May 2017

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of 4‐dimensional (4D) hysterosalpingo‐contrast sonography (HyCoSy) for assessing fallopian tube fimbria patency in infertile women.

Methods

Seventy‐seven infertile female patients with obstruction at the tubal fimbria or partial obstruction with pelvic adhesions were included. All of the patients underwent 4D HyCoSy enhanced by dynamic observation after a flush of normal saline and were followed with laparoscopic chromopertubation using methylene blue within 6 months.

Results

The overall accordance between 4D HyCoSy and laparoscopic chromopertubation was 92.9%. The sensitivity and specificity of 4D HyCoSy with laparoscopic chromopertubation as a reference standard were 93.8% and 92.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

Four‐dimensional HyCoSy can be the preferred method for assessment of tubal fimbria patency and pelvic adhesions surrounding the ovaries, with its advantages of accuracy, noninvasiveness, and a good safety profile.
Intraoperative localized constrained registration in navigated bronchoscopy
Authors: Hofstad Erlend Fagertun , Sorger Hanne , Bakeng Janne Beate Lervik , Gruionu Lucian , Leira Håkon Olav , Amundsen Tore , Langø Thomas
Published: May 2017

Purpose

One of the major challenges in electromagnetic navigated bronchoscopy is the navigation accuracy. An initial rigid image‐to‐patient registration may not be optimal for the entire lung volume, as the lung tissue anatomy is likely to have shifted since the time of computer tomography (CT) acquisition. The accuracy of the initial rigid registration will also be affected throughout the procedure by breathing, coughing, patient movement and tissue displacements due to pressure from bronchoscopy tools. A method to minimize the negative impact from these factors by updating the registration locally during the procedure is needed and suggested in this paper.

Methods

The intraoperative local registration method updates the initial registration by optimization in an area of special interest, for example, close to a biopsy position. The local registration was developed through an adaptation of a previously published registration method used for the initial registration of CT to the patient anatomy. The method was tested in an experimental breathing phantom setup, where respiratory movements were induced by a robotic arm. Deformations were also applied to the phantom to see if the local registration could compensate for these.

Results

The local registration was successfully applied in all 15 repetitions, five in each of the three parts of the airway phantom. The mean registration accuracy was improved from 11.8–19.4 mm to 4.0–6.7 mm, varying to some degree in the different segments of the airway model.

Conclusions

A local registration method, to update and improve the initial image‐to patient registration during navigated bronchoscopy, was developed. The method was successfully tested in a breathing phantom setup. Further development is needed to make the method more automatic. It must also be verified in human studies.
The value transformation of health care: Impact on neuromuscular and electrodiagnostic medicine
Authors: Narayanaswami Pushpa , Suk Millie , Jones Lyell K.
Published: May 2017

Beginning in 2017, most physicians who participate in Medicare are subject to the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA), the milestone legislation that signals the US health care system's transition from volume‐based to value‐based care. Here we review emerging trends in development of value‐based healthcare systems in the US. MACRA and the resulting Quality Payment Program create 2 participation pathways, the Merit‐based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) and the Advanced Alternative Payment Model (AAPM) pathway. Although there are several program incentives for AAPM participation, to date there have been few AAPM options for specialists. MIPS and its widening bonus and penalty window will likely be the primary participation pathway in the early years of the program. Value‐based payment has the potential to reshape health care delivery in the United States, with implications for neuromuscular and electrodiagnostic (EDX) specialists. Meaningful quality measures are required for neuromuscular and EDX specialists. Muscle Nerve 56: 679–683, 2017
Human‐Aided Movement of Viral Disease and the Archaeology of Avian Osteopetrosis
Authors: Fothergill B. Tyr
Published: May 2017

The term avian osteopetrosis is used to describe alterations to the skeletal elements of several species of domestic bird, most typically the chicken,Gallus gallusdomesticus(L. 1758). Such lesions are routinely identified in animal bones from archaeological sites due to their distinctive appearance, which is characterised by proliferative diaphyseal thickening. These lesions are relatively uncomplicated for specialists to differentially diagnose and are caused by a range of avian leucosis viruses in a series of subgroups. Only some avian leucosis viruses cause the development of such characteristic lesions in osteological tissue. Viraemia is necessary for the formation of skeletal pathology, and avian osteopetrosis lesions affect skeletal elements at different rates. Lesion expression differs by the age and sex of the infected individual, and environmental conditions have an impact on the prevalence of avian leucosis viruses in poultry flocks. These factors have implications for the ways in which diagnosed instances of avian osteopetrosis in archaeological assemblages are interpreted. By integrating veterinary research with archaeological evidence for the presence of avian leucosis viruses across Western Europe, this paper discusses the nature of these pathogens, outlines criteria for differential diagnosis, and offers a fresh perspective on the human‐aided movement of animal disease in the past through investigation of the incidence and geographic distribution of avian osteopetrosis lesions from the first century BC to the post‐medieval period. © 2017 The Authors International Journal of Osteoarchaeology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Application of CuO nanoparticles modified with vitamin B1 for the production of poly(vinyl alcohol)/CuO nanocomposite films with enhanced optical, thermal and mechanical properties
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Mansourzadeh Soheila
Published: May 2017

