bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caveat emptor no more: NAATP helps parents avoid rehab scams
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: April 2018

The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) has issued a reminder to consumers, including parents of children struggling with substance use disorders, that there is a better way to find quality treatment than Google, which can lead them to scams, patient brokers, and poor‐quality treatment.
Iron deficiency without anemia – a clinical challenge
Authors: Soppi Esa T.
Published: April 2018

Key Clinical Message

One should always consider iron deficiency (without anemia) as the cause of persisting, unexplained unspecific, often severe, symptoms, regardless of the primary underlying disease. The symptoms of iron deficiency may arise from the metabolic systems where many proteins are iron containing. Long‐standing iron deficiency may be challenging to treat.
Fatal massive hemolysis caused by immunoglobulin M anti‐c antibody in a patient with newly diagnosed B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report
Authors: Galvez Carlos , Abutaleb Abdulrahman , Iams Wade T. , Lindholm Paul F. , Kwaan Hau C.
Published: April 2018

Key Clinical Message

Delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions (DHTRs) occur secondary to slow, mild IgG‐mediated processes against minor red blood cell antigens. Herein, we report the case of a rapidly fatal alloimmune anti‐c IgM‐mediated hemolysis, a rare, previously undescribed, pathophysiologic scenario. Early recognition of such phenomena can expedite supportive measures and optimize patient outcomes.
Belhassen anterior fascicular ventricular tachycardia: a case in a black African
Authors: Pessinaba Soulemane , Agbetiafa Messan , Aloumon Messanvi , Yayehd Komlavi , Atti Yawo Molba Dodzi , Damorou Findibe
Published: April 2018

Key Clinical Message

Belhassen ventricular tachycardia can be characterized by a complete right branch block and a right axial deviation. This type, although rare, must be recognized to properly treat the patient, as verapamil treatment is effective.
A young woman with steroid‐responsive, IgG4‐positive plasma cell‐enriched cystic lymphangioma and chylous ascites
Authors: Al Zaki Alaa A. , Mann Shawna L. , Carruthers Mollie N. , Slack Graham W. , Chen Luke Y. C.
Published: April 2018

Key Clinical Message

Lymphangiomas are benign tumors of the lymphatic vessels, which can be inflammatory and occasionally steroid‐responsive. IgG4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) is a recently defined fibro‐inflammatory condition. We describe a novel association between reactive IgG4+ plasma cells and cystic lymphangioma in a young woman who had a dramatic clinical response to steroids.
Unveiling Hidden Catalysts for the Oxidative Coupling of Methane based on Combining Machine Learning with Literature Data
Authors: Takahashi Keisuke , Miyazato Itsuki , Nishimura Shun , Ohyama Junya
Published: April 2018

Catalysts for oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) are explored using data science and 1868 OCM catalysts from literature data. Machine learning reveals the descriptors responsible for determining the C2 yield produced during the OCM reaction. Trained machine predicts 56 undiscovered catalysts with corresponding conditions for OCM reactions achieving a C2 yield over 30 %. First principle calculations are implemented to evaluate the predicted catalysts where the activation of CH4, CH3, and O2 are confirmed with the predicted catalysts for the OCM reaction. Thus, machine learning is proven to be an effective approach for discovering hidden catalysts and should accelerate the catalyst design process in general.
Iron Phosphide Incorporated into Iron‐Treated Heteroatoms‐Doped Porous Bio‐Carbon as Efficient Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Tran Thanh‐Nhan , Song Min Young , Kang Tong‐Hyun , Samdani Jitendra , Park Hyean‐Yeol , Kim Hasuck , Jhung Sung Hwa , Yu Jong‐Sung
Published: April 2018

The development of electrocatalysts from inexpensive, natural sources has been an attractive subject owing to economic, environmental, sustainable, and social merits. Herein, Fe‐treated heteroatoms (N, P, and S)‐doped porous carbons are synthesized for the first time by pyrolysis of bio‐char derived from abundant human urine waste as a single precursor for carbon and heteroatoms, using iron(III) acetylacetonate as an external Fe precursor, followed by acid leaching and activation with a second pyrolysis step in NH3. In particular, the sample prepared at a pyrolysis temperature of 800 °C (FeP‐NSC‐800) contains iron phosphide (FeP, Fe2P) in the high‐porosity heteroatoms‐doped carbon framework along with Fe traces, and exhibits excellent oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and stability in both alkaline and acidic electrolytes as demonstrated in half‐ and single‐cell tests. Such excellent ORR catalytic performance is ascribed to a synergistic effect of not only multiple active Fe−P, Fe−N, and pyridinic and graphitic N species in the electrocatalyst but also facile transport channels provided by its hierarchical porous structure with micro‐/mesopores. In addition, the sample exhibits high long‐term durability and methanol crossover resistance.
Detection of Peptides with Different Charges and Lengths by Using the Aerolysin Nanopore
Authors: Li Shuang , Cao Chan , Yang Jie , Long Yi‐Tao
Published: April 2018

