bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional synaptic analyses of mitral cell and external tufted cell dendrites in rat olfactory bulb glomeruli
Authors: Bourne Jennifer N. , Schoppa Nathan E.
Published: August 2016

Recent studies have suggested that the two excitatory cell classes of the mammalian olfactory bulb, the mitral cells (MCs) and tufted cells (TCs), differ markedly in physiological responses. For example, TCs are more sensitive and broadly tuned to odors than MCs and also are much more sensitive to stimulation of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) in bulb slices. To examine the morphological bases for these differences, we performed quantitative ultrastructural analyses of glomeruli in rat olfactory bulb under conditions in which specific cells were labeled with biocytin and 3,3′‐diaminobenzidine. Comparisons were made between MCs and external TCs (eTCs), which are a TC subtype in the glomerular layer with large, direct OSN signals and capable of mediating feedforward excitation of MCs. Three‐dimensional analysis of labeled apical dendrites under an electron microscope revealed that MCs and eTCs in fact have similar densities of several chemical synapse types, including OSN inputs. OSN synapses also were distributed similarly, favoring a distal localization on both cells. Analysis of unlabeled putative MC dendrites further revealed gap junctions distributed uniformly along the apical dendrite and, on average, proximally with respect to OSN synapses. Our results suggest that the greater sensitivity of eTCs vs. MCs is due not to OSN synapse number or absolute location but rather to a conductance in the MC dendrite that is well positioned to attenuate excitatory signals passing to the cell soma. Functionally, such a mechanism could allow rapid and dynamic control of OSN‐driven action potential firing in MCs through changes in gap junction properties. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:592–609, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tracing the origin of beer samples by NMR and chemometrics: Trappist beers as a case study
Authors: Mannina Luisa , Marini Federico , Antiochia Riccarda , Cesa Stefania , Magrì Antonio , Capitani Donatella , Sobolev Anatoly P.
Published: August 2016

An NMR and chemometric analytical approach to classify beers according to their brand identity was developed within the European TRACE project (FP6‐2003‐FOOD‐2‐A, contract number: 0060942). Rochefort 8 Trappist beers (47 samples), other Trappist beers (76 samples) and non‐Trappist beers (110 samples) were analyzed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Selected NMR signals were measured and used to build classification models. Three different classification problems were identified, namely Trappist versus non‐Trappist, Rochefort versus Non‐Rochefort, and Rochefort 8 versus non‐Rochefort 8. In all the three cases, both a discriminant and a modeling approaches were followed, using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) and soft independent modeling of class analogies (SIMCA), respectively, leading to very high classification accuracy as evaluated by external validation. Information regarding chemical composition was also obtained: Trappist beers contain a higher amount of formic and pyruvic acids and a lower amount of acetic acid and alanine with respect to non‐Trappist ones. Rochefort beers turned out to have also a higher content of propanol and isopentanol with respect to non‐Rochefort samples. Finally, Rochefort 8, shows the highest content of pyruvic acid and the lowest content of gallic, fumaric, acetic acids, adenosine, uridine, 2‐phenylethanol, GABA, and alanine.
Combined use of ionic liquid and sulfobutylether‐β‐cyclodextrin as electrolyte additives for separation and determination of camptothecin alkaloids by CZE
Authors: Huang Yayun , Yu Haixia , Li Lou , Zhang Chenwu , Zhang Hongfen , Zhang Guangbin , Chen Anjia
Published: August 2016

This work reported that ionic liquid (IL) ([Bmim] [PF6]) and sulfobutylether‐β‐CD (SBE‐β‐CD) were used as electrolyte additives for the separation and determination of camptothecin (CPT) alkaloids by CZE. Separation parameters such as the buffer type, pH, and concentration of the running buffer, the concentration of SBE‐β‐CD and IL, temperature, and separation voltage were all investigated in order to achieve the maximum possible resolution. The four analytes were baseline separated within 10 min in capillary at the separation voltage of 15 kV with a running buffer consisting of 20 mM borate buffer, 20 mM IL, and 100 mM SBE‐β‐CD at pH 9.0. Under such conditions, good linearity about two orders of magnitudes of peak areas was achieved for the investigated CPT alkaloids with the correlation coefficients ranging from 0.9946 to 0.9985. For all analytes, detection limits (S/N = 3) and quantitation limits (S/N = 10) range from 0.05 to 0.92 μg/mL and 0.17 to 3.06 μg/mL, respectively. The proposed method has not only been successfully applied to the separation and determination of CPT alkaloids but also showed that IL seemed to be a promising additive in CZE separation.
Robust Immobilized Amine CO2 Sorbent Pellets Utilizing a Poly(Chloroprene) Polymer Binder and Fly Ash Additive
Authors: Wilfong Walter Christopher , Kail Brian W. , Howard Bret H. , Fernandes de Aquino Thiago , Teixeira Estevam Sabrina , Gray McMahan L.
Published: August 2016

