bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying and targeting cancer stem cells in the treatment of gastric cancer
Authors: Bekaii‐Saab Tanios , El‐Rayes Bassel
Published: January 2017

Current treatment regimens for gastric cancer are not adequate. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) may be a key driving factor for growth and metastasis of this tumor type. In contrast to the conventional clonal evolution hypothesis, CSCs can initiate tumor formation, self‐renew, and differentiate into tumor‐propagating cells. Because gastric cancer can originate from CSCs, it is necessary to review current targets of signaling pathways for CSCs in gastric cancer that are being studied in clinical trials. These pathways are known to regulate the self‐renewal and differentiation process in gastric CSCs. A better understanding of the clinical results of trials that target gastric CSCs will lead to better outcomes for patients with gastric cancer. Cancer 2017;123:1303–1312. © 2017 The Authors. Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Cancer Society. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.
Treatment‐associated toxicities reported by patients with early‐stage invasive breast cancer
Authors: Friese Christopher R. , Harrison Jordan M. , Janz Nancy K. , Jagsi Reshma , Morrow Monica , Li Yun , Hamilton Ann S. , Ward Kevin C. , Kurian Allison W. , Katz Steven J. , Hofer Timothy P.
Published: January 2017

BACKGROUND

Patient‐reported toxicities help to appraise the breast cancer treatment experience. Yet extant data come from clinical trials and health care claims, which may be biased. Using patient surveys, the authors sought to quantify the frequency, severity, and burden of treatment‐associated toxicities.

METHODS

Between 2013 and 2014, the iCanCare study surveyed a population‐based sample of women residing in Los Angeles County and Georgia with early‐stage, invasive breast cancer. The authors assessed the frequency and severity of toxicities; correlated toxicity severity with unscheduled health care use (clinic visits, emergency department visits/hospitalizations) and physical health; and examined patient, tumor, and treatment factors associated with reporting increased toxicity severity.

RESULTS

The overall survey response rate was 71%. From the analyzed cohort of 1945 women, 866 (45%) reported at least 1 toxicity that was severe/very severe, 9% reported unscheduled clinic visits for toxicity management, and 5% visited an emergency department or hospital. Factors associated with reporting higher toxicity severity included receipt of chemotherapy (odds ratio [OR], 2.2; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.0‐2.5), receipt of both chemotherapy and radiotherapy (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0‐1.7), and Latina ethnicity (OR vs whites: 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1‐1.5). A nonsignificant increase in at least 1 severe/very severe toxicity report was observed for bilateral mastectomy recipients (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0‐1.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with early‐stage invasive breast cancer report substantial treatment‐associated toxicities and related burden. Clinicians should collect toxicity data routinely and offer early intervention. Toxicity differences observed by treatment modality may inform decision making.Cancer2017;123:1925–1934. ©2017 American Cancer Society.
White matter atrophy and myelinated fiber disruption in a rat model of depression
Authors: Gao Yuan , Ma Jing , Tang Jing , Liang Xin , Huang Chun‐Xia , Wang San‐rong , Chen Lin‐mu , Wang Fei‐Fei , Tan Chuan‐Xue , Chao Feng‐Lei , Zhang Lei , Qiu Xuan , Luo Yan‐Min , Xiao Qian , Du Lian , Xiao Qian , Tang Yong
Published: January 2017

Brain imaging and postmortem studies have indicated that white matter abnormalities may contribute to the pathology and pathogenesis of depression. However, until now, no study has quantitatively investigated white matter changes in depression in rats. The current study used the chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) model of depression. Body weight and sucrose preference test (SPT) scores were assessed weekly. Upon successfully establishing the CUS animal model, all animals were tested using the SPT and the open field test (OFT). Then, transmission electron microscopy and unbiased stereological methods were used to investigate white matter changes in the rats. Compared with the control group, the body weight and sucrose preference of the CUS rats were significantly decreased (p < .001, p < .001, respectively). In the OFT, the total time spent and the total distance traveled in the inner area by the CUS rats were significantly lower than those of the control group (p = .002, p = .001, respectively). The stereological results revealed that white matter volume, the total volume, and the total length and mean diameter of myelinated fibers in the white matter of the CUS rats were significantly decreased compared to the control rats (p = .042, p = .038, p = .035, p = .019, respectively). The results of this study suggested that white matter atrophy and disruption of myelinated fibers in the white matter may contribute to the pathophysiology underlying depression, which might provide new targets for the development of novel therapeutic interventions for depression.
Meta‐Analysis of the Risk of Immune‐Related Adverse Events With Anticytotoxic T‐Lymphocyte‐Associated Antigen 4 and Antiprogrammed Death 1 Therapies
Authors: Komaki Y , Komaki F , Yamada A , Micic D , Ido A , Sakuraba A
Published: January 2017

