bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathology of balloon‐expandable transcatheter aortic valves
Authors: Yahagi Kazuyuki , Ladich Elena , Kutys Robert , Mori Hiroyoshi , Svensson Lars G. , Mack Michael J. , Herrmann Howard C. , Smith Craig R. , Leon Martin B. , Virmani Renu , Finn Aloke V.
Published: June 2017

Background

The Placement of AoRtic TraNscathetER Valves trials (PARTNER) showed favorable safety and efficacy versus medical or surgical therapy in inoperable, high, and intermediate surgical risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. However, the biological responses to transcatheter aortic valves have not been well characterized.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to perform pathologic assessment of Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter aortic valves removed either at autopsy or surgically during the PARTNER I and II clinical trials.

Methods

Explanted valves and frame were evaluated for pathologic responses including extent of thrombus, inflammation, neointima, and leaflet degeneration/calcification according to semiquantitative grading by implant duration (≤30 days; 31–90 days; >90 days).

Results

A total of 22 cases (median age 82.0 years, 45% men) were included, with a duration of implantation that ranged from 0 to 1739 days (median duration 16.5 days [interquartile range, 2.8–68.3]). Valve thrombosis resulting in severe aortic stenosis was observed in one case. Moderate leaflet thrombus was seen in 14% of cases (n = 3) and all were asymptomatic. Calcification was seen in two valves: one with severe leaflet calcification had severe aortic stenosis requiring surgical replacement, while the other showed early calcification. Mild structural leaflet changes were exclusively seen in valve implants >90 days. Valve inflammation and thrombus formation was mild in majority of the cases.

Conclusions

Overall, our study demonstrates moderate thrombus formation in 14% and calcification in only 2 valves, ≥4 years duration. In this short‐duration study, acceptable durability and biocompatibility of the Edwards SAPIEN transcatheter valve system was demonstrated; however, further studies are required to confirm the significance and application of our findings.
Giant splenic artery aneurysm in a pregnant patient: a case report and literature review
Authors: Creidi Elie , El Asmar Antoine , Abou Zahr Rawad , El Rassi Ziad
Published: June 2017

Key Clinical Message

Pregnancy and giant splenic artery aneurysms should be addressed in a way to achieve optimal results for the mother and the fetus. In our case, the need for immediate intervention, with minimal risk, made open aneurysmectomy and distal splenopancreatectomy, the ideal approach to undertake.
Thin, High‐Flux, Self‐Standing, Graphene Oxide Membranes for Efficient Hydrogen Separation from Gas Mixtures
Authors: Bouša Daniel , Friess Karel , Pilnáček Kryštof , Vopička Ondřej , Lanč Marek , Fónod Kristián , Pumera Martin , Sedmidubský David , Luxa Jan , Sofer Zdeněk
Published: June 2017

The preparation and gas‐separation performance of self‐standing, high‐flux, graphene oxide (GO) membranes is reported. Defect‐free, 15–20 μm thick, mechanically stable, unsupported GO membranes exhibited outstanding gas‐separation performance towards H2/CO2 that far exceeded the corresponding 2008 Robeson upper bound. Remarkable separation efficiency of GO membranes for H2 and bulky C3 or C4 hydrocarbons was achieved with high flux and good selectivity at the same time. On the contrary, N2 and CH4 molecules, with larger kinetic diameter and simultaneously lower molecular weight, relative to that of CO2, remained far from the corresponding H2/N2 or H2/CH4 upper bounds. Pore size distribution analysis revealed that the most abundant pores in GO material were those with an effective pore diameter of 4 nm; therefore, gas transport is not exclusively governed by size sieving and/or Knudsen diffusion, but in the case of CO2 was supplemented by specific interactions through 1) hydrogen bonding with carboxyl or hydroxyl functional groups and 2) the quadrupole moment. The self‐standing GO membranes presented herein demonstrate a promising route towards the large‐scale fabrication of high‐flux, hydrogen‐selective gas membranes intended for the separation of H2/CO2 or H2/alkanes.
A New Electron‐Rich Unit for Polymer Electron Acceptors: 4,4‐Difluoro‐4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene
Authors: Zhao Ruyan , Min Yang , Dou Chuandong , Liu Jun , Wang Lixiang
Published: June 2017

We report 4,4‐difluoro‐4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene (fCDT) as a new electron‐rich unit to design polymer electron acceptors. Owing to the fluoro substitutes, fCDT unit exhibits downshifted LUMO energy level, diminished steric hindrance effect and strong intermolecular interaction. The resulting polymer electron acceptor exhibits low‐lying LUMO energy level and high electron mobility, as well as good all‐polymer solar cell device performance.
CarbORev‐5901: The First Carborane‐Based Inhibitor of the 5‐Lipoxygenase Pathway
Authors: Kuhnert Robert , Sárosi Menyhárt‐Botond , George Sven , Lönnecke Peter , Hofmann Bettina , Steinhilber Dieter , Murganic Blagoje , Mijatovic Sanja , Maksimovic‐Ivanic Danijela , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie
Published: June 2017

