bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internet and people with intellectual disability: an approach to caregivers’ concerns, prevention strategies and training needs
Authors: Chiner Esther , Gómez-Puerta Marcos , Cardona-Moltó M. Cristina
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study was to explore caregivers’ views about the risks of the Internet for people with intellectual disabilities and their preparation and ability to use prevention strategies to address them. The participants (20 family members and 24 staff members) belonged to a non-profit association working with people with developmental and intellectual disabilities and were asked to respond to a questionnaire about Internet safety and risks. Findings show some concerns from caregivers with regard to the use of the Internet by people with intellectual disabilities and suggest that this group is more vulnerable to online risks. Participants use different kinds of strategies to prevent the risks but they have not received any formal training. They think that this training should come from the Administration and other organisations. Some differences were found between family and staff members’ responses. Training programmes for all the groups involved in this process (i.e. people with intellectual disabilities, staff and family members) should be designed, implemented and assessed to promote the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in the digital arena.
Diagnosis of the Skills of the Master’s Degree: Case Study at the University Pablo of Olavide
Authors: Ordóñez Olmedo Eva , Ramírez-Fernández Miguel Baldomero
Published: July 2017

The work team of the Postgraduate Studies Centre (henceforth CEDEP) of Pablo de Olavide University (henceforth UPO) has submitted a questionnaire in order to identify the training needs of the directors of the master’s degrees which are implemented in The UPO during the academic year 2016/2017. This article aims to analyze how the lessons are planned and how the acquisition of the competencies defined in each master’s degree are achieved, in order to assess the current situation and propose solutions for university quality improvement. This research presents a mixed design: quantitative and qualitative non-experimental descriptive through a questionnaire. Further to the study analysis conducted, the need to create a manual of recommended practice to arrange curricula by competencies at the master level is presented, as 62.16% of the participants reflect a great lack of knowledge about the theoretical description of the competencies classification and 73% support a complementary material need for the design of the curriculum.
Distinct control mechanism of fine‐grained sediments from Yellow River and Kyushu supply in the northern Okinawa Trough since the last glacial
Authors: Zhao Debo , Wan Shiming , Toucanne Samuel , Clift Peter D. , Tada Ryuji , Révillon Sidonie , Kubota Yoshimi , Zheng Xufeng , Yu Zhaojie , Huang Jie , Jiang Hanchao , Xu Zhaokai , Shi Xuefa , Li Anchun
Published: July 2017

High‐resolution multiproxy records, including clay minerals and Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotopes of the clay‐sized silicate fraction of sediments from IODP Site U1429 in the northern Okinawa Trough, provide reliable evidence for distinct control mechanism on fine‐grained sediments input from the Yellow River and the southern Japanese Islands to the northern Okinawa Trough since 34 ka BP. Provenance analysis indicates that the sediments were mainly derived from the Yellow River and the island of Kyushu. Since the last glacial, clay‐sized sediments transported from the Yellow River to the study site were strongly influenced by sea‐level fluctuation. During low sea‐level stage (∼34–14 ka BP), the paleo‐Yellow River mouth was positioned closer to the northern Okinawa Trough, favoring large fluvial discharge or even direct input of detrital sediments, which resulted about four times more flux of clay‐sized sediments supply to the study area as during the relatively high sea‐level stage (∼14–0 ka BP). The input of Kyushu‐derived clay‐sized sediments to the study site was mainly controlled by the Kuroshio Current and Tsushima Warm Current intensity, with increased input in phase with weakened Kuroshio Current/Tsushima Warm Current. Our study suggests that the Kuroshio Current was very likely flowed into the Okinawa Trough and thus influenced the fine‐grained sediment transport in the area throughout the last glacial and deglacial. During ∼34–11 ka BP, the Kyushu clay‐sized sediment input was mainly controlled by the Kuroshio Current. Since ∼11 ka BP, the occurrence of Tsushima Warm Current became important in influencing the Kyushu fine‐grained sediment input to the northern Okinawa Trough.
An efficient radiative transfer model for hyperspectral IR radiance simulation and applications under cloudy‐sky conditions
Authors: Li Jun , Li Zhenglong , Wang Pei , Schmit Timothy J. , Bai Wenguang , Atlas Robert
Published: July 2017

An efficient radiative transfer model has been developed for hyperspectral infrared radiance simulation under both clear‐ and cloudy‐sky conditions. The hyperspectral IR cloudy radiative transfer model (HIRTM) combines atmospheric transmittances due to molecular absorption and cloud absorption and scattering from cloud hydrometeors. An efficient analytical Jacobian methodology is also developed under both clear‐ and cloudy‐sky conditions, which is needed both to assimilate cloudy radiances directly into numerical weather prediction models and to retrieve atmospheric soundings and cloud properties simultaneously from cloudy radiance measurements. In comparing HIRTM and its analytical Jacobian with the community radiative transfer model (CRTM), our research has shown that HIRTM's Jacobian calculations are similar to those of CRTM. HIRTM and CRTM synthetic observations derived from model output are compared with corresponding real observations from Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite 13 Imager observations, and both perform similarly under water clouds, while CRTM is colder than HIRTM for thick ice clouds.
Fore‐arc seafloor unconformities and geology: Insight from 3‐D seismic geomorphology analysis, Peru
Authors: Calvès Gérôme , Auguy Constance , de Lavaissière Léopold , Brusset Stéphane , Calderon Ysabel , Baby Patrice
Published: July 2017