We assessed the risks of immune‐related adverse events with anticytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) and antiprogrammed death 1 (PD1) therapies by meta‐analysis. Twenty‐one studies including 11,144 patients were found. Anti‐CTLA4 therapy was associated with a significantly higher risk of overall immune‐related adverse events: diarrhea, immune‐related colitis, pruritus, and rash compared to control therapies (relative risk (RR) = 2.43, 2.10, 11.39, 3.88, 3.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.77–3.34, 1.52–2.45, 6.30–20.59, 2.37–6.37, 2.39–6.27, P < 0.001 for all outcomes). Anti‐PD1 therapy was associated with a significantly higher risk of pruritus (RR = 4.01, 95% CI = 1.97 to 8.17, P < 0.001); however, it did not increase the risks of other adverse events. Anti‐CTLA4 and anti‐PD1 therapies have distinct features of immune‐related adverse events. The results of our study would aid the surveillance and management of immune‐related adverse events in patients receiving these therapies.
Enhancing Charge Separation in Photocatalysts with Internal Polar Electric Fields
Authors: Lou Zaizhu , Wang Peng , Huang Baibiao , Dai Ying , Qin Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaoyang , Wang Zeyan , Liu Yuanyuan
Published: January 2017

The main limitations on photocatalytic efficiency are the recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes and a narrow light response. In this Minireview, we focused on photocatalytic materials with an internal polar electric field. The development and application of these compounds is one of the most efficient strategies to promote the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes, leading to high photocatalytic efficiency. This Minireview describes the fundamental operating principles of photocatalysts with a built‐in polar electric field and discusses the mechanism for polar‐electric‐field‐enhanced charge separation. We also review recent reports on photocatalytic systems using an internal polar electric field to separate photogenerated electrons and holes, focusing particularly on layer‐structure polar photocatalysts, silver silicates, and single‐crystal ZnO photocatalysts. Charge separation enhanced by an internal polar electric field provides the basis for designing new high efficiency photocatalysts.
Extraction of Salinity‐Gradient Energy by a Hybrid Capacitive‐Mixing System
Authors: Lee Jiho , Yoon Hongsik , Lee Jaehan , Kim Taeyoung , Yoon Jeyong
Published: January 2017

Salinity‐gradient energy (SGE) is a renewable energy source available wherever two solutions with different salinity mix. Capacitive‐mixing (Capmix) is a technology that directly extracts the SG potential through the movements of ions in high‐ and low‐concentration solutions. However, the energy‐harvesting performance of Capmix needs further improvement. Herein, a hybrid Capmix that consists of a battery and capacitive electrodes is proposed. In this system, sodium ions and anions are captured/released by the metal oxide and carbon electrodes, respectively. The hybrid Capmix extracted an energy density that was approximately three times higher (130 J m−2) and exhibited a notable power output (97 mW m−2) compared to the previous Capmix using ion‐exchange membranes. Furthermore, the hybrid system operated successfully with real river water and seawater. These results suggest that the hybrid Capmix could be a viable option to harvest energy from salinity gradients.
Pharmacokinetics of betamethasone in plasma, urine, and synovial fluid following intra‐articular administration to exercised thoroughbred horses
Authors: Knych Heather K. , Stanley Scott D. , Harrison Linda M. , Mckemie Daniel S.
Published: January 2017

The use of corticosteroids, such as betamethasone, in performance horses is tightly regulated. The objective of the current study was to describe the plasma pharmacokinetics of betamethasone as well as time‐related urine and synovial fluid concentrations following intra‐articular administration to horses. Twelve racing‐fit adult Thoroughbred horses received a single intra‐articular administration (9 mg) of a betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate injectable suspension into the right antebrachiocarpal joint. Blood, urine, and synovial fluid samples were collected prior to and at various times up to 21 days post drug administration. All samples were analyzed using tandem liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Plasma data were analyzed using compartmental pharmacokinetic modeling. Maximum measured plasma betamethasone concentrations were 3.97 ± 0.23 ng/mL at 1.45 ± 0.20 h. The plasma elimination half‐life was 7.48 ± 0.39 h. Betamethasone concentrations were below the limit of detection in all horses by 96 h and 7 days in plasma and urine, respectively. Betamethasone fell below the limit of detection in the right antebrachiocarpal joint between 14 and 21 days. Results of this study provide information that can be used to regulate the use of intra‐articular betamethasone in the horse. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface‐water dynamics and land use influence landscape connectivity across a major dryland region
Authors: Bishop‐Taylor Robbi , Tulbure Mirela G. , Broich Mark
Published: January 2017

