bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Central Pacific El Niño intraseasonal Kelvin wave
Authors: Mosquera‐Vásquez K. , Dewitte B. , Illig Serena 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn this study, we document and interpret the characteristics of the IntraSeasonal Kelvin wave (ISKw) in the Pacific over the 1989–2011 period, based on observations, a linear model, and the outputs of an Ocean General Circulation Model (OGCM). We focus on the wave activity during the Central Pacific (CP) El Niño events contrasting with the extraordinary El Niño of 1997/1998. We find that the ISKw activity is enhanced in Austral summer (spring) in the central Pacific (west of ∼120°W) during CP El Niño events. The linear model experiment indicates that the Austral summer peak is wind‐forced, while the Austral spring peak is not and consequently results from nonlinear processes. In addition, a strong dissipation of the ISKws is observed east of 120°W which cannot be accounted for by a linear model using a Rayleigh friction. A vertical and horizontal mode decomposition of the OGCM simulation further confirms the sharp changes in characteristics of the ISKws as well as the reflection of the latter into first‐meridional Rossby wave at the longitude where the maximum zonal gradient of the thermocline is found (∼120°W). Our analysis suggests that the confinement of CP El Niño warming in the central Pacific may result from the reinforcement of the zonal gradient in stratification associated with the La Niña‐like conditions since the late of the 1990s, leading to scattering of the energy of the ISKws in the eastern Pacific.
Geometry of tidal inlet systems: A key factor for the net sediment transport in tidal inlets
Authors: Ridderinkhof W. , de Swart H. E. , van der Vegt M. , Alebregtse N. C. , Hoekstra P. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe net transport of sediment between the back‐barrier basin and the sea is an important process for determining the stability of tidal inlet systems. Earlier studies showed that in a short basin, tidal flats favor peak ebb‐currents stronger than peak flood currents, implying export of coarse sediment, while shallow basins favor stronger flood currents. The new elements considered in this study are (1) arbitrary basin lengths, (2) a narrow inlet that connects the basin to the sea, (3) an asymmetric tidal forcing, and (4) radiation damping. The objective is to gain fundamental insight in how the geometry of a tidal inlet system affects the net sand transport in a tidal inlet. For this purpose, a width‐averaged and depth‐averaged analytical model was constructed. It is found that the length of a back‐barrier basin controls the effect that nonlinear hydrodynamic processes have on the tidal asymmetry, and consequently controls whether the currents in the inlet are flood‐dominant or ebb‐dominant. Furthermore, the cross‐sectional area of the inlet controls the ratio between the net sediment transports that results from tidal asymmetry and that caused by the interaction of the principal tide with the residual current. Finally, it is shown that the effect of an asymmetric tidal forcing on the net sand transport depends on the length of the back‐barrier basin with respect to the tidal wavelength in that basin.
Numerical evaluation of the effects of planform geometry and inflow conditions on flow, turbulence structure, and bed shear velocity at a stream confluence with a concordant bed
Authors: Constantinescu George , Miyawaki Shinjiro , Rhoads Bruce , Sukhodolov Alexander 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis study numerically investigates the effects of variations in inflow conditions and planform geometry on large‐scale coherent flow structures and bed friction velocities at a stream confluence with natural bathymetry and concordant bed morphology. Several numerical experiments are conducted in which either the Kelvin‐Helmholtz mode or the wake mode dominates within the mixing interface (MI) between the two confluent streams as the junction angle and alignments of the tributaries are altered. In the Kelvin‐Helmholtz mode, the MI contains mostly corotating vortices driven by the mean transverse shear across the MI, while in the wake mode the MI contains counterrotating vortices forming by the interaction of the separated shear layers on the two sides of a zone of stagnant fluid near the junction corner. A large angle between the two incoming streams is not necessary for the development of strongly coherent streamwise‐oriented vortical (SOV) cells in the immediate vicinity of the MI. Results show that such SOV cells can develop and produce high bed friction velocities even for cases with a low angle between the two tributaries and for cases where the downstream channel is approximately aligned with the axes of the two tributaries (low‐curvature cases). SOV cells tend not to develop only when the incoming streams are parallel and aligned with the downstream channel (junction angle of zero), and the incoming flows produce a strong Kelvin‐Helmholtz mode. Under such conditions, quasi 2‐D MI vortices play the primary role in mixing and the production of high bed shear velocities. Simulations with and without natural bed morphology/local bank line irregularities indicate that planform geometry and inflow conditions primarily govern the development of coherent flow structures, but that bathymetric and bank line effects can locally modify details of these structures.
