bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serially Connectable Sediment Microbial Fuel Cells using Dipole Graphite Solids and Voltage Reversal Suppression
Authors: Lee Yoo Seok , An Junyeong , Kim Bongkyu , Chang In Seop 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) are installed in natural water systems for the on‐site power source of aquatic devices; however, the power generated from single unit is not enough to operate certain devices. To overcome this drawback, the series connection of SMFCs is indispensable. We describe a dipole‐electrode‐containing stacked SMFC system operated in series connection mode. Two SMFC units were fabricated, which produced maximum current densities of 492 and 302 mA m−2, respectively. They were connected in series and operated at 1.45 V, which is close to the sum of the individual voltages. Even though voltage reversal inevitably occurred in the connected mode, it was suppressed by adjusting the internal resistance of each SMFC to be very close within a few Ω. We achieved a maximum power density at a high voltage over 123 mW m−2 at 0.6 V and enhanced the available maximum current density (i.e., no voltage reversal) by 269 to 320 mA m−2. We have developed a serially connectable SMFC system with an improved maximum power at a higher voltage than that of a single SMFC and we suggest a method for voltage reversal control for the further test of multistacked SMFCs.
A design procedure for suspended zipper‐braced frames in the framework of Eurocode 8
Authors: Rossi Pier Paolo , Quaceci Giuseppe 
Published: March 2017

SummaryIn the recent past, suspended zipper‐braced frames were proposed to avoid one‐storey collapse mechanisms and dynamic instability under severe ground motions. In this paper, the design procedure suggested by Yanget al.is first slightly modified to conform to the design approach and capacity design rules stipulated in Eurocode 8 for concentrically braced frames. The procedure is applied to a set of suspended zipper‐braced frames with different number of storeys and founded on either soft or rock soil. The structural response of these frames is analysed to highlight qualities and deficiencies and to assess the critics reported by other researchers with regard to the design procedure by Yanget al.Then, improvements are proposed to this procedure to enhance the energy dissipation of the chevron braces and the response of the structural system as well. The effectiveness of the design proposals is evaluated by incremental dynamic analysis on structures with different geometric properties, gravity loads and soil of foundation. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Astrocyte‐specific insulin‐like growth factor‐1 gene transfer in aging female rats improves stroke outcomes
Authors: Okoreeh Andre K. , Bake Shameena , Sohrabji Farida 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMiddle aged female rats sustain larger stroke infarction and disability than younger female rats. This older group also shows age‐related reduction of insulin like growth factor (IGF)−1 in serum and in astrocytes, a cell type necessary for poststroke recovery. To determine the impact of astrocytic IGF‐1 for ischemic stroke, these studies tested the hypothesis that gene transfer of IGF‐1 to astrocytes will improve stroke outcomes in middle aged female rats. Middle aged (10‐12 month old), acyclic female rats were injected with recombinant adeno‐associated virus serotype 5 (AAV5) packaged with the coding sequence of the human (h)IGF‐1 gene downstream of an astrocyte‐specific promoter glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) (AAV5‐GFP‐hIGF‐1) into the striatum and cortex. The AAV5‐control consisted of an identical shuttle vector construct without the hIGF‐1 gene (AAV5‐GFAP‐control). Six to eight weeks later, animals underwent transient (90 min) middle cerebral artery occlusion via intraluminal suture. While infarct volume was not altered, AAV5‐GFAP‐hIGF‐1 treatment significantly improved blood pressure and neurological score in the early acute phase of stroke (2 days) and sensory‐motor performance at both the early and late (5 days) acute phase of stroke. AAV5‐GFAP‐hIGF‐1 treatment also reduced circulating serum levels of GFAP, a biomarker for blood brain barrier permeability. Flow cytometry analysis of immune cells in the brain at 24 hr poststroke showed that AAV5‐GFAP‐hIGF‐1 altered the type of immune cells trafficked to the ischemic hemisphere, promoting an anti‐inflammatory profile. Collectively, these studies show that targeted enhancement of IGF‐1 in astrocytes of middle‐aged females improves stroke‐induced behavioral impairment and neuroinflammation.
