bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of carbonic anhydrase on the way to biological carbon capture through microalgae—A mini review
Authors: Mondal Madhumanti , Khanra Saumyakanti , Tiwari O.N. , Gayen K. , Halder G.N.
Published: June 2016

Gradual rise in levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) due to burning of fossil fuels has become a matter of environmental concern in the recent years. In this alarming situation capturing CO2 and storing it to restrict its release to the atmosphere could be an attractive approach toward mitigation. Photosynthesis has been recognized as the most sustainable means to arrest CO2 from the atmosphere and microalgae; a photosynthetic microorganism has been identified as the potential sequestering candidate with the highest carbon fixing capabilities. Cyanobacteria and algae have developed their own exclusive editions of photosynthetic carbon concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) to aid ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) in efficient CO2 capture. Carbonic anhydrase (CA), a zinc‐containing metallo‐enzyme has been observed to play a key role in the CCM by catalysing the reversible hydration of CO2 into bicarbonate and a proton thereby helping in fixation of atmospheric CO2. This review gives an account of the importance of the different types of CA enzymes along with its locations, mechanism of action and the various studies on biosequestration of CO2 through microalgae. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1605–1615, 2016
Novel fungal lipids for the production of biodiesel resources by Mucor fragilis AFT7‐4
Authors: Huang Guoyin , Zhou Huoxiang , Tang Ziyi , Liu Haixia , Cao Yi , Qiao Dairong , Cao Yu
Published: June 2016

A newly isolated oleaginous fungus strain Mucor fragilis AFT7‐4 screened from farmland soil was shown to be a prospective producer of microbial lipid. To improve oil production, lipid collection techniques involving cell disruption and oil extraction were investigated, and fermentation conditions were also optimized by response surface methodology with a 3‐level 4‐factor Box‐Behnken Design. The results showed that the method, which is the combination of acid‐heating and freeze‐thawing worked best for cell disruption, and chloroform/methanol solution (2:1, v/v) was the most suitable extraction system for oils extraction. Under the optimum conditions [glucose concentration 86 g/L, ammonium sulfate concentration 2.5 g/L, inoculum concentration (v/v) 11%, fermentation time 5 days], a lipid yield of 12.86 g/L and the lipid content of 46.80% could be achieved. These represented a 33.63% improvement in the lipid yield and a 44.44% increase in the lipid content compared with the original values (9.04 g/L and 32.41%). This work was firstly studied on a Mucor fragilis strain systematically for oil production. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2016 © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1784–1792, 2016
Decolorization and degradation of monoazo and diazo dyes in Pseudomonas catalyzed microbial fuel cell
Authors: Jayaprakash Jayapriya , Parthasarathy Abinaya , Viraraghavan Ramamurthy
Published: June 2016

A laboratory‐scale H‐shaped Pseudomonas catalyzed microbial fuel cell (MFC) was investigated for its performance in decolourizing synthetic wastewater containing azo dyes. The azo‐dyes investigated in this study were methyl orange (MO), congo red, reactive blue 172 (RB), reactive yellow 145, and reactive red 2. Among the azo dyes in anode chamber MO resulted in the highest power density (4100 μW m−2) with graphite electrodes and a decolourization efficiency of 94%. The azo bonds were cleaved in all the dyes tested, and their metabolites in the anolytes were characterized by UV‐visible spectral and HPLC analyses. To reduce the internal resistance of MFC and maximize the power density, different metal salt doped graphite epoxy composites) were tested. In the case of azo dyes MO and RB, the power output increased substantially (almost 1.2 fold) when using Mn2+—GECE compared to graphite block. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1623–1628, 2016
Topics in Structural Chemistry through After‐Dinner Humor
Authors: Gavezzotti Angelo
Published: June 2016

Some of the best stories told by Jack Dunitz in after‐dinner speeches introduce comments and personal views on aspects of contemporary structural chemistry: crystal structure analysis and prediction, facts and fallacies in the study of intermolecular bonding, and theories of crystal formation, from nucleation to growth. The role of X‐ray crystallography in the determination of the structure of matter at a molecular level is highlighted, with broad and pervasive bearings on present‐day applications in materials science. A short essay presents the results of molecular simulations on the stability of small molecular clusters with crystalline structure: the future seems to lay not in the analysis of crystal structures after they are formed, but in the study of autocatalytic insurgence of long‐range ordering during nucleation processes.
Revealing the Naturalization of Language and Literacy: The Common Sense of Text Complexity
Authors: Newhouse Erica H.
Published: June 2016

This article illustrates the process and obstacles encountered when applying the Common Core's three‐ part model of determining text complexity to an urban literature text. This analysis revealed how the model privileges language and literacy practices that limit the range of texts used in classrooms through a process of naturalization and by appealing to common sense. Implications include possibilities for interrupting the process of naturalization by encouraging teachers to be more critical of text complexity measurements, shifting the focus of determining text complexity and text selection from standardized measurements to student‐centered practices, and providing students with access to more diverse texts.
Selective plane illumination microscopy with a light sheet of uniform thickness formed by an electrically tunable lens
Authors: Hedde Per Niklas , Gratton Enrico
Published: June 2016

