bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the laboratory measurements at seismic frequencies using the Kramers‐Kronig relationship
Authors: Mikhaltsevitch Vassily , Lebedev Maxim , Gurevich Boris 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe present a simple procedure concerning the application of the Kramers‐Kronig relation for the validation of the laboratory measurements of the extensional attenuation and Young's modulus carried out on the solid specimens at seismic frequencies. The local approximation of the Kramers‐Kronig relationship was applied to verify the seismic‐frequency measurements conducted on four specimens: a viscoelastic polymethyl‐methacrylate (PMMA) sample, and two water‐ and one glycerol‐saturated sandstone samples. The experimental tests were performed at various axial (PMMA sample) and confining (sandstone samples) pressures. The measurements conducted on the PMMA sample and saturated sandstones revealed prominent extensional attenuation and significant dispersion of the Young's modulus. Our analysis shows that the quantitative relationship between the extensional attenuation and the Young's modulus is consistent with the causality principle presented by the Kramers‐Kronig relationship. No particular physical models implying any constraints on the physical properties of the samples are required for this validation.
Tropical cyclone effects on the equatorial ionosphere: First result from the Indian sector
Authors: Guha Anirban , Paul Bapan , Chakraborty Monti , De Barin Kumar 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIonospheric response to the effects of tropical cyclone (TC) “Mahasen” in 2013 and Hudhud in 2014 is studied on the equatorial ionosphere over the Indian sector for the first time using Global Positioning System‐derived total electron content (TEC) data. We observed an anomalous decrease of 3.8 TEC unit (1 TECU = 1016 el m−2) in vertical TEC (VTEC) value from the monthly mean for TC Mahasen and 2.1 TECU for TC Hudhud on the day of the landfall. We have also observed similar VTEC depletion of 1.5, 1.9, and 2.1 TECU for three different receivers on the landfall day for TC Vongfong over Japan. This anomalous decrease is observed over a wide zone around the trajectory of the cyclone during the active cyclonic storm stage. This observed anomaly might be the result of combined effect of TC‐inspired gravity waves, ejection of neutral particles from the terminator of a TC, and lightning electric fields which redistribute the chemical constituents of the ionosphere by increasing the number of neutral particles at different ionospheric heights, thus decreasing the TEC over the satellite‐receiver path.
Sensitivity of earthquake source inversions to atmospheric noise and corrections of InSAR data
Authors: Scott Chelsea Phipps , Lohman Rowena Benfer 
Published: May 2016

AbstractTropospheric phase delays pose a major challenge to InSAR (interferometric synthetic aperture radar)‐based studies of tectonic deformation. One approach to the mitigation of effects from tropospheric noise is the application of elevation‐dependent corrections based on empirical fits between elevation and interferometric phase. We quantify the effects of corrections with a range of complexity on inferred earthquake source parameters using synthetic interferograms with known atmospheric characteristics. We infer statistical properties of the stratified component of the atmosphere using pressure, temperature, and water vapor data from the North America Regional Reanalysis model over our region of interest in the Basin and Range province of the western United States. The statistics of the simulated atmospheric turbulence are estimated from InSAR and Global Positioning System data. We demonstrate potentially significant improvements in the precision of earthquake magnitude, depth, and dip estimates for several synthetic earthquake focal mechanisms following a correction for spatially variable atmospheric characteristics, relative to cases where the correction is based on a uniform delay versus elevation relationship or where no correction is applied. We apply our approach to the 1992 M5.6 Little Skull Mountain, Nevada, earthquake and demonstrate that the earthquake source parameter error bounds decrease in size after applying the atmospheric corrections. Our approach for evaluating the impact of atmospheric noise on inferred fault parameters is easily adaptable to other regions and source mechanisms.
Optical Coherence
Authors: Visser Taco D. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The coherence properties of an optical source determine how the emitted field propagates, scatters, and behaves on focusing. Because the state of coherence can be actively controlled, this provides an additional tool for field shaping. We show that the observation that two sources with an identical spectrum can produce fields whose spectra are different can be explained by realizing that this field property is in fact a secondary quantity. The primary or fundamental property from which the spectrum is derived is the coherence function of the source. The propagation of this function is governed by wave equations. By calculating the propagated correlation function, the local spectrum can be determined. We illustrate how the manipulation of spatial coherence can give rise to novel physical effects in focusing and scattering.