The aerolysin nanopore has a high sensitivity for molecular sensing, owing to its super‐narrow diameter and highly charged lumen structure. Here, taking advantages of its high sensitivity, we investigated peptides with comparable size and mass but different charges. Based on the blockade current and duration time, we found that the charge distribution at the entrance of the aerolysin nanopore governs the capture of peptides. Moreover, peptides with the same charge density but different lengths were measured by the aerolysin nanopore. In comparison to the short peptides, longer peptides gave a larger blockade current and a longer duration time. Our findings demonstrate that both the charge and length of peptides affect the translocation process simultaneously, which improve our understanding of peptides’ translocation through the aerolysin nanopore and suggest that aerolysin is an excellent candidate for peptides/protein sequencing.
Direct Bisulfite‐Free Detection of 5‐Methylcytosine by Using Electrochemical Measurements Aided by a Monoclonal Antibody
Authors: Schiefelbein Stephan H. H. , Kamal Ajar , She Zhe , Rentmeister Andrea , Kraatz Heinz‐Bernhard
Published: April 2018

The detection of the epigenetic DNA marker 5‐methylcytosine (5mC) has been the focus of intense research. Here, we report a new detection method, using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electrochemical microscopy, and voltammetric measurements on gold electrodes. The direct, label‐free detection of 5mC at different positions within dsDNA is achieved with the aid of a monoclonal anti‐5mC antibody, providing a new tool to monitor nucleic acid modifications.
Recent Advances in Carbon‐Based Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysts for Zn−Air Batteries
Authors: Fu Gengtao , Tang Yawen , Lee Jong‐Min
Published: April 2018

Carbon‐based composites have been known as the most promising bifunctional electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction/evolution reaction (ORR/OER) owing to their excellent electrocatalytic properties. In this Minireview, various types of carbon‐based bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts, including metal‐free carbon and transition‐metal‐based carbon hybrids are reviewed to summarize progresses in rechargeable Zn−air batteries that are a promising technology to cope with the future energy demands. After a brief introduction to Zn−air batteries, some representative works are highlighted to understand the correlation between the electrocatalytic properties and the structure, the composition, and the synthesis method of carbon‐based materials. Finally, the challenges and perspectives for future research of carbon‐based bifunctional oxygen reduction/evolution catalysts are also outlined.
Pore network modelling of molecular diffusion in a single‐block model during lean gas injection, a comparative study on calculation approaches
Authors: Mashayekhizadeh Vahid , Rasaei Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we have proposed a new algorithm for pore network modelling of molecular diffusion in a single matrix block model. The block contains a volatile component adjacent to a gaseous lean component to mimic high capillarity‐induced flow rates caused by either high liquid to gas mass transfer rates and/or small throat size of the porous medium. Various types of boundary conditions for liquid pressure calculation are formulated. Advantages and the range of applicability of this algorithm are compared against an existing algorithm. A threshold value for surface mass transfer coefficient is obtained above which the algorithms that are based on the rule that only one bond is invaded at each step of invasion are no longer applicable. Simultaneous multiple throat invasion in a single time step, unnecessity of liquid cluster identification, and possibility of throat refilling are the major advantages of the new pressure‐based algorithm. While the phase distribution in the old approach is insensitive to surface mass transfer coefficient the proposed approach is severely dependent on the magnitude of this coefficient. The incident in which the liquid body is detached from the top surface in the proposed algorithm is also a strong function of surface mass transfer coefficient. The advantages of the new algorithm, however, come with a higher computational cost, especially for large network sizes.
Preliminary tests for the thermo‐chemical conversion of biomass in a spouted bed pilot plant
Authors: Bove Dario , Moliner Cristina , Curti Massimo , Baratieri Marco , Bosio Barbara , Rovero Giorgio , Arato Elisabetta
Published: April 2018

The initial setting up and preliminary tests on a square‐based spouted bed gasifier at pilot scale (20 kWth) have been investigated. The novel plant is composed of: a squared‐base spouted bed unit, a feeding system to regulate the biomass mass inflow, an air pump, a clean‐up system, and an online gas chromatograph analyzer to assess the quality of the produced gas. The profile of temperatures along the reactor has been monitored with different thermocouples during experimental tests. The start‐up process has been optimized to reduce the time to achieve stationary conditions. Two different materials (wood pellets and prunings from apple trees) have been tested at different feeding rates. Wood pellets were used to validate the performance of the spouted bed reactor and afterwards, residues of prunings from apple trees were validated as a suitable potential feedstock for energy recovery purposes. In addition, a representative sample of char from wood pellet gasification has been collected and characterized. In particular, the properties of specific surface area, pore size, and pore distribution have been measured by the Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller method. The obtained outcomes represent one of the few available results in literature using a square‐based spouted bed reactor for the gasification of biomass at pilot scale.
Frequent atrial premature complexes during exercise: A potent predictor of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Hwang Jin Kyung , Gwag Hye Bin , Park Seung‐Jung , On Young Keun , Kim June Soo , Park Kyoung‐Min
Published: April 2018

Background

The clinical significance of atrial premature complexes (APCs) during exercise is unclear.

Hypothesis

Frequent APCs during exercise provides prognostic information.

Methods

A total of 998 patients were divided into 2 groups based on the presence of frequent APCs during treadmill testing (>5 beats per stage): the FAPC group (n = 128) vs the non‐FAPC group (n = 870). The primary outcome was new‐onset atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF/AFL) during follow‐up period (356.2 ± 131.1 days).

