bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and predictive factors for additional opioid prescription after endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Jafari Aria , Shen Sarek A. , Bracken David J. , Pang John , DeConde Adam S.
Published: May 2018

Background

Excessive postoperative opioid prescription is a source of prescription diversion in the United States opioid crisis and may contribute to chronic opioid use. Efficient prescription by the surgeon can mitigate opioid abuse and improve postoperative pain control. In this study we sought to better characterize the incidence and predictive baseline characteristics associated with the need for additional opioid prescription after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) for chronic rhinosinusitis.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on subjects undergoing ambulatory ESS between November 2016 and August 2017. The medical and Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) records were reviewed. Uni‐ and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to evaluate factors associated with additional opioid prescription within 60 days of surgery.

Results

A total of 121 patients were included. Additional prescriptions were seen in 22 patients (18%). Surgical factors, including sinuses operated, septoplasty, revision, or extended procedure (Draf IIB/III), were not associated with additional prescription. On multivariate logistic regression, preoperative opioid use (odds ratio [OR], 23.45; 95% CI, 1.52‐362.63), greater number of prescribed tablets (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.26), and lower preoperative health status (ASA score) (OR, 11.21; 95% CI, 1.49‐84.30) were associated with additional prescription (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

A need for extension of postoperative opioid pain control is not uncommon after ESS. Patient baseline clinical characteristics are predictive of a need for re‐prescription of opioids. Surgical extent is not associated with need for prolonged postoperative opioid pain management.
Bromination Improves the Electron Mobility of Tetraazapentacene
Authors: Reiss Hilmar , Ji Lei , Han Jie , Koser Silke , Tverskoy Olena , Freudenberg Jan , Hinkel Felix , Moos Michael , Friedrich Alexandra , Krummenacher Ivo , Lambert Christoph , Braunschweig Holger , Dreuw Andreas , Marder Todd B. , Bunz Uwe H. F.
Published: May 2018

A cyclocondensation of TIPS‐ethynyl‐substituted diaminoarenes with in situ obtained 4,5‐dibromocyclohexa‐3,5‐diene‐1,2‐dione has led to the synthesis of tetrabromotetraazapentacene (BrTAP). BrTAP is easily reduced to its air‐stable radical anion and electron mobilities >0.56 cm2 V−1 s−1 can be achieved in thin‐film transistors.
Guideline Implementation: Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Link Terri
Published: May 2018

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious and costly complication of surgery. Many cases of health care–associated VTE could be prevented with the use of evidenced‐based interventions. Perioperative nurses are in a position to advocate for patients by assessing each patient’s risk for VTE and implementing preventive measures, such as administering anticoagulants as ordered and correctly applying graduated compression stockings and intermittent pneumatic compression devices. The updated AORN “Guideline for prevention of venous thromboembolism” provides guidance to perioperative team members for developing and implementing a protocol for VTE prevention. This article focuses on key points of the guideline that address preoperative patient assessment for VTE and bleeding risk, safe use of pharmacologic and mechanical prophylaxis, patient education on prevention and signs and symptoms of VTE, and a quality management program to evaluate VTE prophylaxis outcomes and protocol compliance. Perioperative nurses should review the complete guideline for additional information and for guidance when writing and updating policies and procedures.
Synergism in Perioperative Services
Authors: Elliott‐Dawe Cheryl
Published: May 2018

This article presents an analysis of the concept of synergism in perioperative services. Perioperative services can account for a hospital's highest expenditures and net income or loss, and leaders must understand how to maximize outcomes by creating value above expectations. Using Walker and Avant's methodology, I examined the use of synergism in the literature across multiple databases. The concept has been used in business, information technology, psychology, engineering, and theology. In health care, it is used to explain the effects of combined medications, teamwork, biological systems, patient care, cleaning effectiveness, and health promotion partnerships. I identified two attributes: an emergent property and increased positivity. Optimized outcomes, increased patient and employee satisfaction, and high net revenue are evidence of perioperative synergism. Synergism in this context is dependent on team cohesion, communication, workplace adaptability, and the tactical allocation of resources to ensure unimpeded flow of the patient through the system.
Ecological influences of human population size and distance to urban centres on fish communities in tropical lakes
Authors: Keppeler Friedrich Wolfgang , de Souza Angela Castro , Hallwass Gustavo , Begossi Alpina , de Almeida Morgana Carvalho , Isaac Victoria Judith , Silvano Renato Azevedo Matias
Published: May 2018

Human population growth is a major cause of species extinction worldwide, and tropical fresh waters are among the most imperilled ecosystems. The identification of major drivers of human impacts on fish can benefit conservation programmes and management plans.

The influences of the proximity to urban centres and human population size on six ecological indicators of fish communities (abundance, biomass, richness, diversity, average size, and size dominance pattern) were investigated in 48 floodplain lakes of five main rivers of the Brazilian Amazon (Tocantins, Tapajós, Negro, Solimões, and the Lower Amazon). These ecological indicators were also compared among the rivers studied and checked for any influence of the environmental variables of lakes (size, shape of natural shoreline, distance to the main river channel, depth, transparency, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen).