The paleoecology of early Pleistocene Gigantopithecus blacki inferred from isotopic analyses
Authors: Nelson Sherry V. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThis study presents isotopic analyses of Gigantopithecus blacki and contemporaneous fauna from Early Pleistocene southern China cave localities with a view to reconstructing the paleoecology of this large extinct ape. Carbon and oxygen stable isotope compositions were determined using tooth enamel carbonate of Gigantopithecus and eight other taxa from Longgudong Cave and additional Gigantopithecus specimens from Juyuandong Cave. Carbon isotopic values of Gigantopithecus fauna reflect a densely forested habitat rarely preserved in the fossil record. These values overlap with those of other ape habitats including Miocene Sivapithecus faunas in the Siwaliks of Pakistan and modern chimpanzee faunas at Kibale National Park, Uganda, and the Ituri Forest, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite the overlap, Gigantopithecus fauna carbon values are significantly lower than those of the Siwaliks and Kibale, likely reflecting a more continuous canopy or more humid forest. Carbon isotope values suggest the habitat consisted of vegetation similar to current subtropical monsoon forests of southern China. Ranges of carbon and oxygen isotopic values for Gigantopithecus suggest a broad diet comprising both terrestrial and canopy plants. Am J Phys Anthropol 155:571–578, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Immunology
Authors: Toskala Elina 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundKnowledge of our immune system functions is critical for understanding allergic airway disease development as well as for selection of appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic options for patients with respiratory allergies.MethodsThis review explains the current understanding of the basic immunology of the upper airways and the pathophysiology of allergic responses, including the mechanisms behind allergic rhinitis.ResultsThe immune system can be divided to 2 main defense systems that function differently—innate immunity and adaptive immunity. Innate immunity includes several defensive mechanisms such as anatomic or physical barriers, physiological barriers, phagocytosis, and inflammation. The adaptive immune response is activated in an antigen‐specific way to provide for the elimination of antigen and induce lasting protection. Hypersensitivity reactions occur when an exaggerated adaptive immune response is activated. Allergic rhinitis is an example of a type I, immunoglobulin E, mediated hypersensitivity reaction.ConclusionToday we have several immunomodulatory treatment options for patients with allergic airway diseases, such as subcutaneous and sublingual immunotherapy. An understanding of the basics of our immune system and its method of functions is key for using these therapies appropriately.
Pharmacotherapy for allergic rhinitis
Authors: Platt Michael 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundPharmacotherapy for allergic rhinitis is a mainstay of treatment for patients with mild to severe nasal allergy symptoms. A wide array of medical treatment options is available for both episodic relief and prevention of symptoms. Treatment regimens can be tailored to individual patients based on nasal symptoms, severity, and associated atopic disorders. The purposes of this review are to identify available pharmacotherapies for allergic rhinitis, to discuss the benefits and limitations of each treatment option, and to help guide practitioners in providing optimal medical treatment for patients with allergic rhinitis.MethodsA comprehensive review of pharmacotherapies for allergic rhinitis was performed using a PubMed search. Secondary sources within indexed studies were also compiled to review current medication options for patients with allergic rhinitis. The benefits and limitations of each class of allergy medication were reviewed to provide information on selecting the optimal treatment regimen for patients with allergic rhinitis.ResultsPharmacotherapies for allergic rhinitis that are currently used in clinical practice include antihistamines, corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, mast cell stabilizers, expectorants, and decongestants. Symptoms of nasal congestion, itching, sneezing, and rhinorrhea can be targeted with specific therapies that modulate the acute‐phase or late‐phase allergic reactions. Associated atopic disorders, including conjunctivitis and asthma, can help guide medication selection.ConclusionPharmacotherapies for allergic rhinitis offer numerous options that are safe, effective, and readily available to target specific nasal symptoms. Symptom‐based selection of allergy medications can result in optimal treatment for patients with allergic rhinitis.
Subcutaneous immunotherapy
Authors: Roche Ansley M. , Wise Sarah K. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundAllergic rhinitis, asthma, and Hymenoptera sensitivity affect approximately 20%, 9%, and 0.66% to 3.3% of adults in the United States, respectively. Various environmental control measures and pharmacologic options are available for symptomatic treatment of allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. However, allergen‐specific immunotherapy is the only form of treatment that alters the natural history of allergic disease.MethodsA literature review was performed. Information from systematic reviews, meta‐analyses, and practice parameters were closely examined and summarized, and they are included in this primer.ResultsThere is evidence that supports the use of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) for the treatment of perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis, asthma, and Hymenoptera sensitivity. Efficacy of SCIT has been established in the adult and pediatric populations. Adverse reactions occur in up to 71% of patients. However, the rate of serious or fatal side effects is very rare.ConclusionSCIT is safe and effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, and Hymenoptera sensitivity. Adverse reactions occur but, in general, SCIT is well tolerated, and the vast majority of reactions are mild and very rarely fatal.
