bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the mean and its effects on Neyman smooth tests of normality for ARMA models
Authors: Duchesne Pierre , Lafaye De Micheaux Pierre , Tagne Tatsinkou Joseph
Published: July 2016

Goodness‐of‐fit tests represent an important part of any model building strategy. In time series modelling, many test procedures concentrate on specifying the model structure. However it is also of interest to check distributional assumptions. In autoregressive moving‐average (ARMA) time series models, available results based on the smooth test paradigm assume that the mean of the process is known. However in practical applications, the mean is unknown and it needs to be estimated. Under general assumptions on the estimation procedures, the asymptotic distributions of the smooth test statistics based on estimation of all the parameters, including the mean, are derived. Surprisingly it is found that mean estimation has an impact on the asymptotic behaviours. This finding is in sharp contrast with portmanteau test procedures, where the degrees of freedom of the approximate distributions remain unchanged whether the mean is estimated or not. The test statistic relies on the order of the family, and a data‐driven choice of that parameter is discussed, giving a fully automatic testing procedure. Theoretical and empirical comparisons between the smooth test statistic assuming a known mean and the new test statistic are presented. Consistency is studied. In a simulation study, the effects of assuming incorrectly the mean being known are illustrated. An application using annual data on the productivity of potatoes (per acre) in Prince Edward Island for the time period 1957–2014 illustrates the procedure. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 44: 241–270; 2016 © 2016 Statistical Society of Canada
Patient‐centered support in the survivorship care transition: Outcomes from the Patient‐Owned Survivorship Care Plan Intervention
Authors: Kvale Elizabeth A. , Huang Chao‐Hui Sylvia , Meneses Karen M. , Demark‐Wahnefried Wendy , Bae Sejong , Azuero Casey B. , Rocque Gabrielle B. , Bevis Kerri S. , Ritchie Christine S.
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

To the authors' knowledge, few studies to date have evaluated the effects of survivorship care planning on the care transition process from specialty cancer care to self‐management and primary care, patient experience, or health outcomes. The Patient‐owned Survivorship Transition Care for Activated, Empowered survivors (POSTCARE) is a single coaching encounter based on the Chronic Care Model that uses motivational interviewing techniques to engage survivors of breast cancer. The current study examined the effects of the POSTCARE intervention on patient outcomes and care coordination.

METHODS

A total of 79 survivors of American Joint Commision on Cancer TNM System stage 0 to IIIB breast cancer were randomized to POSTCARE (40 patients) or usual care (39 patients). Patient outcomes were assessed using the 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36), Social/Role Activities Limitations, Self‐Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6‐Item Scale, the Patient Activation Measure–Short Form, and Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale at baseline and at 3‐month follow‐up. Care coordination was assessed using confirmed primary care physician visits and reported discussion of the survivorship care plan at the 3‐month follow‐up. Logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the effect of POSTCARE on selected outcomes.

RESULTS

Participants in the intervention group versus those receiving usual care demonstrated significantly higher self‐reported health (F‐statistic (3,71), 3.63; P =.017) and lower social role limitations (F (3,70), 3.82; P =.014) and a trend toward greater self‐efficacy (F (3,69), 2.51; P = .07). Three quality‐of‐life domains reached clinically meaningful improvement at the 3‐month follow‐up, including physical role (P =.0009), bodily pain (P =.03), and emotional role (P =.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The POSTCARE intervention appeared to have a positive impact on patient outcomes and demonstrated promise as a strategy with which to improve survivors' experience, care coordination, and health outcomes. Cancer 2016;122:3232–42. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Dynamics and Hydrodynamics of Molecular Superrotors
Authors: Steinitz Uri , Khodorkovsky Yuri , Hartmann Jean‐Michel , Averbukh Ilya Sh.
Published: July 2016

In recent years, several femtosecond laser techniques have been developed that can make gas molecules rotate extremely fast, whereas the gas stays translationally cold. Herein we use molecular‐dynamics simulations to investigate the collisional dynamics of gases of such molecules (“superrotors”). We found that the common route of superrotors to equilibrium is rather generic. It starts with a long‐lasting “gyroscopic stage”, during which the molecules keep their fast rotation and the orientation of their angular momentum despite the many collisions they undergo. The inhibited rotational relaxation is characterized by a persistent anisotropy in the molecular angular distribution, manifested in long‐lasting optical birefringence and in anisotropic diffusion of the gas. Later, the gyroscopic stage is abruptly terminated by a self‐accelerating explosive rotational–translational energy exchange that generates sound and macroscopic vortices with a hot rotating core.
A Molecular‐Level Study of Metamorphosis and Strengthening of Gels by Spontaneous Polymorphic Transitions
Authors: Krishnan Baiju P. , Sureshan Kana M.
Published: July 2016

