bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling of spatiotemporal variations in runoff contribution areas and analysis of hydrologic connectivity
Authors: Grimm Kendall , Chu Xuefeng 
Published: June 2018

AbstractTraditional delineation and modeling methods do not consider the spatial arrangement and dynamic threshold control of surface depressions. Instead, full structural hydrologic connectivity, uniform well‐connected drainage networks, and an invariant contributing area are often assumed. In reality, depressions play an important role in quantifying functional connected areas (ACs) and contributing area. This study is aimed to develop a new procedure to analyze functional hydrologic connectivity related to topography at a mesoscale, specifically in depression‐dominated areas by (a) characterizing surface topography, (b) quantifying and locating dynamic hydrologic connectivity, and (c) analyzing hydrologic connectivity and threshold‐controlled dynamics of contributing area using a set of dimensionless indicators and a new normalized connected area function. Thorough analyses for different topographic surfaces provided improved understanding of the intrinsic relationship and interaction between structural and functional hydrologic connectivity patterns. In addition, the new procedure was compared against a traditional delineation method, terrain analysis using digital elevation models (TauDEM), to determine structural and functional connectivity. It was found that spatial arrangement and scale of depressions had a direct effect on hydrologic connectivity. A stepwise trend, unique to depression‐dominated areas, highlighted the effect of threshold behaviors on contributing area and ACs. Conversely, dendritic surfaces showed an expedited surface connectivity due to the assumption of depressionless topography. Thus, precisely locating and quantifying ACs and contributing area via the new analysis procedure improve our understanding of the mechanisms of topography‐controlled overland flow and sediment transport dynamics, and hence, the findings are valuable in making informed decisions about water quantity and quality across varying topographic surfaces.
Exact response bound analysis of truss structures via linear mixed 0‐1 programming and sensitivity bounding technique
Authors: Du Jianming , Du Zongliang , Wei Yihai , Zhang Weisheng , Guo Xu 
Published: June 2018

SummaryIn the present paper, finding the exact bound of structural response for truss structures is considered under bounded interval type uncertainty. This problem is challenging since seeking the exact bound corresponds to locating the global optima of a multivariate function (generally nonconvex). Traditional treatment of this problem involves the solution of a linear mixed 0‐1 programming problem, which is a highly computationally demanding task especially when large‐scale structures are taken into consideration. In order to alleviate the computational effort, a sensitivity bounding technique is developed in this work using the tools from convex analysis to disclose the monotonicity of concerned structural response function with respect to 0‐1 variables. It is shown that this technique can not only reduce the number of 0‐1 variables substantially but also change the computational complexity of the considered problem from nondeterministic polynomial–hard to nondeterministic polynomial–hard in some cases. The proposed approach provides the possibility of finding the exact bound of structural response for large‐scale truss structures within a reasonable time, and its effectiveness is demonstrated through several numerical examples.
A superconvergent hybridisable discontinuous Galerkin method for linear elasticity
Authors: Sevilla Ruben , Giacomini Matteo , Karkoulias Alexandros , Huerta Antonio 
Published: June 2018

