bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The potential importance of unburned islands as refugia for the persistence of wildlife species in fire‐prone ecosystems
Authors: Steenvoorden Jasper , Meddens Arjan J. H. , Martinez Anthony J. , Foster Lee J. , Kissling W. Daniel
Published: July 2019

The persistence of wildlife species in fire‐prone ecosystems is under increasing pressure from global change, including alterations in fire regimes caused by climate change. However, unburned islands might act to mitigate negative effects of fire on wildlife populations by providing habitat in which species can survive and recolonize burned areas. Nevertheless, the characteristics of unburned islands and their role as potential refugia for the postfire population dynamics of wildlife species remain poorly understood.

We used a newly developed unburned island database of the northwestern United States from 1984 to 2014 to assess the postfire response of the greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), a large gallinaceous bird inhabiting the sagebrush ecosystems of North America, in which wildfires are common. Specifically, we tested whether prefire and postfire male attendance trends at mating locations (leks) differed between burned and unburned areas, and to what extent postfire habitat composition at multiple scales could explain such trends.

Using time‐series of male counts at leks together with spatially explicit fire history information, we modeled whether male attendance was negatively affected by fire events. Results revealed that burned leks often exhibit sustained decline in male attendance, whereas leks within unburned islands or >1.5 km away from fire perimeters tend to show stable or increasing trends.

Analyses of postfire habitat composition further revealed that sagebrush vegetation height within 0.8 km around leks, as well elevation within 0.8 km, 6.4 km, and 18 km around leks, had a positive effect on male attendance trends. Moreover, the proportion of the landscape with cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) cover >8% had negative effects on male attendance trends within 0.8 km, 6.4 km, and 18 km of leks, respectively.

Synthesis and applications. Our results indicate that maintaining areas of unburned vegetation within and outside fire perimeters may be crucial for sustaining sage‐grouse populations following wildfire. The role of unburned islands as fire refugia requires more attention in wildlife management and conservation planning because their creation, protection, and maintenance may positively affect wildlife population dynamics in fire‐prone ecosystems.
Macrocyclic Pseudopeptides Having Proline or Pipecolic Acid Residues. Efficient Synthesis via Ugi‐Click Strategy
Authors: Kutovaya Irina V. , Zakharova Elena A. , Shmatova Olga I. , Nenajdenko Valentine G.
Published: July 2019

Efficient synthesis of 12–28 membered 1,2,3‐triazole containing macrocyclic peptidomimetics having proline or pipecolic acid residue in the structure was elaborated using Ugi‐Click‐strategy. The corresponding linear peptidomimetics prepared via Ugi reaction were isolated in up to 86 % yield. Ring closure by CuAAC was investigated to reveal the influence of the structure of Ugi products on the course of the click‐macrocyclization. Possibility of the synthesis either monomeric (12‐ and 13‐membered) or dimeric (24‐, 26‐ and 28‐membered) macrocycles in up to 98 % yield by proposed approach was demonstrated.
Hospital length of stay among older people treated with flexible and integrative psychiatric service models in Germany
Authors: Ignatyev Yuriy , Mundt Adrian P. , von Peter Sebastian , Heinze Martin
Published: July 2019

Objective

Since 2012, a new law (§64b, Book V of the Social Security Code [SGB V]) regulates the implementation of flexible and integrative psychiatric treatment projects (FIT64b) in Germany. FIT64b allows rapid discharge of patients from inpatient to outpatient settings and cost reductions of hospital stays. Several psychiatric centres exclusively provide FIT64b; others provide FIT64b alongside with standard health care. The aim of the study was to assess the average hospital length of stay (AHLS) of older patients with mental illness included in FIT64b projects.

Methods

A secondary data analysis was conducted using administrative data from eight German mental health centres providing FIT64b. The effects of gender, age, type of centre, and main diagnosis on AHLS were calculated for all older patients with age 65 years or older (n = 3495) treated in FIT64b in the year 2016. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics and robust multiway procedures.

Results

The AHLS of older people with mental illness was 4.8 (SD = 11.5) days. The AHLS was shorter in centres exclusively providing FIT64b than in centres providing FIT64b alongside with standard health care: 3.2 (SD = 6.4) vs 8.4 (SD = 17.8) days, P = .001. This difference was particularly marked among patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, mood disorders, and neurotic, stress‐related, and somatoform disorders.

Conclusions

FIT64b relates to very short AHLS even among older people. Centres using FIT64b alongside with standard health care usually provide standard care to most patients, which could lead to lower fidelity in the implementation of FIT64b.
Completion surgery after extracapsular dissection of low‐grade parotid gland malignant tumors
Authors: Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Mueller Sarina , Goncalves Miguel , Koch Michael , Iro Heinrich
Published: July 2019

Background

The aim of the study was to compare the oncological and functional outcome between extracapsular dissection and completion surgery on the one hand and sole extracapsular dissection on the other hand in small low‐grade malignant parotid tumors.

Methods

The records of all patients treated for T1‐T2 low‐grade malignant tumors of the parotid gland primarily by means of extracapsular dissection between 2006 and 2015 were studied retrospectively.

Results

Forty patients with T1‐T2 low‐grade parotid malignancies were detected. Our study showed outstanding oncological outcomes in both patient groups, the facial nerve function being significantly better after sole extracapsular dissection in the direct postoperative phase, with no differences between the groups in the long term.

