bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Covalently Anchored p‐Aminobenzene Sulfonate Multilayer on a Graphite Pencil Lead Electrode: A Highly Selective Electrochemical Sensor for Dopamine
Authors: Devaramani Samrat , Sreeramareddygari Muralikrishna , Reddy M. Radhakrishna , Thippeswamy Ramakrishnappa
Published: February 2017

An electrochemical sensor for dopamine (DA) has been developed based on the electrografting of 4‐aminobenzene sulfonic acid (4‐ABSA) onto the graphite pencil lead electrode (GPLE). The process of covalent anchoring and presence of 4‐ABSA on the GPLE was studied using cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Electrochemical behaviour of the sensor towards DA, ascorbic acid (AA), and uric acid (UA) was studied in detail in phosphate buffer of pH 7. After optimizing the various parameters that influence the differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) signal for DA, the sensor exhibited a linear response over the 0.5 – 10 μmol⋅L‐1concentration range with a limit of detection, 0.095 μmol⋅L‐1 (at an S/N of 3). The sensor can selectively quantify DA even in the presence of 1 mmol⋅L‐1 AA. Distinct DPV signals were obtained for DA (at 0.191 mV vs. Ag/AgCl) and for UA (at 0.343 mV vs. Ag/AgCl). The sensor is highly selective, sensitive and stable. It was applied to the quantification of DA in injections and urine. Recovery studies were done by spiking both the real samples with a known quantity of DA.
Gold Nano Particle and Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite Modified Carbon Paste Electrode for the Ultra Trace Detection of Arsenic (III)
Authors: Sahoo Srikant , Sahoo Prasanta Kumar , Satpati Ashis Kumar
Published: February 2017

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composite modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) was prepared by electrodepositing AuNPs over the reduced graphene oxide (RGO) modified carbon paste electrode. The composite material was characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The nano composite modified electrode was applied for the determination of total As and for the inorganic speciation of As(III) and As(V) in environmental samples. The linear dynamic range was obtained for the determination of As(III) in the present method from 1μgL−1 to 20 μgL−1 and the limit of detection(LOD) in the standard solution was found to be 0.13 μgL−1 for the 300 sec deposition time in 10 mL supporting electrolyte solution. This method was applied for the determination of As (III) in water and soil samples. The results were agreed well with the result obtained from the hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry.
A Disposable Homemade Screen Printed Electrochemical Sensor for Vitamin B1 Determination in Multivitamin Ampoules: Potentiometric and Surface Morphology Studies
Authors: Issa Yousry M. , Sherif Omaima E. , Dena Ahmed S. Abo
Published: February 2017

Thiamine chloride hydrochloride (TCH) is one of the B‐complex vitamins which resemble a very biologically important group of biomolecules. The first screen‐printed graphite ion‐selective sensor for the determination of TCH was prepared and characterized. The sensor is based on TCH‐tetraphenylborate as electrode material. A number of parameters such as the type of solvent mediator, weight percent of the ion‐exchanger, test solution temperature and possible interferences were extensively studied. Moreover, the surface morphology of the prepared sensor was studied using scanning electron microscopy. The sensor shows a Nernstian slope of 30.60±0.07 mV/decade, a low LOD of 5.08×10−6 mol/L and a wide applicability range of 5.96×10−6‐1.00×10−2 mol/L. The sensing graphite ink remains usable for at least one month. Fast potentiometric response was obtained within 5 s and remains stable for at least 60 s. The sensor was applied to the analysis of TCH in pure solutions and multivitamin ampoules from the Egyptian market using the standard addition method and high recovery values of 97–102 % were obtained. Low %RSD values (0.27‐1.30) indicate high precision of the proposed sensor. Our sensor provides the advantages of disposability, simple preparation procedures, sensitivity and easy storage and transportation.
Electrochemical Measurement of the Dissolved Oxygen Concentration in Water in the Absence of Deliberately Added Supporting Electrolyte
Authors: Clark Richard O. D. , Ngamchuea Kamonwad , Batchelor‐McAuley Christopher , Compton Richard G.
Published: February 2017

It is commonly assumed that the use and application of electrochemical techniques to natural surface waters requires the presence of high electrolyte concentrations prior to measurement, so limiting the applicability of the technique. We report that even for the complex case of oxygen reduction, an analytically useful electrochemical signal is obtainable using a carbon fibre microcylinder electrode. It is shown to be the case even when using voltammetric signals recorded in potable water that has not been pre‐treated or had the addition of any ionic material. The magnitude of the redox wave gives a reliable measure of the oxygen content of these solutions which contain only few millimolar of ions and contains no pH buffer.
Capturing the spatiotemporal variability of bedload transport: A time‐lapse imagery technique
Authors: Redolfi Marco , Guidorizzi Luca , Tubino Marco , Bertoldi Walter
Published: February 2017

