bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of an atmospheric N2O isotopocule model and optimization procedure, and application to source estimation
Authors: Ishijima K. , Takigawa M. , Sudo K. , Toyoda S. , Yoshida N. , Röckmann T. , Kaiser J. , Aoki S. , Morimoto S. , Sugawara S. , Nakazawa T.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. This paper presents the development of an atmospheric N2O isotopocule model based on a chemistry-coupled atmospheric general circulation model (ACTM). We also describe a simple method to optimize the model and present its use in estimating the isotopic signatures of surface sources at the hemispheric scale. Data obtained from ground-based observations, measurements of firn air, and balloon and aircraft flights were used to optimize the long-term trends, interhemispheric gradients, and photolytic fractionation, respectively, in the model. This optimization successfully reproduced realistic spatial and temporal variations of atmospheric N2O isotopocules throughout the atmosphere from the surface to the stratosphere. The very small gradients associated with vertical profiles through the troposphere and the latitudinal and vertical distributions within each hemisphere were also reasonably simulated. The results of the isotopic characterization of the global total sources were generally consistent with previous one-box model estimates, indicating that the observed atmospheric trend is the dominant factor controlling the source isotopic signature. However, hemispheric estimates were different from those generated by a previous two-box model study, mainly due to the model accounting for the interhemispheric transport and latitudinal and vertical distributions of tropospheric N2O isotopocules. Comparisons of time series of atmospheric N2O isotopocule ratios between our model and observational data from several laboratories revealed the need for a more systematic and elaborate intercalibration of the standard scales used in N2O isotopic measurements in order to capture a more complete and precise picture of the temporal and spatial variations in atmospheric N2O isotopocule ratios. This study highlights the possibility that inverse estimation of surface N2O fluxes, including the isotopic information as additional constraints, could be realized.
A switchable reagent ion high resolution time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometer for real-time measurement of gas phase oxidized species: characterization from the 2013 southern oxidant and aerosol study
Authors: Brophy P. , Farmer D. K.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. A novel configuration of the Aerodyne high resolution time-of-flight chemical ionization mass spectrometer (HR-TOF-CIMS) as a switchable reagent ion (SRI) HR-TOF-CIMS is presented and described along with data collected at the Southern Oxidant and Aerosol Study (SOAS) during the summer of 2013. The calibration system and reduced pressure gas phase inlet are characterized. The average limit of detection and limit of quantification for formic acid during SOAS are 82 and 863 ppt, respectively, corresponding to an average sensitivity of 13 ± 5 Hz ppt−1. Hourly background determinations and calibrations are shown to be essential for tracking instrument performance and accurately quantifying formic acid. Maximum daytime formic acid concentrations of 10 ppb are reported during SOAS, and a strong diel cycle is observed leading to nighttime concentrations below the limit of quantification. Other species presented exhibit diel behavior similar to formic acid. The concept of the mass defect enhancement plot and the use of signal-to-noise are described in detail as a method for investigating HR-TOF-CIMS spectra in an effort to reduce data complexity.
They [do more than] Interrupt Us from Sadness: Exploring the impact of participatory music making on social determinants of health and wellbeing for refugees in Australia
Authors: Sunderland N. , Istvandity L. , Lakhani A. , Lenette C. , Procopis B. , Caballero P.
Published: July 2015

This paper reports on the outcomes of an exploratory narrative study on the impact of participatory music making on social determinants of health (SDOH) and wellbeing for refugees in Brisbane, Australia. A key component of this exploratory research was to map health and wellbeing outcomes of music participation using an existing SDOH framework developed by researchers in the field of health promotion (Schulz & Northridge, 2004). This paper maps reported health and wellbeing outcomes for five refugee and asylum seeker members of a participatory Brisbane-based music initiative, the Scattered People, along an SDOH continuum ranging from individual level through to macro level fundamental determinants of health.While most themes emerging from this study corresponded to distinct categories in the Schulz and Northridge SDOH framework, three key aspects, which were critical to the achievement of wellbeing for participants, did not fit any of the pre-defined categories. These were: cultural expression, music making, and consolidation of personal and social identity. The importance of those themes to participants suggests that music and wellbeing studies involving culturally diverse groups and from a SDOH perspective may need to consider broader, more relevant concepts. The paper provides recommendations for future interdisciplinary research in this field.
Evaluation of Text-book as Curriculum: English for 6 and 7 Grades in Pakistan
Authors: Kazim Shah Syed , Hassan Shaista , Iqbal Wajiha
Published: July 2015

Curriculum plays a vital role in any educational system so textbooks, being the main part of curriculum in Pakistan, need to be designed, evaluated and enhanced systematically according to the needs of the learners in Pakistan. The present research evaluated English textbooks selected for implementation by Dar-e-Arqam School in grades 6th and 7th. It analyzed those textbooks, before their implementation in the classrooms according to the English language needs of learners in Pakistan. The evaluation was done through the evaluation criteria developed by the researchers themselves. The study revealed that according to the needs analysis, the focus should be on the speaking skills of the learners mostly, which is the main requirement. But the present syllabus pays maximum attention on teaching the grammar of English language, which has the least requirement for the students. Thus, the study concludes that the prescribed textbooks do not meet the needs of the learners of Pakistan and suggests that the school may either improve those books or select any other appropriate books, for a successful learning of English language.
A Tale of Two Islamophobias The Paradoxes of Civic Nationalism in Contemporary Europe and the United States
Authors: Springs Jason A.
Published: July 2015