SummaryThe first superconvergent hybridisable discontinuous Galerkin method for linear elastic problems capable of using the same degree of approximation for both the primal and mixed variables is presented. The key feature of the method is the strong imposition of the symmetry of the stress tensor by means of the well known and extensively used Voigt notation, circumventing the use of complex mathematical concepts to enforce the symmetry of the stress tensor either weakly or strongly. A novel procedure to construct element by element a superconvergent postprocessed displacement is proposed. Contrary to other hybridisable discontinuous Galerkin formulations, the methodology proposed here is able to produce a superconvergent displacement field for low‐order approximations. The resulting method is robust and locking‐free in the nearly incompressible limit. An extensive set of numerical examples is utilised to provide evidence of the optimality of the method and its superconvergent properties in two and three dimensions and for different element types.
Ascertainment and validation of major bleeding events in a primary care database
Authors: Ruigómez Ana , Brobert Gunnar , Suzart‐Woischnik Kiliana , García‐Rodríguez Luis Alberto 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of the study is to evaluate the impact of validation on the identification of major bleeding events in The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy.MethodsPatients aged 2 to 89 years with a first prescription for an anticoagulant (rivaroxaban or warfarin) between 2012 and 2015 were identified in THIN. Major bleeding events, defined as bleeding events necessitating hospitalization or referral to accident and emergency services or a specialist clinic, were identified using a 2‐step ascertainment process based on read codes only, and then validated using a 2‐step process requiring manual review of patients' records.ResultsThe positive predictive value for the ascertainment of major intracranial (IC) bleeds using only read codes was 96.9%, compared with 70.4% for gastrointestinal (GI) bleeds and 64.1% for urogenital (UG) bleeds. The incidence rate of major IC bleeding events was therefore similar when it was calculated before and after validation (0.32 per 100 person‐years and 0.31 per 100 person‐years, respectively). The incidence rate of major GI bleeds identified using read codes alone was reduced following validation from 2.05 to 0.94 per 100 person‐years, and that of major UG bleeds decreased from 2.45 to 1.11 per 100 person‐years.ConclusionsMajor GI and UG bleeding events ascertained from THIN using read codes require validation using additional information to prevent outcome misclassification. The absence of validation may lead to overestimated incidence rates of major bleeding for GI and UG bleeds.
Bayesian estimation and prediction for the transformed gamma degradation process
Authors: Giorgio Massimiliano , Guida Maurizio , Postiglione Fabio , Pulcini Gianpaolo 
Published: June 2018

AbstractVery recently, a new degradation process model, named the transformed gamma process, has been proposed to describe Markovian degradation processes whose increments over disjoint intervals are not independent, so that the degradation growth over a future time interval can depend both on the current age and the current state (degradation level) of the unit. This paper introduces a Bayesian estimation approach for such a process, based on prior information on physical characteristics of the observed degradation process. Several different prior distributions are then proposed, reflecting different degrees of knowledge of the analyst on the observed phenomenon. A Monte Carlo Markov Chain technique is adopted to estimate the transformed gamma parameters and some functions thereof, such as the residual reliability of a unit, as well as to predict future degradation growth and residual lifetime. Finally, the proposed approach is applied to a real dataset consisting of wear measures of the liners of the 8‐cylinder engine which equips a cargo ship.
Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) mass spectrometry of falsified antimalarials
Authors: Bernier Matthew C. , Li Anyin , Winalski Laura , Zi Yunlong , Li Yafeng , Caillet Céline , Newton Paul , Wang Zhong Lin , Fernández Facundo M. 
Published: June 2018

