bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composite lymphoma of peripheral T‐cell lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma, mixed cellularity type; pathological and molecular analysis
Authors: Ichikawa Ayako , Miyoshi Hiroaki , Yamauchi Takuji , Arakawa Fumiko , Kawano Riko , Muta Hiroko , Sugita Yasuo , Akashi Koichi , Ohshima Koichi
Published: February 2017

Composite lymphomas (CLs) are defined as two unrelated lymphomas occurring at the same time within the same tissue. The incidence of these tumors is low. Of all possible combinations between lymphomas, the least frequent are the ones combining peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). We recently identified five cases of CL composed of PTCL and classical HL, mixed cellularity type. We investigated histological and clinical features of these cases. Immunostaining was performed on paraffin sections. PTCL cells were positive for CD8 and TIA‐1 in four of the five cases. Hodgkin and Reed‐Sternberg (HRS) cells were positive for CD30 and weakly positive for PAX5 in all cases, positive for CD15 in three of five cases, positive for CD20 in one of five cases, and negative for EBER. Monoclonal rearrangement of the T‐cell receptor (TCR) and immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) genes was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using whole paraffin sections. We concluded more precisely the monoclonality of the IGH rearrangement of HRS cells based on single‐cell PCR for IGH and DNA sequencing analysis after laser microdissection of single cells in one case. HL can occur in CD8‐positive and TIA‐1‐positive PTCL. Clinicians should recognize the possibility of these CL.
Supplement of autologous ooplasm into porcine somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos does not alter embryo development
Authors: Lee W‐J , Lee J‐H , Jeon R‐H , Jang S‐J , Lee S‐C , Park J‐S , Lee S‐L , King W‐A , Rho G‐J
Published: February 2017

Contents

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is considered as the technique in which a somatic cell is introduced into an enucleated oocyte to make a cloned animal. However, it is unavoidable to lose a small amount of the ooplasm during enucleation step during SCNT procedure. The present study was aimed to uncover whether the supplement of autologous ooplasm could ameliorate the oocyte competence so as to improve low efficiency of embryo development in porcine SCNT. Autologous ooplasm‐transferred (AOT) embryos were generated by the supplementation with autologous ooplasm into SCNT embryos. They were comparatively evaluated with respect to embryo developmental potential, the number of apoptotic body formation and gene expression including embryonic lineage differentiation, apoptosis, epigenetics and mitochondrial activity in comparison with parthenogenetic, in vitro‐fertilized (IVF) and SCNT embryos. Although AOT embryos showed perfect fusion of autologous donor ooplasm with recipient SCNT embryos, the supplement of autologous ooplasm could not ameliorate embryo developmental potential in regard to the rate of blastocyst formation, total cell number and the number of apoptotic body. Furthermore, overall gene expression of AOT embryos was presented with no significant alterations in comparison with that of SCNT embryos. Taken together, the results of AOT demonstrated inability to make relevant values improved from the level of SCNT embryos to their IVF counterparts.
Convex Clustering via l
1 Fusion Penalization
Authors: Radchenko Peter , Mukherjee Gourab
Published: February 2017

We study the large sample behaviour of a convex clustering framework, which minimizes the sample within cluster sum of squares under an l  1 fusion constraint on the cluster centroids. This recently proposed approach has been gaining in popularity; however, its asymptotic properties have remained mostly unknown. Our analysis is based on a novel representation of the sample clustering procedure as a sequence of cluster splits determined by a sequence of maximization problems. We use this representation to provide a simple and intuitive formulation for the population clustering procedure. We then demonstrate that the sample procedure consistently estimates its population analogue and we derive the corresponding rates of convergence. The proof conducts a careful simultaneous analysis of a collection of M-estimation problems, whose cardinality grows together with the sample size. On the basis of the new perspectives gained from the asymptotic investigation, we propose a key post-processing modification of the original clustering framework. We show, both theoretically and empirically, that the resulting approach can be successfully used to estimate the number of clusters in the population. Using simulated data, we compare the proposed method with existing number-of-clusters and modality assessment approaches and obtain encouraging results. We also demonstrate the applicability of our clustering method to the detection of cellular subpopulations in a single-cell virology study.
Immigration Attitudes Before and After Tragedy in Copenhagen: The Importance of Political Affiliation and Safety Concerns
Authors: Smiley Kevin T. , Emerson Michael Oluf , Markussen Julie Werner
Published: February 2017

This research analyzes attitudes on immigration before and after the February 14–15, 2015 Copenhagen shootings. Little research has been conducted on changes in immigration beliefs pre‐ and postcrisis events, and, further, this research has not closely considered how political views and safety concerns may operate within immigration beliefs in an additive, interactive, or mediating fashion. Using the 2014 and 2015 Copenhagen Area Surveys, the latter conducted shortly after the February shootings, our findings show that taking the survey either before or after the shootings did not shape immigration policy preferences. Instead, the findings reveal that right‐leaning political affiliation and a greater fear of crime are the strongest predictors of anti‐immigration attitudes. Implications center on new approaches to understanding societal responses to crisis events.
Where Does Religion Matter Most? Personal Religiosity and the Acceptability of Wife‐beating in Cross‐National Perspective
Authors: Jung Jong Hyun , Olson Daniel V. A.
Published: February 2017

