bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linkage between the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and the low frequency variability of the Pacific Subtropical Cell
Authors: Hong Lingya , Zhang Liping , Chen Zhaohui , Wu Lixin
Published: May 2014

The decadal variability of Pacific Subtropical Cell (STC) and its linkages with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) are investigated in the present study based on a Simple Ocean Data Assimilation (SODA 2.2.4). It is found that, on decadal time scales, the western boundary and interior pycnocline transports are anticorrelated and the variation of the interior component is more significant, which is consistent with previous studies. The decadal variability of STC in the Northern Hemisphere is found to be strongly associated with PDO. Associated with a positive (negative) phase of PDO, the relaxation (acceleration) of the northeast trades slows down (spins up) the STC within a few years through baroclinic adjustment in conjunction with the subduction of the cold (warm) mixed‐layer anomalies in the extratropics. The cold (warm) water is then injected into the thermocline and advected further southwestward to the tropics along the isopycnal surfaces, leading to the slowdown (spin‐up) of STC due to zonal pressure gradient change at low latitude. Along with the STC weakening (strengthening), a significant warming (cold) anomaly appears in the tropics and it is advected to the midlatitude by the Kuroshio and North Pacific currents, thus feeding back to the atmosphere over the North Pacific. In contrast to the Northern Hemisphere, it is found the STC in the south only passively responds to the PDO. The mechanism found here highlights the role of the STC advection of extratropical anomalies to the tropics and horizontal gyre advection of the tropical anomalies to the extratropics in decadal variability of the STC and PDO.
A multi tracer analysis of thermosphere to stratosphere descent triggered by the 2013 Stratospheric Sudden Warming
Authors: Bailey S. M. , Thurairajah B. , Randall C. E. , Holt L. , Siskind D. E. , Harvey V. L. , Venkataramani K. , Hervig M. E. , Rong P. , Russell J. M.
Published: May 2014

Arctic winter observations in 2013 by the Solar Occultation for Ice Experiment (SOFIE) show significant transport from the lower‐thermosphere to the stratosphere of air enriched in nitric oxide, but depleted in water and methane. The transport is triggered by the Stratospheric Sudden Warming (SSW) on 11 January and is continuously tracked for over 3 months. Ultimately, evidence for lower thermospheric air is seen at 40 km in mid‐April. Area integrated nitric oxide (NO) fluxes are compared with previous events in 2004, 2006, and 2009, to show that this event is the second largest in the past 10 years. The SOFIE data are combined with a meteorological analysis to infer descent rates from 40 to 90 km. The descent profile initially peaks near 75 km, shifting downward by approximately 5 km per 10 days. Our work demonstrates the utility of SOFIE tracer measurements in diagnosing vertical transport from the stratosphere to the edge of space.
Developing a self‐consistent description of Titan's upper atmosphere without hydrodynamic escape
Authors: Bell Jared M. , Hunter Waite J. , Westlake Joseph H. , Bougher Stephen W. , Ridley Aaron J. , Perryman Rebecca , Mandt Kathleen
Published: May 2014

In this study, we develop a best fit description of Titan's upper atmosphere between 500 km and 1500 km, using a one‐dimensional (1‐D) version of the three‐dimensional (3‐D) Titan Global Ionosphere‐Thermosphere Model. For this modeling, we use constraints from several lower atmospheric Cassini‐Huygens investigations and validate our simulation results against in situ Cassini Ion‐Neutral Mass Spectrometer (INMS) measurements of N2, CH4, H2, 40Ar, HCN, and the major stable isotopic ratios of 14N/15N in N2. We focus our investigation on aspects of Titan's upper atmosphere that determine the amount of atmospheric escape required to match the INMS measurements: the amount of turbulence, the inclusion of chemistry, and the effects of including a self‐consistent thermal balance. We systematically examine both hydrodynamic escape scenarios for methane and scenarios with significantly reduced atmospheric escape. Our results show that the optimum configuration of Titan's upper atmosphere is one with a methane homopause near 1000 km and atmospheric escape rates of 1.41–1.47 ×1011 CH4 m−2 s−1 and 1.08 ×1014 H2 m−2 s−1 (scaled relative to the surface). We also demonstrate that simulations consistent with hydrodynamic escape of methane systematically produce inferior fits to the multiple validation points presented here.
The effect of the thermosphere on quiet time plasmasphere morphology
Authors: Krall J. , Huba J. D. , Denton R. E. , Crowley G. , Wu T.‐W.
Published: May 2014