Lake distance to urban centre was positively related to average fish size and dominance of large fish, indicating direct human effects caused by fisheries or indirect effects by habitat alteration (e.g. deforestation). Unexpected positive relationships between human population size and the richness and diversity of fishes were found, and may be caused by ecological compensatory effects, the abundance of rare non‐fished species, or the proximity of an urban centre to ecotone areas. The other ecological indicators were unrelated to anthropogenic variables. Environmental factors affected fish communities, but did not change the conclusions regarding the effect of the anthropogenic variables. River basin was strongly related to species richness, diversity, biomass, and abundance of fish. Distance to the river channel was positively related to fish biomass.

The disappearance of large fish threatens the food security of riverine communities, and may harm essential ecosystem services. Conservation measures, including local management initiatives, protected areas, fisheries monitoring, and the enforcement of existing fishing rules need to be improved or established near urban centres in order to restore healthy fish communities in the Brazilian Amazon.
Genetic structure of Irish freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera margaritifera and Margaritifera durrovensis): Validity of subspecies, roles of host fish, and conservation implications
Authors: Geist Juergen , Moorkens Evelyn , Killeen Ian , Feind Sarah , Stoeckle Bernhard C. , Connor Áine O. , Kuehn Ralph
Published: May 2018

European freshwater pearl mussels are among the most critically threatened bivalve molluscs. Margaritifera margaritifera and Margaritifera durrovensis are endangered, and both occur in Ireland and are currently listed separately in Annex II of the European Habitats Directive. This study had the objective of guiding the conservation of freshwater pearl mussels in Ireland based on a genetic characterization of the most important Irish populations of both species using microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analyses.

Margaritifera durrovensis from the Nore was found to have the highest genetic divergence from all the populations studied; however, there was substantial relatedness between the genetic constitution of the Nore and of central–eastern M. margaritifera populations, placing the Nore pearl mussel within the M. margaritifera taxon (Habitats Directive species code 1029). Two main conservation units of pearl mussel were identified: a mostly salmon‐dependent western cluster and a trout‐dependent central–eastern cluster.

The genetic diversity of western Irish freshwater pearl mussels, as expressed by allelic richness and observed heterozygosity, was greater by a factor of two than in central European and central–eastern Irish populations, suggesting a genetic diversity hot spot and low effects of genetic drift and selection. The trout‐dependent central and eastern populations had much lower genetic variability, but had the greatest differentiation and uniqueness.

Conservation of freshwater pearl mussels in Ireland should recognize the existence of a minimum of two conservation units (western and central–eastern) that differ in their use of host fish and in geographic isolation. Low levels of genetic drift and inbreeding in western populations should be secured by sustaining optimal habitat conditions favourable for the recruitment of mussels and their migratory salmonid hosts. The small population sizes of central–eastern populations and problems with recruitment require urgent action, e.g. by captive breeding and augmentation, to prevent any further erosion of their genetic variability.
Does motor noise from recreational boats alter parental care behaviour of a nesting freshwater fish?
Authors: Maxwell Ryan J. , Zolderdo Aaron J. , de Bruijn Robert , Brownscombe Jake W. , Staaterman Erica , Gallagher Austin J. , Cooke Steven J.
Published: May 2018

Recreational boating activity has the potential to generate noise pollution that may influence wild fish. Such noise may be particularly relevant to fish engaged in parental care (PC), where alterations in behaviour could influence individual fitness and productivity of fish populations.

Here, the PC behaviour of the freshwater largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) was examined to determine whether disturbance from boat noise altered paternal behaviour. Changes in nest‐tending and brood‐guarding behaviour were measured following exposure to noise treatments of 1‐min duration using underwater playbacks of recorded boat noises.

One experiment compared the behaviour of bass tending eggs before, during, and after exposure to high‐speed or idling combustion motors, or an electronic bow‐mounted trolling motor. No significant differences in the time on nest, number of pectoral fin beats, and number of turns between the pre‐treatment, treatment, and post‐treatment periods for all three motor types were observed.

A second experiment assessed the impacts of noise (high‐speed combustion motor only) on the behaviour of nesting bass across the development stages of offspring (i.e. egg, egg‐sac fry, and swim‐up fry). During the egg‐sac fry stage, nest‐guarding males turned significantly less on the nest during the noise treatment compared with the long‐term post‐treatment period, indicating a stage‐specific impact of boat noise on parental behaviour. The effect was transient, however, and limited to the period that the noise was present.

Given that PC and recreational boating activity tend to co‐occur in nearshore areas, prolonged or frequent repeated exposure of nesting fish to boat noise during the egg‐sac fry stage could have adverse consequences for fitness and reproductive output. Efforts to restrict recreational boating activity in the vicinity of fish engaged in PC (e.g. through the use of set‐backs) would be a risk‐averse approach to mitigating the effects of noise pollution on fish.
Skin Gene Expression Is Prognostic for the Trajectory of Skin Disease in Patients With Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Stifano Giuseppina , Sornasse Thierry , Rice Lisa M. , Na Leo , Chen‐Harris Haiyin , Khanna Dinesh , Jahreis Angelika , Zhang Yuqing , Siegel Jeff , Lafyatis Robert
Published: May 2018

Objective

At present, there are no clinical or laboratory measures that accurately forecast the progression of skin fibrosis and organ involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The goal of this study was to identify skin biomarkers that could be prognostic for the progression of skin fibrosis in patients with early diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc).