Landscape connectivity is important for the long‐term persistence of species inhabiting dryland freshwater ecosystems, with spatiotemporal surface‐water dynamics (e.g., flooding) maintaining connectivity by both creating temporary habitats and providing transient opportunities for dispersal. Improving our understanding of how landscape connectivity varies with respect to surface‐water dynamics and land use is an important step to maintaining biodiversity in dynamic dryland environments. Using a newly available validated Landsat TM and ETM+ surface‐water time series, we modelled landscape connectivity between dynamic surface‐water habitats within Australia's 1 million km2 semiarid Murray Darling Basin across a 25‐yr period (1987–2011). We identified key habitats that serve as well‐connected “hubs,” or “stepping‐stones” that allow long‐distance movements through surface‐water habitat networks. We compared distributions of these habitats for short‐ and long‐distance dispersal species during dry, average, and wet seasons, and across land‐use types. The distribution of stepping‐stones and hubs varied both spatially and temporally, with temporal changes driven by drought and flooding dynamics. Conservation areas and natural environments contained higher than expected proportions of both stepping‐stones and hubs throughout the time series; however, highly modified agricultural landscapes increased in importance during wet seasons. Irrigated landscapes contained particularly high proportions of well‐connected hubs for long‐distance dispersers, but remained relatively disconnected for less vagile organisms. The habitats identified by our study may serve as ideal high‐priority targets for land‐use specific management aimed at maintaining or improving dispersal between surface‐water habitats, potentially providing benefits to biodiversity beyond the immediate site scale. Our results also highlight the importance of accounting for the influence of spatial and temporal surface‐water dynamics when studying landscape connectivity within highly variable dryland environments.
Land use as a driver of soil fertility and biodiversity across an agricultural landscape in the Central Peruvian Andes
Authors: de Valença Anne W. , Vanek Steven J. , Meza Katherin , Ccanto Raul , Olivera Edgar , Scurrah Maria , Lantinga Egbert A. , Fonte Steven J.
Published: January 2017

Land use change and intensification in agricultural landscapes of the Andean highlands have resulted in widespread soil degradation and a loss in soil‐based ecosystem services and biodiversity. This trend threatens the sustainability of farming communities in the Andes, with important implications for food security and biodiversity conservation throughout the region. Based on these challenges, we sought to understand the impact of current and future land use practices on soil fertility and biodiversity, so as to inform landscape planning and management decisions for sustainable agroecosystem management. We worked with local communities to identify and map dominant land uses in an agricultural landscape surrounding Quilcas, Peru. These land uses existed within two elevations zones (low–medium, 3200–3800 m, and high elevation, 3800–4300 m). They included three types of low–medium elevation forests (eucalyptus, alder, and mixed/native species), five pasture management types (permanent pasture, temporal pasture [in fallow stage], degraded pasture, high‐altitude permanent pasture, and high‐altitude temporal pasture [in fallow stage]) and six cropping systems (forage crops, maize/beans, and potato under four types of management). Soil fertility was evaluated in surface soils (0–20 cm) with soil physicochemical parameters (e.g., pH, soil organic matter, available nutrients, texture), while soil biological properties were assessed using the abundance and diversity of soil macrofauna and ground cover vegetation. Our results indicated clear impacts of land use on soil fertility and biological communities. Altitude demonstrated the strongest effect on soil physicochemical properties, but management systems within the low–mid elevation zone also showed important differences in soil biological communities. In general, the less‐disturbed forest and pasture systems supported more diverse soil communities than the more intensively managed croplands. Degraded soils demonstrated the lowest overall soil fertility and abundance of soil macrofauna, but this may be reversible via the planting of alder forests. Our findings also indicated significant covariation between soil physicochemical parameters, soil macrofauna, and ground vegetation. This suggests that management for any one of these soil properties may yield unintended cascading effects throughout the soil subsystem. In summary, our findings suggest that shifts in land use across the landscape are likely to have important impacts on soil functioning and biodiversity.
Spring phenology of cotton bollworm affects wheat yield
Authors: Huang Jian , Li Jing
Published: January 2017

Climate change has changed numerous species phenologies. Understanding the asynchronous responses between pest insects and host plants to climate change is helpful in improving integrated pest management. It is necessary to use long‐term data to analyze the effects of climate change on cotton bollworm and wheat anthesis. Data for cotton bollworm, wheat yield, and wheat anthesis collected since 1990 were analyzed using linear regression and partial least‐squares regression, as well as the Mann–Kendall test. The results showed that warmer temperatures in the spring advanced the phenologies of cotton bollworm and wheat anthesis, but the phenology changes in overwintering cotton bollworm were faster than those in wheat anthesis, and the eclosion period of overwintering was prolonged, resulting in an increase in overwintering adult abundance. This might lead to more first‐generation larvae and subsequent wheat damage. An early or late first‐appearance date significantly affected the eclosion days. The abrupt changes of phenologies in cotton bollworm, wheat anthesis, and climate were asynchronous, but the abrupt phenology changes occurred after or around the climate abrupt change, especially after or around the abrupt changes of temperature in March and April. The expansion of asynchronous responses in the change rate of wheat anthesis and overwintering cotton bollworm would likely decrease wheat yield due to climate warming in the future. Accumulated temperature was the major affecting factor on the first eclosion date (t1), adult abundance, and eclosion days. Temperatures in March and April and precipitation in the winter mainly affected the prepeak date (t2), peak date (t3), and postpeak date (t4), respectively, and these factors indirectly affected wheat yield. Thus, the change in the spring phenology of the cotton bollworm and wheat anthesis, and hence wheat yield, was affected by climate warming.
Streamflow response to clear‐cut logging on British Columbia's Okanagan Plateau
Authors: Winkler Rita , Spittlehouse Dave , Boon Sarah
Published: January 2017

The Upper Penticton Creek watershed experiment has collected 28 years of streamflow data from 2 small snow‐dominated watersheds on the Okanagan Plateau of British Columbia, where the effects of timber harvesting on streamflow regime are of broad concern. We apply 3 empirical analysis techniques to these data to evaluate changes in streamflow regime following clear‐cut logging of 47% of the 241 Creek watershed, with the adjacent 240 Creek watershed serving as an unlogged control.