New 3‐D seismic data collected over 4870 km2 in the 3°45′S–12°30′S Peruvian segment of the East Pacific subduction system image seafloor erosional surfaces that can be mapped across the fore‐arc basins. Fore‐arc basins experience various stresses, from their base where basal tectonic erosion acts to the seafloor which is influenced by aerial, shallow, and deep water currents driven by waves or thermohaline oceanic currents. Previously there has been little interest in stresses on the upper layer and there is a lack of documentation of unconformities and the erosive processes in certain bathymetric domains in fore‐arc basins. We address this with the study of examples sourced from 3‐D seismic reflection surveys of the seafloor offshore Peru. Unconformities occur in two distinctive bathymetric domains associated with the continental shelf and the upper slope of the margin. Identification and characterization of unconformity surfaces yield estimates of the amount of erosion at the modern seafloor that range from 18 to 100%. Regional physical oceanography allows us to calibrate potential candidates for these two distinctive domains. The first control on erosion is the dynamics of deep to intermediate oceanic currents related to the Humboldt‐Peru Chile water masses, while the second is wave action in the shallower erosional surfaces. This study illustrates the unseen landscape of the fore‐arc basins of South America and helps to highlight the importance of erosive surficial processes in subduction landscapes.
Watershed geomorphology interacts with precipitation to influence the magnitude and source of CO2 emissions from Alaskan streams
Authors: Smits Adrianne P. , Schindler Daniel E. , Holtgrieve Gordon W. , Jankowski Kathi Jo , French David W.
Published: July 2017

Boreal ecosystems contain a large fraction of the world's soil carbon and are warming rapidly, prompting efforts to understand the role of freshwaters in carbon export from these regions. We examined geomorphic controls on the magnitude of stream CO2 emissions and sources of stream dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) across a heterogeneous river basin in SW Alaska. We found that watershed slope and precipitation interact to control gaseous carbon fluxes from streams, with the highest flux from low‐gradient watersheds following rainstorms. Watershed slope influences C loading and stream CO2 fluxes by controlling carbon accumulation in watersheds and to a lesser extent by determining gas transfer velocity across the stream air‐water interface. Low gas transfer velocity in flat streams offsets some of the effects of higher terrestrial C loading at those sites, resulting in lower than expected vertical CO2 fluxes. While the isotopic composition of stream DIC (Δ14C and δ13C) was highly variable across space and time, shifts toward contemporary, terrestrial sources after precipitation were most pronounced in flat watersheds. At base flow DIC was a mixture of modern and aged sources of biogenic and geologic origin (Δ14C, −198.3‰ to 27.9‰, n = 23). Aged (Δ14C‐depleted) C sources contributed to food webs via a pathway from DIC to algae to invertebrate grazers. We observed coherent changes in stream carbon chemistry after large rainstorms despite considerable physical heterogeneity among watersheds. These patterns provide a way to extrapolate across boreal landscapes by constraining CO2 concentration and flux estimates by local geomorphic features.
Nonstationarity in threshold response of stormflow in southern Appalachian headwater catchments
Authors: Scaife Charles I. , Band Lawrence E.
Published: July 2017

Threshold behavior of stormflow response is an emergent pattern observed in several studies demonstrating subsurface storage controls on catchment rainfall‐runoff dynamics. These studies demonstrate a distinct transition from negligible stormflow discharge response to rapid, linearly increasing stormflow identified by a single, uniquely defined threshold as a basic catchment attribute that relates to geophysical properties. Utilizing precipitation, streamflow, and soil moisture data spanning 15 years from three catchments at the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory (CHL), we analyze how threshold behavior forms and varies at several timescales. We pose three hypotheses: (1) stormflow thresholds form at CHL as a function of antecedent soil moisture and gross precipitation, (2) thresholds vary seasonally and interannually, and (3) threshold variation through time implies greater long‐term complexity of runoff controls beyond catchment geophysical properties, including forest canopy ecohydrologic feedbacks. We isolate threshold behavior of stormflow using piecewise regression analysis in short to long‐term data sets with respect to antecedent soil moisture index and gross precipitation. We use this to investigate threshold variation over seasonal, interannual, and decadal timescales that encompass hydroclimatic extremes. Seasonal analysis reveals that thresholds are more variable between growing seasons than between dormant seasons. In growing seasons with greater water stress, stormflow thresholds are lower after controlling for soil moisture storage suggesting more complex, long‐term rainfall‐runoff relationships as a result of forest canopy response to water stress. We present a conceptual model of how vegetation‐climate interactions influence long‐term rainfall‐runoff relationships creating interannual variability of stormflow thresholds and linear stormflow response.
TBAI/K2S2O8 Initiated Radical Cyclization to Synthesize β‐ Arylsulfonyl Naphthalenes from Homopropargylic Alcohols and Sulfonyl Hydrazides
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Zhao Lianbiao , Yuan Bingxiang , Qi Zhenjie , Yan Rulong
Published: July 2017

A metal‐free radical addition method for the synthesis of β‐arylsulfonyl naphthalenes with homopropargylic alcohols and sulfonyl hydrazides has been developed. In this reaction, sulfonyl hydrazide is employed as the source of sulfonyl radical to produce the desired sulfone directly. There is the first example for homopropargylic alcohol through direct intramolecular addition of vinyl radical to arenes with sulfonyl radical, which is initiated by the TBAI/K2S2O8 reaction system and generates the desired products in moderate yields.