Does religion justify violent acts against wives, or does it reduce approval of this type of intimate partner violence? We examine whether personal religiosity raises or lowers the acceptability of wife‐beating. In addition, we investigate how the relationship between personal religiosity and attitudes toward wife‐beating differs depending on the overall normative context of the country where a person lives. Using multilevel modeling with data from the fifth wave of the World Values Survey (2005–2008), we find that greater individual‐level religiosity reduces the acceptability of wife‐beating. More importantly, cross‐level interactions show that these reductions are greatest in countries where there is a general lack of normative restraint as measured by the “anomie” scale. These observations suggest that religiosity may influence an individual's norms the most in countries where secular controls are absent or weak.
Pathogen safety of a pasteurized four‐factor human prothrombin complex concentrate preparation using serial 20N virus filtration
Authors: Nowak Thomas , Popp Birgit , Gröner Albrecht , Schäfer Wolfram , Kalina Uwe , Enssle Karlheinz , Roth Nathan J.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Beriplex P/N/Kcentra/Coaplex/Confidex is a four‐factor human prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC). Here, we describe the pathogen safety profile and biochemical characteristics of an improved manufacturing process that further enhances the virus safety of Beriplex P/N.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Samples of product intermediates were spiked with test viruses, and prions were evaluated under routine production and robustness conditions of the scale‐down version of the commercial manufacturing process for their capacity to inactivate or remove pathogens. The PCC was characterized by determining the activity of Factor (F)II, FVII, FIX, FX, protein C, and protein S and the concentration of heparin and antithrombin III in nine product lots.

RESULTS

The manufacturing process had a very high virus reduction capacity for a broad variety of virus challenges (overall reduction factors ≥15.5 to ≥18.4 log for enveloped viruses and 11.5 to ≥11.9 log for nonenveloped viruses). The high virus clearance capacity was provided by two dedicated virus reduction steps (pasteurization and serial 20N virus filtration) that provided effective inactivation and removal of viruses and a purification step (ammonium sulfate precipitation and adsorption to calcium phosphate) that contributed to the overall virus removal capacity. The diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) chromatography and ammonium sulfate precipitation steps removed prions to below the limit of detection. The levels of different clotting factors in the final product were well balanced.

CONCLUSION

The improved manufacturing process of Beriplex P/N further enhances the margin of pathogen safety based on its capacity to remove and inactivate a wide range of virus challenges.
Clinical pathology of amphibians: a review
Authors: Forzán María J. , Heatley Jill , Russell Karen E. , Horney Barbara
Published: February 2017

Amphibian declines and extinctions have worsened in the last 2 decades. Partly because one of the main causes of the declines is infectious disease, veterinary professionals have increasingly become involved in amphibian research, captive husbandry, and management. Health evaluation of amphibians, free‐living or captive, can benefit from employing the tools of clinical pathology, something that is commonly used in veterinary medicine of other vertebrates. The present review compiles what is known of amphibian clinical pathology emphasizing knowledge that may assist with the interpretation of laboratory results, provides diagnostic recommendations for common amphibian diseases, and includes RIs for a few amphibian species estimated based on peer‐reviewed studies. We hope to encourage the incorporation of clinical pathology in amphibian practice and research, and to highlight the importance of applying veterinary medicine principles in furthering our knowledge of amphibian pathophysiology.
Hematology and biochemistry of aging—evidence of “anemia of the elderly” in old dogs
Authors: Radakovich Lauren B. , Pannone Stephen C. , Truelove Matthew P. , Olver Christine S. , Santangelo Kelly S.
Published: February 2017

Background

Effects of aging on hematologic and biochemical variables are well described in people. Anemia of the elderly is attributed to iron deficiency, anemia of chronic disease, chronic kidney disease, myelodysplasia, or idiopathic causes. Limited studies have examined these variables in aging dogs, but they have typically examined single breeds in research settings.

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify differences inCBCand biochemistry values between adult and aged dogs of many breeds.

Methods

Dogs presenting for wellness examinations and minor dental/elective surgeries that were otherwise clinically healthy were retrospectively identified. Dogs were categorized by age: adult (1–7.9 years), senior (8–11.9 years), and geriatric (12+ years). StandardCBCand biochemistry data were collated. Asian breeds, Greyhounds, and dogs with data indicating overt underlying disease were excluded. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to compare groups with statistical significance set atP≤ .05.

Results

Hematocrit,MCV, and serum iron decreased with age, indicating possible iron‐restricted erythropoiesis (IRE), due to iron deficiency or low‐grade chronic inflammation. Total proteins, globulins, and platelet counts increased with age while albumin decreased, suggesting low‐grade inflammation. Urea was increased in older dogs without a concurrent increase in creatinine, which points toward gastrointestinal bleeding or dehydration.