Monitoring sediment transport in morphologically complex and labile channels remains a difficult task, even at the laboratory scale. To address this challenge, a fully automated imagery technique for continuously mapping the spatial and temporal variability of bedload transport is proposed. This method uses differentiated time‐lapse imagery taken from a fixed camera to detect bed variations induced by grain displacement. The technique is not based on tracking the individual particles; rather, it evaluates macroscopic colour changes within a region that contains several grains, which depend on the occurrence and intensity of the bedload transport. Image‐derived data were compared with the sediment flux measured during four flume experiments, and produced good correspondence. The method provides continuous tracking of the location of the transporting channels, and enables estimation of local variations in the magnitude of the bedload flux. Moreover, the spatial extent of the monitoring area offers an unprecedented opportunity to aggregate spatially dense and continuous data at the reach scale, as needed to properly capture the full range of variability of morphologically complex and rapidly evolving gravel‐bed rivers. Despite being limited to laboratory‐scale physical experiments, the method provides useful data to investigate fundamental morphodynamic processes such as bar migration, bank erosion, anabranches opening/closure, and the associate spatial and temporal scales. Further, the data obtained have the potential to enhance numerical model calibration and improve our understanding of the complex dynamics of real‐world settings. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A sweet taste receptor‐dependent mechanism of glucosensing in hypothalamic tanycytes
Authors: Benford Heather , Bolborea Matei , Pollatzek Eric , Lossow Kristina , Hermans‐Borgmeyer Irm , Liu Beihui , Meyerhof Wolfgang , Kasparov Sergey , Dale Nicholas
Published: February 2017

Hypothalamic tanycytes are glial‐like glucosensitive cells that contact the cerebrospinal fluid of the third ventricle, and send processes into the hypothalamic nuclei that control food intake and body weight. The mechanism of tanycyte glucosensing remains undetermined. While tanycytes express the components associated with the glucosensing of the pancreatic β cell, they respond to nonmetabolisable glucose analogues via an ATP receptor‐dependent mechanism. Here, we show that tanycytes in rodents respond to non‐nutritive sweeteners known to be ligands of the sweet taste (Tas1r2/Tas1r3) receptor. The initial sweet tastant‐evoked response, which requires the presence of extracellular Ca2+, leads to release of ATP and a larger propagating Ca2+ response mediated by P2Y1 receptors. In Tas1r2 null mice the proportion of glucose nonresponsive tanycytes was greatly increased in these mice, but a subset of tanycytes retained an undiminished sensitivity to glucose. Our data demonstrate that the sweet taste receptor mediates glucosensing in about 60% of glucosensitive tanycytes while the remaining 40% of glucosensitive tanycytes use some other, as yet unknown mechanism.
Translational readthrough generates new astrocyte AQP4 isoforms that modulate supramolecular clustering, glial endfeet localization, and water transport
Authors: De Bellis Manuela , Pisani Francesco , Mola Maria Grazia , Rosito Stefania , Simone Laura , Buccoliero Cinzia , Trojano Maria , Nicchia Grazia Paola , Svelto Maria , Frigeri Antonio
Published: February 2017

Regulation of water homeostasis is a central feature of central nervous system pathophysiology. In this context, several lines of evidence suggest a crucial role for the water channel aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) and its plasma membrane supramolecular organization as the key element. Here, we demonstrate the expression in tissues of additional isoforms of AQP4 characterized by a C‐terminal extension generated by programmed translational readthrough. These extended isoforms (AQP4ex) display a perivascular polarization and expression in dystrophin‐dependent pools. AQP4ex reduces supramolecular clustering tendency and allows AQP4 interactions with syntrophin. Furthermore, site‐directed mutagenesis of two serines in the extended C‐terminus of AQP4ex showed potential regulation of water permeability by phosphorylation. Finally, AQP4ex expression can be positively modulated by gentamicin treatment, demonstrating the possibility of regulating the AQP4 translational readthrough frequency. This novel regulatory mechanism could have important pathophysiological implications for conditions in which alternations have been reported in AQP4 structure.
Predictive modeling of EEG time series for evaluating surgery targets in epilepsy patients
Authors: Steimer Andreas , Müller Michael , Schindler Kaspar
Published: February 2017

During the last 20 years, predictive modeling in epilepsy research has largely been concerned with the prediction of seizure events, whereas the inference of effective brain targets for resective surgery has received surprisingly little attention. In this exploratory pilot study, we describe a distributional clustering framework for the modeling of multivariate time series and use it to predict the effects of brain surgery in epilepsy patients. By analyzing the intracranial EEG, we demonstrate how patients who became seizure free after surgery are clearly distinguished from those who did not. More specifically, for 5 out of 7 patients who obtained seizure freedom (= Engel class I) our method predicts the specific collection of brain areas that got actually resected during surgery to yield a markedly lower posterior probability for the seizure related clusters, when compared to the resection of random or empty collections. Conversely, for 4 out of 5 Engel class III/IV patients who still suffer from postsurgical seizures, performance of the actually resected collection is not significantly better than performances displayed by random or empty collections. As the number of possible collections ranges into billions and more, this is a substantial contribution to a problem that today is still solved by visual EEG inspection. Apart from epilepsy research, our clustering methodology is also of general interest for the analysis of multivariate time series and as a generative model for temporally evolving functional networks in the neurosciences and beyond. Hum Brain Mapp 38:2509–2531, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cancelled Procedures in the English NHS: Evidence from the 2010 Tariff Reform
Authors: Cookson Graham , Jones Simon , Laliotis Ioannis
Published: February 2017