Conclusions

Our study showed very encouraging preliminary results following primary extracapsular dissection as the sole surgical therapy for carefully selected low‐stage, low‐grade, inferiorly located lesions in patients with high compliance.
Experiences of women veterans within the private sector: Examining the intersection of gender and veteran status
Authors: Hirudayaraj Malar , Clay Chanty
Published: July 2019

This research examines the experiences of women veterans in the private sector through a critical feminist lens. Specifically, we investigated how gender and veteran status intersect to influence the experiences and career outcomes of women veterans within the private sector. Our qualitative inquiry indicated that the reality of being a veteran in a civilian work environment was problematized by their gender identity. In the male dominant private sector work environment with specific expectations of femininity, the military background of the women led to them to be perceived as being not “woman enough.” They were not “veteran enough” either as their identity as a woman prevented them from being regarded on par with male veterans. The intersectionality of two marginalized identities within the private sector left women veterans feeling disregarded, underutilized, and restricted from growing in their careers. Based on our findings we advocate for an agentic role for HRD professionals within organizations whereby they can work toward changing organizational systems and practices that obstruct purposeful utilization of the skills and work experience of women veterans.
Experimental investigation on heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics in a smooth tube with different twisted tape inserts
Authors: Gugulothu Santhosh Kumar
Published: July 2019

Experiments are performed to investigate the impact of inserts (TTI, TBI, and TBHI) accompanied by different twist ratios (ie, y/w = 3.69, 4.39, and 5.25) with uniform heat flux condition to study the performance characteristics of pressure drop, rate of heat flow, and heat transfer enhancement. Experiments were carried out on different twisted tape inserts in a turbulent flow regime by choosing suitable Reynolds number between 3100 and 39 000. A plain tube is tested and compared with the empirical correlations and are found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. In the case of twisted tape inserts stronger swirl flow is observed along the length of the tube. The variation of reduction in pressure along the length of tube and heat flux in the form of the friction factor and Nusselt number are represented graphically. Thermal performance factor tends to increase with a decrease in the taper twist ratio. The maximum enhancement in Nusselt number and friction factor was found to be in the case of TBI and TBHI. Experimental results are justified and are found to be reliable and accurate with the analytical results, with ±5% and ±4.2% deviation for Dittus‐Boelter and Petukhov correlation in the case of Nusselt number and ±7.2% deviation, respectively, for loss in the friction.
Retracted: Randomized controlled trial of N‐acetylcysteine versus l‐carnitine among women with clomiphene‐citrate‐resistant polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: El Sharkwy Ibrahim A. , Abd El Aziz Walled M.
Published: July 2019

Objective

To compare clinical and metabolic profiles between N‐acetylcysteine and l‐carnitine among women with clomiphene citrate (CC)‐resistant polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

A randomized trial at Zagazig University between January 2017 and March 2018. Women with CC‐resistant PCOS were allocated randomly to receive CC plus N‐acetylcysteine or CC plus l‐carnitine. The primary outcome was clinical pregnancy rate; secondary outcomes were ovulation rate and metabolic changes.

Results

Overall, 162 women completed the study (N‐acetylcysteine group, n=82; l‐carnitine group, n=80). After 3 months, there was no difference in pregnancy (P=0.15), ovulation (P=0.21), or spontaneous abortion (P=0.11) rates between the two groups. There was no significant decrease in BMI in either group (both P>0.05). There were improvements in menstrual pattern, follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, free testosterone, and insulin resistance markers in both groups (all P<0.05). An improvement in lipid profile was observed only in the l‐carnitine group (P<0.001). N‐Acetylcysteine treatment led to significantly greater improvement in free testosterone and insulin resistance parameters as compared with l‐carnitine (all P<0.05).

Conclusions

Both N‐acetylcysteine and l‐carnitine were equally effective in improving pregnancy and ovulation rates among women with CC‐resistant PCOS. However, N‐acetylcysteine was superior in ameliorating insulin resistance and only l‐carnitine improved lipid profile.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03164421.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of thermal coagulation compared with cryotherapy to treat precancerous cervical lesions in low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: de Fouw Marlieke , Oosting Roos Marieke , Rutgrink Amy , Dekkers Olaf Matthijs , Peters Alexander Arnold Willem , Beltman Jogchum Jan
Published: July 2019

Background

Thermal coagulation is gaining popularity for treating cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in screening programs in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) due to unavailability of cryotherapy.

Objectives

Assess the effectiveness of thermal coagulation for treatment of CIN lesions compared with cryotherapy, with a focus on LMICs.

Search strategy

Papers were identified from previous reviews and electronic literature search in February 2018 with publication date after 2010.

Selection criteria

Publications with original data evaluating cryotherapy or thermal coagulation with proportion of cure as outcome, assessed by colposcopy, biopsy, cytology, and/or visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), and minimum 6 months follow‐up.

Data collection and analysis

Pooled proportions of cure are presented stratified per treatment modality, type of lesion, and region.