The Naval Research Laboratory SAMI3 (Sami3 is Also a Model of the Ionosphere) code is used to model observed plasmasphere dynamics for 1–5 February 2001, a period of quiet time refilling. The SAMI3 model is driven at high latitudes by the magnetospheric potential calculated by the Weimer05 empirical model, using the observed solar wind. At middle‐to‐low latitudes, the self‐consistent dynamo potential is included, driven by specified winds. During this quiet period we find that the shape of the plasmasphere, at any given time, varies significantly with the wind model even as a similar degree of model‐data agreement is recovered for each of the three wind models used. Diurnal oscillations in the model electron density, which are strong when plotted at fixed magnetic local time, are consistent with the degree of variation seen in the measured densities. In all three cases, SAMI3 compares favorably to the electron density measured in situ by the Imager for Magnetopause‐to‐Aurora Global Exploration spacecraft. Results with no winds or with specific wind effects excluded show that wind‐driven E × B drifts shape the plasmasphere, relative to a round plasmasphere with no winds, and reduce the refilling rate, relative to the higher refilling rate found without winds.
Jointly deriving NMR surface relaxivity and pore size distributions by NMR relaxation experiments on partially desaturated rocks
Authors: Mohnke O.
Published: May 2014

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry is a geophysical method widely used in borehole and laboratory applications to nondestructively infer transport and storage properties of rocks and soils as it is directly sensitive to the water/oil content and pore sizes. However, for inferring pore sizes, NMR relaxometry data need to be calibrated with respect to a surface interaction parameter, surface relaxivity, which depends on the type and mineral constituents of the investigated rock. This study introduces an inexpensive and quick alternative to the classical calibration methods, e.g., mercury injection, pulsed field gradient (PFG) NMR, or grain size analysis, which allows for jointly estimating NMR surface relaxivity and pore size distributions using NMR relaxometry data from partially desaturated rocks. Hereby, NMR relaxation experiments are performed on the fully saturated sample and on a sample partially drained at a known differential pressure. Based on these data, the (capillary) pore radius distribution and surface relaxivity are derived by joint optimization of the Brownstein‐Tarr and the Young‐Laplace equation assuming parallel capillaries. Moreover, the resulting pore size distributions can be used to predict water retention curves. This inverse modeling approach—tested and validated using NMR relaxometry data measured on synthetic porous borosilicate samples with known petrophysical properties (i.e., permeability, porosity, inner surfaces, pore size distributions)—yields consistent and reproducible estimates of surface relaxivity and pore radii distributions. Also, subsequently calculated water retention curves generally correlate well with measured water retention curves.
The concept of field capacity revisited: Defining intrinsic static and dynamic criteria for soil internal drainage dynamics
Authors: Assouline Shmuel , Or Dani
Published: May 2014

Across many soil types and conditions, post wetting soil internal drainage exhibits predictable dynamics that lead to a stable and repeatable hydration state termed “field capacity” (FC). Soil regulation of internal drainage toward FC has long been recognized as producing a useful hydrologic benchmark for modeling and for estimation of plant available soil water. To overcome ambiguities and inconsistencies in various ad hoc definitions of FC, we propose using a soil intrinsic characteristic length (a matric potential value derived from drainable soil pore size distribution) to characterize the loss of hydraulic continuity associated with the attainment of FC. The resulting static criterion for FC was extended to formulate a self‐consistent dynamic criterion based on soil internal drainage dynamics. A systematic evaluation of the proposed definitions of FC using numerical simulations and experimental data reveals remarkable consistency and predictability across a wide range of soil types. The new metrics add definitiveness and robustness of this widely used concept with potential expansion to additional agronomic, hydrologic, ecological, and climatic applications.
Mapping bone cell distributions to assess ontogenetic origin of primate midfacial form
Authors: Smith Timothy D. , Kentzel Ethan S. , Cunningham Jayna M. , Bruening Amanda E. , Jankord Kathryn D. , Trupp Sara J. , Bonar Christopher J. , Rehorek Susan J. , DeLeon Valerie B.
Published: May 2014

Midfacial reduction in primates has been explained as a byproduct of other growth patterns, especially the convergent orbits. This is at once an evolutionary and developmental explanation for relatively short snouts in most modern primates. Here, we use histological sections of perinatal nonhuman primates (tamarin, tarsier, loris) to investigate how orbital morphology emerges during ontogeny in selected primates compared to another euarchontan (Tupaia glis). We annotated serial histological sections for location of osteoclasts or osteoblasts, and used these to create three‐dimensional “modeling maps” showing perinatal growth patterns of the facial skeleton. In addition, in one specimen we transferred annotations from histological sections to CT slices, to create a rotatable 3D volume that shows orbital modeling. Our findings suggest that growth in the competing orbital and neurocranial functional matrices differs among species, influencing modeling patterns. Distinctions among species are observed in the frontal bone, at a shared interface between the endocranial fossa and the orbit. The medial orbital wall is extensively resorptive in primates, whereas the medial orbit is generally depositional in Tupaia. As hypothesized, the orbital soft tissues encroach on available interorbital space. However, eye size cannot, by itself, explain the extent of reduction of the olfactory recess. In Loris, the posterior portion of medial orbit differed from the other primates. It showed evidence of outward drift where the olfactory bulb increased in cross‐sectional area. We suggest the olfactory bulbs are significant to orbit position in strepsirrhines, influencing an expanded interorbital breadth at early stages of development. Am J Phys Anthropol 154:424–435, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Temporal trends in femoral diaphyseal torsional asymmetry among the Arikara associated with postural behavior
Authors: Wescott Daniel J. , Cunningham Deborah L. , Hunt David R.
Published: May 2014