While logging had only a small effect on annual yield (5% increase), the results of all 3 analysis techniques confirmed a dramatic change in the timing and magnitude of April through June streamflow. A paired watershed analysis showed that during the first 7 years post‐logging, average April and May water yield increased by 29% and 19%, respectively, while June and July water yield decreased by 23% and 17%, respectively. This pattern of change was confirmed by significant increases in standardised April–May monthly total water yield. Changes in the daily flow duration curves for each month also show a 67% increase in daily yields exceeded ≤10% of the time in April and a 15% increase in May. Daily yields exceeded ≤10% of the time decreased by 24% in June and 17% in July. These streamflow shifts increase the risk of channel destabilization and damage to aquatic habitat during the snowmelt season, and water shortages in the Okanagan region early in the irrigation season (June through July).
Climate and herbivore influence on Vaccinium myrtillus over the last 40 years in northwest Lapland, Finland
Authors: Boulanger‐Lapointe Noémie , Järvinen Antero , Partanen Rauni , Herrmann Thora Martina
Published: January 2017

Annual fluctuations in the abundance of wild berries have repercussions on animals and humans who depend on this important resource. Although studies have tried to disentangle the effect of climate and herbivores on inter‐annual berry yield, there are still many uncertainties as to which factors are driving productivity. In this research, we evaluated the effect of climate and predation by rodents and moths on the abundance of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) flowers and berries at the Kilpisjärvi Biological Station in northwest Finnish Lapland. The data were collected from 1973 to 2014 in a forest and an alpine site, both undisturbed by human activities. This dataset is unique due to the length of the sampling period, the availability of flower, berry, and rodent abundance data as well as the undisturbed nature of the habitat. Previous summer temperatures, the abundance of rodents, and the presence of a moth outbreak were complementary factors explaining the abundance of flowers. Herbivores had a larger impact on flower production than climate, but both variables were important to understand reproductive effort. Contrary to results from experimental studies, warmer winters did not significantly influence reproductive success. The abundance of fruits was strongly correlated with pollinator activity; the forest site, with a larger pollinator network, had a higher reproductive success and spring conditions were linked to inter‐annual variability in fruit production. Our results illustrate the importance of the location of the population within the species distribution range to understand plant sensitivity to climatic fluctuations with fruit production only influenced by current‐year summer temperatures at the alpine site. Finally, we observed a general increase in flower and fruit production at the alpine site, which was driven by large yields since the early 1990s. Fruit production at the forest site was comparatively stable throughout the study period.
Permeation of skin with (C60) fullerene dispersions
Authors: Martins Madalena , Azoia Nuno G. , Melle‐Franco Manuel , Ribeiro Artur , Cavaco‐Paulo Artur
Published: January 2017

Dispersions in transcutol/isopropyl myristate make C60 fullerene molecules suitable for transdermal delivery. We found that C60 can successfully permeate the skin using pig skin in Franz diffusion cells. Molecular dynamics simulations and transmission electron microscopy confirmed these observations. Basic cosmetic formulations with transcutol/isopropyl myristate without harsh organic solvents show a high potential for delivery of C60 for biopharmaceutical and cosmetics applications.
Modernizing Water Quality Criteria in the United States: A Need to Expand the Definition of Acceptable Data
Authors: Buchwalter David B. , Clements William H. , Luoma Samuel N.
Published: January 2017

The development of water quality criteria (WQC) for the protection of aquatic life is a fundamental component of the Clean Water Act—the primary US legislation responsible for protecting aquatic ecosystems from pollution. Water quality criteria define acceptable levels of contamination in the environment and thus play an important role in society. Rules for how science is used to develop WQC were created in 1985. Most rely on only data and knowledge obtained through a single methodology, the single-species laboratory toxicity test. Since 1985, understanding of the fate and effects of environmental contaminants has advanced markedly from multiple perspectives and disciplines. However, many of these advances are routinely discarded in WQC development because they do not adhere to data limits imposed by the 1985 guidelines. The present Focus article outlines how multiple lines of inquiry have played important roles in improving understanding of the ecological implications of environmental contaminants. The authors focus on gains in understanding that would not have been possible through traditional toxicity bioassays alone and argue that more robust scientific understanding can be used to modernize WQC development. In particular, the present article highlights ways to increase the relevance of toxicity testing (at different spatiotemporal scales) and incorporate all relevant lines of evidence into WQC modernization. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:285–291. © 2017 SETAC
Synthetic chemicals as agents of global change
Authors: Bernhardt Emily S , Rosi Emma J , Gessner Mark O
Published: January 2017