Results

Mean age was 56.0 ± 10.2 years in the FAPC group and 52.6 ± 12.0 years in the non‐FAPC group (P = 0.001). Baseline electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings were not significantly different between the 2 groups. During exercise, maximal heart rate did not differ between the 2 groups. Chronotropic incompetence was more prevalent in the FAPC group than in the non‐FAPC group (P = 0.04). During follow‐up, the FAPC group had a higher incidence of AF/AFL than did the non‐FAPC group (7 patients [5.5%] vs 5 patients [0.6%]; P < 0.001). Treadmill‐induced frequent APCs (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 15.23, 95% confidence interval: 4.59‐50.56, P < 0.001), chronotropic incompetence (adjusted HR: 19.95, 95% CI: 6.02‐66.10, P < 0.001), and palpitation as a reason for treadmill testing (adjusted HR: 5.72, 95% CI: 1.64‐20.00, P = 0.01) were independent risk factors that predicted new‐onset AF/AFL.

Conclusions

Frequent APCs during treadmill testing was associated with development of AF/AFL in this study. Close monitoring for further AF/AFL development is needed in these patients.
Association of prolonged QTc interval with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: A neurocardiac syndrome inside the mystery of the insula of Reil
Authors: Marafioti Vincenzo , Turri Giulia , Carbone Vincenzo , Monaco Salvatore
Published: April 2018

The Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is often considered autochthonous to the heart, although the primary problem may be not in the heart muscle itself. Instead, similar to several Takotsubo‐like cardiac pathologies seen in acute neurological diseases, it may reflect the capacity of the nervous system to injure the heart. Persuasive evidence exists that shocking emotional stress promotes direct heart injuries. Moreover, clinical and laboratory research shows that cardiac structural damage can occur in the presence of a normal heart, especially in the context of seizures, stroke, and traumatic brain injury or under conditions of psychological stress. The aim of this review is to summarize the clinical implications of these observations, several of which focus on the pivotal role of the insula of Reil in the brain‐heart connection, to unravel the mystery of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy pathogenesis.
The interaction among obesity, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and periodontitis in Vietnamese patients
Authors: Pham Thuy Anh Vu , Tran Thao Thi Phuong
Published: April 2018

To examine the relationship between obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and periodontal disease in Vietnamese patients. The sample included 712 patients aged 18 years or older who first visited the Institute of Traditional Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City. All participants completed a questionnaire and underwent anthropometric index measurements for obesity (height, weight, waist, and hip circumferences) and had their body fat percentage measured. A full periodontal examination was performed and a fasting glycemic level was determined. Occurrence and risk of periodontal outcomes were compared across 3 different measurements of obesity (body mass index, waist–hip ratio, and body fat percentage). The prevalence of periodontitis in obese group (37.0%, 36.4%, and 24.6% by body mass index, waist–hip ratio, and body fat percentage, respectively) or Type 2 diabetic group (50.7%) was significantly higher than those without these conditions (p < .05). Subjects with obesity or Type 2 diabetes had significantly greater pocket depth and clinical attachment loss than those who are not obese or diabetic (p < .001). Multivariate logistic regression, adjusted for confounding variables, showed that the likelihood (odds ratio, OR) for periodontitis was highest in the obese and Type 2 diabetic group (OR = 4.24, CI [2.29, 7.86]; OR = 4.06, CI [2.24, 7.36]; and OR = 5.44, CI [2.94, 10.03]), followed by the obese and non‐Type 2 diabetic group (OR = 2.28, CI [1.05, 4.95]; OR = 2.02, CI [1.34, 3.56]), and then the nonobese and Type 2 diabetic group (OR = 2.20, CI [1.21, 3.98]; OR = 1.99, CI [0.93, 4.24] and OR = 5.22, CI [2.76, 9.84]) when obesity was defined by body mass index, waist–hip ratio, and body fat percentage, respectively, (p < .05). There was a significant association between obesity, Type 2 diabetes, or those with both systemic conditions and periodontitis in Vietnamese patients.
Dynamical properties of inertial confinement fusion plasmas
Authors: Kodanova S.K. , Ramazanov T.S. , Khikmetov A.K. , Issanova M.K.
Published: April 2018

In this paper, we calculate the stopping power and temperature relaxation of dense plasmas on the basis of the Coulomb logarithm using the effective potentials. These potentials take into account long‐range multi‐particle screening effects and short‐range quantum mechanical effects in two‐temperature plasmas. Ion energy losses in the plasma for different values of temperature and plasma density are calculated. The obtained results are compared with the theoretical works of other authors and with the results of molecular dynamics simulations.
Divertor design through adjoint approaches and efficient code simulation strategies
Authors: Dekeyser Wouter , Blommaert Maarten , Ghoos Kristel , Horsten Niels , Boerner Petra , Samaey Giovanni , Baelmans Martine
Published: April 2018