Average femoral torsion has been reported to differ among populations, and several studies have observed a relatively high prevalence of femoral anteversion asymmetry in Native Americans, especially females. This study investigates sexual dimorphism and temporal trends in femoral torsional asymmetry among the Arikara from the seventeenth to the early nineteenth century. To establish if there are population differences, femoral torsion was first measured using a direct method on a diverse comparative sample of Native Americans from the Southwest, Midwest, and Great Plains as well as American Whites and Blacks. To examine temporal trends among the Arikara, femoral torsion was examined using the orientation of the maximum bending rigidity at subtrochanteric in 154 females and 164 males from three temporal variants of the Arikara Coalescent tradition. There is significant sexual dimorphism in femoral torsional directional and absolute asymmetry among most Native American samples, but not among American Whites and Blacks. Among the Arikara there is significant sexual dimorphism in femoral torsional asymmetry in all three temporal variants, and asymmetry in femoral torsional asymmetry increased significantly from the protohistoric to the early historic period among females. The increased femoral torsional asymmetry is likely associated with a common side‐sitting posture observed in historic photographs of Great Plains females. Historic Arikara females may have habitually sat in this compulsory position for extended periods while conducting domestic chores. The dramatic change from the protohistoric to historic period suggests a cultural change in sitting posture among females that was widespread across the Northern Plains. Am J Phys Anthropol 154:512–524, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fluorescence methods (VistaCam iX proof and DIAGNODent pen) for the detection of occlusal carious lesions in teeth recovered from archaeological context
Authors: Tomczyk Jacek , Komarnitki Julian , Zalewska Marta , Lekszycki Tomasz , Olczak‐Kowalczyk Dorota
Published: May 2014

Diagnosis of occlusal enamel caries in archaeologically derived collections remains a controversial problem because the accumulation of contaminants in fissures can interfere with diagnosis. Certain novel light‐induced fluorescence methods, such as the DIAGNODent pen 2190 (DD) and VistaCam iX Proof (VC), have been used to detect dental caries in clinical settings. In this study, the abilities of DD and VC to detect initial enamel caries in archaeologically derived material is determined and compared with those of other methods (visual inspection, X‐ray, histology, and micro‐CT). Dental material encompassing the remains of 58 individuals, including a total of 380 teeth from each of three historical periods: modern Islamic (AD 1850–1950), Islamic (AD 600–1200) and late Roman (AD 200–400), obtained from two archaeological sites (Terqa and Tell Masaikh) located in the Middle Euphrates valley (Syria), were analyzed. VC was found to have excellent sensitivity (98), while DD obtained lower sensitivity (76) in detecting dental caries in its early stages. The results obtained by VC and micro‐CT, considered the most reliable imaging technique, were not statistically significant (P = 0.3068). By contrast, results obtained by DD and micro‐CT results, and DD and VC results were statistically significant (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0015, respectively). However the presence of dirt, stain, calculus, and plaque in the pits and fissures of the occlusal surface compromise correct diagnosis of caries by VC and DD. Consequently, for teeth recovered from archaeological contexts where staining, calculus and plaque are present, the best solution remains micro‐CT. Am J Phys Anthropol 154:525–534, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluation of effective parameters for the synthesis of poly(propylene fumarate) by response surface methodology
Authors: Shahbazi Sara , Jafari Yaser , Moztarzadeh Fathollah , Mir Mohamad Sadeghi Gity
Published: May 2014

Poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) is an unsaturated linear polyester, which was synthesized for potential applications in filling skeletal defects. The synthesis was carried out according to a two‐step polymerization reaction. In this research, a functional relationship among three reaction factors [temperature, reaction time, and stoichiometry of the monomers] in the PPF synthesis was established by responses of the surface methodology/central composite design (CCD). After that, on the basis of the responses of CCD [increasing intensity ratio of the CH/OH peaks in Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra], designed substances were synthesized and analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy. The synthesized PPF, based on the optimized synthesis conditions from CCD, had a high molecular weight, low hydroxyl group content, and optimum viscosity. According to the CCD response, the best product was obtained through with a molar ratio of diethyl fumarate/propylene glycol/ZnCl2/hydroquinone of 1:3.5:0.01:0.002 and a 17‐h reaction time at 140°C. Eventually, the synthesized PPF was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, NMR, and gel permeation chromatography analyses. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40932.
Relationship between working memory performance and neural activation measured using near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Ogawa Yutaro , Kotani Kiyoshi , Jimbo Yasuhiko
Published: May 2014

Background

Working memory (WM) is a key function for various cognitive processes. Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a powerful technique for noninvasive functional imaging. However, a study has yet to be published on the application of NIRS for evaluating WM performance. The objective was to evaluate NIRS for measuring WM performance.