Pelletization of ca. 50 wt % amine/silica carbon dioxide sorbents was achieved with the novel combination of fly ash (FA) as a strength additive and hydrophobic poly(chloroprene) (PC) as a binder. The PC content and overall synthesis procedure of these materials were optimized to produce pellets, labeled as FA/E100‐S_(20/80)_12.2, with the highest ball‐mill attrition resistance (<0.5 wt % by fines, 24 h) and maximum CO2 capture capacity of 1.78 mmol CO2 g−1. The strength of the pellets was attributed to hydrogen‐bonding of the relatively homogeneous PC network with the interlocked FA and BIAS particles (DRIFTS, SEM‐EDS). The low degradation of 3–4 % in the pellet's CO2 capture capacity under both dry TGA (7.5 h) and practical fixed‐bed (6.5 h dry; 4.5 h humid,≈5 vol % H2O) CO2 adsorption–desorption conditions highlights the pellet's excellent cyclic stability. These robust pellet characteristics make PC/FA/sorbent materials promising for commercial scale, point‐source CO2 capture.
Adsorptive removal of naphthalenesulfonic acids using wild almond shell activated carbon from aqueous solution
Authors: Thitame Prasad V. , Shukla Sanjeev R.
Published: August 2016

Activated carbon was prepared from wild almond shells using phosphoric acid as an activating agent. The BET surface area and the pore volume were found to be 1133.25 m2/g and 1.41 cm3/g, respectively. Batch adsorption of two naphthalene dye intermediates, H‐ and γ‐acid was carried out using prepared activated carbon. The maximum adsorption capacities were found to be 911 and 809.4 mg/g, respectively, at 65°C. Freundlich isotherm fitted well the equilibrium data, indicating favorable adsorption of both the acids. Adsorption was controlled by the external mass transfer and intraparticle diffusion. Thermodynamic analysis showed that the adsorption was physical, spontaneous, and endothermic in nature. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 38–44, 2017
Uptake, distribution in different tissues, and genotoxicity of imidacloprid in the freshwater fish Australoheros facetus
Authors: Iturburu Fernando G. , Zömisch Markus , Panzeri Ana M. , Crupkin Andrea C. , Contardo-Jara Valeska , Pflugmacher Stephan , Menone Mirta L.
Published: August 2016

The neonicotinoid imidacloprid is under re-evaluation by regulatory agencies because of the poor current information available regarding its potential effects. One of the goals of the present study was to determine imidacloprid uptake and distribution in the freshwater fish Australoheros facetus experimentally exposed for 24 h and 48 h to 100 μg/L, 300 μg/L, and 2500 μg/L. The toxicity of imidacloprid to fish reported in the literature is in the milligrams per liter or gram per liter range, but sublethal effects at micrograms per liter in some groups other than fish have been described. Another goal of the present study was to evaluate imidacloprid's potential genotoxicity and to compare it between the individual compound and a commercial formulation. Concentrations of imidacloprid were measured in water, brain, muscle, gills, gut, liver, and blood by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Imidacloprid was detected in all the tissues tested. Concentrations were higher after 48 h than after 24 h in liver, gills, gut, and muscle, whereas in brain and blood they were similar at both exposure times. Although there was no accumulation, only uptake, of imidacloprid, genotoxicity was observed. In fish exposed to IMIDA NOVA 35®, increased micronucleus frequency at 100 µg/L and 1000 µg/L was detected, whereas in the imidacloprid active ingredient bioassay it increased only at 1000 µg/L imidacloprid. The present findings warn of the possible consequences that fish living in freshwater ecosystems can suffer. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:699–708. © 2016 SETAC
5G radio access above 6 GHz
Authors: Shariat Mehrdad , Gutierrez‐Estevez David M. , Vijay Arnesh , Safjan Krystian , Rugeland Patrik , da Silva Icaro , Lorca Javier , Widmer Joerg , Fresia Maria , Li Yilin , Siaud Isabelle
Published: August 2016

Designing and developing a millimetre‐wave (mmWave)‐based mobile radio access technology (RAT) in the 6–100 GHz frequency range is a fundamental component in the standardisation of the new 5G radio interface, recently kicked off by 3rd Generation Partnership Project. Such component herein called the new mmWave RAT will not only enable extreme mobile broadband services but also support ultra‐high definition/three‐dimensional streaming, offer immersive applications and ultra‐responsive cloud services to provide an outstanding quality of experience to the mobile users. The main objective of this paper is to develop the network architectural elements and functions that will enable tight integration of mmWave technology into the overall 5G radio access network. A broad range of topics addressing mobile architecture and network functionalities will be covered–starting with the architectural facets of network slicing, multi‐connectivity and cells clustering, to more functional elements of initial access, mobility, radio resource management and self‐backhauling. The intention of the concepts presented here is to lay foundation for future studies towards the first commercial implementation of the mmWave RAT above 6 GHz. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying and assessing the application of ecosystem services approaches in environmental policies and decision making
Authors: Van Wensem Joke , Calow Peter , Dollacker Annik , Maltby Lorraine , Olander Lydia , Tuvendal Magnus , Van Houtven George
Published: August 2016