Divertor power exhaust is one of the main issues to be addressed on the way to reliable fusion power plants. It is generally accepted that at least partially detached operation is essential to mitigate the heat and particle loads to the divertor target plates. These highly dissipative regimes pose serious challenges to the plasma edge codes used for the design of these components, leading to exacerbated runtimes and convergence problems due to the presence of statistical noise in the code system. Moreover, the large number of design variables precludes investigating a wide range of designs and operating points. Building on a framework of code speed‐up based on the minimization of numerical errors in coupled finite‐volume Monte Carlo codes, we develop an efficient discrete adjoint technique for the automated solution of divertor design problems. We are able to compute the sensitivity information with very low variance, despite the statistical noise. By integrating the sensitivity analysis into a one‐shot optimization algorithm, robust convergence of the optimization problem is achieved at a cost independent of the number of design variables. The results are encouraging for the development of adjoint‐based optimization techniques for plasma edge codes such as SOLPS‐ITER.
Longitudinal trends in HbA1c patterns and association with outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Luo Miyang , Tan Kristin Hui Xian , Tan Chuen Seng , Lim Wei Yen , Tai E‐Shyong , Venkataraman Kavita
Published: April 2018

Background

This study aimed to review studies that identified patterns of longitudinal HbA1c trends in patients with diabetes and to summarize factors and outcomes associated with distinct trajectory patterns.

Methods

PubMed and Web of Science were systematically searched for studies examining HbA1c trends among patients with diabetes from database inception through September 2017. Articles were included if they met the following inclusion criteria: (a) longitudinal study of subjects with diabetes only, (b) use of serial measurements of HbA1c, and (c) analysis of the trend of HbA1c using group‐based trajectory approaches.

Results

Twenty studies were included, 11 on type 1 diabetes and 9 on type 2 diabetes. These studies identified 2 to 6 HbA1c trajectory patterns. The most commonly identified patterns included stable HbA1c around 7.0% and at levels between 8.0% and 9.9%, which usually captured the HbA1c pattern among the majority of subjects in the study population. Unstable patterns identified included increasing HbA1c trend, decreasing HbA1c trend, and non‐linear patterns. These patterns were associated with differential risk of disease outcomes, over and beyond single‐point HbA1c measures. Age, gender, ethnicity, diabetes duration, disease management frequency, cardiovascular risk factors, insulin treatment, family environment, and psychosocial factors were the most frequently reported factors associated with membership of specific HbA1c pattern groups.

Conclusion

Common patterns of longitudinal HbA1c trends were identified despite heterogeneity among the studies. A better understanding of what underlies these different patterns may provide opportunities to tailor therapies and care for these patients to reduce adverse outcomes.
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the neural circuit regulating metamorphosis in a marine snail
Authors: Biscocho Dhani , Cook Jayce G. , Long Joshua , Shah Nishant , Leise Esther M.
Published: April 2018

The marine mud snail, Tritia (=Ilyanassa) obsoleta, displays a biphasic life cycle. During the initial phase of early development, embryos hatch from benthic egg capsules to become weakly swimming veliger larvae. In the second phase, adult T. obsoleta are facultative carnivores and major agents of community disturbance. Metamorphosis is the irreversible developmental event that links these two life history stages. When physiologically competent, larvae can respond to appropriate environmental cues by settling onto their mudflat habitat and transforming themselves into miniature adult snails. Two neurotransmitters—serotonin and nitric oxide—have opposing effects on the metamorphic process in this species. In multiple other species of gastropod and bivalve molluscs, a third neurotransmitter, the classically inhibitory compound γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), can induce settlement or metamorphosis upon external application to competent larvae. In this situation, GABA is presumed to mimic the action of ligands from the juvenile environment that bind to larval chemosensory receptors and activate the metamorphic pathway. Results of our experiments contradict this commonly reported action of GABA on molluscan larvae. External application of GABA to competent larvae of T. obsoleta elicited no response, but instead attenuated the action of serotonin (5‐HT), a metamorphic inducer. Our investigations into the responses of larval T. obsoleta to multiple GABAergic reagents support our hypothesis that GABA functions internally as a neurotransmitter in the pathway that controls the initiation of metamorphosis. Our results also suggest that GABA acts directly on or downstream from serotonergic neurons to regulate the metamorphosis‐inducing effects of this neurotransmitter. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 78: 736–753, 2018
Recognizing drug‐facilitated crimes: Detection and quantification of benzodiazepines in beverages using fast liquid–liquid extraction with low temperature partitioning and paper spray mass spectrometry
Authors: de Paula Camila , Jurisch Marina , Piccin Evandro , Augusti Rodinei
Published: April 2018

A novel methodology using liquid–liquid extraction with low temperature partitioning (LLE–LTP) and paper spray mass spectrometry (PS–MS) was developed to identify and quantify benzodiazepines in beverages. Four types of alcoholic beverages usually consumed in parties and bars were spiked with 5 distinct benzodiazepines (diazepam, alprazolam, bromazepam, clonazepam, and cloxazolam) simulating a drug‐facilitated crime occurrence. The direct PS–MS analysis of the spiked beverages revealed a remarkable matrix effect with an unclear detection of protonated benzodiazepines. However, by the application of the LLE–LTP using liquid nitrogen, a prompt and doubtless detection of such compounds was achieved. The quantification potential of the LLE–LTP/PS–MS methodology was demonstrated by using beer as matrix, diazepam as target analyte and cloxazolam as an internal standard. Figures of merit (linearity, limit of detection, linear dynamic range, relative standard deviation, and recovery) were determined and adequate values were obtained. In conclusion, we demonstrated herein that the LLE–LTP/PS–MS methodology has potential to be applied directly at the crime scene through of a portable mass spectrometer and a thermal container for the transport of liquid nitrogen.
Spatial genetic patterns indicate mechanism and consequences of large carnivore cohabitation within development
Authors: Evans Michael J. , Rittenhouse Tracy A. G. , Hawley Jason E. , Rego Paul W. , Eggert Lori S.
Published: April 2018