Main results

Pooled cure proportions for cryotherapy and thermal coagulation, respectively, were 93.8% (95% CI, 88.5–97.7) and 91.4% (95% CI, 84.9–96.4) for CIN 1; 82.6% (95% CI, 77.4–87.3) and 91.6% (95% CI, 88.2–94.5) for CIN 2–3; and 92.8% (95% CI, 85.6–97.7) and 90.1% (95% CI, 87.0–92.8) for VIA‐positive lesions. For thermal coagulation of CIN 2–3 lesions in LMICs 82.4% (95% CI, 75.4–88.6).

Conclusions

Both cryotherapy and thermal coagulation are effective treatment modalities for CIN lesions in LMICs.
Effectiveness of Field Water Tube for Standardization of Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) Method of Water Management in Lowland Rice (Oryza Sativa L.)
Authors: Jalindar Mote Kishor , Praveen Rao V. , Ramulu V. , Avil Kumar K. , Uma Devi M.
Published: July 2019

A field study was conducted to discover the effectiveness of a field water tube as a practical indicator for water management in lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.). The field water tube was of 40 cm length and 15 cm in diameter so that the groundwater table could be easily visible. This tube with perforations was inserted into the ground until 20 cm protruded above soil level. It enabled monitoring of the water level inside the tube as and when the ponded water level drops to a certain permissible level, i.e. 5–15 cm‐surface. Practical indicators used in the experiment to find out the effectiveness of the field water tube were water stress parameters, viz. soil penetration resistance, soil crack width, soil siltation depth and days needed for ponded water to drop to a designated level in the field water tube. Field trials revealed that with 5 cm submergence depth and a threshold of 5 or 10 cm water depth below the ground level in the field the water tube was found to be a safe alternate wetting and drying practice in view of the higher yield (7060–7210 kg ha−1), considerable water saving (26.6–35.0%) and higher water productivity (1.15–1.27 kg m−3). © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Markers of oxidative‐nitrosative stress induced by artesunate are followed by clastogenic and aneugenic effects and apoptosis in human lymphocytes
Authors: Mota Tatiane C. , Garcia Tarcyane B. , Bonfim Laís T. , Portilho Adrhyann J. S. , Pinto Camila A. , Burbano Rommel M. R. , de Oliveira Bahia Marcelo
Published: July 2019

Artesunate (ARS) is a semi‐synthetic derivative of artemisinin, used as an outstanding antimalarial drug, which also displays antitumor, anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. In spite of the numerous reports showing the antitumor activity of ARS, the particular mechanisms associated with its cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in non‐neoplastic human cells remain unclear. Here we aimed to verify the specific chromosome damages and the changes in markers of oxidative‐nitrosative stress and apoptosis triggered by ARS exposure in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Cultures were incubated in the presence of ARS and the number of binucleated cells was determined. To discriminate between micronuclei (MN) containing a whole chromosome or an acentric chromosome, the MN test was employed in combination with the fluorescence in situ hybridization assay. Alterations in the levels of superoxide anion (O2−) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured by the nitroblue tetrazolium and Griess assay, respectively. Changes in the expression of the apoptotic markers were assessed by immunocytochemistry. We found that ARS induced a significant formation of both centromere‐positive MN (C+ MN) and centromere‐negative MN (C– MN). These alterations were accompanied by an increase in both cellular levels of O2− and total NO production, and a remarkable enhancement in the expression of the apoptotic markers cytochrome c and caspases 8 and 9. Together these findings reveal that ARS induces changes in the oxidative‐nitrosative status of human lymphocytes, which are followed by apoptosis and clastogenic and aneugenic effects.
Investigating pre‐analytical requirements for serum and plasma based infrared spectro‐diagnostic
Authors: Lovergne Lila , Lovergne Jean , Bouzy Pascaline , Untereiner Valérie , Offroy Marc , Garnotel Roselyne , Thiéfin Gérard , Baker Matthew J. , Sockalingum Ganesh D.
Published: July 2019

Infrared spectroscopy is a rapid, easy‐to‐operate, label‐free and therefore cost‐effective technique. Many studies performed on biofluids (eg, serum, plasma, urine, sputum, bile and cerebrospinal fluid) have demonstrated its promising application as a clinical diagnostic tool. Given all these characteristics, infrared spectroscopy appears to be an ideal candidate to be implemented into the clinics. However, before considering its translation, a clear effort is needed to standardise protocols for biofluid spectroscopic analysis. To reach this goal, careful investigations to identify and track errors that can occur during the pre‐analytical phase is a crucial step. Here, we report for the first time, results of investigations into pre‐analytical factors that can affect the quality of the spectral data acquired on serum and plasma, such as the impact of long‐term freezing time storage of samples as well as the month‐to‐month reproducibility of the spectroscopic analysis. The spectral data discrimination has revealed to be majorly impacted by a residual water content variation in serum and plasma dried samples.
3‐photon fluorescence imaging of sulforhodamine B‐labeled elastic fibers in the mouse skin in vivo
Authors: He Chen , Gan Mengyao , Deng Xiangquan , Liu Hongji , Qiu Ping , Wang Ke
Published: July 2019

