bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Borehole geophysical logs in unconsolidated sediments across Canada
Authors: Crow H L , Good R L , Hunter J A , Burns R
A , Reman A , Russell H A J
Published: February 2015

Over the past four decades, the Near-Surface Geophysics group at the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) has collected borehole geophysical logs in Quaternary sediments across Canada. Project work has primarily been driven by long term research programs related to
permafrost, groundwater, and natural hazards. This work has resulted in a dataset of geophysical logs in 226 boreholes across the country. Primary logging methods include natural and active gamma, inductive conductivity and magnetic susceptibility, fluid temperature, and compressional and shear
wave velocities. Over the years, tool calibration runs have been conducted at the Bell's Corners Borehole Calibration Facility in Ottawa, ON, to ensure that all the tools provide repeatable results which are in agreement with the standards published by the GSC. The compilation presented in this
report provides logs as digital Log ASCII Standard (LAS) files, WellCAD files, and also in an interactive Google Earth format with links to PDF images of the log suites. The purpose of this Open File is to release the complete suite of geophysical logs so that the all members of the public may have
access to this valuable national dataset
Clinical and endoscopic profile of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding at tertiary care center of North India
Authors: Anand Deep , Gupta Rohit , Dhar Minakshi , Ahuja Vivek
Published: February 2015

Background: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common medical emergency associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The presentation of bleeding depends on the amount and location of hemorrhage and the endoscopic profile varies according to different etiology. Despite advancements in medical intervention UGIB still carries considerable morbidity, mortality and economic burden on health care system. At present, there is limited epidemiological data on UGIB and associated mortality from India. Aims: The aim was to study clinical, endoscopic profile, and associated mortality in patients presenting with UGIB. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fourteen patients came to Emergency Department with UGIB during the study period and were subjected to endoscopy to identify the etiology. The clinical and endoscopic profile was analyzed and mortality pattern was studied. Results: The mean age of patients was 49 ± 14.26. Majority of them were males (83.33%) and male to female ratio was 5:1. The most common cause of UGIB was portal hypertension related (Esophageal and gastric varices) seen in 56.14% of patients, peptic ulcer-related bleed was seen in 14.91% patients, gastric erosions were responsible for bleed in 12.28% patients, Mallory–Weiss tear was seen in 8.77% cases, gastric malignancy accounted for 4.38% of cases, Dieulafoy’s lesion was responsible for bleed in 1.75% cases and 1.75% had Duodenal polyp. The mortality rate because of UGIB in our cohort of patients was 21.05%. Conclusions: In the present study, variceal bleed was the most common cause of UGIB, followed by peptic ulcer bleed. Overall mortality was seen in 21.05% of cases; however, majority of mortality was seen in portal hypertension related bleeding.
Pancreatic actinomycosis: Possible complication of long-term pancreatic stenting, diagnosed on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography guided pancreatic duct brushings
Authors: Manucha Varsha , Haluszka Oleh
Published: February 2015

Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography guided biliary and pancreatic ductal brushings are being used as routine procedures to diagnose mass lesions of the pancreas and stenotic lesions of the biliary ducts and pancreas. We report a rare case of pancreatic actinomycosis in a patient with alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis with biliary and pancreatic duct strictures and occluded pancreatic stents, diagnosed on pancreatic duct brushings.
A hairy intruder into colon
Authors: Jalihal Umesh , Shivalingaiah Prithvipriyadarshini , Shurane Dheena , Reddyvari Kiran
Published: February 2015

Ovarian dermoid cysts are benign tumors, which develop from totipotent germ cells and grow into mature tissue types consisting of hair, teeth, fat and neural tissue. Ovarian dermoid cyst fistulizing to the sigmoid is rare and presenting with bleeding per rectum is extremely rare. We present a case of middle-aged woman with bleeding per rectum who had the right adnexal tumor fistulating to sigmoid.
Acute colon pseudo-obstruction after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: An unusual co-incidence in a case of acute stroke
Authors: Wagle Suhas D. , Divate Pradeep G. , D'Costa Pradeep M. , Kalekar Tushar
Published: February 2015

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a standard procedure for enteral feeding tube placement in the stomach for patients with nonobstructive dysphagia. Major and minor complications have been described in early and delayed phase. We describe a 57-year-old hypertensive male patient who underwent PEG for nonobstructive dysphagia after an acute cerebro-vascular accident that presented as right hemiplegia due to pontine hemorrhage. Patient went on to develop nonobstructive spontaneous acute colon dilation from cecum to rectum 72 h after the procedure. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen was undertaken to rule out mechanical obstruction or colon entrapment. Injection Neostigmine was used on day 10 after PEG as there was a recurrence after initial partial resolution. Thereafter patient had an uneventful recovery.
Decreased Plasma Myeloperoxidase Associated with Probiotic Therapy in Autistic Children
Authors: Russo Anthony J.
Published: February 2015

AIM

To assess plasma myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in autistic children and to test the hypothesis that there is an association between decreased MPO concentration and probiotic therapy.