The progression of cancer is accelerated by increased proliferation, angiogenesis, and inflammation. These processes are mediated by leukotrienes. Several cancer cell lines overexpress 5‐lipoxygenase, an enzyme that converts arachidonic acid into leukotrienes. An early inhibitor of the 5‐lipoxygenase pathway is Rev‐5901, which, however, lacks in in vivo efficacy, as it is rapidly metabolized. We investigated the introduction of carboranes as highly hydrophobic and metabolically stable pharmacophores into lipoxygenase inhibitors. Carboranes are icosahedral boron clusters that are remarkably stable and used to increase the metabolic stability of unstable pharmaceutics without changing their biological activity. By introduction of meta‐carborane into Rev‐5901, the first carborane‐based inhibitor of the 5‐lipoxygenase pathway was obtained. We report the synthesis and inhibitory and cytotoxic behavior of these compounds toward several melanoma and colon cancer cell lines and their related anticancer mechanisms.
Group of Quantum Bits Acting as a Bit Using a Single‐Domain Ferromagnet of Uniaxial Magnetic Ions
Authors: Gordon Elijah E. , Koo Hyun‐Joo , Deng Shuiquan , Köhler Jürgen , Whangbo Myung‐Hwan
Published: June 2017

Read/write operations with individual quantum bits (i.e., qbits) are a challenging problem to solve in quantum computing. To alleviate this difficulty, we considered the possibility of using a group of qbits that act collectively as a bit (hereafter, a group bit or a gbit, in short). A promising candidate for a gbit is a single‐domain ferromagnet (SDF) independent of its size, which can be prepared as a magnet of well‐separated uniaxial magnetic ions (UMIs) at sites of no electric dipole moment with their uniaxial axes aligned along one common direction. When magnetized, the UMIs of such a magnet have a ferromagnetic (FM) arrangement and the resulting SDF becomes a gbit with its two opposite moment orientations representing the |0⟩ and |1⟩ states of a bit. We probed the requirements for such magnets and identified several 2H‐perovskites as materials satisfying these requirements.
White‐crowned sparrow males show immediate flexibility in song amplitude but not in song minimum frequency in response to changes in noise levels in the field
Authors: Derryberry Elizabeth P. , Gentry Katherine , Derryberry Graham E. , Phillips Jennifer N. , Danner Raymond M. , Danner Julie E. , Luther David A.
Published: June 2017

The soundscape acts as a selective agent on organisms that use acoustic signals to communicate. A number of studies document variation in structure, amplitude, or timing of signal production in correspondence with environmental noise levels thus supporting the hypothesis that organisms are changing their signaling behaviors to avoid masking. The time scale at which organisms respond is of particular interest. Signal structure may evolve across generations through processes such as cultural or genetic transmission. Individuals may also change their behavior during development (ontogenetic change) or in real time (i.e., immediate flexibility). These are not mutually exclusive mechanisms, and all must be investigated to understand how organisms respond to selection pressures from the soundscape. Previous work on white‐crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys) found that males holding territories in louder areas tend to sing higher frequency songs and that both noise levels and song frequency have increased over time (30 years) in urban areas. These previous findings suggest that songs are changing across generations; however, it is not known if this species also exhibits immediate flexibility. Here, we conducted an exploratory, observational study to ask whether males change the minimum frequency of their song in response to immediate changes in noise levels. We also ask whether males sing louder, as increased minimum frequency may be physiologically linked to producing sound at higher amplitudes, in response to immediate changes in environmental noise. We found that territorial males adjust song amplitude but not minimum frequency in response to changes in environmental noise levels. Our results suggest that males do not show immediate flexibility in song minimum frequency, although experimental manipulations are needed to test this hypothesis further. Our work highlights the need to investigate multiple mechanisms of adaptive response to soundscapes.
Lewis‐Acid‐Catalysed Reaction of 3‐Hydroxy‐2‐oxindoles with Terminal Alkynes: Synthetic Approaches to the Pyrroloindoline Alkaloids
Authors: Kinthada Lakshmana K. , Babu K. Naresh , Padhi Dikshaa , Bisai Alakesh
Published: June 2017

Lewis‐acid‐catalysed reaction of 3‐hydroxy‐2‐oxindoles with a variety of terminal alkynes has been developed. The key step involves alkylation of 3‐aryl (or) 3‐alkyl, 3‐hydroxyoxindoles with terminal alkyne as π‐electron‐rich system to give a variety of 2‐oxindoles with an all‐carbon quaternary centre. On further extension of this method, a variety of spiro‐2‐oxindoles have been synthesized in high yields. The aforementioned methodology has been used in addressing the cyclotryptamine alkaloids linked with aryl group at the pseudobenzylic position.
Longitudinal Bi‐directional Effects of Disordered Eating, Depression and Anxiety
Authors: Puccio Francis , Fuller‐Tyszkiewicz Matthew , Youssef George , Mitchell Sarah , Byrne Michelle , Allen Nick , Krug Isabel
Published: June 2017

Objective

The present study aims to explore the potentially longitudinal bi‐directional effects of disordered eating (DE) symptoms with depression and anxiety.

Method

Participants were 189 (49.5% male) adolescents from Melbourne, Australia. DE, depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed at approximately 15, 16.5 and 18.5 years of age.

Results

Analysis of longitudinal bi‐directional effects assessed via cross‐lagged models indicated that DE symptoms of eating and shape/weight concerns were risk factors for anxiety. Results also showed that depression was a risk factor for eating concerns.