This paper explores the role of incentives in the English National Health Service. Until financial year 2009/2010, elective procedures that were cancelled after admission received a fixed reimbursement associated with a specific healthcare resource group code. We investigate whether this induced trusts to admit and then cancel, rather than cancel before admission and/or to cancel low fee over high fee work. As the tariff was ended in April 2010, we conduct an interrupted time series analysis to examine if their behaviour was affected after the tariff removal. The results indicate a small, yet statistically significant, decline in the probability of a last minute cancellation in the post‐tariff period, especially for certain types of patients and diagnoses. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biological Activity of Brassinosteroids – Direct Comparison of Known and New Analogs in planta
Authors: Wendeborn Sebastian , Lachia Mathilde , Jung Pierre M. J. , Leipner Jörg , Brocklehurst David , De Mesmaeker Alain , Gaus Katharina , Mondière Régis
Published: February 2017

A systematic investigation of structural modifications of brassinosteroids is presented. We describe in detail their synthetic preparation, which includes significant improvements of previously reported protocols as well as access to new analogs with functional modifications of the steroid skeleton and of the C(17)‐attached side chain. We report the biological potency of the prepared brassinosteroid analogs as plant hormones, which were carefully established in the French bean second internode elongation assay and discuss our observations in light of the recently reported structural data detailing the molecular interactions between brassinolide in the trimeric complex with the protein receptors kinases BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 1 (BRI1) and SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS RECEPTOR KINASE 1 (SERK1). In a further part of this work we describe the preparation of H2O‐soluble pro‐forms of 24‐epicastasterone and we discuss their physical properties, hydrolytic stabilities and biological activity.
Zein‐based composites in biomedical applications
Authors: Demir Merve , Ramos‐Rivera Laura , Silva Raquel , Nazhat Showan N. , Boccaccini Aldo R.
Published: February 2017

Considerable research efforts have been devoted to zein‐based biomaterials for tissue engineering and other biomedical applications over the past decade. The attention given to zein‐based polymers is primarily attributed to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, due to the relatively low mechanical properties of these polymers, numerous inorganic compounds (e.g., hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphate, bioactive glasses, natural clays) have been considered in combination with zein to create composite materials in an attempt to enhance zein mechanical properties. Inorganic phases also positively impact on the hydrophilic properties of zein matrices inducing a suitable environment for cell attachment, spreading, and proliferation. This review covers available literature on zein and zein‐based composite materials, with focus on the combination of zein with commonly used inorganic fillers for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. An overview of the most recent advances in fabrication techniques for zein‐based composites is presented and key applications areas and future developments in the field are highlighted. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1656–1665, 2017.
Comparison of LC‐MS/MS vs chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay in measuring the valproic acid concentration in plasma of epilepsy patients in a new perspective
Authors: Wang Zhipeng , Yun Yunlei , Xie Xinfang , You Chunhua , Miao Haijun , Zhang Feng , Gao Shouhong , Chen Wansheng
Published: February 2017

Objectives

This study was designed to compare the performance of LC‐MS/MS with chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) for determination of VPA in epilepsy patients in the perspective of metabolites’ hepatotoxicity.

Method

Samples were collected and then analyzed using both LC‐MS/MS and CMIA. A LO2 cells (normal human hepatic cells) experiment was carried out to confirm VPA metabolites’ hepatotoxicity using AST(Aspertate Aminotransferase, AST), ALT(Alanine aminotransferase, ALT) and LDH(lactate dehydrogenase, LDH) in supernate as index.

Results

The regression equation analysis showed as LC‐MS/MS=1.0094CMIA‐1.8937, with the concordance correlation coefficient of 0.9700, and the CUSUM test proved no significant deviation from linearity (P>.05). CMIA compared to LC‐MS/MS gave a positive bias of 1.2 μg/mL. In LO2 experiment, VPA and its metabolites groups showed an obvious increment of AST, ALT, and LDH in supernate.

Conclusion

The LC‐MS/MS is largely consistent with the CMIA in analytical time and quantification ability for VPA, but the LC‐MS/MS can simultaneously determinate VPA and its metabolites in plasma, and is also a higher cost‐efficiency method in consideration of toxic metabolites monitoring. The overestimation of VPA by CMIA showed no clinical significance. The metabolites 3‐OH‐VPA and 5‐OH‐VPA damage the LO2 cells and the results presented a statistical significance (P<.05). It is vital to monitor the metabolites’ concentrations for VAP's clinical safety application, and now is the occasion that laboratory and clinic consider the LC‐MS/MS method as a more advantageous alternative to CMIA method in therapeutic monitoring of VPA.
Trace elements in children suffering from sickle cell anemia: A case–control study
Authors: Sungu Joseph K. , Mukuku Olivier , Mutombo Augustin Mulangu , Mawaw Paul , Aloni Michel N. , Luboya Oscar N.
Published: February 2017

Background

Information on serum albumin and trace elements among children suffering from Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) was poorly documented in Africa. The aim of this study was to describe and to compare different values of trace elements with published reports from other parts of the world.

Methods

We carried out a case–control study. Seventy‐six steady state children suffering from SCA (Hb‐SS). One hundred and fifty‐two children were recruited with 76 (cases, Hb‐SS) and 76 (control, Hb‐AA) to compare the data.

