bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking typhoon tracks and spatial rainfall patterns for improving flood lead time predictions over a mesoscale mountainous watershed
Authors: Huang Jr‐Chuan , Yu Cheng‐Ku , Lee Jun‐Yi , Cheng Lin‐Wen , Lee Tsung‐Yu , Kao Shuh‐Ji
Published: August 2012

Typhoon rainfall characteristics over a mesoscale mountainous watershed (drainage area of 620 km2) located in eastern Taiwan were analyzed to fill the gaps in our knowledge concerning the linkage between typhoon track, rainfall patterns, and flood peak time. This study used spatially high‐resolution radar‐derived rainfall estimates from 38 storm events (∼2800 h) to investigate this linkage. The effect of spatial rainfall patterns on the timing of flood peak for the selected events was examined with the aid of a diffusive wave model. The results show that the typhoon rainfall was spatially aggregated and that the relative variations in the rainfall became smaller at higher rainfall rates. The maximum hourly rainfall was approximately twice the areal mean rainfall. Three major rainfall types were identified statistically, and different typhoon tracks appeared to have preferable rainfall types. This finding is presumably due to the interaction of the typhoon circulation and precipitation with the mountainous landscape. Flood lead times were derived for the different rainfall types, and it was found that differences in their lead times could be as large as ∼3 h over the studied mesoscale watershed. It is recommended that this empirical approach be incorporated into flood forecasting and warning systems.
Tropical cyclone effects on Arctic Sea ice variability
Authors: Scoccimarro Enrico , Gualdi Silvio , Navarra Antonio
Published: August 2012

In recent years increasing interest has been put on the role that intense Tropical Cyclones can play in the climate system. The following study is aimed at highlighting the effects of strong Tropical Cyclones over the Tropical Atlantic on the mean climate. Their composite effect on the surface winds is made apparent by a wide cyclonic perturbation that affects a large portion of the Atlantic tropical Ocean. Teleconnection patterns, which are visible in the Sea Level Pressure anomalies associated with this Tropical Composite Cyclone, appear to link the activity of the hurricanes to the Arctic Ocean. A significant negative correlation between the energy dissipated by hurricanes in the Tropical atmosphere and the sea ice cover along the Transpolar Drift Stream path, has also been found.
A clear view of the multifaceted dayside ionosphere of Mars
Authors: Withers Paul , Fallows Kathryn , Girazian Zachary , Matta Majd , Häusler Bernd , Hinson David , Tyler Len , Morgan David , Pätzold Martin , Peter Kerstin , Tellmann Silvia , Peralta Javier , Witasse Oliver
Published: August 2012

By examining electron density profiles from the Mars Express Radio Science Experiment MaRS, we show that the vertical structure of the dayside ionosphere of Mars is more variable and more complex than previously thought. The top of the ionosphere can be below 250 km (25% occurrence rate) or above 650 km (1%); the topside ionosphere can be well‐described by a single scale height (10%) or two/three regions with distinct scale heights (25% or 10%), where those scale heights range between tens and hundreds of kilometers; the main layer of the ionosphere can have a sharply pointed (5%), flat‐topped (6%), or wavy (8%) shape, in contrast to its usual Chapman‐like shape; a broad increase in electron density is detected at 160–180 km (10%); a narrow increase in electron density is sometimes found in strongly‐magnetized regions; and an additional layer is present between the M1 and M2 layers (3%).
Statistical analysis of dipolarizations using spacecraft closely separated along Z in the near‐Earth magnetotail
Authors: Palin L. , Jacquey C. , Sauvaud J.‐A. , Lavraud B. , Budnik E. , Angelopoulos V. , Auster U. , McFadden J. P. , Larson D.
Published: August 2012

The THEMIS mission includes three closely separated probes that provide the opportunity to analyze the small and meso‐scale dynamics of the cross‐tail current sheet in the near‐Earth magnetosphere (10 Re). In this study, we focus on dipolarization events which occurred when two of these satellites were: (1) separated only along the Z direction (i.e., at the same location in the XYGSM) plane, and: (2) on separate sides of the neutral sheet. Following these criteria, our search resulted in 25 dipolarization events. Most of them were not associated with global auroral substorm but were rather associated with arc intensification and magnetic perturbation observed from the ground only in limited local time sectors. Based on these, we demonstrate that dipolarizations systematically correspond to a thickening of the current sheet rather than any other phenomena (e.g., flapping). We also show that the current density in the sheet systematically decreases after onset. Most of the events show an increase of the Laplace force and of the magnetic tension after the dipolarization onset. This trend is however, sensitive to the coordinate system chosen (i.e., GSM or SM). We find that the total energy density (total pressure) increases after 70% of the dipolarization events. However, when excluding the Z‐component of the magnetic field (which is canceled by the dominant curvature terms) from the pressure, we find that the pressure decreases after 64% of events, and the remaining pressure increases occur closest to the neutral sheet. Five minutes averages are used 5 to 10 min before dipolarization and 10 to 15 min after dipolarization. We discuss the importance of both the spacecraft location relative to the neutral sheet and timescales chosen when calculating the pressure changes. These directly impact interpretations relative to dipolarization models.
Predictor selection for downscaling GCM data with LASSO
Authors: Hammami Dorra , Lee Tae Sam , Ouarda Taha B. M. J. , Lee Jonghyun
Published: August 2012