Conclusion

Our findings provide preliminary evidence that preventative measures designed to target concerns about eating and shape/weight might be most efficacious in reducing the transmission of effects between symptoms of DE, depression and anxiety. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Aerobic exercise reduces hippocampal ERK and p38 activation and improves memory of middle‐aged rats
Authors: Cardoso Fabrízio dos Santos , França Erivelton Fernandes , Serra Fernando Tadeu , Victorino Angélica Begatti , de Almeida Alexandre Aparecido , Fernandes Jansen , Cabral Francisco Romero , Venancio Daniel Paulino , Arida Ricardo Mario , Gomes da Silva Sérgio
Published: June 2017

Aging is often accompanied by cognitive decline, memory impairment, and an increased susceptibility to neurodegenerative disorders. Although the physiological processes of aging are not fully understood, these age‐related changes have been interpreted by means of various cellular and molecular theories. Among these theories, alterations in the intracellular signaling pathways associated with cell growth, proliferation, and survival have been highlighted. Based on these observations and on recent evidence showing the beneficial effects of exercise on cognitive function in the elderly, we investigated the cell signaling pathways in the hippocampal formation of middle‐aged rats (18 months old) submitted to treadmill exercise over 10 days. To do this, we evaluated the hippocampal activation of intracellular signaling proteins linked to cell growth, proliferation, and survival, such as Akt, mTOR, p70S6K, ERK, CREB, and p38. We also explored the cognitive performance (inhibitory avoidance) of middle‐aged rats. It was found that physical exercise reduces ERK and p38 activation in the hippocampal formation of aged rats, when compared to the control group. The hippocampal activation and expression of Akt, mTOR, p70S6K, and CREB were not statistically different between the groups. It was also observed that aged rats from the exercise group exhibited better cognitive performance in the inhibitory avoidance task (aversive memory) than aged rats from the control group. Our results indicate that physical exercise reduces intracellular signaling pathways linked to inflammation and cell death (i.e., ERK and p38) and improves memory in middle‐aged rats.
Can mobile phone technology support a rapid sharing of information on novel psychoactive substances among health and other professionals internationally?
Authors: Simonato Pierluigi , Bersani Francesco S. , Santacroce Rita , Cinosi Eduardo , Schifano Fabrizio , Bersani Giuseppe , Martinotti Giovanni , Corazza Ornella
Published: June 2017

Background

The diffusion of novel psychoactive substances (NPSs), combined with the ability of the Internet to act as an online marketplace, has led to unprecedented challenges for governments, health agencies, and substance misuse services. Despite increasing research, there is a paucity of reliable information available to professionals working in the field. The paper will present the pilot results of the first mobile application (SMAIL) for rapid information sharing on NPSs among health professionals.

Methods

The development of SMAIL was divided into 2 parts: (a) the creation of the application for registered users, enabling them to send an SMS or email with the name or “street name” of an NPS and receive within seconds emails or SMS with the information, when available and (b) the development of a database to support the incoming requests.

Results

One hundred twenty‐two professionals based in 22 countries used the service over the pilot period of 16 months (from May 2012 to September 2013). Five hundred fifty‐seven enquires were made. Users received rapid information on NPSs, and 61% of them rated the service as excellent.

Conclusions

This is the right time to use mobile phone technologies for rapid information sharing and prevention activities on NPSs.
Assessing groundwater availability of the Maldives under future climate conditions
Authors: Deng Chenda , Bailey Ryan T.
Published: June 2017

Groundwater resources of the Republic of the Maldives are threatened by a variety of factors including variable future rainfall patterns, continued population growth and associated pumping demands, rising sea level, and contamination from the land surface. This study assesses changes in groundwater availability due to variable rainfall patterns and sea level rise (SLR) in the coming decades, a key component of water resources management for the country. Using a suite of two‐dimensional density‐dependent groundwater flow models, time‐dependent thickness of the freshwater lens is simulated for a range of island sizes (200 to 1,100 m) during the time period of 2011 to 2050, with recharge to the freshwater lens calculated using rainfall patterns provided by general circulation models for the three distinct geographic regions of the Maldives. The effect of SLR on the freshwater lens is quantified using estimates of shoreline recession and associated decreases in island width. If rainfall is solely considered, groundwater availability is projected to increase, as lens thickness during the 2031–2050 time periods is slightly greater (1–5%) than during the 2011–2030 time period. However, including the impact of SLR indicates an overall decrease in lens thickness, with drastic decreases (60% to 100%) projected for small islands (200 m) and moderate decreases (12% to 14%) expected for 400 m islands, which accommodate one third of the national population. Similar methodologies can be used for other atoll island nations, such as the Republic of Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Kiribati. For the Maldives, results from this study can be used in conjunction with population growth estimates to determine the feasibility of including groundwater in water resources planning and management for the country.
Tumor Necrosis Factor‐Alpha: Role in Development of Insulin Resistance and Pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Akash Muhammad Sajid Hamid , Rehman Kanwal , Liaqat Aamira
Published: June 2017

Pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and development of insulin resistance are characterized by multi‐stimuli factors notably glucolipotoxicity, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), epigenetic factors, activation of various transcriptional mediated pathways along with the augmented levels of various pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Among the various pro‐inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) is one the most important pro‐inflammatory mediator that is critically involved in the development of insulin resistance and pathogenesis of T2DM. TNF‐α is mainly produced in adipocytes and/or peripheral tissues, and induces tissue‐specific inflammation through the involvement of generation of ROS and activation of various transcriptional mediated pathways. The raised level of TNF‐α induces insulin resistance in adipocytes and peripheral tissues by impairing the insulin signaling through serine phosphorylation that leads to the development of T2DM. Anti‐TNF‐α treatment strategies have been developed to reduce the incidence of insulin resistance and development of T2DM. In this article, we have briefly described how TNF‐α plays crucial role to induce insulin resistance and pathogenesis of T2DM. To block the inflammatory responses by blocking TNF‐α and TNF‐α signaling may be an effective strategy for the treatment of insulin resistance and T2DM. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 105–110, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interdependence of ICD rates in paired quantum dots on geometry
Authors: Weber Fabian , Aziz Emad F. , Bande Annika
Published: June 2017

Using state‐of‐the‐art antisymmetrized multiconfiguration time‐dependent Hartree (MCTDH) electron dynamics calculations we study the interdependence of the intermolecular Coulombic decay (ICD) process on the geometric parameters of a doubly‐charged paired quantum dot (PQD) model system in the framework of the effective mass approximation (EMA). We find that ICD displays a maximum rate for a certain geometry of the electron‐emitting quantum dot, which is simultaneously dependent on both the distance between the quantum dots as well as the photon‐absorbing quantum dot's geometry. The rate maximum is shown to be caused by the competing effects of polarization of electron density and Coulomb repulsion. The ICD rate‐maximized PQD geometry in GaAs QDs yields a decay time of 102.39 ps. It is given by two vertically‐aligned cylindrical QDs with radii of 14.42 nm separated by 86.62 nm. The photon absorbing QD then has a height of 46.59 nm and the electron emitting QD a height of 16.33 nm. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Claviform aspergillus‐related vegetation in the left ventricle of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsushi , Kasagi Shimpei , Kurimoto Chiyo , Imanishi Takamitsu , Hayashi Nobuhide , Morinobu Akio , Saegusa Jun
Published: June 2017

A 38‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and received immunosuppressive therapy. After 6 months of treatment, workup for low‐grade fever yielded elevated enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay titers for Aspergillus antigen in serum and ascites, leading to the diagnosis of disseminated aspergillosis. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a claviform vegetation attached to the left ventricular anterior septum. Two days after the start of antifungal Amphotericin‐B therapy, the patient suffered from several neurologic disorders. A second transthoracic echocardiography revealed that the vegetation decreased in size. Two weeks later, the vegetation increased again. Combination therapy of Amphotericin‐B and Voriconazole was initiated, and the vegetation eventually disappeared completely. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 46:231–232, 2018
The lungs of Polypterus senegalus and Erpetoichthys calabaricus: Insights into the structure and functional distribution of the pulmonary epithelial cells
Authors: Icardo José M. , Colvee Elvira , Kuciel Michal , Lauriano Eugenia R. , Zaccone Giacomo
Published: June 2017

The present article is a comparative, structural study of the lung of Polypterus senegalus and Erpetoichthys calabaricus, two species representative of the two genera that constitute the Polypteriformes. The lung of the two species is an asymmetric, bi‐lobed organ that arises from a slit‐like opening in the ventral side of the pharynx. The wall is organized into layers, being thicker in P. senegalus. The inner epithelium contains ciliated and non‐ciliated bands. The latter constitute the respiratory surface and are wider in E. calabaricus. The air‐blood barrier is thin and uniform in P. senegalus and thicker and irregular in E. calabaricus. In the two species, the ciliated areas contain ciliated cells, mucous cells and cells with lamellar bodies. Additionally, P. senegalus contains polymorphous granular cells (PGCs) and neuroendocrine cells (NECs) while E. calabaricus lacks PGCs but shows granular leukocytes and a different type of NEC. Interestingly, ciliated cells and secretory cells show a dual morphology in E. calabaricus indicating the presence of cellular subtypes and suggesting more complex secretory activity. Also in E. calabaricus, cilia show a novel doublet‐membrane interaction that may control the displacement of the microtubule doublets. The subepithelium is a connective layer that appears thicker in P. senegalus and contains, in the two species, fibroblasts and granulocytes. The outer layer contains bundles of richly innervated striated muscle. This layer is likely involved in the control of lung motion. In the two species, smooth muscle cells constitute a limiting layer between the subepithelium and the striated muscle compartment. The role of this layer is unclear.
A symbolic program for parameter identifiability analysis in systems modeled via equivalent linear time‐invariant electrical circuits, with application to electromagnetic harvesters
Authors: Fontana Giuseppe , Grasso Francesco , Luchetta Antonio , Manetti Stefano , Piccirilli Maria Cristina , Reatti Alberto
Published: June 2017