Conclusion

Clinically healthy, aging dogs have changes in laboratory variables that indicate altered physiologies compared to younger adult animals, including evidence ofIRE, inflammation, and potential gastrointestinal bleeding, suggesting a similar trend to that of elderly human beings. Future studies will examine markers of iron metabolism and inflammation in aging dogs.
Can Nursing Students Practice What Is Preached? Factors Impacting Graduating Nurses' Abilities and Achievement to Apply Evidence‐Based Practices
Authors: Blackman Ian R. , Giles Tracey M.
Published: February 2017

Background

In order to meet national Australian nursing registration requisites, nurses need to meet competency requirements for evidence‐based practices (EBPs).

Aims

A hypothetical model was formulated to explore factors that influenced Australian nursing students’ ability and achievement to understand and employ EBPs related to health care provision.

Methods

A nonexperimental, descriptive survey method was used to identify self‐reported EBP efficacy estimates of 375 completing undergraduate nursing students. Factors influencing participants’ self‐rated EBP abilities were validated by Rasch analysis and then modeled using the partial least squares analysis (PLS Path) program.

Results

Graduating nursing students’ ability to understand and apply EBPs for clinical improvement can be directly and indirectly predicted by eight variables including their understanding in the analysis, critique and synthesis of clinically based nursing research, their ability to communicate research to others and whether they had actually witnessed other staff delivering EBP.

Linking Evidence to Action

Forty‐one percent of the variance in the nursing students’ self‐rated EBP efficacy scores is able to be accounted for by this model. Previous exposure to EBP studies facilitates participants’ confidence with EBP, particularly with concurrent clinical EBP experiences.
Analyzing the Effects of Temperature, Nozzle-Bed Distance, and Their Interactions on the Width of Fused Deposition Modeled Struts Using Statistical Techniques Toward Precision Scaffold Fabrication
Authors: Ravi Prashanth , Shiakolas Panos S. , Dnyaneshwar Thorat Avinash
Published: February 2017

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is currently one of the most widely utilized prototyping technologies. Studies employing statistical techniques have been conducted to develop empirical relationships between FDM process factors and output variables such as dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, and mechanical properties of the fabricated structures. However, the effects of nozzle temperature (T), nozzle-bed distance (NBD), and their interactions on strut width (SW) have not been investigated. In the present work, a two-way factorial study with three levels of T and NBD in triplicates was undertaken. A fixed-effects model with interaction was proposed and remedial measures based on the error analysis were performed to obtain correct inferences. The factor main/interaction effects were all found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05) using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Multiple comparisons were conducted between treatment means using the Tukey's method. A multiple linear regression (MLR) model (R2 = 0.95) was subsequently developed to enable the prediction of SW. The developed MLR model was verified experimentally; by (1) the fabrication of individual struts and (2) the fabrication of single-layer scaffolds with parallel raster patterns. The percentage error between the predicted and observed widths of individually fabricated struts was 3.2%, and the error between predicted and observed SW/spacing for the single-layer scaffolds was ≤ 5.5%. Results indicate that a similar statistical methodology could be potentially employed to identify levels of T and NBD that yield defined width struts using open architecture, personal or commercial FDM setups, and existing/new materials.
Magnetic-Field-Assisted Projection Stereolithography for Three-Dimensional Printing of Smart Structures
Authors: Lu Lu , Guo Ping , Pan Yayue
Published: February 2017

In this paper, an additive manufacturing (AM) process, magnetic field-assisted projection stereolithography (M-PSL), is developed for 3D printing of three-dimensional (3D) smart polymer composites. The 3D-printed magnetic field-responsive smart polymer composite creates a wide range of motions, opening up possibilities for various new applications, like sensing and actuation in soft robotics, biomedical devices, and autonomous systems. In the proposed M-PSL process, a certain amount of nano- or microsized ferromagnetic particles is deposited in liquid polymer by using a programmable microdeposition nozzle. An external magnetic field is applied to direct the magnetic particles to the desired position and to form the desired orientation and patterns. After that, a digital mask image is used to cure particles in photopolymer with desired distribution patterns. The magnetic-field-assisted projection stereolithography (M-PSL) manufacturing process planning, testbed, and materials are discussed. Three test cases, an impeller, a two-wheel roller, and a flexible film, were performed to verify and validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed process. They were successfully fabricated and remote controls of the printed samples were demonstrated, showing the capability of printed smart polymer composites on performing desired functions.
Design, Fabrication, and Modeling of an Electric–Magnetic Self-Folding Sheet
Authors: Bowen Landen , Springsteen Kara , Ahmed Saad , Arrojado Erika , Frecker Mary , Simpson Timothy W. , Ounaies Zoubeida , von Lockette Paris
Published: February 2017