Many weak gels often undergo spontaneous transformation to form a stronger gel upon aging. Herein, the molecular‐level changes that occur during the transformation of a weak gel into a strong gel are shown by using various time‐dependent techniques. Diol 1 forms a metastable transparent gel (TG) in a mixture of CH2Cl2/hexane and undergoes a fast transition to an opaque gel (OG) accompanied by gradual strengthening of the gel, as evidenced from time‐dependent Tgel and rheology studies. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analyses suggest that these two gels correspond to two different polymorphs. By using FTIR spectroscopy and powder XRD experiments, it is shown that the TG‐containing kinetic polymorph, with weakly hydrogen‐bonded self‐assembly, spontaneously changes into the OG containing a strongly hydrogen‐bonded stable polymorph and this leads to strengthening of the gel and metamorphosis. Time‐dependent IR studies prove the gradual change in hydrogen‐bonding pattern. This is the first molecular‐level study of polymorphic transitions in gels.
Selective Deoxygenation of Biomass‐Derived Bio‐oils within Hydrogen‐Modest Environments: A Review and New Insights
Authors: Rogers Kyle A. , Zheng Ying
Published: July 2016

Research development of processes for refining bio‐oils is becoming increasingly popular. One issue that these processes possess is their high requirement for H2 gas. In response, researchers must develop catalysts that perform deoxygenation while minimizing H2 consumption—selective deoxygenation. Unlike traditional deoxygenation processes, selective deoxygenation reactions and catalysts represent an information gap that, prior to this publication, has yet to be reviewed. This review addresses the gap by providing both a summary of recent research developments and insight into future developments of new catalytic materials. Bifunctional catalysts containing a combination of oxophilicity and an active metal phase appear to be the most beneficial for selective deoxygenation processes in a H2‐modest environment. It is important that catalysts have a supply of disassociated hydrogen, because without such, activity and stability will suffer. The authors recommend to maximize the use of internally available hydrogen in bio‐fuel, which may be the only viable approach for deoxygenation if external H2 gas is limited. This would be possible through the development of catalysts that promote both the water–gas‐shift and deoxygenation reactions.
High‐throughput detection and quantification of mitochondrial fusion through imaging flow cytometry
Authors: Nascimento Aldo , Lannigan Joanne , Kashatus David
Published: July 2016

Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles whose fusion and fission play an increasingly important role in a number of both normal and pathological cellular functions. Despite the increased interest in mitochondrial dynamics, robust, and quantitative methods to analyze mitochondrial fusion and fission activity in intact cells have not been developed. The current state‐of‐the art method to measure mitochondrial fusion activity is the polyethylene glycol (PEG) fusion assay in which cells expressing distinct mitochondrially‐targeted fluorescent proteins (FPs) are fused together and mitochondrial fusion activity is determined by the rate at which color mixing occurs. Although this assay is useful, cell–cell fusion events are rare, and finding the number of fused cells required to generate statistically rigorous data is both tedious and time‐consuming. Furthermore, the data‐collection methods available for fluorescence microscopy lead to inherent selection biases that are difficult to control for. To that end, we have developed an unbiased and high‐throughput method to detect, image, and analyze fused cells using the Amnis ImagestreamX™ MKII. With IDEAS™ software, we developed algorithms for identifying the fused cells (two nuclei within a single cell), distinguishing them from cell aggregates. Additionally, using the fluorescence localization of the mitochondrially‐targeted fluorescent proteins (YFP and DsRed), we applied a modified co‐localization algorithm to identify those cells that had a high co‐localization score indicating mitochondrial fusion activity. These algorithms were tested using negative controls (FPs associated with fusion deficient mitochondria) and positive controls (cells expressing both FPs in the same mitochondria). Once validated these algorithms could be applied to test samples to evaluate the degree of mitochondrial fusion in cells with various genetic mutations. Ultimately, this new method is the first robust, high‐throughput way to directly measure mitochondrial fusion in intact cells. Given how many cellular processes are being linked mitochondrial dynamics, this technique will provide a powerful new tool in the study of this important organelle. © 2016 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
In an arid urban matrix, fragment size predicts access to frugivory and rain necessary for plant population persistence
Authors: Ness J. H. , Pfeffer M. , Stark J. , Guest A. , Combs L. J. , Nathan E.
Published: July 2016

