bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suspended Sediment Dynamics in the Macrotidal Seine Estuary (France): 1. Numerical Modeling of Turbidity Maximum Dynamics
Authors: Grasso F. , Verney R. , Le Hir P. , Thouvenin B. , Schulz E. , Kervella Y. , Khojasteh Pour Fard I. , Lemoine J.‐P. , Dumas F. , Garnier V.
Published: December 2017

Tidal pumping, baroclinic circulation, and vertical mixing are known to be the main mechanisms responsible for the estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM) formation. However, the influence of hydro‐meteorological conditions on ETM dynamics is still not properly grasped and requires further investigation to be quantified. Based on a realistic three‐dimensional numerical model of the macrotidal Seine Estuary (France) that accounts for mud and sand transport processes, the objective of this study is to quantify the influence of the main forcing (river flow, tides, and waves) on the ETM location and mass changes. As expected, the ETM location is strongly modulated by semidiurnal tidal cycles and fortnightly time scales with a high sensitivity to river flow variations. The ETM mass is clearly driven by the tidal range, characteristic of the tidal pumping mechanism. However, it is not significantly affected by the river flow. Energetic wave conditions substantially influence the ETM mass by contributing up to 44% of the maximum mass observed during spring tides and by increasing the mass by a factor of 3 during mean tides compared to calm wave conditions. This means that neglecting wave forcing can result in significantly underestimating the ETM mass in estuarine environments. In addition, neap‐to‐spring phasing has a strong influence on ETM location and mass through a hysteresis response associated with the delay for tidal pumping and stratification to fully develop. Finally, simulations show that the uppermost limit of the Seine ETM location did not change notably during the last 35 years; however, the seaward limit migrated few kilometers upstream.
Quantifying Diapycnal Mixing in an Energetic Ocean
Authors: Ivey Gregory N. , Bluteau Cynthia E. , Jones Nicole L.
Published: December 2017

Turbulent diapycnal mixing controls global circulation and the distribution of tracers in the ocean. For turbulence in stratified shear flows, we introduce a new turbulent length scale
dependent on χ. We show the flux Richardson number Rif is determined by the dimensionless ratio of three length scales: the Ozmidov scale LO, the Corrsin shear scale LS, and
. This new model predicts that Rif varies from 0 to 0.5, which we test primarily against energetic field observations collected in 100 m of water on the Australian North West Shelf (NWS), in addition to laboratory observations. The field observations consisted of turbulence microstructure vertical profiles taken near moored temperature and velocity turbulence time series. Irrespective of the value of the gradient Richardson number Ri, both instruments yielded a median
, while the observed Rif ranged from 0.01 to 0.50, in agreement with the predicted range of Rif. Using a Prandtl mixing length model, we show that diapycnal mixing
can be predicted from
and the background vertical shear S. Using field and laboratory observations, we show that
where LE is the Ellison length scale. The diapycnal diffusivity can thus be calculated from
. This prediction agrees very well with the diapycnal mixing estimates obtained from our moored turbulence instruments for observed diffusivities as large as
m2s−1. Moorings with relatively low sampling rates can thus provide long time series estimates of diapycnal mixing rates, significantly increasing the number of diapycnal mixing estimates in the ocean.
Nitrate Sources, Supply, and Phytoplankton Growth in the Great Australian Bight: An Eulerian‐Lagrangian Modeling Approach
Authors: Cetina‐Heredia Paulina , van Sebille Erik , Matear Richard J. , Roughan Moninya
Published: December 2017

The Great Australian Bight (GAB), a coastal sea bordered by the Pacific, Southern, and Indian Oceans, sustains one of the largest fisheries in Australia but the geographical origin of nutrients that maintain its productivity is not fully known. We use 12 years of modeled data from a coupled hydrodynamic and biogeochemical model and an Eulerian‐Lagrangian approach to quantify nitrate supply to the GAB and the region between the GAB and the Subantarctic Australian Front (GAB‐SAFn), identify phytoplankton growth within the GAB, and ascertain the source of nitrate that fuels it. We find that nitrate concentrations have a decorrelation timescale of ∼60 days; since most of the water from surrounding oceans takes longer than 60 days to reach the GAB, 23% and 75% of nitrate used by phytoplankton to grow are sourced within the GAB and from the GAB‐SAFn, respectively. Thus, most of the nitrate is recycled locally. Although nitrate concentrations and fluxes into the GAB are greater below 100 m than above, 79% of the nitrate fueling phytoplankton growth is sourced from above 100 m. Our findings suggest that topographical uplift and stratification erosion are key mechanisms delivering nutrients from below the nutricline into the euphotic zone and triggering large phytoplankton growth. We find annual and semiannual periodicities in phytoplankton growth, peaking in the austral spring and autumn when the mixed layer deepens leading to a subsurface maximum of phytoplankton growth. This study highlights the importance of examining phytoplankton growth at depth and the utility of Lagrangian approaches.
Entropy‐Aided Evaluation of Meteorological Droughts Over China
Authors: Sang Yan‐Fang , Singh Vijay P. , Hu Zengyun , Xie Ping , Li Xinxin
Published: December 2017