Patterns of human development are shifting from concentrated housing toward sprawled housing intermixed with natural land cover, and wildlife species increasingly persist in close proximity to housing, roads, and other anthropogenic features. These associations can alter population dynamics and evolutionary trajectories. Large carnivores increasingly occupy urban peripheries, yet the ecological consequences for populations established entirely within urban and exurban landscapes are largely unknown. We applied a spatial and landscape genetics approach, using noninvasively collected genetic data, to identify differences in black bear spatial genetic patterns across a rural‐to‐urban gradient and quantify how development affects spatial genetic processes. We quantified differences in black bear dispersal, spatial genetic structure, and migration between differing levels of development within a population primarily occupying areas with >6 houses/km2 in western Connecticut. Increased development disrupted spatial genetic structure, and we found an association between increased housing densities and longer dispersal. We also found evidence that roads limited gene flow among bears in more rural areas, yet had no effect among bears in more developed ones. These results suggest dispersal behavior is condition‐dependent and indicate the potential for landscapes intermixing development and natural land cover to facilitate shifts toward increased dispersal. These changes can affect patterns of range expansion and the phenotypic and genetic composition of surrounding populations. We found evidence that subpopulations occupying more developed landscapes may be sustained by male‐biased immigration, creating potentially detrimental demographic shifts.
Bill size variation in northern cardinals associated with anthropogenic drivers across North America
Authors: Miller Colleen R. , Latimer Christopher E. , Zuckerberg Benjamin
Published: April 2018

Allen's rule predicts that homeotherms inhabiting cooler climates will have smaller appendages, while those inhabiting warmer climates will have larger appendages relative to body size. Birds’ bills tend to be larger at lower latitudes, but few studies have tested whether modern climate change and urbanization affect bill size. Our study explored whether bill size in a wide‐ranging bird would be larger in warmer, drier regions and increase with rising temperatures. Furthermore, we predicted that bill size would be larger in densely populated areas, due to urban heat island effects and the higher concentration of supplementary foods. Using measurements from 605 museum specimens, we explored the effects of climate and housing density on northern cardinal bill size over an 85‐year period across the Linnaean subspecies’ range. We quantified the geographic relationships between bill surface area, housing density, and minimum temperature using linear mixed effect models and geographically weighted regression. We then tested whether bill surface area changed due to housing density and temperature in three subregions (Chicago, IL., Washington, D.C., and Ithaca, NY). Across North America, cardinals occupying drier regions had larger bills, a pattern strongest in males. This relationship was mediated by temperature such that birds in warm, dry areas had larger bills than those in cool, dry areas. Over time, female cardinals’ bill size increased with warming temperatures in Washington, D.C., and Ithaca. Bill size was smaller in developed areas of Chicago, but larger in Washington, D.C., while there was no pattern in Ithaca, NY. We found that climate and urbanization were strongly associated with bill size for a wide‐ranging bird. These biogeographic relationships were characterized by sex‐specific differences, varying relationships with housing density, and geographic variability. It is likely that anthropogenic pressures will continue to influence species, potentially promoting microevolutionary changes over space and time.
A retrospective on the accuracy and precision of plotless forest density estimators in ecological studies
Authors: Cogbill Charles V. , Thurman Andrew L. , Williams John W. , Zhu Jun , Mladenoff David J. , Goring Simon J.
Published: April 2018

Sampling point‐to‐tree distances is a simple plotless technique for estimating forest density that is readily applied in modern stands and retroactively with historical surveys. Although plotless density estimators (PDEs) have been applied in over 1000 ecological publications, the accuracy and precision of the techniques remain poorly understood and depend on the statistical estimator used, the underlying spatial pattern of the forest sampled, and the tree survey methodology. The four most commonly applied PDEs are related formulations: Cottam, Pollard, Morisita, and Shanks, a family of equations that differ in the order of mathematical operations. Since the 1950s, the Cottam IV PDE has found common use as the “point‐quarter method.” The Pollard PDE prevails in the statistical literature. Both Cottam and Pollard PDEs are theoretically rigorous for trees distributed according to a complete spatial randomness (CSR) spatial point process. The Morisita PDE was developed in a 1957 publication, with four‐tree (Morisita IV) and two‐tree (Morisita II) variants, and is the basis for higher distance rank g‐tree estimators. The Shanks PDE is formally described here for the first time. We review and evaluate the performance of these four PDEs on CSR and a variety of non‐CSR forests using spatial patterns simulated from known spatial point processes, 14 mapped modern stands, and historical public land surveys (PLSs). We found that the Cottam and Pollard PDEs lacked accuracy for non‐CSR patterns. The Morisita PDEs are appropriate for non‐CSR forests, but the Morisita IV has sensitivity to local dispersion. The Morisita II PDE has high accuracy even under non‐CSR distributions yielding density estimates within 10% of the true value for a variety of non‐CSR patterns, but has considerable variability at small sample sizes. In conjunction with the Morisita II, the potentially biased Cottam and Pollard PDEs can be indicators of the type of non‐CSR pattern. No plotless estimator is efficacious for use with small sample sizes such as found in a single stand. Morisita II PDE is recommended as a robust choice for sampling for large and non‐CSR data sets such as the PLS witness tree database.
Adiposity, body composition and ventricular–arterial stiffness in the elderly: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study
Authors: Fernandes‐Silva Miguel M. , Shah Amil M. , Claggett Brian , Cheng Susan , Tanaka Hirofumi , Silvestre Odilson M. , Nadruz Wilson , Borlaug Barry A. , Solomon Scott D.
Published: April 2018

