bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The contribution of building‐integrated geothermal systems to the energy transition / Der Beitrag gebäudeintegrierter Geothermieanlagen zur Energiewende
Authors: Hofinger Johann
Published: October 2016

If international agreements to replace fossil fuels with renewables are taken seriously by politicians, a much broader use of environmental‐friendly energy sources will be needed for heating and cooling purposes in the future. This necessary decarbonisation can be supported by the use of heat pumps in combination with geothermal absorbers, which have particular advantages since a large part of the heat used is extracted from the environment surrounding the building. The advantage of building‐integrated geothermal systems also lies in the simple and inexpensive supply of cooling energy, which can be accomplished either by free cooling or by reversing the heat pump circuit. The geothermal plants at Salzburg railway station and the Austria Campus will be exemplified and operating experience is given.

Werden die internationalen Vereinbarungen zum Ersatz fossiler Energieträger durch erneuerbare von der Politik tatsächlich umgesetzt, ist auch im Gebäudesektor in Zukunft ein wesentlich ausgeweiteter Einsatz klimafreundlicher Energieträger erforderlich. Im Sinne einer notwendigen Dekarbonisierung bietet die Verwendung von Wärmepumpenanlagen in Kombination mit Geothermieabsorbern besondere Vorteile, da ein Großteil der Nutzwärme aus der Umgebung des Gebäudes bezogen wird. Der Vorteil gebäudeintegrierter Erdwärmeanlagen liegt auch in der einfachen und kostengünstigen Bereitstellung von Kühlenergie, welche sich entweder durch Free‐Cooling oder durch die Umkehrung des Wärmepumpenkreislaufs bewerkstelligen lässt. Die Geothermieanlagen am Hauptbahnhof Salzburg und am im Bau befindlichen Austria Campus werden beispielhaft beschrieben und Bau‐ sowie Betriebserfahrungen angeführt.
A European perspective of the development of deep geothermal in urban areas
Authors: Dumas Philippe
Published: October 2016

The future of our energy supply systems is moving towards Smart Cities and Smart Rural Communities, where the integration of combined technologies using renewable energy sources reduces environmental impact and offers citizens a better quality of life. Geothermal has a particularly important role in smart electricity and thermal grids, since it can deliver both heating and cooling, and electricity.

Shallow geothermal, using heat pumps, is a key energy source for smart energy systems. It provides solutions for the future energy system by coupling smart thermal and electricity grids with underground thermal storage and by providing reliable and affordable heating and cooling supply to both urban and rural areas.

As these technologies can be installed in grid and off‐grid heating and cooling systems, they perfectly fit the new smart cities and rural communities approach.

In addition, there is also an important role for shallow geothermal energy in connection with and management of smart electricity grids. Geothermal heat pumps can provide demand response services, thereby contributing to grid stabilisation, whilst Underground Thermal Energy Storage (UTES) is an excellent storage solution. Shallow geothermal technologies will be utilised in the next generation of district heating: Smart Thermal Grids.
MinTherm – Utilization of the overburden of existing underground structures for deep geothermal projects / MinTherm – Geothermische Nutzung des Überlagerungspotenzials in unterirdischen Infrastrukturen für tiefe Geothermie
Authors: Lorenz Stefan , Stoxreiter Thomas , Galler Robert
Published: October 2016

The research study was intended to investigate the potential use of geothermal energy power plants in subsurface infrastructure such as tunnels and active or closed mines. The aims of the study was to examine the geological and geothermal conditions of a tunnel and a mine to survey the drilling technologies and necessary infrastructures for the drilling of deep boreholes as well as to determine rock, operating and process parameters and safety aspects in case of subsurface structures. The results are given in an evaluation matrix, which assembles the collected data and describes the specific boundary conditions of the tunnel projects and the mine as well as the risks of project Implementation.

Das Forschungsprojekt untersuchte das Nutzungspotenzial von Tiefengeothermiekraftwerken für untertägige Infrastrukturen wie Tunnelbauwerke und aktive oder auch stillgelegte Bergbaustrukturen. Ziel des Projekts war, die geologischen und geothermischen Standortbedingungen an einem ausgewählten Tunnelbauwerk und einer aktiven untertägigen Bergbauanlage zu überprüfen, die Bohrtechnologien und die Bereitstellung der notwendigen Infrastrukturen zum Abteufen von Tiefenbohrungen zu erheben und auch Gebirgs‐, Betriebs‐ und Prozessparameter und Sicherheitsaspekte zu erfassen, die sich im Spezialfall von Untertageanlagen ergeben. Die Ergebnisse fanden Eingang in eine Bewertungsmatrix, die sich aus den erhobenen Daten, welche die konkreten Randbedingungen der Projekte aufzeigen, sowie die Risiken einer Projektumsetzung beschreiben.
Severe rock mass damage of undercut and extraction level pillars at El Teniente Mine
Authors: Gomes Alexandre R.A. , Rojas Eduardo , Ulloa Juan Carlos
Published: October 2016

The El Teniente Mine of Codelco is one of the largest underground mine operations in the world. The mine employs massive mechanised panel caving methods with pre‐undercut variants to extract copper‐molybdenum ore, producing 140,000 t/d, mainly of primary copper ore. In the context of a study of rehabilitation measures for collapsed zones at the Esmeralda mine, which is one of Tenientés most important operations, a preliminary assessment of the post‐collapse pillar's rock mass condition was carried out, allowing the characterization of the damage zone surrounding the drifts and some insights into the likely pillar's rock mass damage development. The paper outlines these findings and discusses some underlying factors that may also have influenced the process.
Predicting lymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma by vascular index on power Doppler ultrasound
Authors: Lee Ji Hye , Shin Hyun Joo , Yoon Jung Hyun , Kim Eun‐Kyung , Moon Hee Jung , Lee Hye Sun , Kwon Hyeong Ju , Kwak Jin Young
Published: October 2016

Background

For patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), lymph node metastasis is associated with an increased recurrence rate. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), microvessel density (MVD), and vascular index (VI) can predict lymph node metastasis in patients with PTC.

Methods

From January 2011 to October 2011, 202 patients with PTCs underwent preoperative staging ultrasound evaluation. To evaluate vascularity, we measured the VI, VEGF expression, and MVD.

Results

The VI was significantly correlated with MVD (p = .009). On multivariate analysis, young age showed a significant correlation with lymph node metastasis (p < .001; p < .001; p < .001). However, the other clinicopathologic features, VEGF, MVD, and VI failed to show any significant correlations with lymph node metastasis.

Conclusion

Although the VI showed significant correlation with MVD, it was not significantly correlated to lymph node metastasis. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 334–340, 2017
Efficacy of ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration performed by surgeons newly trained in thyroid ultrasound
Authors: Graciano Agnaldo J. , Fischer Carlos A. , Chone Carlos T. , Bublitz Giuliano S. , Sonagli Marina , Filho Cezar A. Rodrigues
Published: October 2016

Background

There are a growing number of thyroid ultrasound courses to train endocrinologists, pathologists, and surgeons to perform ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (FNA). However, there are limited data to support the efficacy of ultrasound‐guided FNA performed by nonradiologists.

Methods

We compared the efficacy of ultrasound‐guided FNA performed by surgeons newly trained in thyroid ultrasound with that of the same technique performed by 1 experienced radiologist. The ratio of nondiagnostic examinations was used to compare the 2 groups.

Results

A total of 197 ultrasound‐guided FNAs were performed on 172 women (95.53%) and 8 men (4.47%) over a 12‐month period. The efficacy of ultrasound‐guided FNA did not differ between groups. A nondiagnostic report was found in 23% and 25.7% of the examinations performed by the radiologist and surgeons, respectively.

Conclusion

The efficacy of ultrasound‐guided FNAs performed by our 2 surgeons was similar to that of our radiologist. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 439–442, 2017
GABAergic hyperinnervation of dentate granule cells in the Ts65Dn mouse model of down syndrome: Exploring the role ofApp
Authors: Mojabi Fatemeh S. , Fahimi Atoossa , Moghadam Shahrzad , Moghadam Sarah , Windy McNerneny M. , Ponnusamy Ravikumar , Kleschevnikov Alexander , Mobley William C. , Salehi Ahmad
Published: October 2016

It has been suggested that increased GABAergic innervation in the hippocampus plays a significant role in cognitive dysfunction in Down syndrome (DS). Bolstering this notion, are studies linking hyper‐innervation of the dentate gyrus (DG) by GABAergic terminals to failure in LTP induction in the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS. Here, we used extensive morphometrical methods to assess the status of GABAergic interneurons in the DG of young and old Ts65Dn mice and their 2N controls. We detected an age‐dependent increase in GABAergic innervation of dentate granule cells (DGCs) in Ts65Dn mice. The primary source of GABAergic terminals to DGCs somata is basket cells (BCs). For this reason, we assessed the status of these cells and found a significant increase in the number of BCs in Ts65Dn mice compared with controls. Then we aimed to identify the gene/s whose overexpression could be linked to increased number of BCs in Ts65Dn and found that deleting the third copy ofAppgene in Ts65Dn mice led to normalization of the number of BCs in these mice. Our data suggest thatAppoverexpression plays a major role in the pathophysiology of GABAergic hyperinnervation of the DG in Ts65Dn mice. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Opposite in vivo effects of agents that stimulate or inhibit the glutamate/cysteine exchanger system on the inhibition of hippocampal LTP by Aß
Authors: Zhang Dainan , Jin Baozhe , Ondrejcak Tomas , Rowan Michael J.
Published: October 2016

Aggregated amyloid ß‐protein (Aß) is pathognomonic of Alzheimer's disease and certain assemblies of Aß are synaptotoxic. Excess glutamate or diminished glutathione reserve are both implicated in mediating or modulating Aß‐induced disruption of synaptic plasticity. The system
antiporter promotes Na+‐independent exchange of cystine with glutamate thereby providing a major source of extracellular glutamate and intracellular glutathione concentrations. Here we probed the ability of two drugs with opposite effects on system
, the inhibitor sulfasalazine and facilitator N‐acetylcysteine, to modulate the ability of Aß1‐42 to inhibit long‐term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 area of the anaesthetized rat. Whereas acute systemic treatment with sulfasalazine lowered the threshold for Aß to interfere with synaptic plasticity, N‐acetylcysteine prevented the inhibition of LTP by Aß alone or in combination with sulfasalazine. Moreover acute N‐acetylcysteine also prevented the inhibition of LTP by TNFα, a putative mediator of Aß actions, and repeated systemic N‐acetylcysteine treatment for 7 days reversed the delayed deleterious effect of Aß on LTP. Since both of these drugs are widely used clinically, further evaluation of their potential beneficial and deleterious actions in early Alzheimer's disease seems warranted. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Basophil Activation Test identifies the patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria suffering the most active disease
Authors: Curto‐Barredo Laia , Yelamos Jose , Gimeno Ramon , Mojal Sergi , Pujol Ramon M. , Giménez‐Arnau Ana
Published: October 2016

Introduction

The basophil activation test showing CD63 up regulation could be a specific and sensitive in vitro complementary text to the in vivo autologous serum skin test for the activity assessment of the patients suffering autoimmune chronic spontaneous urticaria. The aim of this study is to define the basophil activation test as a useful tool in clinical practice in order to identify those patients with more active disease.

Methods

We screened 139 patients (96 women) diagnosed of chronic spontaneous urticaria using simultaneously autologous serum skin test and basophil activation test and their relationship with disease activity.

Results

Positive autologous serum skin test was found in 56.8%; from them, 31.6% were basophil activation test positive. Negative autologous serum skin test result was found in the 43.2% of the sample that showed negative CD63 expression results in all cases, except one. Patients with positive autologous serum skin test and positive CD63 by basophil activation test showed significant higher Urticaria Activity Score of 7 days (P = 0.004) and of 3 weeks (P = 0.001) than patients with positive autologous serum skin test and negative CD63 (mean ± standard deviation [SD] 26.57 ± 10.56 versus 18.40 ± 12.05 for the Urticaria Activity Score of 7 days and 56.47 ± 23.78 versus 39.88 ± 25.44 for the Urticaria Activity Score of 3 weeks).

Conclusions

The CD63 expression on basophils appears as a reliable in vitro marker, useful in clinical practice in combination with autologous serum skin test to define chronic spontaneous urticaria patients with the highest urticaria activity that impairs a normal life.
Oncogenic targets Mmp7, S100a9, Nppb and Aldh1a3 from transcriptome profiling of FAP and Pirc adenomas are downregulated in response to tumor suppression by Clotam
Authors: Ertem Furkan U. , Zhang Wenqian , Chang Kyle , Mohaiza Dashwood Wan , Rajendran Praveen , Sun Deqiang , Abudayyeh Ala , Vilar Eduardo , Abdelrahim Maen , Dashwood Roderick H.
Published: October 2016

Intervention strategies in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients and other high‐risk colorectal cancer (CRC) populations have highlighted a critical need for endoscopy combined with safe and effective preventive agents. We performed transcriptome profiling of colorectal adenomas from FAP patients and the polyposis in rat colon (Pirc) preclinical model, and prioritized molecular targets for prevention studies in vivo. At clinically relevant doses in the Pirc model, the drug Clotam (tolfenamic acid, TA) was highly effective at suppressing tumorigenesis both in the colon and in the small intestine, when administered alone or in combination with Sulindac. Cell proliferation in the colonic crypts was reduced significantly by TA, coincident with increased cleaved caspase‐3 and decreased Survivin, β‐catenin, cyclin D1 and matrix metalloproteinase 7. From the list of differentially expressed genes prioritized by transcriptome profiling, Mmp7, S100a9, Nppb and Aldh1a3 were defined as key oncogene candidates downregulated in colon tumors after TA treatment. Monthly colonoscopies revealed the rapid onset of tumor suppression by TA in the Pirc model, and the temporal changes in Mmp7, S100a9, Nppb and Aldh1a3, highlighting their value as potential early biomarkers for prevention in the clinical setting. We conclude that TA, an “old drug” repurposed from migraine, offers an exciting new therapeutic avenue in FAP and other high‐risk CRC patient populations.
Prediagnosis body mass index and waist–hip circumference ratio in association with colorectal cancer survival
Authors: Wang Nan , Khankari Nikhil K. , Cai Hui , Li Hong‐Lan , Yang Gong , Gao Yu‐Tang , Xiang Yong‐Bing , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Zheng Wei
Published: October 2016

The association of obesity on survival among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been well characterized. We investigated the association of prediagnostic body mass index (BMI)/waist–hip ratio (WHR) and total/cause‐specific mortality in CRC patients. Our study included 1,452 patients who participated in two large cohort studies and were diagnosed with CRC during follow‐up period. Participants were measured for anthropometrics and interviewed to collect relevant information at baseline, prior to any cancer diagnosis. Data on site‐specific cancer incidence and cause‐specific mortality were obtained via in‐person surveys and annual record linkage with cancer and vital statistics registries. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the associations of BMI and WHR with survival. A total of 547 participants died during the follow‐up period, including 499 who died of CRC. Relative to normal BMI (18.5 to <25.0 kg/m2), obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) was associated with increased mortality resulting from all causes [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1–2.1] and CRC (HR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1–2.1). Elevated risk of death was also found among underweight patients (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), although not all risk estimates were statistically significant. Overweight BMI (25.0 to <30.0 kg/m2) was not associated with risk of death among CRC patients, nor was WHR. In conclusion, prediagnostic BMI was associated with survival among CRC patients following a U‐shape pattern; obesity was associated with high mortality after CRC diagnosis. These findings provide support for maintaining healthy weight to improve the survival of CRC patients.
cGAS‐cGAMP‐STING: The three musketeers of cytosolic DNA sensing and signaling
Authors: Tao Jianli , Zhou Xiang , Jiang Zhengfan
Published: October 2016

Innate immunity is the first line of host defense against invading pathogens. The detection of aberrant nucleic acids which represent some conserved PAMPs triggers robust type I IFN‐mediated innate immune responses. Host‐ or pathogen‐derived cytosolic DNA binds and activates the DNA sensor cGAS, which synthesizes the second messenger 2′3′‐cGAMP and triggers STING‐dependent downstream signaling. Here, we highlight recent progress in cGAS‐cGAMP‐STING, the Three Musketeers of cytosolic DNA sensing and signaling, and their essential roles in infection, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. We also focus on the regulation of these critical signal components by variant host/pathogen proteins and update our understanding of this indispensable pathway to provide new insights for drug discovery. © 2016 IUBMB Life, 68(11):858–870, 2016
Folate‐decorated arginine‐based poly(ester urea urethane) nanoparticles as carriers for gambogic acid and effect on cancer cells
Authors: He Mingyu , Ro Lillian , Liu Jing , Chu Chih‐Chang
Published: October 2016

Gambogic acid (GA) exhibits a broad spectrum of anticancer activity and low chemotoxicity to normal tissues. However, poor aqueous solubility and sensitivity to hydrolysis make its pharmaceutical applications a challenge. Linear and branched Arg‐based poly(ester urea urethane)s (Arg‐PEUUs), folate (FA)‐conjugated Arg PEUUs (FA‐Arg‐PEUUs), and their self‐assembled nanoparticles (NPs) were designed, synthesized, and studied as the potential GA carriers for cancer treatment. The average diameters of linear or branched Arg‐PEUU/FA‐Arg‐PEUU NPs were 98–267 nm. FA‐Arg‐PEUU NPs adhered onto and were internalized into HeLa and A549 cells, and showed no cytotoxicity. The GA loading efficiency in the NP carriers ranged from 40 to 98%, depending on the feed weight ratio of GA to Arg‐PEUU and the Arg‐PEUU polymer structure (i.e., linear vs. branched). The GA at 2 µg/mL concentration delivered by the FA‐Arg‐PEUU NP carriers had higher cytotoxicity and induced a higher apoptosis percentage against folate receptor (FR)‐overexpressed HeLa or HCT116 than Arg‐PEUU NPs. When compared to the free GA treatment, the GA loaded in the FA‐Arg‐PEUU NP carriers also led to significant loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential in a higher percentage of the cancer cell population and more DNA fragmentation. The GA loaded in FA‐Arg‐PEUU NP carriers at as low as 0.6 µg/mL GA concentration led to lower MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 activity of cancer cells compared to free GA, suggesting that GA‐loaded Arg‐PEUU NPs may have greater potential to reduce cancer cell invasion and metastasis than free GA. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 475–490, 2017.
Selective plasma exchange can reduce auto‐antibodies in patients with bullous pemphigoid without affecting factor XIII and fibrinogen
Authors: Nasu Kahori , Hanafusa Norio , Nangaku Masaomi
Published: October 2016

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering skin disorder characterized by circulating serum IgG antibodies against two hemidesmosomal proteins: BP180 and BP230. Fundamentally, immunosuppressive therapies are administered to treat this disease, but plasmapheresis can be added for refractory patients. We experienced the case of a 63‐year‐old patient with refractory BP for which we administered double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP). His skin lesions improved along with decreased IgG BP180 antibodies, but factor XIII (FXIII) and fibrinogen were also reduced by DFPP repetition. Reportedly, deficiency of those factors can cause lethal bleeding. Especially, decreased FXIII cannot be detected by prolongation of bleeding or coagulation time. To prevent further reduction of those factors and bleeding complications, DFPP was switched to selective plasma exchange (SePE), a new modality of plasmapheresis that uses a membrane plasma separator with smaller than ordinary pores. SePE further reduced pathogenic IgG BP180 antibodies, but FXIII and fibrinogen recovered. For this case, we measured the mean of reduction ratios in serum IgG and FXIII both before and after plasmapheresis sessions and detected the decreased levels of FXIII and fibrinogen during DFPP. We were able to switch to SePE from DFPP appropriately before any bleeding event occurred. The utility of SePE was demonstrated, especially for the reduction of pathogenic antibodies with retention of FXIII and fibrinogen, which have the longest half‐lives among coagulation factors and which take a long time to recover.
Multiple program/multiple data molecular dynamics method with multiple time step integrator for large biological systems
Authors: Jung Jaewoon , Sugita Yuji
Published: October 2016

Parallelization of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is essential for investigating conformational dynamics of large biological systems, such as ribosomes, viruses, and multiple proteins in cellular environments. To improve efficiency in the parallel computation, we have to reduce the amount of data transfer between processors by introducing domain decomposition schemes. Also, it is important to optimize the computational balance between real‐space non‐bonded interactions and reciprocal‐space interactions for long‐range electrostatic interactions. Here, we introduce a novel parallelization scheme for large‐scale MD simulations on massively parallel supercomputers consisting of only CPUs. We make use of a multiple program/multiple data (MPMD) approach for separating the real‐space and reciprocal‐space computations on different processors. We also utilize the r‐RESPA multiple time step integrator on the framework of the MPMD approach in an efficient way: when the reciprocal‐space computations are skipped in r‐RESPA, processors assigned for them are utilized for half of the real‐space computations. The new scheme allows us to use twice as many as processors that are available in the conventional single program approach. The best performances of all‐atom MD simulations for 1 million (STMV), 8.5 million (8_STMV), and 28.8 million (27_STMV) atom systems on K computer are 65, 36, and 24 ns/day, respectively. The MPMD scheme can accelerate 23.4, 10.2, and 9.2 ns/day from the maximum performance of single‐program approach for STMV, 8_STMV, and 27_STMV systems, respectively, which correspond to 57%, 39%, and 60% speed up. This suggests significant speedups by increasing the number of processors without losing parallel computational efficiency. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emotional Awareness Moderates the Relationship Between Childhood Abuse and Borderline Personality Disorder Symptom Factors
Authors: Westbrook John , Berenbaum Howard
Published: October 2016

Objective

To examine pathways to borderline personality disorder (BPD), focusing on childhood abuse and emotional attention and clarity.

Method

Among 293 community residents (mean age = 43.1; 53.9% female), measured associations between the BPD symptom factors of disturbed relatedness, affective dysregulation, and behavioral dysregulation and (a) childhood abuse (emotional, physical, and sexual); (b) emotional attention and clarity; and (c) negative affect, using structured interviews, the Schedule for Non‐Adaptive and Adaptive Personality‐2, the Trait Meta Mood Scale, and the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, respectively.

Results

All forms of childhood abuse were associated with BPD symptom factors. Emotional attention and clarity moderated the effects of childhood physical and emotional abuse on behavioral dysregulation and disturbed relatedness. All results held when controlling for negative affect.

Conclusion

The relations between childhood abuse and BPD are robust. Emotional attention and clarity may help elucidate the links between childhood abuse and BPD.
Treating Trichotillomania (Hair‐Pulling Disorder) in a Child
Authors: Snorrason Ivar , Walther Michael R. , Elkin T. David , Woods Douglas W.
Published: October 2016

Although cognitive behavioral treatments (CBTs) have been recommended as first‐line interventions for trichotillomania (hair‐pulling disorder [HPD]), research on CBT for young children with HPD is limited. We illustrate the use of family‐based CBT for HPD in an 8‐year‐old boy. The client had a 5‐year history of chronic HPD and several large bald spots on the crown of his head. Treatment primarily comprised habit reversal training (HRT) and function‐based interventions. The child showed significant improvement in HPD severity and impairment after 8 weekly sessions, although complete abstinence was not achieved. The findings underscore the importance of parental involvement in the treatment and show that children as young as 8 years of age can successfully use strategies taught in HRT.
Long‐term austral summer wind speed trends over southern Africa
Authors: Nchaba Teboho , Mpholo Moeketsi , Lennard Chris
Published: October 2016

A comprehensive analysis of near surface (10‐m and 850 hPa) long‐term (1980–2015) austral summer mean wind speed trends over southern Africa and the surrounding oceans (10°–40°S and 10°W‐50°E) is carried out. The climate forecast system reanalysis and the climate forecast system reanalysis version 2, the modern era retrospective‐analysis for research and applications version 2, and the ERA‐Interim products are used for the analysis. Trends are estimated using the Theil–Sen slope estimator and their significance tested with the Mann–Kendall test. Attribution of the wind speed trends to large scale circulation systems is determined from: (1) trends in 850 hPa geopotential height, surface pressure, and surface skin temperatures, (2) changes in the annual frequency of archetypal synoptic states generated by self‐organizing maps from geopotential height data, and (3) the correlations of the wind speeds to the southern annular mode (SAM) and El Niño Southern Oscillations (ENSO) indices. There is an overall decline in wind speeds evident in all the reanalyses. Wind speeds reduce by an average 0.7 and 1.3 m s−1 at 10 m and 850 hPa, respectively, over the study period. Deceleration in midlatitude westerly and Atlantic south easterly winds are associated with a poleward shift in the subtropical anticyclone, a positive trend in the annual frequency of summer circulation weather types, and the weakening of the subtropical continental heat low. The SAM and ENSO are also found to have a statistically significant linear association with the observed wind speed trends.
Tree‐ring‐based SPEI reconstruction in central Tianshan Mountains of China since A.D. 1820 and links to westerly circulation
Authors: Jiang Peng , Liu Hongyan , Wu Xiuchen , Wang Hongya
Published: October 2016

Understanding long‐time scale of drought variability is vital to the hydrological management and agriculture in dryland. Based on two sites of Schrenk spruce (Picea schrenkiana), a robust tree‐ring chronology was developed and employed to study the drought variability in central Tianshan Mountains. The result shows that the chronology significantly positively correlates with precipitation in previous December, April, May and June in current year, and significantly negatively correlates with temperature in April, May, July and August in current year. Highest correlation was found between tree‐ring width and both April–June standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) and Palmer drought severity index, indicating that Schrenk spruce's growth strongly responds to the current summer drought. We further reconstruct SPEI for the period 1820–2005, and the series are verified both with the statistical methods and other nearby reconstructions. Multi‐taper method spectral and wavelet analyses reveal the significant low‐ and high‐frequency cycles (26–36, 8.5, 6.0, 5.7 and 3.4 years). Drought has alternatively varied in the past two centuries with four apparently dry periods and wet periods, and the driest period occurs from 1870 to 1890 and the wettest period occurs from 1842 to 1855 in the central Tianshan Mountains. Some extreme drought events are detected, such as 1885, 1918, 1944–1945 and 1951. Significant correlations of reconstructed SPEI and precipitation and temperature indicate that the source of air masses and the water vapour transport paths lies in the northwestern direction of our study area and are controlled by westerly circulation. This SPEI reconstruction provides a long‐term drought history in the central Tianshan Mountains and can serve as scientific basis for water resources management in this semi‐arid region.
CO2 fluxes in subtropical dryland soils—a comparison of the gradient and the closed‐chamber method
Authors: Luther-Mosebach Jona , Kalinski Kira , Gröngröft Alexander , Eschenbach Annette
Published: October 2016

On the plot scale, closed dynamic chamber methods (CDCM) are the most popular technique to directly measure CO2 fluxes from the soil surface to the atmosphere. However, the gradient method (GM) provides several advantages, which refer to the underground processes contributing to the CO2 production that cannot be investigated by the CDCM. To evaluate the suitability of the GM in dryland soils, we compared feasibility and quality of results for both methods. The GM is based on Fick's law and requires knowledge on diffusion properties of the soil, concentration gradients between soil and atmosphere, and the air‐filled porosity. Our study was conducted on two sites along the Okavango River, one in Namibia (semi‐arid) and the other in Angola (semi‐humid) with comparable sandy soil texture. The CO2 concentration profile was determined by collecting soil gas samples from different soil depths. CO2 efflux was measured with a vented steady‐state closed chamber system. Soil gas diffusivities were measured in lab experiments using diffusion chambers and undisturbed soil cores. Modeled diffusivities were predicted according to six popular models based on air‐filled porosity and total porosity as input parameters. Results show strong agreement between CDCM and GM fluxes based on measured diffusivities. However, with modeled diffusivities overestimation of fluxes for most of the tested models, especially at high air‐filled porosity, were detected. We conclude that the GM offers a valuable tool for flux estimates on the pedon scale in dry ecosystems particularly in combination with measured diffusivities and includes the possibility for investigating subsurface processes involved in the CO2 production.
Autocorrelation analysis of high resolution weighing lysimeter time series as a basis for determination of precipitation
Authors: Herbrich Marcus , Gerke Horst H.
Published: October 2016

The determination of precipitation (P) is still a challenge, but central for quantifying soil water and element balances. Time series of mass changes (ΔM) from high precision weighing lysimeter may be used to estimate P if deep drainage rates are determined independently. High temporal resolution, however, is accompanied by problems such as correlated data and noise. The objective was to analyze the temporal autocorrelation (AC) in ΔM time series and to identify temporal resolutions for determining uncorrelated P rates. Minute‐based time series of ΔM are analyzed; the data have been recorded at the UMS Science Lysimeters that are located in Dedelow (northeast Germany) as part of the TERENO SoilCan lysimeter network. Periods in 2012 and 2013 were selected in which the wind speed was below 6 ms−1. Data noise‐correction was carried out by using a moving average before the ΔM values cumulated over 60, 30, and 10 min intervals were compared. On a monthly basis, the temporal AC lengths for ΔM were larger in spring (68 min), autumn (62 min), and winter (76 min) than in the summer (23 min). These AC lengths reflected mainly the effect of differences in P‐rates and ‐duration between lower‐intensity rainfall and shorter summer storms. The monthly sums of P based on the 60‐min interval were up to 20% lower than those obtained by using the 10‐min intervals. For P‐values obtained by summing up the ΔM over periods shorter than the autocorrelation length, oscillated fluctuations in ΔM did not cancel out within an interval. The temporal autocorrelation in the highly‐resolved lysimeter data limited the evaluation of ΔM time series. Compared to rain gauge data, the P‐rates obtained from the weighing lysimeters were generally higher. However, this difference decreased when increasing the time interval for cumulating mass changes. Cumulated positive ΔM values based on time intervals larger than the AC length (e.g., 60 min) provided an optimal approximation of the quantity of P, but on the expense of a loss in temporal resolution limited by the AC lengths. Smoothing could reduce noise in the original lysimeter data; however, not the validity problems that are related to the temporal AC.
Higher bioavailability of iron from whole wheat bread compared with iron‐fortified white breads in caco‐2 cell model: an experimental study
Authors: Nikooyeh Bahareh , Neyestani Tirang R
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Bread, as the staple food of Iranians, with average per capita consumption of 300 g d−1, could potentially be a good vehicle for many fortificants, including iron. In this study, iron bioavailability from flat breads (three fortified and one whole wheat unfortified) was investigated using in vitro simulation of gastrointestinal digestion and absorption in a caco‐2 cell model.

RESULTS

Despite having a lower ferritin/protein ratio in comparison with fortified breads, whole wheat bread showed higher iron bioavailability than the other three types of bread. Assuming iron bioavailability from the ferrous sulfate supplement used as standard was about 10%, the estimated bioavailability of iron from the test breads was calculated as 5.0–8.0%. Whole wheat bread (∼8%), as compared with the fortified breads (∼5–6.5%), had higher iron bioavailability.

CONCLUSION

Iron from unfortified whole wheat bread is more bioavailable than from three types of iron‐fortified breads. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Comprehensive study of the macropore and mesopore size distributions in polymer monoliths using complementary physical characterization techniques and liquid chromatography
Authors: Wouters Sam , Hauffman Tom , Mittelmeijer‐Hazeleger Marjo C. , Rothenberg Gadi , Desmet Gert , Baron Gino V. , Eeltink Sebastiaan
Published: October 2016

Poly(styrene‐co‐divinylbenzene) monolithic stationary phases with two different domain sizes were synthesized by a thermally initiated free‐radical copolymerization in capillary columns. The morphology was investigated at the meso‐ and macroscopic level using complementary physical characterization techniques aiming at better understanding the effect of column structure on separation performance. Varying the porogenic solvent ratio yielded materials with a mode pore size of 200 nm and 1.5 μm, respectively. Subsequently, nano‐liquid chromatography experiments were performed on 200 μm id × 200 mm columns using unretained markers, linking structure inhomogeneity to eddy dispersion. Although small‐domain‐size monoliths feature a relatively narrow macropore‐size distribution, their homogeneity is compromised by the presence of a small number of large macropores, which induces a significant eddy‐dispersion contribution to band broadening. The small‐domain size monolith also has a relatively steep mass‐transfer term, compared to a monolith containing larger globules and macropores. Structural inhomogeneity was also studied at the mesoscopic level using gas‐adsorption techniques combined with the non‐local‐density‐function‐theory. This model allows to accurately determine the mesopore properties in the dry state. The styrene‐based monolith with small domain size has a distinctive trimodal mesopore distribution with pores of 5, 15, and 25 nm, whereas the monolith with larger feature sizes only contains mesopores around 5 nm in size.
Analysis of proteins and peptides by electromigration methods in microchips
Authors: Štěpánová Sille , Kašička Václav
Published: October 2016

This review presents the developments and applications of microchip electromigration methods in the separation and analysis of peptides and proteins in the period 2011–mid‐2016. The developments in sample preparation and preconcentration, microchannel material, and surface treatment are described. Separations by various microchip electromigration methods (zone electrophoresis in free and sieving media, affinity electrophoresis, isotachophoresis, isoelectric focusing, electrokinetic chromatography, and electrochromatography) are demonstrated. Advances in detection methods are reported and novel applications in the areas of proteomics and peptidomics, quality control of peptide and protein pharmaceuticals, analysis of proteins and peptides in biomatrices, and determination of physicochemical parameters are shown.
Vegetation type and demography of low density willow ptarmigan populations
Authors: Kvasnes Mikkel Andreas Jørnsøn , Pedersen Hans Christian , Storaas Torstein , Nilsen Erlend Birkeland
Published: October 2016

The willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) is an economically important and desired game species in Scandinavia. Its abundance varies considerably in time and space, but there has been a long‐term population decline over recent decades. Earlier studies demonstrated willow ptarmigan select certain habitat features. We investigated the relationship between area‐specific conditions (habitat and ownership status) and 2 variables describing willow ptarmigan demography (adult density and reproductive success). We found no connection between adult density and cover of 6 vegetation types. However, willow ptarmigan had lower reproductive success in survey areas dominated by mountain birch (Betula pubescens czerepanovii) forest. The lack of any clear association between willow ptarmigan density and vegetation types could be explained by relatively low population densities in our study areas. Thus, relative to years with higher population levels, resources (e.g., food and shelter) were plentiful and competition was low. We found strong indications in areas of similar vegetation composition that adult density was higher in areas managed by private landowners than on state‐owned land. The difference in density was 2.56 birds/km2, equivalent to a 46% increase compared to adult density on state‐owned land. This difference in density may be due to a difference in hunting pressure. We conclude that management actions to improve habitat will have little effect on willow ptarmigan populations during periods of relatively low densities. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Northern bobwhite breeding season ecology on a reclaimed surface mine
Authors: Brooke Jarred M. , Tanner Evan P. , Peters David C. , Tanner Ashley M. , Harper Craig A. , Keyser Patrick D. , Clark Joseph D. , Morgan John J.
Published: October 2016

Surface coal mining and subsequent reclamation of surface mines have converted large forest areas into early successional vegetative communities in the eastern United States. This reclamation can provide a novel opportunity to conserve northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). We evaluated the influence of habitat management activities on nest survival, nest‐site selection, and brood resource selection on managed and unmanaged units of a reclaimed surface mine, Peabody Wildlife Management Area (Peabody), in west‐central Kentucky, USA, from 2010 to 2013. We compared resource selection, using discrete‐choice analysis, and nest survival, using the nest survival model in Program MARK, between managed and unmanaged units of Peabody at 2 spatial scales: the composition and configuration of vegetation types (i.e., macrohabitat) and vegetation characteristics at nest sites and brood locations (i.e., microhabitat). On managed sites, we also investigated resource selection relative to a number of different treatments (e.g., herbicide, disking, prescribed fire). We found no evidence that nest‐site selection was influenced by macrohabitat variables, but bobwhite selected nest sites in areas with greater litter depth than was available at random sites. On managed units, bobwhite were more likely to nest where herbicide was applied to reduce sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) compared with areas untreated with herbicide. Daily nest survival was not influenced by habitat characteristics or by habitat management but was influenced by nest age and the interaction of nest initiation date and nest age. Daily nest survival was greater for older nests occurring early in the breeding season (0.99, SE < 0.01) but was lower for older nests occurring later in the season (0.08, SE = 0.13). Brood resource selection was not influenced by macrohabitat or microhabitat variables we measured, but broods on managed units selected areas treated with herbicide to control sericea lespedeza and were located closer to firebreaks and disked native‐warm season grass stands than would be expected at random. Our results suggest the vegetation at Peabody was sufficient without manipulation to support nesting and brood‐rearing northern bobwhite at a low level, but habitat management practices improved vegetation for nesting and brood‐rearing resource selection. Reproductive rates (e.g., nest survival and re‐nesting rates) at Peabody were lower than reported in other studies, which may be related to nutritional deficiencies caused by the abundance of sericea lespedeza. On reclaimed mine lands dominated by sericea lespedeza, we suggest continuing practices such as disking and herbicide application that are targeted at reducing sericea lespedeza to improve the vegetation for nesting and brood‐rearing bobwhite. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Extended locoregional use of intercostal artery perforator propeller flaps
Authors: Baghaki Semih , Diyarbakirlioglu Murat , Sahin Ugur , Kucuksucu Muge Anil , Turna Akif , Baca Bilgi , Aydın Yağmur
Published: October 2016

Besides conventional flaps, intercostal artery perforator flaps have been reported to cover trunk defects. In this report the use of anterior intercostal artery perforator (AICAP) flap, lateral intercostal artery perforator (LICAP) flap and dorsal intercostal artery perforator (DICAP) flap for thoracic, abdominal, cervical, lumbar and sacral defects with larger dimensions and extended indications beyond the reported literature were reevaluated. Thirty‐nine patients underwent surgery between August 2012 and August 2014. The age of the patients ranged between 16 and 79 with a mean of 49 years. The distribution of defects were as follows; 12 thoracic, 8 parascapular, 3 cervical, 8 abdominal, 4 sacral and 4 lumbar. AICAP, LICAP and DICAP flaps were used for reconstruction. Fifty‐two ICAP flaps were performed on 39 patients. Flap dimensions ranged between 6 × 9 cm and 14 × 35 cm. Twenty‐six patients had single flap coverage and 13 patients had double flap coverage. Forty‐six flaps have been transferred as propeller flaps and 6 flaps have been transferred as perforator plus flap. Forty flaps (75%) went through transient venous congestion. In one DICAP flap, 30% of flap was lost. No infection, hematoma or seroma were observed in any patient. Follow‐up period ranged between 3 and 32 months with a mean of 9 months. The ICAP flaps provide reliable and versatile options in reconstructive surgery and can be used for challenging defects in trunk.
Model of the delayed translation of cyclin B maternal mRNA after sea urchin fertilization
Authors: Picard Vincent , Mulner‐Lorillon Odile , Bourdon Jérémie , Morales Julia , Cormier Patrick , Siegel Anne , Bellé Robert
Published: October 2016

Sea urchin eggs exhibit a cap‐dependent increase in protein synthesis within minutes after fertilization. This rise in protein synthesis occurs at a constant rate for a great number of proteins translated from the different available mRNAs. Surprisingly, we found that cyclin B, a major cell‐cycle regulator, follows a synthesis pattern that is distinct from the global protein population, so we developed a mathematical model to analyze this dissimilarity in biosynthesis kinetic patterns. The model includes two pathways for cyclin B mRNA entry into the translational machinery: one from immediately available mRNA (mRNAcyclinB) and one from mRNA activated solely after fertilization (XXmRNAcyclinB). Two coefficients, α and β, were added to fit the measured scales of global protein and cyclin B synthesis, respectively. The model was simplified to identify the synthesis parameters and to allow its simulation. The calculated parameters for activation of the specific cyclin B synthesis pathway after fertilization included a kinetic constant (ka) of 0.024 sec−1, for the activation of XXmRNAcyclinB, and a critical time interval (t2) of 42 min. The proportion of XXmRNAcyclinB form was also calculated to be largely dominant over the mRNAcyclinB form. Regulation of cyclin B biosynthesis is an example of a select protein whose translation is controlled by pathways that are distinct from housekeeping proteins, even though both involve the same cap‐dependent initiation pathway. Therefore, this model should help provide insight to the signaling utilized for the biosynthesis of cyclin B and other select proteins. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 1070–1082, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Revised upper limb module for spinal muscular atrophy: Development of a new module
Authors: Mazzone Elena S. , Mayhew Anna , Montes Jacqueline , Ramsey Danielle , Fanelli Lavinia , Young Sally Dunaway , Salazar Rachel , De Sanctis Roberto , Pasternak Amy , Glanzman Allan , Coratti Giorgia , Civitello Matthew , Forcina Nicola , Gee Richard , Duong Tina , Pane Marika , Scoto Mariacristina , Pera Maria Carmela , Messina Sonia , Tennekoon Gihan , Day John W. , Darras Basil T. , De Vivo Darryl C. , Finkel Richard , Muntoni Francesco , Mercuri Eugenio
Published: October 2016

Introduction

There is a growing need for a robust clinical measure to assess upper limb motor function in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), as the available scales lack sensitivity at the extremes of the clinical spectrum. We report the development of the Revised Upper Limb Module (RULM), an assessment specifically designed for upper limb function in SMA patients.

Methods

An international panel with specific neuromuscular expertise performed a thorough review of scales currently available to assess upper limb function in SMA. This review facilitated a revision of the existing upper limb function scales to make a more robust clinical scale.

Results

Multiple revisions of the scale included statistical analysis and captured clinically relevant changes to fulfill requirements by regulators and advocacy groups.

Conclusions

The resulting RULM scale shows good reliability and validity, making it a suitable tool to assess upper extremity function in the SMA population for multi‐center clinical research. Muscle Nerve 55: 869–874, 2017