Peripheral blood eosinophilia correlates with hyperplastic nasal polyp growth
Authors: Drake Virginia E. , Rafaels Nicholas , Kim Jean 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundEosinophils are thought to play a significant role in nasal polyposis, but the exact mechanism by which they contribute to polyposis remains unclear. Therefore, we proposed to test the hypothesis that peripheral blood eosinophilia (PBE) is a surrogate and biomarker for polyp load. To do this, we examined whether PBE levels correlate with nasal polyp load in a longitudinal manner.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the fluctuation of PBE and nasal polyp load in each patient (n = 61) assessed preoperatively, 1–2 months postoperatively, and 3–12 months postoperatively. Nasal polyp load was assessed using computed tomography (CT) scan preoperatively and nasal endoscopy postoperatively. Correlation coefficients were analyzed using parametric statistics.ResultsThere was a positive correlation between initial preoperative baseline PBE and CT scan staging of polyp load (r = 0.35, p < 0.01). When patients were analyzed longitudinally, we found that the change in PBE correlated with the change in nasal endoscopy scores obtained at or near the same timepoint (r = 0.82, p < 2.0 × 10−10). When nasal polyp load increased with time, we observed a stepwise increase in eosinophil counts (r = 0.37, p < 0.02).ConclusionsPBE correlates with nasal polyp load. PBE levels may be used along with nasal endoscopy to prospectively follow nasal polyp load postoperatively in chronic rhinosinusitis patients with hyperplastic nasal polyposis who have eosinophilia, asthma, and/or aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease.
Emergent transcatheter arterial embolization for norovirus‐associated life‐threatening ulcer bleeding to achieve successful hemostasis in 2‐year‐old boy
Authors: Matsuoka Wakato , Kaku Noriyuki , Hirata Yuichiro , Lee Sooyoung , Akahoshi Tomohiko , Sugimori Hiroshi , Hayashida Makoto , Souzaki Ryota , Fujita Norihiro , Asayama Yoshiki , Taguchi Tomoaki , Takada Hidetoshi , Maehara Yoshihiko 
Published: May 2016

CaseWe report a 2‐year‐old boy with duodenal ulcer with active bleeding that occurred as a result of norovirus gastroenteritis. On admission, the patient presented with shock accompanied with vomiting and melena. Abdominal contrast enhanced computed tomography scan showed signs of duodenal bleeding.OutcomeHe was successfully treated with emergent transcatheter arterial embolization. After the treatment, endoscopic examination revealed duodenal ulcer and the stool norovirus antigen test was found to be positive. The patient recovered completely without any sequelae.ConclusionLife‐threatening duodenal ulcer bleeding in children can be caused by viral gastroenteritis. When endoscopic therapy is unsuccessful or difficult, in cases of small children, angiographic intervention can be a safe alternative treatment option of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Experimental measurement of flow distribution in a parallel mini‐channel fluidic network using PIV technique
Authors: Boutin Guillaume , Wei Min , Fan Yilin , Luo Lingai 
Published: May 2016

AbstractFluid flow distribution among parallel channels usually plays an important role on the global performance improvement of tubular process equipment, but remains difficult to be properly measured by experimental methods. This paper presents a systematic study on the measurement of flow distribution in a multi‐channel fluidic network using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique. For the precise measurement of flow‐rate in each individual channel, standard 2 dimensions, 2 components PIV technique is used to obtain velocity vectors on multiple sampling planes parallel to the flow direction, so as to reconstruct accurate velocity profiles on the cross‐sectional surface. Such procedure is repeated for every micro‐ (mini‐) channel to obtain the actual flow distribution properties in the fluidic network.Pre‐test results on a double‐channel device indicate that the maximum possible deviation of PIV measurements is 13.1% with respect to those of a flange flowmeter, implying that the PIV technique is relatively accurate and reliable. PIV results on the flow distribution in a 15‐channel fluidic network are then compared with Computational Fluid Dynamics simulation results under the same working conditions. A quite good agreement could be observed. Moreover, the locations and sizes of vortices in the distributor have a significant influence on the flow distribution. © 2016 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biocompatible scaffolds composed of chemically crosslinked chitosan and gelatin for tissue engineering
Authors: Cañas Ana Isabel , Delgado Jean Paul , Gartner Carmiña 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTChitosan‐based scaffolds are widely studied in tissue regeneration because of their biocompatibility and biodegradability. Scaffolds are obtained by different techniques and can be modified with other polymers allowing controlling their properties. This article discusses the assembling of three‐dimensional chitosan porous scaffolds blended with gelatin. Gelatin was used to enhance cells attachment due to the presence of cell adhesion motifs, while improving mechanical strength. 2,5‐dimethoxy‐2,5‐dihydrofurane (DHF) was used as the crosslinking agent, because it allowed to control the reaction kinetics through temperature, time and DHF concentration. The results indicate that scaffolds morphology, pore sizes and distribution, compressive moduli and biodegradation in vitro with lysozyme, can be customized with variations of gelatin content and crosslinking degree. Scaffolds were neither cytotoxic nor genotoxic for human keratinocytes, exhibiting cell–substrate interactions. Our findings demonstrated that chitosan–gelatin scaffolds crosslinked with DHF, as a new crosslinking agent, are suitable in tissue engineering applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43814.