Isotopic evidence for widespread cold‐season‐biased groundwater recharge and young streamflow across central Canada
Authors: Jasechko Scott , Wassenaar Leonard I. , Mayer Bernhard 
Published: March 2017

AbstractTransformations of precipitation into groundwater and streamflow are fundamental hydrological processes, critical to irrigated agriculture, hydroelectric power generation, and ecosystem health. Our understanding of the timing of groundwater recharge and streamflow generation remains incomplete, limiting our ability to predict fresh water, nutrient, and contaminant fluxes, especially in large basins. Here, we analyze thousands of rain, snow, groundwater, and streamflow δ18O and δ2H values in the Nelson River basin, which covers 1.2 million km2 of central Canada. We show that the fraction of precipitation that recharges aquifers is ~1.3–5 times higher for precipitation falling during cold months with subzero mean monthly temperatures than for precipitation falling during warmer months. The near‐ubiquity of cold‐season‐biased groundwater recharge implies that changes to winter water balances may have disproportionate impacts on annual groundwater recharge rates. We also show that young streamflow—defined as precipitation that enters a river in less than ~2.3 months—comprises ~27% of annual streamflow but varies widely among tributaries in the Nelson River basin (1–59%). Young streamflow fractions are lower in steep catchments and higher in flatter catchments such as the transboundary Red River basin. Our findings imply that flat, lower permeability, heavily tiled landscapes favor more rapid transmission of precipitation into rivers, possibly mobilizing excess soluble fertilizers and exacerbating eutrophication events in Lake Winnipeg.
Identifying, attributing, and overcoming common data quality issues of manned station observations
Authors: Hunziker Stefan , Gubler Stefanie , Calle Juan , Moreno Isabel , Andrade Marcos , Velarde Fernando , Ticona Laura , Carrasco Gualberto , Castellón Yaruska , Oria Clara , Croci‐Maspoli Mischa , Konzelmann Thomas , Rohrer Mario , Brönnimann Stefan 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTIn situ climatological observations are essential for studies related to climate trends and extreme events. However, in many regions of the globe, observational records are affected by a large number of data quality issues. Assessing and controlling the quality of such datasets is an important, often overlooked aspect of climate research. Besides analysing the measurement data, metadata are important for a comprehensive data quality assessment. However, metadata are often missing, but may partly be reconstructed by suitable actions such as station inspections. This study identifies and attributes the most important common data quality issues in Bolivian and Peruvian temperature and precipitation datasets. The same or similar errors are found in many other predominantly manned station networks worldwide. A large fraction of these issues can be traced back to measurement errors by the observers. Therefore, the most effective way to prevent errors is to strengthen the training of observers and to establish a near real‐time quality control (QC) procedure. Many common data quality issues are hardly detected by usual QC approaches. Data visualization, however, is an effective tool to identify and attribute those issues, and therefore enables data users to potentially correct errors and to decide which purposes are not affected by specific problems. The resulting increase in usable station records is particularly important in areas where station networks are sparse. In such networks, adequate selection and treatment of time series based on a comprehensive QC procedure may contribute to improving data homogeneity more than statistical data homogenization methods.
The second‐time flap from the previously used anterior thigh donor site for head and neck microsurgical reconstruction
Authors: AL Deek Nidal Farhan , Liao Chun‐Ta , Huang Shiang‐Fu , Kan Chung‐Jan , Chang Kai‐Ping , Fang Ku‐Hao , Tsao Chung‐Kan 
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUNDMultiple free tissue transfer from the same donor site is not well described for microsurgical head and neck reconstruction.METHODSBetween (8/2011 and 11/2012), 103 patients received 103 free ALT flaps for head and neck reconstruction; flaps were called first‐time ALT flaps. Intra‐operative findings were used to assess the presence of a favorable anatomy for a future second flap from the same donor site. And, between 9/2009 and 12/2013, second‐time flaps from previously used anterior thighs were attempted either freely or guided by the intra‐operative data from the previous surgery.RESULTSA favorable anatomy for a future second‐time flap was noted in (n: 96/103). Future second‐time flaps were ALT, AMT, and TFL flaps (n: 32, n: 91, n: 96, respectively). The second‐time flap was attempted (n: 11) and was successful (n: 8, 72.7%). Harvested second‐time flaps were (5 ALT, 2 AMT, 1TFL). All flaps survived. The donor site was closed primarily (n: 6) and skin grafted (n: 2).CONCLUSIONThorough exploration of the anatomy of the anterior thigh during the first‐time ALT flap surgery with detailed documentation in addition to meticulous surgery are essential for success. The proposed concept limits morbidity to one site, and serves as an alternative donor site or a life‐boat.