I argue that trends of diagnosing anti-Muslim attitudes and activism as “Islamophobia” in European and the U.S. contexts may actually aid and abet more subtle varieties of the very stigmatization and exclusion that the “phobia” moniker aims to isolate and oppose. My comparative purpose is to draw into relief—to make explicit and subject to critical analysis—features of normative public discourse in these two sociopolitical contexts broadly perceived to be peaceful, prosperous, liberal-democratic. The features I focus on function under the auspices of tolerant and nonexclusionary forms of “civic nationalism” that, in effect, fuel the conflict in question.
Nationalism and the Comparative Study of Religious Ethics Future Trajectories
Authors: Omer Atalia
Published: July 2015

David Little's work on ethnoreligious nationalism and religion, human rights, and the practice of religious peace-building offers both an important corrective and a conceptual foundation for further research in comparative religious ethics and an effective contribution to the sociological and cultural study of religion, conflict, and peace. Examining the two cases of Jewish Israeli settlers and Jewish American Palestine solidarity activists, the article establishes the centrality of nationalism and the institutions and practices it authorizes as well as the relevance of religious formations, reasoning, meanings, and practices within this context.
Integration of Strategic Management, Governance and Risk Management: Impact of the Crisis of 2008 in Two Companies of Food
Authors: Silva Junior Antonio Francisco De Almeida da , Araújo Raquel Ângelo , Cabral Sandro
Published: July 2015

During the crisis of 2008, several Brazilian companies have accumulated losses that worth billions, as the result of a high foreign exchange rate exposure and failures in risk management and Corporate Governance. The aim of this research is to identify the strategic factors that contributed to two very similar companies to follow different paths in the financial crisis of 2008. To better understanding the subject, it was made a brief analysis of the foundations of the Corporate Governance, the requirements listed by BMFBOVESPA and the principles of the financial risk management. The research identified that the practice of risk management is crucial in implementing best practices of corporate governance and that despite numerous initiatives of various institutions and regulators in establishing self-regulatory mechanisms to ensure the use of these practices, there are still flaws able to allow companies previously considered solid incurring in strategies that may jeopardize its existence.
Taste‐and‐Odor Control: The Nose Still Knows Best
Authors: Burlingame Gary A. , Dietrich Andrea M.
Published: July 2015

Early days of determining water quality involved imprecise sight, smell, and taste assessments. Significant strides have been made with analytical methods in the past several decades to categorize and understand water's sensory characteristics for selecting treatment methods, controlling sources, and focusing monitoring. No matter how far we've come, though, water consumers remain the final judges of quality.
Develop Effective Communications About Emerging Contaminant Risks
Authors: Reekie Linda , Fulmer Alice
Published: July 2015

A range of resources is available to help water utilities develop core messages and strategies to communicate about the relative risk of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) with different audiences as well as facilitate dialogue among key stakeholder groups to foster agreement on CEC issues and solutions.
How can a Utility Ensure the Safety of its Surface Water Supply?
Authors: Lauer William C.
Published: July 2015

To provide a clean, safe, and reliable drinking water supply requires vigilance at each stage ‐ from source to consumer's tap. A water system must be aware of potential contamination threats along the route.
Des différences dans les voix différentes
Authors: Molinier Pascale
Published: July 2015

L’auteure s’appuie sur les théories de la voix en psychologie morale de même qu’en philosophie morale et politique pour montrer qu’elles autorisent une conception du sujet féminin directement articulée avec le politique, sous condition de les faire travailler avec le féminisme matérialiste. L’auteure relate une enquête ethnographique réalisée dans un établissement d’hébergement pour personnes âgées dépendantes et discute de la pluralité des voix et des langages à l’intérieur du domaine de travail ducare. Elle repère trois modalités d’échec de la « voix différente » : l’inexpressivité (langue de bois importée du monde masculin), la surexpressivité (hystérie au sens social ou « hystérie de culture ») et la voix étouffée dans l’entre soi (résistance). Parler publiquement dans « une voix différente » impliquerait une transformation féministe de l’organisation du travail : il s’agirait moins de diviser le travail entre spécialités que de le partager plus équitablement. Cette perspective impliquerait d’assumer comme un passage obligé l’hystérisation de la voix féministe dans l’espace public, sa dissonance ou stridence.
Les techniques de reproduction et l’éviction du corps féminin
Authors: De Koninck Maria
Published: July 2015

La reproduction humaine est au coeur des rapports sociaux de sexe. Des luttes féministes ont permis aux femmes d’acquérir une plus grande autonomie reproductive certes, mais cela est devenu possible grâce à un recours à la technique. Or, la récente évolution des techniques dans le domaine de la reproduction se caractérise par la croissance d’un pouvoir externe et par une atteinte au caractère global de l’expérience des femmes. Cette évolution s’appuie sur une dévalorisation du potentiel reproducteur féminin et crée une illusion d’émancipation. L’article soulève des questions sur les valeurs qui la sous-tendent et son impact sur les rapports sociaux de sexe.
Les violences conjugales au prisme de la télévision tunisienne
Authors: Zarrouk Hajer
Published: July 2015