RationaleAn epidemic of low‐quality medicines continues to endanger patients worldwide. Detection of such ‘medicines’ requires low cost, ambient ionization sources coupled to fieldable mass spectrometers for optimum sensitivity and specificity. With the use of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), the charge required to produce gas‐phase ions for mass analysis can be obtained without the need for high‐voltage electrical circuitry, simplifying and lowering the cost of next‐generation mass spectrometry instruments.MethodsA sliding freestanding (SF) TENG was coupled to a toothpick electrospray setup for the purposes of testing if falsified medicines could be fingerprinted by this approach. Extracts from both genuine and falsified medicines were deposited on the toothpick and the SF TENG actuated to generate electrical charges, resulting in gas‐phase ions for both active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients.ResultsOur previous work had shown that direct analysis in real time (DART) ambient mass spectrometry can identify the components of multiple classes of falsified antimalarial medicines. Experiments performed in this study show that a simple extraction into methanol along with the use of a SF TENG‐powered toothpick electrospray can provide similar detection capabilities, but with much simpler and rugged instrumentation, and without the need for compressed gases or high‐voltage ion source power supplies.ConclusionsTENG toothpick MS allows for rapid analyte ion detection in a safe and low‐cost manner, providing robust sampling and ionization capabilities.
New radiodonts with gnathobase‐like structures from the Cambrian Chengjiang biota and implications for the systematics of Radiodonta
Authors: Cong Pei‐Yun , Edgecombe Gregory D. , Daley Allison C. , Guo Jin , Pates Stephen , Hou Xian‐Guang 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA recent description of paired gnathobase‐like structures (GLSs) in the head region of the radiodont Amplectobelua symbrachiata raised the question of whether these appendicular structures are more widely spread within Radiodonta, putative lower stem‐group euarthropods. Here we describe a new genus of Radiodonta, Ramskoeldia gen. nov., that also bears GLSs. Its two new species, Ramskoeldia platyacantha sp. nov. and R. consimilis sp. nov., are distinguished based on the morphology of their frontal appendages. The presence of three pairs of GLSs associated with reduced segments posterior to the head and the detailed morphological similarities of the GLSs suggest that Ramskoeldia is closely related to Amplectobelua Hou et al., and they are classified together in the revised Family Amplectobeluidae. Other diagnostic characters of this family include the lack of a radially‐arranged oral cone, instead sharing mouthparts composed of smooth and tuberculate plates, and a frontal appendage with three podomeres in the shaft and prominent larger endites on podomeres 4 and 8. Due to its lack of GLSs and the different morphology of its mouthparts, membership of Lyrarapax Cong et al., in Amplectobeluidae cannot be confirmed. Appraisal of available evidence indicates that the morphology of the feeding structures, including frontal appendages, the mouth apparatus, and GLSs, serves as a fundamental source of characters in the classification of radiodonts.
Long‐term effects of iloperidone on cerebral dopamine receptor subtypes
Authors: Kee Choi Yong , Tarazi Frank I. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe atypical antipsychotic drug iloperidone has high affinity for a wide range of neurotransmitter receptors, including dopaminergic (DA), serotonergic, and adrenergic receptors. We examined the long‐term effects of multiple doses of iloperidone on DA D1, D2, D3, and D4 receptor subtypes. Sprague‐Dawley adult rats (n = 8/group) received daily intraperitoneal injections of iloperiodone (0.5, 1, or 5 mg/kg) or vehicle for 4 weeks. Receptor autoradiography quantified the levels of DA receptors in medial prefrontal cortex (MPC), dorsolateral frontal cortex (DFC), caudate putamen (CPu), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and hippocampus (HIP). Four weeks of iloperidone treatment at 5 mg/kg significantly increased D1 receptors in NAc (36%) and CPu (38%). Iloperidone (1.5 and 5 mg/kg) dose‐dependently increased D2 receptors in MPC (37 and 47%) and HIP (32 and 40%). Only the high dose of iloperidone (5 mg/kg) increased D2 receptors in NAc (39%) and CPu (38%). Repeated treatment with iloperidone (1.5 and 5 mg/kg) increased D4 receptors in the NAc (39 and 78%), CPu (42 and 83%) and HIP (54 and 72%). The three doses of iloperidone failed to alter D3 receptors in the brain regions examined in this study. These results suggest that iloperidone exerts region‐ and dose‐specific effects on forebrain DA receptor subtypes, which may contribute to its therapeutic benefits in improving the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia with minimal extrapyramidal side effects.
Kappa opioid receptor binding in major depression: A pilot study
Authors: Miller Jeffrey M. , Zanderigo Francesca , Purushothaman Priya D. , DeLorenzo Christine , Rubin‐Falcone Harry , Ogden R. Todd , Keilp John , Oquendo Maria A. , Nabulsi Nabeel , Huang Yiyun H. , Parsey Ramin V. , Carson Richard E. , Mann J. John 
Published: June 2018