Though concerns about the proliferation of synthetic chemicals – including pesticides – gave rise to the modern environmental movement in the early 1960s, synthetic chemical pollution has not been included in most analyses of global change. We examined the rate of change in the production and variety of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and other synthetic chemicals over the past four decades. We compared these rates to those for well‐recognized drivers of global change such as rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations, nutrient pollution, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss. Our analysis showed that increases in synthetic chemical production and diversification, particularly within the developing world, outpaced these other agents of global change. Despite these trends, mainstream ecological journals, ecological meetings, and ecological funding through the US National Science Foundation devote less than 2% of their journal pages, meeting talks, and science funding, respectively, to the study of synthetic chemicals.
Quantifying the variability of scene‐selective regions: Interindividual, interhemispheric, and sex differences
Authors: Zhen Zonglei , Kong Xiang‐Zhen , Huang Lijie , Yang Zetian , Wang Xu , Hao Xin , Huang Taicheng , Song Yiying , Liu Jia
Published: January 2017

Scene‐selective regions (SSRs), including the parahippocampal place area (PPA), retrosplenial cortex (RSC), and transverse occipital sulcus (TOS), are among the most widely characterized functional regions in the human brain. However, previous studies have mostly focused on the commonality within each SSR, providing little information on different aspects of their variability. In a large group of healthy adults (N = 202), we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate different aspects of topographical and functional variability within SSRs, including interindividual, interhemispheric, and sex differences. First, the PPA, RSC, and TOS were delineated manually for each individual. We then demonstrated that SSRs showed substantial interindividual variability in both spatial topography and functional selectivity. We further identified consistent interhemispheric differences in the spatial topography of all three SSRs, but distinct interhemispheric differences in scene selectivity. Moreover, we found that all three SSRs showed stronger scene selectivity in men than in women. In summary, our work thoroughly characterized the interindividual, interhemispheric, and sex variability of the SSRs and invites future work on the origin and functional significance of these variabilities. Additionally, we constructed the first probabilistic atlases for the SSRs, which provide the detailed anatomical reference for further investigations of the scene network. Hum Brain Mapp 38:2260–2275, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Age‐associated patterns in gray matter volume, cerebral perfusion and BOLD oscillations in children and adolescents
Authors: Bray Signe
Published: January 2017

Healthy brain development involves changes in brain structure and function that are believed to support cognitive maturation. However, understanding how structural changes such as grey matter thinning relate to functional changes is challenging. To gain insight into structure‐function relationships in development, the present study took a data driven approach to define age‐related patterns of variation in gray matter volume (GMV), cerebral blood flow (CBF) and blood‐oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal variation (fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations; fALFF) in 59 healthy children aged 7–18 years, and examined relationships between modalities. Principal components analysis (PCA) was applied to each modality in parallel, and participant scores for the top components were assessed for age associations. We found that decompositions of CBF, GMV and fALFF all included components for which scores were significantly associated with age. The dominant patterns in GMV and CBF showed significant (GMV) or trend level (CBF) associations with age and a strong spatial overlap, driven by increased signal intensity in default mode network (DMN) regions. GMV, CBF and fALFF additionally showed components accounting for 3–5% of variability with significant age associations. However, these patterns were relatively spatially independent, with small‐to‐moderate overlap between modalities. Independence of age effects was further demonstrated by correlating individual subject maps between modalities: CBF was significantly less correlated with GMV and fALFF in older children relative to younger. These spatially independent effects of age suggest that the parallel decline observed in global GMV and CBF may not reflect spatially synchronized processes. Hum Brain Mapp 38:2398–2407, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Calibration and Sensitivity Analysis of Sahysmod for Modeling Field Soil and Groundwater Salinity Dynamics in Coastal Rainfed Farmland
Authors: Yao Rongjiang , Yang Jingsong , Wu Danhua , Xie Wenping
Published: January 2017

Understanding water and salt balances in salt‐affected farming areas is becoming increasingly important because of the growing public interest in controlling salinization. An integrated spatial‐agro‐hydro‐salinity model (SahysMod) was used to model field soil and groundwater salinity dynamics in coastal rainfed farmland, and calibration, error analysis, and sensitivity analysis were performed for the SahysMod model. Results indicated that a leaching efficiency ranging between 0.4 and 0.7 in the root zone, hydraulic conductivity of 0.2 m day−1 and leaching efficiency of 1.2 in the aquifer produced model results best matching the measured data. The predicted root zone soil salinity, average groundwater salinity and level data showed agreement with the observed values when using the determined parameters. Leaching efficiency of the root zone, hydraulic conductivity and leaching efficiency of the aquifer were the most sensitive parameters for soil salinity, groundwater table and groundwater salinity, respectively. Soil and groundwater salinity were moderately sensitive to effective porosity of the root zone and hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer, whereas groundwater level was not sensitive to the leaching efficiency of soil and aquifer. It could be concluded that the SahysMod model can be used as a successful tool to model field water and salt balances in soil and aquifers in a coastal rainfed agroecosystem. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of simulated inflammatory conditions and Fenton chemistry on the electrochemistry of CoCrMo alloy
Authors: Liu Yangping , Gilbert Jeremy L.
Published: January 2017