Light sheet microscopy is a powerful technique for rapid, three‐dimensional fluorescence imaging of large specimen such as drosophila and zebrafish embryos. Yet, beam divergence results in a loss of axial resolution at the periphery of the light sheet. Here, we demonstrate how an electrically tunable lens can be utilized to maintain the minimal, diffraction‐limited thickness of the light sheet over a wide field of view (>600 µm) at high frame rates (40 fps). This mode of operation is necessary for the application of fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy in images. Microsc. Res. Tech. 81:924–928, 2018. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Climatic influence on corn sowing date in the Midwestern United States
Authors: Choi Yong‐Sang , Gim Hyeon‐Ju , Ho Chang‐Hoi , Jeong Su‐Jong , Park Seon Ki , Hayes Michael J.
Published: June 2016

This study investigated the climatic influence on the corn sowing date in the Midwestern United States by comparing the survey data of corn cultivation with meteorological records in nine states for the last 36 years (1979–2014). The results show that the year‐to‐year changes in the sowing date were significantly affected by springtime air temperature and precipitation in the nine states, although large state‐to‐state differences were found in the degree of sowing date–meteorology relationship. We determined that the 36‐year climatological warm period (CWP) with daily mean temperatures ≥10 °C plays an important role in the state‐to‐state differences. For the states with longerCWPs, the influence of air temperature (precipitation) was generally weaker (stronger). This observed counteractive relationship should be considered for crop modelling for more effective assessment of the impact of climate change on agriculture.
Biochar‐compost substrates in short‐rotation coppice: Effects on soil and trees in a three‐year field experiment
Authors: Glisczynski Felix von , Pude Ralf , Amelung Wulf , Sandhage‐Hofmann Alexandra
Published: June 2016

Both biochar and compost may improve carbon sequestration and soil fertility; hence, it has been recommended to use a mixture of both for sustainable land management. Here, we evaluated the effects of biochar–compost substrates on soil properties and plant growth in short rotation coppice plantations (SRC). For this purpose, we planted the tree species poplar, willow, and alder in a no‐till field experiment, each of them amended in triplicate with 0 (= control) or 30 Mg ha−1 compost or biochar–compost substrates containing 15% vol. (TPS15) and 30% vol. biochar (TPS30). For three years running, we analyzed plant growth as well as soil pH, potential cation exchange capacity (CEC), stocks of soil organic carbon (SOC), total N, and plant‐available phosphate and potassium oxide.Biochar‐compost substrates affected most soil properties only in the topsoil and for a limited period of time. The CEC and total stocks of SOC were consistently elevated relative to the control. After three years the C gain of up to 6.4 Mg SOC ha−1 in the TPS30 plots was lower than the added C amount. Especially in the case of TPS30 treatment, C input was characterized by the greatest losses after application, although the black carbon of the biochar was not degraded in soil. Additionally, tree growth and woody biomass yield did not respond at all to the treatments. Overall, there were few if any indications that biochar–compost substrates improve the performance of SRC under temperate soil and climate conditions. Therefore, the use of biochar for such systems is not recommended.
In vitro effects of sodium bicarbonate buffer on rumen fermentation, levels of lipopolysaccharide and biogenic amine, and composition of rumen microbiota
Authors: Mao Shengyong , Huo Wenjie , Liu Junhua , Zhang Ruiyang , Zhu Weiyun
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND

Diets containing high levels of carbohydrates provoke a rapid decrease of rumen pH and high levels of biogenic amines and lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which severely impair the health and performance of ruminants. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of sodium bicarbonate (BC) buffer on rumen fermentation, levels of LPS and biogenic amine, and composition of rumen microbiota using in vitro rumen cultures.

RESULTS

Sodium bicarbonate supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the final pH levels and concentrations of total volatile fatty acids and LPS, as well as the proportions of acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, isovalerate and valerate, and it decreased (P < 0.05) the proportion of butyrate and the levels of lactic acid, methylamine, tryptamine, tyramine, histamine and putrescine compared with the control. Pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene showed that BC inclusion increased (P < 0.05) the bacterial diversity index compared with the control. Adding BC also decreased (P < 0.05) the relative abundance of Streptococcus and Butyrivibrio and increased (P < 0.05) the proportions of Ruminococcus, Succinivibrio and Prevotella.

CONCLUSION

Sodium bicarbonate supplementation has beneficial effects in the reduction of bioamine levels and the increase in ruminal pH, and in modifying the microbial ecology of the rumen; however, it results in an accumulation of LPS under high‐grain diet conditions. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Recurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis in the Adult‐to‐Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation Cohort Study: Comparison of risk factors between living and deceased donor recipients
Authors: Gordon Fredric D. , Goldberg David S. , Goodrich Nathan P. , Lok Anna S. F. , Verna Elizabeth C. , Selzner Nazia , Stravitz R. Todd , Merion Robert M.
Published: June 2016