Over the last 10 years, downscaling techniques, including both dynamical (i.e., the regional climate model) and statistical methods, have been widely developed to provide climate change information at a finer resolution than that provided by global climate models (GCMs). Because one of the major aims of downscaling techniques is to provide the most accurate information possible, data analysts have tried a number of approaches to improve predictor selection, which is one of the most important steps in downscaling techniques. Classical methods such as regression techniques, particularly stepwise regression (SWR), have been employed for downscaling. However, SWR presents some limits, such as deficiencies in dealing with collinearity problems, while also providing overly complex models. Thus, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) technique, which is a penalized regression method, is presented as another alternative for predictor selection in downscaling GCM data. It may allow for more accurate and clear models that can properly deal with collinearity problems. Therefore, the objective of the current study is to compare the performances of a classical regression method (SWR) and the LASSO technique for predictor selection. A data set from 9 stations located in the southern region of Québec that includes 25 predictors measured over 29 years (from 1961 to 1990) is employed. The results indicate that, due to its computational advantages and its ease of implementation, the LASSO technique performs better than SWR and gives better results according to the determination coefficient and the RMSE as parameters for comparison.
Satellite observations of ship emission induced transitions from broken to closed cell marine stratocumulus over large areas
Authors: Goren Tom , Rosenfeld Daniel
Published: August 2012

Documentation of the evolution of ship tracks during 42 h demonstrated that ship emissions are able to convert a marine stratocumulus regime of open cells into closed cells, along with significant negative radiative forcing. This was possible by examining continuous day and night geostationary satellite data that allowed for an uninterrupted documentation of the full life cycle of ship tracks. After nearly one day the ship tracks lost their linear appearance and expanded to cover large areas. These areas, when viewed out of sequence and context, would not be attributable to aerosol perturbations. A rejuvenation of previously dissipated ship tracks in the form of extensive closed cells was also observed. It is suggested that ship emissions may undergo photochemical reactions which nucleate new aerosols that, along with remaining ultrafine particles, grow to CCN that are activated hours later and close the open cells. The added radiative forcing from the closed cells that can be related to the ship tracks, which is mainly coming from the cloud cover effect, may exceed −100 Wm−2, depending on the season and latitude. This implies that anthropogenic aerosols that can be transported from continents through the boundary layer, or travel in the free troposphere and mix with the boundary layer from above, may explain the formation of large closed cells areas that are presently not recognized as originated by aerosol perturbations. The observations reported here pose a demanding test of the ability of cloud resolving models to replicate cloud‐aerosol interactions.
A new model for the spectral induced polarization signature of bacterial growth in porous media
Authors: Revil A. , Atekwana E. , Zhang C. , Jardani A. , Smith S.
Published: August 2012

The complex conductivity of porous materials and colloidal suspensions comprises two components: an in‐phase conductivity associated with electromigration of the charge carriers and a quadrature conductivity associated with the reversible storage of the charges at some polarization length scales. We developed a quantitative model to investigate the frequency domain induced polarization response of suspensions of bacteria and bacteria growth in porous media. Induced polarization of bacteria (α polarization) is related to the properties of the electrical double layer of the bacteria. Surface conductivity and α polarization are due to the Stern layer of counterions occurring in a brush of polymers coating the surface of the bacteria. These phenomena can be related to their cation exchange capacity. The mobility of the counterions in this Stern layer is found to be very small (4.7 × 10−10 m2 s−1 V−1 at 25°C). This implies a very low relaxation frequency for the αpolarization of the bacteria cells (typically around 0.1–5 Hz), in agreement with experimental observations. This new model can be coupled to reactive transport modeling codes in which the evolution of bacterial populations are usually described by Monod kinetics. We show that the growth rate and endogenous decay coefficients of bacteria in a porous sand can be inferred nonintrusively from time‐lapse frequency domain induced polarization data.
Non-adiabatic molecular dynamics with complex quantum trajectories. I. The diabatic representation
Authors: Zamstein Noa , Tannor David J.
Published: August 2012

We extend a recently developed quantum trajectory method [Y. Goldfarb, I. Degani, and D. J. Tannor, J. Chem. Phys. 125, 231103 (2006)]10.1063/1.2400851 to treat non-adiabatic transitions. Each trajectory evolves on a single surface according to Newton's laws with complex positions and momenta. The transfer of amplitude between surfaces stems naturally from the equations of motion, without the need for surface hopping. In this paper we derive the equations of motion and show results in the diabatic representation, which is rarely used in trajectory methods for calculating non-adiabatic dynamics. We apply our method to the first two benchmark models introduced by Tully [J. Chem. Phys. 93, 1061 (1990)]10.1063/1.459170. Besides giving the probability branching ratios between the surfaces, the method also allows the reconstruction of the time-dependent wavepacket. Our results are in quantitative agreement with converged quantum mechanical calculations.
Using the three-way catalyst monolith reactor for reducing exhaust emissions
Authors: Gokalp Burak
Published: August 2012

