bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Space‐time NURBS‐enhanced finite elements for free‐surface flows in 2D
Authors: Stavrev A. , Knechtges P. , Elgeti S. , Huerta A. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe accuracy of numerical simulations of free‐surface flows depends strongly on the computation of geometric quantities like normal vectors and curvatures. This geometrical information is additional to the actual degrees of freedom and usually requires a much finer discretization of the computational domain than the flow solution itself. Therefore, the utilization of a numerical method, which uses standard functions to discretize the unknown function in combination with an enhanced geometry representation is a natural step to improve the simulation efficiency. An example of such method is the NURBS‐enhanced finite element method (NEFEM), recently proposed by Sevilla et al. The current paper discusses the extension of the spatial NEFEM to space‐time methods and investigates the application of space‐time NURBS‐enhanced elements to free‐surface flows. Derived is also a kinematic rule for the NURBS motion in time, which is able to preserve mass conservation over time. Numerical examples show the ability of the space‐time NEFEM to account for both pressure discontinuities and surface tension effects and compute smooth free‐surface forms. For these examples, the advantages of the NEFEM compared with the classical FEM are shown. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soil pipe flow tracer experiments: 1. Connectivity and transport characteristics
Authors: Wilson G. V. , Rigby J. R. , Ursic M. , Dabney S. M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMuch debate has occurred in catchment hydrology regarding the connectivity of flow paths from upslope areas to catchment outlets. This study was conducted in two catchments, one with three upper branches, in a loess soil with a fragipan that fosters lateral flow and exhibits an extensive distribution of soil pipe collapse features. The study aimed to determine the connectivity of multiple soil pipe networks as well as determine pipe flow velocities during storm events. Fluorescein dye was injected directly into soil pipes at the upper most pipe collapse feature of four different hillslopes. Breakthrough curves (BTC) were determined by sampling multiple pipe collapse features downslope. The BTCs were used to determine the ‘average’ (centre of mass) and ‘maximum’ (first arrival) flow velocities. This study confirmed that these catchments contain individual continuous soil pipe networks that extend over 190 m and connect the upper most hillslopes areas with the catchment outlet. While the flow paths are continuous, the individual pipe networks consist of alternating reaches of subsurface flow through soil pipes and reaches of surface flow through gullies formed by pipe collapses. In addition, flow can be occurring both through the subsurface soil pipes simultaneous with surface flow generated by artesian flow from the soil pipes. The pipe flow velocities were as high as 0.3 m/s, which was in the range of streamflow velocities. These pipe flow velocities were also in the range of velocities observed in pinhole erosion tests suggesting that these large, mature soil pipes are still actively eroding. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of the impact of pools on the water isotopic signature of a boreal patterned peatland
Authors: Carrer Gwenael E. , Rousseau Alain N. , Jutras Sylvain , Fossey Maxime 
Published: October 2015

AbstractRecent studies have shown that boreal peatlands exhibit considerable chemical variability but without clear spatial pattern. This chemical heterogeneity illustrates the complex hydrological behaviour of peatlands, particularly patterned fen. Isotopic, chemical and physical tracers were used to describe the hydrological behaviour of a small boreal headwater catchment (13 ha) during the snow‐free period with a special emphasis on the downstream patterned fen. Results showed that shallow pools were mixed every day during the summer, particularly during nights or discharge periods. Despite large water storage capacities in pools, which should induce large buffer effect, hydrological behaviour of patterned fen is more similar to a piston flow process. This is probably because of the division of the fen into successive small cascading streamflow reservoirs. The consequences were a rapid change of the chemical signature throughout the fen, particularly upstream. A spatial pattern was observed downstream in early summer. The isotopic signature passed from an upstream depleted and homogeneous signature to a progressively enriched downstream signature. However, this pattern was not identified during the wetter period (late summer), probably because the discharge, which dominated the water budget, decreased the surface water residence time and flushed a large proportion of stored surface water. We developed for this patterned fen a conceptual model of the surface flow to explain these particular mixing effects and the implications on the dynamics of the chemical signature. To further our understanding of similar boreal headwater catchments, future work should include the development of a multiple mixed‐reservoir model. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteinuria and Albuminuria During and After Paricalcitol Treatment in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Ekart Robert , Bevc Sebastjan , Hojs Radovan , Hojs Nina 
Published: October 2015

AbstractData on paricalcitol lowering albuminuria and proteinuria already exist; however, it is unclear how paricalcitol withdrawal affects both. Forty‐two nondialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients (29 men) aged 62.3 ± 12 years completed the study. CKD patients with proteinuria and intact parathyroid hormone ≥65 pg/mL received paricalcitol (1 μg/day po) for 6 months. After paricalcitol withdrawal we followed them for 6 more months. Paricalcitol treatment significantly reduced urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR), 24‐hour albuminuria (24hA), and 24‐hour proteinuria (24hP). Six months after drug withdrawal UACR increased significantly, 24hA and 24hP did not change significantly. Serum creatinine and cystatin C significantly increased during treatment, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decreased. After drug withdrawal serum creatinine, cystatin C, and eGFR did not change significantly. In conclusion, 6‐month paricalcitol treatment (1 μg/day) in nondialysis CKD patients significantly reduced albuminuria and proteinuria. Six months after paricalcitol withdrawal 24hA and 24hP did not change significantly. Kidney function decreased during paricalcitol treatment; after paricalcitol withdrawal it remained stable. The unaltered values of 24hA, 24hP, and kidney function after paricalcitol withdrawal could be a delayed effect of paricalcitol treatment.