Methods

Subjects were trained to perform a visuospatial WM task. Eight channels on the lateral prefrontal cortex were analyzed. We asked the following three questions: (1) Does WM performance correlate with NIRS signal amplitudes? (2) What are the differences in NIRS amplitudes between correct‐ and incorrect‐WM tasks? (3) Is there a correlation between WM performance and NIRS amplitudes in only correct‐WM tasks?

Results

NIRS activation in all channels correlated with WM performance (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in seven channels between NIRS amplitude in correct‐ and incorrect‐WM tasks. NIRS activation of the delay time averaged with only correct‐WM tasks, correlated with WM performance in six channels (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Subjects with better WM performance have higher levels of oxyhemoglobin activation compared with control trials in the WM delay time, and our results suggest that NIRS will be useful for measuring the WM performance.
Intraspecific plant–soil feedback and intraspecific overyielding in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Bukowski Alexandra R. , Petermann Jana S.
Published: May 2014

Understanding the mechanisms of community coexistence and ecosystem functioning may help to counteract the current biodiversity loss and its potentially harmful consequences. In recent years, plant–soil feedback that can, for example, be caused by below‐ground microorganisms has been suggested to play a role in maintaining plant coexistence and to be a potential driver of the positive relationship between plant diversity and ecosystem functioning. Most of the studies addressing these topics have focused on the species level. However, in addition to interspecific interactions, intraspecific interactions might be important for the structure of natural communities. Here, we examine intraspecific coexistence and intraspecific diversity effects using 10 natural accessions of the model species Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. We assessed morphological intraspecific diversity by measuring several above‐ and below‐ground traits. We performed a plant–soil feedback experiment that was based on these trait differences between the accessions in order to determine whether A. thaliana experiences feedback at intraspecific level as a result of trait differences. We also experimentally tested the diversity–productivity relationship at intraspecific level. We found strong differences in above‐ and below‐ground traits between the A. thaliana accessions. Overall, plant–soil feedback occurred at intraspecific level. However, accessions differed in the direction and strength of this feedback: Some accessions grew better on their own soils, some on soils from other accessions. Furthermore, we found positive diversity effects within A. thaliana: Accession mixtures produced a higher total above‐ground biomass than accession monocultures. Differences between accessions in their feedback response could not be explained by morphological traits. Therefore, we suggest that they might have been caused by accession‐specific accumulated soil communities, by root exudates, or by accession‐specific resource use based on genetic differences that are not expressed in morphological traits. Synthesis. Our results provide some of the first evidence for intraspecific plant–soil feedback and intraspecific overyielding. These findings may have wider implications for the maintenance of variation within species and the importance of this variation for ecosystem functioning. Our results highlight the need for an increased focus on intraspecific processes in plant diversity research to fully understand the mechanisms of coexistence and ecosystem functioning.
Modelling centennial sediment waves in an eroding landscape – catchment complexity
Authors: Schoorl Jeroen M. , Temme Arnaud J. A. M. , Veldkamp Tom
Published: May 2014

Sediment flux dynamics in fluvial systems have often been related to changes in external drivers of topography, climate or land cover. It is well known that these dynamics are non‐linear. Recently, model simulations of fluvial activity and landscape evolution have suggested that self‐organization in landscapes can also cause internal complexity in the sedimentary record. In this contribution one particular case of self‐organization is explored in the Sabinal field study area, Spain, where several dynamic zones of sedimentation and incision are observed along the current river bed. Whether these zones can be caused by internal complexity was tested with landscape evolution model (LEM) LAPSUS (Landscape Process Modelling at Multi‐dimensions and Scales). During various 500 year simulations, zones of sedimentation appear to move upstream and downstream in eroding river channels (‘waves’). These waves are visualized and characterized for a range of model settings under constant external forcing, and the self‐organizing process behind their occurrence is analysed. Results indicate that this process is not necessarily related to simplifications in the model and is more generic than the process of bed‐armouring that has recently been recognized as a cause for complexity in LEM simulations. We conclude that autogenic sediment waves are the result of the spatial propagation in time of feedbacks in local transport limited (deposition) and detachment limited (erosion) conditions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DNA polymerase ε and its roles in genome stability
Authors: Henninger Erin E. , Pursell Zachary F.
Published: May 2014

DNA Polymerase Epsilon (Pol ε) is one of three DNA Polymerases (along with Pol δ and Pol α) required for nuclear DNA replication in eukaryotes. Pol ε is comprised of four subunits, the largest of which is encoded by the POLE gene and contains the catalytic polymerase and exonuclease activities. The 3′‐5′ exonuclease proofreading activity is able to correct DNA synthesis errors and helps protect against genome instability. Recent cancer genome sequencing efforts have shown that 3% of colorectal and 7% of endometrial cancers contain mutations within the exonuclease domain of POLE and are associated with significantly elevated levels of single nucleotide substitutions (15‐500 per Mb) and microsatellite stability. POLE mutations have also been found in other tumor types, though at lower frequency, suggesting roles in tumorigenesis more broadly in different tissue types. In addition to its proofreading activity, Pol ε contributes to genome stability through multiple mechanisms that are discussed in this review. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(5):339–351, 2014
Osteoporosis: A Lifecourse Approach
Authors: Harvey Nicholas , Dennison Elaine , Cooper Cyrus
Published: May 2014