Methods

We analyzed clinical data and gene expression in skin biopsy samples from 38 placebo‐treated patients, part of the Roche Safety and Efficacy of Subcutaneous Tocilizumab in Adults with Systemic Sclerosis (FASSCINATE) phase II study of tocilizumab in SSc. RNA samples were analyzed using nCounter. A trajectory model based on a modified Rodnan skin thickness score was used to describe 3 skin disease trajectories over time. We examined the association of skin gene expression with skin score trajectory groups, by chi‐square test. Logistic regression was used to examine the prognostic power of each gene identified.

Results

We found that placebo‐treated patients with high expression of messenger RNA for CD14, SERPINE1, IL13RA1, CTGF, and OSMR at baseline were more likely to have progressive skin score trajectories. We also found that those genes were prognostic for the risk of skin progression and that IL13RA1, OSMR, and SERPINE1 performed the best.

Conclusion

Skin gene expression of biomarkers associated with macrophages (CD14, IL13RA1) and transforming growth factor β activation (SERPINE1, CTGF, OSMR) are prognostic for progressive skin disease in patients with dcSSc. These biomarkers may provide guidance in decision‐making about which patients should be considered for aggressive therapies and/or for clinical trials.
Adaptive Observer‐Based Global Sliding Mode Control for Uncertain Discrete‐Time Nonlinear Systems with Time‐Delays and Input Nonlinearity
Authors: Pai Ming‐Chang
Published: May 2018

A new discrete‐time adaptive global sliding mode control (SMC) scheme combined with a state observer is proposed for the robust stabilization of uncertain nonlinear systems with mismatched time delays and input nonlinearity. A state observer is developed to estimate the unmeasured system states. By using Lyapunov stability theorem and linear matrix inequality (LMI), the condition for the existence of quasi‐sliding mode is derived and the stability of the overall closed‐loop system is guaranteed. Finally, simulation results are presented to demonstrate the validity of the proposed scheme.
Forest Resilience Bond Sparks Innovative Collaborations Between Water Utilities and Wide‐Ranging Stakeholders
Authors: Madeira Leigh , Gartner Todd
Published: May 2018

A new cost‐sharing program that taps into private capital and focuses on value to ecosystem services can make forest restoration affordable and achievable.
Realizing a More Sustainable Water Future From a “One Water” View
Authors: Batten John J.
Published: May 2018

New ways of thinking about sustainability provide cities with leverage for making improvements, and several cities have already created more sustainable futures.
High sucrose low copper diet in pregnant diabetic rats induces transient oxidative stress, hypoxia, and apoptosis in the offspring's liver
Authors: Ergaz Zivanit , Weinstein‐Fudim Liza , Ornoy Asher
Published: May 2018

Background

Hyperglycemia‐related oxidative stress and hypoxia are important mechanisms responsible for diabetes‐induced embryopathy and other complications. High sucrose low copper diet (HSD), but not regular diet (RD), induces type 2 diabetes in the inbred Cohen diabetic sensitive (CDs) rats but not in the Sabra control rats. We recently demonstrated long‐term changes of DNA methylation and gene expression in various groups of genes, including genes involved in oxidant‐antioxidant activity in the liver of 2–4‐week‐old CDs offspring of diabetic dams. We now studied the postnatal effects of diabetes and/or HSD on several liver metabolic parameters in these offspring.

Methods

we studied lipid peroxidation, activity of the antioxidants enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT). By immunohistochemistry: protein oxidation by nitrotyrosine staining, hypoxia inducing factor1α (HIF1α), apoptosis [caspase 3, bcl‐2‐like protein (BAX)], proliferation [proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)] and NF‐κB.

Results

In the Sabra rats fed HSD only few, early and transitional changes were observed in lipid peroxidation, SOD and CAT activity. In the CDs fed HSD more significant changes in lipid and protein oxidation, HIF1α, apoptosis and proliferation were observed, persisting for longer.

Conclusions

The changes in the Sabra rats HSD were attributed to the pro‐oxidant effects of the diet and those in the diabetic CDs to the HSD and maternal diabetes. In light of the DNA methylation changes in the liver of the CDs HSD, we presume that changes in gene expression are responsible for our findings, and that similar changes may lead to the metabolic syndrome at adulthood.
Assessment of spectroscopic parameters of solvated Eu(dmh)3phen organometallic complex in various basic and acidic solvents
Authors: Chitnis Dipti , Kalyani N. Thejo , Dhoble Sanjay
Published: May 2018