Evaluation of drought and its spatial distribution is essential to develop mitigation measures. In this study, we employed the entropy index to investigate the spatiotemporal variability of meteorological droughts over China. Entropy values, with a reliable hydrological and geographical basis, are closely related to the months of precipitation deficit and its mean magnitude and can thus represent the physical formation of droughts. The value of entropy index can be roughly classified as <0.35, 0.36–0.90, and >0.90, reflecting high, middle, and low occurrence probabilities of droughts. The accumulated precipitation deficits, based on the standardized precipitation‐evapotranspiration index at the 1, 3, 6, and 12 month scales, consistently increase with entropy decrease, no matter considering the moderately, severely, or extremely dry conditions. Therefore, Northwest China and North China, with smaller entropy values, have higher occurrence probability of droughts than South China, with a break at 38°N latitude. The aggravating droughts in North China and Southwest China over recent decades are represented by the increase in both the occurrence frequency and the magnitude. The entropy, determined by absolute magnitude of the difference between precipitation and potential evapotranspiration, as well as its scatter and skewness characteristics, is easily calculated and can be an effective index for evaluating drought and its spatial distribution. We therefore identified dominant thresholds for entropy values and statistical characteristics of precipitation deficit, which would help evaluate the occurrence probability of droughts worldwide.
Soil Moisture‐Temperature Coupling in a Set of Land Surface Models
Authors: Gevaert A. I. , Miralles D. G. , de Jeu R. A. M. , Schellekens J. , Dolman A. J.
Published: December 2017

The land surface controls the partitioning of water and energy fluxes and therefore plays a crucial role in the climate system. The coupling between soil moisture and air temperature, in particular, has been shown to affect the severity and occurrence of temperature extremes and heat waves. Here we study soil moisture‐temperature coupling in five land surface models, focusing on the terrestrial segment of the coupling in the warm season. All models are run off‐line over a common period with identical atmospheric forcing data, in order to allow differences in the results to be attributed to the models' partitioning of energy and water fluxes. Coupling is calculated according to two semiempirical metrics, and results are compared to observational flux tower data. Results show that the locations of the global hot spots of soil moisture‐temperature coupling are similar across all models and for both metrics. In agreement with previous studies, these areas are located in transitional climate regimes. The magnitude and local patterns of model coupling, however, can vary considerably. Model coupling fields are compared to tower data, bearing in mind the limitations in the geographical distribution of flux towers and the differences in representative area of models and in situ data. Nevertheless, model coupling correlates in space with the tower‐based results (r = 0.5–0.7), with the multimodel mean performing similarly to the best‐performing model. Intermodel differences are also found in the evaporative fractions and may relate to errors in model parameterizations and ancillary data of soil and vegetation characteristics.
Impact of Canopy Decoupling and Subcanopy Advection on the Annual Carbon Balance of a Boreal Scots Pine Forest as Derived From Eddy Covariance
Authors: Jocher Georg , Marshall John , Nilsson Mats B. , Linder Sune , De Simon Giuseppe , Hörnlund Thomas , Lundmark Tomas , Näsholm Torgny , Ottosson Löfvenius Mikaell , Tarvainen Lasse , Wallin Göran , Peichl Matthias
Published: December 2017

Apparent net uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) during wintertime by an ∼ 90 year old Scots pine stand in northern Sweden led us to conduct canopy decoupling and subcanopy advection investigations over an entire year. Eddy covariance (EC) measurements ran simultaneously above and within the forest canopy for that purpose. We used the correlation of above‐ and below‐canopy standard deviation of vertical wind speed (σw) as decoupling indicator. We identified 0.33 m s−1 and 0.06 m s−1 as site‐specific σw thresholds for above‐ and below‐canopy coupling during nighttime (global radiation <20 W m−2) and 0.23 m s−1 and 0.06 m s−1 as daytime (global radiation >20 W m−2) σw thresholds. Decoupling occurred in 53% of the annual nighttime and 14% of the annual daytime. The annual net ecosystem exchange (NEE), gross ecosystem exchange (GEE), and ecosystem respiration (Reco) derived via two‐level filtered EC data were −357 g C m−2, −1,138 g C m−2, and 781 g C m−2, respectively. In comparison, both single‐level friction velocity (u*) and quality filtering resulted in ~ 22% higher NEE, mainly caused by ~ 16% lower Reco. GEE remained similar among filtering regimes. Accounting for changes of CO2 storage across the canopy in the single‐level filtered data could only marginally decrease these discrepancies. Consequently, advection appears to be responsible for the major part of this divergence. We conclude that the two‐level filter is necessary to adequately address decoupling and subcanopy advection at our site, and we recommend this filter for all forested EC sites.
Social structure, Pharaonic Egypt
Authors: García Juan Carlos Moreno
Published: December 2017

The social structure of Pharaonic Egypt included several major groups. At the top, an elite formed by court officials, high administrators and provincial potentates, was bound together via institutions such as temples and the royal palace. Sub‐elites constituted a more amorphous social sector, integrated both by low‐ranking officials and by informal authorities that controlled the rural sphere (villages, local networks of patronage, etc.). Peasants, probably the majority of the Egyptian population, displayed a great diversity of situations, from wealthy peasants to compulsory cultivators whose condition was close to serfdom. Finally, mobile populations and foreigners are well attested in the Nile Valley, especially in trading centers and crossroads such as Elephantine. Social mobility was possible, but formal and informal institutions (such as patronage) contributed to the rigidity of social structures, unless exceptional circumstances (foreign expansion, collapse of the monarchy) helped dynamize social promotion or change.
Beds
Authors: Nissin Laura
Published: December 2017