The monolith reactor was developed for the cleaning of exhaust gases from combustion processes, both in cars and large power plants. Nowadays, monolith reactors are increasingly being used, developed, evaluated in automotive and stationary emission control reactors such as power plants and new reactor applications such as chemical and refining processes, catalytic combustion, ozone abatement, and others. Monolith catalysts, mainstays in gas-phase automotive and environmental process applications, have found new potential in replacing three-phase slurry reactors for the production of specialty chemicals, especially when their advantages are fully utilized in recirculation loop approaches. This paper gives a general overview about monolith reactors’ benefits, fabrication, characteristics, and typical use in automotive industry. Several commercial product applications and new developments for use of monolith reactors in automotive, stationary, and chemical industry have been discussed. Different types of monolith reactor systems manufacturing, modeling, and application areas are specified with their advantages and disadvantages. Some experimental studies have been attached to compare monolith reactor types with conventional reactors.
Attractors generated from switching unstable dissipative systems
Authors: Campos-Cantón Eric , Femat Ricardo , Chen Guanrong
Published: August 2012

In this paper, we present a class of 3-D unstable dissipative systems, which are stable in two components but unstable in the other one. This class of systems is motivated by whirls, comprised of switching subsystems, which yield strange attractors from the combination of two unstable “one-spiral” trajectories by means of a switching rule. Each one of these trajectories moves around two hyperbolic saddle equilibrium points. Both theoretical and numerical results are provided for verification and demonstration.
Spin wave localization and softening in rod-shaped magnonic crystals with different terminations
Authors: Montoncello Federico , Giovannini Loris , Krawczyk Maciej
Published: August 2012

The spin dynamics of simple cubic arrays of magnetic dipoles with the shape of elongated prisms is investigated in dependence of their terminations (flat or cusp) and of the applied field. We used two different calculation approaches: in the first, we solve the Landau-Lisfshits equation of motion of planar arrangements of magnetic dipoles; the static magnetization of the array is supposed to be uniform along the direction of the applied field, and the calculated modes have nodal planes perpendicular to the magnetization. In the second approach, we use the dynamical matrix method, which is a micromagnetic method, considers the exact (non-uniform) magnetic equilibrium configuration, and returns the complete set of magnetic eigenvalues/eigenmodes. Calculations show the existence of modes with different localization: low frequency modes, localized at the prism ends, and high frequency bulk modes, including the fundamental or quasi-uniform mode. We studied the internal field profile as a function of the termination details, the localization of spin modes, in particular of the lowest frequency mode, and the space resolved density of states. Finally, we address the soft modes of these systems, showing their frequency vs. applied field behavior in relation to the discontinuity of the magnetization curve, and investigating the symmetry transfer from the soft mode profile to the static magnetization, with possible applications.
Role of Reynolds stress and toroidal momentum transport in the dynamics of internal transport barriers
Authors: Kim S. S. , Jhang Hogun , Diamond P. H.
Published: August 2012

We study the interplay between intrinsic rotation and internal transport barrier (ITB) dynamics through the dynamic change of the parallel Reynolds stress. Global flux-driven gyrofluid simulations are used for this study. In particular, we investigate the role of parallel velocity gradient instability (PVGI) in the ITB formation and the back transition. It is found that the excitation of PVGI is followed by a change in the Reynolds stress which drives a momentum redistribution. This significantly influences E×B shear evolution and subsequent ITB dynamics. Nonlocal interactions among fluctuations are also observed during the PVGI excitation, resulting in turbulence suppression at the ITB.
Survival from breast cancer: an analysis of Australian data by surgeon case load, treatment centre location, and health insurance status
Authors: Roder David , de Silva Primali , Zorbas Helen M. , Kollias James , Malycha Peter L. , Pyke Chris M. , Campbell Ian D.
Published: August 2012

Objective. Early invasive breast cancer data from the Australian National Breast Cancer Audit were used to compare case fatality by surgeon case load, treatment centre location and health insurance status. Method. Deaths were traced to 31 December 2007, for cancers diagnosed in 1998–2005. Risk of breast cancer death was compared using Cox proportional hazards regression. Results. When adjustment was made for age and clinical risk factors: (i) the relative risk of breast cancer death (95% confidence limit) was lower when surgeons’ annual case loads exceeded 20 cases, at 0.87 (0.76, 0.995) for 21–100 cases and 0.83 (0.72, 0.97) for higher case loads. These relative risks were not statistically significant when also adjusting for treatment centre location (P ≥ 0.15); and (ii) compared with major city centres, inner regional centres had a relative risk of 1.32 (1.18, 1.48), but the risk was not elevated for more remote sites at 0.95 (0.74, 1.22). Risk of death was not related to private insurance status. Conclusion. Higher breast cancer mortality in patients treated in inner regional than major city centres and in those treated by surgeons with lower case loads requires further study. What is known about the topic? Studies in some countries show an association of poorer outcomes with lower case load and lack of private health insurance. What does this paper add? Lower survivals apply in contemporary Australian environments where annual case loads are 20 or fewer and for patients treated in inner regional compared with major city centres. Poorer survivals for patients without private health insurance status are not statistically significant after adjusting for tumour size and other risk factors. What are the implications for practitioners? Additional research is needed to determine why survivals are lower in Australian settings where case loads are low and when treatment is provided in inner regional centres. Meanwhile, it would be appropriate to target these settings in quality improvement programs.
Incorporating educative environments into the holistic care of paediatric patients
Authors: Wilks Susan E , Green Julie B , Zazryn Tsharni R
Published: August 2012

Hospital settings can, and should, create educative spaces and learning opportunities as part of their holistic care for young patients. The purpose of this paper is to examine the evidence for creating high quality, child-centred learning environments within paediatric settings. We explore the impact of physical spaces on learning; the literature on developmental stages of learning for children and young people as it relates to learning environments; and the literature on learning in out-of-school settings, particularly as this applies to children who are separated from their daily communities. As all paediatric settings can create opportunities for the ongoing educational development of their patients, this paper presents a way forward for this approach to holistic care.