Cities annex wilderness and alter the interactions between the plant and animal assemblages embedded in the remaining nature fragments. Here, we explore consequences of habitat fragmentation for dispersal of cactus by fruit‐eating mammals in the Sonoran Desert landscape. We use the barrel cactus, Ferocactus wislizeni, as a model system to diagnose (1) how fruit utilization by a mammal assemblage changes with fragment area and isolation, (2) what characteristics make individual plants particularly susceptible to frugivore failure, and (3) how inter‐fragment differences in plant–frugivore interactions influence the seedlings’ susceptibility to other stressors (granivores and drought). We described the type and phenology of plant–animal interactions in 20 fragments along a 0.05–500 ha size continuum within a large city (Tucson, Arizona, USA), and combined allometric scaling models of mammalian home ranges and descriptions of plant size distributions to predict the fraction of the fruit crops accessible to resident mammalian frugivores in each fragment. Fruit removal rates generally increased along a continuum of fragment sizes, and older, taller plants were particularly susceptible to frugivore failure and more likely to have fruits attacked by granivorous rodents. As a result, thresholds where the nature and/or phenology of a plant's interactions with animals changes can be accurately predicted by integrating descriptions of fragment size, fragment isolation, and plant population structure. Last, we found support for the hypothesis that fragmentation‐induced changes in the phenology of fruit removal compromise the seedlings’ ability to exploit precipitation delivered in winter and spring. Specifically, as a result of slower fruit removal, the seed crops in small fragments forfeit access to an increasing proportion of the rains between October and March, which determine whether cactus seedlings can survive the following dry season (April, May, June). We expect these inter‐site differences in the type and phenology of interactions to compromise the integrity of plant populations in smaller fragments, to become increasingly influential in ecological settings in the Sonoran Desert where access to precipitation is essential, and to become increasingly prevalent as the plants in newly fragmented plant populations age (grow) to sizes that are more susceptible to frugivore failure in the defaunated landscapes.
Approaches to stream solute load estimation for solutes with varying dynamics from five diverse small watersheds
Authors: Aulenbach Brent T. , Burns Douglas A. , Shanley James B. , Yanai Ruth D. , Bae Kikang , Wild Adam D. , Yang Yang , Yi Dong
Published: July 2016

Estimating streamwater solute loads is a central objective of many water‐quality monitoring and research studies, as loads are used to compare with atmospheric inputs, to infer biogeochemical processes, and to assess whether water quality is improving or degrading. In this study, we evaluate loads and associated errors to determine the best load estimation technique among three methods (a period‐weighted approach, the regression‐model method, and the composite method) based on a solute's concentration dynamics and sampling frequency. We evaluated a broad range of varying concentration dynamics with stream flow and season using four dissolved solutes (sulfate, silica, nitrate, and dissolved organic carbon) at five diverse small watersheds (Sleepers River Research Watershed, VT; Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, NH; Biscuit Brook Watershed, NY; Panola Mountain Research Watershed, GA; and Río Mameyes Watershed, PR) with fairly high‐frequency sampling during a 10‐ to 11‐yr period. Data sets with three different sampling frequencies were derived from the full data set at each site (weekly plus storm/snowmelt events, weekly, and monthly) and errors in loads were assessed for the study period, annually, and monthly. For solutes that had a moderate to strong concentration–discharge relation, the composite method performed best, unless the autocorrelation of the model residuals was <0.2, in which case the regression‐model method was most appropriate. For solutes that had a nonexistent or weak concentration–discharge relation (model R2 < about 0.3), the period‐weighted approach was most appropriate. The lowest errors in loads were achieved for solutes with the strongest concentration–discharge relations. Sample and regression model diagnostics could be used to approximate overall accuracies and annual precisions. For the period‐weighed approach, errors were lower when the variance in concentrations was lower, the degree of autocorrelation in the concentrations was higher, and sampling frequency was higher. The period‐weighted approach was most sensitive to sampling frequency. For the regression‐model and composite methods, errors were lower when the variance in model residuals was lower. For the composite method, errors were lower when the autocorrelation in the residuals was higher. Guidelines to determine the best load estimation method based on solute concentration–discharge dynamics and diagnostics are presented, and should be applicable to other studies.
Chilling damage to mangrove mollusk species by the 2008 cold event in Southern China
Authors: Liu Yi , Wang Mao , Wang Wenqing , Fu Haifeng , Lu Changyi
Published: July 2016

The frequency, duration, and intensity of extreme cold events are widely regarded as primary constraints on the upper latitudinal limits of mangroves. Little data are available on the consequences of recovery (or lack thereof) of non‐floristic components of mangrove ecosystems after a disturbance caused by cold weather. An unusually severe cold wave occurred in southern China in January 2008. The impact of this cold event and the subsequent recovery of mollusks in a Rhizophora stylosa mangrove forest in southern China were evaluated over a 3‐yr study from April 2007 to January 2010. The cold event caused significant mortality of mollusks, which was rapidly followed by an increase in the populations of opportunistic species, and then their subsequent collapse within 6 months. Comparison with data collected in April 2007 (before the cold event) revealed that the density, biomass, and species richness of mollusks decreased by 87.5%, 80.6%, and 56.3%, respectively, except for a transient and compensatory increase in the numbers of benthic mollusks (by 47.5%). Arboreal mollusks were more sensitive to the cold event than benthic species, but both groups showed similar recovery trajectories. After 21 months, the density, biomass, and richness of mollusk species still remained 9.4%, 13.2%, and 26.2% lower than pre‐event. Full recovery took more than 24 months. In comparison to mangrove vegetation, mollusks inhabiting mangroves appeared to be more vulnerable to cold events, but also recovered faster. In conclusion, it took more than 2 yr for the species richness of mollusks to recover from the cold event, and the rate of recovery was slower for the arboreal type.
Declines and extinctions of mountain yellow‐legged frogs have small effects on benthic macroinvertebrate communities
Authors: Smith Thomas C. , Knapp Roland A. , Briggs Cheryl J.
Published: July 2016