Accurate parameter identification is a patently crucial aspect of system modeling as far as analysis, design, control, maintenance, and fault diagnosis are concerned. In this respect, an essential prerequisite is to establish a priori the solvability degree of the parameter identification problem, which is accomplished by means of testability analysis. The aim of this work is to present a program suitable for fully automated testability analysis of any physical system that can be modeled by an equivalent analog linear time‐invariant electrical circuit. Such a program has been obtained by combining the potentialities of symbolic techniques with the disclosures of a recently proposed theoretical approach to the testability measure concept, able to circumvent the main shortcomings of early methods. An efficient program, characterized by better performances with respect to previous software packages, has been thereby developed, which is herein described from both an algorithmic and a functional viewpoint. It can be advantageously used by the workers interested in system modeling as a guide to devising or refining their own parameter identification strategies. Thoroughly discussed examples of application are also given, which include a complete testability analysis and a novel parameter identification algorithm for electromagnetic harvesters.
A hiatus in the tropopause layer change
Authors: Xian Tao , Fu Yunfei
Published: June 2017

Despite continually increasing concentrations of greenhouse gas, there has been a hiatus in rising global temperatures during the 21st century. In this study, changes in the tropopause layer (TL) thickness are studied during the pre‐hiatus and the hiatus periods, based on radiosonde data from the Integrated Global Radiosonde Archive. Statistically significant thickening occurs in the Northern (Southern) Hemisphere extratropics, at 35 ± 15.6 (59.0 ± 27.6) m decade−1, and the Northern (Southern) Hemisphere high latitudes, at 104.8 ± 21.7 (132.6 ± 97.4) m decade−1, but not in the tropics during the pre‐hiatus period (1960–1997). For the hiatus period (2002–2013), significant thickening of the TL occurs only in the Southern Hemisphere extratropics (133 ± 98 m decade−1). Moreover, this study captures distinct regional characteristics in the hiatus of the TL thickening, including thinning over Alaska, Hawaii, the Western Plateau of North America, and Northern Australia.
Space‐time variability of extreme rainfall in the River Nile basin
Authors: Onyutha Charles , Willems Patrick
Published: June 2017

In this study, spatio‐temporal variability in daily rainfall extremes based on 0.5° × 0.5° gridded data over the Nile basin was analysed using the quantile perturbation method. The co‐occurrence of the extreme rainfall variability with the variation in the large‐scale ocean–atmosphere conditions was also investigated. Based on a 15‐year moving window, it was found that the extreme rainfall shows oscillatory behaviour over multi‐decadal time scales. The latitudinal difference in the multi‐decadal extreme rainfall oscillations divides the study area into the Northern, Central, and Southern regions. The variability in the extreme rainfall of the Central region is dominantly driven by the variation in the sea surface temperatures of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. For the Southern region, extreme rainfall variability is linked to the anomalies in the sea level pressure of the North Atlantic Ocean and the variation in the sea surface temperature of the Indian Ocean. The variation in the extreme rainfall of the Northern region corresponds to the anomalies in sea surface temperatures of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans as well as from the Pacific Ocean.
Long‐time variations of precipitable water vapour estimated from GPS, MODIS and radiosonde observations in Turkey
Authors: Gurbuz Gokhan , Jin Shuanggen
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACT

Water vapour and its variations in the Earth's atmosphere are related to atmospheric activities and climate changes. However, it is difficult to obtain high‐resolution and high‐accuracy precipitable water vapour (PWV) and its variations using traditional techniques, particularly in Turkey with the complex weather variability caused by the proximity of the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Satellite observations provide unique ways to observe PWV variations at regional or global scale, e.g. global positioning system (GPS). In this study, long‐time PWV variations and trends are investigated and obtained from 6‐year continuous GPS observations in Turkey (January 2010–January 2016), which are compared with nearly co‐located radiosonde and moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) observations to check its accuracy. The root mean square error (RMSE) of PWV differences is about 1–3 mm between radiosonde and GPS, and 3–7 mm between MODIS and GPS. Furthermore, the linear trend and seasonal amplitudes, and phase of the GPS‐estimated PWV signals are computed. Statistically significant trends are found at all stations. While stations near the Mediterranean Sea have increasing trends with about 0.30 mm year−1, the stations at inland have increasing trends of about 0.10 mm year−1. The annual phases between radiosonde, GPS and MODIS PWV at all the stations are almost close to each other with differences in 1°–2°. Finally, the relation between north Atlantic oscillation (NAO) and PWV trends is investigated. Results show that PWV trends agree with NAO behaviours especially for the stations near the Mediterranean Sea. The recent human activities may have impacts on long‐term PWV variation trends.
C and N stocks are not impacted by land use change from Brazilian Savanna (Cerrado) to agriculture despite changes in soil fertility and microbial abundances
Authors: Lammel Daniel Renato , Butterbach-Bahl Klaus , Cerri Carlos Eduardo P. , Louis Sandrine , Schnitzler Jörg-Peter , Feigl Brigitte Josefine , Cerri Carlos Clemente
Published: June 2017