Asthma and the otolaryngologist
Authors: Reisacher William R. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundAsthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lower airway that is commonly encountered by the otolaryngologist. This article provides information on how to recognize patients with asthma and discuss issues related to diagnosis, treatment, and continued management within the context of current guidelines.MethodsA literature review was conducted and relevant sources are referenced concerning the epidemiology of asthma, the pathophysiology of asthma, diagnostic strategies, treatment options, and continued management.ResultsAsthma is a common condition worldwide and is often associated with other atopic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and eczema, though other genetic and environmental factors appear to be important as well. The lower airway and upper airways share similar histology, as well as patterns of inflammation in response to environmental triggers. The diagnosis of asthma involves a careful history and a complete physical exam, including auscultation of the lungs and pulmonary function testing. Pharmacotherapy represents the primary method of treating asthma, though current evidence supports a positive role for antigen‐specific immunotherapy for both prevention and treatment. Guidelines are available that can assist the otolaryngologist in classifying the severity of asthma, determining the level of control and recommending modifications in the treatment plan.ConclusionAs airway specialists, otolaryngologists are in a unique position to recognize and manage asthma in their patients, particularly those with allergic disease. Maintaining a high index of suspicion and understanding the key elements of diagnosis and treatment are extremely important in order to achieve this goal.
Sublingual immunotherapy: current concepts for the U.S. practitioner
Authors: Lin Sandra Y. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundEstimates of the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in the United States range from 20% to 40%. Allergen‐specific immunotherapy (SIT) is typically recommended for patients with allergic rhinitis who fail medical treatment, desire an alternative to pharmacotherapy, or would like to pursue therapy that can potentially change the natural history of the disease. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) involves dosing the allergen under the tongue of the sensitized individual in controlled amounts, frequently, over a period of several years, in order to increase immunologic tolerance and diminish symptoms to that allergen. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of SLIT tablets in 2014, whereas the use of aqueous SLIT by U.S. practitioners is considered an “off‐label” use.MethodsThis study is a review of published English language scientific literature, focusing on systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials of SLIT for inhalant allergic rhinitis.ResultsSLIT is a safe and effective immune modulating treatment that decreases symptoms and medication use for allergic rhinitis. Further study is needed to determine the relative effectiveness of SLIT compared to subcutaneous immunotherapy, the role of multiple‐allergen vs single‐allergen SLIT, the use of SLIT in special populations (pregnancy, patients taking beta‐blockers), and optimal dosing of U.S. products.ConclusionSLIT is safe and effective, and offers a convenient alternative to injection immunotherapy for appropriate patients with allergic rhinitis.
Preparation and characterization of a nanofiber mat consisting of Tetra‐PEG prepolymers
Authors: Asai Hanako , Miswan Muhammad Haziq bin , Shimada Naoki , Nakane Koji , Sakai Takamasa , Ogata Nobuo 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTTetra‐PEG gel, which has been known as a mechanically tough and biocompatible gel, was processed into a nanofiber mat by electro‐spinning (ES) and 2‐step treatment process using w/o type emulsion consisted of the Tetra‐PEG prepolymer 1‐octanol/water solution. The 2‐step treatment was carried out in order to increase the cross‐linking points to the as‐spun nanofibers. From this study, we succeeded in insolubilizing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) nanofiber, and it was found that the Tetra‐PEG gel nanofiber mat showed high tensile property even at swollen state. The elastic modulus at equilibrium swollen state was 4.5 kPa. In addition, we compared the differences of the structure and tensile property between the Tetra‐PEG nanofiber mat and porous Tetra‐PEG gel prepared by freeze‐dry method. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41353.
Films made from poly(vinyl alcohol‐co‐ethylene) and soluble biopolymers isolated from municipal biowaste
Authors: Franzoso Flavia , Tabasso Silvia , Antonioli Diego , Montoneri Enzo , Persico Paola , Laus Michele , Mendichi Raniero , Negre Michele 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTBlends were obtained from poly(vinyl alcohol‐co‐ethylene) and water‐soluble biopolymers isolated from the alkaline hydrolysate of two materials sampled from an urban waste treatment plant: that is, an anaerobic fermentation digestate and a compost. The digestate biopolymers contained more lipophilic and aliphatic C and less acidic functional groups than the compost biopolymers. Evidence was obtained for a condensation reaction occurring between the biopolymers and the synthetic polymer. The thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of the blends were studied. Films containing a low concentration (ca. 6–7%) of biopolymers exhibited up to three times higher yield strength than the neat synthetic polymer. The films' properties were found to be dependent on the concentration and nature of the biopolymers. The results offer a scope for investigating biopolymers sourced from other biowastes and for a better understanding of the reasons for the observed effects and exploiting their full potential for modifying or replacing synthetic polymers. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41359.