The presumption is that ecosystem services (ES) approaches provide a better basis for environmental decision making than do other approaches because they make explicit the connection between human well-being and ecosystem structures and processes. However, the existing literature does not provide a precise description of ES approaches for environmental policy and decision making, nor does it assess whether these applications will make a difference in terms of changing decisions and improving outcomes. We describe 3 criteria that can be used to identify whether and to what extent ES approaches are being applied: 1) connect impacts all the way from ecosystem changes to human well-being, 2) consider all relevant ES affected by the decision, and 3) consider and compare the changes in well-being of different stakeholders. As a demonstration, we then analyze retrospectively whether and how the criteria were met in different decision-making contexts. For this assessment, we have developed an analysis format that describes the type of policy, the relevant scales, the decisions or questions, the decision maker, and the underlying documents. This format includes a general judgment of how far the 3 ES criteria have been applied. It shows that the criteria can be applied to many different decision-making processes, ranging from the supranational to the local scale and to different parts of decision-making processes. In conclusion we suggest these criteria could be used for assessments of the extent to which ES approaches have been and should be applied, what benefits and challenges arise, and whether using ES approaches made a difference in the decision-making process, decisions made, or outcomes of those decisions. Results from such studies could inform future use and development of ES approaches, draw attention to where the greatest benefits and challenges are, and help to target integration of ES approaches into policies, where they can be most effective. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:41–51. © 2016 SETAC.

Key Points

Criteria are developed to identify whether and to what extent ecosystem services (ES) approaches are being used in environmental decision making, and then are applied to different decision-making processes, ranging from the supranational to the local scale. Case studies show that the criteria can be applied to different decision-making instruments at a range of scales. Systematic application of the criteria would provide insight into the extent to which ES approaches have been and should be applied, what benefits and challenges arise, and whether using ES approaches made a difference in the decision-making process, decisions made, or outcomes of those decisions.
The mediating role of relatedness need satisfaction in the relationship between charitable behavior and well‐being: Empirical evidence from China
Authors: Jiang Jiang , Zeng Taoran , Zhang Chong , Wang Rong
Published: August 2016

Based on self‐determination theory, the current research aimed to explore the potential mediating effect of relatedness need satisfaction on the relationship between charitable behavior and well‐being in the Chinese context. Employing a cross‐sectional design, participants reported data on the aforementioned variables in Study 1. The results indicated that relatedness need satisfaction mediated the positive relationship between charitable behavior and hedonic well‐being and that between charitable behavior and eudaimonic well‐being. Subsequently, a field experiment was conducted in Study 2. Participants rated their levels of relatedness need satisfaction and well‐being after charitable donation behaviors were primed. We again observed consistent results. Specifically, charitable behavior was positively associated with both hedonic and eudaimonic well‐being, and these relationships were mediated by relatedness need satisfaction. The above findings help to clarify the association between charitable behavior and people's subjective feelings (i.e., well‐being), and they deepen our understanding of the underlying mechanism from the perspective of psychological needs satisfaction.
Multiclass method for the determination of 62 antibiotics in milk
Authors: Moretti Simone , Cruciani Gabriele , Romanelli Sara , Rossi Rosanna , Saluti Giorgio , Galarini Roberta
Published: August 2016

A multiclass method for screening and confirmatory analysis of antimicrobial residues in milk has been developed and validated. Sixty‐two antibiotics belonging to ten different drug families (amphenicols, cephalosporins, lincosamides, macrolides, penicillin, pleuromutilins, quinolones, rifamycins, sulfonamides and tetracyclines) have been included. After the addition of an aqueous solution of EDTA, the milk samples were extracted twice with acetonitrile, evaporated and dissolved in ammonium acetate. After centrifugation, 10 µl were analysed using LC‐Q‐Orbitrap operating in positive electrospray ionization mode. The method was validated in bovine milk in the range 2–150 µg kg−1 for all antibiotics; for four compounds with maximum residue limits higher than 100 µg kg−1, the validation interval has been extended until 333 µg kg−1. The estimated performance characteristics were satisfactory complying with the requirements of Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. Good accuracies were obtained also taking advantage from the versatility of the hybrid mass analyser. Identification criteria were achieved verifying the mass accuracy and ion ratio of two ions, including the pseudomolecular one, where possible. Finally, the developed procedure was applied to 13 real cases of suspect milk samples (microbiological assay) confirming the presence of one or more antibiotics, although frequently, the maximum residue limits were not exceeded. The availability of rapid multiclass confirmatory methods can avoid wastes of suspect, but compliant, raw milk samples. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in grape polyphenols (V. vinifera L.) as a consequence of post‐harvest withering by high‐resolution mass spectrometry: Raboso Piave versus Corvina
Authors: Rosso Mirko De , Soligo Stefano , Panighel Annarita , Carraro Roberto , Vedova Antonio Dalla , Maoz Itay , Tomasi Diego , Flamini Riccardo
Published: August 2016

Grape dehydration is an oenological process used for the production of high‐quality reinforced and sweet wines. Corvina and Raboso Piave are two red grape varieties used for production of high‐quality Italian wines, such as Recioto, Amarone di Valpolicella and Raboso Passito. Changes of polyphenolic composition of the grapes as a consequence of the withering were studied by ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC/QTOF); for identification of compounds a homemade HR‐MS database of grape and wine metabolites, was used. Concomitant with trans‐resveratrol and viniferins, relevant increases of other stilbenes (piceatannol, resveratrol trimers and tetramers) and antioxidant compounds (quercetin, syringetin and tamarixetin) were observed. These compounds are part of the induced metabolism occurring during the withering process and in general improve the nutraceutical properties of grapes and wines. On the other hand, longer processes showed to decrease flavan‐3‐ols and glycoside flavonols. Constant increase of E/Z ε‐viniferin ratio was observed in all samples, and this parameter can be used to monitor the process. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multimodal imaging for nonmelanoma skin cancer margin delineation
Authors: Fan Bo , Neel Victor A. , Yaroslavsky Anna N.
Published: August 2016

