bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observed and projected sea surface temperature seasonal changes in the Western English Channel from satellite data and CMIP5 multi‐model ensemble
Authors: L'Hévéder Blandine , Speich Sabrina , Ragueneau Olivier , Gohin Francis , Bryère Philippe
Published: October 2016

Seasonal Sea Surface Temperature (SST) changes in the Western English Channel have been estimated for the previous decades from high‐resolution satellite data. Coastal seas, well separated from offshore waters by intense frontal structures, show colder SST by 1–2 °C in summer. A significant warming trend is observed in the autumn season. This positive trend is stronger offshore, with an annual mean SST increase of 0.32 °C decade−1, but weaker in coastal waters (0.23 °C decade−1), where strong vertical mixing induced by tides and winds acts to reduce surface warming. The performance of an ensemble of CMIP5 climate model in simulating recent seasonal changes of SST in the region is estimated. The median of CMIP5 models very well reproduces the observed SST mean seasonal cycle in offshore waters but is less proficient in the coastal sector due to the coarse resolution of the models and the absence of tidal forcing and related processes. In the Iroise Sea, a region of intense biological activity located off the western tip of Brittany, the trend of the annual mean SST is relatively well simulated, albeit somewhat underestimated (0.20°C decade−1) and evenly distributed throughout the year. Here, the increase in annual mean SST in CMIP5 future scenarios simulations ranges from 0.5 °C (RCP2.6) to 2.5 °C (RCP8.5) by year 2100, with a seasonal modulation leading to a more intense warming in summer than that in winter. This increase in SST may strongly affect marine biology, particularly phytoplankton phenology, macro‐algae biomass and benthic fauna, including exploited shellfish, in the Western English Channel.
Detecting deforestation impacts in Southern Amazonia rainfall using rain gauges
Authors: Debortoli Nathan S. , Dubreuil Vincent , Hirota Marina , Filho Saulo Rodrigues , Lindoso Diego P. , Nabucet Jean
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

During the last decades, several climate‐modelling studies have forecasted a decrease in precipitation in Southern Amazonia, projecting scenarios of a drier Amazon for the future in relation with deforestation (or forest cover). In this area, only a limited number of analyses using forest cover data and rainfall time series have considered the transitional zones between the Amazon Forest and the Cerrado biome. In this work, we evaluated whether forest cover and rainfall patterns are correlated. The analysis encompassed rainfall times series from 207 rain gauges during the 1971–2010 period, and forest cover data acquired from LANDSAT5 satellite images. The results indicate that, at local level (1–15 km), both seasonal and annual precipitation values are not correlated to forest cover, whereas at the regional scale (30–50 km) contrasting to annual values, significant correlation occurs between forest cover and seasonal precipitation. Additionally, the study suggests that the larger the forest areas, the greater the probabilities of those influencing precipitation at regional scale, in opposite direction to the observed local level effects.
Accessing vulnerability of land‐cover types to climate change using physical scaling downscaling model
Authors: Gaur Abhishek , Simonovic Slobodan P.
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study is to investigate the vulnerability of different land‐cover types to climate change. To this end, land‐cover specific temperature change factors are quantified for the southern Saskatchewan region using a novel statistical downscaling model: physical scaling (SP). SP model considers large‐scale climate and regional physical characteristics like land‐cover, elevation in its formulation and hence can be used to predict future temperature for different land‐cover types under changing large‐scale climatic and land‐cover conditions. The model is validated by assessing its ability to downscale North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) derived surface (skin) temperature from an initial resolution of 32 km to 500 m. The downscaled NARR data are evaluated using a cross‐validation approach over the period 2006–2013 with reference to MODerate‐resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) derived surface temperature estimates and satisfactory model performance is obtained (average RMSE = 0.03 K). The validated model is used to predict future surface temperature across the study region. Future land‐cover projections are derived by downscaling land‐use projections for Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 2.6 and 8.5 made by integrated assessment models: IMAGE and MESSAGE, respectively. An analysis of land‐cover specific temperature changes between historical (2006–2013) and future (2081–2100) timelines indicate variations of up to 2 K between different land‐cover classes. Vulnerability pattern of different land‐cover classes differ significantly between day‐ and night‐time. Further, variations of upto 1 K in projected changes are observed among different forest cover types. Closed shrubland is obtained as the most vulnerable forest‐cover class whereas evergreen broadleaf forest is found to be the least vulnerable.
Tripole precipitation pattern and SST variations linked with extreme zonal activities of the western Pacific subtropical high
Authors: Qian Weihong , Shi Jian
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

Using the daily variables of National Centers for Environmental Prediction reanalysis 1 from 1981 to 2014, this study first constructs a new index to describe the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) zonal activities by the normalized relative vorticity series averaged over a three‐dimensional core domain (112.5°–142.5°E, 10°–30°N and 925–500 hPa). Its horizontal scope is referred to as core region. Ten positive and six negative extreme episodes lasting from 10 to 17 days were identified based on the new index. They demonstrated prominent variabilities in intraseasonal and interannual timescales. Composite results show a tripole precipitation pattern with a wet (dry) zone over the tropical western Pacific (TWP) separating two dry (wet) zones in the meridional direction. The northern one covers the mei‐yu belt while the southern one extends along the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO) and the Maritime Continent. The activities of WPSH and monsoon trough form the height anomalies over the core region, while its northern height anomalies are due to the westerly trough in middle latitudes. Further, the three systems exert joint effects on the tripole dry‐wet pattern.