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Enhanced Carbon Dioxide Electroreduction to Carbon Monoxide over Defect‐Rich Plasma‐Activated Silver Catalysts
Authors: Mistry Hemma , Choi Yong‐Wook , Bagger Alexander , Scholten Fabian , Bonifacio Cecile S. , Sinev Ilya , Divins Nuria J. , Zegkinoglou Ioannis , Jeon Hyo Sang , Kisslinger Kim , Stach Eric A. , Yang Judith C. , Rossmeisl Jan , Roldan Cuenya Beatriz
Published: July 2017

Efficient, stable catalysts with high selectivity for a single product are essential if electroreduction of CO2 is to become a viable route to the synthesis of industrial feedstocks and fuels. A plasma oxidation pre‐treatment of silver foil enhances the number of low‐coordinated catalytically active sites, which dramatically lowers the overpotential and increases the activity of CO2 electroreduction to CO. At −0.6 V versus RHE more than 90 % Faradaic efficiency towards CO was achieved on a pre‐oxidized silver foil. While transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopy showed that oxygen species can survive in the bulk of the catalyst during the reaction, quasi in situ X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the surface is metallic under reaction conditions. DFT calculations reveal that the defect‐rich surface of the plasma‐oxidized silver foils in the presence of local electric fields drastically decrease the overpotential of CO2 electroreduction.
Rational Control of the Selectivity of a Ruthenium Catalyst for Hydrogenation of 4‐Nitrostyrene by Strain Regulation
Authors: Mao Junjie , Chen Wenxing , Sun Wenming , Chen Zheng , Pei Jiajing , He Dongsheng , Lv Chunlin , Wang Dingsheng , Li Yadong
Published: July 2017

Tuning the selectivity of metal catalysts is of paramount importance yet a great challenge. A new strategy to effectively control the selectivity of metal catalysts, by tuning the lattice strain, is reported. A certain amount of Co atoms is introduced into Ru catalysts to compress the Ru lattice, as confirmed by aberration‐corrected high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements. We discover that the lattice strain of Ru catalysts can greatly affect their selectivity, and Ru with 3 % lattice compression exhibits extremely high catalytic selectivity for hydrogenation of 4‐nitrostyrene to 4‐aminostyrene compared to pristine Ru (99 % vs. 66 %). Theoretical studies confirm that the optimized lateral compressive strain facilitates hydrogenation of the nitro group but impedes the hydrogenation of the vinyl group. This study provides a new guideline for designing metal catalysts with high selectivity.
Ultrastructure of Skeletal Muscles in Mice Lacking Muscle‐Specific VEGF Expression
Authors: Baum Oliver , Jentsch Lena , Odriozola Adolfo , Tschanz Stefan A. , Olfert I. Mark
Published: July 2017

Vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF) influences several physiological processes including endothelial cell function, angiogenesis and maintenance of organ/tissue capillarity. While the functional aspects of VEGF were vigorously investigated, only little detail is known on structural integrity of skeletal muscle fibers and capillaries in mice lacking VEGF expression in their muscles. Therefore, we assessed systematically the architecture of the glycolytic plantaris and the oxidative soleus muscles obtained from muscle‐specific VEGF knockout (mVEGF‐KO, n = 7) mice and their wild‐type (WT, n = 7) littermates by morphometry after transmission electron microscopy. The capillary/fiber ratio was lower (plantaris: −63.5%; soleus: −54.8%; P ≤ 0.05) in mVEGF‐KO mice than in WT mice. In plantaris, quantification of volume density (Vv) of compartments revealed higher Vv of total mitochondria (+56.5%, P ≤ 0.05) as well as higher Vv‐values for both intrafibrillar (+39%; P ≤ 0.05) and subsarcolemmal (+220%; P ≤ 0.05) mitochondrial pools in mVEGF‐KO mice than WT mice. The capillary phenotype also differed (P ≤ 0.05) between the two mouse‐strains: Vv (–17.4%), absolute area size (–19.1%) and thickness (–19.6%) of the endothelium layer were lower and Vv of capillary lumen (+15.1%) was higher in mVEGF‐KO mice than in WT littermates. In soleus, mitochondrial Vv in fibers and the structural indicators specific to the capillary phenotype exhibited the same tendency in differences between the mouse strains without reaching statistical significance. Our morphometric analysis demonstrates that the lower capillary supply in plantaris of mVEGF‐KO mice is accompanied by higher mitochondrial Vv in muscle fibers as well as lumen dilation and endothelium thinning of capillaries. These structural alterations were more pronounced in a glycolytic than an oxidative muscle. Anat Rec, 300:2239–2249, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The application of physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling to assess the impact of antiretroviral‐mediated drug–drug interactions on piperaquine antimalarial therapy during pregnancy
Authors: Olafuyi Olusola , Coleman Michael , Badhan Raj K.S.
Published: July 2017