Subjects and Methods

Plasma from 49 autistic children (39 males; mean age 11.4 years) (17 with diagnosed gastrointestinal (GI) disease -chronic diarrhea and/or constipation (10 of these GI patients were taking probiotics) and 26 receiving probiotic therapy) and 36 neurotypical controls (29 males; mean age 10.2 years; controls were not assessed for GI disease) were tested for MPO plasma concentration using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs). Plasma concentration of MPO in autistic individuals was compared to plasma concentration of copper and zinc.

Results

We found that individuals with autism, receiving no therapy, did not have significantly lower plasma MPO levels when compared to controls. In the autistic group, MPO levels were significantly lower in individuals taking probiotic therapy. In addition, plasma copper levels were significantly lower in autistic individuals taking probiotics compared to those not taking probiotics, but plasma zinc levels were not different in the probiotic group.

Discussion

These results suggest a relationship between low MPO levels found in a group of autistic individuals and probiotic therapy. By possibly changing gut bacterial flora and thereby changing absorption properties in the gut, probiotic therapy was also associated with lower copper levels.
Incidence of Dengue Virus Infection in School-Aged Children in Puerto Rico: A Prospective Seroepidemiologic Study
Authors: Argüello D. Fermín , Tomashek Kay M. , Quiñones Luz , Beltran Manuela , Acosta Luz , Santiago Luis M. , Biggerstaff Brad J. , Garcia-Rivera Enid J. , Sun Wellington , Pollissard-Gadroy Laurence , Luxemburger Christine , Hunsperger Elizabeth
Published: February 2015

Dengue is a potentially fatal acute febrile illness caused by the mosquito-borne dengue viruses (DENV-1 to -4). To estimate DENV seroincidence in school-aged children, a 1-year prospective cohort study was conducted in Patillas, Puerto Rico; 10- to 18-year-olds (N = 345) were randomly selected from 13 public schools. At enrollment, 49.8% of the entire cohort had DENV immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-DENV antibodies, and there were individuals with neutralizing antibodies specific to each of the four DENV. The mean age of participants with incident DENV infection was 13.4 years. The 1-year seroincidence rate was 5.6%, and 61.1% of infections were inapparent. Having IgG anti-DENV at enrollment was associated with seroincidence (risk ratio = 6.8). Acute febrile illnesses during the study period were captured by a fever diary and an enhanced and passive surveillance system in the municipios of Patillas and Guayama. In summary, at enrollment, nearly one-half of the participants had a prior DENV infection, with the highest incidence in the 10- to 11-year-olds, of which most were inapparent infections, and symptomatic infections were considered mild.
Rickettsia and Bartonella Species in Fleas from Reunion Island
Authors: Dieme Constentin , Parola Philippe , Guernier Vanina , Lagadec Erwan , Le Minter Gildas , Balleydier Elsa , Pagès Frederic , Dellagi Koussay , Tortosa Pablo , Raoult Didier , Socolovschi Cristina
Published: February 2015

Rickettsia felis, Rickettsia typhi, and Bartonella DNA was detected by molecular tools in 12% of Rattus rattus fleas (Xenopsylla species) collected from Reunion Island. One-third of the infested commensal rodents captured during 1 year carried at least one infected flea. As clinical signs of these zoonoses are non-specific, they are often misdiagnosed.
Environmental and Genetic Factors Determine Whether the Mosquito Aedes aegypti Lays Eggs Without a Blood Meal
Authors: Ariani Cristina V. , Smith Sophia C. L. , Osei-Poku Jewelna , Short Katherine , Juneja Punita , Jiggins Francis M.
Published: February 2015

Some mosquito strains or species are able to lay eggs without taking a blood meal, a trait named autogeny. This may allow populations to persist through times or places where vertebrate hosts are scarce. Autogenous egg production is highly dependent on the environment in some species, but the ideal conditions for its expression in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are unknown. We found that 3.2% of females in a population of Ae. aegypti from Kenya were autogenous. Autogeny was strongly influenced by temperature, with many more eggs laid at 28°C compared with 22°C. Good nutrition in larval stages and feeding on higher concentrations of sugar solution during the adult stage both result in more autogenous eggs being produced. The trait also has a genetic basis, as not all Ae. aegypti genotypes can lay autogenously. We conclude that Ae. aegypti requires a favorable environment and a suitable genotype to be able to lay eggs without a blood meal.
Screening of Imported Infectious Diseases Among Asymptomatic Sub-Saharan African and Latin American Immigrants: A Public Health Challenge
Authors: Monge-Maillo Begoña , López-Vélez Rogelio , Norman Francesca F. , Ferrere-González Federico , Martínez-Pérez Ángela , Pérez-Molina José Antonio
Published: February 2015