Background and Objective

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common form of cancer worldwide. The most effective form of treating this cancer is its surgical removal. As NMSC rarely metastasize, its complete excision is often curative. We investigated the potential of combining Terahertz Pulsed Imaging (TPI) with polarization enhanced reflectance optical imaging for the accurate intraoperative delineation of NMSC.

Materials and Methods

Fresh thick samples with residual cancer were obtained from surgeries. The samples were imaged within two hours using polarization optical and TPI systems without remounting. Analysis of the TPI results was performed in the frequency domain. Co‐ and cross‐polarized optical images were acquired at 410 nm. Superficial optical images were obtained by subtracting cross‐polarized from the respective co‐polarized images. Terahertz, optical, and histological images were overlaid and compared.

Results and Conclusions

Our results show that the frequency powers of diseased and normal skin tissues differ significantly at 0.47 THz. While TPI has demonstrated contrast between diseased and normal tissue, it can also highlight normal structures. As TPI alone lacks the resolution necessary to distinguish between tissue types morphologically, polarization optical imaging was used for the inspection of the suspicious areas highlighted by TPI. Combined TPI and optical imaging has the potential for quick intraoperative delineation of cancers. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:319–326, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Astigmatism corrected common path probe for optical coherence tomography
Authors: Singh Kanwarpal , Yamada Daisuke , Tearney Guillermo
Published: August 2016

Background and Objectives

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) catheters for intraluminal imaging are subject to various artifacts due to reference‐sample arm dispersion imbalances and sample arm beam astigmatism. The goal of this work was to develop a probe that minimizes such artifacts.

Materials and Methods

Our probe was fabricated using a single mode fiber at the tip of which a glass spacer and graded index objective lens were spliced to achieve the desired focal distance. The signal was reflected using a curved reflector to correct for astigmatism caused by the thin, protective, transparent sheath that surrounds the optics. The probe design was optimized using Zemax, a commercially available optical design software. Common path interferometric operation was achieved using Fresnel reflection from the tip of the focusing graded index objective lens. The performance of the probe was tested using a custom designed spectrometer‐based OCT system.

Results

The probe achieved an axial resolution of 15.6 μm in air, a lateral resolution 33 μm, and a sensitivity of 103 dB. A scattering tissue phantom was imaged to test the performance of the probe for astigmatism correction. Images of the phantom confirmed that this common‐path, astigmatism‐corrected OCT imaging probe had minimal artifacts in the axial, and lateral dimensions.

Conclusions

In this work, we developed an astigmatism‐corrected, common path probe that minimizes artifacts associated with standard OCT probes. This design may be useful for OCT applications that require high axial and lateral resolutions. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:312–318, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Movement Disorders in an Adult Patient with anti‐NMDAR Encephalitis After Herpes Simplex Encephalitis
Authors: Tay Matthew Rong Jie , Yeo Tianrong , Chen Zhiyong , Au Wing Lok , Tan Kevin
Published: August 2016

View Supplementary Video 1
Current‐induced alternating reversed dual‐echo‐steady‐state for joint estimation of tissue relaxation and electrical properties
Authors: Lee Hyunyeol , Sohn Chul‐Ho , Park Jaeseok
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To develop a current‐induced, alternating reversed dual‐echo‐steady‐state‐based magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography for joint estimation of tissue relaxation and electrical properties.

Methods

The proposed method reverses the readout gradient configuration of conventional, in which steady‐state‐free‐precession (SSFP)‐ECHO is produced earlier than SSFP‐free‐induction‐decay (FID) while alternating current pulses are applied in between the two SSFPs to secure high sensitivity of SSFP‐FID to injection current. Additionally, alternating reversed dual‐echo‐steady‐state signals are modulated by employing variable flip angles over two orthogonal injections of current pulses. Ratiometric signal models are analytically constructed, from which T1, T2, and current‐induced Bz are jointly estimated by solving a nonlinear inverse problem for conductivity reconstruction. Numerical simulations and experimental studies are performed to investigate the feasibility of the proposed method in estimating relaxation parameters and conductivity.

Results

The proposed method, if compared with conventional magnetic resonance electrical impedance tomography, enables rapid data acquisition and simultaneous estimation of T1, T2, and current‐induced Bz, yielding a comparable level of signal‐to‐noise ratio in the parameter estimates while retaining a relative conductivity contrast.

