bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation for the treatment of faecal incontinence: results of a prospective study
Authors: Stundienė Ieva , Žeromskas Paulius , Valantinas Jonas 
Published: August 2014

Background. Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation is a simple, non-invasive treatment, which can be used to treat faecal incontinence. Optimal treatment regimen is not known and various stimulation regimens are used in different centers. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of twice weekly transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence patients, who have failed to respond to maximal conservative treatment.
Material and methods. Twenty patients with faecal incontinence resistant to maximal conservative therapy were treated with transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation twice a week for six weeks. The number of the bowel movements per two weeks and the Cleveland Clinic Florida Feacal Incontinence Score were assessed before and after the treatment. The quality of life was estimated using the Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life questionnaire and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index.
Results. Effect was seen in 55% of patients. Two-week faecal incontinence episodes decreased from median 4 (2–84) to 2 (0–56) (p = 0.002). The mean Cleveland Clinic Florida Faecal Incontinence score improved from 10.9 ± 4.34 to 7.8 ± 3.96 (p = 0.002). The quality of life improved significantly after the treatment. The therapy was well tolerated and no participant experienced any adverse event.
Conclusions. Transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation twice a week for 6 weeks may be efficacious in patients with faecal incontinence, who have failed to respond to maximal conservative treatments.
Re‐testing and misclassification of HIV‐2 and HIV‐1&2 dually reactive patients among the HIV‐2 cohort of The West African Database to evaluate AIDS collaboration
Authors: Tchounga Boris K , Inwoley Andre , Coffie Patrick A , Minta Daouda , Messou Eugene , Bado Guillaume , Minga Albert , Hawerlander Denise , Kane Coumba , Eholie Serge P , Dabis François , Ekouevi Didier K ,   for the WADA Collaboration
Published: August 2014

IntroductionWest Africa is characterized by the circulation of HIV‐1 and HIV‐2. The laboratory diagnosis of these two infections as well as the choice of a first‐line antiretroviral therapy (ART) is challenging, considering the limited access to second‐line regimens. This study aimed at confirming the classification of HIV‐2 and HIV‐1&2 dually reactive patients followed up in the HIV‐2 cohort of the West African Database to evaluate AIDS collaboration.MethodA cross‐sectional survey was conducted from March to December 2012 in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali among patients classified as HIV‐2 or HIV‐1&2 dually reactive according to the national HIV testing algorithms. A 5‐ml blood sample was collected from each patient and tested in a single reference laboratory in Côte d’Ivoire (CeDReS, Abidjan) with two immuno‐enzymatic tests: ImmunoCombII® (HIV‐1&2 ImmunoComb BiSpot – Alere) and an in‐house ELISA test, approved by the French National AIDS and hepatitis Research Agency (ANRS).ResultsA total of 547 patients were included; 57% of them were initially classified as HIV‐2 and 43% as HIV‐1&2 dually reactive. Half of the patients had CD4≥500 cells/mm3 and 68.6% were on ART. Of the 312 patients initially classified as HIV‐2, 267 (85.7%) were confirmed as HIV‐2 with ImmunoCombII® and in‐house ELISA while 16 (5.1%) and 9 (2.9%) were reclassified as HIV‐1 and HIV‐1&2, respectively (Kappa=0.69; p<0.001). Among the 235 patients initially classified as HIV‐1&2 dually reactive, only 54 (23.0%) were confirmed as dually reactive with ImmunoCombII® and in‐house ELISA, while 103 (43.8%) and 33 (14.0%) were reclassified as HIV‐1 and HIV‐2 mono‐infected, respectively (kappa= 0.70; p<0.001). Overall, 300 samples (54.8%) were concordantly classified as HIV‐2, 63 (11.5%) as HIV‐1&2 dually reactive and 119 (21.8%) as HIV‐1 (kappa=0.79; p<0.001). The two tests gave discordant results for 65 samples (11.9%).ConclusionsPatients with HIV‐2 mono‐infection are correctly discriminated by the national algorithms used in West African countries. HIV‐1&2 dually reactive patients should be systematically investigated, with a standardized algorithm using more accurate tests, before initiating ART as at least 4 out of 10 of them could initiate an effective first‐line ART for HIV‐1 and optimize their second‐line treatment options.