Elastic fibers are key constituents of the skin. The commonly adopted optical technique for visualizing elastic fibers in the animal skin in vivo is 2‐photon microscopy (2 PM) of autofluorescence, which typically suffers from low signal level. Here we demonstrate a new optical methodology to image elastic fibers in animal models in vivo: 3‐photon microscopy (3 PM) excited at the 1700‐nm window combining with preferential labeling of elastic fibers using sulforhodamine B (SRB). First, we demonstrate that intravenous injection of SRB can circumvent the skin barrier (encountered in topical application) and preferentially label elastic fibers, as verified by simultaneous 2 PM of both autofluorescence and SRB fluorescence from skin structures. Then through 3‐photon excitation property characterization, we show that 3‐photon fluorescence can be excited from SRB at the 1700‐nm window, and 1600‐nm excitation is most efficient according to our 3‐photon action cross section measurement. Based on these results and using our developed 1600‐nm femtosecond laser source, we finally demonstrate 3 PM of SRB‐labeled elastic fibers through the whole dermis in the mouse skin in vivo, with only 3.7‐mW optical power deposited on the skin surface. We expect our methodology will provide novel optical solution to elastic fiber research.
The long non‐coding RNA OLC8 enhances gastric cancer by interaction with IL‐11
Authors: Zhou Rongjia , Wu Zhanbin , Deng Xixiang , Chen Haojun
Published: July 2019

Background

The gastric cancer (GC) represents a common malignancy especially in China. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critically involved in various types of cancer. However, the underlying mechanisms of OLC8 in gastric cancer are still largely unknown.

Methods

The lncRNA profiling was used to identify novel lncRNAs associated with GC. The expression of OLC8 was quantified using qRT‐PCR. Migration and viability assays were performed to evaluate the in vitro effects. Xenograft tumor models were conducted to investigate the in vivo oncogenic potential. RNA‐seq was used to identify IL‐11 as OLC8 binding partner.

Results

In current study, we have identified a novel lncRNA termed OLC8. OLC8 was significantly overexpressed in gastric cancer specimens and cell lines. In vitro experiments showed that OLC8 facilitated migration and viability of MKN1 and AGS cells. As expected, in vivo experiments also confirmed an oncogenic role for OLC8. Mechanistic study indicated that OLC8 associated with IL‐11 transcripts. The OLC8‐IL‐11 binding greatly impaired the degradation of IL‐11 mRNAs. Not surprisingly, enhanced expression of IL‐11 could increase STAT3 activation to favor gastric cancer development.

Conclusions

Our current research has identified OLC8 as a novel oncogenic lncRNA in IL‐11/STAT3 signaling, and OLC8 may constitute a potential target for gastric cancer intervention.
N‐glycosylation of uterine endometrium determines its receptivity
Authors: Yu Ming , Qin Huamin , Wang Hao , Liu Jianwei , Liu Shuai , Yan Qiu
Published: July 2019

Glycosylation alters the molecular and functional features of glycoproteins, which is closely related with many physiological processes and diseases. During “window of implantation”, uterine endometrium transforms into a receptive status to accept the embryo, thereby establishing successful embryo implantation. In this article, we aimed at investigating the role of N‐glycosylation, a major modification type of glycoproteins, in the process of endometrial receptivity establishment. Results found that human uterine endometrial tissues at mid‐secretory phase exhibited Lectin PHA‐E+L (recognizes the branched N‐glycans) positive N‐glycans as measured by the Lectin fluorescent staining analysis. By utilizing in vitro implantation model, we found that de‐N‐glycosylation of human endometrial Ishikawa and RL95‐2 cells by tunicamycin (inhibitor of N‐glycosylation) and peptide‐N‐glycosidase F (PNGase F) impaired their receptive ability to human trophoblastic JAR cells. Meanwhile, N‐glycosylation of integrin αvβ3 and leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) are found to play key roles in regulating the ECM‐dependent FAK/Paxillin and LIF‐induced STAT3 signaling pathways, respectively, thus affecting the receptive potentials of endometrial cells. Furthermore, in vivo experiments and primary mouse endometrial cells‐embryos coculture model further verified that N‐glycosylation of mouse endometrial cells contributed to the successful implantation. Our results provide new evidence to show that N‐glycosylation of uterine endometrium is essential for maintaining the receptive functions, which gives a better understanding of the glycobiology of implantation.
Melatonin: An important anticancer agent in colorectal cancer
Authors: Mirza‐Aghazadeh‐Attari Mohammad , Mohammadzadeh Amir , Mostavafi Soroush , Mihanfar Aynaz , Ghazizadeh Saber , Sadighparvar Shirin , Gholamzadeh Somaye , Majidinia Maryam , Yousefi Bahman
Published: July 2019

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers among the elderly, which is also seen in the forms of hereditary syndromes occurring in younger individuals. Numerous studies have been conducted to understand the molecular and cellular pathobiology underlying colorectal cancer. These studies have found that cellular signaling pathways are at the core of colorectal cancer pathology. Because of this, new agents have been proposed as possible candidates to accompany routine therapy regimens. One of these agents is melatonin, a neuro‐hormone known best for its essential role in upholding the circadian rhythm and orchestrating the many physiologic changes it accompanies. Melatonin is shown to be able to modulate many signaling pathways involved in many essential cell functions, which if deregulated cause an accelerated pace towards cancer. More so, melatonin is involved in the regulation of immune function, tumor microenvironment, and acts as an antioxidant agent. Many studies have focused on the beneficial effects of melatonin in colorectal cancers, such as induction of apoptosis, increased sensitivity to chemotherapy agents and radiotherapy, limiting cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion. The present review aims to illustrate the known significance of melatonin in colorectal cancer and to address possible clinical use.
MiR‐496 promotes migration and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition by targeting RASSF6 in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Hua , Yan Bianbian , Zhang Pan , Liu Shuzhen , Li Qiqi , Yang Jin , Yang Fangfang , Chen Erfei
Published: July 2019