AbstractEndogenous kappa opioids mediate pathological responses to stress in animal models. However, the relationship of the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) to life stress and to psychopathology in humans is not well described. This pilot study sought, for the first time, to quantify KOR in major depressive disorder (MDD) in vivo in humans using positron emission tomography (PET). KOR binding was quantified in vivo by PET imaging with the [11C]GR103545 radiotracer in 13 healthy volunteers and 10 participants with current MDD. We examined the relationship between regional [11C]GR103545 total volume of distribution (VT) and diagnosis, childhood trauma, recent life stress, and, in a subsample, salivary cortisol levels during a modified Trier Social Stress Test (mTSST), amygdala, hippocampus, ventral striatum and raphe nuclei. Whole‐brain voxel‐wise analyses were also performed. [11C]GR103545 VT did not differ significantly between MDD participants and healthy volunteers in the four a priori ROIs (p = 0.50). [11C]GR103545 VT was unrelated to reported childhood adversity (p = 0.17) or recent life stress (p = 0.56). A trend‐level inverse correlation was observed between [11C]GR103545 VT and cortisol area‐under‐the curve with respect to ground during the mTSST (p = 0.081). No whole‐brain voxel‐wise contrasts were significant. Regional [11C]GR103545 VT, a measure of in vivo KOR binding, does not differentiate MDD from healthy volunteers in this pilot sample. Future studies may examine KOR binding in subgroups of depressed individuals at increased risk for KOR abnormalities, including co‐occurring mood and substance use disorders, as well as depression with psychotic features.
The mechanistic basis for chromatin regulation by pioneer transcription factors
Authors: Iwafuchi‐Doi Makiko 
Published: June 2018

Pioneer transcription factors play a primary role in establishing competence for gene expression and initiating cellular programming and reprogramming, and their dysregulation causes severe effects on human health, such as promoting tumorigenesis. Although more than 200 transcription factors are expressed in each cell type, only a small number of transcription factors are necessary to elicit dramatic cell‐fate changes in embryonic development and cell‐fate conversion. Among these key transcription factors, a subset called “pioneer transcription factors” have a remarkable ability to target nucleosomal DNA, or closed chromatin, early in development, often leading to the local opening of chromatin, thereby establishing competence for gene expression. Although more key transcription factors have been identified as pioneer transcription factors, the molecular mechanisms behind their special properties are only beginning to be revealed. Understanding the pioneering mechanisms will enhance our ability to precisely control cell fate at will for research and therapeutic purposes.This article is categorized under:
Biological Mechanisms > Cell Fates
Biological Mechanisms > Regulatory Biology
Developmental Biology > Lineages
Three‐dimensional problem of Rayleigh waves propagating in a half‐space with restrained boundary
Authors: Belubekyan M. V. , Sarkisyan S. V. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn this paper we obtain the dispersion equation in three‐dimensional wave propagation problem in elastic half‐space with elastically restrained surface. It is shown that, in the case of plane strain, the elastic restriction of the surface leads to decrease of the degree of the surface wave localization.
Genetic Counselors’ Perspectives About Cell‐Free DNA: Experiences, Challenges, and Expectations for Obstetricians
Authors: Agatisa Patricia K. , Mercer Mary Beth , Coleridge Marissa , Farrell Ruth M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe expansion of cell‐free fetal DNA (cfDNA) screening for a larger and diverse set of genetic variants, in addition for use among the low‐risk obstetric population, presents important clinical challenges for all healthcare providers involved in the delivery of prenatal care. It is unclear how to leverage the different members of the healthcare team to respond to these challenges. We conducted interviews with 25 prenatal genetic counselors to understand their experience with the continued expansion of cfDNA screening. Participants supported the use of cfDNA screening for the common autosomal aneuploidies, but noted some reservations for its use to identify fetal sex and microdeletions. Participants reported several barriers to ensuring that patients have the information and support to make informed decisions about using cfDNA to screen for these different conditions. This was seen as a dual‐sided problem, and necessitated additional education interventions that addressed patients seeking cfDNA screening, and obstetricians who introduce the concepts of genetic risk and cfDNA to patients. In addition, participants noted that they have a professional responsibility to educate obstetricians about cfDNA so they can be prepared to be gatekeepers of counseling and education about this screening option for use among the general obstetric population.
Environmental and Ecological Effects of Climate Change on Venomous Marine and Amphibious Species in the Wilderness
Authors: Needleman Robert K. , Neylan Isabelle P. , Erickson Timothy B. 
Published: June 2018

Introduction Recent analyses of data show a warming trend in global average air and sea surface ocean temperatures. The atmosphere and ocean have warmed, the amounts of snow and ice have diminished, the sea level has risen, and the concentrations of greenhouse gases have increased. This article will focus on climate change and projected effects on venomous marine and amphibious creatures with the potential impact on human health. Methods Retrospective analysis of environmental, ecological, and medical literature with a focus on climate change, toxinology, and future modeling specific to venomous aquatic and amphibious creatures. Species included venomous jellyfish, poisonous fish, crown-of-thorns starfish, sea snakes, and toxic frogs. Results In several projected scenarios, rising temperatures, weather extremes, and shifts in seasons will increase poisonous population numbers, particularly with certain marine creatures like jellyfish and crown-of-thorns starfish. Habitat expansions by lionfish and sea snakes are projected to occur. These phenomena, along with increases in human populations and coastal development will likely increase human−animal encounters. Other species, particularly amphibious toxic frogs, are declining rapidly due to their sensitivity to any temperature change or subtle alterations in the stability of their environment. If temperatures continue to rise to record levels over the next decades, it is predicted that the populations of these once plentiful and critically important animals to the aquatic ecosystem will decline and their geographic distributions will shrink. Conclusion Review of the literature investigating the effect and forecasts of climate change on venomous marine and amphibious creatures has demonstrated that temperature extremes and changes to climatic norms will likely have a dramatic effect on these toxicological organisms. The effects of climate change on these species through temperature alteration and rising coastal waters will influence each species differently and in turn potentially affect commercial industries, travel, tourism, and human health.
Diagnostic utility of flexible fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscopy recorded onto a smartphone: A pilot study
Authors: Brant Jason A. , Leahy Kevin , Mirza Natasha 
Published: June 2018

ObjectivesTo evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of flexible fiberoptic examinations of the larynx recorded onto smartphones.MethodsProspective, blinded study of inpatients requiring laryngoscopy. A live exam was performed, then a smartphone was attached to the endoscope using a novel coupling device and the same examination was recorded. The live and recorded exams were evaluated by two laryngologists, each blinded to the findings of the other.ResultsEighteen subjects were evaluated. Evaluation of airway patency was identical (Kappa = 1.0 [1, 1]). Evaluation of vocal cord motion was identical for 14 subjects: 9 normal, 3 paretic, 2 paralytic (Kappa = 0.69 [0.38, 1]).ConclusionThere is high correlation between laryngeal diagnoses using live flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy and recordings using a coupling device to transfer the recordings on to smartphones. Critical findings such as airway patency and vocal fold motion showed the highest correlation.
P.017 Results of a Pilot feasibility study to develop reduce wait times strategy in the evaluation of children with new onset epilepsy
Authors: Mailo JA , Diebold M , Mazza E , Guertjens P , Gangam H , Levin S , Campbell C , Prasad AN 
Published: June 2018

Background: The goal was to understand factors leading to prolonged wait times for neurological assessment of children with new onset seizures. A second objective was to develop an innovative approach to patient flow through and achieve a reduction in waiting times utilizing limited resources.Methods:Audit of the referrals, flow through, wait timesIdentification of bottlenecksDevelopment of triaging strategy:Suspected Febrile seizures and non-epileptic events;Suspected benign and absence epilepsies;Suspected other Focal epilepsies, generalized epilepsies, epilepsy under 2 yearsInitiation of early telephone contact and supportDevelopment of a ketogenic dietResults: Using a triaging strategy and focusing on timely access to investigations, wait times for clinic evaluations were shortened despite larger numbers of referrals (mean wait time reductions from 179 to 91 days). Limiting factors such increase in referral numbers, attrition in support staff, interfered with sustainability of reduced wait times achieved in the initial phase of the program. Conclusions: This pilot study highlights the effectiveness of an innovative triaging strategy and improvements in patient flow through in achieving the goals of reduction in wait times for clinical evaluation and timely investigations to improve care for children with new onset seizures. Insights into limitations of such strategies and factors determining sustainability are discussed.