Antimalarial therapy during pregnancy poses important safety concerns due to potential teratogenicity and maternal physiological and biochemical changes during gestation. Piperaquine (PQ) has gained interest for use in pregnancy in response to increasing resistance towards sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine in sub‐Saharan Africa. Coinfection with HIV is common in many developing countries, however, little is known about the impact of antiretroviral (ARV) mediated drug–drug interaction (DDI) on piperaquine pharmacokinetics during pregnancy. This study applied mechanistic pharmacokinetic modelling to predict pharmacokinetics in non‐pregnant and pregnant patients, which was validated in distinct customised population groups from Thailand, Sudan and Papua New Guinea. In each population group, no significant differences in day 7 concentrations were observed during different gestational weeks (GW) (weeks 10–40), supporting the notion that piperaquine is safe throughout pregnancy with consistent pharmacokinetics, although possible teratogenicity may limit this. Antiretroviral‐mediated DDIs (efavirenz and ritonavir) had moderate effects on piperaquine during different gestational weeks with a predicted AUCratio in the range 0.56–0.8 and 1.64–1.79 for efavirenz and ritonavir, respectively, over GW 10–40, with a reduction in circulating human serum albumin significantly reducing the number of subjects attaining the day 7 (post‐dose) therapeutic efficacy concentrations under both efavirenz and ritonavir DDIs. This present model successfully mechanistically predicted the pharmacokinetics of piperaquine in pregnancy to be unchanged with respect to non‐pregnant women, in the light of factors such as malaria/HIV co‐infection. However, antiretroviral‐mediated DDIs could significantly alter piperaquine pharmacokinetics. Further model refinement will include collation of relevant physiological and biochemical alterations common to HIV/malaria patients.
ROS mediated selection for increased NADPH availability in Escherichia coli
Authors: Reynolds Thomas S. , Courtney Colleen M. , Erickson Keesha E. , Wolfe Lisa M. , Chatterjee Anushree , Nagpal Prashant , Gill Ryan T.
Published: July 2017

The economical production of chemicals and fuels by microbial processes remains an intense area of interest in biotechnology. A key limitation in such efforts concerns the availability of key co‐factors, in this case NADPH, required for target pathways. Many of the strategies pursued for increasing NADPH availability in Escherichia coli involve manipulations to the central metabolism, which can create redox imbalances and overall growth defects. In this study we used a reactive oxygen species based selection to search for novel methods of increasing NADPH availability. We report a loss of function mutation in the gene hdfR appears to increase NADPH availability in E. coli. Additionally, we show this excess NADPH can be used to improve the production of 3HP in E. coli.
High glucose induces O‐GlcNAc glycosylation of the vitamin D receptor (VDR) in THP1 cells and in human macrophages derived from monocytes
Authors: Hernández‐Sánchez Fernando , Guzmán‐Beltrán Silvia , Herrera María Teresa , Gonzalez Yolanda , Salgado Manuel , Fabian Guadalupe , Torres Martha
Published: July 2017

Chronic hyperglycemia increases the carbon flux through the hexosamine pathway, allowing the accumulation of UDP‐GlcNAc. UDP‐GlcNAc is the sugar donor for the enzyme‐mediated protein glycosylation event known as OGlcNAcylation. This posttranslational modification targets several transcription factors implicated in glucose toxicity, insulin resistance, and diabetes. Vitamin D plays an important role in glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion through transcriptional mechanisms mediated by its receptor (VDR). Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with higher susceptibility to bacterial diseases in diabetic patients. However, it has not been explored whether VDR is subject to OGlcNAcylation or whether high glucose affects its transcriptional or biological activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hyperglycemia on VDR OGlcNAcylation and its effects on vitamin D‐mediated transcription. We predicted potential OGlcNAcylation sites using free software. Our results showed that hyperglycemia (30 mM) induces the OGlcNAcylation of VDR in THP1 cells and in human macrophages derived from monocytes (MDM). This condition did not hamper the vitamin D‐dependent activation of LL‐37 gene expression, and even did not impair the macrophage bactericidal activity. Our study provides new insight into vitamin D receptor posttranslational modification that may have relevance on the physiological responses of long‐term hyperglycemia.
Active Site Elucidation and Optimization in Pt Co‐catalysts for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production over Titania
Authors: Jiang Zhi , Isaacs Mark A. , Huang Zheng Wen , Shangguan Wenfeng , Deng Yifeng , Lee Adam F.
Published: July 2017

Platinum co‐catalysts play a critical role in promoting the photocatalytic performance of inorganic semiconductors, yet despite intensive investigation, the active platinum species responsible remains controversial. Here, the physicochemical properties of Pt nanoparticles introduced into anatase titania through three different synthetic protocols are investigated by porosimetry, XRD, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and correlated with their corresponding activity for aqueous photocatalytic hydrogen production. Conventional wet impregnation produces small but highly oxidized platinum nanoparticles owing to the classical strong metal–support interaction with titania during high‐temperature processing. Photodeposition yields predominantly metallic but large and inhomogeneous (1.5–7.5 nm) Pt nanoparticles. In contrast, a modified in situ polyol route affords metallic and highly dispersed (<2 nm) nanoparticles with minimal PtOx. Photocatalytic H2 evolution is directly proportional to the surface concentration of Pt metal, conclusively demonstrating metallic platinum as the active co‐catalyst, and offering a simple parameter to quantitatively predict the photocatalytic performance of Pt/TiO2 in H2 production. The modified in situ polyol synthesis is optimal for co‐catalyst formation, delivering rate enhancements of 25–80 % compared with the other syntheses.
Aromatic Micelles as a New Class of Aqueous Molecular Flasks
Authors: Kondo Kei , Klosterman Jeremy K. , Yoshizawa Michito
Published: July 2017