As a permanent structure for reclining, Greeks and Romans used furniture that combined the functions of couch and bed. These bed‐couches (kline, lectus) served as the place for dining, sleeping, convalescence, love‐making, and literary activities. The standard form of Greek and Roman bed consists of a rectangular frame, four legs, possible head and foot boards, and a grid for supporting the mattress. Bed legs were either animal‐shaped, turned on a lathe, rectangular, or decorated with incisions. Wood was the most common construction material, but metal fittings and ornamental elements of more precious materials such as bronze, silver, bone, and ivory were also used. Bedclothes were most commonly made of linen and wool.
Fireplace
Authors: King Charles W.
Published: December 2017

As the name implies, a fireplace is a place for a controlled fire, normally associated with domestic heating, cooking, and certain types of ritual activity, though, in practice, some flexibility in definition is necessary to accommodate the range of variation found in domestic fires in antiquity.
Incense
Authors: Tatomir Renata G.
Published: December 2017

Flavored materials and fragrance are the two main characteristics which made incense famous throughout the ancient world. Since prehistory people have used the perfumes released by many burning materials in religious rituals, cosmetics, or for therapeutic reasons. In antiquity incense was prized by all civilizations, having sacred connotations, related to gods and eternal life. Trade routes crossed the Ancient East in search of ingredients. Two resins especially were valued, on a par with gold: the frankincense and myrrh from Southern Arabia. In ancient Egypt incense was a powerful manifestation of the gods.
Literature, Hellenistic
Authors: Clauss James J.
Published: December 2017

The extant literature of the Hellenistic period, primarily poetry, is characterized by learnedness, interest in non‐traditional topics, and a blending of previously discrete genres as a way of distinguishing itself from earlier Classical masterpieces. The most prolific center of intellectual life during this period was Alexandria with its celebrated Library and Museum that attracted some of the greatest minds of the period in all areas of research. The rulers of Alexandria and other Hellenistic capitals underwrote the establishment of Hellenic culture abroad by offering financial support for scholars who assisted in the project of collecting and organizing Archaic and Classical literature and participated in the creation of new ways of reimagining traditional literature, especially as seen in the incorporation of their research in their various writings, both in poetry and prose.
Diaspora (Greece and Rome)
Authors: Mimouni Simon C.
Published: December 2017

Large migrating movements, facilitated by a high birth rate, as well as political, military, and economic factors, led to the establishment of flourishing Judean communities in the Hellenistic kingdoms and in the Roman and Iranian Empires, for example, at Alexandria in Egypt and Seleukia‐Ktesiphon in Babylonia. If the Judeans were seduced by the Hellenistic
paideia
, they appropriated Greek culture by differentiating it from Greek worship and yet picking up its philosophical wisdom (with many necessary adjustments), acknowledging the supremacy of the
Torah
. As Judaism was a missionary religion, many pagans could become sympathizers or proselytes. Later, the spread of Christianity would take advantage of this very permeable and densely populated milieu.
Ritual
Authors: Pedrucci Giulia
Published: December 2017

In a generic way, a ritual is a formalized and symbolic act or behavior. It can be both secular and religious. Many secular performances can include some religious dimension, and almost all religious activities involve some secular performing. Frequently, worship, theater, dance, music, and healing overlap. To go on a pilgrimage, to light a candle, to offer food, to sing a prayer or medical incantations, but also to meditate in silence like Buddhist monks, can be defined as rituals. Activities such as veterans’ parades, club meetings, Halloween parties, or even hand‐shaking should be more properly labeled as ritual‐like activities. Ritual is a specific observable mode of behavior present in all known societies. As a behavioral pattern, ritual can thus be seen as a way of defining or describing humans (and, according to biologists and ethologists, a way of defining animals in general).
Sulpicius Rufus, Servius
Authors: du Plessis Paul J.
Published: December 2017

This entry provides an overview of the life of Servius Sulpicius Rufus and his significance for the development of Roman law of the Principate and Dominate. It places Servius in the context of the last century of the Roman Republic and of the emerging profession of Roman jurists.
Canopus
Authors: Blouin Katherine
Published: December 2017

Canopus (Abuqir) was an ancient harbor town located 15 km east of Alexandria, at the mouth of the now vanished Canopic branch of the Nile and close to Thonis‐Heracleion, which was Egypt's main trade post from the seventh to the fifth and fourth centuries
bce
. The town was also known for its temple of Sarapis and, later, for its martyrium of St John and St Cyril. Current evidence indicates that it was occupied sometime before the sixth century
bce
until the eighth century
ce
. Shortly after the Arab conquest, a substantial part of Canopus sank into the Mediterranean Sea. The pre‐Hellenistic origin of the urban area encompassing Canopus and Thonis‐Heracleion, like the Pharaonic occupation of nearby Plinthine and evidence of long‐distance trade of copper in the Maryut Lagoon and Alexandria Bay, indicates that the northwestern Nile delta was fully integrated into Egyptian and international connectivity networks long before Alexander the Great's conquest.
Arkesilaos of Pitane
Authors: Bett Richard
Published: December 2017