Conclusion

We successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed method in jointly estimating tissue relaxation parameters as well as conductivity distributions. It can be a promising, rapid imaging strategy for quantitative conductivity estimation. Magn Reson Med 78:107–120, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Correlation between “hourglass‐like fascicular constriction” and idiopathic anterior interosseous nerve palsy
Authors: Sunagawa Toru , Nakashima Yuko , Shinomiya Rikuo , Kurumadani Hiroshi , Adachi Nobuo , Ochi Mitsuo
Published: August 2016

Introduction: In recent operative cases of anterior interosseous nerve palsy (AINP), hourglass‐like fascicular constrictions have been reported. We prospectively investigated the ultrasonographic history of these lesions to better understand the role of this lesion in AINP. Methods: Seven patients who were diagnosed with idiopathic AINP based on classic clinical findings and had hourglass‐like fascicular constrictions found on ultrasonography were included. All but 1 patient selected surgery, and we followed up all patients clinically and with ultrasonography. Results: In the 5 patients treated surgically in whom paralysis recovered to a level greater than M4, postoperative ultrasonography revealed less constriction. The other patient experienced little recovery after surgery, and the severe constriction remained. In a conservatively treated patient, the paralysis recovered completely, and upon ultrasonography, the constriction had lessened. Conclusions: Although the mechanism is still unknown, hourglass‐like fascicular constriction lessened with relief of motor weakness both in operatively and conservatively treated patients. Muscle Nerve 55: 508–512, 2017
Packing Configurations of PBX‐9501 Cylinders to Reduce the Probability of a Deflagration to Detonation Transition (DDT)
Authors: Beckvermit Jacqueline , Harman Todd , Wight Charles , Berzins Martin
Published: August 2016

The detonation of hundreds of explosive devices from either a transportation or storage accident is an extremely dangerous event. This paper focuses on identifying ways of packing/storing arrays of explosive cylinders that will reduce the probability of a Deflagration to Detonation Transition (DDT). The Uintah Computational Framework was utilized to predict the conditions necessary for a large scale DDT to occur. The results showed that the arrangement of the explosive cylinders and the number of devices packed in a “box” greatly effects the probability of a detonation.
Obovatol Induces Apoptosis in Non‐small Cell Lung Cancer Cells via C/EBP Homologous Protein Activation
Authors: Kim Heejeong , Shin Eun Ah , Kim Chang Geun , Lee Dae Young , Kim Bonglee , Baek Nam‐In , Kim Sung‐Hoon
Published: August 2016

Although obovatol, a phenolic compound from the bark of Magnolia obovata, was known to have antioxidant, neuroprotective, antiinflammatory, antithrombotic and antitumour effects, its underlying antitumour mechanism is poorly understood so far. Thus, in the present study, the antitumour molecular mechanism of obovatol was investigated in non‐small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLCs). Obovatol exerted cytotoxicity in A549 and H460 NSCLCs, but not in BEAS‐2B cells. Also, obovatol increased sub‐G1 accumulation and early and late apoptotic portion in A549 and H460 NSCLCs. Consistently, obovatol cleaved PARP, activated caspase 9/3 and Bax and attenuated the expression of cyclin D1 in A549 and H460 NSCLCs. Interestingly, obovatol upregulated the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress proteins such as C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), IRE1α, ATF4 and p‐elF2 in A549 and H460 NSCLCs. Conversely, depletion of CHOP blocked the apoptotic activity of obovatol to increase sub‐G1 accumulation in A549 and H460 NSCLCs. Overall, our findings support scientific evidences that obovatol induces apoptosis via CHOP activation in A549 and H460 NSCLCs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantum‐classical transition equation with complex trajectories
Authors: Chou Chia‐Chun
Published: August 2016

A quantum‐classical transition equation in complex space is derived in the framework of the complex quantum Hamilton–Jacobi formalism. The transition equation is obtained by subtracting a complex‐valued quantum potential term from the complex‐extended time‐dependent Schrödinger equation (TDSE). It is shown that the nonlinear transition equation is equivalent to a linear scaled TDSE with a rescaled Planck's constant. Employing the quantum momentum function defined by the gradient of the complex action, we can analyze the quantum‐classical transition of physical systems using complex transition trajectories. Complex transition trajectories are presented for the free Gaussian wave packet, the harmonic oscillator, and the Morse potential. This study demonstrates that the transition equation provides a continuous description for the quantum‐classical transition of physical systems in complex space.
On nearest‐neighbor Gaussian process models for massive spatial data
Authors: Datta Abhirup , Banerjee Sudipto , Finley Andrew O. , Gelfand Alan E.
Published: August 2016

Gaussian Process (GP) models provide a very flexible nonparametric approach to modeling location‐and‐time indexed datasets. However, the storage and computational requirements for GP models are infeasible for large spatial datasets. Nearest Neighbor Gaussian Processes (Datta A, Banerjee S, Finley AO, Gelfand AE. Hierarchical nearest‐neighbor gaussian process models for large geostatistical datasets. J Am Stat Assoc 2016., JASA) provide a scalable alternative by using local information from few nearest neighbors. Scalability is achieved by using the neighbor sets in a conditional specification of the model. We show how this is equivalent to sparse modeling of Cholesky factors of large covariance matrices. We also discuss a general approach to construct scalable Gaussian Processes using sparse local kriging. We present a multivariate data analysis which demonstrates how the nearest neighbor approach yields inference indistinguishable from the full rank GP despite being several times faster. Finally, we also propose a variant of the NNGP model for automating the selection of the neighbor set size. WIREs Comput Stat 2016, 8:162–171. doi: 10.1002/wics.1383