Species extinctions have the potential to dramatically reshape ecological communities. In the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, the emergence of a lethal amphibian pathogen (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) drives mountain yellow‐legged frog (Rana muscosa and Rana sierrae) populations to local extinction. Prior to population declines, these frogs and their tadpoles were abundant, high‐level predators and grazers with high trophic connectance. To quantify how these low diversity aquatic macroinvertebrate communities respond to nonrandom single‐species local extinctions, we quantified aquatic macroinvertebrate communities using two approaches: a natural experiment (“Resurveys”) and a large‐scale synoptic observational study (“Snapshot” surveys). In the Resurveys, we compared benthic macroinvertebrate communities in 22 Sierra Nevada alpine lakes that we categorized as either having extant frog populations, experiencing ongoing disease‐driven frog declines, or having previously experienced local disease‐driven frog extirpation. In the Resurveys, taxonomic richness was about one taxa (17%) higher in lakes where frogs were declining or extinct, compared to lakes where frogs were extant. However, multivariate analyses revealed no strong dissimilarities among Resurvey communities, and there were no differences in the abundances of individual taxa between lakes in the frogs extant, declining, or extinct categories. In the Snapshot surveys, we reanalyzed previously collected data from a large‐scale survey of 157 lakes with and without frogs. In the Snapshot survey, invertebrate taxonomic richness was less than one taxa (9%) lower in lakes without frogs, and multivariate analyses again indicated only small differences between lakes with and without frogs. Overall, disease‐driven mountain yellow‐legged frog extinctions had small effects on lake benthic macroinvertebrate communities, with no large changes in invertebrate abundance, richness or evenness, no clear secondary extinctions or invasions, and few taxa showing distinct responses to frog extinctions. Our study highlights how even for conspicuous, highly connected, omnivorous taxa that are experiencing large, rapid, and widespread declines and extinctions, the ecological effects of extinctions will sometimes be small and subtle.
Shift in recreational fishing catches as a function of an extreme cold event
Authors: Santos R. O. , Rehage J. S. , Boucek R. , Osborne J.
Published: July 2016

There is an increasing recognition that the influence of extreme climate events (ECE) can be more significant in structuring ecosystem dynamics than the gradual effects of climate change. Still, our understanding of the effects of climate extremes on ecosystem services such as marine fisheries lags behind those of effects of gradual change. The significance of ECEs depends on the severity of the disturbance event and the resilience of a fish community. South Florida experienced an extreme cold spell in 2010 that provided the opportunity to study recreational fisheries resilience to ECEs. Our main goal was to examine how recreational fishing catch structures responded to the cold spell, and illustrate any spatial‐specific recovery trajectory dynamics after extreme ecological responses. To address this, we implemented multivariate and nonlinear statistics on fishing guide reports for 20 recreational species. A significant shift in the catch structure occurred after the event, suggesting a high sensitivity of fish populations and fisheries in the region to ECEs. All fishing regions considered were affected, but the trajectory of the response and recovery varied across study areas. While some fish species experienced an expected decline (due to mortality), other species manifested an increase in catch. Of the main seven species considered in nonlinear models, three experienced a decline (bonefish, snook, goliath grouper), two experienced an increase (red drum, gray snapper), and the two had various weak trends (tarpon, spotted seatrout). Three years after the event, the catch structure has not returned to the original state, indicating a possible state shift, whose stability needs to be determined in future tracking of affected populations. Future work should also address the extent to which harvest may interfere with resilience to ECEs. Our work highlights the need to account for rare environmental forcing induced by ECEs to ensure the ecological and economical sustainability of key services such as recreational fisheries.
Spatial patterns of alpine phytomass, primary productivity, and related calorific resources
Authors: Pape R. , Löffler J.
Published: July 2016

There is an obvious need for a better understanding of the drivers of local spatial heterogeneity in alpine phytomass. Facing challenges in scaling relations with data available either at biome‐scale or at plot‐scale we wanted to disentangle the driving forces behind spatial patterns of phytomass, productivity, and energy content in alpine reindeer pastures. Our hypothesis was that we would find a set of environmental variables that explain the patterns of fodder resources, thereafter facilitating a spatial upscaling of plot‐based data to the broad‐scale range of the reindeer pastures. Based on a nested stratified random design, we used univariate and multivariate statistical analyses to relate fodder resources to environmental data along fine‐scaled micro‐topographical gradients which were embedded in broad‐scaled gradients of grazing intensities and climatic conditions throughout Norway. We found that the spatial heterogeneity of resources was not sufficiently explained by our comprehensive set of commonly available environmental variables. This reveals that micro‐spatial patterns of energetic fodder resources for reindeer in alpine landscapes are miscalculated by common approaches and that the functionalities behind these micro‐spatial patterns are not yet fully understood. Hence, our results suggest that broad‐scale models cannot account for the functionality in alpine environments, highlighting that resolution, scale, and the functional context are crucial aspects in understanding broad‐scale resource patterns of reindeer pastures.
Small‐scale barriers mitigate desertification processes and enhance plant recruitment in a degraded semiarid grassland
Authors: Fick Stephen E. , Decker Cheryl , Duniway Michael C. , Miller Mark E.
Published: July 2016