Results

The mean age was 10.0 years (SD=5.4) in SCA children and 9.2 years (SD=4.7) in the control group. The mean level of zinc and magnesium were slightly lower in the Hb‐SS group than in the Hb‐AA group (P<.001).

Conclusion

The first literature about trace elements in SCA is briefly reported in Central Africa. In our midst, zinc, magnesium, and selenium deficiencies underline the need for their systematic among all children with SCA to identify patients with these deficiencies and provide early management.
Association of MMP‐9 gene polymorphisms with nephrolithiasis patients
Authors: Mehde Atheer Awad , Mehdi Wesen Adel , Yusof Faridah , Raus Raha Ahmed , Zainal Abidin Zaima Azira , Ghazali Hamid , Abd Rahman Azlina
Published: February 2017

Background

Nephrolithiasis is one of the causes which lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endopeptidases degrading extracellular matrix which correlate with the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The current study was designed to analyze the association of (R279Q, C1562T) polymorphism of MMP‐9 with nephrolithiasis patients.

Methods

Genotyping of MMP‐9/R279Q and of MMP‐9/C1562T polymorphism were carried out by PCR‐based restriction digestion method. Serum level of MMP‐9, oxidative stress marker, MDA, and uric acid were measured in patients and control.

Results

Allele frequencies of the MMP‐9/C1562T polymorphism for C and T allele were 71.25% and 28.75% in patients, 87.08% and 12.92% in control respectively. The homozygote TT was more frequent in the nephrolithiasis patients group, while T allele frequency was significantly higher in the nephrolithiasis patients group than in the control group. The patients with CT and TT genotype showed a significant increase in serum MMP‐9, Total Oxidant Status (TOS), Oxidative Stress Index (OSI), Malondialdehyde (MDA), and uric acid when compared to CC genotype in patients with nephrolithiasis. The R279Q polymorphism site with regard to the relationship with nephrolithiasis was not significant.

Conclusion

The result indicates that patients with TT genotype had an increased risk of stones. Also, the results demonstrate that TT allele of the C1562T polymorphism in the MMP‐9gene is related with an increase of oxidative stress in nephrolithiasis patients and may possibly impose a risk for cardiovascular diseases in patients with TT genotype of MMP‐9.
Sol‐immobilized vs deposited‐precipitated Au nanoparticles supported on CeO2 for furfural oxidative esterification
Authors: Menegazzo Federica , Signoretto Michela , Fantinel Tania , Manzoli Maela
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

The non‐edible nature of lignocellulose makes this an important raw material for future biorefineries. This work concerns the oxidative esterification of furfural (a C5 compound) to alkyl furoates, which find applications in the fine chemical industry.

RESULTS

Very efficient Au/CeO2 catalysts for furfural oxidative esterification were prepared by deposition of gold colloids using polyvinyl alcohol as protective agent. The catalysts provided complete conversion and selectivity without the presence of a base. Sol‐immobilized catalysts displayed better catalytic performances than Au/CeO2 prepared by deposition–precipitation (74% conversion). It was proposed that polyvinyl alcohol molecules act not only as gold stabilizer, but they leave ceria support uncovered and available for catalysis. The reaction is extremely sensitive to temperature, but can be carried out at very low pressures. Sol‐immobilized catalysts do not require any preliminary calcination to be activated and can be recovered by simple filtration: no oxidation of the exhausted catalyst is required for at least six catalytic runs.

CONCLUSION

The new catalyst is active, selective, recyclable and suitable for an industrial chemistry application based on renewable resources. Furoate ester can be obtained with optimal yields by a greener process than is presently used. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Detection of the mild emphysema by quantification of lung respiratory airways with hyperpolarized xenon diffusion MRI
Authors: Ruan Weiwei , Zhong Jianping , Wang Ke , Wu Guangyao , Han Yeqing , Sun Xianping , Ye Chaohui , Zhou Xin
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To demonstrate the feasibility to quantify the lung respiratory airway in vivo with hyperpolarized xenon diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is able to detect mild emphysema in the rat model.

Materials and Methods

The lung respiratory airways were quantified in vivo using hyperpolarized xenon diffusion MRI (7T) with eight b values (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 s/cm2) in five control rats and five mild emphysematous rats, which were induced by elastase. The morphological results from histology were acquired and used for comparison.

Results

The parameters DL (longitudinal diffusion coefficient), r (internal radius), h (alveolar sleeve depth), Lm (mean linear intercept), and S/V (surface area to lung volume ratio) derived from the hyperpolarized xenon diffusion MRI in the emphysematous group showed significant differences from those in the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, these parameters correlated well with the Lm obtained by the traditional histological sections (Pearson's correlation coefficients >0.8).

Conclusion

The lung respiratory airways can be quantified by hyperpolarized xenon diffusion MRI, showing the potential for mild emphysema diagnosis. Also, the study suggested that the hyperpolarized xenon DL is more sensitive than DT (transverse diffusion coefficient) to detect mild emphysema.