Aberrant loss of tumor‐suppressor genes plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Extensive studies have reported tha hypermethylation of Ras association domain family member 6 (RASSF6) is common in various solid tumors. Another important mode of epigenetic regulation, microRNA (miRNA) regulation of RASSF6, is far from clear. The aim of the present work was to screen out novel miRNA regulating RASSF6, and to explore its underlying mechanism in CRC. With the use of bioinformatics, clinical sample data, and luciferase binding assay, we determined that microRNA‐496 (miR‐496) could be a novel oncomiR that directly binds to RASSF6. Next, a series of miR‐496 mimics or inhibitor, or RASSF6 small interfering RNA (siRNA) introduced into CRC cells were applied to examine the effect of miR‐496 on CRC cell viability, migration, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). The results demonstrated that miR‐496/RASSF6 could promote cell migration and EMT via Wnt signaling activation, but had no effect on cell viability. Our results confirmed that the miR‐496/RASSF6 axis is involved in Wnt pathway‐mediated tumor metastasis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for CRC.
Influence mechanism of different precursors on the adsorption behavior of NOx over Cu2+ ion‐exchange ZSM‐5
Authors: Tang Xiaolong , Zhang Runcao , Yi Honghong , Gao Fengyu , Yu Qingjun , Zhao Shunzheng , Yang Kun
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

The combined Adsorption‐Nonthermal Plasma Catalytic process (A‐NTP‐C) which is used for decomposition of NOx has become a technical approach of high research value.Many studies have shown that the better the adsorption performance of the catalyst in the A‐NTP‐C process, the higher the conversion of NO. The type of Cu precursors will affect the chemical/physical properties of Cu‐based catalysts, thus influencing the adsorption performance of catalysts. In this study, an ion exchange process was used to prepare Cu/ZSM‐5 catalysts with three Cu precursors, namely copper acetate (AC‐Cu), copper nitrate (N‐Cu) and copper sulfate (S‐Cu).

Results

Different Cu precursors led to differences in Cu ion exchange capacity of Cu/ZSM‐5; the Cu content of AC‐Cu/ZSM‐5 was the highest. Furthermore, even with the same Cu content as N‐Cu/ZSM‐5 and S‐Cu/ZSM‐5, the AC‐Cu/ZSM‐5 catalyst showed the best adsorption performance.

Conclusion

X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicated that CuO and isolated tetrahedron‐coordinating Cu(II) were the main forms of Cu species on Cu/ZSM‐5. The results of in situ DRIFTs indicated that NO was oxidized by CuO and the generated NO2 was adsorbed by H+ and isolated Cu (II). The AC‐Cu/ZSM‐5 catalysts had the largest amount of tetrahedron‐coordinating isolated Cu (II) and the strongest H+ electrophilic ability, giving it the best NOx adsorption performance. The different precursors had little effect on the ZSM‐5 structure, but did cause differences in pore volume, which might influence the adsorption capacity of NOx to some extent. These conclusions provide new ideas and methods for optimizing the adsorption capacity of Cu/ZSM‐5. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Theoretical description of modern1H in Vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopic pulse sequences
Authors: Landheer Karl , Schulte Rolf F. , Treacy Michael S. , Swanberg Kelley M. , Juchem Christoph
Published: July 2019

This article reviews the most commonly used modern sequences designed to confront the two major challenges of in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS): spatial localization and metabolic specificity. The purpose of this review article is to provide a deeper and clearer understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which all modern MRS sequences operate. A descriptive explanation, consistent pulse sequence diagram, and theoretical concepts of the measured signal are given for five spatial localization sequences and three modules designed to increase metabolic specificity. Cross‐sequence comparisons, including potential modifications for estimating quantitative measures like spin‐lattice relaxation timeT1, spin‐spin relaxation timeT2, and diffusion coefficients are briefly discussed.

Level of Evidence:5

Technical Efficacy Stage:1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1008–1029.
Snow climatology for the mountains in the Iberian Peninsula using satellite imagery and simulations with dynamically downscaled reanalysis data
Authors: Alonso‐González Esteban , López‐Moreno Juan Ignacio , Navarro‐Serrano Francisco , Sanmiguel‐Vallelado Alba , Revuelto Jesús , Domínguez‐Castro Fernando , Ceballos Antonio
Published: July 2019