What is known about the topic?
Children and young people with health conditions are at a distinct disadvantage, both in terms of their health and their education.

What does this paper add?
This paper presents a way forward for paediatric settings to provide an environment that includes opportunities for educational development for their patients, as part of a more holistic model of service provision.

What are the implications for practitioners?
Practitioners need to understand the role and potential of hospital spaces for learning, and value the contribution a hospital can make to young patients’ ongoing learning.
High-molasses diets for intensive feeding of cattle
Authors: Hunter R. A.
Published: August 2012

Northern Australian production of molasses usually exceeds 1 million tonnes per year. Over half of this is exported, mostly from sugar mills in the far north. The establishment of a feedlot industry in northern Australia, based on molasses being the major energy-dense component of diets, is dependent on the formulation of diets that support liveweight gains (LWG) in excess of that achieved on good-quality forage diets. Three experiments were conducted with the aim of achieving LWGs in excess of 1 kg/day, measuring the eating quality of the beef and determining the long-term health of cattle fed high-molasses diets. In the first experiment, the inclusion rates of molasses were 30%, 45%, 60% and 72.5% of dietary DM. All diets were formulated to contain14% crude protein and, apart from the diet with 72.5% molasses, contained at least 12% roughage. The LWGs of Brahman steers, initial mean weight 299 kg, for the first 80 days of the feeding period were 1.3, 1.8, 1.6 and 1.1 kg/day respectively. The gains of the steers fed the 45% molasses diet were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those fed the 30% and 72.5% diets. Over the entire measurement period of 140 days, the LWGs were 1.2, 1.4, 1.5 and 1.2 kg/day respectively. Subjective assessment of meat eating quality by untrained panellists showed that beef from all treatments groups met the standard for a good everyday eating-quality rating by the Meat Standards Australia grading system. Treatment differences were not significant. No animal health issues were apparent. A second experiment investigated the progressive substitution of molasses by sorghum grain. Mean LWGs of Brahman steers over an 84-day feeding period were 1.2, 1.4, 1.4 and 1.4 kg/day for diets of molasses to grain proportions of 60 : 0, 40 : 20, 20 : 40 and 5 : 55 respectively. There were no significant treatment differences for LWGs, feed conversion efficiencies and meat-eating quality. A third experiment determined that cattle have the capacity to excrete the high potassium (K) load associated with high-molasses diets, with urine being the major route of excretion. It was concluded that high-molasses diets could be used for intensive feeding of cattle.
Synthesis of Symmetrical, Substituted (alkane-α,ω-diyl)(bis[3,3′-allyl dithioethers]) Monomers for Photoplastic Polymer Networks
Authors: Moorhoff Cornelis M. , Cook Wayne D. , Schiller Tara , Braybrook Carl , Thang San H.
Published: August 2012

Novel symmetrical (alkane-α,ω-diyl)(bis[3,3′-allyl dithioethers]) compounds and their ether analogues, have been synthesised from (alkane-α,ω-diyl)bis([2-{chloromethyl}allyl]sulfane) precursors, for use in crosslinked polymers which exhibit photoplastic behaviour. Facile synthesis and purification of these monomers was achieved if the alkane-α,ω-diyl moiety had at least one oxygen atom in this linker. The number of sulfur atoms in these monomers was varied from four to two to zero to produce monomers which can be used to evaluate their importance on the photoplasticity behaviour.
RAFT Copolymerization of Styrene/Divinylbenzene in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Jaramillo-Soto Gabriel , Vivaldo-Lima Eduardo
Published: August 2012

An experimental study on the kinetics of the reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) dispersion copolymerization with crosslinking of styrene and divinylbenzene in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) is presented. This is the first time that such a controlled polymer network synthesis is carried out in scCO2. S-Thiobenzoyl thioglycolic acid (TBTGA) and dibenzoyl peroxide were used as RAFT agent and initiator, respectively. The polymerizations were carried out in a high pressure cell with lateral sapphire windows at 80°C. The effect of RAFT agent concentration, including the case without RAFT controller, on polymerization rate, molecular weight development, gel fraction, swelling index, and particle morphology was analysed.
Grapevine rootstock effects on scion biomass are not associated with large modifications of primary shoot growth under nonlimiting conditions in the first year of growth
Authors: Cookson Sarah Jane , Hevin Cyril , Donnart Martine , Ollat Nathalie
Published: August 2012

In grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.), rootstocks are known to alter scion development by modifying stem weight and yield. The aim of this work was to evaluate the contribution of primary growth to the rootstock effects on scion biomass. The shoot growth of Vitis vinifera cv. Cabernet Sauvignon N autografted and grafted onto Vitis riparia cv. Riparia Gloire de Montpellier and Vitis berlandieri × V. rupestris cv. 1103 Paulsen was studied in young plants grown in pots trained to one stem in two experiments. Stem elongation and phytomer emergence were studied from grafting until the end of the growth season. The elongation of the Cabernet Sauvignon N leaves, tendrils and internodes of each phytomer along the stem was fitted using sigmoid curves. The rootstocks studied slightly altered the growth dynamics of the leaves, internodes and tendrils of the scion. This is the first study to examine the effect of rootstocks on shoot growth dynamics in any species. The alterations in primary growth were small, suggesting that rootstocks may alter scion biomass principally by modifying secondary growth.
Genetic characterisation and taxonomy of species of Anisakis (Nematoda:Anisakidae) parasitic in Australian marine mammals
Authors: Shamsi Shokoofeh , Gasser Robin , Beveridge Ian
Published: August 2012

Three species of Anisakis from Australian marine mammals, including Anisakis brevispiculata, A. simplex C and A. pegreffii, are described and characterised genetically on the basis of sequence data for the first and second internal transcribed spacers (ITS-1 and ITS-2) of nuclear rDNA. Parasite specimens were collected from Delphinus delphis, Tursiops truntatus and Kogia sima in Australia. A. brevispiculata is reported for the first time in Australia. However, analyses of sequence data suggests that A. brevispiculata in Australia is genetically distinct from specimens considered to represent the same species from other parts of the world. Fourth larval and adult stages of A. pegreffii were found in dolphins. Assigning larvae to A. pegreffii was based on the ITS-1 and ITS-2 sequences. A description of these larvae also is provided. Furthermore, fourth-stage larvae of A. simplex C were found in Kogia sima. Alignments of ITS-1 and ITS-2 sequences for members of A. simplex sensu lato revealed that nucleotide differences in ITS-1 can be used to differentiate among members of A. simplex sensu lato. This study reinforces the use of a combined molecular and morphological approach for the specific identification of anisakid nematodes.
Behavior in a Spatially Explicit Groundwater Resource: Evidence from the Lab
Authors: Suter Jordan F. , Duke Joshua M. , Messer Kent D. , Michael Holly A.
Published: August 2012

This research uses laboratory experiments to examine how hydrogeologic properties of groundwater models influence decision making. The results reveal that pumping rates are highest when the underlying model is such that the future costs of groundwater use are broadcast evenly to all users, as a majority of participants behave myopically. There is less myopic behavior when the groundwater dynamics are governed by spatially explicit models, where the private cost of groundwater use is high relative to external costs. These results suggest that models used to simulate common‐pool resource dynamics play an important role in determining both economic predictions and behavioral outcomes.
Spillovers, Efficiency, and Productivity Growth in Advertising
Authors: Giannakas Konstantinos , Karagiannis Giannis , Tzouvelekas Vangelis
Published: August 2012

We develop a tractable theoretical framework for analyzing the effect of advertising efficiency and spillovers on productivity growth in advertising. Maintaining the separability assumption between sales and production technology, the proposed methodology relies on sales cost function decomposition of advertising productivity and the duality between media distance and sales cost functions. Utilizing a flexible Translog distance function, the methodology is applied to the advertising activity of meat processing firms in Greece during 1983‐2008. Changes in allocative efficiency, scale economies, and, to a lesser extent, technical change and advertising spillovers were the most important drivers of productivity growth during the period analyzed.
Statin therapy and clinical outcomes in myocardial infarction patients complicated by acute heart failure: insights from the EPHESUS trial
Authors: Dobre Daniela , Rossignol Patrick , Murin Jan , Parkhomenko Alexander , Lamiral Zohra , Krum Henry , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Pitt Bertram , Zannad Faiez
Published: August 2012

Aims

Several clinical trials have shown that in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), statin therapy improves cardiovascular (CV) outcomes, but in these trials patients with acute heart failure (HF) were excluded or only a few were included. In patients with chronic HF, statin therapy does not reduce all‐cause or CV mortality. We aimed to assess the association between statin therapy and clinical outcomes in the setting of acute HF with systolic dysfunction complicating acute MI.

Methods and results

We performed a post‐hoc analysis in 6632 patients included in the EPHESUS trial. The mean age of patients was 64 years and 71% were male. Overall, 47% of patients had a statin prescribed at baseline. Cox regression models and a secondary analysis using propensity score matching were fit to assess the association between statin prescription and clinical outcomes. During a mean follow‐up of 16 ± 7 months, all‐cause death occurred in 385 (12%) patients with and in 647 (18%) patients without a statin (P < 0.001). After extensive adjustment, the risk of all‐cause death was 20% lower in patients on statin [hazard ratio (HR) 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69–0.92, P = 0.001]. This positive association was mostly due to a lower risk of CV death (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.65–0.88, P = 0.0002). In contrast, statin use was associated with a higher risk of non‐CV hospitalizations (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02–1.33, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that patients with acute HF complicating acute MI may benefit from being on statin therapy. Prospective clinical trials are required to validate these findings.
Effects of the impact of a low temperature nitrogen jet on metallic surfaces
Authors: Laribou H. , Fressengeas C. , Entemeyer D. , Jeanclaude V. , Pesci R. , Tazibt A.
Published: August 2012