Facile Co‐Assembly of a Dipeptide‐Based Organogel toward Efficient Triplet–Triplet Annihilation Photonic Upconversion
Authors: Liu Xingcen , Fei Jinbo , Zhu Pengli , Li Junbai 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBy one‐step molecular co‐assembly, a diphenylalanine‐based photonic upconversion organogel was constructed within 20 seconds. Impressively, such an assembled system exhibits green‐to‐blue triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion with a relative quantum yield of 12 % even under ambient conditions
Robust Minimum Variance Lower Bound Estimation by Uncertainty Modeling Using Interval Type‐2 Fuzzy set
Authors: Alipouri Yousef , Poshtan Javad 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe Minimum Variance Lower Bound (MVLB) represents the best achievable controller capability in a variance sense. Estimation of the MVLB for nonlinear systems confronts some difficulties. If one simply ignores these nonlinearities, there is the danger of over‐estimating the performance of the control loop in rejecting uncertainties. Assuming that almost all models have uncertainties, in this paper, the MVLB has been estimated considering three types of uncertainties: structural, parametric, and algorithmic. To achieve accurate estimation of the MVLB an interval type‐2 fuzzy set has been utilized. This paper utilizes a strategy for modeling of symmetric interval type‐2 fuzzy sets using their uncertainty degrees. Then, based on this uncertainty measure, one method to construct interval type‐2 fuzzy set models using the uncertain interval data is introduced. Finally, simulation studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Determining the association between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms and genomic DNA methylation level: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Li , Shangguan Shaofang , Chang Shaoyan , Yu Xin , Wang Zhen , Lu Xiaolin , Wu Lihua , Zhang Ting 
Published: May 2016

BackgroundThe methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism is a risk factor for neural tube defects. C677T and A1298C MTHFR polymorphisms produce an enzyme with reduced folate‐related one carbon metabolism, and this has been associated with aberrant methylation modifications in DNA and protein.MethodsA meta‐analysis was conducted to assess the association between MTHFR C677T/A1298C genotypes and global genomic methylation.ResultsEleven studies met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 10 were performed on C677T MTHFR genotypes and 6 were performed on A1298C MTHFR genotypes. Our results did not indicate any correlation between global methylation and MTHFR A1298C, C677T polymorphisms.ConclusionThe results of our study provide evidence to assess the global methylation modification alterations of MTHFR polymorphisms among individuals. However, our data did not found any conceivable proof supporting the hypothesis that common variant of MTHFR A1298C, C677T contributes to methylation modification. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:667–674, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Statin use after intracerebral hemorrhage: a 10‐year nationwide cohort study
Authors: Tai Shu‐Yu , Lin Feng‐Cheng , Lee Chung‐Yin , Chang Chai‐Jan , Wu Ming‐Tsang , Chien Chen‐Yu 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIntroductionAlthough statin therapy is beneficial to patients with ischemic stroke, statin use, and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remain a concern. ICH survivors commonly have comorbid cardiovascular risk factors that would otherwise warrant cholesterol‐lowering medication, thus emphasizing the importance of assessing the characteristics of statin therapy in this population.MethodsWe performed a cohort study by using 10 years of data collected from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. We enrolled 726 patients admitted for newly diagnosed ICH from January 1, 2001 to December 31, 2010. The patients were categorized into high‐ (92), moderate‐ (545), and low‐intensity (89) statin groups, and into hydrophilic (295) and lipophilic (431) statin groups. The composite outcomes included all‐cause mortality, recurrent ICH, ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, and acute coronary events.ResultsThe patients in the low‐intensity group did not differ significantly from the patients in the high‐intensity group in risk of