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Bayesian Methods and Theory

Data: Types and Structure > Image and Spatial Data
Roles of long noncoding RNAs in chromosome domains
Authors: Tomita Saori , Abdalla Mohamed Osama Ali , Fujiwara Saori , Yamamoto Tatsuro , Iwase Hirotaka , Nakao Mitsuyoshi , Saitoh Noriko
Published: August 2016

The cell nucleus is highly organized and functionally compartmentalized. Double‐stranded naked DNA is complexed with core histones and assembled into nucleosomes and chromatin, which are surrounded by nuclear domains composed of RNAs and proteins. Recently, three‐dimensional views of chromosome organization beyond the level of the nucleosome have been established and are composed of several layers of chromosome domains. Only a small portion of the human genome encodes proteins; the majority is pervasively transcribed into noncoding RNAs whose functions are under intensive investigation. Importantly, the questions of how nuclear retained noncoding RNAs play roles in orchestrating the chromatin structure that have been addressed. We discuss the novel noncoding RNA clusters, Eleanors, which are derived from a large chromatin domain. They accumulate at the site of their own transcription to form RNA clouds in the nucleus, and they activate gene expression in the chromatin domain. Noncoding RNAs have emerging roles in genome regulation that are integrated into the spatial organization of chromatin and the nucleus. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1384. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1384

This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Brief report: Overgeneral autobiographical memory in adolescent major depressive disorder
Authors: Champagne Katelynn , Burkhouse Katie L. , Woody Mary L. , Feurer Cope , Sosoo Effua , Gibb Brandon E.
Published: August 2016

The current study examined whether overgeneral autobiographical memory (OGM) bias serves as a state‐like marker of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescence or whether it would also be observed in currently nondepressed adolescents with a history of MDD. We examined differences in OGM to positive and negative cue words between adolescents (aged 11–18 years) with current MDD (n = 15), remitted MDD (n = 25), and no history of any depressive disorder (n = 25). Youth and their parents were administered a structured diagnostic interview and adolescents completed the autobiographical memory test. Compared to never depressed adolescents, adolescents with current or remitted MDD recalled less specific memories in response to positive and negative cue words. The difference between the two MDD groups was small and nonsignificant. These findings suggest that OGM is not simply a state‐like marker in currently depressed adolescents, but is also evident in adolescents with remitted MDD, indicating that it may represent a trait‐like vulnerability that increases risk for relapse.
Factors Associated with Timing of Return to Intercourse After Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries
Authors: Leader-Cramer Alix , Kenton Kimberly , Davé Bhumy , Gossett Dana R. , Mueller Margaret , Lewicky-Gaupp Christina
Published: August 2016

Introduction

The impact of obstetric perineal trauma on timing of return to intercourse is unclear, although sexual desire is clearly decreased in these women. In addition, studies examining timing of return to intercourse are cross-sectional and therefore cannot delineate potential reasons that patients might delay return to intercourse.

Aim

To identify factors associated with delayed return to intercourse after obstetric anal sphincter injuries.

Methods

This was a planned secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of women sustaining obstetric anal sphincter injuries during delivery of a full-term singleton infant. Patients completed the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index at every postpartum visit (1, 2, 6, and 12 weeks) and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12 once resuming vaginal intercourse. Intercourse was considered “delayed” if patients did not resume intercourse by the 12-week visit. This cutoff was chosen because it was subsequent to the 6-week visit, when patients were instructed to return to normal pelvic activity. Continuous variables were compared using the Student t-test (parametric) or Mann-Whitney U-test (non-parametric). The χ2 test was used for categorical variables. Statistical significance was assigned with a P value less than .05.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary outcome measurements were differences in pelvic floor symptoms on validated surveys between the “delayed” and “not-delayed” groups at the first postpartum visit and at the time the subjects returned to intercourse. We used the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for depression, the Urinary Distress Inventory-6 and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 for urinary symptoms, the visual analog scale for pain, the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index for bowel symptoms, and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12 at the return to intercourse visit only.

Results

One hundred ninety-nine women were included in this analysis. Most were Caucasian (77%) and primiparous (86%). One hundred nineteen women (60%) did not resume vaginal intercourse until after the 12-week visit and were deemed “delayed.” Patients who delayed intercourse scored higher on the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (more anal incontinence) than those who resumed intercourse before 12 weeks (15.4 ± 12.3 vs 12.0 ± 12.8, P = .02). The delayed group also had worse sexual function, shown as lower Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12 scores (35.4 ± 5.9 vs 38.4 ± 4.1, P ≤ .001) and persistently higher Fecal Incontinence Severity Index scores (4.1 ± 7.3 vs 1.6 ± 4.4, P = .001), at the first visit after returning to intercourse.