Optimization of extraction of linarin from Flos chrysanthemi indici by response surface methodology and artificial neural network
Authors: Pan Hongye , Zhang Qing , Cui Keke , Chen Guoquan , Liu Xuesong , Wang Longhu 
Published: March 2017

The extraction of linarin from Flos chrysanthemi indici by ethanol was investigated. Two modeling techniques, response surface methodology and artificial neural network, were adopted to optimize the process parameters, such as, ethanol concentration, extraction period, extraction frequency, and solvent to material ratio. We showed that both methods provided good predictions, but artificial neural network provided a better and more accurate result. The optimum process parameters include, ethanol concentration of 74%, extraction period of 2 h, extraction three times, solvent to material ratio of 12 mL/g. The experiment yield of linarin was 90.5% that deviated less than 1.6% from that obtained by predicted result.
Dissolution kinetics of biogenic silica and tentative silicon balance in the Yellow Sea
Authors: Wu Bin , Liu Su Mei , Ren Jing Ling 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe dissolution of biogenic silica (bSiO2) in coastal environments is important for marine productivity and essential to the global silicon cycle. BSiO2 dissolution experiments were performed using sediments from the Yellow Sea (YS) to explore the factors that influence bSiO2 dissolution and to better understand the silicon cycle in the YS. The results showed that the bSiO2 content in surface sediments varied from 0.40% to 3.7% (average 2.2% ± 0.79%, SiO2%). Additionally, the bSiO2 content was higher in the central areas of the northern and southern YS and lower in the near‐shore area of the northern Changjiang Estuary. The burial flux of bSiO2 in surface sediments ranged from 0.12 mol m−2 yr−1 to 2.3 mol m−2 yr−1 and gradually decreased eastward from near shore to offshore. Continuous flow experiments showed that the solubilities of bSiO2 in the YS sediments varied from 91.0 to 303 μM‐Si. Further, the dissolution rate constant of bSiO2 was 9.3–41 nmol g−1 h−1, which is 2–3 orders of magnitude lower than that of other marginal seas such as the Arabian Sea and Scotia Sea. The structural incorporation of aluminum in bSiO2 and the content of lithogenic minerals in sediments hindered bSiO2 dissolution. The silica budget of the YS was established. The burial efficiency of bSiO2 in the surface sediment was calculated to be 73%, which accounts for 4% of the global balance and is much higher than that of the global ocean average. Because of its high sediment accumulation rate and much lower dissolution rate constant, bSiO2 was well preserved in the YS, highlighting the important role of the YS in the global silicon cycle.
Rehabilitation of revision total hip replacement: A multi‐centre survey of current practice
Authors: Newman Meredith , Barker Karen 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundDemand for revision total hip replacement (RTHR) is increasing. Outcomes after RTHR are varied, with reasonable pain relief but smaller gains in function and mobility. Whether sub‐optimal rehabilitation contributes to poorer functional outcomes is unclear. Current rehabilitation is not well defined and there is little research into RTHR rehabilitation.Aims and objectivesTo gather information about the current rehabilitation of patients undergoing planned, single‐stage revision or re‐revision THR surgery.MethodsAn online survey was developed and sent to clinicians at 117 orthopaedic centres in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Questions were asked about standard rehabilitation practice pre‐operatively, post‐operatively and immediately after discharge. The frequency (%) of responses to closed questions was analysed and free‐text comments were summarized thematically.ResultsThere were 133 respondents: mostly physiotherapists (92, 69%) and occupational therapists (39, 29%). Pre‐operative education was common (112, 84%) but not uniform, and for 52 (46%) the same as for primary THR patients. Respondents were more likely to agree about the general objectives of rehabilitation, for example gait re‐education with walking aids (93, 70%), and retraining functional mobility (92, 69%) rather than about specific elements including exercise prescription, duration of hip precautions and provision of occupational therapy. The provision of rehabilitation following discharge varied considerably.ConclusionsThis survey adds to sparse information about rehabilitation RTHR. No consensus emerged about optimal rehabilitation. The diversity in approach and lack of clear structure suggests work is needed to develop rehabilitation interventions that are tailored to this population.