En partant de l’analyse du contenu des séries télé et des talk-shows, l’auteure
tente de décrypter le regard que portent ces deux nouveaux genres télévisuels tunisiens sur
les violences conjugales. Elle tire le constat d’une télévision partagée entre une volonté
d’innovation thématique et une tendance à perpétuer les représentations phallocratiques
esquissant les rapports de domination au sein du couple. Cette ambivalence est perçue comme
le résultat de la télévision-spectacle, des manquements législatifs et de l’absence de
responsabilisation de la part de l’État et de la société civile.
Viral dark matter and virus–host interactions resolved from publicly available microbial genomes
Authors: Roux Simon , Hallam Steven J , Woyke Tanja , Sullivan Matthew B
Published: July 2015

The ecological importance of viruses is now widely recognized, yet our limited knowledge of viral sequence space and virus–host interactions precludes accurate prediction of their roles and impacts. In this study, we mined publicly available bacterial and archaeal genomic data sets to identify 12,498 high-confidence viral genomes linked to their microbial hosts. These data augment public data sets 10-fold, provide first viral sequences for 13 new bacterial phyla including ecologically abundant phyla, and help taxonomically identify 7–38% of ‘unknown’ sequence space in viromes. Genome- and network-based classification was largely consistent with accepted viral taxonomy and suggested that (i) 264 new viral genera were identified (doubling known genera) and (ii) cross-taxon genomic recombination is limited. Further analyses provided empirical data on extrachromosomal prophages and coinfection prevalences, as well as evaluation of in silico virus–host linkage predictions. Together these findings illustrate the value of mining viral signal from microbial genomes.
Quantifying the impacts of climate change and ecological restoration on streamflow changes based on a Budyko hydrological model in China's Loess Plateau
Authors: Liang Wei , Bai Dan , Wang Feiyu , Fu Bojie , Yan Junping , Wang Shuai , Yang Yuting , Long Di , Feng Minquan
Published: July 2015

Understanding hydrological effects of ecological restoration (ER) is fundamental to develop effective measures guiding future ER and to adapt climate change in China's Loess Plateau (LP). Streamflow (Q) is an important indicator of hydrological processes that represents the combined effects of climatic and land surface conditions. Here 14 catchments located in the LP were chosen to explore the Q response to different driving factors during the period 1961–2009 by using elasticity and decomposition methods based on the Budyko framework. Our results show that (1) annual Q exhibited a decreasing trend in all catchments (−0.30 ∼ −1.71 mm yr−2), with an average reduction of −0.87 mm yr−2. The runoff coefficients in flood season and nonflood season were both decreasing between two periods divided by the changing point in annual Q series; (2) the precipitation (P) and potential evapotranspiration (E0) elasticity of Q are 2.75 and −1.75, respectively, indicating that Q is more sensitive to changes in P than that in E0; (3) the two methods consistently demonstrated that, on average, ER (62%) contributing to Q reduction was much larger than that of climate change (38%). In addition, parameter n that entails catchment characteristics in the Budyko framework showed positive correlation with the relative area of ER measures in all catchments (eight of them are statistically significant with p < 0.05). These findings highlight the importance of ER measures on modifying the hydrological partitioning in the region. However, ER actions over the sloping parts of the landscape weakened the impact of those in channels (i.e., check‐dams) on Q, especially after the implementation of the Grain‐for‐Green project in 1999.
A Bayesian, multivariate calibration for Globigerinoides ruberMg/Ca
Authors: Khider D. , Huerta G. , Jackson C. , Stott L. D. , Emile‐Geay J.
Published: July 2015

The use of Mg/Ca in marine carbonates as a paleothermometer has been challenged by observations that implicate salinity as a contributing influence on Mg incorporation into biotic calcite and that dissolution at the sea‐floor alters the original Mg/Ca. Yet, these factors have not yet been incorporated into a single calibration model. We introduce a new Bayesian calibration for Globigerinoides ruber Mg/Ca based on 186 globally distributed core top samples, which explicitly takes into account the effect of temperature, salinity, and dissolution on this proxy. Our reported temperature, salinity, and dissolution (here expressed as deep‐water
) sensitivities are (±2σ) 8.7±0.9%/°C, 3.9±1.2%/psu, and 3.3±1.3%/μmol.kg−1 below a critical threshold of 21 μmol/kg in good agreement with previous culturing and core‐top studies. We then perform a sensitivity experiment on a published record from the western tropical Pacific to investigate the bias introduced by these secondary influences on the interpretation of past temperature variability. This experiment highlights the potential for misinterpretations of past oceanographic changes when the secondary influences of salinity and dissolution are not accounted for. Multiproxy approaches could potentially help deconvolve the contributing influences but this awaits better characterization of the spatio‐temporal relationship between salinity and δ18Osw over millennial and orbital timescales.
Source and seed populations for relativistic electrons: Their roles in radiation belt changes
Authors: Jaynes A. N. , Baker D. N. , Singer H. J. , Rodriguez J. V. , Loto'aniu T. M. , Ali A. F. , Elkington S. R. , Li X. , Kanekal S. G. , Claudepierre S. G. , Fennell J. F. , Li W. , Thorne R. M. , Kletzing C. A. , Spence H. E. , Reeves G. D.
Published: July 2015