A concept recently proposed by the authors is that of a multifield sheet that folds into several distinct shapes based on the applied field, be it magnetic, electric, or thermal. In this paper, the design, fabrication, and modeling of a multifield bifold are presented, which utilize magneto-active elastomer (MAE) to fold along one axis and an electro-active polymer, P(VDF-TrFE-CTFE) terpolymer, to fold along the other axis. In prior work, a dynamic model of self-folding origami was developed, which approximated origami creases as revolute joints with torsional spring–dampers and simulated the effect of magneto-active materials on origami-inspired designs. In this work, the crease stiffness and MAE models are discussed in further detail, and the dynamic model is extended to include the effect of electro-active polymers (EAP). The accuracy of this approximation is validated using experimental data from a terpolymer-actuated origami design. After adjusting crease stiffness within the dynamic model, it shows good correlation with experimental data, indicating that the developed EAP approximation is accurate. With the capabilities of the dynamic model improved by the EAP approximation method, the multifield bifold can be fully modeled. The developed model is compared to the experimental data obtained from a fabricated multifield bifold and is found to accurately predict the experimental fold angles. This validation of the crease stiffness, MAE, and EAP models allows for more complicated multifield applications to be designed with confidence in their simulated performance.
Finding Only Finite Roots to Large Kinematic Synthesis Systems
Authors: Plecnik Mark M. , Fearing Ronald S.
Published: February 2017

In this work, a new method is introduced for solving large polynomial systems for the kinematic synthesis of linkages. The method is designed for solving systems with degrees beyond 100,000, which often are found to possess quantities of finite roots that are orders of magnitude smaller. Current root-finding methods for large polynomial systems discover both finite and infinite roots, although only finite roots have meaning for engineering purposes. Our method demonstrates how all infinite roots can be precluded in order to obtain substantial computational savings. Infinite roots are avoided by generating random linkage dimensions to construct startpoints and start systems for homotopy continuation paths. The method is benchmarked with a four-bar path synthesis problem.
Electronic field effect tuning of the electronic properties of fluorinated epitaxial graphene
Authors: McAllister Kelly D. , Williams Michael D. , Sherpa Sonam D. , Hess Dennis W.
Published: February 2017

Ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy measurements reveal that there is notable variation of the electron density of states in the valence band of multiple layers of fluorinated epitaxial graphene with applied electronic bias. The authors show that the tailoring of electronic band structure correlates with the decoupling of the graphene interlayers. The work function of the fluorinated graphene is tunable with the applied bias and is attributable to compensation of the fluorine-carbon dipole.
Control of unintentional oxygen incorporation in GaN
Authors: Schmult Stefan , Schubert Felix , Wirth Steffen , Großer Andreas , Mittmann Terence , Mikolajick Thomas
Published: February 2017

The impact of growth temperature on the unintentional oxygen incorporation in GaN and AlGaN grown by molecular beam epitaxy and the consequences for electrical and optical properties are investigated. In particular, transistor switching characteristics, magneto-transport traces, and photoluminescence spectra of samples grown around 600 and 665 °C are compared. It is found that the incorporation of unintentional oxygen in GaN and Al0.1Ga0.9N is reduced by 1 order of magnitude upon increasing the growth temperature by ∼60 °C. A growth temperature of 665 °C results in an oxygen background concentration of 1 × 1017 cm−3 and simultaneously in electrically insulating GaN material.
Blind deconvolution of shipping sources in an ocean waveguide
Authors: Byun Sung-Hoon , Verlinden Christopher M. A. , Sabra Karim G.
Published: February 2017

This paper investigates the applicability of a ray-based blind deconvolution (RBD) method for underwater acoustic sources of opportunity such as ships recorded on a receiver array. The RBD relies on first estimating the unknown phase of the random source by beamforming along a well-resolved ray path, and then matched-filtering each received signal using the knowledge of this random phase to estimate the full channel impulse responses (CIRs) between the unknown source and the array elements (up to an arbitrary time-shift) as well as recovering the radiated signal by the random source. The performance of this RBD is investigated using both numerical simulation and experimental recordings of shipping noise in the frequency band [300–800 Hz] for ranges up to several kilometers. The ray amplitudes of the estimated CIRs are shown to be consistent with known bottom properties in the area. Furthermore, CIRs obtained for an arbitrarily selected shipping track are used as data-derived replicas to perform broadband matched-field processing to locate another shipping source recorded at a later time in the vicinity of the selected track.
Determination of acoustic waveguide invariant using ships as sources of opportunity in a shallow water marine environment
Authors: Verlinden Christopher M. A. , Sarkar J. , Cornuelle B. D. , Kuperman W. A.
Published: February 2017

The waveguide invariant (WGI) is a property that can be used to localize acoustic radiators and extract information about the environment. Here the WGI is determined using ships as sources of opportunity, tracked using the Automatic Identification System (AIS). The relationship between range, acoustic intensity, and frequency for a ship in a known position is used to determine the WGI parameter β. These β values are interpolated and a map of β is generated. The method is demonstrated using data collected in a field experiment on a single hydrophone in a shallow water environment off the coast of Southern California.
“When There Was No Money in It, There Were No Men in It”: Examining Gender Differences in the Evaluation of High Performance Coaches
Authors: Schaeperkoetter Claire , Mays Jonathan , Bass Jordan R.
Published: February 2017