Getting back to the dissecting room: An evaluation of an innovative course in musculoskeletal anatomy for UK‐based rheumatology training
Authors: Blake Tim , Marais Debbi , Hassell Andrew B. , Stevenson Kay , Paskins Zoe 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe rheumatologist relies heavily on clinical skills to diagnose diverse conditions, something that is correlated with one's knowledge of clinical anatomy. More recently, rheumatology has offered further career flexibility with opportunities to develop skills such as joint injection and musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound, both of which require a sound understanding of anatomy. Currently, there are no formal strategies to support competency‐based anatomy learning in rheumatology in the UK. This study aimed to evaluate an innovative applied anatomy course utilizing cadaveric material, targeted at clinicians practising in rheumatology and MSK medicine.MethodsA new course was developed for rheumatologists, rheumatology trainees and allied health professionals practising rheumatology and MSK medicine, with the principal focus being on applied MSK anatomy. A questionnaire was given to course attendees and a mixed methods approach of evaluation used. Descriptive statistical data analysis was performed.ResultsThe course received overall positive feedback and statistically significant improvements in levels of confidence in anatomy (mean 52.35–83.53, p < 0.0001), injections (mean 57.65–81.18, p < 0.0001), examination of the upper limb (mean 60.59–76.47, p < 0.0001) and examination of the lower limb (mean 58.24–77.65, p < 0.0001). Course attendees also favoured a peer‐assisted and multidisciplinary learning approach.ConclusionsThis study lends support for the use of cadaveric material in the teaching of postgraduate anatomy to rheumatologists. It has demonstrated a continual need for hands‐on and interactive anatomy training in an ever‐advancing digital world. To be successful, cadaveric learning should not be viewed in a purely ‘pre‐clinical’ setting, but instead integrated with postgraduate learning.
Association between variants in genes involved in the immune response and prostate cancer risk in men randomized to the finasteride arm in the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial
Authors: Winchester Danyelle A. , Till Cathee , Goodman Phyllis J. , Tangen Catherine M. , Santella Regina M. , Johnson‐Pais Teresa L. , Leach Robin J. , Xu Jianfeng , Zheng S. Lilly , Thompson Ian M. , Lucia M. Scott , Lippman Scott M. , Parnes Howard L. , Isaacs William B. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Drake Charles G. , Platz Elizabeth A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDWe reported that some, but not all single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in select immune response genes are associated with prostate cancer, but not individually with the prevalence of intraprostatic inflammation in the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) placebo arm. Here, we investigated whether these same SNPs are associated with risk of lower‐ and higher‐grade prostate cancer in men randomized to finasteride, and with prevalence of intraprostatic inflammation among controls.Methods A total of 16 candidate SNPs in IL1β, IL2, IL4, IL6, IL8, IL10, IL12(p40), IFNG, MSR1, RNASEL, TLR4, and TNFA and 7 tagSNPs in IL10 were genotyped in 625 white prostate cancer cases, and 532 white controls negative for cancer on an end‐of‐study biopsy nested in the PCPT finasteride arm. We used logistic regression to estimate log‐additive odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusting for age and family history.RESULTSMinor alleles of rs2243250 (T) in IL4 (OR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.03‐2.08, P‐trend = 0.03), rs1800896 (G) in IL10 (OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.61‐0.96, P‐trend = 0.02), rs2430561 (A) in IFNG (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.02‐1.74; P‐trend = 0.04), rs3747531 (C) in MSR1 (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.32‐0.95; P‐trend = 0.03), and possibly rs4073 (A) in IL8 (OR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.64‐1.01, P‐trend = 0.06) were associated with higher‐ (Gleason 7‐10; N = 222), but not lower‐ (Gleason 2‐6; N = 380) grade prostate cancer. In men with low PSA (<2 ng/mL), these higher‐grade disease associations were attenuated and/or no longer significant, whereas associations with higher‐grade disease were apparent for minor alleles of rs1800795 (C: OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.51‐0.94, P‐trend = 0.02) and rs1800797 (A: OR = 0.72, 95% CI 0.53‐0.98, P‐trend = 0.04) in IL6. While some IL10 tagSNPs were associated with lower‐ and higher‐grade prostate cancer, distributions of IL10 haplotypes did not differ, except possibly between higher‐grade cases and controls among those with low PSA (P = 0.07). We did not observe an association between the studied SNPs and intraprostatic inflammation in the controls.CONCLUSIONIn the PCPT finasteride arm, variation in genes involved in the immune response, including possibly IL8 and IL10 as in the placebo arm, may be associated with prostate cancer, especially higher‐grade disease, but not with intraprostatic inflammation. We cannot rule out PSA‐associated detection bias or chance due to multiple testing.