Within the biweekly evolution of positive composite, a weaker WPSH displays first an eastward and then a westward track. Negative composite indicates that a stronger WPSH first retreats eastward, then strides westward, and finally moves northeastward during around 2 weeks. The sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies over TIO and TWP are crucial for the extreme WPSH episodes. Concretely, the SST anomalies over TIO largely influence the overall intensity and location of WPSH and are especially important in the early stages of WPSH episodes. Locally, the SST anomalies over the core region are passive responses of atmospheric forcing in the early stages of WPSH episodes and then exert effect on the WPSH in their later stage.
Reconstructed annual mean temperatures for the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau: associations with the East Asian monsoons and volcanic events
Authors: Wang Bo , Chen Tuo , Xu Guobao , Wu Guoju , Li Caijuan
Published: October 2016

Owing to a lack of available long‐term climatic records, data related to past climatic variability throughout the Tibetan Plateau remains limited. In this study, we found that Qilian juniper tree growth was significantly and positively correlated (p < 0.001) to yearly mean temperatures in the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. We developed an annual mean temperature reconstruction from year 1740 CE based on growth‐climate relationships in the study area. Our reconstruction accounted for 53.9% of total variance from 1956 to 2012 (the calibration period). Through this reconstruction, we were successfully able to capture recent abrupt climate change events that generally agreed with other temperature‐sensitive tree‐ring reconstructions on both regional and hemisphere scales under a decadal timescale. Periods from 1820 to 1830, 1855 to 1890, and 1960 to 1985 CE corresponded to cold periods in the reconstruction, while the 1740s and periods from 1795 to 1815 and from 1990 to 2012 CE corresponded to relatively warm periods. We also detected increased interannual change variability in annual mean temperatures since the 1980s, which could be related to increasing variability in the East Asian winter monsoon as well as the rapid climate warming that has occurred since this time. From these reconstructed temperatures, we were successfully able to capture the occurrences of large volcanic events in China as well as five historic volcanic events outside China that had global implications on climate variability and that resulted in planetary cooling during the period from 1740 to 2012 CE. This in turn suggested that these volcanic events would have had short‐lived impacts (approximately from 1 to 3 years) on temperature variation in the study area. The aim of this study was to provide a perspective in which to explore the mechanisms that simultaneously influence tree rings and climate.
Micro‐droplets containing sulfate in the Dome Fuji deep ice core, Antarctica: findings using micro‐Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Sakurai Toshimitsu , Ohno Hiroshi , Motoyama Hideaki , Uchida Tsutomu
Published: October 2016

Climatic signals in deep ice cores, particularly from ion concentrations, may be affected by the diffusion of liquid solution along grain boundaries of ice. Such solutions include sulfates. Because of the difficulty of detecting sulfate liquids in the ice matrix, we must infer the phase of the sulfates from the ice temperature and inclusion properties. In this study, we use micro‐Raman spectroscopy to determine the phase of three sulfate micro‐inclusions in the Dome Fuji ice core at 2798.5 m depth. Using a temperature‐ramp test, we find a peak position at 984 cm−1 and a change in the full width at half maximum of the SO stretching mode that identifies the sulfate in the micro‐droplets. Considering the peak position and full width at half maximum of sulfate inclusions, we argue that the sulfate would have existed as a micro‐droplet liquid on an air‐clathrate hydrate in the ice. Additionally, the increase in the low frequencies of the Raman spectrum below 30 cm−1 that we detect can be generally used to identify liquids in natural ice. Our investigation also indicates that the surface of air‐clathrate hydrates in ice is a preferred location for liquid micro‐inclusions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
POP levels in beans from Mediterranean and tropical areas
Authors: Di Bella Giuseppa , Haddaoui Imen , Lo Turco Vincenzo , Potortì Angela Giorgia , Fede Maria Rita , Dugo Giacomo
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Despite the importance of beans as food, few studies are conducted to control their contamination by persistent organic pollutants (POPs), compounds of great importance because of their toxicity and tendency to accumulate in food chains. In order to evaluate the human exposure to POPs by the consumption of beans a monitoring programme was conducted on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) residues in samples coming from Italy, Mexico, India, Japan, Ghana and Ivory Coast. All beans were extracted with an accelerated solvents extractor in triplicate; the clean‐up step was done with a Florisil column; identification and quantification was carried out using a TSQ Quantum XLS Ultra GC‐MS/MS in selected reaction monitoring mode.

