bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Site response analysis with two‐dimensional numerical discontinuous deformation analysis method
Authors: Bao Huirong , Yagoda‐Biran Gony , Hatzor Yossef H. 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARYThe capability of the numerical discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) method to perform site response analysis is tested. We begin with modeling one‐dimensional shear wave propagation through a stack of horizontal layers and compare the obtained resonance frequency and amplification with results obtained with SHAKE. We use the algorithmic damping in DDA to condition the damping ratio in DDA by changing the time step size and use the same damping ratio in SHAKE to enable meaningful comparisons. We obtain a good agreement between DDA and SHAKE, even though DDA is used with first order approximation and with simply deformable blocks, proving that the original DDA formulation is suitable for modeling one‐dimensional wave propagation problems. The ability of DDA to simulate wave propagation through structures is tested by comparing the resonance frequency obtained for a multidrum column when modeling it with DDA and testing it in the field using geophysical site response survey. When the numerical control parameters are properly selected, we obtain a reasonable agreement between DDA and the site response experiment in the field. We find that the choice of the contact spring stiffness, or the numerical penalty parameter, is directly related to the obtained resonance frequency in DDA. The best agreement with the field experiment is obtained with a relatively soft contact spring stiffness of k = (1/25)(E × L) where E and L are the Young's modulus and mean diameter of the drums in the tested column. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photovoltaics: between a bright outlook and uncertainty
Authors: Berberi Pellumb , Thodhorjani Spiro , Hoxha Perparim , Muda Valbona 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThere is “breakneck” growth in the global photovoltaics market, with the global market of photovoltaic cells growing by about 47% in 2009, 72% in 2010, and 74% in 2011. Global installed capacity in 2011 was three times more than 2009. Italy and Germany are leading with a 57% share of the global market. Costs are dropping rapidly and photovoltaic (PV) power generation is an attractive option for investors. Increasing support of European Union (EU) for renewable energy in general and PV aims to diversify sources of energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, on nuclear and on imported energy. Energy security is an important dimension for the EU. Almost all experts agree that there is no single technology that will provide a sustainable global supply of cleaner energy. However, the scale, the cost of the change needed and supporting policy and legislation are often subject to debate. High costs could be counterbalanced by economic yields from new businesses, the creation of new jobs, and economic growth from clean energy investments. The current situation in which Germany and Italy account for almost 2/3 of global PV market growth and, also, the strong reliance on supporting policies is unstable. If PV power generation is to continue growing, the balance of development will have to shift to new markets – both inside and outside of Europe. Fixed price policy is a game to be played with caution. This article highlights examples of Spain, Italy, and Germany that illustrate that without robust policy the system can be easily misbalanced. When – or even if – photovoltaic power does become cheap enough to compete without subsidies against more established energy sources, depends upon a number of uncertainties, including the continuing political will to provide financial support, and how readily developing nations such as China and India embrace renewable energies.