Migrants from developing countries are usually young and healthy but several studies report they may harbor asymptomatic infections for prolonged periods. Prevalence of infections were determined for asymptomatic immigrants from Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa who ettended to a European Tropical Medicine Referral Center from 2000 to 2009. A systematic screening protocol for selected infections was used. Data from 317 sub-Saharan Africans and 383 Latin Americans were analyzed. Patients were mostly young (mean age 29 years); there were significantly more males among sub-Saharan Africans (83% versus 31.6%) and pre-consultation period was longer for Latin Americans (5 versus 42 months). Diagnoses of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), chronic hepatitis B and C virus infection, and latent tuberculosis were significantly more frequent in sub-Saharan Africans (2.3% versus 0.3%; 14% versus 1.6%; 1.3 versus 0%; 71% versus 32.1%). There were no significant differences in prevalence for syphilis and intestinal parasites. Malaria and schistosomiasis prevalence in sub-Saharan Africans was 4.6% and 5.9%, respectively, and prevalence of Chagas disease in Latin Americans was 48.5%. Identifying and treating asymptomatic imported infectious diseases may have an impact both for the individual concerned and for public health. Based on these results, a systematic screening protocol for asymptomatic immigrants is proposed.
Artemisinin Resistance-Associated Polymorphisms at the K13-Propeller Locus are Absent in Plasmodium falciparum Isolates from Haiti
Authors: Carter Tamar E. , Boulter Alexis , Existe Alexandre , Romain Jean R. , St. Victor Jean Yves , Mulligan Connie J. , Okech Bernard A.
Published: February 2015

Antimalarial drugs are a key tool in malaria elimination programs. With the emergence of artemisinin resistance in southeast Asia, an effort to identify molecular markers for surveillance of resistant malaria parasites is underway. Non-synonymous mutations in the kelch propeller domain (K13-propeller) in Plasmodium falciparum have been associated with artemisinin resistance in samples from southeast Asia, but additional studies are needed to characterize this locus in other P. falciparum populations with different levels of artemisinin use. Here, we sequenced the K13-propeller locus in 82 samples from Haiti, where limited government oversight of non-governmental organizations may have resulted in low-level use of artemisinin-based combination therapies. We detected a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at nucleotide 1,359 in a single isolate. Our results contribute to our understanding of the global genomic diversity of the K13-propeller locus in P. falciparum populations.
Prospective Comparison of Infective Endocarditis in Khon Kaen, Thailand and Rennes, France
Authors: Watt George , Lacroix Adele , Pachirat Orathai , Baggett Henry C. , Raoult Didier , Fournier Pierre-Edouard , Tattevin Pierre
Published: February 2015

Prospectively collected, contemporary data are lacking on how the features of infective endocarditis (IE) vary according to region. We, therefore, compared IE in Rennes, France and Khon Kaen, Thailand. Fifty-eight patients with confirmed IE were enrolled at each site during 2011 and 2012 using a common protocol. Compared with French patients, Thais had a lower median age (47 versus 70 years old; P < 0.001) and reported more animal contact (86% versus 21%; P < 0.001). There were more zoonotic infections among Thai than France patients (6 and 1 cases; P = 0.017) and fewer staphylococcal infections (4 versus 15 cases; P = 0.011). Underlying rheumatic heart disease was more prevalent in Thai than in French patients (31% and 4%; P = 0.001), whereas prosthetic heart valves were less prevalent (9% and 35%; P = 0.001). Our data strengthen previous observations that IE in the tropics has distinctive demographic characteristics, risk factors, and etiologies and underscore the need for improved prevention and control strategies.
Ouverture de ‘Global Networks and Local Development-2’
Authors: Brondoni Silvio M.
Published: February 2015

The global boundaries of innovation, creative imitation and imitation have significantly changed the relative position of many Nation-States and their competitive positions face to global networks and local firms’ development. Chinese production organisations, not casually, are actually involved in the global economic growth as a process of continuous technological innovation and industrial upgrading (creative imitation), with a massive engagement in the local development. Globalization shifted also India to become an important R&D hub in many industries. After years of self-imposed exclusion (for the long, post-colonial license orientation) India has gone beyond the limit of reverse engineering of products developed elsewhere (creative imitation) and has finally joined the global business of innovation and imitation. Finally, the growth model of Italian businesses abroad is consistent with the characteristics of Italian designer products and the country’s fragmented industrial structure, which are reflected in a ‘global gap’. Italian firms are therefore progressively oriented to confine their competitive policies to internal markets, with productions focused on imitation and creative imitation.
Development of a photochemical source for the production and calibration of acyl peroxynitrate compounds
Authors: Veres P. R. , Roberts J. M.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. A dynamic system for the calibration of acyl peroxynitrate compounds (APNs) has been developed in the laboratory to reduce the difficulty, required time, and stability of laboratory produced standards for difficult to synthesize APN species. In this work we present a photochemical source for the generation of APN standards: acetyl peroxynitrate (PAN), propionyl peroxynitrate (PPN), acryloyl peroxynitrate (APAN), methacryloyl peroxynitrate (MPAN) and crotonyl peroxynitrate (CPAN). APNs are generated via photolysis of a mixture of acyl chloride (RC(O)Cl) and ketone (RC(=O)R) precursor compounds in the presence of O2 and NO2. Subsequent separation by a prep-scale gas chromatograph and detection with a total NOy instrument serves to quantify the output of the APN source. Validation of the APN products was performed using iodide ion chemical ionization mass spectroscopy (I− CIMS). This method of standard production is an efficient and accurate technique for the calibration of instrumentation used to measure PAN, PPN, APAN, MPAN, and CPAN.
Groundwater flow processes and mixing in active volcanic systems: the case of Guadalajara (Mexico)
Authors: Hernández-Antonio A. , Mahlknecht J. , Tamez-Meléndez C. , Ramos-Leal J. , Ramírez-Orozco A. , Parra R. , Ornelas-Soto N. , Eastoe C. J.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Groundwater chemistry and isotopic data from 40 production wells in the Atemajac and Toluquilla Valleys, located in and around the Guadalajara metropolitan area, were determined to develop a conceptual model of groundwater flow processes and mixing. Multivariate analysis including cluster analysis and principal component analysis were used to elucidate distribution patterns of constituents and factors controlling groundwater chemistry. Based on this analysis, groundwater was classified into four groups: cold groundwater, hydrothermal water, polluted groundwater and mixed groundwater. Cold groundwater is characterized by low temperature, salinity, and Cl and Na concentrations and is predominantly of Na-HCO3 type. It originates as recharge at Primavera caldera and is found predominantly in wells in the upper Atemajac Valley. Hydrothermal water is characterized by high salinity, temperature, Cl, Na, HCO3, and the presence of minor elements such as Li, Mn and F. It is a mixed HCO3 type found in wells from Toluquilla Valley and represents regional flow circulation through basaltic and andesitic rocks. Polluted groundwater is characterized by elevated nitrate and sulfate concentrations and is usually derived from urban water cycling and subordinately from agricultural practices. Mixed groundwaters between cold and hydrothermal components are predominantly found in the lower Atemajac Valley. Tritium method elucidated that practically all of the sampled groundwater contains at least a small fraction of modern water. The multivariate mixing model M3 indicates that the proportion of hydrothermal fluids in sampled well water is between 13 (local groundwater) and 87% (hydrothermal water), and the proportion of polluted water in wells ranges from 0 to 63%. This study may help local water authorities to identify and quantify groundwater contamination and act accordingly.
Potency of Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13 and Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Fiber as Immunomodulator in Rats Infected With Salmonella Typhimurium
Authors: Nurliyani . , Julia Madarina , Harmayani Eni , Ikawati Muthi , Baliarti Endang
Published: February 2015

Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13 that isolated from “dadih” (traditional Indonesian fermented milk) has been known as probiotic, while sweet potato fiber has been proven as an effective prebiotic. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potency of Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13 and sweet potato fiber as immunomodulators in terms of intestinal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and splenocyte gamma-interferon (IFN-?). Sixty male Sprague Dawley rats (uninfected and infected) were divided into five groups: AIN-93, Indonesian children diet (ICD), Sweet potato fiber (SPF), SPF + Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13 (SPFL), and fructooligosaccharides + Lacto-B (FOSL). After diet intervention, the rats were killed and sampled including intestinal fluid, spleen and caecal digesta. The results showed that soluble fiber such as sweet potato fiber could not increase the number of lactobacilli in infected rats, but could play a role in mucosal immune response through the increasing of sIgA. While, Lactobacillus plantarum Dad-13 contained in the combination with sweet potato fiber may has potency in systemic immune stimulation, because of the tendency to increase level of splenocyte IFN-? in infected rats.
Gaan veiligheidsmaatregelen ten koste van de servicebeleving?
Authors: van der Kleij Rick , Roelofs Maaike , van Hemert Dianne A.
Published: February 2015

Do surveillance measures harm service perception?

Surveillance measures in public places such as train stations, large events or business premises are aimed at increasing security at those specific locations. They enable people to move around securely at public (high) risk locations. However, people often experience these measures as an obstacle. Too much security often results in limitations of freedom of movement and violations of privacy. Could surveillance measures be designed in such a way that they are perceived more as a ‘service’? The authors studied the variables that influence whether people experience surveillance as a service or as a hindrance. At three surveillance locations (Schiphol Airport, Hoog Catharijne shopping area and Amersfoort railway station) more than thousand visitors were surveyed. They were asked how they experienced service and security on the site. The results show that there are differences in service perception in relation to security measures at the three locations studied. They show how the tension between service and safety can be reduced and provide clues for improving security measures. The results can be used by owners of public locations, surveillance stakeholders or private companies for the optimalisation and re-design of a location, as their goal is to attract loyal visitors, who are not frustrated and are willing to use the location frequently, and who preferably speak positively about the location to others. Also the security measures themselves can be improved, both technical security measures as well as human security measures.
Modeling the Size of the Mutual Fund Industry in Countries of Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Lemeshko Oleksandra , Rejnuš Oldřich
Published: February 2015