Anthropogenic desertification is a problem that plagues drylands globally; however, the factors which maintain degraded states are often unclear. In Canyonlands National Park on the Colorado Plateau of southeastern Utah, many degraded grasslands have not recovered structure and function >40 yr after release from livestock grazing pressure, necessitating active restoration. We hypothesized that multiple factors contribute to the persistent degraded state, including lack of seed availability, surficial soil‐hydrological properties, and high levels of spatial connectivity (lack of perennial vegetation and other surface structure to retain water, litter, seed, and sediment). In combination with seeding and surface raking treatments, we tested the effect of small barrier structures (“ConMods”) designed to disrupt the loss of litter, seed and sediment in degraded soil patches within the park. Grass establishment was highest when all treatments (structures, seed addition, and soil disturbance) were combined, but only in the second year after installation, following favorable climatic conditions. We suggest that multiple limiting factors were ameliorated by treatments, including seed limitation and microsite availability, seed removal by harvester ants, and stressful abiotic conditions. Higher densities of grass seedlings on the north and east sides of barrier structures following the summer months suggest that structures may have functioned as artificial “nurse‐plants”, sheltering seedlings from wind and radiation as well as accumulating wind‐blown resources. Barrier structures increased the establishment of both native perennial grasses and exotic annuals, although there were species‐specific differences in mortality related to spatial distribution of seedlings within barrier structures. The unique success of all treatments combined, and even then only under favorable climatic conditions and in certain soil patches, highlights that restoration success (and potentially, natural regeneration) often is contingent on many interacting factors.
Numerical simulation of CO2 piston compressor in transcritical compression cycle
Authors: Wang Hongli , Tian Jingrui , Lu Congsha , Hou Xiujuan
Published: July 2016

Based on theory of thermodynamics and kinetics, the mathematical model of crank connecting rod of a CO2 piston compressor was established and the stress deformations were employed by ANSYS finite element software. In the compression process, when the differential pressure is 4 and 5 MPa, the maximal displacement variation, stress variation, and strain variation are 18.79 μm, 12.8 MPa, and 0.28 × 10−3. When the differential pressure is 6 and 7 MPa, the maximal displacement variation, stress variation, and strain variation are 26.30 μm, 18.0 MPa, and 0.39 × 10−3. In the discharge process, when the differential pressure is 4 and 5 MPa, the maximal displacement variation, stress variation, and strain variation are 19.43 μm, 27.7 MPa, and 0.615 × 10−3. When the differential pressure is 6 and 7 MPa, the maximal displacement variation, stress variation, and strain variations are 27.20 μm, 48.4 MPa, and 1.08 × 10−3. No matter the compression process or the discharge process, the maximal displacement deformation, the maximal stress variation or the maximal strain variation are mainly concentrated in the small head of crank connecting rod, and small head is also more likely to damage. The higher differential pressure causes the crank connecting rod to product a bigger stress variation and displacement variation. Under the same conditions, the connecting rod in discharge process has a bigger displacement variation than the compression process, so the small head of crank connecting rod in discharge process is more easily to be broken. Some fundamental data were obtained for improving the efficiency of CO2 piston compressor and developing the products of CO2 refrigeration air condition and heat pumps. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1772–1783, 2016
Shake table test and numerical study of self‐centering steel frame with SMA braces
Authors: Qiu Canxing , Zhu Songye
Published: July 2016

Given their excellent self‐centering and energy‐dissipating capabilities, superelastic shape memory alloys (SMAs) become an emerging structural material in the field of earthquake engineering. This paper presents experimental and numerical studies on a scaled self‐centering steel frame with novel SMA braces (SMAB), which utilize superelastic Ni–Ti wires. The braces were fabricated and cyclically characterized before their installation in a two‐story one‐bay steel frame. The equivalent viscous damping ratio and ‘post‐yield’ stiffness ratio of the tested braces are around 5% and 0.15, respectively. In particular, the frame was seismically designed with nearly all pin connections, including the pinned column bases. To assess the seismic performance of the SMA braced frame (SMABF), a series of shake table tests were conducted, in which the SMABF was subjected to ground motions with incremental seismic intensity levels. No repair or replacement of structural members was performed during the entire series of tests. Experimental results showed that the SMAB could withstand several strong earthquakes with very limited capacity degradation. Thanks to the self‐centering capacity and pin‐connection design, the steel frame was subjected to limited damage and zero residual deformation even if the peak interstory drift ratio exceeded 2%. Good agreement was found between the experimental results and numerical simulations. The current study validates the prospect of using SMAB as a standalone seismic‐resisting component in critical building structures when high seismic performance or earthquake resilience is desirable under moderate and strong earthquakes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of frequency‐dependent soil–structure interaction on the fragility of R/C bridges
Authors: Lesgidis Nikolaos , Sextos Anastasios , Kwon Oh‐Sung
Published: July 2016