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) recurs in 15%‐25% of patients transplanted for PSC. In the United States, PSC transplant patients are more likely to receive an organ from a living donor (LD) than patients without PSC. Our aims were to (1) compare risk of PSC recurrence in LD versus deceased donor recipients and (2) identify risk factors for PSC recurrence. There were 241 living donor liver transplantations (LDLTs) and 65 deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) patients transplanted between 1998 and 2013 enrolled in the Adult‐to‐Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation Cohort Study who were evaluated. PSC recurrence risk for LDLT and DDLT recipients was compared using Kaplan‐Meier survival curves and log‐rank tests. Cox models were used to evaluate PSC risk factors. Overall PSC recurrence probabilities were 8.7% and 22.4% at 5 and 10 years after liver transplantation (LT), respectively. The risk of PSC recurrence was not significantly different for DDLT versus LDLT recipients (P = 0.36). For DDLT versus LDLT recipients, unadjusted 5‐ and 10‐year PSC recurrence was 9.4% versus 9.5% and 36.9% versus 21.1%. Higher laboratory Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score at LT, onset of a biliary complication, cholangiocarcinoma, and higher donor age were associated with increased risks of PSC recurrence: for MELD (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02‐1.10 per MELD point, P = 0.002); for biliary complication (HR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.28‐6.25; P = 0.01); for cholangiocarcinoma (HR, 3.98; 95% CI, 1.43‐11.09; P = 0.008); for donor age (per 5‐years donor age; HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.35; P = 0.02). Factors not significantly associated with PSC recurrence included the following: first‐degree relative donor (P = 0.11), post‐LT cytomegalovirus infection (P = 0.38), and acute rejection (P = 0.22). Risk of recurrent PSC was not significantly different for DDLT and LDLT recipients. Biliary complications, cholangiocarcinoma, MELD, and donor age were significantly associated with risk of PSC recurrence. Liver Transplantation 22 1214–1222 2016 AASLD
Liver transplantation significantly improves global functioning and cerebral processing
Authors: Ahluwalia Vishwadeep , Wade James B. , White Melanie B. , Gilles HoChong S. , Heuman Douglas M. , Fuchs Michael , Gavis Edith A. , Fagan Andrew , Tinsley Felicia , Ganapathy Dinesh , Thacker Leroy R. , Sterling Richard K. , Stravitz R. Todd , Puri Puneet , Sanyal Arun J. , Siddiqui Muhammad S. , Matherly Scott , Luketic Velimir , Steinberg Joel , Moeller F. Gerard , Bajaj Jasmohan S.
Published: June 2016

The functional basis of cognitive and quality of life changes after liver transplant is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the neurometabolic and functional brain changes as modulators of cognition and quality of life after transplant in patients with cirrhosis who were with/without pretransplant cognitive impairment and hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Patients with cirrhosis underwent detailed cognitive and quality of life assessment at enrollment and 6 months after transplant. A subset underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (functional magnetic resonance imaging [fMRI], diffusion tensor imaging [DTI], and magnetic resonance spectroscopy [MRS]) before and after transplant. Changes before and after transplant were analyzed in all patients and by dividing groups in those with/without pretransplant cognitive impairment or with/without pretransplant HE. MRS evaluated ammonia‐related metabolites; fMRI studied brain activation for correct lure inhibition on the inhibitory control test; and DTI studied white matter integrity. Sixty‐six patients (mean Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score, 21.8; 38 HE patients and 24 cognitively impaired [CI] patients) were enrolled. Quality of life was significantly worse in CI and HE groups before transplant, which improved to a lesser extent in those with prior cognitive impairment. In the entire group after transplant, there was (1) significantly lower brain activation needed for lure inhibition (shown on fMRI); (2) reversal of pretransplant ammonia‐associated changes (shown on MRS); and (3) improved white matter integrity (shown on DTI). Importantly, study findings suggest that pretransplant cognitive impairment serves as a marker for clinical outcomes. Regardless of pretransplant history of HE, it was the pretransplant cognitive impairment that was predictive of both posttransplant cognitive and psychosocial outcomes. Therefore, when working with patients and their families, a clinician may rely on the pretransplant cognitive profile to develop expectations regarding posttransplant neurobehavioral recovery. We conclude that functional brain changes after liver transplant depend on pretransplant cognitive impairment and are ultimately linked with posttransplant cognition and quality of life in cirrhosis. Liver Transplantation 22 1379–1390 2016 AASLD.
Use of SVET to evaluate corrosion resistance of heat tinted stainless steel welds and effect of post‐weld cleaning
Authors: Fuertes N. , Bengtsson V. , Pettersson R. , Rohwerder M.
Published: June 2016