Level of Evidence: 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:879–888.
Robust universal nonrigid motion correction framework for first‐pass cardiac MR perfusion imaging
Authors: Benovoy Mitchel , Jacobs Matthew , Cheriet Farida , Dahdah Nagib , Arai Andrew E. , Hsu Li‐Yueh
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To present and assess an automatic nonrigid image registration framework that compensates motion in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) perfusion series and auxiliary images acquired under a wide range of conditions to facilitate myocardial perfusion quantification.

Materials and Methods

Our framework combines discrete feature matching for large displacement estimation with a dense variational optical flow formulation in a multithreaded architecture. This framework was evaluated on 291 clinical subjects to register 1.5T and 3.0T steady‐state free‐precession (FISP) and fast low‐angle shot (FLASH) dynamic contrast myocardial perfusion images, arterial input function (AIF) images, and proton density (PD)‐weighted images acquired under breath‐hold (BH) and free‐breath (FB) settings.

Results

Our method significantly improved frame‐to‐frame appearance consistency compared to raw series, expressed in correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.996 ± 3.735E‐3 vs. 0.978 ± 2.024E‐2, P < 0.0001) and mutual information (3.823 ± 4.098E‐1 vs. 2.967 ± 4.697E‐1, P < 0.0001). It is applicable to both BH (R2 = 0.998 ± 3.217E‐3 vs. 0.990 ± 7.527E‐3) and FB (R2 = 0.995 ± 3.410E‐3 vs. 0.968 ± 2.257E‐3) paradigms as well as FISP and FLASH sequences. The method registers PD images to perfusion T1 series (9.70% max increase in R2 vs. no registration, P < 0.001) and also corrects motion in low‐resolution AIF series (R2 = 0.987 ± 1.180E‐2 vs. 0.964 ± 3.860E‐2, P < 0.001). Finally, we showed the myocardial perfusion contrast dynamic was preserved in the motion‐corrected images compared to the raw series (R2 = 0.995 ± 6.420E‐3).

Conclusion

The critical step of motion correction prior to pixel‐wise cardiac MR perfusion quantification can be performed with the proposed universal system. It is applicable to a wide range of perfusion series and auxiliary images with different acquisition settings.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1060–1072.
Parallel preconditioners for high‐order discretizations arising from full system modeling for brain microwave imaging
Authors: Bonazzoli Marcella , Dolean Victorita , Rapetti Francesca , Tournier Pierre‐Henri
Published: February 2017

This paper combines the use of high‐order finite element methods with parallel preconditioners of domain decomposition type for solving electromagnetic problems arising from brain microwave imaging. The numerical algorithms involved in such complex imaging systems are computationally expensive since they require solving the direct problem of Maxwell equations several times. Moreover, wave propagation problems in the high‐frequency regime are challenging because a sufficiently high number of unknowns are required to accurately represent the solution. To use these algorithms in practice for brain stroke diagnosis, running time should be reasonable. The method presented in this paper, coupling high‐order finite elements and parallel preconditioners, makes it possible to reduce the overall computational cost and simulation time while maintaining accuracy.
A climatology of atmospheric river interactions with the southeastern United States coastline
Authors: Debbage Neil , Miller Paul , Poore Shaina , Morano Kaitlin , Mote Thomas , Marshall Shepherd J.
Published: February 2017

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) are narrow and elongated bands of anomalous water vapour transport that have been widely studied due to their notable influence on regional weather patterns, surface hydrology, and the global water cycle. Although ARs produce a relatively large proportion of the annual precipitation in the southeastern quadrant of the United States, a detailed climatological analysis of Southeastern atmospheric rivers (SE‐ARs) has not been conducted. In this study, a climatology of SE‐AR coastal interactions from 1979 to 2014 was constructed from a global AR data set to examine the spatiotemporal characteristics of SE‐ARs as well as the importance of synoptic‐scale and low‐frequency modes of climate variability in modulating their frequency. The climatology revealed that SE‐ARs were most prevalent during the cold season, with the majority of these wintertime coastal interactions occurring predominately in the Gulf of Mexico. The synoptic‐scale and low‐frequency modes of climate variability favourable for SE‐AR development differed depending on the season and sub‐region of the Southeast considered. More specifically, a dipole effect was discovered, as conditions conducive for SE‐AR coastal interactions along the western Gulf generally inhibited SE‐AR interactions with the Florida Peninsula and vice versa. Overall, a better understanding of the seasonality of SE‐ARs as well as the synoptic‐scale and low‐frequency modes of climate variability that encourage their development could lead to improved forecasting and community awareness of the devastating AR‐related flood events that occur throughout the Southeast.
Satellite‐retrieved direct radiative forcing of aerosols over North‐East India and adjoining areas: climatology and impact assessment
Authors: Biswas Jhuma , Pathak Binita , Patadia Falguni , Bhuyan Pradip K. , Gogoi Mukunda M. , Babu S. Suresh
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT

In order to understand the climatic implications of atmospheric aerosols, top of atmosphere (TOA) shortwave (SW, 0.3–5 µm) fluxes and aerosol optical depth (AOD) at 550 nm retrieved simultaneously by clouds and the earth's radiant energy system (CERES) and moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments, respectively, are analysed over North‐East India and its adjoining areas for the period July 2002–December 2013. The aerosol‐free TOA flux obtained by establishing the linear regression between CERES SW TOA fluxes and MODIS AODs exhibits strong seasonality with peak values in monsoon and minimum in winter. Same seasonality is captured by the Santa Barbara DISORT Atmospheric Radiative Transfer (SBDART) model, but with difference in absolute values. SBDART code is used to extend instantaneous radiative forcing estimates into 24‐h averages. AOD over the North East India region with complex terrain shows altitudinal variation with maximum value at the lowest elevation site Dhaka and minimum value at the high‐altitude locations Shillong and Aizwal. In general, strong seasonality in AOD is observed with a peak in pre‐monsoon (March–May) and dip in post‐monsoon (October–November) at all the locations. The direct instantaneous TOA shortwave aerosol radiative forcing (SWARF) shows maximum values in pre‐monsoon over all the locations except at Guwahati, Banmauk, Aizawl, and Shillong. The lowest value of instantaneous SWARF is observed in post‐monsoon except at Banmauk and Shillong. Climatologically TOA diurnally averaged SWARF varies between −6.95 W m−2 in Aizawl to −20.39 W m−2 in Shillong. In general, the TOA SW forcing efficiency is highest in monsoon at all the locations. The radiative forcing efficiency is found to be less negative when surface reflectance increases.
Determining alloy composition in MoxW(1 − x)S2 from low wavenumber Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Livneh Tsachi , Dumcenco Dumitru O. , Pinkas Iddo
Published: February 2017

Mixed alloy MoxW(1 − x)S2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) bulk samples are characterized by low wavenumber Raman spectroscopy. The results provide a convenient and reliable means for systematically determining the sample Mo/W composition. The absence of disorder effects in its interlayer motion (unlike for the intralayer motion) and the lack of Mo/W composition dependence of the shear mode force constants enable the facile employment of a reduced monoatomic linear chain model by treating the bulk alloy as a series of ‘single balls’ of mass (xmMo + (1 − x)mW + 2mS) attached by interlayer springs with a composition‐independent interlayer force constant of
.

Shear mode Raman scattering analysis may consequently be complementary to the electronic spectroscopy tools (X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS)), commonly used for mixed alloy bulk composition characterization. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of near‐infrared fluorescence imaging in endocrine surgical procedures
Authors: Kahramangil Bora , Berber Eren
Published: February 2017

Near‐infrared fluorescence imaging in endocrine surgery is a new, yet highly investigated area. It involves indocyanine green use as well as parathyroid autofluorescence. Several groups have described their technique and reported on the observed utility. However, there is no consensus on technical details. Furthermore, the correlation between intraoperative findings and postoperative outcomes is unclear. With this study, we aim to review the current literature on fluorescence imaging and share our insights on technical details.
Spatial and Temporal Trends of Recent Dissolved Phosphorus Concentrations in Lake Tana and its Four Main Tributaries
Authors: Alemu Muluken L. , Geset Muhabe , Mosa Hassan M. , Zemale Fasikaw A. , Moges Mamaru A. , Giri Shree K. , Tillahun Seifu A. , Melesse Assefa M. , Ayana Essayas K. , Steenhuis Tammo S.
Published: February 2017

Rapid population growth and agricultural intensification have been directly associated with land degradation and with visible deterioration in water quality in the Ethiopian lakes. Assessing the extent and origin of pollution is cumbersome because of the lack of measurements for water quality parameters. This paper reports on the dissolved phosphorus (DP) concentrations in Lake Tana and its tributaries during 3 years from 2010 to 2012 and the four rainy months in 2014. Concentrations in the headwaters, at the gaging station, at the river mouth, near shore (littoral), and in the open lake (pelagic) were measured for the four major rivers. DP concentration in the rivers was on the average 0·32 mg l−1, and DP in the lake was much lower with an average concentration of 0·10 mg l−1. Temporally, DP concentrations were greater in the rainy phase of the monsoon than in the dry phase from November through March. Moreover, an upward trend in DP concentrations is coinciding with the area expansion of water hyacinths in the lake. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Annual Burning Enhances Biomass Production and Nutrient Cycling in DegradedImperataGrasslands
Authors: Pathak Karabi , Nath Arun Jyoti , Sileshi Gudeta W. , Lal Rattan , Das Ashesh Kumar
Published: February 2017

The invasive speciesImperata cylindricais a dominant grass covering a large part of degraded lands of India.Imperatais managed through traditional annual burning, a practice that is prevalent throughout tropical grasslands. A field experiment was conducted to quantify the effects of burning on aboveground and belowground biomass production and soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (Ave P), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca+), and magnesium (Mg+) concentrations in 0‐ to 15‐cm soil depth underImperatagrassland. The burnt site had 44% and 14% higher aboveground and belowground biomass over the un‐burnt control plots after 300 days of the fire event. The concentrations of SOC, TN, and Ave P increased soon after the fire but decreased regressively with time after the fire in both micro and macro soil aggregate size fractions. In contrast, concentrations of K+, Ca+, and Mg+increased up to 30 days after the fire in both soil aggregate fractions. Burning did not significantly alter the stoichiometric ratios (C : N, C : P, and N : P) in macro aggregates. However, burning significantly reduced the C : N, C : P, and N : P ratios in micro aggregates during the first 0–30 days. Fire increased nutrient stocks (kg ha−1) by 20–35% in the burnt site in comparison to an un‐burnt control site. It is concluded that the conventional practice of annual burning increases soil nutrients in surface soils and supports higher biomass production inImperata‐covered degraded lands. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validating a Basic Assumption of Using Cesium‐137 Method to Assess Soil Loss in a Small Agricultural Catchment
Authors: Ni L.S. , Fang N.F. , Shi Z.H. , Chen F.X. , Wang L.
Published: February 2017