Protein stabilization and enzyme activation in ionic liquids: specific ion effects
Authors: Zhao Hua 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThere are still debates on whether the hydration of ions perturbs the water structure, and what is the degree of such disturbance; therefore, the origin of the Hofmeister effect on protein stabilization continues to be questioned. For this reason, it is suggested to use the ‘specific ion effect’ instead of other misleading terms such as Hofmeister effect, Hofmeister series, lyotropic effect, and lyotropic series. This review first discusses the controversial aspect of inorganic ion effects on water structures, and several possible contributors to the specific ion effect of protein stability. Due to recent overwhelming attraction of ionic liquids (ILs) as benign solvents in many enzymatic reactions, this paper further evaluates the structural properties of ILs and molecular‐level interactions in neat ILs and their aqueous solutions. Next, the specific ion effects of ILs on enzyme stability and activity are systematically compared and it is concluded that (a) the specificity of many enzymatic systems in diluted aqueous IL solutions is roughly in line with the traditional Hofmeister series albeit some exceptions; (b) however, the specificity follows a different track in concentrated or neat ILs because other factors (such as hydrogen‐bond basicity, nucelophilicity, and hydrophobicity, etc.) are playing leading roles. In addition, some examples of biocatalytic reactions in IL systems that are guided by the empirical specificity rule are demonstrated. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Lactic acid production on a combined distillery stillage and sugar beet molasses substrate
Authors: Mladenović Dragana D , Djukić‐Vuković Aleksandra P , Kocić‐Tanackov Sunčica D , Pejin Jelena D , Mojović Ljiljana V 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDUtilization of wastes and industrial by‐products for production of valuable bio‐based chemicals has economic and environmental advantages. The aim of this study was to investigate utilization of two industrial by‐products, distillery stillage and sugar beet molasses combined as a substrate for lactic acid and biomass production. A selection of the most appropriate lactic acid bacteria that could effectively utilize this waste substrate was performed. In addition, the effect of initial sugar concentration on lactic acid production and growth of lactic acid bacteria on the combined waste substrate was evaluated.RESULTSLactobacillus paracasei NRRL B‐4564 was selected as the most promising for lactic acid production on distillery stillage and sugar beet molasses. The highest lactic acid productivity of 1.42 g L−1 h−1 and yield of 0.91 g g−1 were achieved on stillage/molasses media at initial sugar concentration of 56.74 g L−1. The highest number of L. paracasei cells at 5.3 × 109 CFU mL−1 was achieved at initial sugar concentration of 78.22 g L−1.CONCLUSIONCombined distillery stillage and sugar beet molasses could provide valuable nutrients for growth of fastidious lactic acid bacteria and enable efficient lactic acid production, while processing industrial waste in this way has great environmental relevance. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Empirical Analysis of School Attainment/Progression in Cameroon
Authors: Tenikue Michel 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn Cameroon, only one third of children progress to secondary education. This paper estimates a sequential model of school attainment to investigate the role played by family and individual characteristics in keeping children at school up to the end of secondary school. Using Cameroonian Household data, we find that while parental wealth has no effect on the probability of entering primary school, it is, however, a good predictor of completing primary and secondary education; the lack of secondary schools hinders primary school entry and that male children are more likely to stay in school up to the end of secondary education. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical course and prognostic factors in patients with malignant pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma: A single institution experience
Authors: Choi Yun Mi , Sung Tae‐Yon , Kim Won Gu , Lee Jong Jin , Ryu Jin‐Sook , Kim Tae Yong , Kim Won Bae , Hong Suck Joon , Song Dong Eun , Shong Young Kee 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesMalignant pheochromocytoma (PCC)/paraganglioma (PG) are rare neuroendocrine malignancies, and their clinical courses and prognoses are not well understood. This study aimed to evaluate prognostic factors associated with the survival of malignant PCC/PG.MethodsThis retrospective study reviewed 299 patients with PCC and 46 with PG treated between 1997 and 2013 at our single tertiary hospital. Malignant PCC/PG was defined as the presence of distant metastasis or recurrence at sites where neuroendocrine tissue is normally not present.ResultsTwenty‐seven patients (9%) were confirmed with malignant PCC and six patients (13%) with malignant PG. Twenty‐seven patients (82%) had distant metastases, nine patients (27%) presented with a metastasis at the initial diagnosis, whilst 24 patients (73%) were diagnosed with malignant PCC/PG during follow‐up (median, 4.3 year). The median survival was 7.2 years, and the 5 year survival rate was 75.4%. Older age (>45 years), larger tumor size (>6 cm), synchronous metastasis, and absence of surgical excision were associated with poor survival by univariate analysis. By multivariate analysis, older age (HR = 4.3, P = 0.02) and synchronous metastasis (HR = 4.3, P = 0.01) were significantly associated with a poor prognosis.ConclusionsPatients with malignant PCC/PG have diverse clinical courses. Poor survival was independently associated with older age and synchronous metastasis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:815–821. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On complexity and homogeneity measures in predicting biological aggressiveness of prostate cancer; Implication of the cellular automata model of tumor growth