Inflamed conditions may develop in total joint replacement applications and may impact on the corrosion of metallic biomaterials like CoCrMo alloy. The influence of simulated inflammatory (SI) conditions on the corrosion behavior of CoCrMo alloy was investigated. A range of SI solutions, based on phosphate buffered saline with H2O2, HCl, and Fe3+additions, were investigated. Open circuit potential (OCP), corrosion currents and impedance of the oxide film surface were all significantly (p < 0.05) affected by increases in H2O2concentration and decrease of pH. OCP (vs. Ag/AgCl) increased from −0.250 V in PBS solution to 0.355 V and 0.650 V in 30 mMH2O2at pH 7.4 and pH 1 PBS solution. Iron ions (0.1 mM) in PBS solutions with 10 mMH2O2(Fenton chemistry) increased OCP to 0.6 V.Icorrincreased from 0.2 µA/cm2to 14 µA/cm2in SI conditions. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed decreased in oxide resistance (Rox,p < 0.05) while capacitance (CPE) increased (p < 0.05) in SI solutions, pH 7.4 (Rox = 5 × 103Ω cm2, CPE = 55 µF/cm2) as well as in Fenton reagent solution (Rox = 3.2 × 104Ω cm2, CPE = 45 µF/cm2) compared to PBS only (Rox = 5 × 105Ω cm2, CPE = 31 µF/cm2). These results indicate the corrosion susceptibility of CoCrMo alloy can be significantly increased by SI solutions, increasing the oxidizing power and decreasing the passivity of the oxide film. Cell‐released chemicals such as H2O2and acid are able to facilitate the corrosion of CoCrMo alloy and demonstrate part of the mechanism of inflammatory cell induced corrosion. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 209–220, 2018.
Synthesis of new cyclic thioureas and evaluation of their metal‐chelating activity, acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and carbonic anhydrase inhibition profiles
Authors: Taslimi Parham , Sujayev Afsun , Garibov Emin , Nazarov Nazar , Huyut Zubeyir , Alwasel Saleh H. , Gulçin İlhami
Published: January 2017

In the presence of trifluoracetic acid (TFAA), an efficient method for the synthesis of tetra(hexa)hydropyrimidinethione‐carboxylates has been used on the basis of three‐component condensation of thiourea with its different aldehydes and β‐diketones. Some novel cyclic thioureas were synthesized, and their hCA I, hCA II, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors and metal‐chelating properties were evaluated. Ki values of novel synthesized compounds for AChE and BChE are in the range of 51.84–135.96 and 143.96–274.55 nM, respectively. Also, HCA I and II were effectively inhibited by these novel compounds, with Ki values in the range of 404.16–745.13 nM for hCA I and of 434.20–689.57 nM for hCA II, respectively. Additionally, acetazolamide (AZA), clinically used as a CA inhibitor, with a Ki value of 883.68 ± 121.27 nM in hCA I and 1008.66 ± 144.70 nM in hCA II. Also, tacrine inhibited AChE and BChE showed Ki values of 314.63 ± 31.66 and 373.57 ± 75.07 nM, respectively.
Methylglyoxal induces inhibition of growth, accumulation of anthocyanin, and activation of glyoxalase I and II inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Hoque Tahsina Sharmin , Uraji Misugi , Hoque Md. Anamul , Nakamura Yoshimasa , Murata Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2017

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a highly reactive stress‐related α‐ketoaldehyde and a physiological metabolite of glycolysis, which is accumulated in ample amount under stressful conditions. In the present study, the effect of different doses of MG on growth, anthocyanin production, MG contents, and activities of two types of glyoxalases (glyoxalase I and glyoxalase II) were examined in Arabidopsis seedlings. MG at 0.1 mM dose did not affect seedling growth, anthocyanin accumulation, MG contents, or activities of glyoxalases, whereas MG at 0.5 mM and 1 mM inhibited seedling growth and induced anthocyanin accumulation, MG accumulation, and glyoxalase (both I and II) activation. Therefore, MG can reduce plant growth as a toxic molecule and can stimulate stress responses as a signal molecule under stress conditions.
Benefits of a Psychodynamic Group Therapy (PGT) Model for Treating Veterans With PTSD
Authors: Levi Ofir , Shoval‐Zuckerman Yael , Fruchter Eyal , Bibi Arie , Bar‐Haim Yair , Wald Ilan
Published: January 2017

Objective

To examine the effectiveness of a treatment model of psychodynamic group therapy (PGT) for combat Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Method

A total of 158 male Veterans with PTSD (mean age = 30.09 years) were assigned to 15 treatment groups of 7–13 patients each. PGT was a 1‐year therapy, 1.5 hour, once‐a‐week sessions administered in the following stages: group building activities, differentiation of group members, intimacy building, and termination. Levels of PTSD and depression symptoms, functioning, and hope were assessed at pretreatment baseline, posttreatment, and 12‐month follow‐up.

Results

Multilevel modeling analyses indicate that our group therapy is associated with reductions in PTSD and depressive symptoms at posttreatment, and that these effects were maintained at 12‐month follow‐up. The results also showed significantly improved patients' functioning by the end of therapy and at the 12‐month follow‐up point, and that the patients’ hope level had increased.