Although the fallout radionuclide 137Cs technique has been widely used to provide soil redistribution estimates in recent decades, some researchers have recently challenged the usefulness of this technique. Thus, it is necessary to evaluate the usefulness of the 137Cs technique to study soil redistribution, especially in areas that suffer from severe soil erosion and where the 137Cs inventory distributions vary. This study analyses the abundance of 137Cs deposited in sediment trapped by a check dam over 31 years in a small agriculture catchment in the Loess Plateau, which has experienced some of the most extensive agricultural soil erosion in the world. The 137Cs inventory and soil loss were evaluated, and the results indicated that the sediment deposition rate behind the check dam was approximately 38 cm/year. The specific soil erosion rate of the catchment is estimated to be 178 t ha−1 year−1. A geochemical properties fingerprinting method indicated that the ratio of the inter‐gully erosion from cropland to gully erosion was 0·46:0·54 during the investigated period of 31‐year period. Our results suggest that the 137Cs technique cannot be directly used in the study catchment. Gully erosion is the main type of soil erosion that occurs in the loess catchment, and the amount of gully erosion changes from year to year. Therefore, the abundance of 137Cs cannot be used to estimate soil redistribution where gully erosion is severe. However, after calibration, the inter‐gully soil loss was consistently related to 137Cs abundance, which means that the 137Cs technique can be used at the plot or slope scale on the Loess Plateau. Our results also reveal the particle‐size selectivity of soil detachment and sediment deposition during runoff‐erosion events. The average 137Cs content of the fine group couplets is 63% greater than the 137Cs content of the coarse group. When the studied section spans more than 15 years, the 137Cs inventory is consistent (R2 = 0·95, p < 0·01) with soil loss, which means that the selectivity may be offset over a long period. Our results confirm that the 137Cs method requires careful planning when applied at the catchment scale. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional morphology of eutectic silicon in as‐cast Al‐20 wt% Si alloy with ultrasonic treatment
Authors: Zhang Z. , Liu X. , Bao L. , Hu W. , Le Q. , Cui J.
Published: February 2017

Three‐dimensional morphology of eutectic silicon in as‐cast Al‐20 wt% Si alloys with ultrasonic treatment above liquidus has been investigated in this paper. The results show that ultrasonic treatment above liquidus could not refine the primary silicon phase very well, but is capable of modifying the morphology of eutectic silicon. The fracture of eutectic silicon occurred resulting in both huge reduction of silicon grain sizes and changes of morphology from large plate‐like to interconnected thin flake and coral‐like. The evolution mechanisms of the eutectic silicon morphology in Al‐20 wt% Si alloys with ultrasonic treatment were also preliminarily discussed.
How Strategic Groups Act Competitively Within and Across Markets
Authors: Mas‐Ruiz Francisco J. , Ruiz‐Moreno Felipe
Published: February 2017

Our study analyzes rivalry within and across markets of size‐defined strategic groups in the banking industry. We consider that, owing to group‐level effects, like efficiency and funding, the degree of rivalry of size‐defined strategic groups depends on whether the competitor is acting in the same or in a different market and whether the competing firms are within the same strategic group or in different groups. We estimate the effect of group interactions within and across loans and deposits markets on firm performance in the Spanish banking industry. We find evidences of rivalry as described in our hypotheses. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Existence, uniqueness, and blow‐up rate of large solutions to equations involving the Laplacian on the half line
Authors: Chen Yujuan , Chen Li
Published: February 2017

This paper shows the existence and the uniqueness of the nonnegative viscosity solution of the singular boundary value problem
for t>0,
, where f is a continuous non‐decreasing function such that f(0)⩾0, and h is a nonnegative function satisfying the Keller–Osserman condition. Moreover, when h(u)=up with p>3, we obtain the global estimates for the classic solution u(t) and the exact blow‐up rate of it at t=0. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fructose downregulates miR‐330 to induce renal inflammatory response and insulin signaling impairment: Attenuation by morin
Authors: Gu Ting‐Ting , Song Lin , Chen Tian‐Yu , Wang Xing , Zhao Xiao‐Juan , Ding Xiao‐Qin , Yang Yan‐Zi , Pan Ying , Zhang Dong‐Mei , Kong Ling‐Dong
Published: February 2017

Scope

Fructose induces insulin resistance with kidney inflammation and injury. MicroRNAs are emerged as key regulators of insulin signaling. Morin has insulin‐mimetic effect with the improvement of insulin resistance and kidney injury. This study investigated the protective mechanisms of morin against fructose‐induced kidney injury, with particular focus on miR‐330 expression change, inflammatory response, and insulin signaling impairment.