Analysis and observation of spacecraft plume/ionosphere interactions during maneuvers of the space shuttle
Authors: Stephani K. A. , Boyd I. D. , Balthazor R. L. , McHarg M. G. , Mueller B. A. , Adams R. J. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis work employs in situ measurement data and constructive simulations to examine the underlying physical mechanisms that drive spacecraft plume interactions with the space environment in low‐Earth orbit. The study centers on observations of the enhanced flux of plasma generated during a maneuver of Space Shuttle Endeavour as part of the Sensor Test for Orion Relative Navigation Risk Mitigation experiment in May 2011. The Canary electrostatic analyzer (ESA) instrument mounted on the portside truss of the International Space Station indicated an elevated ion current during the shuttle maneuver. The apparent source of enhanced ion current is a result of interaction of the spacecraft thruster plume with the rarefied ambient ionosphere, which generates regions of relatively high density plasma through charge exchange between the neutral plume and ambient ions. To reconstruct this event, unsteady simulation data were generated using a combined direct simulation Monte Carlo/particle‐in‐cell methodology, which employed detailed charge exchange cross‐section data and a magnetic field model. The simulation provides local plasma characteristics at the ESA sensor location, and a sensor model is subsequently used to transform the local properties into a prediction of measured ion current. The predicted and observed total currents are presented as a function of time over a 30 s period of pulsed thruster firings. A strong correlation is observed in the temporal characteristics of the simulated and measured total current, and good agreement is also achieved in the total current predicted by the model. These results support conclusions that (1) the enhanced flux of plasma observed by the ESA instrument is associated with Space Shuttle thruster firings and (2) the simulation model captures the essential features of the plume interactions based on the observation data.
Evidence of stronger pitch angle scattering loss caused by oblique whistler‐mode waves as compared with quasi‐parallel waves
Authors: Li W. , Mourenas D. , Artemyev A. V. , Agapitov O. V. , Bortnik J. , Albert J. M. , Thorne R. M. , Ni B. , Kletzing C. A. , Kurth W. S. , Hospodarsky G. B. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWave normal distributions of lower‐band whistler‐mode waves observed outside the plasmapause exhibit two peaks: one near the parallel direction and the other at very oblique angles. We analyze a number of conjunction events between the Van Allen Probes near the equatorial plane and Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellites (POES) at conjugate low altitudes, where lower‐band whistler‐mode wave amplitudes were inferred from the two‐directional POES electron measurements over 30–100 keV, assuming that these waves were quasi‐parallel. For conjunction events, the wave amplitudes inferred from the POES electron measurements were found to be overestimated as compared with the Van Allen Probes measurements primarily for oblique waves and quasi‐parallel waves with small wave amplitudes (< ~20 pT) measured at low latitudes. This provides plausible experimental evidence of stronger pitch angle scattering loss caused by oblique waves than by quasi‐parallel waves with the same magnetic wave amplitudes, as predicted by numerical calculations.
Thermospheric planetary wave‐type oscillations observed by FPIs over Xinglong and Millstone Hill
Authors: Liu Xiao , Xu Jiyao , Zhang Shunrong , Jiang Guoying , Zhou Qihou , Yuan Wei , Noto John , Kerr Robert 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThree‐year (2010–2013) observations of thermospheric winds (at ~250 km) by Fabry‐Perot interferometers at Xinglong (XL, 40.2°N, 117.4°E) and Millstone Hill (MH, 42.6°N, 71.5°W) are used to study the climatology of atmospheric planetary wave‐type oscillations (PWTOs) with periods of 4–19 days. We find that (1) these PWTOs occur more frequently in the months from May to October. They are consistent with the summertime preference of middle‐latitude ionospheric electron density oscillations noted in other studies. (2) The month‐to‐month variations in PWTOs show phase changes between MH and XL, switching from antiphase to in phase when PWTO periods vary from short to long. (3) Typical PWTOs show annual and semiannual variations. The relative intensity of annual over semiannual components for PWTOs is different between XL and MH. (4) Magnetic storms and substorms have little influences on the annual and semiannual variations of the typical PWTO amplitudes. (5) Meridional wind PWTOs with typical periodicity bands around 5, 8, and 16 days appear to be correlated to both solar wind speed and Kp oscillations, suggesting a possible influence of the solar wind corotating interaction regions on neutral wind dynamics.