Bridge performance under earthquake loading can be significantly influenced by the interaction between the structure and the supporting soil. Even though the frequency dependence of the interaction mentioned in this study has long been documented, the simplifying assumption that the dynamic stiffness is dominated by the mean or predominant excitation frequency is still commonly made, primarily as a result of the associated numerical difficulties when the analysis has to be performed in the time domain. This study makes use of the advanced lumped parameter models recently developed in order to quantify the impact of the assumption on the predicted fragility of bridges mentioned in this study. This is achieved by comparing the predicted vulnerability for the case of a reference, well studied, actual bridge using both conventional, frequency‐independent, Kelvin–Voigt models and the aforementioned lumped parameter formulation. Analysis results demonstrate that the more refined consideration of frequency dependence of soil–structure interaction at the piers and the abutments of a bridge not only leads to different probabilities of failure for given intensity measures but also leads to different hierarchy and distribution of damage within the structure for the same set of earthquake ground motions even if the overall probability of exceeding a given damage state is the same. The paper concludes with the comparative assessment of the effect for different soil conditions, foundation configurations, and ground motion characteristics mentioned in this study along with the relevant analysis and design recommendations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does the Interpersonal Model Generalize to Obesity Without Binge Eating?
Authors: Lo Coco Gianluca , Sutton Rachel , Tasca Giorgio A. , Salerno Laura , Oieni Veronica , Compare Angelo
Published: July 2016

The interpersonal model has been validated for binge eating disorder (BED), but it is not yet known if the model applies to individuals who are obese but who do not binge eat. The goal of this study was to compare the validity of the interpersonal model in those with BED versus those with obesity, and normal weight samples. Data from a sample of 93 treatment‐seeking women diagnosed with BED, 186 women who were obese without BED, and 100 controls who were normal weight were examined for indirect effects of interpersonal problems on binge eating psychopathology mediated through negative affect. Findings demonstrated the mediating role of negative affect for those with BED and those who were obese without BED. Testing a reverse model suggested that the interpersonal model is specific for BED but that this model may not be specific for those without BED. This is the first study to find support for the interpersonal model in a sample of women with obesity but who do not binge. However, negative affect likely plays a more complex role in determining overeating in those with obesity but who do not binge. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Energy production advantage of independent subcell connection for multijunction photovoltaics
Authors: Warmann Emily C. , Atwater Harry A.
Published: July 2016

Increasing the number of subcells in a multijunction or “spectrum splitting” photovoltaic improves efficiency under the standard AM1.5D design spectrum, but it can lower efficiency under spectra that differ from the standard if the subcells are connected electrically in series. Using atmospheric data and the SMARTS multiple scattering and absorption model, we simulated sunny day spectra over 1 year for five locations in the United States and determined the annual energy production of spectrum splitting ensembles with 2–20 subcells connected electrically in series or independently. While electrically independent subcells have a small efficiency advantage over series‐connected ensembles under the AM1.5D design spectrum, they have a pronounced energy production advantage under realistic spectra over 1 year. Simulated energy production increased with subcell number for the electrically independent ensembles, but it peaked at 8–10 subcells for those connected in series. Electrically independent ensembles with 20 subcells produce up to 27% more energy annually than the series‐connected 20‐subcell ensemble. This energy production advantage persists when clouds are accounted for.
Hypothalamic kappa opioid receptor mediates both diet‐induced and melanin concentrating hormone–induced liver damage through inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Imbernon Monica , Sanchez‐Rebordelo Estrella , Romero‐Picó Amparo , Kalló Imre , Chee Melissa J. , Porteiro Begoña , Al‐Massadi Omar , Contreras Cristina , Fernø Johan , Senra Ana , Gallego Rosalia , Folgueira Cintia , Seoane Luisa M. , van Gestel Margriet , Adan Roger A. , Liposits Zsolt , Dieguez Carlos , López Miguel , Nogueiras Ruben
Published: July 2016