The technology of nitrogen jets impacting surfaces at low temperature has recently been introduced for surface cleaning/stripping. Under the impact of the jet, the material surface undergoes a thermomechanical shock inducing complex transformation mechanisms. Depending on the material and test parameters such as standoff distance, dwell time, upstream pressure, the latter include cleavage, cracking, spalling, blistering, grain fragmentation, phase transformation and ductile deformation. Quite often, these modes are superimposed in the same test, or even in the same material area. In this study, an overview of these mechanisms is proposed for metallic materials. Measurements of thermomechanical variables in the impacted area are presented and the influence of the test parameters on surface transformation is investigated. Grain fragmentation and ultrafast transport of nitrogen in a deep layer below the surface are explored.
Morphology of the Myoepithelial Cell: Immunohistochemical Characterization from Resting to Motile Phase
Authors: Beha Germana , Sarli Giuseppe , Brunetti Barbara , Sassi Francesco , Ferrara Domenico , Benazzi Cinzia
Published: August 2012

Myoepithelium is present in canine mammary tumors as resting and proliferative suprabasal and spindle and stellate interstitial cells. The aim of this paper was to evaluate a panel of markers for the identification of four different myoepithelial cell morphological types in the normal and neoplastic mammary gland and to investigate immunohistochemical changes from an epithelial to a mesenchymal phenotype. Cytokeratin 19 (CK19), cytokeratin 5/6 (CK5/6), cytokeratin 14 (CK14), estrogen receptor (ER), p63 protein, vimentin (VIM), andα-smooth muscle actin (Alpha-SMA) antibodies were used on 29 neoplasms (3 benign and 3 malignant myoepithelial tumors, 7 carcinomas in benign-mixed tumors and 16 complex carcinomas) and on normal tissue of mammary glands. All these antibodies were also tested on 3 mammary tissues from animals with no mammary pathology. The myoepithelial markers were well expressed in the suprabasal cells and gradually lost in the motile types, with the stellate cells maintaining only VIM expression typical of mesenchyma. ER labeled some resting and motile myoepithelial cells. On the basis of our results, we propose a transition from myoepithelial immotile cells into migratory fibroblast-like cells. This transition and the characterization of an immunohistochemical panel for resting and motile myoepithelial cells shed more light on the biological behavior of myoepithelial cells.
The 40 m general purpose small-angle neutron scattering instrument at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Authors: Wignall George D. , Littrell Kenneth C. , Heller William T. , Melnichenko Yuri B. , Bailey Kathy M. , Lynn Gary W. , Myles Dean A. , Urban Volker S. , Buchanan Michelle V. , Selby Douglas L. , Butler Paul D.
Published: August 2012

A series of upgrades have been undertaken at the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, including the installation of a supercritical hydrogen moderator (T≃ 20 K), which has boosted the flux of long-wavelength neutrons by over two orders of magnitude. In order to take advantage of the new capabilities, a 40 m-long small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) instrument has been constructed, which utilizes a mechanical velocity selector, pinhole collimation and a high-count-rate (>105 Hz) large-area (1 m2) two-dimensional position-sensitive detector. The incident wavelength (λ), resolution (Δλ/λ), incident collimation and sample-to-detector distance are independently variable under computer control. The detector can be moved up to 45 cm off-axis to increase the overallQrange [<0.001 <Q= (4π/λ)sinθ < 1 Å−1, where 2θ is the angle of scatter]. The design and characteristics of this instrument are described, along with examples of scattering data to illustrate the performance.
Digital topography with an X-ray CCD camera for characterizing perfection in protein crystals
Authors: Wako Kei , Kimura Kunio , Yamamoto Yu , Sawaura Takuya , Shen Mengyuan , Tachibana Masaru , Kojima Kenichi
Published: August 2012

Digital X-ray topography using an X-ray CCD camera and conventional X-ray topography using X-ray film were used to investigate tetragonal hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL) crystals. Previously, clear dislocation images of protein crystals were mainly obtained by film methods. Earlier studies of HEWL crystals using an X-ray CCD camera mainly revealed domain structures. In the present study, dislocation images of the same HEWL crystal have been obtained by using conventional X-ray film and a digital X-ray CCD camera. The results demonstrate that digital topography using an X-ray CCD camera is an effective method for characterizing protein crystals. A series of digital topographic images were analyzed by the method developed by Lovelace, Murphy, Pahl, Brister & Borgstahl [J. Appl. Cryst.(2006),39, 425–432]. Sub-peaks and peak broadening originating from dislocations in local rocking curves were observed. Moreover, the crystal perfection was evaluated by mapping the angular positions of the maximums and the full widths at half-maximum of local rocking curves.
Efficacy and Safety of Standard‐Dose Versus Half‐Dose Tirofiban in Patients with Non‐ST Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes Undergoing Early Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Li Wei , Fu Xianghua , Xue Haiwei , Wang Yanbo , Wang Xuechao , Zhao Yujun , Geng Wei , Yang Zengxin , Gu Xinshun , Hao Guozhen , Jiang Yunfa , Fan Weize , Wu Weili , Li Shiqiang
Published: August 2012