Plasma and energetic particle observations in Jupiter's deep tail near the magnetopause
Authors: Kollmann P. , Ebert R. W. , Haggerty D. K. , Bagenal F. , Elliott H. A. , McComas D. J. , Hill M. E. , Paranicas C. , Delamere P. A. , Brown L. , McNutt R. L. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractJupiter's nightside magnetosphere stretches out into an extensive magnetotail. New Horizons observed continuously over 1 AU down Jupiter's tail, far more than any other spacecraft. Previously, Voyager 2 showed signatures of the tail as far as 4 AU distance from Jupiter. We combine data from New Horizons' charged particle instruments: Solar Wind Around Pluto, measuring plasma ions (21–7800 eV/Q), and Pluto Energetic Particle Spectrometer Science Investigation, measuring energetic ions and electrons (0.03–1.6 MeV). The magnetosheath is clearly distinguished from the magnetotail, owing to more plasma ions. They are often separated by a boundary layer with intermediate properties at plasma energies but resemblance to the magnetotail at higher energies. Compared to the tail, the sheath contains on average more energetic protons and helium ions (potential solar wind origin) and fewer energetic electrons, oxygen, and sulfur ions (latter two of magnetospheric origin). The difference between tail and sheath for energetic ions and electrons is less pronounced than for plasma ions, which may result from particle exchange. We have ruled out that this is due to gyroradius. Energetic ion count rate enhancements with velocity dispersion cross between tail, boundary layer, and sheath. This indicates occasional magnetic connections since the enhancements are interpreted as particles following magnetic flux tubes. The deep tail magnetic field is therefore not entirely separated from the solar wind. Brief magnetic connection will mostly allow the fastest particles to cross, in agreement with the observations. Most dispersed enhancements include sulfur ions consistent with an origin near Jupiter's X line. We found one event of mostly protons, indicating an origin at larger distances.
Ensemble data assimilation in the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model
Authors: Pedatella N. M. , Raeder K. , Anderson J. L. , Liu H.‐L. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWe present results pertaining to the assimilation of real lower, middle, and upper atmosphere observations in the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) using the Data Assimilation Research Testbed (DART) ensemble adjustment Kalman filter. The ability to assimilate lower atmosphere observations of aircraft and radiosonde temperature and winds, satellite drift winds, and Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate refractivity along with middle/upper atmosphere temperature observations from SABER and Aura MLS is demonstrated. The WACCM+DART data assimilation system is shown to be able to reproduce the salient features, and variability, of the troposphere present in the National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research Re‐Analysis. In the mesosphere, the fit of WACCM+DART to observations is found to be slightly worse when only lower atmosphere observations are assimilated compared to a control experiment that is reflective of the model climatological variability. This differs from previous results which found that assimilation of lower atmosphere observations improves the fit to mesospheric observations. This discrepancy is attributed to the fact that due to the gravity wave drag parameterizations, the model climatology differs significantly from the observations in the mesosphere, and this is not corrected by the assimilation of lower atmosphere observations. The fit of WACCM+DART to mesospheric observations is, however, significantly improved compared to the control experiment when middle/upper atmosphere observations are assimilated. We find that assimilating SABER observations reduces the root‐mean‐square error and bias of WACCM+DART relative to the independent Aura MLS observations by ∼50%, demonstrating that assimilation of middle/upper atmosphere observations is essential for accurate specification of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere region in WACCM+DART. Last, we demonstrate that WACCM+DART is able to follow the dynamical and chemical variability during the 2009 sudden stratosphere warming, illustrating the capability of WACCM+DART to generate high‐quality atmospheric reanalysis from the surface to the lower thermosphere.