Conclusion

Patients with obstetric anal sphincter injuries who do not resume intercourse by 12 weeks postpartum report more severe anal incontinence symptoms and worse sexual function after return to coitus.
Paleozoic collisional and intraplate granitoids of the Baikal area: comparative geochemistry and petrogenesis
Authors: Sheptyakova N.V. , Antipin V.S. , Kushch L.V.
Published: August 2016

Early Paleozoic granitoids of autochthonous and allochthonous facies in the Baikal area (Ol’khon Island, Khamar-Daban Ridge) are in close spatial association with gneisses, migmatites, and plagiogranites and are usually confined to granite–gneiss domes. They are virtually not subjected to magmatic differentiation. Formation of granitoids of the Solzan massif and Sharanur complex lasted 26–28 Myr, which might be considered an indicator of collisional granitoid magmatism. Collisional granitoids of different provinces have a series of indicative features: They are peraluminous and highly potassic and are enriched in crustal elements (Rb, Pb, and Th) but sometimes have low contents of volatiles. In contrast to collisional magmatism, petrogenesis of intraplate granitoids does not depend on the composition and age of the enclosing rocks. The geochemical evolution of intraplate granitoid magmatism in the Baikal area is expressed as an increase in contents of F, Li, Rb, Cs, Sn, Be, Ta, Zr, and Pb and a decrease in contents of Ba, Sr, Zn, Th, and U during the differentiation of multiphase intrusions. The geochemical diversity of these granitoids formed both from crustal and from mantle sources and as a result of the mantle–crust interaction, might be due to the effect of plume on the geologic evolution of intraplate magmatism. The wide range of compositions and geochemical types of igneous rocks (from alkali and subalkalic to rare-metal granitoids) within the Late Paleozoic Baikal magmatism area suggests its high ore potential.
Thermal conductivity of the Bazhenovo Formation rocks in the Salym area (West Siberian Plate)
Authors: Duchkov A.D. , Sokolova L.S. , Ayunov D.E. , Yan P.A.
Published: August 2016

We discuss the results of measurements of the thermal conductivity of the Bazhenovo Formation rocks from wells drilled in the Salym petroliferous area of the West Siberian Plate. The thermal conductivity was measured by “Thermal-conductivity comparator” and “Scanning thermal-conductivity meter” in different years. A total of 225 measurements were made in two directions with respect to the rock layering: parallel (λ1) and orthogonal (λ2). The results show that the Bazhenovo Formation rocks are mostly of abnormally low thermal conductivity: λ1 = 1.0–2.3 W/(m⋅K) (average is 1.6 W/(m⋅K)) and λ2 = 0.8–1.9 W/(m⋅K) (average is 1.3 W/(m⋅K)). This leads to an abnormal increase in geothermal gradient within the Bazhenovo Formation. Such geothermal-gradient anomalies can be easily revealed by high-precision thermal logging. It is also shown that the thermal conductivity of the studied rocks is in inverse relationship with their organic-matter content.
Internal and External Validation of a Computer-Assisted Surveillance System for Hospital-Acquired Infections in a 754-Bed General Hospital in the Netherlands
Authors: Streefkerk H. Roel A. , Lede Ivar O. , Eriksson John L. V. , Meijling Marije G. , van der Hoeven Conrad P. , Wille Jan C. , Hopmans Titia E. M. , Friedrich Alex W. , Verbrugh Henri A. , Naiemi Nashwan al
Published: August 2016

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a computer-assisted point-prevalence survey (CAPPS) for hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).

DESIGN

Validation cohort.

SETTING

A 754-bed teaching hospital in the Netherlands.

METHODS

For the internal validation of a CAPPS for HAIs, 2,526 patients were included. All patient records were retrospectively reviewed in depth by 2 infection control practitioners (ICPs) to determine which patients had suffered an HAI. Preventie van Ziekenhuisinfecties door Surveillance (PREZIES) criteria were used. Following this internal validation, 13 consecutive CAPPS were performed in a prospective study from January to March 2013 to determine weekly, monthly, and quarterly HAI point prevalence. Finally, a CAPPS was externally validated by PREZIES (Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu [RIVM], Bilthoven, Netherlands). In all evaluations, discrepancies were resolved by consensus.

RESULTS

In our series of CAPPS, 83% of the patients were automatically excluded from detailed review by the ICP. The sensitivity of the method was 91%. The time spent per hospital-wide CAPPS was ~3 hours. External validation showed a negative predictive value of 99.1% for CAPPS.

CONCLUSIONS

CAPPS proved to be a sensitive, accurate, and efficient method to determine serial weekly point-prevalence HAI rates in our hospital.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2016;1–6
Crowd-sourced Text Analysis: Reproducible and Agile Production of Political Data
Authors: BENOIT KENNETH , CONWAY DREW , LAUDERDALE BENJAMIN E. , LAVER MICHAEL , MIKHAYLOV SLAVA
Published: August 2016

Empirical social science often relies on data that are not observed in the field, but are transformed into quantitative variables by expert researchers who analyze and interpret qualitative raw sources. While generally considered the most valid way to produce data, this expert-driven process is inherently difficult to replicate or to assess on grounds of reliability. Using crowd-sourcing to distribute text for reading and interpretation by massive numbers of nonexperts, we generate results comparable to those using experts to read and interpret the same texts, but do so far more quickly and flexibly. Crucially, the data we collect can be reproduced and extended transparently, making crowd-sourced datasets intrinsically reproducible. This focuses researchers’ attention on the fundamental scientific objective of specifying reliable and replicable methods for collecting the data needed, rather than on the content of any particular dataset. We also show that our approach works straightforwardly with different types of political text, written in different languages. While findings reported here concern text analysis, they have far-reaching implications for expert-generated data in the social sciences.
Conjuring with Coca and the INCA: The Andeanization of Lima’s Afro-Peruvian Ritual Specialists, 1580-1690
Authors: Garofalo Leo J.
Published: August 2016