all‐cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.28–1.55) and recurrent ICH (aHR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.30–1.44). In contrast, the patients in the hydrophilic group had a significantly lower risk of recurrent ICH than did those in the lipophilic group (aHR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.48–0.99). We determined no significant differences in other composite endpoints between hydrophilic and lipophilic statin use.ConclusionHydrophilic statin therapy is associated with a reduced risk of recurrent ICH in post‐ICH patients. The intensity of statin use had no significant effect on recurrent ICH or other components of the composite outcome. Additional studies are required to clarify the biological mechanisms underlying these observations.
Mechanisms of Enhanced Catalysis in Enzyme–DNA Nanostructures Revealed through Molecular Simulations and Experimental Analysis
Authors: Gao Yingning , Roberts Christopher C. , Toop Aaron , Chang Chia‐en A. , Wheeldon Ian 
Published: May 2016

AbstractUnderstanding and controlling the molecular interactions between enzyme substrates and DNA nanostructures has important implications in the advancement of enzyme–DNA technologies as solutions in biocatalysis. Such hybrid nanostructures can be used to create enzyme systems with enhanced catalysis by controlling the local chemical and physical environments and the spatial organization of enzymes. Here we have used molecular simulations with corresponding experiments to describe a mechanism of enhanced catalysis due to locally increased substrate concentrations. With a series of DNA nanostructures conjugated to horseradish peroxidase, we show that binding interactions between substrates and the DNA structures can increase local substrate concentrations. Increased local substrate concentrations in HRP(DNA) nanostructures resulted in 2.9‐ and 2.4‐fold decreases in the apparent Michaelis constants of tetramethylbenzidine and 4‐aminophenol, substrates of HRP with tunable binding interactions to DNA nanostructures with dissociation constants in the micromolar range. Molecular simulations and kinetic analysis also revealed that increased local substrate concentrations enhanced the rates of substrate association. Identification of the mechanism of increased local concentration of substrates in close proximity to enzymes and their active sites adds to our understanding of nanostructured biocatalysis from which we can develop guidelines for enhancing catalysis in rationally designed systems.
Low‐temperature Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis using plasma‐synthesized nanometric Co/C and Fe/C catalysts
Authors: Aluha James , Braidy Nadi , Dalai Ajay , Abatzoglou Nicolas 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn this study, two analogous nanometric catalysts consisting of carbon‐supported cobalt or iron (Co/C and Fe/C) were synthesized by plasma and tested for Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis (FTS) in a continuously‐stirred tank slurry reactor (CSTSR). Being pyrophoric in nature, these new materials were reduced in situ at 673 K (400 °C) for 24 h using pure H2 gas. The FTS reaction was conducted at 493 K (220 °C), 2000 kPa pressure, and gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 3600 mL ·  for 24 h, using a feed stream of 0.6 L/L (60 vol %) H2 and 0.3 L/L (30 vol %) CO, with 0.1 L/L (10 vol %) Ar for mass balance determination. Devoid of promoters and under similar reaction conditions, the Co/C catalyst showed higher CO conversion (42 %) than the Fe/C (25 %), benchmarked against the commercial Fe‐NanoCat® (32 %). Co/C was more selective toward gasoline production, while Fe/C was more selective toward the diesel fraction. From transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, no significant change in the mean particle size (∼12 nm) was observed in the plasma‐synthesized catalysts before and after FTS reaction, implying that the catalysts did not sinter. Additionally, there were no internal mass transport limitations in these catalysts, making them favourable for FTS. Besides metallic species, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated the presence of carbides in fresh catalysts (Fe3C in Fe/C and Co3C in Co/C). Magnetite (Fe3O4) was the most prevalent phase in the used Fe‐NanoCat® sample, a phase that was below the detection limits of XRD in the used plasma‐synthesized Fe/C sample.