The rapid growth and development of the mutual fund industry throughout the world stimulated vast contemporary studies focusing on a wide range of issues predominantly of microeconomic character, such as fund performance, timing ability, fees and fund flows, thus leaving determinants and attributes of mutual fund industry development beyond their research. The rare relevant studies predict that development of the mutual fund industry depends on a number of factors among which the predominant role belongs to development of the economic and financial systems, and quality of governance and regulatory basis. One essential condition of validity of this prediction is that it is based upon a sample of developed economies, thus leaving a space for the likelihood that under condition of developing or middle-income economies some expectations may substantially deviate from the predication. This paper aims to reevaluate the significance of the impact of individual macro- and microeconomic factors, which were identified in previous studies, on size of asset under management in the sample of high- and middle-income economies of Central and Eastern Europe by means of regressing the total size of the mutual fund industry and size of its separate components, such as equity, fixed income and money market asset management over a number of independent variables. The obtained results indicate that out of a wide range of factors, the high explanatory power of which was stressed by earlier studies, only a small group of them turned out to be significant in our research. In particular, it was found that the size of the CEE mutual fund industry in general and the sizes of its particular segments respond positively on increase of country openness to trade and capital inflows, development and stability of local financial and capital markets, improvement of quality of governance and regulatory basis. Also some controversial evidence was obtained on the role of change in government indebtedness for explaining the size of the mutual fund industry – in general, there is a significantly positive impact of a decrease of central government debt on the size of CEE asset management, however its sign is not consistent across all subcategories of funds. Although the chosen sample does not cover as large a number of countries as previous studies, it provides brief insight into the CEE mutual fund industry, documenting important country and regional characteristics.
Vitamin A supplements, routine immunization, and the subsequent risk of Plasmodium infection among children under 5 years in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Hollm-Delgado Maria-Graciela , Piel Frédéric B , Weiss Daniel J , Howes Rosalind E , Stuart Elizabeth A , Hay Simon I , Black Robert E
Published: February 2015

Recent studies, partly based on murine models, suggest childhood immunization and vitamin A supplements may confer protection against malaria infection, although strong evidence to support these theories in humans has so far been lacking. We analyzed national survey data from children aged 6–59 months in four sub-Saharan African countries over an 18-month time period, to determine the risk of Plasmodium spp. parasitemia (n=8390) and Plasmodium falciparum HRP-2 (PfHRP-2)-related antigenemia (n=6121) following vitamin A supplementation and standard vaccination. Bacille Calmette Guerin-vaccinated children were more likely to be PfHRP-2 positive (relative risk [RR]=4.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.00–8.28). No association was identified with parasitemia. Measles and polio vaccination were not associated with malaria. Children receiving vitamin A were less likely to present with parasitemia (RR=0.46, 95% CI=0.39–0.54) and antigenemia (RR=0.23, 95% CI=0.17–0.29). Future studies focusing on climate seasonality, placental malaria and HIV are needed to characterize better the association between vitamin A and malaria infection in different settings.
Expanding xylose metabolism in yeast for plant cell wall conversion to biofuels
Authors: Li Xin , Yu Vivian Yaci , Lin Yuping , Chomvong Kulika , Estrela Raíssa , Park Annsea , Liang Julie M , Znameroski Elizabeth A , Feehan Joanna , Kim Soo Rin , Jin Yong-Su , Glass N Louise , Cate Jamie HD
Published: February 2015

Sustainable biofuel production from renewable biomass will require the efficient and complete use of all abundant sugars in the plant cell wall. Using the cellulolytic fungus Neurospora crassa as a model, we identified a xylodextrin transport and consumption pathway required for its growth on hemicellulose. Reconstitution of this xylodextrin utilization pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae revealed that fungal xylose reductases act as xylodextrin reductases, producing xylosyl-xylitol oligomers as metabolic intermediates. These xylosyl-xylitol intermediates are generated by diverse fungi and bacteria, indicating that xylodextrin reduction is widespread in nature. Xylodextrins and xylosyl-xylitol oligomers are then hydrolyzed by two hydrolases to generate intracellular xylose and xylitol. Xylodextrin consumption using a xylodextrin transporter, xylodextrin reductases and tandem intracellular hydrolases in cofermentations with sucrose and glucose greatly expands the capacity of yeast to use plant cell wall-derived sugars and has the potential to increase the efficiency of both first-generation and next-generation biofuel production.
Modeling inward diffusion and slow decay of energetic electrons in the Earth's outer radiation belt
Authors: Ma Q. , Li W. , Thorne R. M. , Ni B. , Kletzing C. A. , Kurth W. S. , Hospodarsky G. B. , Reeves G. D. , Henderson M. G. , Spence H. E. , Baker D. N. , Blake J. B. , Fennell J. F. , Claudepierre S. G. , Angelopoulos V.
Published: February 2015

A new 3‐D diffusion code is used to investigate the inward intrusion and slow decay of energetic radiation belt electrons (>0.5 MeV) observed by the Van Allen Probes during a 10 day quiet period on March 2013. During the inward transport, the peak differential electron fluxes decreased by approximately an order of magnitude at various energies. Our 3‐D radiation belt simulation including radial diffusion and pitch angle and energy diffusion by plasmaspheric hiss and electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves reproduces the essential features of the observed electron flux evolution. The decay time scales and the pitch angle distributions in our simulation are consistent with the Van Allen Probe observations over multiple energy channels. Our study suggests that the quiet time energetic electron dynamics are effectively controlled by inward radial diffusion and pitch angle scattering due to a combination of plasmaspheric hiss and EMIC waves in the Earth's radiation belts.
Relationships among seismic velocity, metamorphism, and seismic and aseismic fault slip in the Salton Sea Geothermal Field region
Authors: McGuire Jeffrey J. , Lohman Rowena B. , Catchings Rufus D. , Rymer Michael J. , Goldman Mark R.
Published: January 2015