The presence of a seasonal snowpack determines the hydrology, geomorphology and ecology of wide parts of the Iberian Peninsula, with strong implications for the economy, transport and risk management. Thus, reliable information on snow is necessary from a scientific and operational point of view. This is the case of the Iberian Peninsula where, lack of observation has impeded proper analysis of snowpack duration, magnitude and interannual variability. In this study, we present the first snow climatology of the entire Iberian Peninsula. The scarcity of in situ observations has been overcome, using a newly developed remote sensing snow database from MODIS satellite sensors for the period 2000–2014 and a physically based snow model (Factorial Snow Model—FSM), driven by a regional atmospheric model (Weather Research and Forecast model—WRF) over the Iberian Peninsula for the period 1980–2014. The snowpack of the main mountain areas (Pyrenees, Cantabrian, Central, Iberian range and Sierra Nevada) are described, estimated from the generated databases. The information has been processed using a k‐means cluster algorithm, looking for similarities in snow indices at different elevation bands. Results show four different types of snowpack in terms of depth, duration and interannual variability, lying over different elevation bands in the different ranges, proving the variability of the snowpack over Iberia. Analyses reveal areas characterized by ephemeral snowpacks, while in some sectors snowpack lasts, on average, 198 days per year with 3.02 m of peak snow depth. The coefficient of variation of interannual peak snow depth oscillated between 35.2 and 162.4%. All the analysed indices show that at common elevations the Cantabrian range and the Pyrenees host the deepest and longest lasting snowpacks, followed by the Central and Iberian ranges. The Sierra Nevada exhibits the shortest, shallowest snowpack and more year‐to‐year variability.
Stable carbon isotope analysis on fossil Cedrus pollen shows summer aridification in Morocco during the last 5000 years
Authors: Bell Benjamin A. , Fletcher William J. , Cornelissen Henk L. , Campbell Jennifer F. E. , Ryan Peter , Grant Helen , Zielhofer Christoph
Published: July 2019

Quantitative climate reconstructions from pollen typically rely on empirical relationships between pollen abundances or assemblages and climate, such as the modern analogue technique. However, these techniques may be problematic when applied to fossil sequences, as they cannot separate anthropogenic from climatic influence on pollen assemblages. Here, we reconstruct Mid‐ to Late Holocene summer aridity in the Middle Atlas, Morocco, using stable carbon isotope analysis of isolated fossil Cedrus pollen. This approach is based on well‐documented plant physiological responses to moisture stress and is therefore independent of vegetation composition. We find that there has been a general long‐term trend of increasing summer aridity in the region during the last 5000 years to the present day. The gradual decline of Cedrus atlantica forest in the Late Holocene follows this aridity trend. Additionally, we show how isolating a specific pollen type for carbon isotope analysis yields a robust climate signal, versus using pollen concentrates or bulk sediment. Our findings indicate that climate has become drier in the region and confirms the Mid‐ to Late Holocene aridification trend observed more widely in the western Mediterranean, using a novel proxy for this region with good potential for wider application in other environments.
Raman and Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopies reveal medieval Hispano–Muslim wood painting techniques and provide new insights into red lead production technology
Authors: Arjonilla Paz , Domínguez‐Vidal Ana , Correa‐Gómez Elena , Domene‐Ruiz María José , Ayora‐Cañada María José
Published: July 2019

This paper describes the study of two Nasrid polychrome wooden ceilings from the Alhambra monumental ensemble using vibrational spectroscopic techniques. The study is focused on the identification of the constituent materials and execution techniques used employing non‐invasive and non‐destructive scientific investigation methods. Information about both inorganic (pigments) and organic (binders and coatings) materials has been obtained without the need for time‐consuming procedures. A complex stratigraphy involving the use of a protective priming layer of red lead covered with animal glue and white lead was revealed. The identification of Raman signatures of different lead oxide compounds, including lead‐tin oxide (Pb2SnO4), in the priming layer, allowed us to hypothesize the synthesis of red lead (Pb3O4) from litharge (α‐PbO), a common by‐product of the cupellation process used since antiquity for silver production. Furthermore, the pigments employed in hidden drawings found in the reverse of the wood pieces of one of the ceilings were also studied and compared with those found in the visible external face.
Extraction with Water‐in‐Carbon Dioxide Microemulsions: A Case Study on Steviol Glycosides
Authors: Cui Jingwen , Sandahl Margareta , Wendt Ola F. , Rodriguez‐Meizoso Irene
Published: July 2019

This work explores the use of water‐in‐supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) microemulsions for the extraction of polar metabolites from plants. Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni leaves and polyethylene glycol trimethylnonyl ether (TMN) surfactants were selected for a case study. A CO2‐water‐TMN 10 mixture at 35 °C and 30.0 MPa extracted 7 mg target analyte/g dry leaves. The extraction was proven to occur due to a water‐surfactant liquid solution rather than a water‐in‐CO2 microemulsion. Using a modified extraction setup, the microemulsion was created prior to extraction. TMN 6 was able to dissolve enough water in CO2 to extract steviol glycosides, in detectable but very small amounts.
The impact of postoperative morbidity on survival in patients with metastatic colon and rectal cancer
Authors: Leijssen Lieve G. J. , Dinaux Anne M. , Kunitake Hiroko , Bordeianou Liliane G. , Berger David L.
Published: July 2019

Introduction: Avoiding postoperative morbidity is essential in patients with advanced cancer. To further improve treatment in stage IV colorectal cancer, knowledge about risk factors which effect short‐ and long‐term outcomes is important.

Methods: All stage IV colon and rectal cancer who underwent elective surgery between 2004 and 2015 were included (n = 345). We compared resectable colon and rectal patients, and unresectable colon and rectal cancer patients.