RESULTS

Results revealed concentrations of ∑PAHs ranged from 7.31 µg kg−1 to 686 µg kg−1, ∑PCBs between 1.85 µg kg−1 and 43.1 µg kg−1 and ∑OCPs ranged from 1.37 µg kg−1 to 71.8 µg kg−1.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that beans coming from Ivory Coast are the most exposed to the risk of contamination by all the pollutants investigated. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Competitive effect of glucose–fructose adsorption in a fixed‐bed chromatographic column
Authors: Tangpromphan Preuk , Kaewchada Amaraporn , Jaree Attasak
Published: October 2016

A continuous separation system such as a simulated moving‐bed process requires adsorption data with precise equilibrium and kinetic model parameters of a single chromatographic column. The adsorption of glucose and fructose in a fixed‐bed chromatographic column was investigated to determine the competition effect of each component resulting from their initial molar ratios. The model parameters including bed porosity and axial dispersion coefficient were determined using the moment analysis method. The equilibrium isotherm parameters were estimated by conducting experiments at various molar ratios and initial sugar concentrations. The parameters obtained were then used for the simulation of dynamic breakthrough curves of glucose and fructose. The equilibrium isotherms revealed that the linear adsorption pattern provided good prediction for each molar ratio using the Henry equation. In addition, the modified Langmuir model was proposed to account for the competitive adsorption, due to the cooperative competition effect whereby glucose was promoted to the active sites by fructose to a greater degree than vice versa. A good agreement between the experimental and numerical data of the adsorption time profiles was also observed.
High‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry technology in the analysis of Chinese Medicine Formulas: A bibliometric analysis (1997–2015)
Authors: He Xi‐Ran , Li Chun‐Guang , Zhu Xiao‐Shu , Li Yuan‐Qing , Jarouche Mariam , Bensoussan Alan , Li Ping‐Ping
Published: October 2016

There is a recognized challenge in analyzing traditional Chinese medicine formulas because of their complex chemical compositions. The application of modern analytical techniques such as high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with a tandem mass spectrometry has improved the characterization of various compounds from traditional Chinese medicine formulas significantly. This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis to recognize the overall trend of high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry approaches in the analysis of traditional Chinese medicine formulas, its significance and possible underlying interactions between individual herbs in these formulas. Electronic databases were searched systematically, and the identified studies were collected and analyzed using Microsoft Access 2010, Graph Pad 5.0 software and Ucinet software package. 338 publications between 1997 and 2015 were identified, and analyzed in terms of annual growth and accumulated publications, top journals, forms of traditional Chinese medicine preparations and highly studied formulas and single herbs, as well as social network analysis of single herbs. There is a significant increase trend in using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry related techniques in analysis of commonly used forms of traditional Chinese medicine formulas in the last 3 years. Stringent quality control is of great significance for the modernization and globalization of traditional Chinese medicine, and this bibliometric analysis provided the first and comprehensive summary within this field.
Hybrid molecularly imprinted polymers modified by deep eutectic solvents and ionic liquids with three templates for the rapid simultaneous purification of rutin, scoparone, and quercetin from Herba Artemisiae Scopariae
Authors: Li Guizhen , Ahn Wha Seung , Row Kyung Ho
Published: October 2016

Different kinds of deep eutectic solvents based on choline chloride and ionic liquids based on 1‐methylimidazole were used to modify hybrid molecularly imprinted polymers with the monomer γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane‐methacrylic and three templates (rutin, scoparone, and quercetin). The materials were adopted as solid‐phase extraction packing agents, and were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The hybrid molecularly imprinted polymers modified by deep eutectic solvents had high recoveries and a strong recognition of rutin, scoparone, and quercetin in Herba Artemisiae Scopariae than those modified by ionic liquids. In the procedure of solid‐phase extraction, deep eutectic solvents‐2‐hybrid molecularly imprinted polymers were obtained with the best recoveries with rutin (92.27%), scoparone (87.51%), and quercetin (80.02%), and the actual extraction yields of rutin (5.6 mg/g), scoparone (2.3 mg/g), and quercetin (3.4 mg/g). Overall, the proposed approach with the high affinity of hybrid molecularly imprinted polymers might offer a novel method for the purification of complex samples.
Homogeneity of Severe Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Profiles in Children and Adolescents Across Gender, Age, and Traumatic Experiences Related to 9/11
Authors: Guffanti Guia , Geronazzo‐Alman Lupo , Fan Bin , Duarte Cristiane S. , Musa George J. , Hoven Christina W.
Published: October 2016

Patients with a posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., DSM‐IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) will very likely not share all of the same symptoms, a consequence of the polythetic approach used in the DSM. We examined heterogeneity in the latent structure of PTSD symptoms using data from a previously published sample of 8,236 youth a subset of which had been exposed to the September 11, 2001 attacks (N = 6,670; Hoven et al., 2005). Latent class analysis was applied (a) to PTSD symptoms alone, (b) to symptoms in combination with impairment indicators, and (c) to PTSD symptoms when stratified by age and gender, as well as by empirically defined classes of exposure. We identified 4 symptom classes: no disturbance (49.4%), intermediate disturbance (2 classes; 21.5% and 18.6%, respectively), and severe disturbance (10.5%). These classes varied not only in the severity of symptoms, but also in the configuration of symptoms. We observed a high probability of endorsing both PTSD symptoms and indicators of impairment only in the severe disturbance class. A similar 4‐class structure was found when the data were stratified by age, gender, and exposure classes. There were no significant differences as a function of age, gender, or exposure in the presence of severe PTSD. Heterogeneity was observed at intermediate levels of PTSD symptom severity. The specific PTSD symptoms that defined the severe PTSD profile could constitute the pathogenic aspects of a largely invariant and clinically meaningful PTSD syndrome.
Free‐roaming cat interactions with wildlife admitted to a wildlife hospital
Authors: Mcruer Dave L. , Gray Lincoln C. , Horne Leigh‐Ann , Clark Edward E.
Published: October 2016