We report on the comprehension of novel europium activated hybrid organic Eu(dmh)3phen (Eu: europium, dmh: 2,6‐dimethyl‐3,5‐heptanedione, phen: 1,10 phenanthroline) organo‐metallic complexes, synthesized at different pH values by the solution technique. Photo physical properties of these complexes in various basic and acidic solvents were probed by UV–vis optical absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. Minute differences in optical absorption peaks with variable optical densities were encountered with the variation in solvent from basic (chloroform, toluene, tetrahydrofuran) to acidic (acetic acid) media, revealing bathochromic shift in the absorption peaks. The PL spectra of the complex in various acidic and basic organic solvents revealed the position of the emission peak at 613 nm irrespective of the changes in solvents whereas the excitation spectrum almost matched with that of the UV–vis absorption data. The optical density was found to be maximum for the complex with pH 7.0 whereas it gradually decreased when pH was lowered to 6.0 or raised to 8.0 at an interval of 0.5, demonstrating its pH sensitive nature. Several spectroscopic parameters related to probability of transition such as absorbance A(λ), Napierian absorption coefficient α(λ), molecular absorption cross‐section σ(λ), radiative lifetime (τ0) and oscillator strength (f) were calculated from UV–vis spectra. The relative intensity ratio (R‐ratio), calculated from the emission spectra was found to be almost the same in all the organic solvents. The optical energy gap, calculated for the designed complexes were found to be well in accordance with the ideal acceptance value of energy gap of the emissive materials used for fabrication of red organic light‐emitting diode (OLED). The relation between Stoke's shift and solvent polarity function was established by Lippert–Mataga plot. This remarkable independence of the electronic absorption spectra of Eu complexes on the nature of the solvent with unique emission wavelength furnishes its potential to serve as a red light emitter for solution processed OLEDs, display panels and solid‐state lighting.
2‐(4‐Ethoxy phenyl)‐4‐phenyl quinoline organic phosphor for solution processed blue organic light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Ghate Minakshi , Kalyani N. Thejo , Dhoble S. J.
Published: May 2018

This paper reports the synthesis and characterization of 2‐(4‐ethoxyphenyl)‐4‐phenyl quinoline (OEt‐DPQ) organic phosphor using an acid‐catalyzed Friedlander reaction and the preparation of blended thin films by molecularly doping OEt‐DPQ in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) at different wt%. The molecular structure of the synthesized phosphor was confirmed by Fourier transform infra‐red (FTIR) spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra (NMR). Surface morphology and percent composition of the elements were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive analysis of X‐rays (EDAX). The thermal stability and melting point of OEt‐DPQ and thin films were probed by thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA)/differential thermal analysis (DTA) and were found to be 80°C and 113.6°C, respectively. UV–visible optical absorption spectra of OEt‐DPQ in the solid state and blended films produced absorption bands in the range 260–340 nm, while photoluminescence (PL) spectra of OEt‐DPQ in the solid state and blended thin films demonstrated blue emission that was registered at 432 nm when excited at 363–369 nm. However, solvated OEt‐DPQ in chloroform, tetrahydrofuran or dichloromethane showed a blue shift of 31–43 nm. Optical absorption and emission parameters such as molar extinction coefficient (ε), energy gap (Eg), transmittance (T), reflectance (R), refractive index (n), oscillator energy (E0) and oscillator strength (f), quantum yield (φf), oscillator energy (E0), dispersion energy (Ed), Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage (CIE) co‐ordinates and energy yield fluorescence (EF) were calculated to assess the phosphor's suitability as a blue emissive material for opto‐electronic applications such as organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), flexible displays and solid‐state lighting technology.
Perfusion Cell Culture Decreases Process and Product Heterogeneity in a Head‐to‐Head Comparison With Fed‐Batch
Authors: Walther Jason , Lu Jiuyi , Hollenbach Myles , Yu Marcella , Hwang Chris , McLarty Jean , Brower Kevin
Published: May 2018

In this study, the authors compared the impacts of fed‐batch and perfusion platforms on process and product attributes for IgG1‐ and IgG4‐producing cell lines. A “plug‐and‐play” approach is applied to both platforms at bench scale, using commercially available basal and feed media, a standard feed strategy for fed‐batch and ATF filtration for perfusion. Product concentration in fed‐batch is 2.5 times greater than perfusion, while average productivity in perfusion is 7.5 times greater than fed‐batch. PCA reveals more variability in the cell environment and metabolism during the fed‐batch run. LDH measurements show that exposure of product to cell lysate is 7–10 times greater in fed‐batch. Product analysis shows larger abundances of neutral species in perfusion, likely due to decreased bioreactor residence times and extracellular exposure. The IgG1 perfusion product also has higher purity and lower half‐antibody. Glycosylation is similar across both culture modes. The first perfusion harvest slice for both product types shows different glycosylation than subsequent harvests, suggesting that product quality lags behind metabolism. In conclusion, process and product data indicate that intra‐lot heterogeneity is decreased in perfusion cultures. Additional data and discussion is required to understand the developmental, clinical and commercial implications, and in what situations increased uniformity would be beneficial.
Was a university liable for a coach's alleged sexual harassment?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: May 2018

In 2015, Florida International University women's basketball head coach Marlin Chinn allegedly began asking team member Destini Feagin for details about her love life, and giving her unwanted advice on ways to please men.
Synthesizing cloth wrinkles by CNN‐based geometry image superresolution
Authors: Chen Lan , Ye Juntao , Jiang Liguo , Ma Chengcheng , Cheng Zhanglin , Zhang Xiaopeng
Published: May 2018