Strong enhancements of outer Van Allen belt electrons have been shown to have a clear dependence on solar wind speed and on the duration of southward interplanetary magnetic field. However, individual case study analyses also have demonstrated that many geomagnetic storms produce little in the way of outer belt enhancements and, in fact, may produce substantial losses of relativistic electrons. In this study, focused upon a key period in August–September 2014, we use GOES geostationary orbit electron flux data and Van Allen Probes particle and fields data to study the process of radiation belt electron acceleration. One particular interval, 13–22 September, initiated by a short‐lived geomagnetic storm and characterized by a long period of primarily northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), showed strong depletion of relativistic electrons (including an unprecedented observation of long‐lasting depletion at geostationary orbit) while an immediately preceding, and another immediately subsequent, storm showed strong radiation belt enhancement. We demonstrate with these data that two distinct electron populations resulting from magnetospheric substorm activity are crucial elements in the ultimate acceleration of highly relativistic electrons in the outer belt: the source population (tens of keV) that give rise to VLF wave growth and the seed population (hundreds of keV) that are, in turn, accelerated through VLF wave interactions to much higher energies. ULF waves may also play a role by either inhibiting or enhancing this process through radial diffusion effects. If any components of the inner magnetospheric accelerator happen to be absent, the relativistic radiation belt enhancement fails to materialize.
Contribution of the phase transition of Pacific Decadal Oscillation to the late 1990s' shift in East China summer rainfall
Authors: Zhu Yali , Wang Huijun , Ma Jiehua , Wang Tao , Sun Jianqi
Published: July 2015

Based on our previous study, the interdecadal changes in summer rainfall over East China in the late 1990s are further explored here. The increased local rising motion is implicated as the dominant factor of increased rainfall in the lower Huang‐Huai River valley (LHR). Both the observation and numerical experiments using Community Atmosphere Model, version 4 suggest that the negative Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) mode can result in rising anomalies and thus more rainfall in the LHR. The East Asian westerly jet stream (EAWJS) is suggested as a bridge to link the Pacific sea surface temperature anomalies and East Asian summer rainfall. Model results reveal that the negative PDO mode can lead to significant easterly anomalies over East Asia. As a result, the EAWJS is weakened and shifts poleward, which coincides with observed changes in EAWJS after the late 1990s. In addition, weakened and poleward shifted EAWJS can result in an anomalous ascending motion to its south (in the LHR) by modulating the jet‐related secondary meridional‐vertical circulation. Consequently, rainfall increased in the LHR after the late 1990s. Besides, the positive Atlantic Meridional Oscillation can only induce insignificant changes over East Asia and partly counteract the negative PDO effect there.
Sugar or spice: Using I3 metatheory to understand how and why glucose reduces rejection‐related aggression
Authors: Pfundmair Michaela , DeWall C. Nathan , Fries Veronika , Geiger Babette , Krämer Tanya , Krug Sebastian , Frey Dieter , Aydin Nilüfer
Published: July 2015

Social rejection can increase aggression, especially among people high in rejection sensitivity. Rejection impairs self‐control, and deficits in self‐control often result in aggression. A dose of glucose can counteract the effect of situational factors that undermine self‐control. But no research has integrated these literatures to understand why rejection increases aggression, and how to reduce it. Using the I3 model of aggression, we proposed that aggression would be highest under conditions of high instigation (rejection), high impellance (high rejection sensitivity), and low inhibition (drinking a beverage sweetened with a sugar substitute instead of glucose). As predicted, aggression was highest among participants who experienced social rejection, were high in rejection sensitivity, and drank a placebo beverage. A dose of glucose reduced aggression, especially among rejected people high in rejection sensitivity. These findings point to the importance of self‐control in understanding why social rejection increases aggression, and how to prevent it. Aggr. Behav. 41:537–543, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fabrication of Coaxial Wet‐Spun Graphene–Chitosan Biofibers
Authors: Mirabedini Azadeh , Foroughi Javad , Thompson Brianna , Wallace Gordon G.
Published: July 2015

One‐step continuous wet‐spinning of coaxial electroactive fibres of chitosan/graphene oxide (Chit/GO) via a facile method is introduced for the first time, eliminating the need for post‐treatment processes. Spinnability of coaxial fibres as well as their characterization for several properties is investigated. L‐ascorbic acid was found to reduce graphene oxide under mild conditions to create conductivity in the final fibre. As‐prepared fibres were found to be cytocompatible with good electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. SEM images from the cross‐section of Chit/GO fibres showed an irregular shaped multifilament GO fibre covered with a cylinder‐shaped sheath of chitosan. Coaxial fibres had an ultimate tensile stress and elastic modulus that increased 8 500% and 3 350%, respectively compared to the graphene oxide fibres alone.
Nanocolloid cake properties determined from step‐up pressure filtration with single‐stage reduction in filtration area
Authors: Iritani Eiji , Katagiri Nobuyuki , Nakajima Ryota , Hwang Kuo‐Jen , Cheng Tung‐Wen
Published: July 2015