The effect of heat tints on the corrosion resistance of a 2507 duplex stainless steel tungsten inert gas (TIG) welded joint was assessed. The scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) was used to study oxide dissolution, initiation and propagation of corrosion on the weld. Small spot X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to investigate the composition and thickness of the heat tints. Both heat tinted and post‐weld cleaned conditions were tested. Post‐weld cleaning methods investigated were brushing, brushing plus polishing and brushing plus pickling paste. It was seen that heat tints dissolve by electrochemical reactions that can be mapped with the SVET and correlated with the level of discolouration of the oxides, with the purple–brown oxide being the most active. The mechanical post‐weld cleaning methods proved to be insufficient to remove the anodic activity in the heat tint. The most efficient process was brushing followed by pickling which resulted in a totally passive surface measured with SVET and a higher critical pitting temperature.
GPER, IGF‐IR, and EGFR transduction signaling are involved in stimulatory effects of zinc in breast cancer cells and cancer‐associated fibroblasts
Authors: Pisano Assunta , Santolla Maria Francesca , De Francesco Ernestina Marianna , De Marco Paola , Rigiracciolo Damiano Cosimo , Perri Maria Grazia , Vivacqua Adele , Abonante Sergio , Cappello Anna Rita , Dolce Vincenza , Belfiore Antonino , Maggiolini Marcello , Lappano Rosamaria
Published: June 2016

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace mineral that contributes to the regulation of several cellular functions; however, it may be also implicated in the progression of breast cancer through different mechanisms. It has been largely reported that the classical estrogen receptor (ER), as well as the G protein estrogen receptor (GPER, previously known as GPR30) can exert a main role in the development of breast tumors. In the present study, we demonstrate that zinc chloride (ZnCl2) involves GPER in the activation of insulin‐like growth factor receptor I (IGF‐IR)/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐mediated signaling, which in turn triggers downstream pathways like ERK and AKT in breast cancer cells, and main components of the tumor microenvironment namely cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Further corroborating these findings, ZnCl2 stimulates a functional crosstalk of GPER with IGF‐IR and EGFR toward the transcription of diverse GPER target genes. Then, we show that GPER contributes to the stimulatory effects induced by ZnCl2 on cell‐cycle progression, proliferation, and migration of breast cancer cells as well as migration of CAFs. Together, our data provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms through which zinc may exert stimulatory effects in breast cancer cells and CAFs toward tumor progression. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modeling of ultrashort pulse propagation in lossy nonlinear metamaterials
Authors: Tsitsas Nikolaos L. , Porfyrakis Polykarpos , Frantzeskakis Dimitri J.
Published: June 2016

Wave propagation in lossy nonlinear metamaterials is analytically investigated by means of perturbation methods. In the left‐handed band of the nonlinear metamaterial, a higher‐order nonlinear Schrödinger equation is obtained, while in the frequency band gap, a dissipative short‐pulse equation is derived. In both cases, dissipation is described by linear terms, which lead to an exponential decay of the solutions. The decay rates, that is, the inverses of the linear loss coefficients in these two models, are found in terms of the dielectric and magnetic properties of the metamaterial. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TV‐like regularization for backward parabolic problems
Authors: Pan Bin , Xu Dinghua , Xu Yinghong , Yu Yue
Published: June 2016

This paper investigates an inverse problem for parabolic equations backward in time, which is solved by total‐variation‐like (TV‐like, in abbreviation) regularization method with cost function ∥ux∥2. The existence, uniqueness and stability estimate for the regularization problem are deduced in the linear case. For numerical illustration, the variational adjoint method, which presents a simple method to derive the gradient of the optimization functional, is introduced to reconstruct the unknown initial condition for both linear and nonlinear parabolic equations. The conjugate gradient method is used to iteratively search for the optimal approximation. Numerical results validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A nonconvex approach to low‐rank matrix completion using convex optimization
Authors: Lazzaro Damiana
Published: June 2016

This paper deals with the problem of recovering an unknown low‐rank matrix from a sampling of its entries. For its solution, we consider a nonconvex approach based on the minimization of a nonconvex functional that is the sum of a convex fidelity term and a nonconvex, nonsmooth relaxation of the rank function. We show that by a suitable choice of this nonconvex penalty, it is possible, under mild assumptions, to use also in this matrix setting the iterative forward–backward splitting method. Specifically, we propose the use of certain parameter dependent nonconvex penalties that with a good choice of the parameter value allow us to solve in the backward step a convex minimization problem, and we exploit this result to prove the convergence of the iterative forward–backward splitting algorithm. Based on the theoretical results, we develop for the solution of the matrix completion problem the efficient iterative improved matrix completion forward–backward algorithm, which exhibits lower computing times and improved recovery performance when compared with the best state‐of‐the‐art algorithms for matrix completion. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electronic transport in p‐type Mg‐doped GaAs nanowires
Authors: Cifuentes N. , Limborço H. , Viana E. R. , Roa D. B. , Abelenda A. , da Silva M. I. N. , Moreira M. V. B. , Ribeiro G. M. , de Oliveira A. G. , González J. C.
Published: June 2016