Arkesilaos was the first skeptical head of the Academy. He claimed to revive a Socratic practice of question and answer, with a view to generating skeptical suspension of judgment (
epochê
). But he is also reported to have claimed that nothing could be known, which is inconsistent with
epochê
, and to have promoted
epochê
itself as a positive good, which again looks like a definite position. One may interpret these remarks “dialectically”: that is, as showing other philosophers what they are committed to, rather than as positions adopted by Arkesilaos himself. However, while some of his activity (especially against the Stoics) seems to support this interpretation, his widely reported enthusiasm for
epochê
seems hard to square with it. But perhaps this enthusiasm can be understood as a preference deriving from a basic concern for intellectual integrity. Arkesilaos also appealed to "the reasonable" as a way of making choices while suspending judgment.
Tauros
Authors: Lakmann Marie‐Luise
Published: December 2017

Lukios Kalbenos Tauros of Berytus was a Middle Platonic philosopher of the second centuryce. He was an appreciated teacher who ran a private school in Athens. His famous pupil Aulus Gellius offers interesting insights into the school life. Most of Tauros’ numerous philosophical treatises are lost; only the Christian philosopher John Philoponos preserved extensive fragments of hisCommentary on Plato's Timaeus, exemplifying Tauros’ philological and philosophical skills as a Platonic commentator. Both sources together paint a multifaceted picture of this fascinating Platonist.
Anavlochos in Crete
Authors: Gaignerot‐Driessen Florence
Published: December 2017

The Anavlochos mountain range controls the Mirabello valley, which links eastern and central Crete. Evidence for Minoan Middle II cultic activities were noted on the highest peak of Vigla. The rest of the ridge was occupied during the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age. Surveys and excavations revealed settlement sites, a large cemetery area, and several votive deposits.
Agia Irini on Cyprus
Authors: Georgiou Artemis
Published: December 2017

Agia Irini on Cyprus is an archaeological site situated close to the northwestern coast of the island. It is best known as a sanctuary site of the Iron Age, renowned for its impressive corpus of terracotta figures and figurines.
Hagnon, Athenian
strategos
and founder of Amphipolis
Authors: de Martinis Livia
Published: December 2017

Hagnon was an Athenian politician and
strategos
, son of a merchant and father of Theramenes. For the first part of his life he was an associate of Perikles, but after Perikles’ death he became involved in oligarchic politics. In 438/7
bce
Hagnon amended a decree proposed by Drakontides concerning Perikles’ financial accounts to the latter's benefit. In 437/6
bce
he founded Amphipolis, at the mouth of the river Strymon. He was elected
strategos
several times: in 440/39
bce
, during the Samian War; in 437/6
bce
, when he led the settlers who founded Amphipolis; in 431/0
bce
, when he brought reinforcements to the Athenian army besieging Poteidaia; in 429/8
bce
, when he sided with the Thracian dynast Sitalkes against the Macedonian King Perdikkas. In 421
bce
he was one of the signatories of the peace of Nikias. In 413 Hagnon was one of the ten
probouloi
appointed to give advice in the crisis after the Sicilian disaster.
Ortiagon
Authors: Gale Liam
Published: December 2017

Ortiagon was a leader of the Galatian Tolistobogii during the early second century
bce
. He was defeated by the Romans in 189
bce
and was allied to Prusias of Bithynia in the war against Eumenes II of Pergamon in 184
bce
. Ortiagon was an exponent of Greek culture and is one of the earliest Galatians to appear as a distinct individual in the sources.
Gambling
Authors: Toner Jerry
Published: December 2017

Gambling was widely popular in antiquity and took place in a variety of forms, being particularly associated with taverns. This close connection with popular culture meant that gambling was viewed by elites as being morally suspect and resulted in its being largely illegal in the Roman world. From the point of view of the average participant, gambling taught valuable life skills and attitudes, such as the importance of windfall economics, the rules of local social interaction, and how to control risk.
Tabula Peutingeriana
Authors: Fodorean Florin‐Gheorghe
Published: December 2017

The so‐called Tabula Peutingeriana, now kept in the National Library of Vienna, is a thirteenth‐century copy of a document dating to the late Roman period, possibly the fifth century
ce
. It is mentioned for the first time in the will of Konrad Pickel Celtes, who donated the document to Konrad Peutinger, a famous humanist born in Augsburg who worked as counselor for Emperor Maximilian I. Originally a parchment roll, 672 cm wide by 33 cm long, the document is preserved today in eleven segments. The Peutinger map is an
itinerarium pictum
, depicting the entire world known by the Romans (
oikoumene
) from the Strait of Gibraltar to the Far East and India, covering parts of Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It provides a considerable amount of information, including the main roads of the Roman Empire; around 2700 place names; 555 vignettes, divided in seven categories, including three special vignettes, depicting the cities of Rome, Antioch, and Constantinople; and elements of the landscape, such as large or small rivers, mountains, islands, and so on. Even though dozens of articles and several books on the map have been published, the dating of the lost original document remains problematic.
Lydiadas of Megalopolis
Authors: Nicholson Emma
Published: December 2017

Lydiadas (also Lydiades) rose to power as tyrant of Megalopolis ca. 245
bce
, but abdicated from his position and joined his city to the Achaian League in 235
bce
. He quickly rose to prominence in the League, was elected
strategos
three times, and became a rival of the influential Aratos of Sikyon. He encouraged the Achaians to wage war against the Spartan king, Kleomenes III, in 229
bce
and died in battle defending his city in 226
bce
.
Starr, Chester Gibbs, Jr. (1914–99)
Authors: Ober Josiah
Published: December 2017