A sophisticated method was developed for evaluating simultaneously and accurately both the average specific resistance and average porosity of the filter cake formed in unstirred dead‐end ultrafiltration of nanocolloids such as protein solution and nanosilica sol. In the method, a step‐up pressure filtration test was conducted by using a filter with a single‐stage reduction in the effective filtration area. The influence of the pressure drop across the cake on not only the average specific cake resistance but also on the average cake porosity of highly compressible filter cake was evaluated using only flux decline data in one dead‐end filtration test, taking advantage of the decrease in the cake thickness caused by the pressure increase. As a result, the cake properties were easily determined for a variety of nanocolloids. Constant pressure dead‐end ultrafiltration data obtained under various pressures and concentrations were well evaluated based on the method proposed. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 4426–4436, 2015
Does comorbid obesity impact quality of life outcomes in patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery?
Authors: Steele Toby O. , Mace Jess C. , DeConde Adam S. , Xiao Christopher C. , Storck Kristina A. , Gudis David A. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Soler Zachary M. , Smith Timothy L.
Published: July 2015

Background

Both obesity and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are characterized by inflammation. Furthermore, both disease processes are independently associated with decreases in quality‐of‐life (QOL). We sought to investigate the role of comorbid obesity in QOL outcomes in CRS patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Methods

Adult patients with medically refractory CRS (n = 241) were prospectively enrolled into a multi‐institutional treatment outcomes investigation. Body mass index (BMI) calculations were used to differentiate patient weight groups (normal weight: 18.5 to 24.9, overweight: 25.0 to 29.9; and obese: ≥30.0). Preoperative and postoperative QOL (Rhinosinusitis Disability Index [RSDI] and the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test [SNOT‐22]) were evaluated compared across BMI groups and obesity subclasses.

Results

The prevalence of comorbid obesity was 41% (n = 99). Higher prevalence of comorbid disease was found across increasing BMI groups including diabetes mellitus, asthma, and depression. No significant differences were found in mean preoperative QOL measures between any BMI groups. Significant improvement between preoperative and postoperative QOL mean scores (p ≤ 0.050) was found for all BMI groups. Despite no significant difference in mean QOL improvement between BMI groups (p ≥ 0.142), overweight and obese patients reported reduced relative mean percentage (%) improvement compared to normal weight participants on the RSDI total score (33% and 37% vs 55%, respectively) and SNOT‐22 total score (29% and 40% vs 48%, respectively).

Conclusion

Patients with comorbid obesity experience significant improvement in average QOL gains following ESS though the percentage of relative improvement in QOL may be decreased in patients with comorbid obesity and CRS as compared to those without.
When are we operating for chronic rhinosinusitis? A systematic review of maximal medical therapy protocols prior to endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Dautremont Jon F. , Rudmik Luke
Published: July 2015

Background

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) is considered a therapeutic option after failure of maximal medical therapy (MMT) for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). There is currently no consensus on the definition of MMT. The objective of this systematic review is to describe the various MMT criteria employed prior to considering ESS.

Methods

A systematic review was performed using the 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Inclusion criteria were adults with CRS based on guideline diagnostic criteria, enrolled to undergo ESS, and study publication within the last 5 years (January 1, 2009, to December 30, 2014). Studies were excluded if the study population included non‐CRS indications for ESS. Primary outcome was the MMT criteria employed prior to considering a patient a candidate for ESS. A subgroup analysis was performed based on polyp status.

Results

Of 387 reviewed studies, 21% reported MMT criteria. When reported, criteria included topical nasal corticosteroids (91% of studies) for a mean of 8 ± 8 weeks, oral antibiotics (89%) for 23 ± 8 days, systemic corticosteroids (61%) for 18 ± 12 days, saline irrigations (39%), oral antihistamines (11%), oral mucolytics (10%), and topical/oral decongestants (10%).

Conclusion

A minority of studies report MMT criteria used as the indication for ESS. When reported, the majority included an 8‐week course of topical intranasal corticosteroids and 3‐week course of oral antibiotics. Use of systemic corticosteroids did not differ based on polyp status. Because of variation in current MMT criteria, there is a need to develop standardized indications for ESS that will work to improve the appropriateness of care for patients with
Intranasal cross‐sectional area and quality of life changes following endoscopic transsphenoidal skull base surgery
Authors: McCoul Edward D. , Patel Amit S. , Bedrosian Jeffrey C. , Anand Vijay K. , Schwartz Theodore H.
Published: July 2015

Background

Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgical approaches to the skull base may produce alteration of intranasal architecture. Acoustic rhinometry (AR) can provide quantitative data on the nasal airway, which has not been previously applied to skull base surgery. We sought to employ AR to quantify the changes in nasal patency following endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery and identify the relationship between these changes and septal deviation, nasoseptal flap harvest, and sinonasal quality of life (QOL).

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of a sellar or suprasellar tumor were prospectively enrolled. All subjects were adults who completed AR and the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) preoperatively and postoperatively. Cross‐sectional area (CSA) was recorded at the internal nasal valve (CSA1), middle turbinate head (CSA2), and middle turbinate body (CSA3). Normative data were also collected from a larger cohort.

Results

Forty patients met study criteria. Significant increases occurred postoperatively in mean CSA2 (1.08 cm2) and CSA3 (2.47 cm2) (p < 0.001), whereas CSA1 remained unchanged. Nasoseptal flap harvest and correction of septal deviation did not significantly alter mean postoperative AR values. Mean SNOT‐22 scores were comparable despite septal pathology, whereas strong correlation was not found with change in AR values. Preoperative and postoperative QOL scores were not significantly affected by the presence of nasal septal deviation.