The electronic transport properties of several Mg‐doped GaAs nanowires are investigated. It is shown that Mg can be successfully used as a nontoxic and noncarcinogenic p‐type dopant in GaAs nanowires. The doping levels, expanding over two orders of magnitude, and free holes mobility in the NW were obtained by the analysis of field effect transistors transfer curves. The study of the temperature dependence of the electrical resistivity of the nanowires shows that electronic transport changes from conduction of free holes, above room temperature, to variable hopping conduction at lower temperatures. Both, Mott and Efros‐Shklovskii variable range hopping mechanism were clearly identified in the nanowires.
Positive Feedback Loop of OCT4 and c-JUN Expedites Cancer Stemness in Liver Cancer
Authors: Kuo Kung-Kai , Lee King-Teh , Chen Ker-Kong , Yang Ya-Han , Lin Ying-Chu , Tsai Ming-Ho , Wuputra Kenly , Lee Yen-Liang , Ku Chia-Chen , Miyoshi Hiroyuki , Nakamura Yukio , Saito Shigeo , Wu Chun-Chieh , Chai Chee-Yin , Eckner Richard , Steve Lin Chen-Lung , Wang Sophie S-W , Wu Deng-Chyang , Lin Chang-Shen , Yokoyama Kazunari K.
Published: June 2016

The network of stemness genes and oncogenes in human patient-specific reprogrammed cancer stem cells (CSCs) remains elusive, especially in liver cancer. HepG2-derived induced pluripotent stem cell-like cells (HepG2-iPS-like cells) were generated by introducing Yamanaka factors and the knockdown vector shTP53. They exhibited features of stemness and a higher tumorigenesis after xenograft transplantation compared with HepG2 cells. The cancerous mass of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice derived from one colony was dissected and cultured to establish reprogrammed HepG2-derived CSC-like cells (designated rG2-DC-1C). A single colony exhibited 42% occurrence of tumors with higher proliferation capacities. rG2-DC-1C showed continuous expression of the OCT4 stemness gene and of representative tumor markers, potentiated chemoresistance characteristics, and invasion activities. The sphere-colony formation ability and the invasion activity of rG2-DC-1C were also higher than those of HepG2 cells. Moreover, the expression of the OCT4 gene and the c-JUN oncogene, but not of c-MYC, was significantly elevated in rG2-DC-1C, whereas no c-JUN expression was observed in HepG2 cells. The positive-feedback regulation via OCT4-mediated transactivation of the c-JUN promoter and the c-JUN-mediated transactivation of the OCT4 promoter were crucial for promoting cancer development and maintaining cancer stemness in rG2-DC-1C. Increased expression of OCT4 and c-JUN was detected in the early stage of human liver cancer. Therefore, the positive feedback regulation of OCT4 and c-JUN, resulting in the continuous expression of oncogenes such as c-JUN, seems to play a critical role in the determination of the cell fate decision from iPS cells to CSCs in liver cancer.
Control of Underactuated Skid Steering Mobile Platforms Based on Extended Factitious Force Concept
Authors: Mazur Alicja , Domski Wojciech , Roszkowska Elżbieta
Published: June 2016

In the paper new control method of skid steering mobile platforms has been presented. Such platforms are robotic objects with deficit of control inputs in dynamic model, i.e. they are dynamically under-actuated. To compensate lack of controls, it has been assumed that there are additional factitious inputs to dynamics (so-called factitious forces), which preserve possibility to control dynamical model of skid steering mobile platform, expressed in auxiliary velocities. Factitious inputs do not exist in reality therefore it was assumed that they are equal to zero equivalently. Signals calculated from implicit functions defining factitious forces make possible to approximate slipping effects and they can be taken into account by construction of control law.
Paraneoplastic pemphigus as a presentation of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Siddiqui Salahuddin , Bilal Mohammad , Otaibi Zachary , Bilimoria Farshaad , Patel Nihar , Rossetti James
Published: June 2016

Skin lesions are frequently encountered in clinical practice which can be a presentation of systemic diseases not excluding an occult malignancy. Commonly reported paraneoplastic dermatologic manifestations include acanthosis nigricans, dermatomyositis, erythroderma, hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, Sweet syndrome, and paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP).

PNP is a rare autoimmune mucocutaneous disease characterized by severe stomatitis, polymorphic skin eruptions, and associated underlying neoplasms most commonly non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and Castleman disease. PNP is characterized on histopathology as dyskeratotic epithelial cells with acantholysis with a typical immunofluorescence staining pattern of direct and/or indirect staining of intercellular, basement membrane, and dermoepidermal junction with immunoglobulin-G and C3. PNP has been described to have poor prognosis with a mortality range of 75–90% and a mean survival of less than 1 year.

We describe a previously unreported case of PNP associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) where the patient presented with a nonhealing ulcer and hemorrhagic crusting on the face that did not respond to antimicrobials and steroids. Investigations revealed leukocytosis with peripherally circulating blasts. Skin biopsy revealed an evolving PNP and bone marrow biopsy confirmed evidence of AML. The patient underwent induction, consolidation, and then successful allogenic bone marrow transplantation with complete remission. The skin lesion, which was initially refractory to treatments, surprisingly resolved within 7 days of starting induction chemotherapy.

In this case, the skin lesion was a key factor in early diagnosis and instituting treatment for the underlying AML. Early intervention gave our patient a better outcome with an ongoing survival of 18 months since diagnosis, maintaining complete remission.
A community‐based, mixed‐methods study of the attitudes and behaviors of men regarding modern family planning in Nigeria
Authors: Akaba Godwin , Ketare Nathaniel , Tile Wilfred
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and extent of involvement of men in family planning in Nigeria, and to evaluate spousal communication regarding family planning.