Central Brazil is the region with the most dynamic agriculture expansion worldwide, where tropical forests and Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) are converted to pastures and crop fields. Following deforestation, agricultural practices, such as fertilization, tillage and crop rotations, alter soil parameters and affect microbial abundances and the C and N cycles. The objective of this study was to compare changes in soil fertility, stocks of soil C and N, microbial biomass, and abundance of bacteria, fungi and archaea in Cerrado soils following land use change to crops (soybean/corn/cotton) and pasture (the perennial forage grassBrachiaria brizanthaA. Rich.). Agriculture increased soil fertility and conserved soil C and N since their absolute concentration values were highest in agriculture soils and the C and N stocks adjusted by soil density were similar to the native vegetation soils. At the same time, agriculture changed the microbial abundances (decrease of microbial biomass C and N, increase of archaea, and reduction of bacteria and fungi at the crop sites), and N dynamics (increase of soil ammonium and nitrate concentrations). Even if these changes can be beneficial for food and agricultural commodities production, all these soil alterations should be further investigated due to their possible unknown effects on biosphere–hydrosphere–atmosphere exchange processes such as greenhouse gases emissions and nitrate leaching.
Broadband surface‐enhanced coherent anti‐Stokes Raman spectroscopy with high spectral resolution
Authors: Yan Zhongbo , Liu Zirui , Xia Ming , Efimov Anatoly , Xie Ya‐Hong
Published: June 2017

Both the surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and coherent anti‐Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) are widely used methods in the bio‐sensing field for improving the intensity of Raman scattering process. By combining the mechanisms of CARS (coherence and nonlinear process) and SERS (plasmon resonance), a multiplicative enhancement can be achieved through surface‐enhanced CARS (SECARS). Besides sensitivity, high specificity with wide spectral bandwidth is also preferred for bio‐sensing techniques but not well developed in SECARS setups reported in the literature. In this work, a broadband SECARS setup with high sensitivity and high spectral resolution is presented. Rhodamine 6G dye molecules and several biomolecules are used as the model system to benchmark the functionality of the SECARS system in terms of its sensitivity, the lowest detectable concentration, and the spectral resolution. Our setup rendered single‐molecule sensitivity with spectral resolution of <35 cm−1. More than 102 times stronger signal‐to‐noise ratio compared with that of SERS is observed with the detection limit being 10−9 m. Different from the SECARS systems in the literature, our setup employs a unique graphene‐Au pyramids hybrid platform. The graphene in this structure provides additional SERS enhancement and a bio‐compatible surface. This powerful technique could be instrumental in furthering the understanding of various chemical and biological processes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do Children and Adolescents Have Different Types of Trauma Narratives and Does It Matter? Reliability and Face Validation for a Narrative Taxonomy
Authors: Scheeringa Michael S. , Lilly Megan E. , Staiger Allison B. , Heller Maren L. , Jones Edward G. , Weems Carl F.
Published: June 2017

The construction of trauma narratives is a major component of several psychotherapy approaches for trauma‐related problems, but questions remain as to whether fully expressive narratives are necessary and whether it is detrimental to ask avoidant youths to tell their narratives repeatedly. Characteristics of trauma narratives during psychotherapy have not been examined in youths and this represents a salient gap in knowledge. This study aimed to begin filling this gap by identifying categories of trauma narratives and empirically validating them. Youths (N = 47) aged 7 to 18 years, who were involved in a randomized controlled trial, received cognitive behavioral therapy. Transcripts of all narrative exposure therapy sessions for each youth were rated. Four categories were identified and were named expressive, avoidant, fabricated, and undemonstrative. Interrater reliability for identifying these categories was good, and face validation of the categories was supported by statistically significant differences between categories on the number of data elements of the trauma events, negative emotion words, and positive emotion words. These promising findings indicate that different types of narrative styles can be reliably identified. There was strong evidence for reduction of posttraumatic stress symptoms in each of the categories (Cohen's d = 0.9 to 2.5). Favorable treatment outcomes for all categories suggest that more remembering is not always better and clients appeared to effectively deal with memories in different ways.
Strategic trade policy with bargaining over managerial contracts
Authors: Fanti Luciano , Buccella Domenico
Published: June 2017

This paper re‐examines the well‐known activist regime's inefficiency (governments set export subsidies) in a sales–delegation game with owner–manager bargaining over contracts. Contrary to the received literature, this bargaining process may (a) induce governments to set a tax if products are not too substitute or complements and (b) lead to an efficient (inefficient) equilibrium provided that products are sufficiently differentiated (not too complements). Therefore, unilateral public intervention can be optimal: in case of rival governments' retaliation, under appropriate product competition degrees, welfares are larger than under free trade even for small managers' power. Thus, managerial delegation practices are crucial also for international trade issues.
PBB3 imaging in Parkinsonian disorders: Evidence for binding to tau and other proteins
Authors: Perez‐Soriano Alexandra , Arena Julieta E. , Dinelle Katie , Miao Qing , McKenzie Jessamyn , Neilson Nicole , Puschmann Andreas , Schaffer Paul , Shinotoh Hitoshi , Smith‐Forrester Jenna , Shahinfard Elham , Vafai Nasim , Wile Daryl , Wszolek Zbigniew , Higuchi Makoto , Sossi Vesna , Stoessl A. Jon
Published: June 2017

Background and Objectives: To study selective regional binding for tau pathology in vivo, using PET with [11C]PBB3 in PSP patients, and other conditions not typically associated with tauopathy.

Methods: Dynamic PET scans were obtained for 70 minutes after the bolus injection of [11C]PBB3 in 5 PSP subjects, 1 subject with DCTN1 mutation and PSP phenotype, 3 asymptomatic SNCA duplication carriers, 1 MSA subject, and 6 healthy controls of similar age. Tissue reference Logan analysis was applied to each region of interest using a cerebellar white matter reference region.