Micelles are a versatile class of molecular assemblies typically composed of aliphatic molecules with hydrophilic groups. Polyaromatic molecules with hydrophilic groups, on the other hand, usually do not assemble into micellar structures in water but rather form columnar, π‐stacked architectures. This Minireview article focuses on the recent development of aqueous micellar nanostructures with multiple oligoarylene rods or polyaromatic panels. The new micelles with spherical polyaromatic shells, which we name “aromatic micelles”, serve as functional molecular flasks with superior binding abilities for medium to very large molecules in water.
A Review on Bimetallic Nickel‐Based Catalysts for CO2 Reforming of Methane
Authors: Bian Zhoufeng , Das Sonali , Wai Ming Hui , Hongmanorom Plaifa , Kawi Sibudjing
Published: July 2017

In recent years, CO2 reforming of methane (dry reforming of methane, DRM) has become an attractive research area because it converts two major greenhouse gasses into syngas (CO and H2), which can be directly used as fuel or feedstock for the chemical industry. Ni‐based catalysts have been extensively used for DRM because of its low cost and good activity. A major concern with Ni‐based catalysts in DRM is severe carbon deposition leading to catalyst deactivation, and a lot of effort has been put into the design and synthesis of stable Ni catalysts with high carbon resistance. One effective and practical strategy is to introduce a second metal to obtain bimetallic Ni‐based catalysts. The synergistic effect between Ni and the second metal has been shown to increase the carbon resistance of the catalyst significantly. In this review, a detailed discussion on the development of bimetallic Ni‐based catalysts for DRM including nickel alloyed with noble metals (Pt, Ru, Ir etc.) and transition metals (Co, Fe, Cu) is presented. Special emphasis has been provided on the underlying principles that lead to synergistic effects and enhance catalyst performance. Finally, an outlook is presented for the future development of Ni‐based bimetallic catalysts.
Lacrimal gland development: From signaling interactions to regenerative medicine
Authors: Garg Ankur , Zhang Xin
Published: July 2017

The lacrimal gland plays a pivotal role in keeping the ocular surface lubricated, and protecting it from environmental exposure and insult. Dysfunction of the lacrimal gland results in deficiency of the aqueous component of the tear film, which can cause dryness of the ocular surface, also known as the aqueous‐deficient dry eye disease. Left untreated, this disease can lead to significant morbidity, including frequent eye infections, corneal ulcerations, and vision loss. Current therapies do not treat the underlying deficiency of the lacrimal gland, but merely provide symptomatic relief. To develop more sustainable and physiological therapies, such as in vivo lacrimal gland regeneration or bioengineered lacrimal gland implants, a thorough understanding of lacrimal gland development at the molecular level is of paramount importance. Based on the structural and functional similarities between rodent and human eye development, extensive studies have been undertaken to investigate the signaling and transcriptional mechanisms of lacrimal gland development using mouse as a model system. In this review, we describe the current understanding of the extrinsic signaling interactions and the intrinsic transcriptional network governing lacrimal gland morphogenesis, as well as recent advances in the field of regenerative medicine aimed at treating dry eye disease. Developmental Dynamics 246:970–980, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
No obvious genetic erosion, but evident relict status at the westernmost range edge of the Pontic‐Pannonian steppe plant Linum flavum L. (Linaceae) in Central Europe
Authors: Plenk Kristina , Bardy Katharina , Höhn Maria , Thiv Mike , Kropf Matthias
Published: July 2017

We investigate patterns of genetic variation along an east–west transect of Central European populations of Linum flavum and interpret the Quaternary history of its peripheral populations, especially those at the westernmost isolated range edge, discussing their migrations and possible relict status. We defined our peripheral transect across three study regions from Central Hungary, eastern Austria to southwestern Germany. Using AFLP fingerprinting and cpDNA sequence variation (rpL16 intron, atpI‐H), we analyzed 267 and 95 individuals, respectively, representing each study region by four populations. Hierarchical AMOVA (AFLPs) indicated significant variation among study regions (12% of total variance) and moderate differentiation between populations (10%). Population differentiation was high at the westernmost range edge (11.5%, Germany), but also in the east (13.4%, Hungary), compared to the Austrian study region (8.6%). Correspondingly, AFLP diversity was highest in the center of the study transect in eastern Austria. CpDNA haplotypes support a pattern of regional structuring with the strongest separation of the westernmost range edge, and some haplotype sharing among Austrian and Hungarian individuals. Equilibrating nucleotide versus haplotype diversity patterns, the highly diverse populations at the Pannonian range edge (Austria) indicate long‐term persistence, while Central Pannonian populations are obviously effected by recent bottlenecks. Intermediate nucleotide, but high haplotype diversity within the westernmost exclave (Swabian Alb), is indicative of a founder bottleneck during its pre‐LGM or early postglacial migration history, followed by sufficient time to accumulate cpDNA variation. The not obviously reduced genetic diversity and distinctiveness of L. flavum at the westernmost range edge suggest a long‐term persistence (relict status) of populations in this region, where the species has survived probably even the Würm glaciation in extra‐Mediterranean refugia. This genetic relict variation represents an important part of the overall genetic diversity found in the western periphery of this steppe plant and highlights the high conservation priority of respective gene pools.
Interactions among salt marsh plants vary geographically but not latitudinally along the California coast
Authors: Noto Akana E. , Shurin Jonathan B.
Published: July 2017