African diasporic communities throughout the Americas played important roles in creating colonial societies, providing both a population base and ways to organize everyday life as evidenced in subsistence activities, housing, language, religion, and artistic expression. In the Andes, Afro-Peruvian ritual specialists provide an example of black participation in forging a place in colonial society during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. They earned both respect and fear, status and stigma, for their ability to solve a variety of problems and illnesses believed to be caused by the malice of other people or by supernatural forces. These ritualists also show how people of African descent helped invent widely-employed strategies to bridge cultures and link heterogeneous colonial populations in Andean cities.
Beneficent Cinema: State Formation, Elite Reproduction, and Silent Film in Uruguay, 1910s–1920s
Authors: Ehrick Christine
Published: August 2016

In her study of early cinema and modernity in Latin America, Ana López wrote: “Latin American modernity has been a global, intertextual experience, addressing impulses and models from abroad, in which every nation and region created, and creates, its own ways of playing with and at modernity.” Early Uruguayan cinema exemplifies this interaction of global phenomena with local realities and thus provides an instructive window onto some of the ways Latin Americans were “playing with and at modernity” in the early twentieth century. During that era, Uruguay emerged as Latin America’s first welfare state and a model of progressive reform in the region. The complexities of that transition are reflected in so-calledcine de beneficencia(beneficent cinema), film made by and for social assistance organizations for fundraising and propaganda purposes. Film historian José Carlos Álvarez identifies beneficent cinema as “something that we think was purely Uruguayan, and specific to this era.”
Pension fund liabilities and asset matching
Authors: Fellows D.E.
Published: August 2016

1.1. The concept of matching assets and liabilities has for many years been recognized as a crucial aspect of our professional work. Its importance is emphasized in the Institute's guidance notes entitled “Actuaries and Long-Term Insurance Business” and in many papers published in the Journal.

1.2. A particular form of matching, namely immunization, was developed by F. M. Redington in his paper “Review of the Principles of Life-Office Valuations” (J.I.A. 78, 286). Immunization signifies the investment of assets in such a way that the existing business is immune to a change in the rate of interest. One of the consequences of immunization is that the mean term of the asset-maturity dates is appreciably longer than the mean term of the value of the asset-proceeds and of the liability-outgo; and, at other than low rates of interest, a perpetuity can be too short to immunize a long-term contractual liability.
Approximations to Survivorship Values
Authors: Evans A. W.
Published: August 2016

1. In considering the question of the calculation of Survivorship Assurances (excluding Compound Survivorship Assurances), it is only necessary to know how to obtain the values of Survivorship Assurances which determine on the first death. All Survivorship Assurances in which only one order of survivorship is involved may be expressed in terms of assurances determining on the first death. This is most easily accomplished by a process of general reasoning, but to those who prefer strictly analytical methods, an algebraical solution will be more acceptable. To take quite a simple example, suppose we are required to find the value of an assurance payable on the death of (x), provided (y) predecease him and (z) survive him, in symbols.
Annuities and Their Valuation
Authors: Monkhouse C. Cosmo
Published: August 2016

Valuation Age: The valuation age is usually taken as either the nearest age or the age last birthday at the date of valuation. The former would appear to be the more reasonable method as annuity rates are frequently quoted for half ages or even quarter ages.

Grouping (Single Lives): For valuation purposes the annuities are grouped according to the office dates of birth, calculated to give the valuation age on the assumption chosen. Sub-grouping may be necessary to facilitate selection being taken into account if considered desirable.
The Elementary Principles of Pension Funds
Authors: Simmonds R. C.
Published: August 2016

It is the purpose of these notes to set out briefly the most prominent features of Pension Funds. No attempt will be made to go into the many intricate questions involved when formulae have to be deduced.

The primary purpose of a Pension Fund is to make provision for the declining years of life, and therefore some form of benefit accruing at superannuation is always included. It is found, however, that allowance has usually to be made for other causes of cessation of activity, and so benefits upon retirement through ill-health, upon voluntary withdrawal, and upon death before the attainment of the age which normally qualifies a member for a pension, are introduced. Thus, in a full scheme, after certain initial periods have passed, practically the only case in which no tangible benefit is derived is that in which a man is dismissed for misconduct.

It will be recognised at once that with four main types of benefit as a basis and an illimitable fund of human ingenuity upon which to draw, the number of different allowances found in practice is very great. Only a few can be indicated here.
Infantile Mortality
Authors: Blossom John
Published: August 2016

There appears to be very little information, especially of recent date, relating to infantile mortality, in the publications of the Institute, and it is possible that a discussion upon the mortality of very young lives would be of service to those who have to deal with infantile assurances to any great extent.

It is well known that infantile mortality rates have, generally, shown continuous improvement during the present century, and we cannot say that such rates have yet reached their lowest limit. For example, the deaths of males and females respectively during the first year of life as exhibited by successive English Life Tables are:—