Conclusion

The endoscopic transsphenoidal approach to the skull base can result in increased intranasal area without a detrimental effect on sinonasal QOL. These effects are independent of nasoseptal flap harvest and correction of nasal septal deviation.
Hereditary spastic paraplegia‐linked REEP1 modulates endoplasmic reticulum/mitochondria contacts
Authors: Lim Youngshin , Cho Il‐Taeg , Schoel Leah J. , Cho Ginam , Golden Jeffrey A.
Published: July 2015

Objective

Mutations in receptor expression enhancing protein 1 (REEP1) are associated with hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs). Although axonal degeneration is thought to be a predominant feature in HSP, the role of REEP1 mutations in degeneration is largely unknown. Previous studies have implicated a role for REEP1 in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), whereas others localized REEP1 with mitochondria. We sought to resolve the cellular localization of REEP1 and further elucidate the pathobiology underlying REEP1 mutations in patients.

Methods

A combination of cellular imaging and biochemical approaches was used to refine the cellular localization of REEP1. Next, Reep1 mutations associated with HSP were functionally tested in neuritic growth and degeneration assays using mouse cortical culture. Finally, a novel assay was developed and used with wild‐type and mutant Reep1s to measure the interactions between the ER and mitochondria.

Results

We found that REEP1 is present at the ER‐mitochondria interface, and it contains subdomains for mitochondrial as well as ER localization. Knockdown of Reep1 and expression of pathological Reep1 mutations resulted in neuritic growth defects and degeneration. Finally, using our novel split‐RLuc8 assay, we show that REEP1 facilitates ER‐mitochondria interactions, a function diminished by disease‐associated mutations.

Interpretation

Our data potentially reconcile the current conflicting reports regarding REEP1 being either an ER or a mitochondrial protein. Furthermore, our results connect, for the first time, the disrupted ER‐mitochondria interactions to a failure in maintaining health of long axons in HSPs. Finally, the split‐RLuc8 assay offers a new tool to identify potential drugs for multiple neurodegenerative diseases with ER‐mitochondria interaction defects. Ann Neurol 2015;78:Ann Neurol 2015;78:679–696
Stabilisierung von heterodiatomarem SiC durch Donorliganden – theoretische Untersuchung von SiC(L)2 (L=NHCMe, CAACMe, PMe3)
Authors: Andrada Diego M. , Frenking Gernot
Published: July 2015

Quantenchemische Rechnungen von SiC(L)2 mit L=NHCMe, CAACMe, PMe3 wurden auf dem Niveau BP86/TZ2P+ durchgeführt. Die optimierten Strukturen zeigen eine trans‐Anordnung der Liganden an SiC mit einer planaren Koordination für L=NHCMe und PMe3, während für L=CAACMe eine verdrehte Konformation berechnet wurde. Der L‐Si‐C‐Winkel ist signifikant kleiner als der L‐C‐Si‐Winkel. Beide Winkel werden größer in der Reihenfolge PMe3<NHCMe<CAACMe. Dieser Trend wird auch für die Bindungsdissoziationsenergie der Reaktion SiC(L)2→SiC+2 L gefunden. Die Bindungsdissoziationsenergien liegen zwischen De=98 und 163 kcal mol−1. Die Rechnungen zeigen an, dass die Verbindungen SiC(L)2 eine sehr hohe erste und zweite Protonenaffinität aufweisen. Die Protonierung findet am zentralen Kohlenstoff‐ bzw. Siliciumatom statt. Energiedekompositionsanalysen zeigen, dass die Bindungssituation in SiC(L)2 am besten als cumulenartige Kohlenstoff‐Kohlenstoff‐Bindung mit einer dativen Kohlenstoff‐Silicium‐Bindung LCSi←L beschrieben wird.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Dearomative Cyclocarbonylation by CN Bond Activation
Authors: Yu Hui , Zhang Guoying , Huang Hanmin
Published: July 2015

A fundamentally novel approach to bioactive quinolizinones is based on the palladium‐catalyzed intramolecular cyclocarbonylation of allylamines. [Pd(Xantphos)I2], which features a very large bite angle, has been found to facilitate the rapid carbonylation of azaarene‐substituted allylamines into bioactive quinolizinones in good to excellent yields. This transformation represents the first dearomative carbonylation and is proposed to proceed by palladium‐catalyzed CN bond activation, dearomatization, CO insertion, and a Heck reaction.
Keeping it together: Pulmonary alveoli are maintained by a hierarchy of cellular programs
Authors: Logan Catriona Y. , Desai Tushar J.
Published: July 2015

The application of in vivo genetic lineage tracing has advanced our understanding of cellular mechanisms for tissue renewal in organs with slow turnover, like the lung. These studies have identified an adult stem cell with very different properties than classically understood ones that maintain continuously cycling tissues such as the intestine. A portrait has emerged of an ensemble of cellular programs that replenish the cells that line the gas exchange (alveolar) surface, enabling a response tailored to the extent of cell loss. A capacity for differentiated cells to undergo direct lineage transitions allows for local restoration of proper cell balance at sites of injury. We present these recent findings as a paradigm for how a relatively quiescent tissue compartment can maintain homeostasis throughout a lifetime punctuated by injuries ranging from mild to life‐threatening, and discuss how dysfunction or insufficiency of alveolar repair programs produce serious health consequences like cancer and fibrosis.
Behavioral Gerontology Research: Where are the Male Participants?
Authors: LaLonde Kate B. , Zimmermann Zachary J. , Poling Alan
Published: July 2015