Free‐roaming domestic cats are a major anthropogenic source of morbidity and mortality to wild birds and mammals in the United States. Permitted wildlife rehabilitators routinely treat cat‐caused injuries. However, extent of these activities is under‐reported in the scientific literature. To determine incidence, age class, mortality, diversity and frequency of species affected, nature of injuries, time in care, and temporal and geospatial trends associated with interactions between free‐roaming cats and wildlife, we conducted a retrospective analysis on 20,921 records from small birds and mammals presented to the Wildlife Center of Virginia (WCV), USA between 2000 and 2010. Cat interaction was the second greatest cause of small‐mammal admissions (14.8%), fourth greatest cause of mammal mortality (70.8%), fourth greatest cause of bird admissions (13.7%), and second greatest cause of avian mortality (80.8%). Eighty‐three species were admitted following interactions with cats. Age of wildlife admitted following cat interaction varied by class; juvenile mammals were captured most frequently (40.5%), followed by neonates (34%), then adults (25.5%). However, adults were documented most frequently in birds (42.7%), followed by juveniles (37.2%), then nestlings (20.1%). Birds were more likely to have interactions with cats in rural areas, whereas degree of urbanization did not differ for mammals. Eighty‐eight percent of cat interactions occurred between April and September, indicating a strong seasonal trend. Our findings indicate that free‐roaming cats substantially contribute to admissions in a wildlife rehabilitation hospital and even with veterinary intervention, release potential is limited. Reducing the number of free‐roaming cats will reduce interactions with wildlife and decrease the need for medical assistance. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Early outcomes after cochlear implantation for adults and children with unilateral hearing loss
Authors: Sladen Douglas P. , Carlson Matthew L. , Dowling Brittany P. , Olund Amy P. , Teece Kathryn , DeJong Melissa D. , Breneman Alyce , Peterson Ann , Beatty Charles W. , Neff Brian A. , Driscoll Colin L.
Published: October 2016

Objectives/Hypothesis

This study was designed to examine speech recognition and self‐perceived health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) received from cochlear implantation among a cohort of adults and children with a short duration of unilateral hearing loss greater than 6 months, but less than 2 years.

Study Design

Single‐subject repeated measures prospective study.

Methods

This study assessed changes in speech recognition and self‐perceived quality of life by prospectively analyzing data at the preoperative evaluation and at the 3‐month and 6‐month postactivation intervals. Measurement tools included Medical Outcomes Study Questionnaire Short Form 36, Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire, Speech Spatial and Qualities of Hearing–Comparative, and speech recognition measures in quiet and in noise.

Results

Results indicated significant improvement in speech recognition, both in quiet and noise. Quality‐of‐life measures showed a significant increase in self‐perceived benefit with disease‐specific instruments, but remained constant with a generic HRQoL instrument.

Conclusions

Cochlear implantation was a successful intervention for improved hearing in quiet and noise, and a self‐perceived benefit for this group of adults and children with a short duration of unilateral hearing loss.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 127:1683–1688, 2017
Sediment Loss Patterns in the Sub‐Humid Ethiopian Highlands
Authors: Dagnew Dessalegn C. , Guzman Christian D. , Zegeye Assefa D. , Akal Adugnaw T. , Moges Mamaru A. , Tebebu Tigist Y. , Mekuria Wolde , Ayana Essayas K. , Tilahun Seifu A. , Steenhuis Tammo S.
Published: October 2016

Controlling soil erosion is important for maintaining land productivity and reducing sedimentation of reservoirs in the Ethiopian highlands. To gain insights on sediment loss patterns, magnitude of peak sediment events, and their contribution to annual loads, hydrometric and sediment concentration data were collected for five years (2010 – 2014) from the 95‐ha Debre Mawi and four nested catchments (located 30 km south of Lake Tana). Soil and water conservation practices (SWCPs) consisting of soil bunds with 50‐cm‐deep furrows were implemented in the third year, which made it possible to examine the effects of SWCPs on peak sediment loads. The results show that a 10‐min event causes soil loss of up to 11·4 Mg ha−1, which is 22% of the annual sediment yield. Thirty to seventy‐five percent (up to 30 Mg ha−1day−1) of the sediment yield was contributed by the greatest daily flow in each year. The contribution increases to 86% for the two largest daily flows. SWCP interventions reduced sediment loss by half but did not affect the relative contribution of peak events to annual loads. Because of gully erosion, peak sediment loads at the outlet of the entire catchment were greater (up to 30 Mg ha−1day−1) as compared to the nested catchments without gullies (0·5 to 8 Mg ha−1day−1). Consequently, to reduce sediment loss, conservation measures should be designed to decrease runoff during large storms. This can be attained by deepening furrows on unsaturated hillsides and reducing the entrainment of unconsolidated sediment from failed gully banks. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What is the Contribution of Counter‐Ions to the Absolute Molar Mass of Polyelectrolytes Determined by SEC‐MALLS?
Authors: Gonzalez Philippe , Leclercq Laurent , Cottet Hervé
Published: October 2016