We propose a novel deep learning‐based method, called mesh superresolution, to enrich low‐resolution (LR) cloth meshes with wrinkles. A pair of low and high‐resolution (HR) meshes are simulated, with the simulation of the HR mesh tracks with that of the LR mesh. The frame data are converted into geometry images and used as a training data set. A residual network, called SR residual network, is employed to train an image synthesizer that superresolves an LR image into an HR one. Once the HR image is converted back to an HR mesh, it is abundant in wrinkles compared with its coarse counterpart. The synthesizing is very efficient and is 24× faster than a full HR simulation. We demonstrate the performances of mesh superresolution with various simulation scenes.
Semantic modeling of indoor scenes with support inference from a single photograph
Authors: Nie Yinyu , Chang Jian , Chaudhry Ehtzaz , Guo Shihui , Smart Andi , Zhang Jian Jun
Published: May 2018

We present an automatic approach for the semantic modeling of indoor scenes based on a single photograph, instead of relying on depth sensors. Without using handcrafted features, we guide indoor scene modeling with feature maps extracted by fully convolutional networks. Three parallel fully convolutional networks are adopted to generate object instance masks, a depth map, and an edge map of the room layout. Based on these high‐level features, support relationships between indoor objects can be efficiently inferred in a data‐driven manner. Constrained by the support context, a global‐to‐local model matching strategy is followed to retrieve the whole indoor scene. We demonstrate that the proposed method can efficiently retrieve indoor objects including situations where the objects are badly occluded. This approach enables efficient semantic‐based scene editing.
Synthetic fluid details for the vorticity loss in advection
Authors: Zhu Jian , Luo Yu , Ren Xiaohua , Cai Ruichu , Hao Zhifeng , Sun Hanqiu , Wu Enhua
Published: May 2018

In this paper, a novel method with good numerical stability is proposed from the perspective of energy preserving to alleviate the numerical dissipations in the advection step of Eulerian fluid simulation. The main idea is to measure the vorticity loss during advection, calculate the lost angular kinetic energy with a proposed scheme, and then synthesize a high‐frequency incompressible details field to compensate the lost energy in a way that is consistent with Kolmogorov's theory, which prevents the synthetic details from interfering with the existing fluid flow. The method works independently of the advection scheme and can be easily combined with other advection schemes to enhance the effect. It adds only 5% to 10% of the computational overhead while producing convincing fluid details without changing the overall behavior of the original flow.
MicroRNA‐1 overexpression increases chemosensitivity of non‐small cell lung cancer cells by inhibiting autophagy related 3‐mediated autophagy
Authors: Hua Li , Zhu Guirong , Wei Jianguo
Published: May 2018

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major type of lung cancer. Drug resistance is a enormous obstacle for cancer treatment. Copious microRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to be implicated in drug resistance in NSCLC. In the present study, RT‐qPCR assay revealed that microRNA‐1 (miR‐1) expression was downregulated in DDP resistant NSCLC tissues and cells. Western blot assay presented a remarkable increase of LC3B‐II/LC3B‐I ratio and a notable decline of p62 level in DDP resistant NSCLC cells, while these effects were weakened by miR‐1. GFP‐LC3 puncta experiment showed that ectopic expression of miR‐1 induced a noticeable downregulation of GFP‐LC3 positive cell percentage in DDP resistant NSCLC cells. Bioinformatical analysis and luciferase assay revealed that autophagy related 3 (ATG3) was a target of miR‐1. Also, Western blot and RT‐qPCR assays manifested that ATG3 was highly expressed in DDP resistant NSCLC tissues and cells. Additionally, miR‐1 inhibited ATG3 expression and ATG3 upregulation abolished miR‐1‐meidated autophagy inhibition in DDP resistant NSCLC cells. Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay showed that the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of cisplatin (DDP) was reduced in miR‐1‐enforced DDP resistant NSCLC cells, but was restored following the overexpression of ATG3. Flow cytometry experiments further showed that miR‐1 overexpression induced a significant upregulation of apoptotic rate and ATG3 restoration weakened miR‐1‐induced apoptosis in DDP resistant NSCLC cells. Collectively, our study validated that miR‐1 overexpression improved DDP sensitivity of NSCLC cells by inhibiting ATG3‐mediated autophagy, providing a potential therapeutic target for easing chemoresistance of anti‐tumor drugs.
Ca2+‐depended signaling pathways regulate self‐renewal and pluripotency of stem cells
Authors: Ermakov Alexander , Daks Alexandra , Fedorova Olga , Shuvalov Oleg , Barlev Nickolai A.
Published: May 2018