It has been reported that females are underrepresented in several areas of psychological research, which may have significant clinical and theoretical implications. No one has reported, however, whether women are underrepresented in behavioral gerontology research. To make this determination we recorded the gender of participants in behavioral gerontology studies published in six journals. In 129 published studies that included older adults (i.e. people 55 or more years of age) there were a total of 3070 participants, and most (69%) were female. Underrepresentation of men is significant insofar as treatment effects are sometimes gender specific, making it inappropriate to generalize results from females to males (or vice versa). Moreover, underrepresentation of older men suggests that their behavioral needs may not be generating the attention they deserve. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Luminescence and advanced mass spectroscopic characterization of sodium zinc orthophosphate phosphor for low‐cost light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Mishra Savvi , Swati G. , Rajesh B. , Tyagi Kriti , Gahtori Bhasker , Sivaiah B. , Vijayan N. , Dalai M. K. , Dhar A. , Auluck S. , Jayasimhadri M. , Haranath D.
Published: July 2015

A new rare‐earth‐free NaZnPO4:Mn2+ (NZP:Mn) phosphor powder has been developed by our group and investigated meticulously for the first time using secondary ion mass spectroscopy and chemical imaging techniques. The studies confirmed the effective incorporation of Mn2+ into the host lattice, resulting in an enhancement of photoluminescence intensity. Phase purity has been verified and structure parameters have been determined successfully by Rietveld refinement studies. The NZP:Mn phosphor powder exhibits strong absorption bands in the ultraviolet and visible (300–470 nm) regions with a significant broad yellow‐green (~543 nm) emission due to the characteristic spin forbidden d–d transition (4T1→6A1) of Mn2+ ions, indicating weak crystal field strength at the zinc‐replaced manganese site. The decay constants are a few milliseconds, which is a pre‐requisite for applications in many display devices. The results obtained suggest that this new phosphor powder will find many interesting applications in semiconductor physics, as cost‐effective light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), as solar cells and in photo‐physics. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assembly of light‐emitting diode based on hydrophilic CdTe quantum dots incorporating dehydrated silica gel
Authors: Du Jinhua , Wang Chunlei , Xu Xiaojing , Wang Zhuyuan , Xu Shuhong , Cui Yiping
Published: July 2015

Stable photoluminescence QD light‐emitting diodes (QD‐LEDs) were made based on hydrophilic CdTe quantum dots (QDs). A quantum dot‐inorganic nanocomposite (hydrophilic CdTe QDs incorporating dehydrated silica gel) was prepared by two methods (rotary evaporation and freeze drying). Taking advantage of its viscosity, plasticity and transparency, dehydrated silica gel could be coated on the surface of ultraviolet (UV) light LEDs to make photoluminescence QD‐LEDs. This new photoluminescence QD‐LED, which is stable, environmentally non‐toxic, easy to operate and low cost, could expand the applications of hydrophilic CdTe QDs in photoluminescence. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computation of pH‐dependent binding free energies
Authors: Kim M. Olivia , McCammon J. Andrew
Published: July 2015

Protein–ligand binding accompanies changes in the surrounding electrostatic environments of the two binding partners and may lead to changes in protonation upon binding. In cases where the complex formation results in a net transfer of protons, the binding process is pH‐dependent. However, conventional free energy computations or molecular docking protocols typically employ fixed protonation states for the titratable groups in both binding partners set a priori, which are identical for the free and bound states. In this review, we draw attention to these important yet largely ignored binding‐induced protonation changes in protein–ligand association by outlining physical origins and prevalence of the protonation changes upon binding. Following a summary of various theoretical methods for pKa prediction, we discuss the theoretical framework to examine the pH dependence of protein–ligand binding processes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 105: 43–49, 2016.
Prospective multicentre cohort study of patient-reported outcomes after cholecystectomy for uncomplicated symptomatic cholecystolithiasis
Authors: Lamberts M P , Den Oudsten B L , Gerritsen J J G M , Roukema J A , Westert G P , Drenth J P H , van Laarhoven C J H M
Published: July 2015

Background

Up to 33 per cent of patients with uncomplicated symptomatic cholecystolithiasis report persistent pain after cholecystectomy. The aim of this study was to determine characteristics associated with patient-reported absence of abdominal pain after cholecystectomy, improved abdominal symptoms, and patient-reported positive cholecystectomy results in a prospective cohort multicentre study.

Methods

Patients aged 18 years or more with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis who had a cholecystectomy between June 2012 and June 2014 in one of three hospitals were included. Before surgery all patients were sent the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) questionnaire and the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ). At 12 weeks after surgery, patients were invited to complete the GIQLI and Patients' Experience of Surgery Questionnaire (PESQ). Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine associations.

Results

Questionnaires were sent to 552 patients and returned by 342 before and after surgery. Postoperative absence of abdominal pain was reported by 60·5 per cent of patients. A high preoperative GIQLI score, episodic pain, and duration of pain of 1 year or less were associated with postoperative absence of pain. These factors showed no association with improved abdominal symptoms (reported by 91·5 per cent of patients) or a positive surgery result (reported by 92·4 per cent).