Seasonal changes in physical processes controlling evaporation over inland water
Authors: Zhang Qianyu , Liu Heping 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWhile previous studies have shown the distinct characteristics of water surface energy fluxes in different seasons, much less analysis is conducted about how seasonal changes in physical processes and environmental variables in the atmospheric surface layer (ASL) cause variations in flux exchange. Here we analyzed and compared eddy covariance fluxes of sensible heat (H) and latent heat (LE) and other microclimate variables that were measured over a large inland water surface in the winter season (January, February, and March) and the summer season (June, July, and August) of 2008. Our analysis was primarily focused on LE using half‐hour time series data on a short‐term basis. Our results show that an increase in wind speeds (U) or vapor pressure difference in the ASL (Δe) or ASL instability did not necessarily cause an increase in LE, and the opposite changes in LE with changes in these variables were observed. Relative regulations of LE by different environmental variables depended largely on Δe magnitudes. Under low Δe conditions, diurnal LE variations were not sensitive to changes in Δe and U but were controlled primarily by changes in the ASL stability. Under high Δe conditions, diurnal LE variations were mainly determined by changes in Δe, though alternate controls by U and Δe were observed, whereas ASL stability played minor roles in affecting LE variations. Whether these highly nonlinear responses of LE to environmental variables are adequately reflected in the bulk transfer relations requires further studies.
A spectral transform dynamical core option within the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM4)
Authors: Evans Katherine J. , Mahajan Salil , Branstetter Marcia , McClean Julie L. , Caron Julie , Maltrud Matthew E. , Hack James J. , Bader David C. , Neale Richard , Leifeld Juliann K. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAn ensemble of simulations covering the present day observational period using forced sea surface temperatures and prescribed sea‐ice extent is configured with an 85 truncation resolution spectral transform dynamical core (T85) within the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM), version 4 and is evaluated relative to observed and model derived data sets and the one degree finite volume (FV) dynamical core. The spectral option provides a well‐known base within the climate model community to assess climate behavior and statistics, and its relative computational efficiency for smaller computing platforms allows it to be extended to perform high‐resolution climate length simulations. Overall, the quality of the T85 ensemble is similar to FV. Analyzing specific features of the T85 simulations show notable improvements to the representation of wintertime Arctic sea level pressure and summer precipitation over the Western Indian subcontinent. The mean and spatial patterns of the land surface temperature trends over the AMIP period are generally well simulated with the T85 ensemble relative to observations, however the model is not able to capture the extent nor magnitude of changes in temperature extremes over the boreal summer, where the changes are most dramatic. Biases in the wintertime Arctic surface temperature and annual mean surface stress fields persist with T85 as with the CAM3 version of T85, as compared to FV. An experiment to identify the source of differences between dycores has revealed that the longwave cloud forcing is sensitive to the choice of dycore, which has implications for tuning strategies of the physics parameter settings.
Hydrogen Bond Mediated Aglycone Delivery: Synthesis of Linear and Branched α‐Glucans
Authors: Yasomanee Jagodige P. , Demchenko Alexei V. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractA Hydrogen bond mediated aglycone delivery (HAD) method was applied to the synthesis of α‐glucans, which are abundant in nature, but as targets represent a notable challenge to chemists. The synthesis of linear oligosaccharide sequences was accomplished in complete stereoselectivity in all glycosylations. The efficacy of HAD may diminish with the increased bulk of the glycosyl acceptor, and may be an important factor for the syntheses of oligomers beyond pentasaccharides. The synthesis of a branched structure proved more challenging, particularly with bulky trisaccharide acceptors.
Synthesis of α‐Aryl Esters and Nitriles: Deaminative Coupling of α‐Aminoesters and α‐Aminoacetonitriles with Arylboronic Acids
Authors: Wu Guojiao , Deng Yifan , Wu Chaoqiang , Zhang Yan , Wang Jianbo 
Published: August 2014

AbstractTransition‐metal‐free synthesis of α‐aryl esters and nitriles using arylboronic acids with α‐aminoesters and α‐aminoacetonitriles, respectively, as the starting materials has been developed. The reaction represents a rare case of converting C(sp3)N bonds into C(sp3)C(sp2) bonds. The reaction conditions are mild, demonstrate good functional‐group tolerance, and can be scaled up.