The Salton Sea Geothermal Field is one of the most geothermally and seismically active areas in California and presents an opportunity to study the effect of high‐temperature metamorphism on the properties of seismogenic faults. The area includes numerous active tectonic faults that have recently been imaged with active source seismic reflection and refraction. We utilize the active source surveys, along with the abundant microseismicity data from a dense borehole seismic network, to image the 3‐D variations in seismic velocity in the upper 5 km of the crust. There are strong velocity variations, up to ~30%, that correlate spatially with the distribution of shallow heat flow patterns. The combination of hydrothermal circulation and high‐temperature contact metamorphism has significantly altered the shallow sandstone sedimentary layers within the geothermal field to denser, more feldspathic, rock with higher P wave velocity, as is seen in the numerous exploration wells within the field. This alteration appears to have a first‐order effect on the frictional stability of shallow faults. In 2005, a large earthquake swarm and deformation event occurred. Analysis of interferometric synthetic aperture radar data and earthquake relocations indicates that the shallow aseismic fault creep that occurred in 2005 was localized on the Kalin fault system that lies just outside the region of high‐temperature metamorphism. In contrast, the earthquake swarm, which includes all of the M > 4 earthquakes to have occurred within the Salton Sea Geothermal Field in the last 15 years, ruptured the Main Central Fault (MCF) system that is localized in the heart of the geothermal anomaly. The background microseismicity induced by the geothermal operations is also concentrated in the high‐temperature regions in the vicinity of operational wells. However, while this microseismicity occurs over a few kilometer scale region, much of it is clustered in earthquake swarms that last from hours to a few days and are localized near the MCF system.
Estimating volcanic deformation source parameters with a finite element inversion: The 2001–2002 unrest at Cotopaxi volcano, Ecuador
Authors: Hickey James , Gottsmann Jo , Mothes Patricia
Published: February 2015

Deformation at Cotopaxi was observed between 2001 and 2002 along with recorded seismicity beneath the northeast (NE) flank, despite the fact that the last eruption occurred in 1942. We use electronic distance meter deformation data along with the patterns of recorded seismicity to constrain the cause of this unrest episode. To solve for the optimum deformation source parameters we employ inverse finite element (FE) models that account for material heterogeneities and surface topography. For a range of source shapes the models converge on a shallow reservoir beneath the southwest (SW) flank. The individual best fit model is a small oblate‐shaped source, approximately 4–5 km beneath the summit, with a volume increase of roughly 20 × 106 m3. This SW source location contrasts with the NE seismicity locations. Subsequently, further FE models that additionally account for temperature‐dependent viscoelasticity are used to reconcile the deformation and seismicity simultaneously. Comparisons of elastic and viscous timescales allude to aseismic pressurization of a small magma reservoir in the SW. Seismicity in the NE is then explained through a mechanism of fluid migration from the SW to the NE along fault systems. We extend our analyses to further show that if future unrest crises are accompanied by measurable seismicity around the deformation source, this could indicate a higher magma supply rate and increased likelihood of a forthcoming eruption.
Impacts of rainfall spatial variability on hydrogeological response
Authors: Sapriza‐Azuri Gonzalo , Jódar Jorge , Navarro Vicente , Slooten Luit Jan , Carrera Jesús , Gupta Hoshin V.
Published: January 2015

There is currently no general consensus on how the spatial variability of rainfall impacts and propagates through complex hydrogeological systems. Most studies to date have focused on the effects of rainfall spatial variability (RSV) on river discharge, while paying little attention to other important aspects of system response. Here, we study the impacts of RSV on several responses of a hydrological model of an overexploited system. To this end, we drive a spatially distributed hydrogeological model for the semiarid Upper Guadiana basin in central Spain with stochastic daily rainfall fields defined at three different spatial resolutions (fine → 2.5 km × 2.5 km, medium → 50 km × 50 km, large → lumped). This enables us to investigate how (i) RSV at different spatial resolutions, and (ii) rainfall uncertainty, are propagated through the hydrogeological model of the system. Our results demonstrate that RSV has a significant impact on the modeled response of the system, by specifically affecting groundwater recharge and runoff generation, and thereby propagating through to various other related hydrological responses (river discharge, river‐aquifer exchange, groundwater levels). These results call into question the validity of management decisions made using hydrological models calibrated or forced with spatially lumped rainfall.
Unidirectional Wetting in the Hydrophobic Wenzel Regime
Authors: Lai Chang Quan , Choi W. K.
Published: February 2015

Unidirectional wetting surfaces can cause liquid droplets to flow/move in one direction while pinning them in the other directions, a feature that is useful for biosensing, adhesives, thermal management, and microfluidics. Such surfaces can be fabricated by employing structurally or chemically asymmetric nanostructures. While unidirectional wetting in the hydrophobic Wenzel regime had previously been observed on surfaces decorated with chemically asymmetric nanostructures, it has yet to be demonstrated on structurally asymmetric nanostructures. Based on the current understanding of the phenomenon, this can only be achieved using highly bent nanowires. Here, evidence to the contrary is provided by showing that mildly bent nanowires can also bring about unidirectional wetting in the hydrophobic Wenzel regime, even for contact angles beyond the superhydrophobic limit. Using NaCl precipitation, the unidirectional wetting mechanism is analyzed on a nanoscale level and it is found that the criteria for unidirectional wetting to take place in the hydrophobic Wenzel regime are different from that in the hydrophilic Wenzel regime. Moreover, it is revealed that slight wetting in the pinned direction can be caused by large scale deformation of high aspect ratio nanostructures during droplet spreading, which may be part of the reason behind previous observations of near‐unidirectional wetting on bent nanowires with high aspect ratios.
Upconversion Dynamics in Er3+‐Doped Gd2O2S: Influence of Excitation Power, Er3+ Concentration, and Defects
Authors: Martín‐Rodríguez Rosa , Rabouw Freddy T. , Trevisani Mattia , Bettinelli Marco , Meijerink Andries
Published: February 2015