Assessment of factors that influence physician decision making regarding medication use in patients with dementia at the end of life
Authors: Parsons Carole , McCorry Noleen , Murphy Kevin , Byrne Stephen , O'Sullivan David , O'Mahony Denis , Passmore Peter , Patterson Susan , Hughes Carmel 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the extent to which patient‐related factors and physicians' country of practice (Northern Ireland [NI] and the Republic of Ireland [RoI]) influenced decision making regarding medication use in patients with end‐stage dementia.MethodsThe study utilised a factorial survey design comprising four vignettes to evaluate initiating/withholding or continuing/discontinuing specific medications in patients with dementia nearing death. Questionnaires and vignettes were mailed to all hospital physicians in geriatric medicine and to all general practitioners (GPs) in NI (November 2010) and RoI (December 2010), with a second copy provided 3 weeks after the first mailing. Logistic regression models were constructed to examine the impact of patient‐related factors and physicians' country of practice on decision making. Significance was set a priori at p ≤ 0.05. Free text responses to open questions were analysed qualitatively using content analysis.ResultsThe response rate was 20.6% (N = 662) [21.1% (N = 245) for GPs and 52.1% (N = 38) for hospital physicians in NI, 18.3% (N = 348) for GPs and 36.0% (N = 31) for hospital physicians in RoI]. There was considerable variability in decision making about initiating/withholding antibiotics and continuing/discontinuing the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and memantine hydrochloride, and less variability in decision making regarding statins and antipsychotics. Patient place of residence and physician's country of practice had the strongest and most consistent effects on decision making although effect sizes were small.ConclusionsFurther research is required into other factors that may impact upon physicians' prescribing decisions for these vulnerable patients and to clarify how the factors examined in this study influence prescribing decisions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magma dynamics feeding Yasur's explosive activity observed using thermal infrared remote sensing
Authors: Bani Philipson , Harris Andrew J. L. , Shinohara Hiroshi , Donnadieu Franck 
Published: July 2013

AbstractA thermal infrared thermometer was used to record the passage of hot gases and fragments across a measurement area located at the exit of one of Yasur's active vents. Recording was completed over 2 h during September 2011. A total of 200 explosive events were recorded. We define two types of event: low‐energy events with typical thermal energies of 14 kJ and high‐energy events with typical thermal energies of 97 kJ. Around 180 low‐energy events were recorded, which together released 457 kJ of radiant energy. In contrast, only 20 high‐energy events were recorded, but they released 2042 kJ. We suggest that low‐energy events originate from a relatively shallow, degassed magma reservoir and are associated with bursting of bubbles formed by bubble coalescence during ascent. Instead, high‐energy events originate from a relatively deep, fresh magma reservoir and are associated with slugs formed by foam collapse.
The dependence of equilibrium climate sensitivity on climate state: Applications to studies of climates colder than present
Authors: Kutzbach John E. , He Feng , Vavrus Steve J. , Ruddiman William F. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe investigate the sensitivity of climate to a broad range of greenhouse gas forcing with coupled atmosphere‐ocean general circulation models using atmospheric CO2 concentrations ranging from ~1400 to ~200 ppm. We show that climate sensitivity is greater when the base state climate is colder, a result noted previously but with models of much lower resolution and different parameterizations. The enhanced cold state sensitivity is more apparent in models coupled to dynamical versus slab oceans. The disproportionately large sensitivity for cold climates has applications to studies of climates colder than present.
Effects of the introduction of rice on evapotranspiration in seasonal wetlands
Authors: Suzuki Tetsuji , Ohta Takeshi , Hiyama Tetsuya , Izumi Yasuhiro , Mwandemele Osmund , Iijima Morio 
Published: July 2013