Production scale plasma modification of polypropylene baselayer for improved water management properties
Authors: Fauland Gulnara , Constantin Floriana , Gaffar Hossain , Bechtold Thomas 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThrough its hydrophobic properties, polypropylene (PP) offers unique potential as a functional fiber for a wide range of applications, for example, in nonwovens for hygiene applications or as a baselayer in sports textiles. Current work is focused on the modification of PP presently used in baselayers for sports textiles to increase the hydrophilicity by use of a production scale plant for low pressure plasma treatment. Attention was directed toward an increase in hydrophilicity and time stability of the achieved modification during storage. Changes in the fabric were characterized by sorption of the cationic dye (methylene blue), water retention value, water transport properties, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and color measurement. The obtained results indicate an improved wettability and wicking. The extent of modification decreased with storage time and parallel yellowing of treated samples was observed. This indicates chemical rearrangement of the products initially formed on the fiber surface. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41294.
Metabolic modeling of spatial heterogeneity of biofilms in microbial fuel cells reveals substrate limitations in electrical current generation
Authors: Jayasinghe Nadeera , Franks Ashley , Nevin Kelly P. , Mahadevan Radhakrishnan 
Published: August 2014

AbstractMicrobial fuel cells (MFCs) have been proposed as an alternative energy resource for the conversion of organic compounds to electricity. In an MFC, microorganisms such as Geobacter sulfurreducens form an anode‐associated biofilm that can completely oxidize organic matter (electron donor) to carbon dioxide with direct electron transfer to the anode (electron acceptor). Mathematical models are useful in analyzing biofilm processes; however, existing models rely on Nernst–Monod type expressions, and evaluate extracellular processes separated from the intracellular metabolism of the microorganism. Thus, models that combine both extracellular and intracellular components, while addressing spatial heterogeneity, are essential for improved representation of biofilm processes. The goal of this work is to develop a model that integrates genome‐scale metabolic models with the model of biofilm environment. This integrated model shows the variations of electrical current production and biofilm thickness under the presence/absence of NH4 in the bulk solution, and under varying maintenance energy demands. Further, sensitivity analysis suggested that conductivity is not limiting electrical current generation and that increasing cell density can lead to enhanced current generation. In addition, the modeling results also highlight instances such as the transformation into respiring cells, where the mechanism of electrical current generation during biofilm development is not yet clearly understood.
Carbon‐Supported Molybdenum‐Based Catalysts for the Hydrodeoxygenation of Maize Oil
Authors: Qin Yu , He Lili , Duan Jinzhao , Chen Ping , Lou Hui , Zheng Xiaoming , Hong Haiping 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of maize oil was performed in an autoclave with Mo‐based catalysts supported by different carbon materials, such as reduced graphene oxide, activated charcoal, graphite, and fullerene. Nanostructured Mo‐based catalysts with different phase compositions were prepared by using the carbothermal hydrogen reduction method at temperatures ranging from 500 to 700 °C and characterized by Raman spectroscopy, N2 adsorption isotherms, SEM, TEM, XRD, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and ammonia temperature‐programmed desorption. The highest total hydrocarbon yield of 90.32 % was obtained on the reduced graphene oxide‐supported molybdenum carbide catalyst at 700 °C. These results are subject to the complicated effect of different factors such as phase composition, defect concentration, and particle size on the catalytic behavior of the materials. Unique structures of different supports also play a significant role in the HDO reaction. On the basis of the results of comprehensive analysis of products and catalysts, an HDO mechanism was proposed. These Mo‐based catalysts are a promising system to prepare high‐quality diesel fuels from renewable resources.
Safe Transport of Acrylic Acid in Railroad Tank Cars. Part 1: Determination of the Self‐Accelerating Decomposition Temperature
Authors: Krause Gerhard , Wehrstedt Klaus‐Dieter , Malow Marcus , Budde Klaus , Mosler Jürgen 
Published: August 2014

AbstractExperiments according to a test specified in the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Manual of Tests and Criteria, and numerical simulations by means of a finite element method are employed to determine the self‐accelerating decomposition temperature of acrylic acid in a railroad tank car. The results demonstrate that the transport of acrylic acid in big tank cars is safe as long as some basic conditions are taken into account.