In this Insights paper, we examine the continued decrease in the numbers of female coaches of high-profile sports teams. The decline in number of female coaches of high-profile teams is alarming, especially considering the increase in athletic participation among women. Because of this, it is important to examine possible explanations for this issue as a starting point for action and reform. We first detail several relevant examples of recent hires and firings of high-profile coaches in different countries around the world. Then, we briefly examine the relevant literature on gender representation of those working in sport. Using recent women’s basketball coaching changes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as a case in point, we aim to demonstrate that the trend of decreasing numbers of female coaches continues. We believe the specific setting of college coaches represents the moral global issue of gender inequity in regards to high-performance coaching settings. Specifically, we argue that a three-pronged conceptual approach—cultural capital, role congruity theory, and homologous reproduction—can provide insights into the hiring practices of female coaches in comparison with their male coaching counterparts.
Understanding Effective Coaching: A Foucauldian Reading of Current Coach Education Frameworks
Authors: Avner Zoe , Markula Pirkko , Denison Jim
Published: February 2017

Drawing on a modified version of Foucault’s (1972) analysis of discursive formations, we selected key coach education texts in Canada to examine what discourses currently shape effective coaching in Canada in order to detect what choices Canadian coaches have to know about “being an effective coach.” We then compared the most salient aspects of our reading to the International Sport Coaching Framework. Our Foucauldian reading of the two Canadian coach education websites showed that the present set of choices for coaches to practice “effectively” is narrow and that correspondingly the potential for change and innovation is limited in scope. Our comparison with the International Sport Coaching Framework, however, showed more promise as we found that its focus on the development of coach competences allowed for different coaching knowledges and coaching aims than a narrow focus on performance and results. We then conclude this Insights Paper by offering some comments on the implications of our Foucauldian reading as well as some suggestions to address our concerns about the dominance of certain knowledges and the various effects of this dominance for athletes, coaches, coach development and the coaching profession at large.
Tumour thrombus of the inferior vena cava extending into the right atrium in the setting of colon cancer
Authors: Meyers Daniel , Nixon Nancy A , Franko Angela , Ng Danny , Tam Vincent C
Published: February 2017

Tumour thrombus is seen in renal cell and hepatocellular carcinoma, but is rarely reported in colorectal cancer. A woman aged 46 years, with metastatic colonic adenocarcinoma, was found to have a large mass in the inferior vena cava (IVC) extending into the right atrium. Although this lesion was initially thought to be bland thrombus, imaging with contrast-enhanced CT scan and contrast-enhanced ultrasound supported the diagnosis of tumour thrombus. Despite the large size of the lesion, the patient was asymptomatic. Her lack of symptoms, and poor overall prognosis from her cancer led to the decision to avoid aggressive surgical or radiological interventions. Several months later, the patient passed away. At autopsy, there was no evidence of fatal embolisation from the pre-existing thrombus. Diagnosis of tumour thrombus in the IVC is difficult and management can be challenging due to the significant risks associated with treatment options.
Impacts of active retrogressive thaw slumps on vegetation, soil, and net ecosystem exchange of carbon dioxide in the Canadian High Arctic
Authors: Cassidy Alison E. , Christen Andreas , Henry Greg H.R.
Published: February 2017

Retrogressive thaw slumps (RTS) are permafrost disturbances common on the Fosheim Peninsula, Ellesmere Island, Canada. During the 2013 growing season, three different RTS were studied to investigate the impact on vegetation composition, soil, and growing season net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 by comparing to the adjacent undisturbed tundra. Eddy covariance and static chamber measurements were used to determine NEE and ecosystem respiration (Re), respectively. Vegetation cover was significantly lower in all active disturbances, relative to the surrounding tundra, and this affected the overall impact of disturbance on CO2 fluxes. Disturbances were characterized by greater Re compared to surrounding undisturbed tundra. Over the mid-growing season (34 days), eddy covariance NEE measurements indicated that there was greater net CO2 uptake in undisturbed versus disturbed tundra. At one site, the undisturbed tundra was a weak net sink (−0.05 ± 0.02 g C m−2 day−1), while the disturbed tundra acted as a weak net source (+0.07 ± 0.04 g C m−2 day−1). At the other site, the NEE of the undisturbed tundra was −0.20 ± 0.03 g C m−2 day−1 (sink), while the disturbed tundra still sequestered CO2, but less than the undisturbed tundra (NEE = −0.05 ± 0.04 g C m−2 day−1). Two of the RTS exhibited average soil temperatures that were greater compared to the surrounding undisturbed tundra. In one case, the opposite effect was observed. All RTS exhibited elevated soil moisture (+14%) and nutrient availability (specifically nitrogen) relative to the undisturbed tundra. We conclude that RTS, although limited in space, have profound environmental impacts by reducing vegetation coverage, increasing wet soil conditions, and altering NEE during the growing season in the High Arctic.
Additions to the lichenized fungi biota of North America and Alaska from collections held in the University of Alaska Museum of the North herbarium (ALA)
Authors: Fryday Alan M.
Published: February 2017

The data presented here are based on examination of collections made in the 1970s mainly by Barbara Murray and held in the University of Alaska Museum of the North herbarium, Fairbanks (ALA). Four species, Micarea inquinans, Placynthium garovaglioi, Protoblastenia lilacina, and Trimmatothele perquisita, are reported for the first time from North America and 10 species, Clauzadea metzleri, Clauzadeana macula, Ionaspis obtecta, Lambiella gyrizans, Lemmopsis arnoldiana, Placynthium tantaleum, Poeltinula cerebrina, Protoblastenia incrustans, Rimularia gibbosa, and Sagiolechia protuberans, are reported for the first time from Alaska. Records of nine other species that are uncommon in Alaska are also reported.
Vascular epiphyte diversity in two forest types of the “El Cielo” Biosphere Reserve, Mexico
Authors: de la Rosa-Manzano Edilia , Guerra-Pérez Antonio , Mendieta-Leiva Glenda , Mora-Olivo Arturo , Martínez-Ávalos José Guadalupe , Arellano-Méndez Leonardo U.
Published: February 2017