AbstractLand use changes in wetland areas can alter evapotranspiration, a major component of the water balance, which eventually affects the water cycle and ecosystem. This study assessed the effect of introduced rice‐cropping on evapotranspiration in seasonal wetlands of northern Namibia. By using the Bowen ratio–energy balance method, measurements of evapotranspiration were performed over a period of 2.5 years at two wetland sites—a rice field (RF) and a natural vegetation field (NVF)—and at one upland field (UF) devoid of surface water. The mean evapotranspiration rates of RF (1.9 mm daytime−1) and NVF (1.8 mm daytime−1) were greater than that in UF (1.0 mm daytime−1). RF and NVF showed a slight difference in seasonal variations in evapotranspiration rates. During the dry season, RF evapotranspiration was less than the NVF evapotranspiration. The net radiation in RF was less in this period because of the higher albedo of the non‐vegetated surface after rice harvesting. In the early growth period of rice during the wet season, evapotranspiration in RF was higher than that in NVF, which was attributed to a difference in the evaporation efficiency and the transfer coefficient for latent heat that were both affected by leaf area index (LAI). Evapotranspiration sharply negatively responded to an increase in LAI when surface water is present according to sensitivity analysis, probably because a higher LAI over a surface suppresses evaporation. The control of LAI is therefore a key for reducing evaporation and conserving water. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of methotrexate exposure in apoptosis and proliferation during early neurulation
Authors: Wang Xiuwei , Wang Jianhua , Guan Tao , Xiang Qian , Wang Mingsheng , Guan Zhen , Li Guannan , Zhu Zhiqiang , Xie Qiu , Zhang Ting , Niu Bo 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTApoptosis and proliferation play important roles in embryonic development and are required for neural tube closure. The antifolate drug methotrexate (MTX) induces folate dysmetabolism by inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase and causes abnormal apoptosis and proliferation. In this study, we established an animal model of neural tube defects (NTDs) using MTX to investigate the role of apoptosis and proliferation in NTDs caused by folate deficiency. Differential gene expressions were studied by microarray and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in the NTD animal model. Results showed that 30.8% of NTDs were caused by using MTX in treatment regimens. Microarray indicated that 166 genes were significantly different between the control and NTD mice, including four apoptosis‐related genes (Endog, Trp53, Casp3, Bax) and three proliferation‐related genes (Ptch1, Pla2g4a, Foxg1). Levels of Endog, Trp53, Casp3, Bax (fold change > 1.5) were upregulated but Ptch1, Pla2g4a, Foxg1 (fold change < 0.67) were downregulated (P < 0.05). These results were confirmed by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. TUNEL, immunohistochemical assays and Western blot were further used to detect apoptosis and proliferation in the NTD animal model. It was found that apoptosis in neuroepithelial cells was increased as determined by TUNEL (P < 0.05). Expressions of caspase‐3 were significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) but expressions of phosphohistone H3 were greatly decreased (P < 0.05). These results concluded that MTX caused a folate and folate‐associated dysmetabolism, and further induced abnormal apoptosis and proliferation, which may play a critical role in the occurrence of NTDs caused by folate deficiency. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rumination, Substance Use, and Self‐Harm in a Representative Australian Adult Sample
Authors: Tait Robert J. , Brinker Jay , Moller Carl I. , French Davina J. 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundThere are few data on self‐harm in the general population, especially examining the roles of rumination and substance use.ObjectivesTo evaluate the inter‐relationships of rumination, self‐harm, and potential mediating variables.MethodA cohort with follow‐up every 4 years involving a random sample of adults aged 20–24 and 40–44 years (at baseline) living in Australia. The survey included items on three common forms of self‐harm. Other measures included rumination, Goldberg Anxiety and Depression scales, substance use, coping style (Brief COPE), and demographic risk factors.ResultsThe sample comprised 2,184 women and 1,942 men with 287 self‐harm cases (7.0%). Depression and coping style were significant mediators of rumination on self‐harm for men, with depression being the only robust mediator for women. For males, age and education were also significantly associated, while for women, age, smoking, trauma, and sexual abuse were significant.ConclusionsMen and women differ on mediators of self‐harm.