The opioid system is widely known to modulate the brain reward system and thus affect the behavior of humans and other animals, including feeding. We hypothesized that the hypothalamic opioid system might also control energy metabolism in peripheral tissues. Mice lacking the kappa opioid receptor (κOR) and adenoviral vectors overexpressing or silencing κOR were stereotaxically delivered in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) of rats. Vagal denervation was performed to assess its effect on liver metabolism. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was inhibited by pharmacological (tauroursodeoxycholic acid) and genetic (overexpression of the chaperone glucose‐regulated protein 78 kDa) approaches. The peripheral effects on lipid metabolism were assessed by histological techniques and western blot. We show that in the LHA κOR directly controls hepatic lipid metabolism through the parasympathetic nervous system, independent of changes in food intake and body weight. κOR colocalizes with melanin concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCH‐R1) in the LHA, and genetic disruption of κOR reduced melanin concentrating hormone–induced liver steatosis. The functional relevance of these findings was given by the fact that silencing of κOR in the LHA attenuated both methionine choline–deficient, diet‐induced and choline‐deficient, high‐fat diet–induced ER stress, inflammation, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis, whereas overexpression of κOR in this area promoted liver steatosis. Overexpression of glucose‐regulated protein 78 kDa in the liver abolished hypothalamic κOR‐induced steatosis by reducing hepatic ER stress. Conclusions: This study reveals a novel hypothalamic–parasympathetic circuit modulating hepatic function through inflammation and ER stress independent of changes in food intake or body weight; these findings might have implications for the clinical use of opioid receptor antagonists. (Hepatology 2016;64:1086‐1104)
Lenalidomide consolidation treatment in patients with multiple myeloma suppresses myelopoieses but spares erythropoiesis
Authors: Wilk Christian Matthias , Heinzler Niklas , Boquoi Amelie , Cadeddu Ron‐Patrick , Strapatsas Tobias , Dienst Ariane , Majidi Fatemeh , Deenen René , Bruns Ingmar , Schroeder Thomas , Köhrer Karl , Haas Rainer , Kobbe Guido , Fenk Roland
Published: July 2016

New drugs for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) comprise immunomodulatory substances such as lenalidomide and related compounds. While lenalidomide has found its way into first‐line treatment as well as into relapse therapy, little is known about lenalidomide effects on normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). In this study, we investigated whether HSPCs are influenced by lenalidomide on a phenotypic, functional and gene expression level. For that purpose, samples from patients with MM were obtained who underwent equivalent first‐line treatment including induction therapy, cytotoxic stem cell mobilization and high‐dose melphalan therapy followed by autologous blood stem cell transplantation and a subsequent uniform lenalidomide consolidation treatment within a prospective clinical trial. We found that after six months of lenalidomide therapy, the number of CD34+ HSPCs decreased. Additionally, lenalidomide affects the numerical composition of hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow while it does not affect long‐term HSPC proliferation in vitro. We found a significant amplification of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) expression on a transcriptional level and can confirm a stimulated erythropoiesis on a phenotypic level. These effects were accompanied by silencing of the TGF‐β signaling pathway on the gene expression and protein level that is known to be amplified in active MM. However, these pleiotropic effects gave no evidence for mutagenic potential. In conclusion, lenalidomide does not exert long‐term effects on proliferation of HSPCs but instead promotes erythropoiesis by shifting hemoglobin expression toward HbF and by silencing the TGF‐β signaling pathway.
Light‐emitting diode therapy in exercise‐trained mice increases muscle performance, cytochrome c oxidase activity, ATP and cell proliferation [J. Biophotonics 8, No. 9, 740–754 (2015)]
Authors: Ferraresi Cleber , Parizotto Nivaldo Antonio , Pires de Sousa Marcelo Victor , Kaippert Beatriz , Huang Ying‐Ying , Koiso Tomoharu , Bagnato Vanderlei Salvador , Hamblin Michael R.
Published: July 2016

In the article by C. Ferraresi et al. (DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jbio.201400087), published in J. Biophotonics 8, 740–754 (2015), a statement regarding the approval of some data the authors used is incorrect. This erratum is published to rectify this.
Importance of Hepatic Transporters in Clinical Disposition of Drugs and Their Metabolites
Authors: Patel Mitesh , Taskar Kunal S. , Zamek‐Gliszczynski Maciej J.
Published: July 2016

This review provides a practical clinical perspective on the relevance of hepatic transporters in pharmacokinetics and drug‐drug interactions (DDIs). Special emphasis is placed on transporters with clear relevance to clinical DDIs, efficacy, and safety. Basolateral OATP1B1 and 1B3 emerged as important hepatic drug uptake pathways, sites for systemic DDIs, and sources of pharmacogenetic variability. As the first step in hepatic drug removal from the circulation, OATPs are an important determinant of systemic pharmacokinetics, specifically influencing systemic absorption, clearance, and hepatic distribution for subsequent metabolism and/or excretion. Biliary excretion of parent drugs is a less prevalent clearance pathway than metabolism or urinary excretion, but BCRP and MRP2 are critically important to biliary/fecal elimination of drug metabolites. Inhibition of biliary excretion is typically not apparent at the level of systemic pharmacokinetics but can markedly increase liver exposure. Basolateral efflux transporters MRP3 and MRP4 mediate excretion of parent drugs and, more commonly, polar metabolites from hepatocytes into blood. Basolateral excretion is an area in need of further clinical investigation, which will necessitate studies more complex than just systemic pharmacokinetics. Clinical relevance of hepatic uptake is relatively well appreciated, and clinical consequences of hepatic excretion (biliary and basolateral) modulation remain an active research area.
The Application of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling to Predict the Role of Drug Transporters: Scientific and Regulatory Perspectives
Authors: Pan Yuzhuo , Hsu Vicky , Grimstein Manuela , Zhang Lei , Arya Vikram , Sinha Vikram , Grillo Joseph A. , Zhao Ping
Published: July 2016