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the risk of developing osteoporosis is accrued throughout the entire lifecourse, even from as early as conception. Thus early growth is associated with bone mass at peak and in older age, and risk of hip fracture. Novel findings from mother-offspring cohorts have yielded greater understanding of relationships between patterns of intrauterine and postnatal growth in the context of later bone development. Study of biological samples from these populations has helped characterize potential mechanistic underpinnings, such as epigenetic processes. Global policy has recognized the importance of early growth and nutrition to the risk of developing adult chronic noncommunicable diseases such as osteoporosis; testing of pregnancy interventions aimed at optimizing offspring bone health is now underway. It is hoped that through such programs, novel public health strategies may be established with the ultimate goal of reducing the burden of osteoporotic fracture in older age. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Runx2 Regulates Endochondral Ossification Through Control of Chondrocyte Proliferation and Differentiation
Authors: Chen Haiyan , Ghori-Javed Farah Y , Rashid Harunur , Adhami Mitra D , Serra Rosa , Gutierrez Soraya E , Javed Amjad
Published: May 2014

Synthesis of cartilage by chondrocytes is an obligatory step for endochondral ossification. Global deletion of the Runx2 gene results in complete failure of the ossification process, but the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are not fully known. Here, we elucidated Runx2 regulatory control distinctive to chondrocyte and cartilage tissue by generating Runx2 exon 8 floxed mice. Deletion of Runx2 gene in chondrocytes caused failure of endochondral ossification and lethality at birth. The limbs of Runx2ΔE8/ΔE8 mice were devoid of mature chondrocytes, vasculature, and marrow. We demonstrate that the C-terminus of Runx2 drives its biological activity. Importantly, nuclear import and DNA binding functions of Runx2 are insufficient for chondrogenesis. Molecular studies revealed that despite normal levels of Sox9 and PTHrP, chondrocyte differentiation and cartilage growth are disrupted in Runx2ΔE8/ΔE8 mice. Loss of Runx2 in chondrocytes also impaired osteoprotegerin-receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (OPG-RANKL) signaling and chondroclast development. Dwarfism observed in Runx2 mutants was associated with the near absence of proliferative zone in the growth plates. Finally, we show Runx2 directly regulates a unique set of cell cycle genes, Gpr132, Sfn, c-Myb, and Cyclin A1, to control proliferative capacity of chondrocyte. Thus, Runx2 is obligatory for both proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Part 2: Ultrastructural changes of fibrin networks during three phases of pregnancy: A qualitative investigation
Authors: Swanepoel Albe C. , Lindeque Barend G. , Swart Paul J. , Abdool Zeelha , Pretorius Etheresia
Published: May 2014

Introduction: Normal pregnancy is characterized by significant alterations in the haemostatic system accompanied by an augmented risk of thrombosis. Materials and methods: The fibrin network ultrastructure of different phases of pregnancy, namely early pregnancy (week 8–14), late pregnancy (week 36–40) as well as post‐partum (week 6–8 after birth) were compared with nonpregnant fibrin networks as well as each other to establish whether differences in fibrin network morphology exist during pregnancy. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to analyse fibrin network morphology. Results: The fibrin networks from all phases of pregnancy appeared similar to each other, exhibiting prominent coagulant formation, an increase in the formation of minor, thin fibers, and the presence of granular globules. All three phases, however, differ from the typical fibrin network ultrastructure exhibited by the fibrin networks from nonpregnant individuals. The increase in estrogen associated with pregnancy may cause the increase in coagulation factors and ultimately the prothrombotic state characteristic of pregnancy. Conclusions: Since no differences were apparent between the different phases of pregnancy it suggests that activation of the coagulation system commences with pregnancy and this pro‐thrombotic state continues till at least 8 weeks after birth. These results may shed light on possible pathological mechanisms employed in the development of abnormal or ailing pregnancy. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:602–608, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
G‐protein coupled estrogen receptor, estrogen receptor α, and progesterone receptor immunohistochemistry in the hypothalamus of aging female rhesus macaques given long‐term estradiol treatment
Authors: Naugle Michelle M. , Nguyen Long T. , Merceron Tyler K. , Filardo Edward , Janssen William G.M. , Morrison John H. , Rapp Peter R. , Gore Andrea C.
Published: May 2014