We assessed the diversity, vertical distribution, and the effect of structural and geographical factors on the diversity of vascular epiphyte assemblages (VEAs) in two forest types in the “El Cielo” Biosphere Reserve. We found 2839 epiphyte individuals from 15 species on 240 host trees (27 species) in the semideciduous forest and 5085 individuals from 8 species on 215 host trees (12 species) in the pine–oak forest. Epiphytes showed a preference for the middle zone of the host trees. The diversity of VEAs was uneven in both forest types, although the VEA in the semideciduous forest was the most diverse. VEAs across forests were slightly similar in their composition (30% mean overlap), but very different in their structure (i.e., they did not share very abundant species). The variation in species richness among VEAs was influenced by forest structure, independently of forest type. Compositional differences of VEAs among forest types were explained by geographic distance and host-tree identity (31% and 28% variation explained, respectively). By characterizing the diversity of VEAs we provide a basic understanding of the factors influencing epiphyte diversity in these understudied ecosystems.
Prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes in bacterial communities associated with Cladophora glomerata mats along the nearshore of Lake Ontario
Authors: Ibsen Michael , Fernando Dinesh M. , Kumar Ayush , Kirkwood Andrea E.
Published: February 2017

The alga Cladophora glomerata can erupt in nuisance blooms throughout the lower Great Lakes. Since bacterial abundance increases with the emergence and decay of Cladophora, we investigated the prevalence of antibiotic resistance (ABR) in Cladophora-associated bacterial communities up-gradient and down-gradient from a large sewage treatment plant (STP) on Lake Ontario. Although STPs are well-known sources of ABR, we also expected detectable ABR from up-gradient wetland communities, since they receive surface run-off from urban and agricultural sources. Statistically significant differences in aquatic bacterial abundance and ABR were found between down-gradient beach samples and up-gradient coastal wetland samples (ANOVA, Holm–Sidak test, p < 0.05). Decaying and free-floating Cladophora sampled near the STP had the highest bacterial densities overall, including on ampicillin- and vancomycin-treated plates. However, quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of the ABR genes ampC, tetA, tetB, and vanA from environmental communities showed a different pattern. Some of the highest ABR gene levels occurred at the 2 coastal wetland sites (vanA). Overall, bacterial ABR profiles from environmental samples were distinguishable between living and decaying Cladophora, inferring that Cladophora may control bacterial ABR depending on its life-cycle stage. Our results also show how spatially and temporally dynamic ABR is in nearshore aquatic bacteria, which warrants further research.
All-transparent graphene-based flexible pressure sensor array
Authors: Zhang Min , Wu Yichuan , Wang Xudong , Wang Xiaohao
Published: February 2017

In this work, we propose and demonstrate a flexible capacitive tactile sensor array based on graphene served as electrodes. The sensor array consists of 3 × 3 units with 3 mm spatial resolution, similar to that of human skin. Each unit has three layers. The middle layer with microstructured PDMS served as an insulator is sandwiched by two perpendicular graphene-based electrodes. The size of each unit is 3 mm × 3 mm and the initial capacitance is about 0.2 pF. High sensitivities of 0.73 kPa[Formula: see text] between 0 and 1.2 kPa and 0.26 kPa[Formula: see text] between 1.2 and 2.5 kPa were achieved on the fabricated graphene pressure sensors. The proposed flexible pressure sensor array shows a great potential on the application of electric skin or 3D touch control.
IDENTIFICATION AND GENERATION OF INNOVATIVE IDEAS IN THE PROCUREMENT OF THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY: THE CASE OF AUDI AG
Authors: HOMFELDT FELIX , RESE ALEXANDRA , BRENNER HANNO , BAIER DANIEL , SCHÄFER TIL FABIO
Published: February 2017

Open innovation and the use of suppliers and start-ups as external idea sources have become increasingly important in the automotive industry. Since the purchasing function in a company has correspondingly become more strategic, scholars have taken the role of procurement in innovation more intensely into account. This study examines procurement’s role in the innovation process of the automotive industry and investigates which and how open innovation instruments are used in order to benefit from the innovation capability of suppliers and start-ups. The empirical evidence is based on an in-depth case study of the automotive manufacturer AUDI AG. Several arguments are elaborated which justify a key role for procurement in the innovation process (e.g., interface role, economic activities). Furthermore, we identified nine pull and push instruments enabling procurement to contribute to Audi’s innovation performance. Since the instruments are designed to meet different internal requirements (e.g., in relation to a vehicle project or not), interesting insights for scholars and practitioners are provided.
The Contributions of Human Mini-Intestines to the Study of Intestinal Physiology and Pathophysiology
Authors: Yu Huimin , Hasan Nesrin M. , In Julie G. , Estes Mary K. , Kovbasnjuk Olga , Zachos Nicholas C. , Donowitz Mark
Published: February 2017