Conclusion

The findings show that our model of psychodynamic group therapy is associated with mental improvements in Veterans with PTSD. However, further randomized controlled trials are recommended to establish the advantages of our therapeutic method compared to other modes of therapy.
The Journey Through and Beyond Mental Health Services in the United Kingdom: A Typology of Parents’ Ways of Managing the Crisis of Their Teenage Child's Depression
Authors: Stapley Emily , Target Mary , Midgley Nick
Published: January 2017

Objective

Depression is a common mental illness experienced by young people. Yet we know little about how their parents manage their symptoms at home, and how parents may experience their treatment at child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). Thus, the aim of our study was to create a typology of parents’ experiences over a 2‐year period, beginning with their teenage child's referral to CAMHS in the United Kingdom.

Method

A total of 85 semistructured interviews were conducted with one or both parents of 28 adolescents at 3 time points, and qualitatively analyzed using ideal type analysis.

Results

Three distinct types or patterns of parental experience were identified: the learning curve parents, the finding my own solutions parents, the stuck parents.

Conclusion

These patterns of parental experience could perhaps provide a basis for clinicians working in CAMHS to reflect on the families that they see and to adapt their ways of working accordingly to best support these families.
Diffusion‐weighted quantitative MRI of pleural abnormalities: Intra‐ and interobserver variability in the apparent diffusion coefficient measurements
Authors: Priola Adriano Massimiliano , Priola Sandro Massimo , Gned Dario , Giraudo Maria Teresa , Brundu Maria , Righi Luisella , Veltri Andrea
Published: January 2017

Purpose

To assess intra‐ and interobserver variability in the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements of pleural abnormalities.

Materials and Methods

Diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 34 patients to characterize pleural abnormalities, with a 1.5T unit at b values of 0/150/500/800 sec/mm2. In two sessions held 3 months apart, on perfusion‐free ADC maps, two independent readers measured the ADC of pleural abnormalities (two readings for each reader in each case) using different methods of region‐of‐interest (ROI) positioning. In three methods, freehand ROIs were drawn within tumor boundaries to encompass the entire lesion on one or more axial slices (whole tumor volume [WTV], three slices observer‐defined [TSOD], single‐slice [SS]), while in two methods one or more ROIs were placed on the more restricted areas (multiple small round ROI [MSR], one small round ROI [OSR]). Measurement variability between readings by each reader (intraobserver repeatability) and between readers in first reading (interobserver repeatability) were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CoV). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to compare ADC values between the different methods. The measurement time of each case for all methods in first reading was recorded and compared between methods and readers.

Results

All methods demonstrated good (MSR, OSR) and excellent (WTV, TSOD, SS) intra‐ and interreader agreement, with best and worst repeatability in WTV (lower ICC, 0.977; higher CoV, 3.5%) and OSR (lower ICC, 0.625; higher CoV, 22.8%), respectively. The lower 95% confidence interval of ICC resulted in fair to moderate agreement for OSR (up to 0.379) and in excellent agreement for WTV, TSV, and SS (up to 0.918). ADC values of OSR and MSR were significantly lower compared to other methods (P < 0.001). The OSR and SS required less measurement time (10 and 21/22 sec, respectively) compared to the others (P < 0.0001), while the WTV required the longest measurement time (132/134 sec) (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

ADC measurements of pleural abnormalities are repeatable. The SS method has excellent repeatability, similar to WTV, but requires significantly less measurement time. Thus, its use should be preferred in clinical practice.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:769–782
2D time‐domain numerical Maxwell/transport modeling for THz distributed gallium nitride transferred electron device
Authors: Dalle Christophe
Published: January 2017

The potential of gallium nitride–distributed transferred electron device is theoretically investigated for the realization of terahertz radio frequency (RF) power sources. The device numerical physical modeling relies on a 2D time‐domain electromagnetism/transport simulator. It is based on the coupled solution of the Maxwell and energy‐momentum macroscopic transport equations. The study is focused on the analysis of the device complex internal RF operation. The device technological and geometrical structure is optimized for an RF operation at 1 THz. The time and space, local and functional quantities are analyzed following both electromagnetic and quasi‐electrostatic approaches. We finally conclude on the feasibility of such a device.
Stimulation of synaptoneurosome glutamate release by monomeric and fibrillated α‐synuclein
Authors: Sarafian Theodore A. , Littlejohn Kaitlyn , Yuan Sarah , Fernandez Charlene , Cilluffo Marianne , Koo Bon‐Kyung , Whitelegge Julian P. , Watson Joseph B.
Published: January 2017