Ca2+‐mediated signaling is widely spread in nature and plays critical role in the individual development of various organisms ranging from microorganisms to mammals. In vertebrates, Ca2+ is involved in important developmental events: fertilization, body plan establishment, and organogenesis. The two later events are defined by embryonic stem cells (ESCs). ESCs are capable of self‐renewal and are pluripotent by nature, that is, can give rise to all types of cells that make up the body. Given the paramount importance of Ca2+ signalization in the development, it is therefore not surprising this process also plays role in the biology of stem cells. In this review, we scrutinize the published experimental data on the role of Ca2+ ions in embryonic stem cells self‐renewal and pluripotency. In line with this, we also discuss possible mechanisms of p53 inhibition as a major hindrance to self‐renewal of ESCs. Finally, we argue about the role of G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), the largest family of heteromeric transmembrane receptors, and GPCR‐mediated signalization in stem cells, and propose the role for the GPCR‐G‐protein‐PLC‐Ca2+‐downstream signaling pathway in the regulation of pluripotency of both mouse and human ESCs.
Helicity Control of Triphenylamine‐Based Supramolecular Polymers: Correlation between Solvent Properties and Helicity in Supramolecular Gels
Authors: Kim Ka Young , Kim Chaelin , Choi Yeonweon , Jung Sung Ho , Kim Ju Hyun , Jung Jong Hwa
Published: May 2018

We describe the role of amide groups formed by achiral and chiral moieties to study supramolecular helicity at the molecular level and the correlation between helicity and solvent properties at the supramolecular level. Using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, we observed the CD spectra of supramolecular gel 1, which comprised a triphenylamine (TPA) core, terpyridine, and alanine moieties, formed in various solvents. The strong positive CD signals of supramolecular gel 1 formed in organic solvents, such as chloroform, tetrahydrofuran (THF), and dichloromethane, which have low polarity and a low acceptor number, were observed at 350 nm, indicating right‐handed helicity. In contrast, the negative CD signals of supramolecular gel 1 formed in mixed DMSO/water (5:1 v/v), methanol, ethanol, and n‐propanol were obtained at 350 nm, indicating left‐handed helicity. These findings suggest that the helicity of supramolecular gel 1 was strongly influenced by the solvent properties. Indeed, atomic force spectroscopy images showed the right‐ and left‐handed helicity of supramolecular gel 1 formed in various organic solvents, which was pure helicity.
Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria Impact on Typha latifolia and Phragmites australis Growth and Dissolved Oxygen
Authors: Rehman Faiza , Pervez Arshid , Khattak Bahadar Nawab , Ahmad Rafiq
Published: May 2018

The current study is designed to investigate the impact of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on the growth of Typha latifolia and Phragmites australis and the consequent impact on oxygen concentration in their rhizospheres. Initially, uninoculated plants are tested for the optimum temperature and light intensity combination by exposing them to sixteen combinations. An automated monitoring system for temperature and light intensity is deployed at the experimentation site. The PGPR strains T2, T5, and T7 collected from National Agriculture Research Council, Pakistan, are used to inoculate the plants and analyzed for number of leaves, fresh plant biomass, total chlorophyll, and oxygen concentration in their rhizosphere. The results indicate that the strain T7 increased chlorophyll content, number of leaves, and fresh plant biomass in T. latifolia and P. australis. The oxygen concentration is also enhanced significantly in the rhizosphere of both plants. However, strains T2 and T5 are not observed to be influencing the growth of T. latifolia and P. australis. Moreover, the enhanced oxygen concentration in the plants' rhizosphere is observed to significantly reduce the time consumption for achieving over 90% chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand removal efficiency. Hence, it is determined that the efficiency of constructed wetlands can be improved by augmenting the rhizospheric oxygen using PGPR to accelerate the plant development. The technology has practical implications and potential to be scaled up in future.
An Investigation of the Factors Affecting Saline Ice Melting Processes and Desalination
Authors: Zhang Yue , Yang Jingsong , Yao Rongjiang
Published: May 2018

In this study, a laboratory simulation experiment is undertaken to examine five factors affecting the melt‐water quality and quantity changes during the melting process of saline ice: salinity, freezing/melting temperature, ion composition, and the freezing method. A field experiment is conducted to evaluate the freeze–thaw effects on desalination of saline water under natural conditions. The results show that for all treatments, the melt‐water salinity sharply decreases during the first half of the melting process. Saline ice with a higher original salinity have higher melt‐water salinity. The desalination rates increase with the original salinity when water salinity is less than 15 g L−1, but production of available water shows the opposite trend. Saline ice frozen at −15 °C increases production of available water by ≈23.66% relative to ice formed at −10 and −20 °C. Nearly 25% of available water is lost during melting when the ambient temperature increases to 30 °C. The addition of Ca2+ significantly reduces desalination rates compared with saline ice composed of solely NaCl. The unidirectional‐freezing method significantly accelerates the salt exclusion, and increases desalination rates. The results of field experiment shows that the salinity and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) sharply decreases with the saline ice melting. These results indicate that saline water con be desalinized by the freeze–thaw process, and the desalinating efficiency is controlled by the salinity of water, freezing and melting temperatures, the freezing method, and original ions composition.
Electroactive Amphiphiles for Addressable Supramolecular Nanostructures
Authors: Townsend E. J. , Alotaibi M. , Mills B. M. , Watanabe K. , Seddon A. M. , Faul C. F. J.
Published: May 2018