The strength of species interactions often varies geographically and locally with environmental conditions. Competitive interactions are predicted to be stronger in benign environments while facilitation is expected to be stronger in harsh ones. We tested these ideas with an aboveground neighbor removal experiment at six salt marshes along the California coast. We determined the effect of removals of either the dominant species, Salicornia pacifica, or the subordinate species on plant cover, aboveground biomass and community composition, as well as soil salinity and moisture. We found that S. pacifica consistently competed with the subordinate species and that the strength of competition varied among sites. In contrast with other studies showing that dominant species facilitate subordinates by moderating physical stress, here the subordinate species facilitated S. pacifica shortly after removal treatments were imposed, but the effect disappeared over time. Contrary to expectations based on patterns observed in east coast salt marshes, we did not see patterns in species interactions in relation to latitude, climate, or soil edaphic characteristics. Our results suggest that variation in interactions among salt marsh plants may be influenced by local‐scale site differences such as nutrients more than broad latitudinal gradients.
Single‐Step Synthesis of 3‐Iodoquinolines from 2‐Aminophenyl Ketones through a Regioselective (6‐endo‐dig) Electrophilic Cyclization
Authors: Yaragorla Srinivasarao , Pareek Abhishek , Dada Ravikrishna , Saini Pyare Lal
Published: July 2017

A highly facile single‐step synthetic approach to 3‐iodoquinolines has been developed for the first time from readily available 2‐aminobenzophenones and terminal alkynes. The reaction involves the nucleophilic addition of terminal alkynes to 2‐aminobenzophenones followed by a regioselective iodocyclization (6‐endo‐dig) to furnish 2,4‐disubstituted 3‐iodoquinolines in high yields. In general, 2,4‐diaryl‐substituted products were isolated without the need for column chromatography.
Characterization of potential liquid fertilizers obtained by hydrothermal treatment of chicken feathers
Authors: Nurdiawati Anissa , Nakhshiniev Bakhtiyor , Zaini Ilman Nuran , Saidov Nurali , Takahashi Fumitake , Yoshikawa Kunio
Published: July 2017

Bio‐based fertilizers are currently gaining interest as a method for reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and as a means for safe disposal of biomass waste. Feathers, which are an abundantly available biomass and have a high N content, are a potential source of fertilizer nutrients. In this study, chicken feathers were subjected to hydrothermal treatment (HTT) with lime addition in the temperature range of 140–200°C to obtain a high N containing liquid product that can be used as a liquid fertilizer. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of HTT conditions on the feather solubilization rate and the properties of the liquid products. The results showed that HTT with a reaction temperature of 180°C, a reaction time of 30 min, feather‐water ratio of 1:5, and lime addition is sufficient to solubilize as high as 83% of the chicken feather protein. The produced liquid contained nitrogen of up to 3.4% and total amino acid content of 13.6%. These results indicate the potential utilization of soluble hydrolyzed feather obtained from the HTT process for liquid N fertilizer. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 375–382, 2018
Performance Study of stirred tank slurry reactor and fixed‐bed reactor using bimetallic Co–Ni mesoporous silica catalyst for fischer–tropsch synthesis
Authors: Sun Yong , Yang Gang , Sun Guangzhi , Sun Zhi , Zhang Lian
Published: July 2017

The Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) was studied using mesoporous silica‐supported bimetallic Co–Ni catalyst in a fixed‐bed reactor (FBR) and a slurry continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) under different temperatures (from 280°C to 300°C) with syngas ratio of 2 and a total pressure of 3.5 MPa. The activity of the catalyst was higher in FBR due to complete reduction. The CSTR was found to experience a less degree of catalyst deactivation, and its CO conversion was more sensitive in responding to the variation of temperatures because of its better temperature control. The intraparticle diffusion limitation was much improved in the CSTR system due to employment of smaller particle size of the catalyst. The selectivity of gasoline fraction (C5–C13) was higher in CSTR system than that in FBR at the same baseline condition. The appreciable increases of selectivity in CO2, methane, and longer‐chain hydrocarbon were observed in FBR when the comparable CO conversion was set for comparison between FBR and CSTR. Reducing the particle size of the catalyst was more effective in increasing the selectivity of lighter (C2–C6) 1‐olefin in CSTR system. The FBR produced higher selectivity of longer chain (C7+) 1‐olefin. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 553–561, 2018
Dissociation of spatial memory systems in Williams syndrome
Authors: Bostelmann Mathilde , Fragnière Emilie , Costanzo Floriana , Di Vara Silvia , Menghini Deny , Vicari Stefano , Lavenex Pierre , Lavenex Pamela Banta
Published: July 2017