Introduction

To explore the optimal dosage of tirofiban associated with double benefits of efficacy and safety in patients with non‐ST elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE‐ACS) undergoing early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Aims

A total of 163 patients were included in this study (78 in SD group versus 85 in HD group). In SD (HD) group, tirofiban was administered intravenously with a bolus dose of 10 (5) μg/kg within 3 min and followed by continuous intravenous infusion of 0.15 (0.075) μg/kg/min for 48 h. Within 24 h on admission, patients underwent CAG or CAG+PCI. The angiographic results (initial TIMI, final TIMI/CTFC/TMPG) were evaluated. Platelet aggregation rate (PAR) was measured before and 2, 24, 48 h after bolus tirofiban. MACEs were evaluated at 7‐day, 30‐day, and 6‐month follow‐up. Bleeding was observed at 7 days.

Results

The proportions of TIMI grade 3 seemed higher in SD group before and after PCI followed by a better myocardial perfusion, but not statistically different (P = 0.26/0.08). PAR was lower in SD group than that in HD group at 2 h after bolus tirofiban (P = 0.03). MACEs were not statistically different at 7, 30 day, and 6 month in two groups. The incidence of minor bleeding was significantly lower in HD group than that in SD group (8.2% vs. 20.5%, P = 0.04). The risk of bleeding would increase under the conditions of decreased PAR, increased dose of tirofiban and decreased CCr.

Conclusion

Half‐dose tirofiban was not inferior to standard‐dose in efficacy, what is more, half‐dose tirofiban showed a better safety characteristic of lower bleeding risk. Therefore, half‐dose tirofiban is recommended to patients with NSTE‐ACS undergoing early PCI.
Drug‐induced QT interval prolongation: does ethnicity of the thorough QT study population matter?
Authors: Shah Rashmi R.
Published: August 2012

Inter‐ethnic differences in drug responses have been well documented. Drug‐induced QT interval prolongation is a major safety concern and therefore, regulatory authorities recommend a clinical thorough QT study (TQT) to investigate new drugs for their QT‐prolonging potential. A positive study, determined by breach of a preset regulatory threshold, significantly influences late phase clinical trials by requiring intense ECG monitoring. A few studies that are currently available, although not statistically conclusive at present, question the assumption that ethnicity of the study population may not influence the outcome of a TQT study. Collective consideration of available pharmacogenetic and clinical information suggests that there may be inter‐ethnic differences in QT‐prolonging effects of drugs and that Caucasians may be more sensitive than other populations. The information also suggest s that (a) these differences may depend on the QT‐prolonging potency of the drug and (b) exposure–response (E–R) analysis may be more sensitive than simple changes in QTc interval in unmasking this difference. If the QT response in Caucasians is generally found to be more intense than in non‐Caucasians, there may be significant regulatory implications for domestic acceptance of data from a TQT study conducted in foreign populations. However, each drug will warrant an individual consideration when extrapolating the results of a TQT studyfrom one ethnic population to another and the ultimate clinical relevance of any difference. Further adequately designed and powered studies, investigating the pharmacologic properties and E–R relationships of additional drugs with different potencies, are needed in Caucasians, Oriental/Asian and African populations before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Use of multiple linear regression and logistic regression models to investigate changes in birthweight for term singleton infants in Scotland
Authors: Bonellie Sandra R
Published: August 2012

Aim.  To illustrate the use of regression and logistic regression models to investigate changes over time in size of babies particularly in relation to social deprivation, age of the mother and smoking.

Background.  Mean birthweight has been found to be increasing in many countries in recent years, but there are still a group of babies who are born with low birthweights.

Design.  Population‐based retrospective cohort study.

Method.  Multiple linear regression and logistic regression models are used to analyse data on term ‘singleton births’ from Scottish hospitals between 1994–2003.

Results.  Mothers who smoke are shown to give birth to lighter babies on average, a difference of approximately 0·57 Standard deviations lower (95% confidence interval. 0·55–0·58) when adjusted for sex and parity. These mothers are also more likely to have babies that are low birthweight (odds ratio 3·46, 95% confidence interval 3·30–3·63) compared with non‐smokers. Low birthweight is 30% more likely where the mother lives in the most deprived areas compared with the least deprived, (odds ratio 1·30, 95% confidence interval 1·21–1·40).

Conclusions.  Smoking during pregnancy is shown to have a detrimental effect on the size of infants at birth. This effect explains some, though not all, of the observed socioeconomic birthweight. It also explains much of the observed birthweight differences by the age of the mother.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Identifying mothers at greater risk of having a low birthweight baby as important implications for the care and advice this group receives.
Abrupt early Eocene global climatic change as a control of carbonate facies and diagenesis: a new record of the Palaeocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum in the Umm er Radhuma Formation, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait
Authors: Pollitt David A. , Anthonissen Erik , Saller Arthur H. , BouDagher‐Fadel Marcelle K. , Dickson J. A. D.
Published: August 2012