In this focus review we aim to highlight an exciting class of materials, electroactive amphiphiles (EAAs). This class of functional amphiphilic molecules has been the subject of sporadic investigations over the last few decades, but little attempt has been made to date to gather or organise these investigations into a logical fashion. Here we attempted to gather the most important contributions, provide a framework in which to discuss them, and, more importantly, point towards the areas where we believe these EAAs will contribute to solving wider scientific problems and open new opportunities. Our discussions cover materials based on low molecular weight ferrocenes, viologens and anilines, as well as examples of polymeric and supramolecular EAAs. With the advances of modern analytical techniques and new tools for modelling and understanding optoelectronic properties, we believe that this area of research is ready for further exploration and exploitation.
Identification of Phosphorylated Proteins on a Global Scale
Authors: Iliuk Anton
Published: May 2018

Liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has enabled researchers to analyze complex biological samples with unprecedented depth. It facilitates the identification and quantification of modifications within thousands of proteins in a single large‐scale proteomic experiment. Analysis of phosphorylation, one of the most common and important post‐translational modifications, has particularly benefited from such progress in the field. Here, detailed protocols are provided for a few well‐regarded, common sample preparation methods for an effective phosphoproteomic experiment. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effect of optic flows on newborn crawling
Authors: Forma Vincent , Anderson David I. , Goffinet François , Barbu‐Roth Marianne
Published: May 2018

This study examined the crawling characteristics of newborns placed prone on a water‐filled, transparent pediatric mattress and whether exposure to terrestrial optic flows that specify forward and backward displacement would influence leg and arm crawling movements. Twenty‐six 3‐day‐old newborns were exposed to a static checkerboard pattern that was back‐projected onto the surface underneath the mattress or a checkerboard pattern that moved toward or away from them at 0.12 m/s. Significantly more flexion and extension crawling movements of the legs were observed in the optic flow conditions, although infants did not displace their bodies significantly further on the mattress in these conditions. Unique aspects of newborn crawling were also identified.
Provide intensive, comprehensive support for students
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: May 2018

The Jones Learning Center at the University of the Ozarks in Arkansas offers comprehensive support for students with learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism spectrum disorders. Director Julia Frost explained how the program works.
Study finds students with disabilities actively seek work after graduation
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: May 2018

Nearly 70 percent of Americans with disabilities are striving to work, are working, or are overcoming barriers to maintain employment, according to a first‐of‐its‐kind study from researchers at the Kessler Foundation and the University of New Hampshire Institute on Disability. Many people with disabilities face obstacles in the workplace that result in difficulty finding or maintaining a job, or a pay gap when compared to nondisabled peers, according to the authors of the study, but the point of the study is to reframe this as a show of persistence for the disabled community.
Resistance and resilience: ten years of monitoring shrub and prairie communities in Orange County, CA, USA
Authors: Kimball Sarah , Principe Zachary , Deutschman Douglas , Strahm Spring , Huxman Travis E. , Lulow Megan , Balazs Kathleen
Published: May 2018

Mediterranean‐climate natural systems have high ecological value, yet the extent of their cover has diminished greatly due to changes in land use. Other stressors, ranging from intense short‐term disturbances such as wildfire to more gradual events such as extended drought and continuous pressures including competition with invasive species, test the resistance and resilience of community composition and structure. Data from long‐term monitoring provided an opportunity to evaluate the responses of three Southern California plant communities (chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and grassland) to disturbances. We analyzed ten years of point intercept and quadrat data from Orange County to describe trends through time and assess community resistance and resilience. We found that grassland communities, which were more degraded from the start of our study, were generally resistant to change. Chaparral was also fairly resistant to disturbance, while coastal sage scrub exhibited more variation, with some transects exhibiting more resilience than others. Transects with fewer native shrubs experienced less of a decline in shrub cover during drought than those with dense shrubs. Grasslands had the lowest native diversity. There were increases in native diversity in years with more precipitation that were preceded by dry years. There was a decline in native perennial bunchgrasses during our monitoring. Our analyses demonstrated the resilience of native shrub cover to fire and the susceptibility (low resistance) of dense native shrubs and native grasses to drought and increases in non‐native species. We encourage academic ecologists to embrace diverse data sources available for hypothesis testing, especially monitoring efforts associated with regulatory purposes, to advance the goal of understanding long‐term dynamics.
Controls on the distribution and resilience ofQuercus garryana: ecophysiological evidence of oak's water‐limitation tolerance
Authors: Hahm W. Jesse , Dietrich William E. , Dawson Todd E.
Published: May 2018