In this work, the absolute molar mass of well‐defined cationic polyelectrolytes has been determined by size‐exclusion chromatography multiangle laser light scattering (SEC‐MALLS) using different eluents containing different counter‐ions (chloride, bromide or trifluoroacetate). Narrowly polydisperse poly‐l‐lysines of different degrees of polymerization (from 20 up to ≈400) having a counter‐ion similar to the eluent are analyzed as model compounds. By comparing the average degree of polymerization obtained by SEC‐MALLS with those derived independently from NMR/viscosity experiments, it has been possible to investigate what is the average molar mass of the charged monomer that is measured in SEC‐MALLS experiments. The main result of this study is that the average molar mass of the charged monomer in a SEC‐MALLS experiment only takes into account the fraction of condensed counter‐ion associated to the monomer. This fundamental study is important in practice because the calculation of the degree of polymerization (instead of the molar mass) is often required for subsequent chemical reactions, for instance in the case of polymer functionalization.

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Effects of Lightness‐Location Congruency on Consumers’ Purchase Decision‐Making
Authors: Sunaga Tsutomu , Park Jaewoo , Spence Charles
Published: October 2016

A considerable body of psychological and neuroscientific research has demonstrated the existence of robust sensory correspondences between various features, attributes, or dimensions of experience in different sensory modalities. Despite findings indicating the importance of sensory correspondences to human information processing, research on purchase decision‐making has not to date focused sufficiently on this phenomenon. The present study examines how the lightness of packaging colors, and the location of products on a display shelf interact to affect consumers’ purchase decision‐making via perceived visual heaviness. As predicted, a display with light (dark) colored products positioned in the upper (lower) shelf positions increases shoppers’ perceptual fluency and facilitates their visual search, thus leading to the suggestion that “light” (heavy) locations are most appropriate for light (dark) colored products. Moreover, the lightness‐location congruent display is shown to influence people's choice behavior positively as well. This research also demonstrates that when consumers consider the lightness (in terms of their weight) of the products, they are more likely to choose light (vs. dark) colored products located in the upper shelf positions. These results therefore demonstrate that consumers’ purchase decision‐making may be promoted by in‐store environments designed to be congruent with their sensory correspondences.
An Update on the Pivotal Role of Kinetic Modeling for the Mechanistic Understanding and Design of Bulk and Solution RAFT Polymerization
Authors: De Rybel Nils , Van Steenberge Paul H. M. , Reyniers Marie‐Françoise , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher , D'hooge Dagmar R. , Marin Guy. B.
Published: October 2016

The importance of the development of kinetic modeling tools to mechanistically understand and design bulk and solution reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is highlighted. Both deterministic and stochastic kinetic modeling methods are covered, considering a detailed reaction scheme and accounting for the impact of diffusional limitations on the reaction rates. A novel strategy is introduced to fundamentally calculate the diffusional contributions for the apparent RAFT addition and fragmentation rate coefficients. Next to literature examples, case studies are included to demonstrate that detailed theoretical studies are indispensable to completely map the effect of the polymerization conditions and RAFT agent reactivity on the control over microstructural properties and the overall polymerization time. Guidelines for future kinetic modeling activities are formulated to enhance joined theoretical and experimental research.

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Autonomic Dysfunction in Early Parkinson's Disease: Results from the United Kingdom Tracking Parkinson's Study
Authors: Malek Naveed , Lawton Michael A. , Grosset Katherine A. , Bajaj Nin , Barker Roger A. , Burn David J. , Foltynie Tom , Hardy John , Morris Huw R. , Williams Nigel M. , Ben‐Shlomo Yoav , Wood Nicholas W. , Grosset Donald G. ,   the PRoBaND Clinical Consortium
Published: October 2016

Background

Autonomic dysfunction is common in the later stages of Parkinson's disease (PD), but less is known about its presence and severity in early disease.

Objective

To analyze features of autonomic dysfunction in recent onset PD cases, and their relationship to motor severity, medication use, other nonmotor symptoms (NMS), and quality‐of‐life scores.

Methods

Detailed patient‐reported symptoms of autonomic dysfunction were assessed in a multicenter cohort study in PD cases that had been diagnosed within the preceding 3.5 years.