Steroid hormone receptors are widely and heterogeneously expressed in the brain, and are regulated by age and gonadal hormones. Our goal was to quantify effects of aging, long‐term estradiol (E2) treatment, and their interactions, on expression of G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), estrogen receptor α (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR) immunoreactivity in two hypothalamic regions, the arcuate (ARC) and the periventricular area (PERI) of rhesus monkeys as a model of menopause and hormone replacement. Ovariectomized (OVX) rhesus macaques were young (∼11 years) or aged (∼25 years), given oil (vehicle) or E2 every 3 weeks for 2 years. Immunohistochemistry and stereologic analysis of ERα, PR, and GPER was performed. More effects were detected for GPER than the other two receptors. Specifically, GPER cell density in the ARC and PERI, and the percent of GPER‐immunoreactive cells in the PERI, were greater in aged than in young monkeys. In addition, we mapped the qualitative distribution of GPER in the monkey hypothalamus and nearby regions. For ERα, E2 treated monkeys tended to have higher cell density than vehicle monkeys in the ARC. The percent of PR density in the PERI tended to be higher in E2 than vehicle monkeys of both ages. This study shows that the aged hypothalamus maintains expression of hormone receptors with age, and that long‐term cyclic E2 treatment has few effects on their expression, although GPER was affected more than ERα or PR. This result is surprising in light of evidence for E2 regulation of the receptors studied here, and differences may be due to the selected regions, long‐term nature of E2 treatment, among other possibilities. J. Exp. Zool. 321A: 399–414, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A clinical decision algorithm for hospital inpatients with impaired decision‐making capacity
Authors: Chase Jack ,   for the San Francisco General Hospital Workgroup on Patient Capacity and Medical Decision Making
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

Impaired decision‐making capacity is a frequent complication of inpatient hospitalization, with potential negative impacts on patients and the healthcare system. Studies of clinician behavior show difficulty in diagnosis and management of capacity impairment. Appropriate management of incapacitated patients may benefit safety, medical outcomes, and healthcare expenditure.

OBJECTIVE

To create a clinical decision algorithm for identification and management of hospital inpatients with impaired capacity.

METHODS

The Department of Risk Management at San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH) convened a multidisciplinary workgroup to improve management of incapacitated patients. The workgroup studied institutional data and case experience, solicited mental health expertise, and performed a brief review of published tools for management of incapacitated patients. The workgroup produced a clinical decision algorithm for hospital inpatients with impaired decision‐making capacity.

RESULTS

The algorithm is explained via 3 common scenarios, and notable details include identification and management in a single visual diagram, emphasis on safety planning for a high‐risk subset of incapacitated patients, and explanation for multiple disciplines of consultation. The algorithm was disseminated to providers, workshops were conducted, and associated quality improvements were implemented. Initial feedback was positive, relating to clinical competency, decreased practice anxiety, and improved teamwork.

CONCLUSIONS

Impaired decision‐making capacity is frequent among hospitalized patients, including at SFGH. An algorithm, based on institutional review and prior published work, is presented as an example to address the common challenge of acutely ill patients with impaired decision‐making capacity. Journal of Hospital Medicine 20142014;9:527–532. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Indian summer monsoon rainfall and its relation with SST in the equatorial Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
Authors: Varikoden Hamza , Babu C. A.
Published: May 2014

A better understanding of the factors responsible for the variability in Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) is important in the present day climate because it is vulnerable to climate change. Here, we report the relationship between the Atlantic and Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies with ISMR. We developed a new ISMR index based on the high correlation of the SST anomaly over the oceanic regions during March–April, prior to the southwest monsoon season. The study was performed by utilizing rainfall data from the India Meteorological Department and SST anomaly derived from monthly extended reconstruction sea surface temperature data. We found that the relationship of the SST anomaly in the southwest Pacific region during the March–April period with the following ISMR is persistent in the 31‐year sliding window correlation analysis. SST anomaly in the Equatorial Atlantic during the March–April period is related almost in a similar manner to the following ISMR. However, persistence of the significance level is fluctuating. This indicates that the ISMR and the SST anomalies have varying relationships. To find out the fluctuation in the relationship between ISMR and the SSTs, we subjected the parameters to harmonic analysis. We noticed that the SST anomalies have similar kind of variability in the multidecadal (32 year), decadal (10.5) and interdecadal (5.6) periodicities in both Atlantic and southwest Pacific regions. The harmonics of SST and ISMR in the multidecadal time scale is out of phase and that for decadal and interdecadal time scales are in phase.
Determination of degree of unsaturation in edible oils using coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering spectroscopy
Authors: Kim Jinsun , Lee Jang Hyuk , Ko Do‐Kyeong
Published: May 2014

We demonstrate the use of coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy for determination of degree of unsaturation in edible oils. To this end, we have measured CARS spectra of six kinds of commercial edible oils having different degree of unsaturation, and it was found that the spectral intensity ratio (IC–H/IC–H) of two specific bands in C–H stretch region depends on the degree of unsaturation of sample. Based on this relation, the mass unsaturation (NC–H/NC–H) of six oils was estimated through the results of CARS spectroscopy in five fatty acids (FA), which are major component of edible oils. In addition, we obtained the calibration curve for determining iodine value (IV), and the result of our work was well matched with referred IV. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of thyme as a feed additive in broiler chickens on thymol in gut contents, blood plasma, liver and muscle
Authors: Haselmeyer Alexander , Zentek Jürgen , Chizzola Remigius
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUND

Aromatic herbs as feed additives in animal production are encountering growing interest, but data on the fate of the aromatic compounds from the plant in the animal body are very scarce. In the present study, thyme (Thymus vulgaris) herb consisting of leaves and flowers without stems was used as an ingredient in the diet for broilers. The herb was fed for 35 days to five groups of broilers (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 1% w/w in the diet). Animal performance and the concentrations of the main essential oil component from thyme, thymol, were measured in gut contents, plasma and liver and muscle tissues using solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

There were no differences between the groups in feed intake, daily weight gain, feed conversion and slaughter weight. Thymol was detected in gut contents, plasma and liver and muscle tissues. Increased intestinal thymol concentrations were found in the group with 1% thyme compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). In liver and muscle tissues the thymol levels were close to the limit of quantification.

CONCLUSION

The data do not indicate a positive effect of thyme on animal performance. With high dietary levels of thyme herb, thymol concentrations increased in gut contents and plasma but were very low in edible tissues such as liver and flesh. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Intraoperative assessment of margins in breast conservative surgery—still in use?
Authors: Thill Marc , Baumann Kristin , Barinoff Jana
Published: May 2014

A positive margin in breast conserving surgery is associated with an increased risk of local recurrence. Failure to achieve clear margins results in re‐excision procedures. Methods for intraoperative assessment of margins have been developed, such as frozen section analysis, touch preparation cytology, near‐infrared fluorescence optical imaging, x‐ray diffraction technology, high‐frequency ultrasound, micro‐CT, and radiofrequency spectroscopy. In this article, options that might become the method of choice in the future are discussed. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:15–20. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Germ‐cell culture conditions facilitate the production of mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Ramos‐Ibeas Priscila , Pericuesta Eva , Fernández‐González Raúl , Gutiérrez‐Adán Alfonso , Ramírez Miguel Ángel
Published: May 2014

The derivation of embryonic stem‐cell (ESC) lines from blastocysts is a very inefficient process. Murine ESCs are thought to arise from epiblast cells that are already predisposed to a primordial‐germ‐cell fate. During the process of ESC derivation from B6D2 F1 hybrid mice, if we first culture the embryo from the two‐cell stage in medium supplemented with LIF, we improve the quality of the blastocyst. When the blastocyst is then cultured in a germ‐line stem‐cell culture medium (GSCm), we are able to more efficiently (28.3%) obtain quality ESC lines that have a normal karyotype, proper degree of chimerism, and exhibit germ‐line transmission when microinjected into blastocysts. Although germ‐cell‐specific genes were expressed in all culture medium conditions, GSCm did not shift the transcriptome towards germ‐cell specification. A correlation was further observed between ESC derivation efficiency and the expression of some imprinted genes and retrotransposable elements. In conclusion, the combination of LIF supplementation followed by culture in GSCm establishes a higher efficiency method for ESC derivation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 794–804, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Convergence analysis of the new splitting preconditioned SOR‐type iterative methods for the linear system
Authors: Lei Gang , Yang Jianhong , Chen Yihu , Yang Jianwei , Li Jian
Published: May 2014

In this article, we mainly analyze and develop three different SOR‐type iterative methods with parameter based on the preconditioned for the linear system. We present some comparison theorems on preconditioned iterative methods, and the results show that the rate of convergence of these new splitting preconditioned Successive Overrelaxation (SOR) iterative methods with parameter is faster than that of the general preconditioned iterative methods and the classical SOR iterative methods. Finally, numerical results completely agree with theoretical results. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 30: 1716–1726, 2014
Understanding Saul'yev‐type unconditionally stable schemes from exponential splitting
Authors: Chin Siu A.
Published: May 2014

Saul'yev‐type asymmetric schemes have been widely used in solving diffusion and advection equations. In this work, we show that Saul'yev‐type schemes can be derived from the exponential splitting of the semidiscretized equation which fundamentally explains their unconditional stability. Furthermore, we show that optimal schemes are obtained by forcing each scheme's amplification factor to match that of the exact amplification factor. A new second‐order explicit scheme is found for solving the advection equation with the identical amplification factor as the implicit Crank–Nicolson algorithm. Other new schemes for solving the advection–diffusion equation are also derived.© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 30: 1961–1983, 2014
Nuchal translucency thickness in the prediction of unbalanced translocations
Authors: Arigita Marta , Grande Maribel , Mula Raquel , Borobio Virginia , Sanchez Aurora , Soler Anna , Borrell Antoni
Published: May 2014

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the role of nuchal translucency (NT) in the prediction of unbalanced translocation in offspring of couples in which one of the parents is a balanced translocation carrier.

Material and methods

From January 1996 to December 2012, fetal NT was measured before chorionic villus sampling in 86 pregnancies referred because of parental balanced translocation.