Authors: Tanase Mihai , Waliszewski Przemyslaw 
Published: October 2015

Background and ObjectivesWe propose a novel approach for the quantitative evaluation of aggressiveness in prostate carcinomas.MethodsThe spatial distribution of cancer cell nuclei was characterized by the global spatial fractal dimensions D0, D1, and D2. Two hundred eighteen prostate carcinomas were stratified into the classes of equivalence using results of ROC analysis. A simulation of the cellular automata mix defined a theoretical frame for a specific geometric representation of the cell nuclei distribution called a local structure correlation diagram (LSCD). The LSCD and dispersion Hdwere computed for each carcinoma. Data mining generated some quantitative criteria describing tumor aggressiveness.ResultsAlterations in tumor architecture along progression were associated with some changes in both shape and the quantitative characteristics of the LSCD consistent with those in the automata mix model. Low‐grade prostate carcinomas with low complexity and very low biological aggressiveness are defined by the condition D0 < 1.545 and Hd < 38. High‐grade carcinomas with high complexity and very high biological aggressiveness are defined by the condition D0 > 1.764 and Hd < 38.ConclusionsThe novel homogeneity measure Hdidentifies carcinomas with very low aggressiveness within the class of complexity C1 or carcinomas with very high aggressiveness in the class C7.J. Surg. Oncol. 2015;112:791–801. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Objective assessment of intensive targeted treatment for solar lentigines using intense pulsed light with wavelengths between 500 and 635 nm
Authors: Tanaka Yohei , Tsunemi Yuichiro , Kawashima Makoto 
Published: October 2015

Background and ObjectivesSolar lentigines are commonly found in sun‐exposed areas of the body including hands, neck, or face. This study evaluates the efficacy of an intense pulsed light (IPL) device, with wavelengths between 500 and 635 nm and delivered with a targeted tip, for the treatment of solar lentigines on Japanese skin.Study Design/Materials and MethodsForty Japanese patients with solar lentigines received one IPL treatment with a targeted treatment tip that emits wavelengths between 500 and 635 nm and contact cooling. Pulses were delivered through a targeted tip to each lentigo until mild swelling and a gray color were observed. Digital photographs and gray level histogram values were taken pre‐ and post‐treatment, and patient assessments were recorded post‐treatment.ResultsSignificant improvement was observed for all patients in digital photographs and mean values of gray level histograms (P < 0.0001). Ninety percent of patients reported satisfaction with the improvement of the treatment area and convenience of the procedure. Complications were minor and transitory, consisting of a slight burning sensation and mild erythema which resolved within 5 hours of treatment. No serious adverse events were observed.ConclusionsA short‐wavelength IPL, delivered with a targeted tip and contact cooling, offers a highly efficacious treatment for solar lentigines in Japanese skin with minimal downtime and complications. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:30–35, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effects of 2,4‐dinitrophenol and d‐glucose concentration on the development, sex ratio, and interferon‐tau (IFNT) production of bovine blastocysts
Authors: Green Mark P. , Harvey Alexandra J. , Spate Lee D. , Kimura Koji , Thompson Jeremy G. , Roberts R. Michael 
Published: October 2015

SUMMARYThe preimplantation bovine embryo displays sexual dimorphism in glucose sensitivity and interferon‐tau (IFNT) secretion that are negated by inhibition of the pentose phosphate pathway, suggesting that the association between glucose metabolism and IFNT likely underpins the selective loss of female embryos. The aim of this study was to determine if altered glucose metabolism, through glucose supplementation and/or uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation with 2,4‐dinitrophenol (DNP), affected embryo development. Bovine blastocyst development, sex, and IFNT production were examined in embryos cultured in the presence or absence of glucose (0, 1.5, 4 mM) with or without exposure to DNP (0, 10, 100 μM) between Days 5 and 8 post‐fertilization. The absence or presence of high (4 mM) glucose reduced blastocyst development and favored the development of male embryos (P < 0.001). DNP at 10 μM had no effect, whereas 100 μM had a negative impact on blastocyst development. Notably, in the presence or even absence of glucose, supplementation with 10 μM DNP further skewed the sex ratio toward males (P < 0.05). Sexually dimorphic IFNT production was maintained in these conditions, although total production was reduced in the presence of high glucose and DNP, irrespective of embryo sex. These data suggest that the pentose phosphate pathway can modulate embryonic sex ratio and development. Therefore, bovine embryo culture should be undertaken in a low glucose (<2.5 mM) medium to minimize potential embryonic stress, as higher concentrations have sexually dimorphic effects on development and an embryo's ability to signal to the maternal reproductive tract. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 50–60, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Trefftz‐based dual reciprocity method for hyperbolic boundary value problems