Methods

A community‐based, mixed‐methods study enrolled participants in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria between January 11 and June 30, 2012. Quantitative surveys including semi‐structured interviews were used to collect information from married men regarding their knowledge and attitudes to modern family planning. The qualitative components constituted focus group discussion sessions and in‐depth interviews that included married men, married women, religious leaders, community leaders, and family‐planning providers.

Results

Quantitative surveys were completed by 152 men; 99 (65.1%) reported that they would accompany their wives to family‐planning clinics in the future, 116 (76.3%) reported approving of the use of modern contraception by their wives, and 132 (86.8%) reported wanting to know more about family planning. Both quantitative and qualitative aspects of the study indicated that husbands were the major decision makers regarding family size, choice of contraceptive, and pregnancy timing.

Conclusion

In terms of fertility goals and family planning, men were the primary decision makers; consequently, obtaining their support and commitment to family planning is of crucial importance in Nigeria.
Early Rehabilitation in the Medical and Surgical Intensive Care Units for Patients With and Without Mechanical Ventilation: An Interprofessional Performance Improvement Project
Authors: Corcoran John R. , Herbsman Jodi M. , Bushnik Tamara , Van Lew Steve , Stolfi Angela , Parkin Kate , McKenzie Alison , Hall Geoffrey W. , Joseph Waveney , Whiteson Jonathan , Flanagan Steven R.
Published: June 2016

Background

Most early mobility studies focus on patients on mechanical ventilation and the role of physical and occupational therapy. This Performance Improvement Project (PIP) project examined early mobility and increased intensity of therapy services on patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) with and without mechanical ventilation. In addition, speech‐language pathology rehabilitation was added to the early mobilization program.

Objective

We sought to assess the efficacy of early mobilization of patients with and without mechanical ventilation in the ICU on length of stay (LOS) and patient outcomes and to determine the financial viability of the program.

Design

PIP. Prospective data collection in 2014 (PIP) compared with a historical patient population in 2012 (pre‐PIP).

Setting

Medical and surgical ICUs of a Level 2 trauma hospital.

Patients

There were 160 patients in the PIP and 123 in the pre‐PIP.

Interventions

Interprofessional training to improve collaboration and increase intensity of rehabilitation therapy services in the medical and surgical intensive care units for medically appropriate patients.

Measurements

Demographics; intensity of service; ICU and hospital LOS; medications; pain; discharge disposition; functional mobility; and average cost per day were examined.

Main Results

Rehabilitation therapy services increased from 2012 to 2014 by approximately 60 minutes per patient. The average ICU LOS decreased by almost 20% from 4.6 days (pre‐PIP) to 3.7 days (PIP) (P = .05). A decrease of over 40% was observed in the floor bed average LOS from 6.0 days (pre‐PIP) to 3.4 days (PIP) (P < .01). An increased percentage of PIP patients, 40.5%, were discharged home without services compared with 18.2% in the pre‐PIP phase (P < .01). Average cost per day in the ICU and floor bed decreased in the PIP group, resulting in an annualized net cost savings of $1.5 million.

Conclusions

The results of the PIP indicate that enhanced rehabilitation services in the ICU is clinically feasible, results in improved patient outcomes, and is fiscally sound. Most early mobility studies focus on patients on mechanical ventilation. The results of this PIP project demonstrate that there are significant benefits to early mobility and increased intensity of therapy services on ICU patients with and without mechanical ventilation. Benefits include reduced hospitalization LOS, decreased health care costs, and decreased need for postacute care services.

Level of Evidence

III
Comparison of the Cross‐Sectional Area of Longus Colli Muscle Between Patients With Cervical Radicular Pain and Healthy Controls
Authors: Noormohammadpour Pardis , Dehghani‐Firouzabadi Azime , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Mohseni‐Bandpei Mohammad Ali , Moghaddam Navid , Miri Mojtaba , Kordi Ramin
Published: June 2016

Background

Previous studies have shown atrophy of paravertebral lumbar muscles in patients with lumbar radicular pain and have proposed rehabilitative approaches based on these findings. However, changes in cervical paravertebral muscles in patients with cervical radicular pain are still unknown.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the longus colli muscle (LCM) in patients with cervical radicular pain and healthy controls via ultrasound measurement.

Study Design

Case‐control study.

Setting

Outpatients who came for treatment to the neurosurgery clinic.

Participants

A total of 20 patients with more than 4 weeks of cervical radicular pain and 20 healthy matched (for body mass index, age, and gender) control subjects.

Interventions

Ultrasound measurements.

Main Outcome Measures

The CSA of the LCM at the level of C5‐C6 was measured by ultrasound with the subject in supine position. Also, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were reported by patients. An independent‐sample t test was used for investigation of differences in CSA and other variables in both groups.

Results

A total of 20 patients with cervical radicular pain with a mean age of 42.4 years (standard deviation [SD] = 7 years) and 20 healthy matched controls with mean age of 40.7 years (SD = 7 years) participated in the study. Patients with cervical radicular pain showed smaller CSA of the LCM bilaterally compared with controls (mean difference: 0.37 [SD = 0.15]; P < .001). In the patient group, there were no significant differences between the CSA of the LCM in the involved and noninvolved sides. No correlations between the CSA of the LCM and VAS, Neck Disability Index, symptom duration, gender, BMI, and age of the patients were found.