Results

No significant differences in pregnancy characteristics and in NT expressed in millimetres or in multiples of the median (MoMs) were observed between the 41 fetuses with a normal karyotype [1.72 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.49–1.96; 1.14 MoM; 95% CI: 1.01–1.26], the 38 fetuses with balanced translocations (1.78 mm, 95% CI: 1.44–2.12; 1.22 MoM; 95% CI: 1.01–1.43) and the 7 fetuses with unbalanced translocations (2.21 mm, 95% CI: 1.33–3.09; 1.59 MoM; 95% CI: 0.72–2.45). The proportions of fetuses with NT above 95th centile in the three groups were 9.1% in fetuses with normal karyotype, 18.4% in balanced translocations and 28.6% in unbalanced translocations, not significantly different.

Conclusion

Although a trend to an increased NT was observed in fetuses with unbalanced translocation, no significant differences were reached. According to our results, a normal NT evaluation should not preclude the performance of CVS in pregnancies of balanced translocation parents. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Security risk assessment and protection in the chemical and process industry
Authors: Reniers Genserik , Van Lerberghe Paul , Van Gulijk Coen
Published: May 2014

This article describes a security risk assessment and protection methodology that was developed for use in the chemical and process industries in Belgium. The method employs a risk‐based approach according to design principles for object‐oriented protection, using so‐called Typicals. The approach is beneficial for workers in the chemical industry because of the familiarity with safety models and concepts in this particular industry. The model combines the rings‐of‐protection approach with generic security practices including management and procedures, security technology (e.g., CCTV, fences, and access control), and human interactions (proactive as well as reactive). The method is illustrated in a case‐study where a practical protection plan was developed for an existing chemical company. This article demonstrates that the method is useful for similar chemical and process industrial activities far beyond the Belgian borders, as well as for cross‐industrial security protection. In summary, this article offers an insight into how the chemical sector might protect itself on the one hand and an insight into how security risk management may be practiced on the other hand. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 34: 72–83, 2015
Computer simulations of cations order‐disorder in 2:1 dioctahedral phyllosilicates using cation‐exchange potentials and monte carlo methods
Authors: Palin Erika J. , Dove Martin T. , Redfern Simon A. T. , Ortega‐Castro Joaquín , Sainz‐Díaz Claro Ignacio , Hernández‐Laguna Alfonso
Published: May 2014

This article reviews the use of Monte Carlo methods with cation‐exchange potentials and effective Hamiltonians, based on empirical potentials and quantum‐mechanical calculations, for the study of cation ordering in phyllosilicates. The basic methodology is described, and the application of the methods is illustrated with a number of key example case studies. These include Al–Si ordering in muscovite, Al–Fe–Mg ordering (both binary and ternary compositions) in the octahedral illite/smectite sheet, examination of the ordering behavior of phengite, in which the octahedral sites are occupied by Al and Mg and the tetrahedral sites by Al and Si, and Al–Si ordering in the tetrahedral phyllosilicate sheet with variable Al:Si ratio. In several cases, complex ordering processes were found. The essential conclusion from this work is that computer simulation studies of this nature can be a valuable tool in ordering studies of many nanomaterials. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fault‐tolerant control design using the linear parameter varying approach
Authors: Montes de Oca Saúl , Tornil‐Sin Sebastian , Puig Vicenç , Theilliol Didier
Published: May 2014

In this paper, a fault‐tolerant control (FTC) design method based on linear parameter varying (LPV) gain‐scheduling theory is proposed. The main contribution is the design of a fault‐tolerant state‐feedback observer‐based controller based on a polytopic LPV representation where faults are considered in the same way that those parameters that vary with the operating point. Within this framework, the ranges of fault magnitudes that are wanted to be tolerated can be specified as design parameters. Control specifications are defined in terms of H ∞  or H2 performance in combination with regional pole placement, as traditionally carried out in conventional LPV control. Passive and active FTC formulations are developed, the latter assuming the availability of online fault estimations. In both cases, the associated controller synthesis methods are based on the well‐established LPV‐LMI framework. Additionally, a fault estimation procedure is provided to allow the implementation of the active formulation. Finally, the use of the proposed method is illustrated by applying it to the FTC of a two‐degree‐of‐freedom helicopter. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semi‐global leader‐following consensus of multiple linear systems with position and rate limited actuators
Authors: Zhao Zhiyun , Lin Zongli
Published: May 2014

This paper studies the semi‐global leader‐following consensus problem for a group of linear systems in the presence of both actuator position and rate saturation. Each follower agent in the group is described by a general linear system subject to simultaneous actuator position and rate saturation. For each follower agent, we construct both a linear state feedback control law and a linear output feedback control law by using low gain approach. We show that semi‐global leader‐following consensus can be achieved by using these control laws when the communication topology among follower agents is a connected undirected graph, and the leader is a neighbor of at least one follower. Simulation results illustrate the theoretical results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.