The lack of accessibility to normal and diseased human intestine and the inability to separate the different functional compartments of the intestine even when tissue could be obtained have held back the understanding of human intestinal physiology. Clevers and his associates identified intestinal stem cells and established conditions to grow “mini-intestines” ex vivo in differentiated and undifferentiated conditions. This pioneering work has made a new model of the human intestine available and has begun making contributions to the understanding of human intestinal transport in normal physiologic conditions and the pathophysiology of intestinal diseases. However, this model is reductionist and lacks many of the complexities of normal intestine. Consequently, it is not yet possible to predict how great the advances using this model will be for understanding human physiology and pathophysiology, nor how the model will be modified to include multiple other intestinal cell types and physical forces necessary to more closely approximate normal intestine. This review describes recent studies using mini-intestines, which have readdressed previously established models of normal intestinal transport physiology and newly examined intestinal pathophysiology. The emphasis is on studies with human enteroids grown either as three-dimensional spheroids or two-dimensional monolayers. In addition, comments are provided on mouse studies in cases when human studies have not yet been described.
The Sodium/Iodide Symporter (NIS): Molecular Physiology and Preclinical and Clinical Applications
Authors: Ravera Silvia , Reyna-Neyra Andrea , Ferrandino Giuseppe , Amzel L. Mario , Carrasco Nancy
Published: February 2017

Active iodide (I−) transport in both the thyroid and some extrathyroidal tissues is mediated by the Na+/I− symporter (NIS). In the thyroid, NIS-mediated I− uptake plays a pivotal role in thyroid hormone (TH) biosynthesis. THs are key during embryonic and postembryonic development and critical for cell metabolism at all stages of life. The molecular characterization of NIS in 1996 and the use of radioactive I− isotopes have led to significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer and provide the molecular basis for studies aimed at extending the use of radioiodide treatment in extrathyroidal malignancies. This review focuses on the most recent findings on I− homeostasis and I− transport deficiency-causing NIS mutations, as well as current knowledge of the structure/function properties of NIS and NIS regulatory mechanisms. We also discuss employing NIS as a reporter gene using viral vectors and stem cells in imaging, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures.
Tongue and Taste Organ Biology and Function: Homeostasis Maintained by Hedgehog Signaling
Authors: Mistretta Charlotte M. , Kumari Archana
Published: February 2017

The tongue is an elaborate complex of heterogeneous tissues with taste organs of diverse embryonic origins. The lingual taste organs are papillae, composed of an epithelium that includes specialized taste buds, the basal lamina, and a lamina propria core with matrix molecules, fibroblasts, nerves, and vessels. Because taste organs are dynamic in cell biology and sensory function, homeostasis requires tight regulation in specific compartments or niches. Recently, the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway has emerged as an essential regulator that maintains lingual taste papillae, taste bud and progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation, and neurophysiological function. Activating or suppressing Hh signaling, with genetic models or pharmacological agents used in cancer treatments, disrupts taste papilla and taste bud integrity and can eliminate responses from taste nerves to chemical stimuli but not to touch or temperature. Understanding Hh regulation of taste organ homeostasis contributes knowledge about the basic biology underlying taste disruptions in patients treated with Hh pathway inhibitors.
Antimicrobial Properties of Copper Nanoparticles and Amino Acid Chelated Copper Nanoparticles Produced by Using a Soya Extract
Authors: DeAlba-Montero I. , Guajardo-Pacheco Jesús , Morales-Sánchez Elpidio , Araujo-Martínez Rene , Loredo-Becerra G. M. , Martínez-Castañón Gabriel-Alejandro , Ruiz Facundo , Compeán Jasso M. E.
Published: February 2017

This paper reports a comparison of the antibacterial properties of copper-amino acids chelates and copper nanoparticles againstEscherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureus, andEnterococcus faecalis. These copper-amino acids chelates were synthesized by using a soybean aqueous extract and copper nanoparticles were produced using as a starting material the copper-amino acids chelates species. The antibacterial activity of the samples was evaluated by using the standard microdilution method (CLSI M100-S25 January 2015). In the antibacterial activity assays copper ions and copper-EDTA chelates were included as references, so that copper-amino acids chelates can be particularly suitable for acting as an antibacterial agent, so they are excellent candidates for specific applications. Additionally, to confirm the antimicrobial mechanism on bacterial cells, MTT assay (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) was carried out. A significant enhanced antimicrobial activity and a specific strain were found for copper chelates overE. faecalis. Its results would eventually lead to better utilization of copper-amino acids chelate for specific application where copper nanoparticles can be not used.
Consistency Test between Scoring Systems for Predicting Outcomes of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in a Saudi Population Treated with Imatinib
Authors: Banjar Haneen R. , Alsobhi Enaam
Published: February 2017