Terra Nova, 24, 487–498, 2012

Records of the Palaeocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) and associated Carbon Isotope Excursion (CIE) are relatively rare in shallow‐ marine carbonates when compared with those from other regimes, and it remains unclear exactly what effect this global climatic event had upon the widespread epeiric carbonate platforms of the Palaeogene. In this study, we demonstrate that the Umm er Radhuma Formation in the Wafra field, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, shows a carbon isotope profile consistent with the CIE that can be correlated globally and further, that global climate change during and subsequent to the PETM exerted a fundamental control on primary depositional facies and subsequent diagenesis. The Palaeocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum was a brief hyper‐thermal event marking the onset of sustained high global temperatures during the Early Eocene. This warm period increased aridity in epeiric carbonate platform interiors of what is now the Middle East, affecting composition of depositional facies and the precipitation of early dolomite. This is demonstrated through the use of new data from the Umm er Radhuma Formation, Wafra field, Partitioned Zone, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Biostratigraphy and carbon isotope profiles have been used to constrain the position of the PETM and Carbon Isotope Excursion; a distinct ∼2–3‰ negative spike. The observed excursion is demonstrated to correlate globally and provides age dating of this regionally important succession. Core and thin‐section data show marked restriction of facies across the PETM, evidence of increasing aridity reflected in proportion of evaporite precipitates and a stratigraphically restricted non‐mimetic dolomite coeval to the CIE that is interpreted to relate to a change in the rate of dolomite precipitation. This work provides an example of how a global environmental event is manifest in depositional and early diagenetic changes in marine carbonates.
Non‐invasive imaging of living kidney donors: intraindividual comparison of multislice computed tomography angiography with magnetic resonance angiography
Authors: Liefeldt Lutz , Klüner Claudia , Glander Petra , Giessing Markus , Budde Klemens , Taupitz Matthias , Rogalla Patrik , Kroencke Thomas J.
Published: August 2012

Background

Evaluation of vascular variants is crucial for donor assessment prior to living kidney transplantation. Both contrast‐enhanced (CE) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and multislice computed tomography (MSCT) are currently used for imaging living kidney donors. Aim of this study was the comparison of the accuracy of MSCT angiography and CE‐MRA for the assessment of renal vascular anatomy.

Methods

Prospective study at a university transplant center including 65 potential living kidney donors. Pre‐operative imaging by MSCT angiography and CE‐MRA was correlated with the findings of laparoscopic donor nephrectomy in 48 donors.

Results

MSCT detected significantly more patients and more kidneys with accessory arteries than CE‐MRA (p < 0.05). MSCT and CE‐MRA performed similarly in identifying venous and ureteral abnormalities. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for identifying accessory arteries were 85%/97%/94% for MSCT and 54%/97%/85% for CE‐MRA. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the identification of supernumerary veins were 67%/95%/92% for MSCT and 67%/98%/94% for CE‐MRA, respectively.

Conclusion

We found MSCT angiography to be more sensitive and accurate than CE‐MRA in the detection of supernumerary arteries prior to living donor nephrectomy.
The pathogenesis of acute allograft dysfunction in desensitized renal transplant recipients
Authors: Singh N. , Sun Q. , Nadasdy T. , Adams P. , DiPaola N.R. , Pesavento T. , Winters H. , Satoskar A. , Yu Z. , Henry M. , Hadley G.A. , Pelletier R.P.
Published: August 2012

Background

Acute allograft rejection after HLA desensitization is common early post‐transplant but the sequence of histopathologic changes leading to graft dysfunction has not been well defined.

Methods

We evaluated the early pathogenesis and sequence of antibody‐mediated graft damage of 35 desensitized living donor kidney recipients by studying the course of biopsies taken in the very early post‐transplant period (<1 month).

Results

A total of 14 of the 35 patients met criteria for acute antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR). In these patients, the chronologic sequence of pathologic changes was C4d peritubular capillary deposition, acute tubular injury, and peritubular capillaritis, followed by glomerulitis and interstitial inflammation. Classic AMR lesions occurred early, followed by mononuclear cellular infiltration, which comprised CD4 and CD8 T cells and monocytes. Development of graft dysfunction in most patients occurred concurrently with the emergence of graft cellular infiltration, rather than at the earlier time of antibody deposition as detected via C4d deposition.

Conclusion

These data provide novel insight into the sequence of pathologic changes in patients with AMR post‐transplant after HLA desensitization.
First isolation of pine wood nematode from Pinus tabuliformis forests in China
Authors: Shi J. , Chen F. , Luo Y‐Q. , Wang Z. , Xie B‐Y.
Published: August 2012

Previous risk prediction studies have mostly shown that suitable areas for pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (PWN), in China are mainly concentrated in eastern and southern China, with pest reaching no further northern than the Yangtze River basin. The Chinese pine (Pinus tabuliformis, Chinese pine or Chinese red pine) is the main, native, afforestation species in areas to the north of the Yangtze River basin. To our knowledge, there is no report on PWN infecting Chinese pines in the north of the Yangtze. In this study, we used Baermann funnel method and several PCR primers to detect the presence of PWN in Chinese pine forest fields in 2010 in Shaanxi, China, which is far to the north of the Yangtze River and a cause for concern. Pinus koraiensis (Korean pine) may also be at risk and should also be monitored to prevent invasion by PWN.