Results: Median follow‐up duration was 22.2 (unresectable) and 56.7 months (resectable) with no difference in tumor location. Colon cancer patients were more often considered unresectable (P < .001). Rectal procedures were correlated with a higher morbidity rate and a longer surgical duration (P < .001). In the resectable cohort, obese patients, open procedures and prolonged surgery were independently associated with postoperative complications. Considering the palliative group, neoadjuvant treatment and age were correlated with worse outcomes. Morbidity was not associated with long‐term outcomes in the resectable cohort. However, unresectable patients who developed respiratory (hazard ratio [HR]: 7.53) or cardiac (HR: 3.75) complications and patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists—score III to IV (HR: 1.51) had an impaired survival.

Conclusion: Our results emphasize the need for an adequate preoperative assessment to identify patients at risk for postoperative complications and impaired survival.
A prognostic nomogram for predicting risk of recurrence in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients after tumor resection to assist decision making for postoperative adjuvant treatment
Authors: Zhu Xiaoke , Heng Yu , Zhou Liang , Tao Lei , Zhang Ming
Published: July 2019

Background

This study aimed to create a nomogram for postoperative prediction of the risk of recurrence in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients who received laryngectomy alone and to assess indications for postoperative adjuvant treatments (POAT).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 1571 newly diagnosed laryngeal carcinoma patients was conducted. Those patients were divided into two groups—the development cohort (n = 1102) and the validation cohort (n = 469). Patients were classified into three subgroups according to their individual points calculated from the nomogram. The efficiency of POAT was examined among various subgroups.

Results

Five variables, including pT classification, pN classification, surgical margin, tumor differentiation, and primary location, were included in the nomogram. The C‐index was 0.753 in development cohort and 0.744 in validation cohort. Patients were classified into three subgroups with incremental risks of recurrence. In the high‐risk group, patients receiving POAT showed significantly better recurrence‐free survival (RFS) than did those receiving surgery alone, while POAT was not significantly associated with RFS in either the low‐ or moderate‐risk groups.

Conclusions

The risk of tumor recurrence in patients with laryngeal carcinoma was quantified by our newly constructed nomogram. Patients categorized as high‐risk were found to benefit from POAT in RFS.
What Ought We to Do With “Thick Terms”? A Response to Frankfurt & Coady's “Bringing Philosophy to Bear on Moral Injury and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Construct Validation”
Authors: Farnsworth Jacob K. , Borges Lauren M. , Nieuwsma Jason A.
Published: July 2019

We respond to the commentary by Frankfurt and Coady (this issue) regarding the descriptive–prescriptive framework for partially distinguishing between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moral injury (Farnsworth, 2019). In their commentary, Frankfurt & Coady raise concerns about the application of R. M. Hare's (2014) philosophical approach of prescriptivism to military‐related moral injury (MI) and the potential philosophical and ethical implications that may follow. In this response, we clarify that Farnsworth's descriptive–prescriptive framework is not tied to or aligned with Hare's prescriptivism and, as a result, many of Frankfurt and Coady's critiques become tangential to Farnsworth's original argument. We go on to clarify that Farnsworth's descriptive–prescriptive framework does not deny the utility of all cognitive therapies for moral injury, nor does it attempt to fully separate descriptive and prescriptive cognitions from one another, as was asserted by Frankfurt and Coady. We also provide a counterargument to Frankfurt and Coady's ethical concerns regarding the potential of Farnsworth's framework to enable militarism and instead assert its value for increasing peace and understanding. Finally, we address the relevance of “thick terms” for MI, highlighting their potential strengths and clinical weaknesses. We conclude by joining with Frankfurt and Coady in expressing our hopes for future research on the association between PTSD and MI. We argue that future research must go beyond defining content‐level boundaries between the two constructs and instead grapple with the processes that give rise to them and the philosophical, empirical, and professional questions that they imply.
Correcting in situ chlorophyll fluorescence time‐series observations for nonphotochemical quenching and tidal variability reveals nonconservative phytoplankton variability in coastal waters
Authors: Carberry Luke , Roesler Collin , Drapeau Susan
Published: July 2019

Chlorophyll fluorometry is one of the most commonly implemented approaches for estimating phytoplankton biomass in situ, despite documented sources of natural variability and instrumental uncertainty in the relationship between in vivo fluorescence and chlorophyll concentration. A number of strategies are employed to minimize errors and quantify natural variability in this relationship in the open ocean. However, the assumptions underlying these approaches are unsupported in coastal waters due to the short temporal and small spatial scales of variability, as well as the optical complexity. The largest source of variability in the in situ chlorophyll fluorometric signal is nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ). Typically, unquenched nighttime observations are interpolated over the quenched daytime interval, but this assumes a spatial homogeneity not found in tidally impacted coastal waters. Here, we present a model that provides a tidally resolved correction for NPQ in moored chlorophyll fluorescence measurements. The output of the model is a time series of unquenched chlorophyll fluorescence in tidal endmembers (high and low tide extremes), and thus a time series of phytoplankton biomass growth and loss in these endmember populations. Comparison between modeled and measured unquenched time series yields quantification of nonconservative variations in phytoplankton biomass. Tidally modeled interpolation between these endmember time series yields a highly resolved time series of unquenched daytime chlorophyll fluorescence values at the location of the moored sensor. Such data sets provide a critical opportunity for validating the satellite remotely sensed ocean color chlorophyll concentration data product in coastal waters.
Ecophysiology and phylogeny of new terricolous and epiphytic chlorolichens in a fog oasis of the Atacama Desert
Authors: Jung Patrick , Emrich Dina , Briegel‐Williams Laura , Schermer Michael , Weber Lena , Baumann Karen , Colesie Claudia , Clerc Philippe , Lehnert Lukas W. , Achilles Sebastian , Bendix Jörg , Büdel Burkhard
Published: July 2019