Inconsistency in prognostic scores occurs where two different risk categories are applied to the same chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patient. This study evaluated common scoring systems for identifying risk groups based on patients’ molecular responses to select the best prognostic score when conflict prognoses are obtained from patient profiles. We analyzed 104 patients diagnosed with CML and treated at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Saudi Arabia, who were monitored for major molecular response (achieving a BCR-ABL1 transcript level equal to or less than 0.1%) by Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RQ-PCR), and their risk profiles were identified using Sokal, Hasford, EUTOS, and ELTS scores based on the patients’ clinical and hematological parameters at diagnosis. Our results found that the Hasford score outperformed other scores in identifying risk categories for conflict groups, with an accuracy of 63%.
Modelling of the Water Absorption Kinetics and Determination of the Water Diffusion Coefficient in the Pith ofRaffia viniferaof Bandjoun, Cameroon
Authors: Mbou E. Tiaya , Njeugna E. , Kemajou A. , Sikame N. R. Tagne , Ndapeu D.
Published: February 2017

The present work focuses on the study of the water absorption phenomenon through the pith ofRaffia viniferaalong the stem. The water absorption kinetics was studied experimentally by the gravimetric method with the discontinuous control of the sampling mass at temperature of 30°C. The samples of 70 mm × 8 mm × 4 mm were taken from twelve sampling zones of the stem ofRaffia vinifera. The result shows that the percentage of water absorption of the pith ofRaffia viniferaincreases from the periphery to the center in the radial position and from the base to the leaves in the longitudinal position. Fick’s second law was adopted for the study of the water diffusion. Eleven models were tested for the modelling of the water absorption kinetics and the model of Sikame Tagne (2014) is the optimal model. The diffusion coefficients of two stages were determined by the solution of the Fick equation in the twelve sampling zones described by Sikame Tagne et al. (2014). The diffusion coefficients decreased from the center to the periphery in the radial position and from the base to the leaves in the longitudinal position.
The Alternating Direction Implicit Body of Revolution Multiresolution Time Domain Method with Convolution Perfect Matched Layer
Authors: Yiwang Chen , Jiazheng Ni , Yawen Liu , Xiaohua Dong , Pin Zhang
Published: February 2017

Overmuch memory and time of CPU have been taken by multiresolution time domain (MRTD) method in three‐dimension issues. In order to solve this problem, the alternating direction implicit body of revolution multiresolution time domain (ADI‐BOR‐MRTD) scheme is presented. Firstly, based on body of revolution finite difference time domain (BOR‐FDTD) method, equations of body of revolution multiresolution time domain (BOR‐MRTD) method are implemented. Then alternating direction implicit (ADI) is introduced into BOR‐MRTD method. Lastly, convolution perfect matched layer (CPML) is applied for ADI‐BOR‐MRTD method. Numerical results demonstrate that ADI‐BOR‐MRTD method saves more memory and time of CPU than FDTD and MRTD methods.
Bioinspired Polyethersulfone Membrane Design via Blending with Functional Polyurethane
Authors: Han Mei , Liu Qiang , Su Baihai , Sun Shudong , Zhao Changsheng
Published: February 2017

Polyurethanes (PUs) are currently considered to be biocompatible materials but limited by a low resistance to thrombus. We therefore design a heparin-like PU (HLPU) to modify polyethersulfone (PES) membranes approaching integrated antifouling and antithrombotic properties by bioinspiration of heparin structure. Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)-HLPU (PVP-HLPU) was synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of VP using PU as a macroinitiator and then sulfonated by concentrated H2SO4. FTIR and NMR results demonstrated the successful synthesis of PVP-HLPU. By incorporation of PVP-HLPU, the cross-sectional structure of PES composite membranes altered from finger-like structure to sponge-like structure resulting in tunable permeability. The increased hydrophilicity verified by water contact angles benefited both the permeability and antifouling property. As a consequence, the composite membranes showed good blood compatibility, including decreased protein adsorption, suppressed platelet adhesion, lowered thrombin-antithrombin III generation, reduced complement activation, and prolonged clotting times. Interestingly, the PVP-capped HLPU showed better blood compatibility compared to polyethyleneglycol-capped and citric acid-capped HLPUs. The results demonstrated the enhanced antifouling and antithrombotic properties of PES hemodialysis membranes by the introduction of functional HLPUs. Also, the proposed method may forward the fabrication of hemocompatible membranes via bioinspired surface design.
Autonomous Rendezvous and Docking with Nonfull Field of View for Tethered Space Robot
Authors: Huang Panfeng , Chen Lu , Zhang Bin , Meng Zhongjie , Liu Zhengxiong
Published: February 2017

In the ultra-close approaching phase of tethered space robot, a highly stable self-attitude control is essential. However, due to the field of view limitation of cameras, typical point features are difficult to extract, where commonly adopted position-based visual servoing cannot be valid anymore. To provide robot’s relative position and attitude with the target, we propose a monocular visual servoing control method using only the edge lines of satellite brackets. Firstly, real time detection of edge lines is achieved based on image gradient and region growing. Then, we build an edge line based model to estimate the relative position and attitude between the robot and the target. Finally, we design a visual servoing controller combined with PD controller. Experimental results demonstrate that our algorithm can extract edge lines stably and adjust the robot’s attitude to satisfy the grasping requirements.