Results

There were 1746 patients (1132 males, 65.2%), mean age 67.6 years (SD 9.3), mean disease duration 1.3 years (SD 0.9), mean Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor score 22.5 (SD 12.1). Orthostatic symptoms were reported by 39.6%, male erectile dysfunction by 56.1%, and female anorgasmia by 57.4%. Sialorrhea was an issue in 51.4% of patients, constipation in 43.6%, and dysphagia in 20.1%. Autonomic features increased with higher modified Hoehn and Yahr stages (P < 0.001). The severity of autonomic dysfunction was associated with the postural instability gait difficulty motor phenotype [β‐coefficient 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.7, 2.6, P < 0.001], depression (β‐coefficient 4.1, CI 3.0, 5.2, P < 0.001), and excess daytime sleepiness (β‐coefficient 3.1, CI 1.9, 4.2, P < 0.001). Dopamine agonists were the only drug class associated with greater autonomic dysfunction (P = 0.019). The severity of autonomic dysfunction strongly correlated with the presence of other NMS (ρ = 0.717, P < 0.001), and with poorer quality‐of‐life scores (ρ = 0.483, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Autonomic dysfunction is common in early PD. Autonomic dysfunction correlates with the presence of other NMS, and with worse quality of life.
Development of stimulus material for research in alcohol use disorders
Authors: Fey Werner , Moggi Franz , Rohde Kristina B. , Michel Chantal , Seitz Andrea , Stein Maria
Published: October 2016

The availability of appropriate stimulus material is a key concern for an experimental approach to research on alcohol use disorders (AUDs). A large number of such stimuli are necessary to evoke relevant alcohol‐related associations. We report the development of a large stimulus database consisting of 457 pictures of alcoholic beverages and 398 pictures of neutral objects. These stimuli were rated by 18 inpatients hospitalized due to severe AUD and 18 healthy controls along four dimensions: arousal, valence, alcohol‐relatedness, and craving. Physical parameters of the pictures were assessed.

After outlier removal, 831 stimuli that were characterized as either alcohol‐related or neutral were retained in the final stimulus pool. Alcohol‐related pictures (versus neutral pictures) evoked higher arousal, more craving and were judged to have higher alcohol‐relatedness and a more negative valence. Group comparisons indicated that in patients, neutral pictures evoked more craving and had higher alcohol‐relatedness than they did in controls. Physical parameters such as visual complexity, luminance, and color were extracted from these pictures, and extreme values were normalized to minimize mean differences between alcoholic and neutral stimuli. The pictures met the qualitative requirements for (neurophysiological) research. A data file containing rating values and physical parameters will be provided upon request.
Activation and Deactivation of Phillips Catalyst for Ethylene Polymerization Using Various Activators
Authors: Zeng Yanning , Chammingkwan Patchanee , Baba Ryuki , Taniike Toshiaki , Terano Minoru
Published: October 2016

The present article reveals important roles of metal alkyl activators in tuning the performance of the Phillips catalyst in ethylene polymerization. The addition of aluminum alkyl aids the activation of the catalyst, while excess addition leads to the loss of the activity. The balance between the activation and deactivation depends on the type of employed aluminum alkyl, and tri‐n‐octylaluminum offers the most efficient catalyst usage by preferentially suppressing the deactivation. The passivation of aluminum trialkyl with a hindered phenol mildens not only the deactivation but also chain transfer reactions, leading to an increment of high molecular weight fractions.

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In vivo pH mapping of injured lungs using hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate
Authors: Drachman Nicholas , Kadlecek Stephen , Pourfathi Mehrdad , Xin Yi , Profka Harilla , Rizi Rahim
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To optimize the production of hyperpolarized 13C‐bicarbonate from the decarboxylation of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate and use it to image pH in the lungs and heart of rats with acute lung injury.

Methods

Two forms of catalysis are compared calorimetrically to maximize the rate of decarboxylation and rapidly produce hyperpolarized bicarbonate from pyruvate while minimizing signal loss. Rats are injured using an acute lung injury model combining ventilator‐induced lung injury and acid aspiration. Carbon images are obtained from both healthy (n = 4) and injured (n = 4) rats using a slice‐selective chemical shift imaging sequence with low flip angle. pH is calculated from the relative
and CO2 signals using the Henderson‐Hasselbalch equation.

Results

It is demonstrated that base catalysis is more effective than metal‐ion catalysis for this decarboxylation reaction. Bicarbonate polarizations up to 17.2% are achieved using the base‐catalyzed reaction. A mean pH difference between lung and heart of 0.14 pH units is measured in the acute lung injury model. A significant pH difference between injured and uninjured lungs is also observed.

Conclusion

It is demonstrated that hyperpolarized 13C‐bicarbonate can be efficiently produced from the base‐catalyzed decarboxylation of pyruvate. This method is used to obtain the first regional pH image of the lungs and heart of an animal. Magn Reson Med 78:1121–1130, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Multi‐scale graph‐cut algorithm for efficient water‐fat separation
Authors: Berglund Johan , Skorpil Mikael
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To improve the accuracy and robustness to noise in water‐fat separation by unifying the multiscale and graph cut based approaches toB0‐correction.

Methods

A previously proposed water‐fat separation algorithm that corrects forB0field inhomogeneity in 3D by a single quadratic pseudo‐Boolean optimization (QPBO) graph cut was incorporated into a multi‐scale framework, where field map solutions are propagated from coarse to fine scales for voxels that are not resolved by the graph cut. The accuracy of the single‐scale and multi‐scale QPBO algorithms was evaluated against benchmark reference datasets. The robustness to noise was evaluated by adding noise to the input data prior to water‐fat separation.