CD43 Signals Prepare Human T Cells to Receive Cytokine Differentiation Signals
Authors: Galindo‐Albarrán A.O. , Ramírez‐Pliego O. , Labastida‐Conde R.G. , Melchy‐Pérez E.I. , Liquitaya‐Montiel A. , Esquivel‐Guadarrama F.R. , Rosas‐Salgado G. , Rosenstein Y. , Santana M.A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractT cells are increasingly used for passive immunotherapy and bone marrow transplantation. Proper ex‐vivo management of the cells is important for the desired therapeutic effects. For differentiation into effector cells of the Th1 and Th2 phenotypes, T‐cells require signals from IFNγ and IL‐4, respectively. Naïve cells have an extremely low expression of the specific receptors that recognize these cytokines, indicating that in order to differentiate, cells need to perceive other signals that will enable them to sense the cytokine milieu. CD43 has been proposed as one of the molecules that make the initial contacts with antigen presenting cells. We report here that in cord blood, adult naïve and total human T cells, CD43 signals induced the expression of both IFNγ and IL‐4 receptors, mediate their capping, increased their signaling and augmented differentiation mediated by these receptors. CD43 signals also stimulated the expression of IFNγ and in neonatal cells that of IL‐4 as well. These data demonstrate an important role for CD43 signals in T‐cell preparedness for differentiation into effector cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 172–180, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Statistical analysis of the relationship between spring soil moisture and summer precipitation in East China
Authors: Meng Lei , Long Di , Quiring Steven M. , Shen Yanjun 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTThe relationship between spring soil moisture (SM) and summer precipitation in East China (EC) was examined using monthly temperature and precipitation data and ERA‐40 SM data. EC was divided into five different climate regions to investigate how SM‐precipitation correlations vary under different climatic conditions. Both local and remote impacts of spring SM in EC were assessed. It was found that spring SM had significant correlations with summer precipitation in the East, Southeast, and Southwest regions, but not in the Northwest and Northeast region. This is possibly because correlations between summer precipitation and temperature (as a surrogate to SM–evaporation relationship) were statistically significant in the first three regions, but not in the Northwest and Northeast regions. Statistically significant positive correlations between SM and summer precipitation were found in the East and Southeast regions and statistically significant negative correlations were in the Southwest region. The negative SM‐precipitation relationship is possibly because the Southwest region is primarily an energy‐controlled regime. Significant SM‐precipitation correlations were usually associated with strong SM persistence and precipitation autocorrelation. Our results suggest that strong correlation between spring SM and summer precipitation might be due to the combination of SM–precipitation interactions and precipitation autocorrelation. Our study also demonstrated that there are strong temporal variations in SM–precipitation relationships in the regions where significant correlations occurred. May SM had significant positive correlations (approximately 0.6) with summer precipitation over most of the study period in East region. Strong negative correlation (approximately −0.6) was found in Southwest during 1980s‐1990s due to strong SM persistence and strong precipitation autocorrelation in the same period. This suggested that SM–precipitation relationships vary over time even in regions with strong coupling. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that SM persistence had the largest contribution to summer precipitation variation in East region and April precipitation was the dominant predictor of summer precipitation variations in Southeast and Southwest regions. Statistical analysis of SM and precipitation relationships should consider both SM persistence and precipitation autocorrelation. Results from this study can be used to improve the predictability of droughts.
Management of sinonasal complications after endoscopic orbital decompression for Graves' orbitopathy
Authors: Antisdel Jastin L. , Gumber Divya , Holmes Janalee , Sindwani Raj 
Published: July 2013

Objectives/HypothesisEndoscopic orbital decompression (EnOD) has proven to be safe and effective for the treatment of Graves' orbitopathy; however, complications do occur. Although the literature focuses on orbital complications, sinonasal complications including postobstructive sinusitis, hemorrhage, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak can also be challenging to manage. This study examines the incidence and management of sinonasal complications in these patients.Study DesignRetrospective review.MethodsClinical data, surgical findings, and postoperative outcomes were reviewed of patients who underwent EnOD for Graves' disease between March 2004 and November 2010. The incidence and management of postoperative sinonasal complications requiring an intervention were examined.ResultsThe