Conclusions

This is the first study to show via ultrasound assessment that patients with cervical radicular pain had smaller bilateral CSA of the LCM in comparison with healthy controls. It is also not clear whether atrophy of the LCM in patients with cervical radicular pain is a consequence or a cause of the pain. Reduction in the stability of the neck due to atrophy of the LCM could make the cervical spine region susceptible to more injuries, which might be prevented by functional and strengthening exercises.

Level of Evidence

III
The association of maternal vitamin D status with infant birth outcomes, postnatal growth and adiposity in the first 2 years of life in a multi-ethnic Asian population: the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) cohort study
Authors: Ong Yi Lin , Quah Phaik Ling , Tint Mya Thway , Aris Izzuddin M. , Chen Ling Wei , van Dam Rob M. , Heppe Denise , Saw Seang-Mei , Godfrey Keith M. , Gluckman Peter D. , Chong Yap Seng , Yap Fabian , Lee Yung Seng , Foong-Fong Chong Mary
Published: June 2016

Maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy has been associated with infant birth and postnatal growth outcomes, but reported findings have been inconsistent, especially in relation to postnatal growth and adiposity outcomes. In a mother–offspring cohort in Singapore, maternal plasma vitamin D was measured between 26 and 28 weeks of gestation, and anthropometric measurements were obtained from singleton offspring during the first 2 years of life with 3-month follow-up intervals to examine birth, growth and adiposity outcomes. Associations were analysed using multivariable linear regression. Of a total of 910 mothers, 13·2 % were vitamin D deficient (<50 nmol/l) and 26·5 % were insufficient (50–75 nmol/l). After adjustment for potential confounders and multiple testing, no statistically significant associations were observed between maternal vitamin D status and any of the birth outcomes – small for gestational age (OR 1·00; 95 % CI 0·56, 1·79) and pre-term birth (OR 1·16; 95 % CI 0·64, 2·11) – growth outcomes – weight-for-age z-scores, length-for-age z-scores, circumferences of the head, abdomen and mid-arm at birth or postnatally – and adiposity outcomes – BMI, and skinfold thickness (triceps, biceps and subscapular) at birth or postnatally. Maternal vitamin D status in pregnancy did not influence infant birth outcomes, postnatal growth and adiposity outcomes in this cohort, perhaps due to the low prevalence (1·6 % of the cohort) of severe maternal vitamin D deficiency (defined as of <30·0 nmol/l) in our population.
U–Pb geochronology of bentonites from the Upper Cretaceous Kanguk Formation, Sverdrup Basin, Arctic Canada: constraints on sedimentation rates, biostratigraphic correlations and the late magmatic history of the High Arctic Large Igneous Province
Authors: DAVIS WILLIAM J. , SCHRÖDER-ADAMS CLAUDIA J. , GALLOWAY JENNIFER M. , HERRLE JENS O. , PUGH ADAM T.
Published: June 2016

U–Pb ages of zircon from bentonites within the upper Cretaceous Bastion Ridge and Kanguk formations, Sverdrup Basin, provide constraints on sedimentation rates, biostratigraphic correlations, timing of Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE2) in the High Arctic, and the late magmatic history of the High Arctic Large Igneous Province (HALIP). A late Cenomanian to early Turonian age for the base of the Kanguk Formation is confirmed that supports correlations of the global OAE2 in the High Arctic. Sedimentation rates varied from 19 m Ma−1between 93 and 91 Ma to 26 m Ma−1between 91 and 83 Ma at Axel Heiberg Island. At Ellef Ringnes Island, the lower Kanguk Formation records high rates of ~70 m Ma−1between 94 and 93 Ma, which decrease to rates comparable to those of the upper Axel Heiberg section. Differences in sedimentation rates may reflect differences in setting prior to the major transgression in the latest Cenomanian to early Turonian. The timing of Arctic occurrences of theScaphites nigricollensisandScaphites depressusammonite zones is shown to be broadly comparable to that of lower-latitude occurrences within the Western Interior Seaway. An eruption frequency of 0.5–2.5 Ma characterizes the late alkaline phase of HALIP magmatism. Volcanic bed thicknesses of 10–50 cm suggest ash transport distances of less than 1000 km. Long-lived volcanic centres, in the area of the Alpha Ridge, northern Ellesmere Island or northern Greenland, were the likely source of volcanic ash over a period of 10–15 Ma.
Perceptions of the Antarctic wilderness: views from emerging adults in Spain and the United States
Authors: Peden John , Tin Tina , Pertierra Luis R. , Tejedo Pablo , Benayas Javier
Published: June 2016