Williams syndrome (WS), a genetic deletion syndrome, is characterized by severe visuospatial deficits affecting performance on both tabletop spatial tasks and on tasks which assess orientation and navigation. Nevertheless, previous studies of WS spatial capacities have ignored the fact that two different spatial memory systems are believed to contribute parallel spatial representations supporting navigation. The place learning system depends on the hippocampal formation and creates flexible relational representations of the environment, also known as cognitive maps. The spatial response learning system depends on the striatum and creates fixed stimulus‐response representations, also known as habits. Indeed, no study assessing WS spatial competence has used tasks which selectively target these two spatial memory systems. Here, we report that individuals with WS exhibit a dissociation in their spatial abilities subserved by these two memory systems. As compared to typically developing (TD) children in the same mental age range, place learning performance was impaired in individuals with WS. In contrast, their spatial response learning performance was facilitated. Our findings in individuals with WS and TD children suggest that place learning and response learning interact competitively to control the behavioral strategies normally used to support human spatial navigation. Our findings further suggest that the neural pathways supporting place learning may be affected by the genetic deletion that characterizes WS, whereas those supporting response learning may be relatively preserved. The dissociation observed between these two spatial memory systems provides a coherent theoretical framework to characterize the spatial abilities of individuals with WS, and may lead to the development of new learning strategies based on their facilitated response learning abilities.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in triple‐negative breast cancer: A multicentric retrospective observational study in real‐life setting
Authors: Gamucci Teresa , Pizzuti Laura , Sperduti Isabella , Mentuccia Lucia , Vaccaro Angela , Moscetti Luca , Marchetti Paolo , Carbognin Luisa , Michelotti Andrea , Iezzi Laura , Cassano Alessandra , Grassadonia Antonino , Astone Antonio , Botticelli Andrea , Magnolfi Emanuela , Di Lauro Luigi , Sergi Domenico , Fuso Paola , Tinari Nicola , Barba Maddalena , Maugeri‐Saccà Marcello , Landucci Elisabetta , Conti Francesca , Sanguineti Giuseppe , De Tursi Michele , Iafrate Gianni , Giordano Antonio , Ciliberto Gennaro , Natoli Clara , Vici Patrizia
Published: July 2017

We aimed to assess the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in a cohort of 213 triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients treated in real‐world practice at eight Italian cancer centers. We computed descriptive statistics for all the variable of interest. Factors testing significant in univariate analysis were included in multivariate models. Survival data were compared by Kaplan–Meier curves and log‐rank test. The median follow‐up was 45 months. We observed 60 (28.2%) pathological complete response (pCR). The sequential anthracyclines‐taxanes‐based regimens produced the highest rate of pCR (42.6%), followed by concomitant anthracycline‐taxane (24.2%), and other regimens (15.6%) (p = 0.008). When analyzing the role of baseline Ki‐67, a 50% cut‐off was the optimal threshold value for pCR prediction (p = 0.0005). The 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) was 57.3% and the 5‐year overall survival (OS) was 70.8%. In patients not achieving pCR, the optimal Ki‐67 variation between biopsy and surgical specimen with prognostic relevance on long‐term outcomes was 13% (p = 0.04). Patients with a Ki‐67 reduction (rKi‐67)<13% had worse outcomes compared to those who experienced pCR or a rKi‐67≥13%. The number of NACT cycles also affected long‐term outcomes (5‐year DFS 65.7% vs 51.6% in patients having received >6 cycles compared with their counterparts, p = 0.02). In multivariate analysis, node status, grading, and bio‐pathological treatment response (including pCR and rKi‐67) impacted DFS and OS. Our results confirmed the advantage conferred by more than 6 cycles of a sequential antracycline‐taxane‐based NACT. Higher baseline Ki‐67 values shows greater predictive significance on pathogical response, while the rKi‐67 plays a prognostic role on long‐term outcomes.
Real‐world effectiveness of sofosbuvir‐based treatment regimens for chronic hepatitis C genotype 3 infection: Results from the multicenter German hepatitis C cohort (GECCO‐03)
Authors: Wehmeyer Malte H. , Ingiliz Patrick , Christensen Stefan , Hueppe Dietrich , Lutz Thomas , Simon Karl Georg , Schewe Knud , Boesecke Christoph , Baumgarten Axel , Busch Heiner , Rockstroh Juergen , Schmutz Guenther , Kimhofer Torben , Berger Florian , Mauss Stefan , Schulze zur Wiesch Julian
Published: July 2017

There are limited data regarding the real world effectiveness of direct acting antivirals (DAA) for the therapy of chronic genotype 3 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. All HCV genotype 3 infected patients from the German hepatitis C cohort (GECCO), which is a prospective database of nine German hepatitis C treatment centers, were included in the study. Three hundred forty‐two chronically infected HCV genotype 3 patients were analyzed (253 males [74.0%], mean age 47.3 years, 127 cirrhotic patients [37.1%] mostly with Child A cirrhosis, 113 treatment experienced patients [37.1%], 38 HCV/HIV co‐infected patients [11.1%]). SVR12 rates in the “intention‐to‐treat” analysis were as follows: sofosbuvir/ribavirin 69.4% (75/108), sofosbuvir/peginterferon/ribavirin 80.6% (58/72), sofosbuvir/daclatasvir ± ribavirin for 12 weeks 88.3% (53/63), sofosbuvir/daclatasvir ± ribavirin for 24 weeks 79.3% (23/29), sofosbuvir/ledipasvir ± ribavirin for 12 weeks 71.4% (10/14), and sofosbuvir/ledipasvir ± ribavirin for 24 weeks 86.7% (26/30). Forty patients were lost to follow‐up, 23 patients had a relapse, 4 patients stopped treatment prematurely and 1 patient died. Female sex (P = 0.038) and treatment with two different DAAs (P = 0.05) were predictors for SVR12 in the multivariate analysis. In conclusion, sofosbuvir/daclatasvir ± ribavirin for 12 weeks and sofosbuvir/ledipasvir ± ribavirin for 24 weeks are effective for the treatment of HCV genotype 3 infected patients including cirrhotic, treatment‐experienced or HIV/HCV co‐infected patients.
Season‐specific habitat restriction in Asiatic black bears, Japan
Authors: Takahata Chihiro , Takii Akiko , Izumiyama Shigeyuki
Published: July 2017