study group consisted of 50 consecutive patients (86 decompression procedures): 11 males and 39 females with an average age of 48.6 years (SD = 12.9). Incidence of significant sinonasal complications was 3.5% (5/86): with one patient experiencing postoperative hemorrhage requiring operative management, three patients with postoperative obstructive sinusitis, and one patient with nasal obstruction secondary to nasal adhesions that required lysis. The maxillary sinus was the most commonly involved and was managed using the mega‐antrostomy technique. In the case of frontal sinusitis, an endoscopic transaxillary approach was utilized to avoid injury to decompressed orbital contents. All complications were successfully managed without sequelae.ConclusionSinonasal complications following EnOD are uncommon. In the setting of a decompressed orbit, even routine types of postoperative issues can be challenging and require additional considerations. Successful management of postoperative sinusitis related to outflow obstruction may require more extensive approaches and novel techniques.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 123:2094–2098, 2013
Effectiveness of Hydromulching to Reduce Runoff and Erosion in a Recently Burnt Pine Plantation in Central Portugal
Authors: Prats Sérgio Alegre , Malvar Maruxa Cortizo , Vieira Diana Catarina Simões , MacDonald Lee , Keizer Jan Jacob 
Published: July 2013

AbstractForest fires can greatly increase runoff and surface erosion rates. Post‐fire soil erosion control measures are intended to minimize this response and facilitate ecosystem recovery. In a few recent cases, hydromulch has been applied, and this consists of a mixture of organic fibers, water and seeds. The objectives of this research were to (i) analyze the effectiveness of hydromulch in reducing post‐fire runoff and sediment production and (ii) determine the underlying processes and mechanisms that control post‐fire runoff and erosion. After a wildfire occurred in August 2008, 14 plots ranging in size from 0·25 to 10 m2 were installed on a 25 degree slope in a burnt pine plantation that had also been subjected to salvage logging. Half of the plots were randomly selected and treated with hydromulch. One of two slope strips adjacent to the plots was also hydromulched and used for monitoring some soil properties. Measurements made in each of the first 3 years following the wildfire included (i) the plot‐scale runoff volumes and sediment yields; (ii) soil shear strength, soil moisture, and soil water repellency; and (iii) surface cover. The hydromulch reduced overland flow volume by 70% and soil erosion by 83%. The decrease in runoff was attributed to the increase in soil water retention capacity and the decrease in soil water repellency, whereas the reduction in soil erosion was initially attributed to the protective cover provided by the hydromulch and lately to an enhanced vegetative regrowth in the third year after burning. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cooperative Entrapment of Xanthene Dyes by a Core‐Engineered Unimolecular Micelle
Authors: Chen Jian , Lai Yi , Wan Decheng , Jin Ming , Pu Hongting 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe cooperative entrapment of a specified guest is only available for a well‐defined host. Here it is reported that a common host conducts cooperative entrapment of guests. Alkylation of a hyperbranched polyethylenimine (PEI) by epoxy poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ethers (PEG1) leads to a water‐soluble PEI@PEG1 (H1). The multifunctional core of H1 is modified to result in H2–H4, with different polarities and ionic charges. H1–H4 exist as unimolecular micelles, and can effectively entrap dyes of rose bengal (RB) or eosin Y (EY). Experiments indicate that the guest dyes are exclusively accommodated in the cores of H1–H4. The encapsulation proceeds in a cooperative manner, as analysis by the Hill equation (n > 1). It is found that the cooperativity stems from the enhanced π–π stacking of the dyes upon encapsulation, and a polar and ionic environment favors the cooperativity. This is the first example of a cooperative entrapment being realized by a common host.magnified image
Shear‐Induced Orientation of Gyroid PS‐b‐P4VP(PDP) Supramolecules
Authors: Vukovic Ivana , Friedrich Heiner , Merino Daniel Hermida , Portale Giuseppe , ten Brinke Gerrit , Loos Katja 
Published: July 2013

The phase behavior of block copolymer based supramolecular complexes polystyrene‐block‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (PS‐b‐P4VP) and amphiphilic pentadecylphenol (PDP) molecules resembles the phase behavior of conventional block copolymers. Several PS‐b‐P4VP(PDP) complexes are found to self‐assemble into gyroid nanostructures. Typically, the grains are randomly oriented with a maximal size of several micrometers. Here, the orientation of a gyroid PS‐b‐P4VP(PDP) complex upon shearing is reported. It is found that the (111) gyroid lattice direction orients parallel to the shear direction after only several seconds of large amplitude oscillatory shearing. Oriented gyroid complexes can be used as templates for the preparation of metal nanofoams with improved ordering with potentially superior properties.image