Results: In comparison to the control group, PSP subjects showed specific uptake of [11C]PBB3 in putamen, midbrain, GP, and SN. Longer disease duration and more advanced clinical severity were generally associated with higher tracer retention. A DCTN1/PSP phenotype case showed increased binding in putamen, parietal lobe, and GP. In SNCA duplication carriers, there was a significant increase of [11C] PBB3 binding in GP, putamen, thalamus, ventral striatum, SN, and pedunculopontine nucleus. The MSA case showed increased binding in frontal lobe, GP, midbrain, parietal lobe, putamen, temporal lobe, SN, thalamus, and ventral striatum.

Conclusions: All PSP patients showed increased retention of the tracer in the basal ganglia, as expected. Binding was also present in asymptomatic SNCA duplication carriers and in an MSA case, which are not typically associated with pathological tau deposition. This suggests the possibility that [11C]PBB3 binds to alpha‐synuclein. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Impact of spot charge inaccuracies in IMPT treatments
Authors: Kraan Aafke C. , Depauw Nicolas , Clasie Ben , Giunta Marina , Madden Tom , Kooy Hanne M.
Published: June 2017

Background

Spot charge is one parameter of pencil‐beam scanning dose delivery system whose accuracy is typically high but whose required value has not been investigated. In this work we quantify the dose impact of spot charge inaccuracies on the dose distribution in patients. Knowing the effect of charge errors is relevant for conventional proton machines, as well as for new generation proton machines, where ensuring accurate charge may be challenging.

Methods

Through perturbation of spot charge in treatment plans for seven patients and a phantom, we evaluated the dose impact of absolute (up to 5× 106 protons) and relative (up to 30%) charge errors. We investigated the dependence on beam width by studying scenarios with small, medium and large beam sizes. Treatment plan statistics included the Γ passing rate, dose‐volume‐histograms and dose differences.

Results

The allowable absolute charge error for small spot plans was about 2× 106 protons. Larger limits would be allowed if larger spots were used. For relative errors, the maximum allowable error size for small, medium and large spots was about 13%, 8% and 6% for small, medium and large spots, respectively.

Conclusions

Dose distributions turned out to be surprisingly robust against random spot charge perturbation. Our study suggests that ensuring spot charge errors as small as 1–2% as is commonly aimed at in conventional proton therapy machines, is clinically not strictly needed.
Die Fakten und ihre Wahrnehmung
Authors: Zellner Reinhard
Published: June 2017

Das Klima der Erde ist keine konstante Größe. Es hat sich in der Erdgeschichte vielfach geändert und wird sich weiter ändern. Inzwischen trägt der Mensch zur Klimaveränderung bei, darin sind sich die weitaus meisten Klimaforscher einig. Wegen der gravierenden Folgen, die noch innerhalb dieses Jahrhunderts auf uns zukommen könnten, haben die deutsche und die europäische Politik den Kampf gegen den Klimawandel und den CO2‐Ausstoß beschlossen. Dennoch mehren sich Stimmen, welche die Wirkung des CO2 als Klimagas bestreiten und den menschgemachten Klimawandel für nicht belegt halten. Sind solche Stimmen ernst zu nehmen? Und haben wir ein Wahrnehmungsproblem?
50. Jahrestagung der deutschen Gesellschaft für Massenspektrometrie in Kiel
Authors: Gross Jürgen H.
Published: June 2017

Zur Jubiläumstagung der DGMS Anfang März trafen sich zirka 430 Massenspektrometriker. Organisiert hatten die viertägige Tagung Jürgen Grotemeyer und Tassilo Muskat (Universität Kiel). Etwa 230 Poster, 90 angemeldete Vorträge und sechs Plenarvorträge gaben einen Überblick über die aktuelle Forschung in der Massenspektrometrie. Außerdem waren 19 Firmen mit Ständen vertreten, die auch Seminare anboten, um über Produktneuheiten, Zubehör und Dienstleistungen rund um die Massenspektrometrie zu informieren.
Quadratic boundedness of LPV systems via saturated dynamic output feedback controller
Authors: Ping Xubin , Wang Peng , Li Zhiwu
Published: June 2017

For the linear parameter varying systems with bounded disturbance, a saturated dynamic output feedback controller is designed by specifically considering input saturation, to stabilize the closed‐loop system. The controller parameters and the corresponding region of attraction are calculated by solving an off‐line optimization problem with respect to input saturation, state constraints, and robust stability. In the off‐line optimization problem, both the unknown and available scheduling parameters are considered for the linear parameter varying systems. When the unknown scheduling parameters are considered, the off‐line optimization problem is nonconvex and can be solved by the cone complementary linearization method. When the available scheduling parameters are considered, the off‐line optimization problem can be reformulated as convex optimization due to the parameter dependent form of controller parameters. In the both cases, input saturation is specifically handled by introducing a set of linear matrix inequalities into the off‐line optimization problem, which can reduce the conservatism of the controller design and fully exploit the controller capability. Based on the real‐time estimated state, system output, and scheduling parameters, the actual input can be obtained by saturating the dynamic output feedback controller, and steer the augmented state quickly converge to the neighborhood of the origin. Two numerical examples are provided to illustrate the proposed approaches.
InSourcerer: a high‐throughput method to search for unknown metabolite modifications by mass spectrometry
Authors: Mrzic Aida , Lermyte Frederik , Vu Trung Nghia , Valkenborg Dirk , Laukens Kris
Published: June 2017

Rationale

Using mass spectrometry, the analysis of known metabolite structures has become feasible in a systematic high‐throughput fashion. Nevertheless, the identification of previously unknown structures remains challenging, partially because many unidentified variants originate from known molecules that underwent unexpected modifications. Here, we present a method for the discovery of unknown metabolite modifications and conjugate metabolite isoforms in a high‐throughput fashion.