Chester G. Starr (1914–99) was a distinctive and influential American figure in the study of the ancient world. His interests ranged across a wide span of history, from pre‐Homeric Greece to Achaemenid Persia to the Roman Empire of Constantine and Theodosius. He championed the historical analysis of physical evidence, examined the nature of the Greek spirit, and the growth of the Greek economy.
Antenor the Cretan
Authors: Champion Craige B.
Published: December 2017

Antenor wrote a history of his native Crete; he probably worked in the second century
bce
.
Antidamas Heracleopolitanus
Authors: Champion Craige B.
Published: December 2017

Antidamas of Heraklea may have written a history of Alexander the Great and a work on moral philosophy. Since he is mentioned (only twice) in Fulgentius’
The explanation of obsolete words
, of the fifth century
ce
, we cannot be sure that Antidamas is not the fictitious creation of Fulgentius.
Antigonus Macedo
Authors: Champion Craige B.
Published: December 2017

Antigonus Macedo was a Greek geographer of unknown provenance, writing sometime after the mid‐fifth century
bce
.
Antileon
Authors: Champion Craige B.
Published: December 2017

Antileon was a chronologer/chronographer of the fourth century
bce
. His place of origin is unknown.
Androitas of Tenedos
Authors: Goldberg Charles
Published: December 2017

Androitas of Tenedos was an ancient historian of the Sea of Marmara region about whom next to nothing is known besides the fact that he wrote a local history entitled
Circumnavigation of the Propontis
. A sole fragment of his survives in a
scholion
to Apollonius Rhodius’
Argonautika
describing the geographical location of one of the Argonauts’ adventures.
Androkles
Authors: Goldberg Charles
Published: December 2017

Androkles was the author of a work called
On Cyprus
, which survives in only a single fragment in the
Etymologicum Magnum
. An “Androkles” is also mentioned in two Cyprian inscriptions and in two works by the historian Arrian as the fourth‐century
bce
king of Amathus in southern Cyprus, and some modern scholars have proposed identifying the author and ancient king as the same man.
Leontios, Macedonian
Authors: Nicholson Emma
Published: December 2017

Leontios (?–218bce) was Captain of the Peltasts during the reign of Philip V of Macedon. According to Polybius, he was involved in the “Apelles Conspiracy” (219–218bce) which allegedly aimed to sabotage the king's relationship with the Achaian League, its leader Aratos of Sikyon, and his military operations against Aitolia in the Social War (220–217bce). He was executed by Philip in 218bcefollowing a mutiny among the peltasts andagema,and the production of letters indicating his involvement in the supposed plot.
Synthetic Cells Synthesize Therapeutic Proteins inside Tumors
Authors: Krinsky Nitzan , Kaduri Maya , Zinger Assaf , Shainsky‐Roitman Janna , Goldfeder Mor , Benhar Itai , Hershkovitz Dov , Schroeder Avi
Published: December 2017

Synthetic cells, artificial cell‐like particles, capable of autonomously synthesizing RNA and proteins based on a DNA template, are emerging platforms for studying cellular functions and for revealing the origins‐of‐life. Here, it is shown for the first time that artificial lipid‐based vesicles, containing the molecular machinery necessary for transcription and translation, can be used to synthesize anticancer proteins inside tumors. The synthetic cells are engineered as stand‐alone systems, sourcing nutrients from their biological microenvironment to trigger protein synthesis. When pre‐loaded with template DNA, amino acids and energy‐supplying molecules, up to 2 × 107 copies of green fluorescent protein are synthesized in each synthetic cell. A variety of proteins, having molecular weights reaching 66 kDa and with diagnostic and therapeutic activities, are synthesized inside the particles. Incubating synthetic cells, encoded to secrete Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) with 4T1 breast cancer cells in culture, resulted in killing of most of the malignant cells. In mice bearing 4T1 tumors, histological evaluation of the tumor tissue after a local injection of PE‐producing particles indicates robust apoptosis. Synthetic cells are new platforms for synthesizing therapeutic proteins on‐demand in diseased tissues.
Nanocarrier‐Mediated Photochemotherapy and Photoradiotherapy
Authors: Denkova Antonia G. , de Kruijff Robine M. , Serra‐Crespo Pablo
Published: December 2017

Photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) both utilize light to induce a therapeutic effect. These therapies are rapidly gaining importance due to the noninvasiveness of light and the limited adverse effect associated with these treatments. However, most preclinical studies show that complete elimination of tumors is rarely observed. Combining PDT and PTT with chemotherapy or radiotherapy can improve the therapeutic outcome and simultaneously decrease side effects of these conventional treatments. Nanocarriers can help to facilitate such a combined treatment. Here, the most recent advancements in the field of photochemotherapy and photoradiotherapy, in which nanocarriers are employed, are reviewed.
Chemiresistive and Chemicapacitive Devices Formed via Morphology Control of Electroconductive Bio‐nanocomposites
Authors: Aggas John R. , Lutkenhaus Jodie , Guiseppi‐Elie Anthony
Published: December 2017