Results

Both algorithms achieved the highest accuracy when compared with seven previously published methods, while computation times were acceptable for implementation in clinical routine. The multi‐scale algorithm was more robust to noise than the single‐scale algorithm, while causing only a small increase (+10%) of the reconstruction time.

Conclusion

The proposed 3D multi‐scale QPBO algorithm offers accurate water‐fat separation, robustness to noise, and fast reconstruction. The software implementation is freely available to the research community. Magn Reson Med 78:941–949, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
The problem Of muscle hypertrophy: Revisited
Authors: Buckner Samuel L. , Dankel Scott J. , Mattocks Kevin T. , Jessee Matthew B. , Mouser J. Grant , Counts Brittany R. , Loenneke Jeremy P.
Published: October 2016

In this paper we revisit a topic originally discussed in 1955, namely the lack of direct evidence that muscle hypertrophy from exercise plays an important role in increasing strength. To this day, long‐term adaptations in strength are thought to be primarily contingent on changes in muscle size. Given this assumption, there has been considerable attention placed on programs designed to allow for maximization of both muscle size and strength. However, the conclusion that a change in muscle size affects a change in strength is surprisingly based on little evidence. We suggest that these changes may be completely separate phenomena based on: (1) the weak correlation between the change in muscle size and the change in muscle strength after training; (2) the loss of muscle mass with detraining, yet a maintenance of muscle strength; and (3) the similar muscle growth between low‐load and high‐load resistance training, yet divergent results in strength. Muscle Nerve 54: 1012–1014, 2016
Efficient wave propagation simulation on quadtree meshes using SBFEM with reduced modal basis
Authors: Gravenkamp Hauke , Saputra Albert A. , Song Chongmin , Birk Carolin
Published: October 2016

We apply a combination of the transient scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) and quadtree‐based discretization to model dynamic problems at high frequencies. We demonstrate that the current formulation of the SBFEM for dynamics tends to require more degrees of freedom than a corresponding spectral element discretization when dealing with smooth problems on regular domains. Thus, we improve the efficiency of the SBFEM by proposing a novel approach to reduce the number of auxiliary variables for transient analyses. Based on this improved SBFEM, we present a modified meshing procedure, which creates a quadtree mesh purely based on the geometry and allows arbitrary sizes and orders of elements, as well as an arbitrary number of different materials. The discretization of each subdomain is created automatically based on material parameters and the highest frequency of interest. The transition between regions of different properties is straightforward when using the SBFEM. The proposed approach is applied to image‐based analysis with a particular focus on geological models. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence for Migration Influx into the Ancient Greek Colony of Metaponto: A Population Genetics Approach Using Dental Nonmetric Traits
Authors: Rathmann H. , Saltini Semerari G. , Harvati K.
Published: October 2016

Ancient Greek colonies were founded by Greek seafarers all along the Mediterranean coast as early as the eighth centurybc. Despite extensive archaeological and historical research, the population structure of the inhabitants of Greek colonies and their relationship to indigenous populations are still debated. Here, we perform a biodistance analysis to reconstruct migration and gene flow between the ancient Greek colony of Metaponto (southern Italy) and indigenous groups in the surrounding hinterland (900–250bc). We collected dental nonmetric trait data of 355 human skeletons from the indigenous Italic sites of Santa Maria d'Anglona, Incoronata and Passo di Giacobbe. This data set is compared with an urban and rural sample of the Greek colony of Metaponto comprising 351 individual dentitions. The R‐matrix approach is used to estimate inter‐population relationships andFST. The resulting kinship coefficients indicate that the three indigenous groups exhibit greater similarity to each other and possess lesser similarity to the two Metapontian samples. Interestingly, the two samples of Metaponto are least similar to each other, although they are geographically very close. TheFSTestimates confirm this pattern and reveal greater biological variation between the two nearby Metaponto samples (FST = 0.0603) than between the three geographically fairly distant indigenous groups (FST = 0.0389). We conclude that the Greek colony of Metaponto included large numbers of people with diverse geographical origins, whereas the indigenous Italic communities of the surrounding hinterland exhibited high levels of homogeneity and cohesion. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphometric Analysis of Camelid Remains from the Alero Deodoro Roca (ADR) Site (Córdoba, Argentina). An Attempt to Characterise Body‐Size Variability in Sierras Pampeanas Australes Region
Authors: Costa T. , Izeta A.
Published: October 2016

This paper focuses in the morphometric analyses of Lama guanicoe remains recovered from the hunter–gatherer archaeological site Alero Deodoro Roca, located at Sierras Pampeanas Australes region (Córdoba Argentina), an area that has little information on the body‐size variability of these artiodactyls. Because of the sparse osteometric data in the region, we focused on determining inter‐intraspecific differentiation of wild camelids through corroborated osteometric techniques and multivariate statistical analyses of proximal phalanges. Our results showed a clear interspecific differentiation between modern vicuñas and archaeological specimens. We could also distinguish at least three guanaco size groups (small, medium and large) with the archaeological remains from the late Holocene (3000–3600 bp) of the site, presenting medium‐size characteristics. Finally this paper aims at establishing a first approach in the characterisation of guanaco body size in the mountainous region of Córdoba. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Set‐valued observer‐based active fault‐tolerant model predictive control
Authors: Xu Feng , Puig Vicenç , Ocampo‐Martinez Carlos , Wang Xueqian
Published: October 2016