Aim

Weight gain appears to accelerate age‐related ventricular–arterial stiffening, which has been implicated in the development of heart failure (HF), but it is unclear whether body fat accumulation underpins this association. We evaluated the relationship of adiposity, using measures of body composition, with ventricular–arterial stiffness among the elderly in the community.

Methods and results

Adiposity was accessed through body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body fat percentage. We studied the association of these measures with carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), arterial elastance index (EaI), left ventricular (LV) end‐systolic elastance index (EesI) and LV end‐diastolic elastance index (EedI) in 5520 community‐based, elderly Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study participants, who underwent echocardiography between 2011 and 2013. BMI and waist circumference were directly associated with EaI, EedI and EesI even after adjusting for age, sex, race, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart rate, prevalent coronary heart disease and HF. After further adjustment for BMI, body fat percentage demonstrated significant independent linear relationships with EaI [standardized beta coefficient (β)=0.17, P<0.001], EesI (β=0.08, P=0.003) and EedI (β=0.20, P<0.001), and significant non‐linear relationships with cfPWV (P=0.033).

Conclusion

In this biracial community‐based cohort, increased adiposity was associated with increased ventricular–arterial stiffness among the elderly and suggests a potential mechanism by which obesity might contribute to the development of HF.
Effect of the Harvesting Time on the Quality of Olive Oils Produced in Calabria
Authors: Piscopo Amalia , Zappia Angela , De Bruno Alessandra , Poiana Marco
Published: April 2018

The aim of this work is to evidence the quality of four monovarietal olive oils (Carolea, Grossa di Gerace, Ottobratica, and Sinopolese cv) produced at two crop years and at different harvesting times in Calabria region, located in the South of Italy. Qualitative parameters of oils are evaluated by analysis of major and minor components, in particular: free acidity, peroxide value, fatty acid composition, sterol composition, total polar phenolic compounds and tocopherols, and total pigments. The total antioxidant activity of olive oils is evaluated by DPPH and ABTS assays. Two variables are evaluated in the statistical data elaboration: the cultivar and the harvesting time. Their effect is studied on the chemical parameters and antioxidant components. The harvesting at October and November did not reduce the quality of two monovarietal olive oils (Carolea and Sinopolese) produced in Calabria, whereas Ottobratica and Grossa di Gerace olive oils produced at November have a lower quality. However, a reduction of qualitative parameters is observed in extra virgin olive oils produced from lately harvested olives with some differences among cultivars.

Practical Applications: Practical application for the study entitled “Effect of the harvesting time on the quality of olive oils produced in Calabria” regards the study of chemical composition on olive oils produced under a controlled experimental procedure. Varietal characteristics and environmental variables affect in general the quality of the olive productions and the obtained olive oils. The results of this work show that the considered harvesting times did not involve a decay of quality on Carolea and Sinopolese olive oils produced in the South of Italy, obtained following right processing procedures.

Under controlled processing procedures, the olive oil quality varies among cultivars mainly from the effect of the considered harvesting periods.
Effects of Calcium Content and Homogenization Method on the Microstructure, Rheology, and Stability of Emulsions Prepared with Soybean Flour Dispersions
Authors: Márquez Andrés L. , Wagner Jorge R. , Palazolo Gonzalo G.
Published: April 2018

The objective is to study the microstructure, rheology, and quiescent stability of oil‐in‐water emulsions prepared with defatted soybean flour dispersions, analyzing the effects of calcium concentration and homogenization method. Dispersions are prepared without or with addition of calcium chloride at different concentrations (30, 60, and 90 mg Ca 100 g−1) and treated by heating (100 °C, 40 min) and high‐pressure homogenization (HPH) at 120 MPa. Emulsions are prepared with homogenized dispersions and sunflower oil by different homogenization methods (high‐speed homogenization, HSH; and HPH at 10 and 20 MPa). The addition of calcium produces a decrease of soluble protein in dispersions, leading to emulsions with higher oil droplet size and aggregation of particles when HSH and HPH are applied, respectively. The highest aggregation degree is observed in the systems with 30 mg Ca 100 g−1, attributed to the formation of a hydrated network of aggregated particles (oil droplets, protein aggregates, and insoluble fibers). Consequently, these emulsions also show the highest viscosity and creaming stability. The findings indicate that calcium can act as a functional ingredient in food emulsions prepared with soybean flour dispersion, because the texture and stability of the system can be controlled by the variation of calcium concentration and homogenization method.