Methods

The method is based on user‐controlled in‐source fragmentation which is used to induce loss of weakly bound modifications. This is followed by the comparison of product ions from in‐source fragmentation and collision‐induced dissociation (CID). Diagonal MS2‐MS3 matching allows the detection of unknown metabolite modifications, as well as substructure similarities. As the method relies heavily on the advantages of in‐source fragmentation and its ability to 'magically' elucidate unknown modification, we have named it inSourcerer as a portmanteau of in‐source and sorcerer.

Results

The method was evaluated using a set of 15 different cytokinin standards. Product ions from in‐source fragmentation and CID were compared. Hierarchical clustering revealed that good matches are due to the presence of common substructures. Plant leaf extract, spiked with a mix of all 15 standards, was used to demonstrate the method's ability to detect these standards in a complex mixture, as well as confidently identify compounds already present in the plant material.

Conclusions

Here we present a method that incorporates a classic liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) workflow with fragmentation models and computational algorithms. The assumptions upon which the concept of the method was built were shown to be valid and the method showed that in‐source fragmentation can be used to pinpoint structural similarities and indicate the occurrence of a modification.
Graphene‐Rich G‐Co‐Ni Nanomatrix: An Optimized Heterogeneous Catalyst for Hydrogen Generation Based on Morphology‐Performance Mapping
Authors: Saha Shubhanwita , Saha Ananya , Lepcha Lyang‐om , Ganguly Saibal , Banerjee Dipali , Kargupta Kajari
Published: June 2017

Graphene‐rich bi‐metallic nano‐hybrid G1Co0.3Ni0.15 consisting of novel nano‐matrix structure, a low‐cost catalyst was formulated for enhanced H2 generation from hydrolysis of NaBH4. The formulation was based on the optimization of the performance of G−Co‐Ni nano‐catalysts by tuning their morphology. Three types of catalysts namely metal‐rich G1Co1.5Ni1.5, 1:1 Graphene‐Metal G1Co0.6Ni0.4, and Graphene‐rich G1Co0.3Ni0.15 were synthesized. These catalysts were characterized using SEM with EDAX, HR‐TEM, XRD and CV analysis and tested for H2 generation.Based on morphology, three major nano‐hybrid structure models namely nano‐ensembles, unique nano‐alloy structure, nano‐matrix were identified over the whole composition range. HRTEM analysis revealed that increase in wt% of graphene (from 25–70) transforms dispersed nano‐ensembles to the connected nano‐matrix. Among the three catalyst, Graphene‐rich G1Co0.3Ni0.15, exhibits the highest catalytic activity (TOF=16.5 min−1,ECSA= 286.5 m2/g)and electrochemical stability. The activation energy of the catalytic hydrolysis using G1Co0.3Ni0.15 catalyst is 23±1 kJ mol−1.
A Catalyst‐Free and Chemoselective Synthesis of Episulfides from Epoxides in 2,3‐Butanediol without Formation of Poly(episulfide)s
Authors: Aoyagi Naoto , Endo Takeshi
Published: June 2017

Synthesis of episulfides from epoxides was studied under ambient conditions without catalysts. Detailed investigation showed that the conversion of epoxides and the selectivity of transformation to episulfides were highly affected by the choice of solvents. Phenyl glycidyl ether (PGE) is one of the most reactive of the commercially available epoxides, but it was not reacted with thiourea in bulk, tetrahydrofuran and acetonitrile. Primary alcohols and primary/secondary diol such as methanol, ethanol, 1,4‐butanediol and 1,2‐butanediol promoted the reaction of PGE with thiourea in high conversion; however, yield of corresponding episulfide was lower or moderate to accompanying with undesirable polymerizations such as poly(episulfide)s. In contrast, the use of 2,3‐butanediol resulted in remarkably increased selectivity and yield of episulfide. The choice of sulfur sources had also effect on the selectivity and the reactivity. Potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) was more effective than the use of other sulfur sources. The combination of KSCN and 2,3‐butanediol was the best reaction system for the synthesis of episulfides without formation of poly(episulfide)s.
A Facile and Convenient Synthesis of Chromenes using Reusable Sulfonic Acid Functionalized Imidazolium Salt
Authors: Pandey Khima , Saroj  , Choudhary Sunita , Kumar Anil
Published: June 2017

An efficient synthesis of chromene derivatives was realized by the condensation of phenols and acetophenones using a reusable sulfonic acid‐functionalized imidazolium salt as catalyst. The catalytic system has wide substrate scope and provided good to excellent yield of chromenes. Interestingly, the system was easily recycled and was also suitable for a gram scale synthesis of chromene. The mild reaction conditions, absence of metal catalyst and recyclability of catalyst used makes this protocol more attractive for the synthesis of potentially bioactive compounds. The method avoids the disposal and neutralization of acidic catalyst.