Initial trials of convective‐scale data assimilation with a cheaply tunable ensemble filter
Authors: Flowerdew Jonathan 
Published: March 2017

Ensemble methods are an attractive option for data assimilation (DA) in convection‐permitting models, providing flow‐dependent covariances which respect the complex balances that apply at these scales. The Met Office deterministic UK forecast currently uses variational assimilation based on predominantly climatological covariances, whilst the MOGREPS‐UK ensemble interpolates its initial perturbations from the corresponding global members. An experimental convective‐scale ensemble DA system has now been built based on a serial ensemble filter, where observations are assimilated sequentially. This has been tested in a series of one month trials assimilating sonde, surface and aircraft observations, exploring issues such as cycle length, filter type, localization and inflation. The tests use 44 perturbed ensemble members, plus an unperturbed control forecast that is updated using the same Kalman gain as the ensemble mean. The best configurations provide control forecasts which are competitive with interpolating global initial states like MOGREPS‐UK did at the time, even though the local assimilation has seen fewer observation types than the global DA. An hourly cycle performs much better than a 6‐hourly one, as suggested by theoretical arguments, even though both see the same boundary conditions and essentially the same total set of observations.The serial filter calculates the difference between each observation and its model equivalent as updated by all previous observations. We call this the Innovation After assimilating Prior Observations (IAPO). The mean square IAPO measures the error of the developing analysis using observations which are statistically independent of it, without the need to involve the forecast model. This diagnostic confirms the beneficial impact of assimilation, can be used to cheaply tune parameters such as localization radii, and contributes to evaluating the correctness of the ensemble spread.
Medical Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Kroch Daniel A. , Madanick Ryan D. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMedical treatment is effective in the majority of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Lifestyle modifications are often recommended for patients with GERD, although the data supporting lifestyle recommendations are limited. Antacids are often used to treat the symptoms of GERD, but their effect is short‐lived. H2‐receptor antagonists and proton‐pump inhibitors provide more effective options for remission of GERD symptoms and healing of esophagitis. Prokinetic medications (e.g., metoclopramide) have not been proven to help in the control of symptoms. Baclofen, which inhibits transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations, provide an additional option for patients with persistent symptoms related to GERD; however its use is limited by side effects. Long‐term medical therapy for GERD should be tailored to each patient to provide symptomatic control and maintain esophageal mucosal healing.
Crystallization Behavior and Kinetics of Chocolate‐Lauric Fat Blends and Model Systems
Authors: Geary Margaret , Hartel Richard 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBinary mixtures of cocoa butter and lauric fats have widespread use in chocolates and confections, yet incompatibilities between these fats can present formulation and processing constraints. This study examined the phase behavior and crystallization kinetics of cocoa butter‐lauric fat model systems and chocolate‐lauric fat blends. Solid fat content (SFC) profiles and isosolid diagrams confirmed eutectic and diluent interactions, indicating a softening of cocoa butter by lauric fat addition. Crystallization kinetics of model systems adhered to an exponential growth model. High lauric fat levels delayed crystal growth and reduced equilibrium SFC of cocoa butter. Coconut and palm kernel oils altered the solidification mechanisms of cocoa butter to a greater extent than fractionated palm kernel oil. Chocolate systems displayed multi‐step crystal growth that contrasted with the exponential growth observed in the model systems. At high lauric fat levels (30%), crystallization onset was significantly lengthened. Blends with high lauric fat contents showed low and did not achieve final equilibrium after 60 min of cooling, indicating incomplete crystallization.