The Atacama Desert is one of the driest and probably oldest deserts on Earth where only a few extremophile organisms are able to survive. This study investigated two terricolous and two epiphytic lichens from the fog oasis “Las Lomitas” within the National Park Pan de Azúcar which represents a refugium for a few vascular desert plants and many lichens that can thrive on fog and dew alone. Ecophysiological measurements and climate records were combined with molecular data of the mycobiont, their green algal photobionts and lichenicolous fungi to gain information about the ecology of lichens within the fog oasis. Phylogenetic and morphological investigations led to the identification and description of the new lichen species Acarospora conafii sp. nov. as well as the lichenicolous fungi that accompanied them and revealed the trebouxioid character of all lichen photobionts. Their photosynthetic responses were compared during natural scenarios such as reactivation by high air humidity and in situ fog events to elucidate the activation strategies of this lichen community. Epiphytic lichens showed photosynthetic activity that was rapidly induced by fog and high relative air humidity whereas terricolous lichens were only activated by fog.
Self‐powered nano‐porous aerogel x‐ray sensor employing fast electron current
Authors: Brivio Davide , Albert Steffen , Freund Erica , Gagne Matt P. , Sajo Erno , Zygmanski Piotr
Published: July 2019

Purpose

We developed a new class of aerogel‐based thin‐film self‐powered radiation sensors employing high‐energy electron current (HEC) in periodic multilayer (high‐Z | polyimide aerogel (PA) | low‐Z) electrode microstructures.

Materials

Low‐Z (Al) and high‐Z (Ta) electrodes were deposited on 50 μm‐thick PA films to obtain sensors with Al‐PA‐Ta‐PA‐Al structures. Sensors were tested with x rays in the 40–120 kVp range and with 2.5 MV, 6 MV, and 6 MV‐FFF linac beams (TrueBeam, Varian). Performance of PA‐HEC sensors was compared to commercial A12 Farmer ionization chamber as well as to radiation transport simulations using CEPXS/ONEDANT with nanometer‐to‐micrometer spatial resolution. The computations included periodic and single‐element structures N x (Al‐PA‐Ta‐PA‐Al) with variable layer thicknesses.

Results

Signal from PA‐HEC sensors was proportional to the simulated net leakage electron current (averaged over the PA thickness). Experimental response was linear with dose and independent of dose rate. Detector responses to different x‐ray sources show higher signals for kVp photon energies, as expected, though a strong signal was obtained for MV energies as well. The signal scaled with total effective area inside the multielemental structures; for example, the yield of a multielement sensor made with 20 Ta layers compared to a single‐element structure with 1 Ta layer of the same total thickness of Ta was 10 times greater for 6 MV beam and 23 times greater for 120 kVp. Beam attenuation per element in the detector was 0.5%, 1%, 3%, and 46%, respectively for 6 MV, 6 MV FFF, 2.5 MV, and 120 kVp.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the feasibility of aerogel‐based multilayer HEC radiation detector and its application for flux/dose monitoring of kVp and radiotherapy MV beams with small beam attenuation.
Using an artificial neural network for fast mapping of the oxygen extraction fraction with combined QSM and quantitative BOLD
Authors: Hubertus Simon , Thomas Sebastian , Cho Junghun , Zhang Shun , Wang Yi , Schad Lothar Rudi
Published: July 2019

Purpose

To apply an artificial neural network (ANN) for fast and robust quantification of the oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) from a combined QSM and quantitative BOLD analysis of gradient echo data and to compare the ANN to a traditional quasi‐Newton (QN) method for numerical optimization.

Methods

Random combinations of OEF, deoxygenated blood volume (),R2, and nonblood magnetic susceptibility () with each parameter following a Gaussian distribution that represented physiological gray matter and white matter values were used to simulate quantitative BOLD signals and QSM values. An ANN was trained with the simulated data with added Gaussian noise. The ANN was applied to multigradient echo brain data of 7 healthy subjects, and the reconstructed parameters and maps were compared to QN results using Studentttest and Bland‐Altman analysis.

Results

Intersubject means and SDs of gray matter were OEF%,Hz,%,ppb for ANN; and OEF =%,Hz,%,ppb for QN, with a significant difference () for,, and. For white matter, they were OEF =%,Hz,%,ppb for ANN; and OEF%,Hz,%,ppb for QN, with a significant difference () for OEF and. ANN revealed more gray–white matter contrast but less intersubject variation in OEF than QN. In contrast to QN, the ANN reconstruction did not need an additional sequence for parameter initialization and took approximately 1 s rather than roughly 1 h.

Conclusion

ANNs allow faster and, with regard to initialization, more robust reconstruction of OEF maps with lower intersubject variation than QN approaches.