Understanding habitat selection by wildlife, particularly in the vicinity of areas dominated by humans, is often important in identifying causes of human–wildlife conflict. With recent increases in the number of Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in areas near settlements in Japan, there have been more human–bear conflicts. Because of the seasonal nature of these conflicts, we hypothesized that a season‐specific restriction in habitat may influence bears to select human‐settled areas. To confirm this, we focused on the estimate of seasonal differences in distributions of potential bear habitat. We collected global positioning system data from 14 female and 15 male bears in a 1,023‐km2 range located in the central Alps of Japan. We employed resource selection functions to model season‐specific habitat selection and quantified the spatial distribution of core habitat patches. Compared with other seasons, selected habitat of bears during summer was restricted to the narrow fringes of human‐dominated lands. Selection for younger forests, edges, and lowland red pine (Pinus densiflora) forests supporting diverse food resources indicated that Asiatic black bears were seasonally dependent on early successional stages. In summer when human–bear conflicts peaked, bear avoidance of plantations and the selection for remnant small forest openings and lowland forest combined was the major cause affecting bear proximity to settlements. We recommend that wildlife managers work to restore food‐producing habitat in dense, mature plantations to reduce negative interactions between humans and bears. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Vascular Pathology Causing Late Onset Generalized Chorea: A Clinico‐Pathological Case Report
Authors: Salgado Paula , Taipa Ricardo , Domingos Joana , Dias Daniel , Pires Manuel Melo , Magalhães Marina
Published: July 2017

Background

Chorea may occur as a manifestation of an acute stroke. Patients with vascular‐related chorea typically present with an acute or subacute onset of hemichorea, contralateral to the lesion.

Methods and Findings

In this clinico‐pathological case, we report a 90‐year‐old female who presented, at age 81, with a transient episode of generalized chorea. Over the years, the patient continued to have intermittent episodes of generalized chorea or hemichorea, followed by a progressive dementia syndrome with gait and sphincter disturbance. There was no family history of chorea or dementia. Laboratory tests for paraneoplastic or autoimmune disorders and genetic testing for Huntington's disease were normal or negative. Magnetic resonance imaging showed subcortical and basal ganglia atrophy associated with ischemic leukoencephalopathy and lacunar infarcts. The post‐mortem examination identified multiple lacunar infarcts (cortex, white matter, thalamus, basal ganglia) and minor Alzheimer′s disease neuropathological changes.

Conclusions

Vascular disease, affecting the basal ganglia, is included in most lists of causes of generalized chorea. Proven cases are difficult to find. We present a rare case of vascular pathology causing late onset generalized and intermittent chorea. We highlight the intermittent nature of the chorea that could be explained by cumulative vascular lesions or functional disconnection in a previous deficient circuit.
Detection and quantification of coronary calcium from dual energy chest x‐rays: Phantom feasibility study
Authors: Zhou Bo , Wen Di , Nye Katelyn , Gilkeson Robert C. , Eck Brendan , Jordan David , Wilson David L.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

We have demonstrated the ability to identify coronary calcium, a reliable biomarker of coronary artery disease, using nongated, 2‐shot, dual energy (DE) chest x‐ray imaging. Here we will use digital simulations, backed up by measurements, to characterize DE calcium signals and the role of potential confounds such as beam hardening, x‐ray scatter, cardiac motion, and pulmonary artery pulsation. For the DE calcium signal, we will consider quantification, as compared to CT calcium score, and visualization.

Methods

We created stylized and anatomical digital 3D phantoms including heart, lung, coronary calcium, spine, ribs, pulmonary artery, and adipose. We simulated high and low kVp x‐ray acquisitions with x‐ray spectra, energy dependent attenuation, scatter, ideal detector, and automatic exposure control (AEC). Phantoms allowed us to vary adipose thickness, cardiac motion, etc. We used specialized dual energy coronary calcium (DECC) processing that includes corrections for scatter and beam hardening.

Results

Beam hardening over a wide range of adipose thickness (0–30 cm) reduced the change in intensity of a coronary artery calcification (ΔICAC) by < 3% in DECC images. Scatter correction errors of ±50% affected the calcium signal (ΔICAC) in DECC images ±9%. If a simulated pulmonary artery fills with blood between exposures, it can give rise to a residual signal in DECC images, explaining pulmonary artery visibility in some clinical images. Residual misregistration can be mostly compensated by integrating signals in an enlarged region encompassing registration artifacts. DECC calcium score compared favorably to CT mass and volume scores over a number of phantom perturbations.

Conclusion

Simulations indicate that proper DECC processing can faithfully recover coronary calcium signals. Beam hardening, errors in scatter estimation, cardiac motion, calcium residual misregistration etc., are all manageable. Simulations are valuable as we continue to optimize DE coronary calcium image processing and quantitative analysis.