Transporters play an important role in drug absorption, disposition, and drug action. The evaluation of drug transporters requires a comprehensive understanding of transporter biology and pharmacology. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models may offer an integrative platform to quantitatively evaluate the role of drug transporters and its interplay with other drug disposition processes such as passive drug diffusion and elimination by metabolizing enzymes. To date, PBPK modeling and simulations integrating drug transporters lag behind that for drug‐metabolizing enzymes. In addition, predictive performance of PBPK has not been well established for predicting the role of drug transporters in the pharmacokinetics of a drug. To enhance overall predictive performance of transporter‐based PBPK models, it is necessary to have a detailed understanding of transporter biology for proper representation in the models and to have a quantitative understanding of the contribution of transporters in the absorption and metabolism of a drug. This article summarizes PBPK‐based submissions evaluating the role of drug transporters to the Office of Clinical Pharmacology of the US Food and Drug Administration.
Review of Transporter‐Related Postmarketing Requirement or Postmarketing Commitment Studies
Authors: Fan Ying , Sun Bo , Agarwal Sheetal , Zhang Lei
Published: July 2016

The objectives of this report are to summarize the content and status of transporter‐related postmarketing requirement (PMR)/postmarketing commitment (PMC) studies in new drug applications (NDAs) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and to discuss the reasons for requesting such studies and the impact of PMR/PMC study results on labeling to guide the optimal use of the drugs. Multiple data sources were searched to collect information on transporter‐related PMR/PMC studies between January 1999 and May 2015. A total of 40 transporter‐related PMR/PMC study requests were issued for 35 NDAs. Among these PMR/PMC studies, 27 requested studies related to P‐glycoprotein. As of May 31, 2015, 34 transporter‐related PMR/PMC studies (85%) are considered “fulfilled” (per the FDA's PMR/PMC website), and 22 (65%) resulted in labeling updates. The majority of the PMR/PMC studies are for drugs in the therapeutic areas of anti‐infectives, oncology, and neurology. The results from PMR/PMC studies are important for dosing optimization and are often included in the updated labeling. Because a significant lag time is anticipated between drug approval and PMR/PMC fulfillment, NDA applicants are encouraged to include transporter‐related assessments in clinical drug development programs for drug products.
Effect of fermentation and sterilization on anthocyanins in blueberry
Authors: Nie Qixing , Feng Lei , Hu Jielun , Wang Sunan , Chen Haihong , Huang Xiaojun , Nie Shaoping , Xiong Tao , Xie Mingyong
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Blueberry products have various health benefits due to their high content of dietary anthocyanins. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of fermentation and sterilization on total anthocyanin content, composition and some quality attributes of blueberry puree. The blueberry puree used here was fermented for 40 h at 37 °C by Lactobacillus after sterilization. The method of ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was optimized for the rapid analysis of anthocyanins. Quality attributes including pH, color, total soluble solids and viscosity were measured.

RESULTS

A total of 21 anthocyanins and five anthocyanidins were quantified by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography. Fermented blueberry had reduced total anthocyanin content (29%) and levels of individual anthocyanins compared with fresh blueberry. Total anthocyanin content was decreased 46% by sterilization, and different degradation behavior of individual anthocyanin was appeared between fermented and sterilized–fermented blueberry puree. Fermentation and sterilization decreased the total soluble solids and pH and changed color parameters, while minimally influencing viscosity.

CONCLUSIONS

The loss of total anthocyanin content by fermentation was related to the unstable structure of blueberry anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are sensitive to temperature (>80 °C), and degradation of anthocyanins by sterilization in blueberry should be considered in the fermentation procedure. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of açaí (Euterpe oleracea) genotypes and commercial pulps
Authors: Carvalho Ana Vânia , Ferreira Ferreira da Silveira Tayse , Mattietto Rafaella de Andrade , Padilha de Oliveira Maria do Socorro , Godoy Helena Teixeira
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Açaí has been reported to contain many bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds such as anthocyanins. This study aimed to determine the chemical composition and antioxidant potential of pulps of three different açaí genotypes from the Active Germplasm Bank of Embrapa Eastern Amazon and three commercial açaí pulps from Belém, state of Pará, Brazil.

RESULTS

Anthocyanin 3‐rutinoside was the major anthocyanin present in freeze‐dried açaí pulp samples. The commercial sample C showed the greatest amounts of cyanidin 3‐glucoside and cyanidin 3‐rutinoside (18 942 and 34 397 µg g−1 respectively). The content of phenolic compounds varied significantly among the commercial and genotype samples, and vanillic acid was found in the highest concentration in the samples studied. All açaí samples showed high DPPH, ORAC and TEAC values, confirming the exceptionally high radical‐scavenging capacity of açaí pulp previously reported by other researchers.

CONCLUSION

The commercial samples showed higher antioxidant capacity and higher levels of anthocyanins and non‐anthocyanic compounds than those of the genotype samples. Among the genotypes studied, L4P16 stood out for its higher contents of fibre and bioactive compounds and higher antioxidant capacity, indicating that this genotype has great potential for use in plant breeding programs that should be further explored. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry