bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Achieving a more realistic assessment of rockfall hazards by coupling three‐dimensional process models and field‐based tree‐ring data
Authors: Trappmann Daniel , Stoffel Markus , Corona Christophe
Published: March 2014

Sound knowledge of the spatial and temporal patterns of rockfalls is fundamental for the management of this very common hazard in mountain environments. Process‐based, three‐dimensional simulation models are nowadays capable of reproducing the spatial distribution of rockfall occurrences with reasonable accuracy through the simulation of numerous individual trajectories on highly‐resolved digital terrain models. At the same time, however, simulation models typically fail to quantify the ‘real’ frequency of rockfalls (in terms of return intervals). The analysis of impact scars on trees, in contrast, yields real rockfall frequencies, but trees may not be present at the location of interest and rare trajectories may not necessarily be captured due to the limited age of forest stands. In this article, we demonstrate that the coupling of modeling with tree‐ring techniques may overcome the limitations inherent to both approaches. Based on the analysis of 64 cells (40 m × 40 m) of a rockfall slope located above a 1631‐m long road section in the Swiss Alps, we illustrate results from 488 rockfalls detected in 1260 trees. We illustrate that tree impact data cannot only be used (i) to reconstruct the real frequency of rockfalls for individual cells, but that they also serve (ii) the calibration of the rockfall model Rockyfor3D, as well as (iii) the transformation of simulated trajectories into real frequencies. Calibrated simulation results are in good agreement with real rockfall frequencies and exhibit significant differences in rockfall activity between the cells (zones) along the road section. Real frequencies, expressed as rock passages per meter road section, also enable quantification and direct comparison of the hazard potential between the zones. The contribution provides an approach for hazard zoning procedures that complements traditional methods with a quantification of rockfall frequencies in terms of return intervals through a systematic inclusion of impact records in trees. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hyperconcentrated flows on a forested alluvial fan of eastern Canada: geomorphic characteristics, return period, and triggering scenarios
Authors: Ouellet Marie‐Audray , Germain Daniel
Published: March 2014

The assessment of the dominant flow type on alluvial fans usually refers to two categories: debris‐flow fans (i.e. sediment gravity flows) and fluvial fans (i.e. fluid gravity flows). Here we report the results of combined morphometric, stratigraphic and sedimentological approaches which suggest that hyperconcentrated flows, a transitional process rheologically distinct from debris flows and floods and sometimes referred to as debris floods, mud floods, or transitional debris flows, are the dominant fan building process in eastern Canada. These flows produce transitional facies between those of debris flows which consist of a cohesive matrix‐supported diamicton, and those of river flows which display more distinct stratification. The size of the blocks in the channels and the abrasion scars at the base of several trees attest to the high transport capacity of these flows. The fan channels are routed according to various obstacles comprised primarily of woody debris that impede sediment transit. However, these conditions of sediment storage are combined with readily available sediment due to the friable nature of the local lithology. Tree‐ring analysis allowed the reconstruction of eight hydrogeomorphic events which are characterized by a return period of 9.25 years for the period 1934–2008, although most of the analyzed events occurred after 1970. Historical weather data analysis indicates that they were related to rare hydrometeorological events at regional and local scales. This evidence led to the elaboration of weather scenarios likely responsible for triggering flows on the fan. According to these scenarios, two distinct hydrologic regimes emerge: the torrential rainfall regime and the nival regime related to snowmelt processes. Hydrogeomorphic processes occurring in a cold‐temperate climate, and particularly on small forested alluvial fans of north‐eastern North America, should receive more attention from land managers given the hazard they represent, as well as because of their sensitivity to various meteorological parameters. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biotransformation of the flame retardant tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA) by freshwater microalgae
Authors: Peng Fu-Qiang , Ying Guang-Guo , Yang Bin , Liu You-Sheng , Lai Hua-Jie , Zhou Guang-Jie , Chen Jun , Zhao Jian-Liang
Published: March 2014

Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA) is the most widely used brominated flame retardant. However, little is known about its biotransformation by algae in aquatic environments. The authors investigated transformations of TBBPA by 6 freshwater green microalgae and identified its transformation products. Transformation experiments were conducted under axenic conditions in a laboratory for 10 d. The results showed that TBBPA could be transformed by the selected microalgae, with nearly complete removal by Scenedesmus quadricauda and Coelastrum sphaericum following 10-d incubation. Five transformation products were positively identified by mass spectrometry: TBBPA sulfate, TBBPA glucoside, sulfated TBBPA glucoside, TBBPA monomethyl ether, and tribromobisphenol-A. The mechanisms involved in the biotransformation of TBBPA include sulfation, glucosylation, O-methylation, and debromination, which could be an important step for its further degradation. This suggests that microalgae can play an important role in the fate of TBBPA in aquatic environments. The present study is the first report on algal transformation of TBBPA, and the proposed transformation products could have significant environmental implications. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1705–1711. © 2014 SETAC
Effects of atrazine on endocrinology and physiology in juvenile barramundi, Lates calcarifer (Bloch)
Authors: Kroon Frederieke J. , Hook Sharon E. , Jones Dean , Metcalfe Suzanne , Osborn Hannah L.
Published: March 2014

Exposure to certain environmental contaminants such as agricultural pesticides can alter normal endocrine and reproductive parameters in wild fish populations. Recent studies have found widespread pesticide contamination across the rivers that discharge into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. Potential impacts on native fish species exposed to known endocrine disrupting chemicals such as atrazine, simazine, and diuron have not been assessed. In the present study, the authors examined the endocrine and physiological effects of short-term, acute exposure of environmentally relevant concentrations of analytical grade atrazine in juvenile barramundi (Lates calcarifer) in a controlled laboratory experiment. Expression of hepatic vitellogenin was not affected, supporting results of previous studies that showed that atrazine does not have a direct estrogenic effect via mediation of estrogen receptors. The lack of effect on brain cytochrome P19B (CYP19B) expression levels, combined with increases in testosterone (T) and 17β estradiol and a stable T:17β estradiol ratio, does not support the hypothesis that atrazine has an indirect estrogenic effect via modulation of aromatase expression. Gill ventilation rate, a measure of oxidative stress, did not change in contrast to other studies finding enhanced osmoregulatory disturbance and gill histopathology after atrazine exposure. To more closely reflect field conditions, the authors recommend that laboratory studies should focus more on examining the effects of commercial pesticide formulations that contain additional ingredients that have been found to be disruptive to endocrine function. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1607–1614. © 2014 SETAC
A self‐configured link adaptation for green LTE downlink transmission
Authors: Salman Mustafa Ismael , Ng Chee Kyun , Noordin Nor Kamariah , Ali Borhanuddin Mohd , Sali Aduwati
Published: March 2014

Green deployment for cellular eNodeBs has been proposed recently to save power and reduce the huge amount of carbon dioxide (CO 2) emitted by traditional power‐hungry base stations. Green eNodeBs should also be subjected to restrictions on high data rate and quality of service (QoS), which both entail a high level of power consumption. In this regard, this paper addresses the trade‐off between energy efficiency (EE) and spectral efficiency (SE) in both traditional and green long‐term evolution eNodeBs without sacrificing the QoS. EE is proved to monotonically increase with SE in traditional macrocells and quasi‐concave in green macrocells. Accordingly, a new mapping between channel quality indicator and modulation and coding scheme is proposed to address EE–SE trade‐off with the use of a multi‐criteria decision‐making technique. Then, a self‐configured link adaptation (SCLA) algorithm is developed to ensure that the priority weights related to EE and SE are adapted according to network load with the use of real‐time cross‐layer optimization. Simulation results show that the proposed SCLA provides a significant gain in EE and 52% reduction of CO 2 while maintaining SE close to the optimal value. Current and next‐generation cellular networks require such interactive techniques in order to be self‐optimised without complex modifications. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlling for Landform Age When Determining the Settlement History of the Kuril Islands
Authors: MacInnes Breanyn , Fitzhugh Ben , Holman Darryl
Published: March 2014

Archaeological investigations of settlement patterns in dynamic landscapes can be strongly biased by the evolution of the Earth's surface. The Kuril Island volcanic arc exemplifies such a dynamic landscape, where landscape‐modifying geological forces were active during settlement, including sea‐level changes, tectonic emergence, volcanic eruptive processes, coastal aggradation, and dune formation. With all these ongoing processes, in this paper we seek to understand how new landscape formation in the Holocene might bias archaeological interpretations of human settlement in the Kurils. Resolving this issue is fundamental to any interpretation of human settlement history derived from the distribution and age of archaeological sites from the region. On the basis of a comparison of landform ages and earliest archaeological occupation ages on those landforms, we conclude that landform creation did not significantly bias our aggregate archaeological evidence for earliest settlement. Some sections of the archipelago have larger proportions of landform creation dates closer to archaeological evidence of settlement and undoubtedly some archaeological sites have been lost to geomorphic processes. However, comparisons between regions reveal comparable archaeological establishment patterns irrespective of geomorphic antiquity.
Do Fertility Control Policies Affect Health in Old Age? Evidence from China's One‐Child Experiment
Authors: Islam Asadul , Smyth Russell
Published: April 2014

How do fertility control policies contribute to the welfare of women, and their husbands, particularly as they get older? We consider whether the reduction in fertility resulting from population control policies has had any effect on the health of elderly parents in China. In particular, we examine the influence of this fertility decline, experienced due to China's one‐child policy, on several measures of the health of parents in middle and old age. Overall, our results suggest that having fewer children has a positive effect on self‐reported parental health but generally no effect on other measures of health. The results also suggest that upstream financial transfers have a positive effect on several measures of parental health. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using the precision of the mean to estimate suitable sample sizes for monitoring total phosphorus in Australian catchments
Authors: Lessels Jason S. , Bishop Thomas F. A.
Published: April 2014

The effect of the sample size on prediction quality is well understood. Recently, studies have assessed this relationship using near‐continuous water quality samples. However, this is rarely possible because of financial constraints, and therefore, many studies have relied on simulation‐based methods utilizing more affordable surrogates. A limitation of simulation‐based methods is the requirement of a good relationship, which is often not present. Therefore, catchment managers require a direct method to estimate the effect of sample size on the mean using historical water quality data. One measure of prediction quality is the precision with which a mean is estimated; this is the focus of this work. By characterizing the effect of sample size on the precision of the mean, it is possible for catchment managers to adjust the sample size in relation to both the cost and the precision. Historical data are often sparse and generally collected using several different sampling schemes, all without inclusion probabilities. This means that an approach is needed to obtain unbiased estimates of the variance of the mean using a model‐based approach. With the use of total phosphorus data from 17 sub‐catchments in southeastern Australia, the ability of a model‐based approach to estimate the effect of sample size on the precision of event and base‐flow mean concentrations. The results showed that for estimating annual base‐flow mean concentration, little gain in precision was achieved above 12 observations per year. Sample sizes greater than 12 samples per event improved event‐based estimates; however, the inclusion of more than 12 samples per event did not greatly reduce the event mean concentration uncertainties. The precision of the base‐flow estimates was most correlated to percentage urban cover, whereas the precision of the event mean estimates was most correlated with catchment size. The method proposed in this work could be readily applied to other water quality variables and other monitoring sites. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PETRORISK: A risk assessment framework for petroleum substances
Authors: Redman Aaron D , Parkerton Thomas F , Comber Mike HI , Paumen Miriam Leon , Eadsforth Charles V , Dmytrasz Bhodan , King Duncan , Warren Christopher S , den Haan Klaas , Djemel Nadia
Published: March 2014

PETRORISK is a modeling framework used to evaluate environmental risk of petroleum substances and human exposure through these routes due to emissions under typical use conditions as required by the European regulation for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). Petroleum substances are often complex substances comprised of hundreds to thousands of individual hydrocarbons. The physicochemical, fate, and effects properties of the individual constituents within a petroleum substance can vary over several orders of magnitude, complicating risk assessment. PETRORISK combines the risk assessment strategies used on single chemicals with the hydrocarbon block approach to model complex substances. Blocks are usually defined by available analytical characterization data on substances that are expressed in terms of mass fractions for different structural chemical classes that are specified as a function of C number or boiling point range. The physicochemical and degradation properties of the blocks are determined by the properties of representative constituents in that block. Emissions and predicted exposure concentrations (PEC) are then modeled using mass-weighted individual representative constituents. Overall risk for various environmental compartments at the regional and local level is evaluated by comparing the PECs for individual representative constituents to corresponding predicted no-effect concentrations (PNEC) derived using the Target Lipid Model. Risks to human health are evaluated using the overall predicted human dose resulting from multimedia environmental exposure to a substance-specific derived no-effect level (DNEL). A case study is provided to illustrate how this modeling approach has been applied to assess the risks of kerosene manufacture and use as a fuel. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2014;10:437–448. © 2014 SETAC

Key Points

This manuscript documents the development and function of PETRORISK, a model for performing screening level risk assessment of UVCBs. The model accommodates the widely variable composition of various petroleum substances by modeling the fate, effects, and risks, of this class of UVCBs using a library of representative constituents which span the range of physicochemical properties of constituents that are found in petroleum substances. The systematic and consistent treatment of a wide range of petroleum substances with PETRORISK is the major advancement to the field of UVCB risk assessment.
Fracture Risk Predictions Based on Statistical Shape and Density Modeling of the Proximal Femur
Authors: Bredbenner Todd L , Mason Robert L , Havill Lorena M , Orwoll Eric S , Nicolella Daniel P ,   for the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study
Published: April 2014

Increased risk of skeletal fractures due to bone mass loss is a major public health problem resulting in significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in the case of hip fractures. Current clinical methods based on two-dimensional measures of bone mineral density (areal BMD or aBMD) are often unable to identify individuals at risk of fracture. We investigated predictions of fracture risk based on statistical shape and density modeling (SSDM) methods using a case-cohort sample of individuals from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study. Baseline quantitative computed tomography (QCT) data of the right femur were obtained for 513 individuals, including 45 who fractured a hip during follow-up (mean 6.9 year observation, validated by physician review). QCT data were processed for 450 individuals (including 40 fracture cases) to develop individual models describing three-dimensional bone geometry and density distribution. Comparison of mean fracture and non-case models indicated complex structural differences that appear to be responsible for resistance to hip fracture. Logistic regressions were used to model the relation of baseline hip BMD and SSDM weighting factors to the occurrence of hip fracture. Area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) for a prediction model based on weighting factors and adjusted by age was significantly greater than AUC for a prediction model based on aBMD and age (0.94 versus 0.83, respectively). The SSDM-based prediction model adjusted by age correctly identified 55% of the fracture cases (and 94.7% of the non-cases), whereas the clinical standard aBMD correctly identified 10% of the fracture cases (and 91.3% of the non-cases). SSDM identifies subtle changes in combinations of structural bone traits (eg, geometric and BMD distribution traits) that appear to indicate fracture risk. Investigation of important structural differences in the proximal femur between fracture and no-fracture cases may lead to improved prediction of those at risk for future hip fracture. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Comparison of Prothrombin Time Derived From CoaguChek XS and Laboratory Test According to Fibrinogen Level
Authors: Kim Sue Jung , Lee Eun Young , Park Rojin , Kim Juwon , Song Jaewoo
Published: March 2014

Background

CoaguChek XS is one of the most widely used point‐of‐care (POC) devices to evaluate prothrombin time for monitoring oral anticoagulant therapy. Unlike laboratory methods, it detects electrical signals produced by thrombin activity to derive the international normalized ratio (INR). Therefore, we hypothesized that laboratory methods and CoaguChek XS could produce different results according to fibrinogen level.

Methods

We compared INR values obtained from the CoaguChek XS and conventional laboratory method with 91 plasma samples covering a wide range of fibrinogen levels.

Results

The samples were stratified into low, mid, and high fibrinogen groups by fibrinogen levels of <130 mg/dl, 130–450 mg/dl, and >450 mg/dl, respectively. The mean INR difference of the low fibrinogen group was significantly different from that of the mid or high fibrinogen group (P < 0.001). In the low fibrinogen group, CoaguChek XS INR showed a negative bias compared with the laboratory INR, while the mid and high fibrinogen groups had positive bias.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that patient selection according to fibrinogen status should precede the implementation of POC testing using CoaguChek XS. Also, periodic comparisons between CoaguChek XS and laboratory INR results should be continued during the use of CoaguChek XS.
The Differential Diagnostic Value of Serum NT‐proBNP in Hospitalized Patients of Heart Failure With Pneumonia
Authors: Yang Shuangshuang , Li Linbin , Cao Ju , Yu Hongsong , Xu Huajian
Published: March 2014

Serum N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) is considered as an effective predictor for patients with heart failure (HF), while a strong body of evidence has found its utility in inflammatory diseases. It is difficult to differentiate HF and HF coexisting with other inflammations by measuring NT‐proBNP. The aim of this study was to estimate the differential diagnostic performance of serum NT‐proBNP in hospitalized HF patients with pneumonia. A prospective study was launched. Sixty nine HF patients, 51 HF patients complicated with pneumonia, and 38 patients with pneumonia were enrolled. Serum NT‐proBNP levels were measured on Roche Elecsys. X‐ray and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) diagnostic principles were adopted to identify patients with pneumonia and HF, respectively. The diagnostic performance of NT‐proBNP was assessed by ROC. Serum NT‐proBNP [7,039(1,008–24,672) pg/ml] in patients of HF complicated with pneumonia was significantly higher than that in those of patients with single HF [3,147(616–24,062) pg/ml] or single pneumonia [911(98–3,812) pg/ml] (P < 0.0001). No correlation was found between the level of NT‐proBNP and hospital stay. The area under ROC curve (AUC) of NT‐proBNP for distinguishing patients of HF with pneumonia was 0.8082. At the level of 4,691 pg/ml, the optimal cutoff value, 74.5% sensitivity and 81.8% specificity of NT‐proBNP were predicted. Evaluation of serum NT‐proBNP is conducive for clinicians to identify patients of HF with pneumonia, but its poor efficacy in monitoring the curative therapy in this entire cohort is not recommended.
Evaluation of the HerpeSelect Express Rapid Test in the Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Antibodies in Patients With Genital Ulcer Disease
Authors: Al‐Shobaili Hani , Hassanein Khaled M. , Mostafa Marwa Salah , Duways Ali Saleh Al
Published: March 2014

Background

A rapid point‐of‐care test with high sensitivity and specificity is required in order to fulfill the need for early detection and screening of Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV‐2) infection among patients with genital ulcer disease (GUD), for better management and control of virus transmission.

Methods

The goal of this study is to evaluate the performance of the commercially available HerpeSelect Express rapid test in comparison with three ELISA assays: HerpeSelect ELISA, Kalon HSV‐2 glycoprotein G2 assay, and monoclonal antibody blocking enzyme immunoassay, which was used as the gold standard for the detection of HSV‐2 antibodies.

Results

This study showed high sensitivity (ranging from 82.6 to 100%) and specificity (100%) of the HerpeSelect Express rapid test when compared to the three ELISA assays. The agreement between the HerpeSelect Express rapid test with the three ELISAs ranged from 93.3 to 100%.

Conclusion

The HerpeSelect Express rapid test has adequate sensitivity and specificity for confirming HSV‐2 infection in patients with GUD, indicating its suitability for epidemiological studies.
Performances of Capillary Electrophoresis and HPLC Methods in HbA1c Determination: Diagnostic Accuracy in HbS and HbD‐Iran Variants' Presence
Authors: Dessi Mariarita , Pieri Massimo , Pignalosa Stefano , Martino Francesca Gabriela , Zenobi Rossella
Published: March 2014

Background

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) provides a useful estimate of mean glycemia in patients with diabetes and is directly related to risks for diabetes complications. The aim of this study is to compare a capillary electrophoresis method and two high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) cation‐exchange analyzers (Variant II (Bio‐Rad Laboratories, Inc., Hercules, CA) and G8 (Tosoh Biosciences, San Francisco, CA)) to identify the most reliable method in Hb variants' presence.

Methods

Measurements of HbA1c were carried out in blood samples from 200 Tor Vergata Hospital patients, using G8 Tosoh, and from 107 San Filippo Neri Hospital patients, using Variant II Bio‐Rad methods. All samples were analyzed by Capillarys 2 Flex Piercing (FP; Sebia, Lisses, France).

Results

There was a good concordance between the results of capillary electrophoresis and HPLC methods (R2 = 0.99, P < 0.0001 for G8 HPLC; R2 = 0.99, P < 0.0001 for Variant II HPLC). During the study, we observed that some Hb variants, HbS and HbD‐Iran, can alter the HbA1c level.

Conclusions

Since the HbA1c test is now recommended for diagnosing diabetes, and minimal variation of the concentration affects the clinical therapy, it is very important that the results are reliable and interference‐free. Capillarys 2‐FP analyzer is suitable for this purpose and sometimes it showed some advantages with respect to the HPLC analyzers tested, especially when Hb variants are present.
Clinical Usefulness of the PAXgeneTM Bone Marrow RNA System for Stabilizing Total RNA
Authors: Takeda Mayu , Funato Tadao , Ikemoto Masaki , Nanmoku Toru , Urasaki Yoshimasa , Iwatani Yoshinori
Published: March 2014

The collection of clinical samples, such as bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood, is an important procedure for the extraction of the cellular RNA. It is essential to preserve the extracted RNA during and after the collection of clinical samples to ensure the accurate analysis of gene expression. To date, the PAXgeneTM Blood RNA System has been proven useful for stabilizing RNA extracted from peripheral blood; however, a problem concerning the stability of the total RNA stored using the system has been identified. The PAXgeneTM Bone Marrow RNA System (BM system) is a newly developed system, and its clinical usefulness as a stabilizer for the cellular RNA in BM and peripheral blood was investigated with respect to the quality of RNA extracted using this system. A quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was carried out using total RNA extracted with the BM system, which showed that total RNA was more stable in the BM system than in the conventional system, indicating that the BM system can be applied to RT‐PCR. The BM system enabled us to detect Wilms’ tumor suppressor gene (WT1) more effectively than the conventional system. In conclusion, the BM system is clinically valuable for extracting and stabilizing total RNA of high quality.
Serum Level of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) in Egyptians With Alopecia Areata and Its Relation to the Clinical Severity of the Disease
Authors: Younan Doreen Nazeih Assaad , Agamia Naglaa , Elshafei Adel , Ebeid Nancy
Published: March 2014

Background

Alopecia areata (AA) is a common dermatological problem that manifests as sudden loss of hair without any inflammation or scarring. Various cytokines are implicated in the pathogenesis of this disease. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is located at an upstream position in the events leading to the possible dysregulated immuno‐inflammatory responses, and the high level of this cytokine in AA may suggest a role of MIF in the pathogenesis of AA.

Methods

This case–control study was carried out on 31 AA patients with different grades of severity and 15 apparently healthy subjects. Serum MIF level was measured by ELISA, and was correlated with the clinical severity of the disease using SALT (severity of alopecia tool) scoring system.

Results

In this study, there was a significant elevation in serum MIF levels in AA patients in comparison with controls. There was also a positive correlation between MIF levels and clinical severity and disease duration.

Conclusion

MIF seems to have an essential role in the etiopathogenesis of AA. So, it is considered to be a promising target in the therapy of autoimmune diseases and as a future predictor of alopecia activity. Anti‐MIF therapy might be added as one of the new biological treatments for AA.
Neutrophil–Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients With Familial Mediterranean Fever
Authors: Celikbilek Mehmet , Dogan Serkan , Akyol Lutfi , Borekci Elif , Zararsiz Gokmen , Kozan Mustafa , Gunaydin Ilhan
Published: March 2014

Background

Blood neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte (N/L) ratio is an indicator of the overall inflammatory status of the body, and an alteration in N/L ratio may be found in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). The aim of this study was to investigate the interrelationship between N/L ratio and FMF.

Methods

One hundred and fifteen patients and controls were enrolled in the study. The cases in the study were categorized as FMF with attack, FMF with attack‐free period, and controls. The neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were recorded, and the N/L ratio was calculated from these parameters. All patients were diagnosed according to Tel Hashomer criteria.

Results

A total of 79 FMF patients were included in the study and all subjects were receiving colchicine treatment at the time. The serum N/L ratios of active patients were significantly higher than those of attack‐free FMF patients and controls (P < 0.001). The optimum N/L ratio cut‐off point for active FMF was 2.63 with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 0.62 (0.41–0.80), 0.85 (0.72–0.93), 0.67 (0.44–0.85), and 0.82 (0.69–0.91), respectively. The overall accuracy of the N/L ratio in determination of FMF patients during attack was 71%.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that N/L ratio is higher in patients with active FMF compared with FMF patients in remission and controls, and a cut‐off value of 2.63 can be used to identify patients with active FMF.
Greenland precipitation trends in a long‐term instrumental climate context (1890–2012): evaluation of coastal and ice core records
Authors: Mernild Sebastian H. , Hanna Edward , McConnell Joseph R. , Sigl Michael , Beckerman Andrew P. , Yde Jacob C. , Cappelen John , Malmros Jeppe K. , Steffen Konrad
Published: March 2014

Here, we present an analysis of monthly, seasonal, and annual long‐term precipitation time‐series compiled from coastal meteorological stations in Greenland and Greenland Ice Sheet (GrIS) ice cores (including three new ice core records from ACT11D, Tunu2013, and Summit2010). The dataset covers the period from 1890 to 2012, a period of climate warming. For approximately the first decade of the new millennium (2001–2012) minimum and maximum mean annual precipitation conditions are found in Northeast Greenland (Tunu2013 c. 120 mm water equivalent (w.e.) year−1) and South Greenland (Ikerasassuaq: c. 2300 mm w.e. year−1), respectively. The coastal meteorological stations showed on average increasing trends for 1890–2012 (3.5 mm w.e. year−2) and 1961–2012 (1.3 mm w.e. year−2). Years with high coastal annual precipitation also had a: (1) significant high number of precipitation days (r2 = 0.59); and (2) high precipitation intensity measured as 24‐h precipitation (r2 = 0.54). For the GrIS the precipitation estimated from ice cores increased on average by 0.1 mm w.e. year−2 (1890–2000), showing an antiphase variability in precipitation trends between the GrIS and the coastal regions. Around 1960 a major shift occurred in the precipitation pattern towards wetter precipitation conditions for coastal Greenland, while drier conditions became more prevalent on the GrIS. Differences in precipitation trends indicate a heterogeneous spatial distribution of precipitation in Greenland. An Empirical Orthogonal Function analysis reveals a spatiotemporal cycle of precipitation that is linked instantaneously to the North Atlantic Oscillation and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and with an ∼6 years lag time response to the Greenland Blocking Index.
On the drivers of variability and trend of surface solar radiation in Beijing metropolitan area
Authors: Zhang X. , Xia X. , Xuan C.
Published: March 2014

Using surface meteorological data at 20 sites in Beijing area during 1961–2007, the variability and trend of surface solar radiation (SSR) and their potential drivers were investigated. Cloud cover was an important factor determining the interannual variation of SSR reflected in the linear correlation coefficients (R ranged from −0.65 to −0.89) between interannual variations of SSR and cloud cover. Aerosol optical depth (AOD) also contributed to the interannual variability of SSR, as shown by negative correlations between AOD and SSR (R ranged from −0.44 to −0.81). SSR decreased by 2.29 (winter), 3.63 (spring), 7.45 (summer), and 3.76 W m−2 (fall) per decade during 1961–2007. The observed decrease in cloud cover should have resulted in solar brightening instead of dimming, indicating that cloud cover is not the driver of the long‐term trend of SSR. AOD was observed to increase by 0.02–0.04 per decade, which was consistent with the SSR trend. Therefore, we argue that AOD, instead of cloud cover, is the major driver of the long‐term SSR trend in Beijing metropolitan area. The largest dimming was observed in urban sites as a result of the largest increased AOD trend observed there. SSR trends in rural sites were about 30%–54% of the trends in urban stations, which was mostly due to the smaller decreasing AOD trends that were observed in rural sites.
In‐depth analysis of pH‐dependent mechanisms of electromechanical reshaping of rabbit nasal septal cartilage
Authors: Kuan Edward C. , Hamamoto Ashley A. , Manuel Cyrus T. , Protsenko Dmitriy E. , Wong Brian J. F.
Published: March 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Electromechanical reshaping (EMR) involves reshaping cartilage by mechanical deformation and delivering electric current to the area around the bend axis, causing local stress relaxation and permanent shape change. The mechanism of EMR is currently unclear, although preliminary studies suggest that voltage and application time are directly related to the concentration and diffusion of acid–base products within the treated tissue with little heat generation. This study aims to characterize local tissue pH changes following EMR and to demonstrate that local tissue pH changes are correlated with tissue damage and shape change.

Study Design

Ex vivo animal study involving EMR of rabbit nasal septal cartilage and biochemical estimation of tissue pH changes.

Methods

The magnitude and diffusion of acid–base chemical products in control (0V, 2 minutes), shape change (4V, 4 minutes; 6V, 1, 2, 4 minutes; 8V, 1, 2 minutes), and tissue damage (8V, 4, 5 minutes; 10V, 4, 5 minutes) parameters following EMR are approximated by analyzing local pH changes after pH indicator application.

Results

There is a direct relationship between total charge transfer and extent of acid–base product diffusion (P <0.05). A “pH transition zone” is seen surrounding the bend apex above 8V, 2 minutes. Colorimetric analysis suggests that small local pH changes (10−8 hydrogen ions) are at least partly implicated in clinically efficacious EMR.

Conclusions

These results provide additional insight into the translational applications of EMR, particularly the relationship among pH changes, shape change, and tissue injury, and are integral in optimizing this promising technology for clinical use.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope 124:E405–E410, 2014
Condensed‐Mode Cooling for Ethylene Polymerization: The Influence of Inert Condensing Agent on the Polymerization Rate
Authors: Namkajorn Montree , Alizadeh Arash , Somsook Ekasith , McKenna Timothy F. L.
Published: March 2014

Inert condensing agents (ICAs) are used principally to cool down gas‐phase fluidized bed reactors used to polymerize ethylene over supported catalysts. While these ICAs are chemically inert, it appears that they might nevertheless increase the polymerization rate. n‐Hexane is used as an ICA, and an enhancement in the instantaneous rate of ethylene polymerization in the gas phase is observed. This is attributed to a rise in the local ethylene concentration in the amorphous polymer phase surrounding the active sites, due to increases in both the solubility and diffusivity of ethylene in the amorphous polymer. In addition, the polymer particles have a smoother surface with less formation of fiber‐like substructures as the n‐hexane concentration increases.

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Solvent‐Vapor‐Induced Rapid Assembly of Block‐Copolymer Film via Prevacuumizing
Authors: Gong Yumei , Li Yuhu , He Yingxin , Wang Lulu , Huang Haiying , He Tianbai
Published: March 2014

The undesired long time for the self‐assembly of block‐copolymer (BCP) thin films restricts their application as a template in lithography and other technologies. To shorten the assembly time, a facile but versatile strategy of solvent‐vapor‐induced rapid assembly into a uniform ordered morphology of polystyrene‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS‐b‐PMMA) thin film via prevacuumizing is reported. Factors such as the prevacuum pressure and the temperature during the solvent‐vapor‐annealing process are investigated for their effects on the assembly time. The morphologies are observed by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) and the results indicate that the time for the assembly of PS‐b‐PMMA with a PS‐cylinder‐forming composition into a morphology of hexagonally arranged PS spheres in the film, induced by the solvent vapor at a prevacuum pressure 0.02 atm, is only 4 min at 20 °C and shortens more to 1 min at 60 °C.

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A Giant Capsule from the Self‐Assembly of a Penta‐Telechelic Hybrid Poly(acrylic acid) Based on Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane
Authors: Zhang Weian , Hong Lizhi , McGowan Patrick C.
Published: March 2014

An amphiphilic penta‐telechelic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)‐containing inorganic/organic hybrid poly(acrylic acid), (Glu‐PAA‐POSS5), is prepared by hydrolysis of penta‐telechelic poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) (Glu‐PtBA‐POSS5), synthesized by the combination of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and a “click” reaction. The self‐assembly behavior of Glu‐PAA‐POSS5 in aqueous solution at pH 8.5 is investigated by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The results show that Glu‐PAA‐POSS5, with a long poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) chain, can self‐assemble in water into giant capsules, which provides an optional approach in the construction of capsules.

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Leukemia inhibitory factor enhances bovine oocyte maturation and early embryo development
Authors: Mo Xianhong , Wu Guoquan , Yuan Dianshuai , Jia Baoyu , Liu Cong , Zhu Shien , Hou Yunpeng
Published: March 2014

The present study was conducted to examine the effects of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) on bovine oocyte maturation and early embryo development in vitro. Results showed that LIF supplementation (25 ng/ml) enhanced nuclear maturation of intact cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) compared to the vehicle control. Similar results were observed in denuded oocytes, indicating that LIF directly influences oocyte development. LIF‐treated oocytes showed a higher cortical‐granule‐migration rate and increased expression of CD9, a tetraspanin transmembrane protein essential for fertilization. After in vitro fertilization, oocytes receiving LIF supplementation exhibited a higher cleavage rate and yielded a significantly higher number of blastocysts. To further dissect the molecular mechanism underlying this LIF‐induced bovine oocyte maturation phenotype, we examined the involvement of two signaling cascades, mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK3/1)‐ and the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)‐dependent pathways. Western blot results revealed that LIF phosphorylated MAPK3/1 and STAT3. Inhibition of MAPK3/1 activation with MEK inhibitor U0126 only partially blocked LIF‐induced nuclear maturation, although it attenuated oocyte cytoplasmic maturation. Inhibition of JAK/STAT3 activation with a specific pharmacological inhibitor completely abolished the LIF‐response in bovine oocyte. In summary, these data revealed a novel role for LIF in bovine oocyte maturation subsequent embryonic development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 608–618, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR STUDYING THE SOURCES OF VARIATION IN PROGRAM EFFECTS
Authors: Weiss Michael J. , Bloom Howard S. , Brock Thomas
Published: March 2014

Evaluations of public programs in many fields reveal that different types of programs—or different versions of the same program—vary in their effectiveness. Moreover, a program that is effective for one group of people might not be effective for other groups, and a program that is effective in one set of circumstances may not be effective in other circumstances. This paper presents a conceptual framework for research on such variation in program effects and the sources of this variation. The framework is intended to help researchers—both those who focus mainly on studying program implementation and those who focus mainly on estimating program effects—see how their respective pieces fit together in a way that helps to identify factors that explain variation in program effects, and thereby support more systematic data collection. The ultimate goal of the framework is to enable researchers to offer better guidance to policymakers and program operators on the conditions and practices that are associated with larger and more positive effects.
Top‐down tandem mass spectrometry on RNase A and B using a Qh/FT‐ICR hybrid mass spectrometer
Authors: Bourgoin‐Voillard Sandrine , Leymarie Nancy , Costello Catherine E.
Published: March 2014

Protein characterization using top‐down approaches emerged with advances in high‐resolution mass spectrometers and increased diversity of available activation modes: collision‐induced dissociation (CID), infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) electron capture dissociation (ECD), and electron transfer dissociation (ETD). Nevertheless, top‐down approaches are still rarely used for glycoproteins. Hence, this work summarized the capacity of top‐down approaches to improve sequence coverage and glycosylation site assignment on the glycoprotein Ribonuclease B (RNase B). The glycan effect on the protein fragmentation pattern was also investigated by comparing the fragmentation patterns of RNase B and its nonglycosylated analog RNase A. The experiments were performed on a Bruker 12‐T Qh/FT‐ICR SolariX mass spectrometer using vibrational (CID/IRMPD) and radical activation (ECD/ETD) with/without pre‐ or post‐activation (IRMPD or CID, respectively). The several activation modes yielded complementary sequence information. The radical activation modes yielded the most extensive sequence coverage that was slightly improved after a CID predissociation activation event. The combination of the data made it possible to obtain 90% final sequence coverage for RNase A and 86% for RNase B. Vibrational and radical activation modes showed high retention of the complete glycan moiety (>98% for ETD and ECD) facilitating unambiguous assignment of the high‐mannose glycosylation site. Moreover, the presence of the high‐mannose glycan enhanced fragmentation around the glycosylation site.
Proteomic characterization of human proinflammatory M1 and anti‐inflammatory M2 macrophages and their response to Candida albicans
Authors: Reales‐Calderón Jose Antonio , Aguilera‐Montilla Noemí , Corbí Ángel Luis , Molero Gloria , Gil Concha
Published: March 2014

In response to different stimuli, macrophages can differentiate into either a pro‐inflammatory subtype (M1, classically activated macrophages) or acquire an anti‐inflammatory phenotype (M2, alternatively activated macrophages). Candida albicans is the most important opportunistic fungus in nosocomial infections, and it is contended by neutrophils and macrophages during the first steps of the invasive infection. Murine macrophages responses to C. albicans have been widely studied, whereas the responses of human‐polarized macrophages remain less characterized. In this study, we have characterized the proteomic differences between human M1‐ and M2‐polarized macrophages, both in basal conditions and in response to C. albicans, by quantitative proteomics (2DE). This proteomic approach allowed us to identify metabolic routes and cytoskeletal rearrangement components that are the most relevant differences between M1 and M2 macrophages. The analysis has revealed fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase 1, a critical enzyme in gluconeogenesis, up‐regulated in M1, as a novel protein marker for macrophage polarization. Regarding the response to C. albicans, an M1‐to‐M2 switch in polarization was observed. This M1‐to‐M2 switch might contribute to Candida pathogenicity by decreasing the generation of specific immune responses, thus enhancing fungal survival and colonization, or instead, may be part of the host attempt to reduce the inflammation and limit the damage of the infection.
Evolution of droplet size distribution and composition in miniemulsions
Authors: Casey Megan B. , Sudol E. David , El‐Aasser Mohamed S.
Published: March 2014

A fundamental understanding of the formation, degradation and polymerization of miniemulsions has been hindered by difficulties in quantifying their monomer droplet size distribution (DSD). In this work, particle sizing techniques including capillary hydrodynamic fractionation, acoustic attenuation spectroscopy, surfactant titration, and microscopy were adapted to characterize miniemulsion DSDs. The key ingredient in miniemulsions is the costabilizer, a low water solubility compound that limits monomer diffusion from the smaller to larger droplets (Ostwald ripening). The DSD evolution of styrene miniemulsions employing hexadecane (HD) as costabilizer was characterized. With less costabilizer, droplets were initially smaller, but increased in average size with time, and their DSDs broadened. These changes were slowed with addition of extra surfactant after homogenization. After several days, the average droplet size increased to about 150 nm regardless of the amount of HD or surfactant used. The HD content of separated portions of centrifuged miniemulsions was measured and showed significant Ostwald ripening within minutes after preparation. The further evolution of the DSD is attributed primarily to droplet coalescence. Less composition change occurred with either higher HD content or post‐homogenization surfactant addition, both of which led to minimization of free energy, increasing stability. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 1529–1544