The α‐synuclein protein exists in vivo in a variety of covalently modified and aggregated forms associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology. However, the specific proteoform structures involved with neuropathological disease mechanisms are not clearly defined. Since α‐synuclein plays a role in presynaptic neurotransmitter release, an in vitro enzyme‐based assay was developed to measure glutamate release from mouse forebrain synaptoneurosomes (SNs) enriched in synaptic endings. Glutamate measurements utilizing SNs from various mouse genotypes (WT, over‐expressers, knock‐outs) suggested a concentration dependence of α‐synuclein on calcium/depolarization‐dependent presynaptic glutamate release from forebrain terminals. In vitro reconstitution experiments with recombinant human α‐synuclein proteoforms including monomers and aggregated forms (fibrils, oligomers) produced further evidence of this functional impact. Notably, brief exogenous applications of fibrillated forms of α‐synuclein enhanced SN glutamate release but monomeric forms did not, suggesting preferential membrane penetration and toxicity by the aggregated forms. However, when applied to brain tissue sections just prior to homogenization, both monomeric and fibrillated forms stimulated glutamate release. Immuno‐gold and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) detected exogenous fibrillated α‐synuclein associated with numerous SN membranous structures including synaptic terminals. Western blots and immuno‐gold TEM were consistent with SN internalization of α‐synuclein. Additional studies revealed no evidence of gross disruption of SN membrane integrity or glutamate transporter function by exogenous α‐synuclein. Overall excitotoxicity, due to enhanced glutamate release in the face of either overexpressed monomeric α‐synuclein or extrasynaptic exposure to fibrillated α‐synuclein, should be considered as a potential neuropathological pathway during the progression of PD and other synucleinopathies. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
GaN‐based emissive microdisplays: A very promising technology for compact, ultra‐high brightness display systems
Authors: Templier François
Published: January 2017

High‐brightness GaN‐based emissive microdisplays can be fabricated with different approaches that are listed and described. They consist either of hybridizing a GaN LED array on a CMOS circuit or building a monolithic component on a single substrate. Using the hybridization approach, two types of 10‐μm pixel pitch GaN microdisplay prototypes were developed: (1) directly driven, 300 × 252 pixels and (2) active‐matrix, 873 × 500 pixels. Brightness as high as 1 × 106 and 1 × 107 cd/m2 for blue and green arrays, respectively, were reached. GaN‐based emissive microdisplays are suitable for augmented reality systems or head‐up displays, but some challenges remain before they can be put in production.
VFR Tourism and the Tourist Gaze: Overseas Migrant Perceptions of Home
Authors: Huang Wei‐Jue , King Brian , Suntikul Wantanee
Published: January 2017

Visiting friends and relatives travellers have personal connections with their homeland, which influence how they gaze upon its people, cultures and landscapes. This study examines the perceptions of children of immigrants towards visiting their ethnic homeland. The tourist gaze provides a theoretical framework to analyse their experiences when navigating dichotomies between home and away and between the self and others during their travels. Findings revealed that rather than gazing at the exotic ‘other’, they are seeking out similarities which allow for a greater connectedness with family and heritage. They also explained problems and issues that they encountered, as a consequence of feeling obliged to defend their homeland. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Motivations and Experiences of Whitewater Rafting Tourists on the Ocoee River, USA
Authors: Beckman Eric , Whaley Jeremy E. , Kim Youn‐Kyung
Published: January 2017

This study explored the relationships that adventure motivations have with adventure experiences (i.e. emotional response and place attachment) and behavioral outcomes (i.e. revisit intention and word‐of‐mouth). Based on 690 surveys collected from whitewater rafters at the Ocoee River in Tennessee, structural equation modeling revealed that thrill and nature motivations led to a positive affective response towards the adventure activity, which led to an attachment to the adventure destination and positive behavioral outcomes and that perceived risk was a significant moderator between thrill and affective response. These findings will assist marketers in promoting the activities and locations to attract more adventure tourists. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bacterial Nanocellulose Magnetically Functionalized for Neuro‐Endovascular Treatment
Authors: Echeverry‐Rendon Mónica , Reece Lisa M. , Pastrana Fernando , Arias Sandra L. , Shetty Akshath R. , Pavón Juan Jose , Allain Jean Paul
Published: January 2017

Current treatments for brain aneurysms are invasive, traumatic, and not suitable in most patients with increased risks. A new alternative method is using scaffold stents to create a local and focal attraction force of cells for an in situ reconstruction of the tunica media. For this purpose, a nanostructured bioactive coating is designed to render an asymmetric region of the stent scaffold magnetic and biomimetic, which utilizes bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) as a platform for both magnetic and cell attraction as well as proliferation. The magnetization of the BNC is realized through the reaction of Fe III and II, precipitating superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION). Subsequently, magnetic bacterial nanocellulose (MBNC) is coated with polyethylene glycol to improve its biocompatibility. Cytotoxicity and biocompatibility are evaluated using porcine aortic smooth muscle cells. Preliminary cellular migration assays demonstrate the behavior between MBNC and cells labeled with SPION. In this work, (1) synthesis of BNC impregnated with magnetic nanoparticles is successfully demonstrated; (2) a viable, resilient, and biocompatible hydrogel membrane is tested for neuroendovascular application using a stent scaffold; (3) cell viability and minimal cytotoxicity is achieved; (4) cell migration tests and examination of cellular magnetic attraction confirm the viability of MBNC as a multifunctional coating.

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