The preambles of the 1959 Antarctic Treaty and the 1991 Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic state that Antarctica is to be managed in the interest of all mankind. However, key phrases such as ‘interest of all mankind’ and ‘wilderness and aesthetic values’ are subject to interpretation. The objective of this study is to gain a better understanding of public perceptions of the Antarctic wilderness, proceeding from the assumption that public views should be incorporated into the consultative parties’ decision making process. The study expands on previous research by exploring whether perceptions of the Antarctic environment varied between students at two comparably sized public universities in Spain and the United States. Four hundred undergraduate students were asked about their values, beliefs and attitudes with respect to environmental management practices in Antarctica. After controlling for course type, responses showed little variation based on nationality. A large proportion of students valued Antarctica as a science laboratory for the benefit of mankind, as one of the world's last great wildernesses, and an important component of the climate system. Students did not support an increase in the number of people going to Antarctica, and favoured limitations on infrastructure development.
The whys and hows of a cooperative mechanism for the Arctic marine environment
Authors: Eichbaum William M.
Published: June 2016

Arctic ministers agreed at the latest 2015 Arctic Council ministerial meeting in Iqaluit to establish a ‘Task Force to assess future needs for a regional seas program or other mechanism, as appropriate, for increased cooperation in Arctic marine areas.’ Involving the Arctic Council in increased coordination of national marine management measures, and in drawing on experts from international organisations or treaty bodies to address related questions, is consistent with the longstanding advisory role of the Arctic Council. It also builds prudently on the council's emerging role as convener to accomplish discrete tasks critical to the health of the Arctic environment and the wellbeing of Arctic peoples. In order to strengthen Arctic marine cooperation and governance, the Arctic Council should adopt some instrument or arrangement through which it can more effectively coordinate among national management efforts affecting the Arctic marine environment and increase the effectiveness of the interplay with global governance mechanisms. The purpose of this commentary is to present World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) perspectives on two important dimensions of this proposal. First, the commentary is to review the arguments as to why a strong regional seas program for the Arctic is required. Second, it is to address a series of questions that arise in considering the design of a framework mechanism necessary to create the program. The paper will provide WWF's views with regards to the mandate and scope of a future cooperative mechanism, its relationship to the Arctic Council and membership, and its legal form.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN NON-INVASIVE PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Authors: DRURY SUZANNE , HILL MELISSA , CHITTY LYN S
Published: June 2016

The ability to obtain fetal material that could be used for prenatal genetic diagnosis without requirement for an invasive test was a watershed moment in antenatal care. Cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) was identified in the maternal plasma by Lo and colleagues in 19971and despite being technically challenging, non-invasive tests for fetal sex determination, fetal rhesus D (RHD) genotyping, some single gene disorders and the major aneuploidies are now being offered in clinical practice throughout the world2. Progress continues at pace and recent developments in next generation sequencing (NGS) are driving significant advances in research and in the clinical application of non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and diagnosis (NIPD) (Table 1).
Effects of early home language environment on perception and production of speech
Authors: TAO LILY , TAFT MARCUS
Published: June 2016

The effects of exposure to non-English heritage languages versus exposure to foreign-accented English during early childhood on language performances later in life were investigated. Three groups of young adult participants who differed in their early home language environment were examined on a series of linguistic tasks. Results showed that people who were mostly exposed to accented English in the early home environment are more native-like in various aspects of English language performance than those who were mostly exposed to their non-English heritage language, including vocabulary, pronunciation, and processing of certain types of speech stimuli. Early and extended exposure to accented speech, however, does not appear to enhance the ability to perceive foreign accents in general, and may in fact produce a disadvantage when listening to unfamiliar accents. These findings provide some initial insight into the consequences of migrant parents choosing to speak one language over the other with their children.
Childhood dietary patterns and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescence: results from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) cohort
Authors: Bull Caroline J , Northstone Kate
Published: June 2016

Objective

To investigate the prospective associations between dietary patterns in childhood and CVD risk in adolescence.

Design

Prospective cohort study. Exposures were dietary patterns at age 7, 10 and 13 years derived by cluster analysis. Outcomes were physiological and biochemical cardiovascular risk markers.

Setting

Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), UK.

Subjects

Children (n2311, 44.1 % male) with complete data available.

Results

After adjustment for known confounders, we observed an association between being in the ‘Processed’ and ‘Packed lunch’ dietary pattern clusters at age 7 and BMI at age 17. Compared with the ‘healthy’ cluster, the OR (95 % CI) for being in the top 10 % for BMI was 1·60 (1·01, 2·55;P=0·05) for the ‘Processed’ cluster and 1·96 (1·22, 3·13;P=0·005) for the ‘Packed lunch’ cluster. However, no association was observed between BMI and dietary patterns at age 10 and 13. Longitudinal analyses showed that being in either the ‘Processed’ or ‘Packed lunch’ cluster at age 7 was associated with increased risk of being in the top 10 % for BMI regardless of subsequent cluster membership. No associations between other cardiovascular risk measures and dietary patterns were robust to adjustment for confounders.

Conclusions

We did not find any consistent evidence to support an association between dietary patterns in childhood and cardiovascular risk factors in adolescence, with the exception of BMI and dietary pattern at age 7 only. However, the importance of dietary intake in childhood upon health later in life requires further investigation and we would encourage the adoption of a healthy diet as early in life as possible.