Conclusion

Preoperative characteristics determine the odds for relief of abdominal pain after cholecystectomy. However, these factors were not associated with patient-reported improvement of abdominal symptoms or patient-reported positive cholecystectomy results, highlighting the variation of internal standards and expectations of patients before cholecystectomy.
Clinical course of poststroke epilepsy: a retrospective nested case–control study
Authors: Zelano Johan , Lundberg Rebecca Gertz , Baars Leopold , Hedegärd Emelie , Kumlien Eva
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Recently, several epidemiological studies have demonstrated that epilepsy develops after approximately 10% of all cerebrovascular lesions. With an aging population, poststroke epilepsy is likely to be of increasing relevance to neurologists and more knowledge on the condition is needed. Patients with poststroke epilepsy are likely to differ from other epilepsy patient populations regarding age, side‐effect tolerability, comorbidities, and life expectancy, all of which are important aspects when counselling newly diagnosed patients to make informed treatment decisions.

Method

We have here performed a nested case–control study on 36 patients with poststroke epilepsy and 55 controls that suffered stroke but did not develop epilepsy. The average follow‐up time was between 3 and 4 years.

Results

In our material, two‐thirds of patients achieved seizure freedom and 25% experienced a prolonged seizure (status epilepticus) during the follow‐up period. Cases consumed more health care following their stroke, but did not suffer more traumatic injuries. Interestingly, the mortality among cases and controls did not differ significantly. This observation needs to be confirmed in larger prospective studies, but indicate that poststroke epilepsy might not infer additional mortality in this patient group with considerable comorbidities.

Conclusions

The observations presented can be of value in the counselling of patients, reducing the psychosocial impact of the diagnosis, and planning of future research on poststroke epilepsy.
Reduced Graphene Oxide/Marcasite‐Type Cobalt Selenide Nanocrystals as an Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries with Excellent Cyclic Performance
Authors: Li Zhangpeng , Xue Hongtao , Wang Jinqing , Tang Yongbing , Lee Chun‐Sing , Yang Shengrong
Published: July 2015

We report a graphene/cobalt selenide (rGO/CoSe2) composite as an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries. The prepared composite shows a wrinkled morphology with the CoSe2 nanoparticles tightly anchored/wrapped on/in the rGO sheets. The rGO/CoSe2 composite exhibits enhanced electrochemical performance with higher capacity, better rate capability, and cycling performance compared to pure CoSe2. The rGO/CoSe2 composite delivers a high initial reversible capacity of 726 mAh g−1 and a very high capacity of 1577 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g−1 (0.38 C). The rGO sheets in the composite play important roles for the improvement in electrochemical properties, for example, the rGO sheet not only enhances the electrical conductivity of the whole electrode, but also alleviates the structure degradation caused by volume expansion of CoSe2 during discharge/charge processes, resulting in improved lithium‐storage performances.
Aluminum Deposition from Lewis Acidic 1‐Butyl‐3‐Methylimidazolium Chloroaluminate Ionic Liquid ([Bmim]Cl/AlCl3) Modified with Methyl Nicotinate
Authors: Wang Qian , Chen Bin , Zhang Qinqin , Lu Xingmei , Zhang Suojiang
Published: July 2015

The potentiostatic electrodeposition of aluminum (Al) on copper (Cu) substrates from [Bmim]Cl/AlCl3(33.3/66.7 mol %) ionic liquid (IL) containing different concentrations of methyl nicotinate (MN) was studied at 303 K. It was found that the grain size of the deposits decreased from micron‐sized to nanoscale and the preferred Al(200) crystallographic orientation became stronger when increasing the concentration of MN from 2 to 8 mmol L−1. At a modest potential, a mirror‐bright Al coating could be obtained when the concentration of MN was no less than 4 mmol L−1. Furthermore, atomic force microscopy and cyclic voltammetry were used to investigate the effect of MN on the electrodeposition of Al, which demonstrated that MN acted simultaneously as a brightener and a leveling agent by adsorbing on the electrode surface, producing Al coatings with a highly uniform and smooth surface.
Unprecedentedly High Formic Acid Dehydrogenation Activity on an Iridium Complex with an N,N′‐Diimine Ligand in Water
Authors: Wang Zhijun , Lu Sheng‐Mei , Li Jun , Wang Jijie , Li Can
Published: July 2015

Hydrogen production from the dehydrogenation of formic acid (FA) is promising. Most of the current catalysts for FA dehydrogenation are effective only in the presence of bases or additives. We report here newly developed iridium complexes containing conjugated N,N′‐diimine ligands for FA dehydrogenation in water without the addition of bases or additives. A turnover frequency (TOF) of 487 500 h−1 with [Cp*Ir(L1)Cl]Cl (L1=2,2′‐bi‐2‐imidazoline) at 90 °C and a turnover number (TON) of 2 400 000 with in situ prepared catalyst from [IrCp*Cl2]2 and 2,2′‐bi‐1,4,5,6‐tetrahydropyrimidine (L2) at 80 °C were obtained, the highest values reported for FA dehydrogenation to date. A mechanistic study reveals that the formation of [Ir‐H] intermediate species is the rate‐determining step in the catalytic cycle.