The composition of forests in Western North America is changing. The decline in the shade‐intolerant Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana var. garryana) is attributed to increased competition with the tall‐growing Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) as a result of widespread fire exclusion. In a warmer, drier future, both species will experience increased water stress, and their distribution will depend on ecophysiological adaptations to water limitation, of which little is known forQ. garryana. Here, we report a suite of new ecophysiological observations to better understand the oak's water‐limitation tolerance, in order to predict its fate in a changing climate. Our study site in the Central Belt of the Franciscan Formation in the Northern California Coast Ranges receives almost no rain in the leaf‐on growing season and has limited subsurface water storage capacity. In spite of low pre‐dawn water potentials (Ψ; to below −3.0 MPa), mature trees maintained high rates of sapflow. Sapflow continued due to a high Ψ gradient (≈1.6 MPa on average) at mid‐day between shoots and the subsurface (inferred from pre‐dawn measurements) throughout the dry season. Depletion and recharge of stored water in stem tissue and leaves helped to sustain transpiration. Leaves experienced low Ψ (below −4 MPa), and declining hydraulic conductance yet remained functional. Pressure–volume curve analyses revealed that the maintenance of positive turgor pressures in leaves at low Ψ may be attributable to dynamic adjustment due to changes in cell wall elasticity. The turgor loss point may be of limited use in delineating ecophysiological limits to growth and reproduction, as transpiration and apparently normal physiological behavior continued after pre‐dawn water potentials declined below turgor loss limits inferred from rehydrated leaves. These findings indicate thatQ. garryanais a water‐limitation‐tolerant tree species that maintains hydraulic function as subsurface water supply and atmospheric demand conditions exceed the ranges at whichP. menziesiican operate. These observations can be used to explainQ. garryana's extant species range and anticipate its likely resilience in a warmer climate.
Benthic–pelagic coupling and bottom‐up forcing in rocky intertidal communities along the Atlantic Canadian coast
Authors: Scrosati Ricardo A. , Ellrich Julius A.
Published: May 2018

Benthic species from rocky intertidal systems are irregularly distributed along marine coastlines. Nearshore pelagic conditions often help to explain such variation, but most such studies have been done on eastern ocean boundary coasts. We investigated possible benthic–pelagic coupling along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia, a western ocean boundary coast. In 2014, we surveyed high‐intertidal habitats from nine wave‐exposed bedrock locations spanning 415 km of coastline. At each location in the spring, we measured the recruitment of barnacles and mussels, the two main filter‐feeders. Recruitment varied irregularly along the coast. Satellite data on coastal phytoplankton and particulate organic carbon (food for intertidal filter‐feeders and their pelagic larvae) and in‐situ data on sea surface temperature explained, to varying degrees, the geographic structure of recruitment. In turn, the summer abundance of barnacles and mussels was positively related to their spring recruitment. Ultimately, intertidal predator (dogwhelk) abundance was positively related to the recruitment and/or abundance of barnacles and mussels (the main prey of dogwhelks). Sea ice may also have influenced this predator–prey interaction. Drift ice leaving the Gulf of St. Lawrence in late winter strongly disturbed the northern surveyed locations, making barnacles (through high spring recruitment) the only food source for dogwhelks (which survived ice scour in crevices) in such places. Overall, this study supports the occurrence of benthic–pelagic coupling and bottom‐up forcing on this coast. Investigating the oceanographic drivers of pelagic food supply and seawater temperature should help to further understand how this large metacommunity is organized.
Permafrost and drought regulate vulnerability of Tibetan Plateau grasslands to warming
Authors: Yang Yan , Hopping Kelly A. , Wang Genxu , Chen Ji , Peng Ahui , Klein Julia A.
Published: May 2018

The Tibetan Plateau has the largest expanse of high‐elevation permafrost in the world, and it is experiencing climate warming that may jeopardize the functioning of its alpine ecosystems. Many studies have focused on the effects of climate warming on vegetation production and diversity on the Plateau, but their disparate results have hindered a comprehensive, regional understanding. From a synthesis of twelve warming experiments across the Plateau, we found that warming increased aboveground net primary production (ANPP) and vegetation height at sites with permafrost, but ANPP decreased with warming at non‐permafrost sites. Aboveground net primary production responded more negatively to warming under drier conditions, due to both annual drought conditions and warming‐induced soil moisture loss. Decreases in species diversity with warming were also larger at sites with permafrost. These results support the emerging understanding that water plays a central role in the functioning of cold environments and suggest that as ecosystems cross a threshold from permafrost to non‐permafrost systems, ANPP will decrease across a greater proportion of the Tibetan Plateau. This study also highlights the future convergence of challenges from permafrost degradation and grassland desertification, requiring new collaborations among these currently distinct research and stakeholder groups.
Habitat use is linked to resource‐specific performance of an ecologically important marsh predator
Authors: Rinehart S. A. , Long J. D.
Published: May 2018

It is commonly assumed that animals should preferentially use habitats that enhance their individual performance. However, there have been few attempts to empirically test the relationship between an animals’ habitat use and performance. This is surprising, since knowing about this connection should enhance our ability to predict the local population dynamics of ecologically important species. Here, we used three primary experiments to assess the relationship between habitat use and performance for an important insect consumer (ladybeetles). First, we used field manipulations of resource availability (i.e., scale insects and cordgrass pollen) to examine the habitat use of ladybeetle predators. Second, we conducted a series of no‐choice laboratory assays to compare the performance (fecundity and longevity) of ladybeetles on these different resources. Third, we quantified adult ladybeetle preference for olfactory cues from cordgrass with and without scale insects using a Y‐tube olfactometer. In the field, adult ladybeetles selectively used plots containing scale insects. In the laboratory, diets containing scale insects maximized both adult and larval ladybeetle longevity, and adult fecundity. Adult ladybeetles were attracted to chemical cues associated with scale insects over distances of 10s of centimeters. Overall, our findings suggest that the habitat use and performance of ladybeetles are strongly linked, with ladybeetles preferentially using habitats that maximize their individual performance.