In this Investigation, the CuO nanoparticles (NPs) were treated by vitamin B1 as a biomolecule modifier. The CuO NPs were used as an appropriate filler for fabrication of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposites (NCs). Then, NCs with various ratios (3, 5, and 7wt%) of modified CuO were fabricated under ultrasonic irradiation and their properties were compared with pure PVA. Several techniques were used for characterization of NCs. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis indicated that NPs have proper compatibility with the PVA matrix. Thermal gravimetric analysis results confirmed that NCs displayed higher thermal stability than neat PVA. Also, the addition of the NPs into the PVA matrix improved the optical and mechanical behaviors. Finally, the contact angle measurements verified that the hydrophilicity decreased for different ratios of modified NPs loaded in the polymer matrix. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Constitutional abnormalities of IDH1 combined with secondary mutations predispose a patient with Maffucci syndrome to acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Hirabayashi Shinsuke , Seki Masafumi , Hasegawa Daisuke , Kato Motohiro , Hyakuna Nobuyuki , Shuo Takuya , Kimura Shunsuke , Yoshida Kenichi , Kataoka Keisuke , Fujii Yoichi , Shiraishi Yuichi , Chiba Kenichi , Tanaka Hiroko , Kiyokawa Nobutaka , Miyano Satoru , Ogawa Seishi , Takita Junko , Manabe Atsushi
Published: May 2017

Maffucci syndrome is a nonhereditary disorder caused by somatic mosaic isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 or 2 (IDH1 or IDH2) mutations and is characterized by multiple enchondromas along with hemangiomas. Malignant transformation of enchondromas to chondrosarcomas and secondary neoplasms, such as brain tumors or acute myeloid leukemia, are serious complications. A 15‐year‐old female with Maffucci syndrome developed B‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP‐ALL). A somatic mutation in IDH1 was detected in hemangioma and leukemic cells. KRAS mutation and deletion of IKZF1 were detected in leukemic cells. Patients with Maffucci syndrome may, therefore, be at risk of BCP‐ALL associated with secondary genetic events that affect lymphocyte differentiation.
Effects of cure‐hold‐temperature and step‐wise cool‐down path on the service strength of fiber‐mat reinforced composites
Authors: Agbo Cornelius O. A. , Mgbemene Chigbo A. , Okorie Boniface A. , Obikwelu Daniel O. N.
Published: May 2017

The study considered the influence of the cure hold temperature and the techniques applied in cooling to room temperature on the strength of random fiber reinforced thermoset composites. Tensile and Charpy impact tests were carried‐out on chopped strand mat E‐glass fiber reinforced‐polyester composites cured at temperatures ranging between 30°C and 150°C and subsequently cooled through different paths. The composites contained 3 plies for the tensile test specimens, and 10 plies for the Charpy impact test specimens. The matrix was prepared from the same bulk and formulation. From the tests, samples oven cured at 85°C/3 hr and cooled under natural convection cool‐down path were found to give the highest tensile strength of 96 MPa while the laminate cured at 30°C room temperature produced the lowest strength of 69 MPa. Also, samples cured at 85°C under natural convection cooling gave an average impact strength value of 550 kJ/m2, which is second to fridge cooled samples of 650 kJ/m2 average value. There is therefore need for oven‐cure followed by quenching to obtain maximum strength in polyester laminate applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3935–3943, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
A comparison of advanced regression techniques for predicting ship CO2 emissions
Authors: Lepore Antonio , dos Reis Marco Seabra , Palumbo Biagio , Rendall Ricardo , Capezza Christian
Published: May 2017

The new EU Regulation urges shipping operators to set up systems for the monitoring, reporting, and verification of CO2 emissions. Indeed, new monitoring data acquisition systems installed on modern ships have brought a navigation data overload that needs to be correctly handled to make proper decisions about their operation. However, in today's market, there is no standard solution or method available that can be robustly adopted in real environments for the shipping industry. In view of the novel attempts for solving this issue proposed by statisticians, marine engineers, and practitioners, this paper presents an extensive comparison of several regression techniques that can exploit the navigation information usually available in modern ships: variable selection methods, penalized regression methods, latent variable methods and tree‐based ensemble methods. The comparison is made by means of operational data collected on a Ro‐Pax cruise ship owned by the Italian shipping company Grimaldi Group. The goal of this analysis is twofold: (1) to identify methodologies with more potential at analyzing the data collected from this shipping industry scenario and (2) to develop a predictive model for CO2 emissions with good characteristics of accuracy and robustness.
A simple robust control for global asymptotic position stabilization of underactuated surface vessels
Authors: Xie Wenjing , Ma Baoli , Fernando Tyrone , Iu Herbert Ho‐Ching
Published: May 2017

Global asymptotic stabilization of underactuated surface vessels is generally achieved only by designing complicated controllers. This paper proposes a very simple control law that globally asymptotically stabilizes the position of underactuated surface vessel to a desired constant location and its velocities to zero. The proposed controller is independent of velocity signals and is robust to model parameters. It neither includes an observer nor an adaptive/sliding‐mode law. Controller development and stability analysis rely on a novel Lyapunov function and LaSalle's theorem. Furthermore, by extending the proposed control strategy, a saturated control law is also obtained ensuring the semiglobal asymptotic stability of position error system. Effectiveness of the proposed control schemes is demonstrated by simulation examples. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.