Upconversion (UC) enables the conversion of lower energy to higher energy photons and has gained interest for the application in solar cells and nanocrystal biolabels. Er3+‐doped Gd2O2S is a highly promising UC material for applications. A record UC quantum yield of 12% was recently measured in Gd2O2S doped with 10% Er3+ upon monochromatic excitation into the 4I13/2 state at 1510 nm for moderate excitation densities (700 W m−2). In this work, the focus is on the dynamics of the infrared (4I13/2, ≈1500 nm) to near‐infrared (4I11/2, ≈1000 nm) UC luminescence in Er3+‐doped Gd2O2­S. On the basis of luminescence spectra (emission and excitation), UC emission decay curves, and rate equation modeling, it is shown that energy transfer upconversion (ETU) is the mechanism responsible for the 4I11/2 UC luminescence, and the ETU parameter for Gd2O2S:10%Er3+ is determined to be W
ETU = 6.3 × 10−19 cm3 s−1. The UC dynamics depend on the Er3+ concentration and, similar to triplet–triplet annihilation UC in organic materials, on the excitation power. The results highlight the subtle balance between desired energy transfer processes leading to ETU and undesired energy migration to quenching sites. The overall UC efficiency is dependent not only on the material and composition but also on the synthesis process.
Impact of a dedicated infusion clinic for acute management of adults with sickle cell pain crisis
Authors: Lanzkron Sophie , Carroll C. Patrick , Hill Peter , David Mandy , Paul Nicklaine , Haywood Carlton
Published: January 2015

Most adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) receive care for their acute painful episodes in an emergency department (ED) setting. The purpose of this article is to describe the impact of opening a dedicated treatment center for adults with SCD [Sickle Cell Infusion Clinic (SCIC)] on patient outcomes and on hospital discharges for SCD. Descriptive data including demographics, time to first dose of narcotic, and pain scores were collected on patients presenting to the SCIC and ED. Maryland hospital discharge data were obtained from the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission. Analyses were conducted using T tests, χ2 tests, and simple generalized estimating equation regression models accounting for the clustered nature of observations, as appropriate. There were 3,874 visits to the SCIC by 361 unique patients; 85% of those visits resulted in the patient being sent home. During the same time period, there were 3,408 visits to the ED by 558 unique patients with SCD. The overall admission rate from the ED for these patients was 35.9% but decreased significantly over the time period with a rate of 20% in December 2011. There was a significant decrease in readmissions over time for the entire Baltimore Metro area with the likelihood of readmission decreasing by 7% over time. The SCIC model provides adults with SCD access to high quality care that decreases the need for hospital admission. Further research needs to be done to evaluate the cost effectiveness of this model. Am. J. Hematol. 90:376–380, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Local and systemic proteolytic responses in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis and asthma
Authors: Katainen Elina , Kostamo Katriina , Virkkula Paula , Sorsa Timo , Tervahartiala Taina , Haapaniemi Aaro , Toskala Elina
Published: February 2015

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) and asthma coexist frequently and share similar features of inflammation and remodeling. Remodeling has become an important concept in the pathophysiology of asthma and CRSwNP. It happens early in the development of these diseases and is relatively resistant to treatments. The key enzymes responsible for remodeling are matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In this study we examined whether asthma and CRSwNP share similar MMP profiles.

Methods

Nasal secretion and serum specimens of controls (19 subjects) and patients with asthma (12), CRSwNP (39), or both (16) were collected between December 2007 and May 2009. Groups were divided into 2 subgroups according to atopy. MMP‐7, MMP‐9, MMP‐13, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and human neutrophil elastase (HNE) were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and MMP‐8 was determined using immunofluorometric assay. High‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) was measured to estimate systemic involvement.

Results

Patients with asthma, CRSwNP, or both exhibited lower MMP‐9, MMP‐9/TIMP‐1, MMP‐9/TIMP‐2, and MPO in nasal secretions (p < 0.05 in CRSwNP) and higher MMP‐9, MMP‐9/TIMP‐1, MMP‐9/TIMP‐2, and HNE in serum (p < 0.05 in all groups) compared to controls, whereas no difference in MMP‐7, MMP‐13, TIMP‐1, and TIMP‐2 were detected. Atopy increased nasal MMP‐9 and MPO expression. hs‐CRP was higher in patients with CRSwNP and asthma compared to controls.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest shared pathomechanisms behind asthma and CRSwNP. Contrasting local vs systemic results reflect a different ability of healthy mucosa to react to exogenous stimuli, possibly indicating a protective function of MMP‐9 and possibly also MMP‐8 in the airways.
Hydrogen‐Bonding Interactions Trigger a Spin‐Flip in Iron(III) Porphyrin Complexes
Authors: Sahoo Dipankar , Quesne Matthew G. , de Visser Sam P. , Rath Sankar Prasad
Published: February 2015