Practical Applications: In this study, the impact of calcium addition and homogenization method on the microstructure, rheological behavior, and quiescent stability of o/w emulsions prepared with soybean flour dispersions is assessed. Unlike other works, the strategy used for calcium addition is to promote the interaction of the mineral with proteins and non‐starch polysaccharides present in soybean flour and then reduce the size of aggregates by high‐pressure homogenization. The mentioned strategy can allow the obtaining of vegetable calcium‐rich emulsion‐based products with texture and consistency modulated by the amount of added calcium and the applied homogenization method.

Soybean flour dispersions are heated in the presence of different calcium concentrations and then homogenized by high‐pressure homogenization. Emulsions are prepared with homogenized dispersions and sunflower oil by high‐speed or high‐pressure homogenization. The addition of calcium leads to aggregation of particles in emulsions homogenized at high pressure; and good quiescent stability is achieved in emulsions with moderate calcium content.
Selective Synthesis of Trifluoromethyl β‐Lactams by a Zn‐Promoted 2‐Bromo Ester Addition on C‐CF3‐Substituted Aldimines
Authors: Trulli Laura , Raglione Venanzio , Fioravanti Stefania
Published: April 2018

Starting from C‐CF3‐substituted aldimines, trifluoromethyl β‐lactams were obtained as only products in the reaction with some α‐bromo esters in the presence of activated zinc dust. Different solvents, molar ratios, and temperature were tested to determine the best reaction conditions that led only to desired cyclic compounds. The influence of another ester group on the aldimine chain and the reaction diastereoselectivity were also considered.
Electro‐oxidized Monolayer CVD Graphene Film Transducer for Ultrasensitive Impedimetric DNA Biosensor
Authors: Benvidi Ali , Saucedo Nuvia M. , Ramnani Pankaj , Villarreal Claudia , Mulchandani Ashok , Tezerjani Marzieh Dehghan , Jahanbani Shahriar
Published: April 2018

We report the effect of electrochemical anodization on the properties of monolayer graphene as the main aim of this research and consequently using the resulting label‐free impedimetric biosensor for DNA sequences detection. Monolayer graphene was grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) with methane as precursor on copper foil, transferred onto a glassy carbon electrode and electrochemically anodized. Raman spectroscopy and X‐Ray photo electron spectroscopy revealed enhancement of defect density, roughness and formation of C−O−C, C−O−H and C=O functional groups after anodization. Amine‐terminated poly T probe was linked covalently to the carboxylic groups of anodized graphene by the zero‐length linker to fabricate the impedance‐based DNA biosensor. The anodized graphene electrode demonstrated a superior performance for electrochemical impedance detection of DNA. The DNA biosensor showed a large linear dynamic range from 2.0×10−18 to 1.0×10−12 M with a limit of detection of 1.0×10−18 M using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method. Equivalent circuit modeling shows that DNA hybridization is detected through a change in charge transfer resistance.
Mice lacking L‐12/15‐lipoxygenase show increased mortality during kindling despite demonstrating resistance to epileptogenesis
Authors: Kanzler Matthew A. , Van Dyke Adam M. , He Yan , Hewett James A. , Hewett Sandra J.
Published: April 2018

Objective

Studies have addressed the potential involvement of L‐12/15‐lipoxygenases (LOs), a polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolizing enzyme, in experimental models of acute stroke and chronic neurodegeneration; however, none to our knowledge has explored its role in epilepsy development. Thus, this study characterizes the cell‐specific expression of L‐12/15 ‐LO in the brain and examines its contribution to epileptogenesis.

Methods

L‐12/15‐LO messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression and activity were characterized via polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunocytochemistry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. To assess its role in epileptogenesis, L‐12/15 ‐LO‐deficient mice and their wild‐type littermates were treated with pentylenetetrazole (PTZ, ip) every other day for up to 43 days (kindling paradigm). The innate seizure threshold was assessed by the acute PTZ‐induced seizure response of naive mice.

Results

L‐12/15 ‐LO mRNA is expressed in hippocampal and cortical tissue from wild‐type C57BL/6 mice. In addition, it is physically and functionally expressed by microglia, neurons, and brain microvessel endothelial cells, but not by astrocytes. Mice deficient in L‐12/15 ‐LO were resistant to PTZ‐induced kindling and demonstrated an elevated innate seizure threshold. Despite this, a significant increase in seizure‐related mortality was observed during the kindling paradigm in L‐12/15 ‐LO nulls relative to their wild‐type littermates.

Significance

The present study is the first to detail the role of L‐12/15‐LO in the epileptogenic process. The results suggest that constitutive L‐12/15‐LO expression contributes to a lower innate set point for PTZ acute seizure generation, translating to higher rates of kindling acquisition. Nevertheless, increased seizure‐related deaths in mice lacking activity of L‐12/15‐LO suggests that its products may influence endogenous mechanisms involved in termination of seizure activity.
Widespread abnormalities in white matter integrity and their relationship with duration of illness in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Tsuda Kumi , Tsuji Tomikimi , Ishida Takuya , Takahashi Shun , Yamada Shinichi , Ohoshi Yuji , Terada Masaki , Shinosaki Kazuhiro , Ukai Satoshi
Published: April 2018

Objective

Elucidation of abnormal connections throughout the whole brain is necessary to understand temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). We examined abnormalities in whole‐brain white matter integrity and their relationship with duration of illness in patients with TLE.