Synthesis and characterization of polystyrene coated iron oxide nanoparticles and asymmetric assemblies by phase inversion
Authors: Xie Yihui , Sougrat Rachid , Nunes Suzana P. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTFilms with a gradient concentration of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are reported, based on a phase inversion membrane process. Nanoparticles with ∼13 nm diameter were prepared by coprecipitation in aqueous solution and stabilized by oleic acid. They were further functionalized by ATRP leading to grafted polystyrene brush. The final nanoparticles of 33 nm diameter were characterized by TGA, FTIR spectroscopy, GPC, transmission electron microscopy, and dynanmic light scattering. Asymmetric porous nanoparticle assemblies were then prepared by solution casting and immersion in water. The nanocomposite film production with functionalized nanoparticles is fast and technically scalable. The morphologies of films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, demonstrating the presence of sponge‐like structures and finger‐like cavities when 50 and 13 wt % casting solutions were, respectively, used. The magnetic properties were evaluated using vibrating sample magnetometer. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41368.
Effects of crosslinking on the mechanical properties and biodegradability of soybean protein‐based composites
Authors: Yue‐Hong Zhang , Wu‐Quan Zhu , Zhen‐Hua Gao , Ji‐You Gu 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTA green composite with good mechanical properties and acceptable biodegradability was developed using wood flour and soybean protein that was modified by thermal‐caustic degradation and chemical crosslinking with glyoxal and polyisocyanate (PMDI). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM) in combination with the traditional evaluations were employed to investigate the structure, morphology, and properties of the crosslinked soybean protein and the crosslinking‐modified wood/soybean protein composites to understand the effects of the crosslinker species on the mechanical properties, water resistance, and microbial biodegradation of soybean protein‐wood flour composites. The results indicated that the chemical crosslinking modification could improve the mechanical properties and water resistance but decrease the biodegradability of the wood/protein composite to a certain extent. Both glyoxal and PMDI alone as crosslinkers could not perfectly modify the soybean protein because of the high reactivity of PMDI and low crosslinking reactivity of glyoxal. The incorporation of glyoxal with PMDI could result in the desired crosslinking efficiency and good interfacial adhesion by compromising the advantages and disadvantages of glyoxal or PMDI alone as crosslinkers, which balanced the performances of the wood flour/soybean protein composite. The preferable combination crosslinker was composed of 50 wt % glyoxal and 50 wt % PMDI. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41387.
Preparation of novel CNSL‐based urethane polyol via nonisocyanate route: Curing with melamine‐formaldehyde resin and structure–property relationship
Authors: Kathalewar Mukesh , Sabnis Anagha 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTIn this study, we report preparation of a novel cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL)‐based polyol bearing urethane groups. The urethane group in the polyol was induced via isocyanate free route from the reaction of cyclic carbonate with primary amine. The polyol was characterized by determination of hydroxyl number, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and so forth. The polyol was then used as coating component and cured with hexamethoxy methylene melamine (HMMM). Another CNSL‐based polyol without urethane moiety from our earlier reported work was used for preparation of coating for comparative study to determine the effect of urethane group on the coating properties. The coating formulations based on these two polyols were cured with variable amounts of HMMM hardener to optimize coating properties. All the coatings were evaluated for mechanical properties such as adhesion, flexibility, pencil and scratch hardness, impact resistance, pull‐off, and adhesion. The optimized coatings were also evaluated for chemical and thermal properties. It was observed that the urethane containing polyol resulted in better adhesion to the metal substrate at higher quantity of HMMM hardener compared to the other polyol providing significant improvement in various coating properties. The final coating properties were also compared with the acrylic polyurethane coatings. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41391.
PMMA/o‐MMT nanocomposites obtained using thermally stable surfactants
Authors: Di Pasquale Giovanna , Pollicino Antonino 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTIn the preparation of polymer/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites, the commonly used compatibilizers (cations of long carbon‐chain alkyl ammonium salts) present the drawback of a poor thermal stability. During bulk processing of nanocomposites elevated temperatures are usually required and, if processing temperature is close to decomposition temperature of the surfactant, decomposition will occur altering the interface between filler and polymer. To solve this problem, organically modified MMTs with thermally stable imidazolium surfactants have been prepared. A series of nanocomposites were obtained by dispersing o‐MMT in poly(methyl methacryate) (PMMA) matrix via an in situ free radical polymerization. The nanocomposites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and nanoindentation measurements. The results showed that nanocomposite thermal stability depended on both the kind of used surfactant and degree of exfoliation. Under the same values of molecular weight, the nanocomposites containing imidazolium cations showed a better thermal stability with respect to the nanocomposite obtained using a standard alkylammonium surfactant. Dynamic mechanical and Nanoindentation measurements showed an improvement of mechanical properties, such as modulus and hardness, with respect to pure PMMA. Solution blending treatments on these nanocomposites led to obtaining of further improvement of the thermal performance. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41393.