A key step in cytochrome P450 catalysis includes the spin‐state crossing from low spin to high spin upon substrate binding and subsequent reduction of the heme. Clearly, a weak perturbation in P450 enzymes triggers a spin‐state crossing. However, the origin of the process whereby enzymes reorganize their active site through external perturbations, such as hydrogen bonding, is still poorly understood. We have thus studied the impact of hydrogen‐bonding interactions on the electronic structure of a five‐coordinate iron(III) octaethyltetraarylporphyrin chloride. The spin state of the metal was found to switch reversibly between high (S=5/2) and intermediate spin (S=3/2) with hydrogen bonding. Our study highlights the possible effects and importance of hydrogen‐bonding interactions in heme proteins. This is the first example of a synthetic iron(III) complex that can reversibly change its spin state between a high and an intermediate state through weak external perturbations.
An efficient, mild and selective Ullmann‐type N‐arylation of indoles catalysed by Pd immobilized on amidoxime‐functionalized mesoporous SBA‐15 as heterogeneous and recyclable nanocatalyst
Authors: Ghorbani‐Vaghei Ramin , Hemmati Saba , Hamelian Mona , Veisi Hojat
Published: February 2015

A wide range of N‐arylated indoles were selectively synthesized through intermolecular C(aryl)N bond formation from the corresponding aryl iodides and indoles through Ullmann‐type coupling reactions in the presence of a catalytic amount of Pd immobilized on amidoxime‐functionalized mesoporous SBA‐15 (SBA‐15/AO/Pd(0)) under mild reaction conditions. These cross‐coupled products were obtained in excellent yields under mild conditions at extremely low palladium loading (ca 0.3 mol%), and the heterogeneous catalyst can be readily recovered by simple filtration and reused seven times with loss in its activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Various repetitive sampling plans using process capability index of multiple quality characteristics
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Azam Muhammad , Jun Chi‐Hyuck
Published: February 2015

In this manuscript, three repetitive types of sampling plans using the generalized process capability index of multiple characteristics are presented, which include a repetitive sampling plan, a resubmitted sampling plan and a multiple dependent state repetitive sampling plan. The plan parameters of these sampling schemes are determined through the nonlinear optimization solution. The comparison among these proposed plans is made in terms of the average sample number required. The use of the proposed plans is given with the help of an industrial example. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Untrivial Pursuit: Measuring Motor Procedures Learning in Children with Autism
Authors: Sparaci Laura , Formica Domenico , Lasorsa Francesca Romana , Mazzone Luigi , Valeri Giovanni , Vicari Stefano
Published: January 2015

Numerous studies have underscored prevalence of motor impairments in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), but only few of them have analyzed motor strategies exploited by ASD children when learning a new motor procedure. To evaluate motor procedure learning and performance strategies in both ASD and typically developing (TD) children, we built a virtual pursuit rotor (VPR) task, requiring tracking a moving target on a computer screen using a digitalized pen and tablet. Procedural learning was measured as increased time on target (TT) across blocks of trials on the same day and consolidation was assessed after a 24‐hour rest. The program and the experimental setting (evaluated in a first experiment considering two groups of TD children) allowed also measures of continuous time on target (CTT), distance from target (DT) and distance from path (DP), as well as 2D reconstructions of children's trajectories. Results showed that the VPR was harder for children with ASD than for TD controls matched for chronological age and intelligence quotient, but both groups displayed comparable motor procedure learning (i.e., similarly incremented their TT). However, closer analysis of CTT, DT, and DP as well as 2D trajectories, showed different motor performance strategies in ASD, highlighting difficulties in overall actions planning. Data underscore the need for deeper investigations of motor strategies exploited by children with ASD when learning a new motor procedure. Autism Res 2015, 8: 398–411. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
More Eagerness, More Suffering from Search Bias: Accuracy Incentives and Need for Cognition Exacerbate the Detrimental Effects of Excessive Searching in Finding Romantic Partners Online
Authors: Lee Chun‐Chia , Chiou Wen‐Bin
Published: January 2015

The systematic use of Web search tools to browse and evaluate recommendations is widespread. Such tools may be crucial for users to truly benefit from the enormous selection of options available online. However, a recent study demonstrated that a greater number of search options triggered excessive searching and led to inferior decisions (i.e., the more‐means‐worse effect; Wu & Chiou, ). Given that individuals who are motivated to make accurate choices (the accuracy incentive) tend to engage in broader and more exhaustive searches, Experiment 1 examined how the accuracy incentive influenced the search process. The findings indicated that the accuracy incentive led to excessive searching and poorer choices. Moreover, the search ratio, an indicator of excessive searching, mediated the negative effect of the accuracy incentive on choice quality. Experiment 2 investigated the role of the need for cognition (NFC) in the more‐means‐worse effect. High‐NFC participants demonstrated an increased tendency toward excessive searching and exhibited poorer selectivity than did low‐NFC participants. The current research indicated that the accuracy incentive of online searchers may serve as a determinant of excessive searching and that online searchers characterized by high NFC may be more vulnerable to the negative effects of excessive searching. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.