Methods

The subjects were 15 patients with TLE and 17 healthy controls. Mean duration of illness in the TLE group was 21.6 years. Tract‐based spatial statistics (TBSS) were used for diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) analysis. Four diffusion tensor metrics, that is, fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were calculated and then examined for differences between the TLE and healthy control groups. We also examined for correlations between DTI parameters and duration of illness in the TLE group.

Results

In the TLE group, compared with the healthy control group, FA was reduced, and MD and RD were increased, not only in the limbic and temporal lobe regions and their directly connecting regions in both hemispheres, but also in remote white matter regions. Duration of illness showed a significant negative correlation with mean whole‐brain FA and a significant positive correlation with both mean whole‐brain MD and RD. Brain regions showing correlation between disease duration and DTI metrics also extended to the limbic area and its connecting regions, and to remote white matter regions.

Significance

The results of this study suggest that widespread abnormalities in white matter integrity in patients with TLE are associated with long‐term disease.
Higher‐order surface FEM for incompressible Navier‐Stokes flows on manifolds
Authors: Fries Thomas‐Peter
Published: April 2018

Stationary and instationary Stokes and Navier‐Stokes flows are considered on two‐dimensional manifolds, ie, on curved surfaces in three dimensions. The higher‐order surface FEM is used for the approximation of the geometry, velocities, pressure, and Lagrange multiplier to enforce tangential velocities. Individual element orders are employed for these various fields. Streamline‐upwind stabilization is employed for flows at high Reynolds numbers. Applications are presented, which extend classical benchmark test cases from flat domains to general manifolds. Highly accurate solutions are obtained, and higher‐order convergence rates are confirmed.
The influence of fat substitution with κ‐carrageenan, konjac, and tragacanth on the textural properties of low‐fat sausage
Authors: Atashkar Mehdi , Hojjatoleslamy Mohammad , Sedaghat Boroujeni Leila
Published: April 2018

Reducing the fat content of meat products and producing healthier products is considered as an important matter in politics in prevention of many hazardous diseases and providing consumers' health. The aim of this study was reducing the fat in fatty sausages based on oil reduction and using fat substitutes, including κ‐carrageenan, konjac, and tragacanth, and comparing them according to their texture characteristics. κ‐carrageenan, konjac, and tragacanth gums were used at four different levels (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5) as the fat substitutes in producing low‐fat sausage with 70% reduction based on formulated oil. Texture profile analysis (Hardness, Gumminess, Springiness, and Chewiness) was performed in this study for analyzing the texture characteristics, in 1‐, 10‐, 20‐, and 30‐day time intervals after production. The results showed that producing low‐fat sausage was possible using all the three gums, among the low‐fat samples of which, the texture samples containing konjac were more favorable. Textural properties indicated that fat reduction increased in firmness and gum addition can partially compensate deficits in rheological properties, although during the storage, low‐fat sausages without any gum have highest decline in Hardness. Konjac gum illustrated the best theological properties between treatments.
Physicochemical composition of Tamarindus indica L. (Tamarind) in the agro‐ecological zones of Uganda
Authors: Okello Jaspher , Okullo John B. L. , Eilu Gerald , Nyeko Philip , Obua Joseph
Published: April 2018

The relationships between the physicochemical composition of Tamarindus indica pulp and seeds, and agro‐ecological zones and land use types were assessed in Uganda. The objective was to determine the relationship between the physicochemical composition, agro‐ecological zones, and land use types. The samples were processed by manually depulping the T. indica pods, sun‐drying the pulp and seeds, and grinding into powder. The powdered samples were analyzed for β‐carotenoids, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), calorific value, crude oil, acid, and peroxide values. Data were analyzed using ANOVA in the general linear model (GLM). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to relate the physicochemical properties to the agro‐ecological zones and land use types. There were significant differences (p ≤ .05) in the physicochemical composition variables between agro‐ecological zones and land use types. Land use types showed strong correlations with physicochemical properties while agro‐ecological zones did not show correlations. The results show that in terms of general properties, T. indica pods provide a valuable, rich, and exceptional source of vitamin C, compared to many widely consumed indigenous and conventional fruits and vegetables. The pods from land use types characterized by natural habitats had relatively more nutrient levels than the land use types influenced by anthropogenic activities.
Thin‐layer drying behavior of West Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogan citratus) leaves
Authors: Mujaffar Saheeda , John Sherida
Published: April 2018

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of temperature (40, 50, 60, and 70°C), and air velocity (0.5, 1, and 2 m/s) on the drying behavior of West Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogan citratus) leaves. Drying was carried out in a computer‐controlled tray dryer. Overall, the effect of temperature was seen to be more important than that of air velocity, but the air velocity did have an effect on drying rates at the start of the drying process at 50–70°C. Drying rate constants, diffusivity values, and activation energy were determined. Twenty‐two empirical and semiempirical thin‐layer models were tested, and although model fit varied, the Midilli model could be applied to all data with reasonable prediction of MR values.