Methods and results

miR‐330, sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1)/sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P)/S1P receptor (S1PR)1/3 signaling, nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB)/NOD‐like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and insulin signaling were detected in kidney cortex of fructose‐fed rats and fructose‐exposed HK‐2 cells, respectively. Whether miR‐330 mediated inflammatory response to affect insulin signaling was examined using SphK1 inhibitor, S1PR1/3 short interfering RNA, or miR‐330 mimic/inhibitor, respectively. Fructose was found to downregulate miR‐330 expression to increase SphK1/S1P/S1PR1/3 signaling, and then activate NF‐κB/NLRP3 inflammasome to produce IL‐1β, causing insulin signaling impairment. Moreover, morin upregulated miR‐330 and partly attenuated inflammatory response and insulin signaling impairment to alleviate kidney injury.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that morin protects against fructose‐induced kidney insulin signaling impairment by upregulating miR‐330 to reduce inflammatory response. Morin may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of kidney injury associated with fructose‐induced inflammation and insulin signaling impairment.
RAPID analysis of variable stiffness beams and plates: Legendre polynomial triple‐product formulation
Authors: O'Donnell Matthew P. , Weaver Paul M.
Published: February 2017

Numerical integration techniques are commonly employed to formulate the system matrices encountered in the analysis of variable stiffness beams and plates using a Ritz based approach. Computing these integrals accurately is often computationally costly. Herein, a novel alternative is presented, the Recursive Analytical Polynomial Integral Definition (RAPID) formulation. The RAPID formulation offers a significant improvement in the speed of analysis, achieved by reducing the number of numerical integrations that are performed by an order of magnitude. A common Legendre Polynomial basis is employed for both trial functions and stiffness/load variations leading to a common form for the integrals encountered. The Legendre Polynomial basis possesses algebraic recursion relations that allow these integrals to be reformulated as triple‐products with known analytical solutions, defined compactly using the Wigner (3j) coefficient. The satisfaction of boundary conditions, calculation of derivatives and transformation to other bases is achieved through combinations of matrix multiplication, with each matrix representing a unique boundary condition or physical effect, therefore permitting application of the RAPID approach to a variety of problems. Indicative performance studies demonstrate the advantage of the RAPID formulation when compared to direct analysis using Matlab's ‘integral’ and ‘integral2’. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma in children and adolescents—Outcome and patterns of relapse when utilizing a nonsurgical strategy for lymph node staging: Report from the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) Malignant Mesenchymal Tumour 89 and 95 studies
Authors: Rogers Timothy , Minard‐Colin Veronique , Cozic Nathalie , Jenney Meriel , Merks Johannes H. M. , Gallego Soledad , Devalck Christine , Gaze Mark N. , Kelsey Anna , Oberlin Odile , Stevens Mike , Spicer Richard D. , Bergeron Christophe , Martelli Helene
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To report the results from International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) Malignant Mesenchymal Tumors studies (MMT 89 and 95) of males with nonmetastatic paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma.

Methods

From 1989 to 2003, 159 patients were included. Radical inguinal orchidectomy was recommended, but retroperitoneal lymph node (LN) assessment was based on imaging alone. The treatment was stratified by stage (SIOP tumor‐node‐metastasis staging system) and histology.

Results

Median age at presentation was 5.6 years (range 0.3–17.6) and 120 patients were of <10 years (75%). Patients ≥10 years had tumors of >5 cm more frequently compared to patients of <10 years (54% vs. 22%, P = 0.0004). The 5‐ year overall and progression‐free survivals were 94% and 83%, respectively. Seventy‐eight percent of relapses occurred in the retroperitoneal LN. Thirty‐one percent of stage N0 patients of age ≥10 years developed node relapse, compared with 8% of N0 patients aged <10 years (P = 0.0005).

Conclusions

Older patients with paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma have a significant risk of LN relapse. These results support a surgical approach to LN staging in this subgroup of patients.
Chorionic villus sampling in the cell‐free DNA aneuploidy screening era: careful selection criteria can maximise the clinical utility of screening and invasive testing
Authors: Kane Stefan C. , Reidy Karen L. , Norris Fiona , Nisbet Deborah L. , Kornman Louise H. , Palma‐Dias Ricardo
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To quantify the impact of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) screening on chorionic villus sampling (CVS) test indications and outcomes in a tertiary maternity service.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of all CVS procedures performed for any indication on singleton pregnancies at The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, and at Women's Ultrasound Melbourne, Australia, between August 2008 and February 2015. Karyotypes were classified according to pathogenicity and detectability by standard cfDNA screening panels.

Results

A total of 2051 CVS procedures, 25 373 twelve‐week scans and 2394 cfDNA tests were performed. The CVS rate per 12‐week scan fell from 9.8 to 3.9% following introduction of cfDNA screening. The yield of pathogenic chromosomal anomalies per CVS increased from 12.9 to 25.2%, with 70% of pathogenic results now comprising T21, up from 52%. Sixteen (5.3%) of the pathogenic chromosomal abnormalities identified on CVS would not have been predicted by current cfDNA tests.

Conclusions

There is an evolving tension between improved screening performance for common aneuploidies offered by cfDNA testing, and the increasing diagnostic utility of molecular karyotyping. However, the risk of not identifying pathogenic chromosomal abnormalities is low if cfDNA screening is offered in the absence of a structural fetal anomaly, increased nuchal translucency or relevant family history. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.