Authors: Moldovan I. D. , Radu L. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryA new dual reciprocity‐type approach to approximating the solution of non‐homogeneous hyperbolic boundary value problems is presented in this paper. Typical variants of the dual reciprocity method obtain approximate particular solutions of boundary value problems in two steps. In the first step, the source function is approximated, typically using radial basis, trigonometric or polynomial functions. In the second step, the particular solution is obtained by analytically solving the non‐homogeneous equation having the approximation of the source function as the non‐homogeneous term. However, the particular solution trial functions obtained in this way typically have complicated expressions and, in the case of hyperbolic problems, points of singularity. Conversely, the method presented here uses the same trial functions for both source function and particular solution approximations. These functions have simple expressions and need not be singular, unless a singular particular solution is physically justified. The approximation is shown to be highly convergent and robust to mesh distortion.Any boundary method can be used to approximate the complementary solution of the boundary value problem, once its particular solution is known. The option here is to use hybrid‐Trefftz finite elements for this purpose. This option secures a domain integral‐free formulation and endorses the use of super‐sized finite elements as the (hierarchical) Trefftz bases contain relevant physical information on the modeled problem. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐comparisons as motivators for healthy behavior
Authors: Shakya Holly B. , Christakis Nicholas A. , Fowler James H. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveWe explored whether individuals' comparison of themselves to their social contacts, specifically feeling fitter or thinner than friends, is a significant predictor of three weight‐loss behaviors (dieting, reducing alcohol, exercising).MethodsWe used a longitudinal survey of a national sample of Americans (N = 20,373) to measure respondents' personal social networks and their self‐comparisons to their social contacts at two annual waves.ResultsParticipants who felt thinner than friends in Wave 1 had 1.16 lower odds of dieting in Wave 2. Those who felt fitter than friends in Wave 1 had 1.10 times higher odds of reducing alcohol and 1.18 times higher odds of exercising in Wave 2. We found that 20% of the relationship between feeling thin at baseline and subsequent dieting may be because feeling heavier than friends makes one want to lose weight. This same dynamic accounts for 25% of the relationship between feeling fit and dieting and 12% of the relationship between feeling thin and reducing alcohol.ConclusionsThese results suggest that normative self‐comparison with important others is a potentially salient determinant of obesity‐related health behavior and appears to work differently depending upon the behavior. Interventions may benefit from exploiting social comparisons in targeted ways.
Probiotic supplementation and trimethylamine‐N‐oxide production following a high‐fat diet
Authors: Boutagy Nabil E. , Neilson Andrew P. , Osterberg Kristin L. , Smithson Andrew T. , Englund Tessa R. , Davy Brenda M. , Hulver Matthew W. , Davy Kevin P. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the multi‐strain probiotic VSL#3 would attenuate the increase in fasting plasma concentrations of trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO) following a high‐fat diet.MethodsNineteen healthy, non‐obese males (18‐30 years) participated in the present study. Following a 2‐week eucaloric control diet, subjects were randomized to either VSL#3 (900 billion live bacteria) or placebo (cornstarch) during the consumption of a hypercaloric (+1,000 kcal day−1), high‐fat diet (55% fat) for 4 weeks. Plasma TMAO, L‐carnitine, choline, and betaine (UPLC‐MS/MS) were measured at baseline and following a high‐fat diet.ResultsPlasma TMAO significantly increased 89% ± 66% vs. 115% ± 61% in both the VSL#3 and placebo groups, respectively; however, the magnitude of change in plasma TMAO was not different (P > 0.05) between them. Plasma L‐carnitine, choline, and betaine concentrations did not increase following the high‐fat diet in either group.ConclusionsA high‐fat diet increases plasma TMAO in healthy, normal‐weight, young males. However, VSL#3 treatment does not appear to influence plasma TMAO concentrations following a high‐fat diet. Future studies are needed to determine whether other therapeutic strategies can attenuate the production of TMAO.