This paper proposes an integrated actuator and sensor active fault‐tolerant model predictive control scheme. In this scheme, fault detection is implemented by using a set‐valued observer, fault isolation (FI) is performed by set manipulations, and fault‐tolerant control is carried out through the design of a robust model predictive control law. In this paper, a set‐valued observer is used to passively complete the fault detection task, while FI is actively performed by making use of the constraint‐handling capability of robust model predictive control. The set‐valued observer is chosen to implement fault detection and isolation (FDI) because of its simple mathematical structure that is not affected by the type of faults such as sensor, actuator, and system‐structural faults. This means that only one set‐valued observer is needed to monitor all considered actuator and sensor statuses (health and fault) and to carry out the fault detection and isolation task instead of using a bank of observers (each observer matching a health/fault status). Furthermore, in the proposed scheme, the advantage of robust model predictive control is that it can effectively deal with system constraints, disturbances, and noises and allow to implement an active FI strategy, which can improve FI sensitivity when compared with the passive FI methods. Finally, a case study based on the well‐known two‐tank system is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed fault‐tolerant model predictive control scheme. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resistance of basalt fibers to elevated temperatures and water or alkaline solution immersion
Authors: Lu Zhongyu , Xian Guijun
Published: October 2016

In this article, the effects of elevated temperatures treatment (135°C and 300°C for 4 h) and immersion in distilled water or strong alkaline solution (pH 12.6∼13) on the tensile properties of basalt fibers were investigated. As found, the elevated temperature treatment changed the short‐distance order of the fibers, and thus reduced the tensile strength by 2.5% or 32.8% for 135°C or 300°C treated specimens, respectively. At the same time, the discreteness of the fibers was increased which was indicated by the shape parameters of the tensile strength according to the Weibull model. On the contrary, the tensile modulus was not affected by the studied elevated temperatures. Both distilled water and alkaline solution immersions brought in severe degradation in the tensile properties of the untreated and elevated temperature treated basalt fibers. Alkaline solution and high immersion temperatures showed more adverse effects on the degradation of the tensile properties. The basalt fibers immersed in distilled water suffered from etching, and the atom network of the basalt fiber were destroyed due to the hydrolysis of the SiOSi bonds by hydroxyl ion. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2385–2393, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reappraisal Buffers the Association between Stress and Negative Mood Measured over 14 Days: Implications for Understanding Psychological Resilience
Authors: Johnson Judith , O'Connor Daryl B. , Jones Christopher , Jackson Christopher , Hughes Gareth J. , Ferguson Eamonn
Published: October 2016

Reappraisal is thought to be an adaptive emotion regulation strategy, and research suggests that individuals who habitually reappraise report more positive patterns of affect overall. However, some experimental studies indicate that a greater tendency to reappraise can exacerbate stress response, and it is unclear whether reappraisal confers resilience or exacerbates response to naturally occurring stressors. In order to address this, the present study investigated whether reappraisal prospectively moderated the association between daily stressors and daily negative mood measured over 14 days. Participants (n = 236) completed a measure of reappraisal at baseline, before completing daily online entries of stress and positive and negative mood. Data were analysed using multilevel modelling. Results suggested that reappraisal moderated the association between stress and negative mood, such that higher levels of reappraisal were associated with lower levels of negative mood in response to stress. Moreover, higher reappraisal was also independently associated with lower levels of daily negative mood and higher levels of positive mood. These results suggest that higher reappraisal may confer resilience to stress. Copyright © 2016 European Association of Personality Psychology
On the temperature dependence of dual‐junction laser power converters
Authors: Reichmuth S. Kasimir , Helmers Henning , Philipps Simon P. , Schachtner Michael , Siefer Gerald , Bett Andreas W.
Published: October 2016

Dual‐junction GaAs laser power converters optimized for one monochromatic wavelength are presented, and their temperature dependence is experimentally evaluated. External quantum efficiency and irradiance‐dependent current–voltage measurements (10 to 104 W/cm2) under monochromatic laser light (809 nm) have been undertaken to quantify temperature‐ and irradiance‐dependent effects on the performance. The temperature dependence of the current matching of the two subcells, caused by the temperature‐dependent absorbance, is quantified. Losses in performance due to variations in operating temperature for different power‐by‐light applications are calculated to be between 16.2% and 21.0%. Future potential enhancements in cell performance are discussed. For elevated temperatures, super‐linear behavior of the spectral response with increasing irradiance is observed, which is attributed to effective luminescent coupling from the top to the bottom subcell as the device becomes more radiative limited. For low temperatures, where the bottom cell is overproducing, no dependence on irradiance is found, which shows the influence of photon transport losses to the substrate. © 2016 The Authors. Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.