Chemiresistive and chemicapacitive circuit elements are fashioned from polymer thin films that are bio‐nanocomposites of polyaniline‐chloride (PAn‐Cl) nanofibers within a chitosan (CHI) matrix deposited on microfabricated electrodes (IAME‐co‐IME; 2 µm lines and 1 µm spacing). UV–vis spectroscopy of 0–100 wt% PAn‐Cl/CHI confirms no electronic coupling between PAn and CHI. When aqueous dispersions of the bio‐nanocomposite are slow dried or cast, frozen, and lyophilized, they produce dense (chemiresistive) or highly porous foam (chemicapacitive) membranes. Studied in air, deionized water, and in physiological buffers (PBS and HEPES), four‐band probe measurements of the ionic to polaronic conduction show a conductivity that is composition dependent with a percolation threshold of ≈30 wt%. Cyclic voltammetry reveals all compositions to be electroactive. Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) shows that resistive and capacitive properties can be controlled by composition and morphology with 50–50 wt% being favored. EIS modeling confirms a modified Randles circuit of low chi‐square values (<0.05) that appropriately models the chemiresistive and chemicapacitive properties. DC offset voltages can externally control the predominantly chemiresistive and chemicapacitive properties of the devices for biosensor and biocircuit applications.
A Low‐Cost, Reusable, Ballistic Gelatin Ultrasound Phantom for Simulation of Glenohumeral Intraarticular Injections
Authors: Shah Aalap
Published: December 2017

Background

Deliberate practice of invasive procedures on simulation phantoms has been recommended to teach trainees. For many departments, these task trainers can be prohibitively expensive. Sometimes, phantoms for specialized procedures are not commercially available at all. There are currently are no commercially available simulation phantoms for the purpose of ultrasound (US)‐guided glenohumeral joint injection.

Objectives

The objective was to create a low‐cost, reusable, homemade simulation phantom for US‐guided glenohumeral joint injection using easily obtainable materials as well as to determine whether use of such a homemade model by novice learners is associated with increased self‐reported comfort level and knowledge of the procedure.

Methods

Fourth‐year emergency medicine–bound medical students and PGY‐1 residents were asked to participate in a hands‐on 30‐minute training session for US‐guided glenohumeral joint injection using a homemade simulation phantom. Participants were assessed by pre‐ and postintervention survey of self‐reported comfort levels with the procedure. Outcomes were measured on modified global rating scale (GRS; minimum = 1, maximum = 7). The primary outcome was learner comfort with US‐guided glenohumeral joint injection. Secondary outcomes were comfort level in obtaining adequate US image and identifying landmarks of the glenohumeral joint as well as likelihood to perform US‐guided injection of the glenohumeral joint in a clinical setting.

Results

In the primary outcome, mean GRS scores in 13 participants for comfort with the procedure increased from 2.7 to 5.0 (p < 0.01) after intervention. Mean GRS for knowledge of anatomy increased from 2.8 to 5.4 (p < 0.01) and mean GRS for comfort in image acquisition increased from 2.8 to 5.3 (p < 0.01). Mean GRS for likelihood to perform the procedure trended toward increase from 4.6 to 5.5 (p = 0.25).

Conclusions

Use of a homemade, low‐cost, ballistic gelatin US phantom for simulation of glenohumeral intraarticular injection was associated with increased learner comfort with the procedure.
Nanospace‐confined synthesis of coconut‐like SnS/C nanospheres for high‐rate and stable lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Deng Zongnan , Jiang Hao , Hu Yanjie , Li Chunzhong , Liu Yu , Liu Honglai
Published: December 2017

Coconut‐like monocrystalline SnS/C nanospheres are developed as anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries by a micro‐evaporation‐plating strategy in confined nanospaces, achieving reversible capacities as high as 936 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 50 cycles and 830 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 for another 250 cycles. The remarkably improved electrochemical performances can be mainly attributed to their unique structural features, which can perfectly combine the advantages of the face‐to‐face contact of core/shell nanostructure and enough internal void space of yolk/shell nanostructure, and therefore well‐addressing the pivotal issues related to SnS low conductivity, sluggish reaction kinetics, and serious structure pulverization during the lithiation/delithiation process. The evolutionary process of the nanospheres is clearly elucidated based on experimental results and a multiscale kinetic simulation combining the microscopic reaction‐diffusion equation and the mesoscopic theory of crystal growth. Furthermore, a LiMn2O4//SnS/C full cell is assembled, likewise exhibiting excellent electrochemical performance. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 1965–1974, 2018
Oxyfunctionalization of Active Methylene Compounds Using Sodium Chlorite in Water
Authors: Kitanosono Taku , Tani Shinki , Kobayashi Shū
Published: December 2017

A methylene group inserted between proximal carbonyl groups underwent exclusive oxyfunctionalization with sodium chlorite in the presence of redox‐inert HfIV in water. Direct oxidation methods have conventionally suffered from manifold side reactions such as oxidative fragmentation, dimerization, and overreactions, together with the use of toxic and intractable oxidants. Although alternative routes involving prior α‐functionalization can be executed under mild conditions, preparatively valuable oxidation methods that deliver high levels of both conversion and selectivity remain a prized goal from the standpoint of streamlining organic synthesis. Chlorine dioxide, which was generated as a yellowish gas during the reaction, is considered to be a bona fide oxidant against active methylene compounds. The pivotal role of water was clear, given that the reaction was significantly retarded in both aqueous acetonitrile and ethanol, which can solubilize sodium chlorite.
Homozygous boricua TBCK mutation causes neurodegeneration and aberrant autophagy
Authors: Ortiz‐González Xilma R. , Tintos‐Hernández Jesus A. , Keller Kierstin , Li Xueli , Foley A. Reghan , Bharucha‐Goebel Diana X. , Kessler Sudha K. , Yum Sabrina W. , Crino Peter B. , He Miao , Wallace Douglas C. , Bönnemann Carsten G.
Published: December 2017

Objective

Autosomal‐recessive mutations in TBCK cause intellectual disability of variable severity. Although the physiological function of TBCK remains unclear, loss‐of‐function mutations are associated with inhibition of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling. Given that mTORC1 signaling is known to regulate autophagy, we hypothesized that TBCK‐encephalopathy patients with a neurodegenerative course have defects in autophagic‐lysosomal dysfunction.