Association Between Very Low Levels of High‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Long‐term Outcomes of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Treated Without Revascularization: Insights From the TRILOGY ACS Trial
Authors: Hagström Emil , Roe Matthew T. , Hafley Gail , Neely Megan L. , Sidhu Mandeep S. , Winters Kenneth J. , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , White Harvey D. , Armstrong Paul W. , Fox Keith A.A. , Ohman E. Magnus , Boden William E. ,   for the TRILOGY ACS Investigators
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTBackgroundLow levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C; <40 mg/dL) are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events, but it is unclear whether lower thresholds (<30 mg/dL) are associated with increased hazard.HypothesisVery low levels of HDL‐C may provide prognostic information in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients treated medically without revascularization.MethodsWe examined data from 9064/9326 ACS patients enrolled in the TRILOGY ACS trial. Participants were randomized to clopidogrel or prasugrel plus aspirin. Study treatments continued for 6 to 30 months. Relationships between baseline HDL‐C and the composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke, and individual endpoints of death (cardiovascular and all‐cause), MI, and stroke, adjusted for baseline characteristics through 30 months, were analyzed. The HDL‐C was evaluated as a dichotomous variable—very low (<30 mg/dL) vs higher (≥30 mg/dL)—and continuously.ResultsMedian baseline HDL‐C was 42 mg/dL (interquartile range, 34–49 mg/dL) with little variation over time. Frequency of the composite endpoint was similar for very low vs higher baseline HDL‐C, with no risk difference between groups (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95‐1.34). Similar findings were seen for MI and stroke. However, risks for cardiovascular (HR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.13‐1.78) and all‐cause death (HR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.11‐1.67) were higher in patients with very low baseline HDL‐C.ConclusionsMedically managed ACS patients with very low baseline HDL‐C levels have higher risk of long‐term cardiovascular and all‐cause death but similar risks for nonfatal ischemic outcomes vs patients with higher baseline HDL‐C.
Monitoring of Daily Body Weight and Intrathoracic Impedance in Heart Failure Patients With a High Risk of Volume Overload Decompensation
Authors: Gudmundsson Kristjan , Lyngå Patrik , Rosenqvist Mårten , Braunschweig Frieder 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTBackgroundDecompensation is frequent in heart failure (HF) patients and predicts poor prognosis.HypothesisVolume‐overload events in HF patients are preceded by changes in intrathoracic impedance (Z) and body weight (BW); monitoring these parameters may be useful to predict decompensation.MethodsForty‐three HF patients (LVEF 25% ± 12%) with a recent HF event and an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator providing daily Z were equipped with telemonitoring scales submitting daily BW. Changes in BW and Z 30 days prior to major (HF hospitalization) and minor (ambulatory adjustment of diuretics) were analyzed.ResultsDuring median of 427 days follow‐up 25 major and 41 minor events occurred. Z decreased by −4.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: CI −6.7 to −3.0) and −4.3 (95% CI: −5.5 to −3.2) within 30 days prior to major and minor events respectively (P < 0.001). BW increased before major events by 2.3 kg (95% CI: 1.0 to 3.5, P < 0.01) and minor events 1 kg (95% CI: 0.5 to 1.4, P < 0.001). Sensitivity of Z for major/minor HF events was 83.3% (95% CI: 71.7 to 91.0) and for BW 43.9% (95% CI: 31.9 to 56.7). The unexplained detection rate per patient‐year was 1.6 (interquartile range [IQR], 0–3.1) for Z and 4.8 (IQR 1.6–11.1) for BW. Combined Z and BW sensitivity was 42.4% (95% CI: 30.6 to 55.2) and unexplained detection rate was 0.8 (IQR, 0–1.5) per patient‐year.ConclusionsDecompensation is marked by a decrease in Z and increase in BW the preceding 30 days. Monitoring of Z predicts HF decompensations with better sensitivity and lower unexplained detection rate than BW.