Methods

Children (n = 8) of Puerto Rican (Boricua) descent affected with homozygous TBCK p.R126X mutations underwent extensive neurological phenotyping and neurophysiological studies. We quantified autophagosome content in TBCK−/− patient‐derived fibroblasts by immunostaining and assayed autophagic markers by western assay. Free sialylated oligosaccharide profiles were assayed in patient's urine and fibroblasts.

Results

The neurological phenotype of children with TBCK p.R126X mutations, which we call TBCK‐encephaloneuronopathy (TBCKE), include congenital hypotonia, progressive motor neuronopathy, leukoencephalopathy, and epilepsy. Systemic features include coarse facies, dyslipidemia, and osteoporosis. TBCK−/− fibroblasts in vitro exhibit increased numbers of LC3+ autophagosomes and increased autophagic flux by immunoblots. Free oligosaccharide profiles in fibroblasts and urine of TBCKE patients differ from control fibroblasts and are ameliorated by treatment with the mTORC1 activator leucine.

Interpretation

TBCKE is a clinically distinguishable syndrome with progressive central and peripheral nervous system dysfunction, consistently observed in patients with the p.R126X mutation. We provide evidence that inappropriate autophagy in the absence of cellular stressors may play a role in this disorder, and that mTORC1 activation may ameliorate the autophagic‐lysosomal system dysfunction. Free oligosaccharide profiles could serve as a novel biomarker for this disorder as well as a tool to evaluate potential therapeutic interventions. Ann Neurol 2018;83:153–165
Application of flipped classroom pedagogy to the human gross anatomy laboratory: Student preferences and learning outcomes
Authors: Fleagle Timothy R. , Borcherding Nicholas C. , Harris Jennie , Hoffmann Darren S.
Published: December 2017

To improve student preparedness for anatomy laboratory dissection, the dental gross anatomy laboratory was transformed using flipped classroom pedagogy. Instead of spending class time explaining the procedures and anatomical structures for each laboratory, students were provided online materials to prepare for laboratory on their own. Eliminating in‐class preparation provided the opportunity to end each period with integrative group activities that connected laboratory and lecture material and explored clinical correlations. Materials provided for prelaboratory preparation included: custom‐made, three‐dimensional (3D) anatomy videos, abbreviated dissection instructions, key atlas figures, and dissection videos. Data from three years of the course (n = 241 students) allowed for analysis of students' preferences for these materials and detailed tracking of usage of 3D anatomy videos. Students reported spending an average of 27:22 (±17:56) minutes preparing for laboratory, similar to the 30 minutes previously allocated for in‐class dissection preparation. The 3D anatomy videos and key atlas figures were rated the most helpful resources. Scores on laboratory examinations were compared for the three years before the curriculum change (2011–2013; n = 242) and three years after (2014–2016; n = 241). There was no change in average grades on the first and second laboratory examinations. However, on the final semi‐cumulative laboratory examination, scores were significantly higher in the post‐flip classes (P = 0.04). These results demonstrate an effective model for applying flipped classroom pedagogy to the gross anatomy laboratory and illustrate a meaningful role for 3D anatomy visualizations in a dissection‐based course. Anat Sci Educ 11: 385–396. © 2017 American Association of Anatomists.
Cell Size Control via an Unstable Accumulating Activator and the Phenomenon of Excess Mitotic Delay
Authors: Rhind Nicholas
Published: December 2017

Unstable Accumulating Activator models for cellular size control propose an activator that accumulates in a size‐dependent manner and triggers cell cycle progression once it has reached a certain threshold. Having a short half life makes such an activator responsive to changes in cell size and makes specific predictions for how cells respond to perturbation. In particular, it explains the curious phenomenon of excess mitotic delay. Excess mitotic delay, first observed in Tetrahymena in the '50s, is a phenomenon in which a pulse of protein synthesis inhibition causes a delay in mitotic entry that is longer than the pulse and that gets longer the later in the cell cycle the pulse is delivered. The interpretation of this phenomenon championed by Zeuthen and Mitchison in the '60s and '70s is that an unstable activator of mitosis is degraded during the pulse and has to be resynthesized to a threshold level to trigger mitosis; small cells have more time to resynthesize the activator before mitosis and so suffer less excess delay, whereas, large cells have less time thus suffer greater excess delay. Fifty years later, with our detailed understanding of cell cycle biochemistry, we can identify and test candidate Unstable Accumulating Activators. Here I review the field and further develop this concept.
Comprehensive study of interaction between biocompatible PEG‐InP/ZnS QDs and bovine serum albumin
Authors: Sannaikar M. S. , Inamdar Laxmi S. , Pujar G. H. , Wari M. N. , Balasinor Nafisa H. , Inamdar S. R.
Published: December 2017

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) surface modified biocompatible InP/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) act as a potential alternative for conventional carcinogenic cadmium‐based quantum dots for in vivo and in vitro studies. Comprehensively, we studied the interaction between a model protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) and PEGylated toxic free InP/ZnS QDs using various spectroscopic tools such as absorption, fluorescence quenching, time resolved and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopic measurements. These studies principally show that tryptophan (Trp) residues of BSA have preferable binding affinity towards PEG‐InP/ZnS QDs surface and a blue shift in Trp fluorescence emission is a signature of conformational changes in its hydrophobic microenvironment. Photoluminescence (PL) intensity of Trp is quenched by ground state complex formation (static quenching) at room temperature. However, InP/ZnS@BSA conjugates become unstable with increasing temperature and PL intensity of Trp is quenched via dynamic quenching by PEG‐InP/ZnS QDs. Experimentally determined thermodynamic parameters for these conjugates have shown spontaneity, entropy driven and exothermic nature of bio‐conjugation. The calculated binding affinity (n ≅ 1, Hill coefficient) suggest that the affinity of InP/ZnS QDs for a BSA protein is not dependent on whether or not other BSA proteins are already bound to the QD surface. Energy transfer efficiency (E), Trp residue to InP/ZnS QDs distances and energy transfer rate (kT) were all obtained from FÖrster resonance energy.
Microbioreactor Systems for Accelerated Bioprocess Development
Authors: Hemmerich Johannes , Noack Stephan , Wiechert Wolfgang , Oldiges Marco
Published: December 2017

In recent years, microbioreactor (MBR) systems have evolved towards versatile bioprocess engineering tools. They provide a unique solution to combine higher experimental throughput with extensive bioprocess monitoring and control, which is indispensable to develop economically and ecologically competitive bioproduction processes. MBR systems are based either on down‐scaled stirred tank reactors or on advanced shaken microtiter plate cultivation devices. Importantly, MBR systems make use of optical measurements for non‐invasive, online monitoring of important process variables like biomass concentration, dissolved oxygen, pH, and fluorescence. The application range of MBR systems can be further increased by integration into liquid handling robots, enabling automatization and, thus standardization, of various handling and operation procedures. Finally, the tight integration of quantitative strain phenotyping with bioprocess development under industrially relevant conditions greatly increases the probability of finding the right combination of producer strain and bioprocess control strategy. This review will discuss the current state of the art in the field of MBR systems and we can readily conclude that their importance for industrial biotechnology will further increase in the near future.
Design, implementation and evaluation of MOOCs and DBL‐based cross‐registration
Authors: Feng Longlong , Jiang Hongxia , Wang Junling , Gong Yunpeng
Published: December 2017

To overcome geographical restrictions of the cross‐registration, this study uses MOOCs and DBL as the learning approach to presents an implementation process of cross‐registration in the course of Machinery Design. Cross‐registration contains three steps: Pre‐Registration, Learning Process, and Credit Certification. According to the characteristics of cross‐registration, Learning process was realized through the mode which consists of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) learning, traditional classroom and Design Based Learning (DBL). Project progression of DBL was elaborated, demonstrated and had been applied in cross‐registration. This work aims at analyzing and reporting whether this MOOCs and DBL‐based cross‐registration has effects on a case study in Machinery Design Course. Students’ performance and learning behaviors are analyzed in this article. The results indicate that the MOOCs‐based cross‐registration is practicable, Learning Process has positive influence on students' performance. Recommendations for future work and implications for practice will also be discussed.
Second primary acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults: a SEER analysis of incidence and outcomes
Authors: Swaika Abhisek , Frank Ryan D. , Yang Dongyun , Finn Laura E. , Jiang Liuyan , Advani Pooja , Chanan‐Khan Asher A. , Ailawadhi Sikander , Foran James M.
Published: December 2017

We conducted a surveillance epidemiology and end results (SEER)‐based analysis to describe the incidence and characteristics of second primary acute lymphoblastic leukemia (sALL) among adults (≥18 years) with a history of primary malignancies (1M). Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of sALL cases were calculated by site and 1M stage. We also evaluated the differences in 5‐year sALL survival by age, site, and extent of 1M, latency of sALL after 1M, and evidence of underlying racial/ethnic disparity. We identified 10,956 patients with de‐novo/primary acute lymphoblastic leukemia (1ALL) and 772 with sALL. Women (49.1% vs. 42.9%), white patients (72.0% vs. 59.5%), older patients (58.8% vs. 25.2%; age ≥65 years), and patients diagnosed between 2003 and 2012 (66.8% vs. 53.9%) had a higher proportion of sALL compared with 1ALL. There was a significantly inferior median 5‐year survival for sALL patients compared to 1ALL (6 vs. 15 months; HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.10–1.31, P < 0.001). The median latency period was 60.0 months; the most common 1M among sALL patients were breast (17.9%) and prostate (17.4%). Patients with any 1M were at increased risk of developing sALL (SIR 1.76, 95% CI 1.58–1.95, P < 0.001). Hematological‐1M sites had significantly higher SIRs (hematological‐SIR 7.35; solid‐SIR 1.33; P < 0.001). We observed a significant increase in sALL incidence after a 1M and a significantly worse 5‐year survival with different demographic characteristics from 1ALL. There is a need to define appropriate screening methods for patients surviving their primary cancer.