bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Another dolphin in peril? Photo‐identification, occurrence, and distribution of the endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) in Algoa Bay
Authors: Bouveroux Thibaut , Melly Brigitte , McGregor Gillian , Plön Stephanie
Published: March 2018

In South Africa, the humpback dolphin (Sousa plumbea) has been recognized as the most endangered marine mammal, with a low abundance, a discontinuous distribution, and numerous threats. This research was initiated in 2008 to estimate the number of individual humpback dolphins in Algoa Bay, as well as studying their residency patterns and distribution.

The last boat‐based study on humpback dolphins, conducted 24 years ago, formed an important reference against which to compare current findings. This study reveals that since the 1990s the number of identified animals decreased from 70 to 50 individuals, and the mean group size of humpback dolphins has also decreased, from seven to three animals.

Humpback dolphin behaviour was predominantly that of foraging and travelling, although the overall frequency of foraging still seems to have decreased since early 1990s.

Although the species was seen almost all year round, the number of sightings per survey was lowest in January, March, and April. The number of sightings per kilometre surveyed substantially decreased from 0.018 sightings per kilometre in 2008 to 0.004 in 2011, and the number of animals per kilometre also decreased from 0.042 to 0.009. The re‐sighting rates were low, ranging from one to eight times, with 52% of identified dolphins seen only once throughout the study period. Only 6% of the individuals were seen more than three times.

Reduced humpback dolphin numbers and sighting rates could be indicative of the rise in anthropogenic activities, such as shipping and recreational boating, as well as a rise in pollution from vessels and urban development.

Conservation strategies, such as a Biodiversity Management Plan for the species, are urgently needed in Algoa Bay, especially in the south‐west part of the bay, between Cape Recife and the Port Elizabeth Harbour, where the species occurs most frequently.
Technoeconomic analysis of Jatropha curcas integral valorization
Authors: Sánchez Marcos , Marchetti Jorge Mario , Martínez Mercedes , Aracil José
Published: March 2018

In this paper, the technoeconomical assessment of a Jatropha curcas plant was conducted, taking into account three different raw materials from Jatropha curcas in an integral valorization process: crude oil, seed shell, and de‐oiled seed cake. In this way, all the solid waste produced after the extraction process could be pelletized and exploited in a biodiesel plant generating electricity, greatly improving the overall process economically and environmentally. Crude oil can also be transformed to biodiesel through a simultaneous esterification‐transesterification of a mixture of free fatty acids and triglycerides using bioethanol with a 5% water content and a heterogeneous catalyst.

The economic sensitivity analysis was carried out using two different parameters that determine the profitability of the process: the internal rate of return (IRR) and the payback time. On one hand, the variable that has the highest impact over the process is the electricity price because it is the main source of revenue in the plant; on the other hand, the variable with the lowest impact on the process is the bioethanol price because of the high ratio proposed (20 : 1) and because over 80% of this alcohol is recycled at the beginning of the process. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
An examination of behavioral treatment wording on acceptability and understanding
Authors: Banks Brea M. , Shriver Mark D. , Chadwell Mindy R. , Allen Keith D.
Published: March 2018

It has long been suggested that the words we use when describing treatments may affect treatment acceptability. However, previous research has focused largely on teachers or undergraduates, with mixed results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how wording impacted the acceptability and understanding of a behavioral treatment described to parents of clinically referred children. Parents visiting an outpatient behavioral health clinic with their children were asked to watch a video description of a common behavioral intervention (time‐out) but were randomly assigned to one of three time‐out wording conditions: (a) technical terminology, (b) nontechnical terminology, or (c) popular terminology. Participants watched a video of a therapist describing time‐out and then completed a survey of treatment and therapist acceptability, as well as their comprehension of the procedure. Results indicate that the language used did not differentially affect parents' acceptability of the treatment or of the therapist. The language used did, however, affect parents' comprehension of the intervention. Results and implications are discussed.
Solid‐phase extraction based on amino‐functionalized graphene oxide nanocomposites for analysis of short‐chain perfluorinated alkyl acids in human serum by ion chromatography mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhong Zhixiong , Li Gongke , Guo Lingchuan , Yao Jing , Liu Zhe , Deng Jianchao
Published: March 2018

A highly sensitive method was developed for the analysis of short‐chain perfluorinated alkyl acids (PFAAs) in serum samples using solid‐phase extraction (SPE) coupled with ion chromatography–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry. The synthesized amino‐functionalized graphene oxide nanocomposites were used as an SPE sorbent for the enrichment of trace analytes and purification of samples. They exhibited high selectivity to polar compounds. The suppressor was employed to remove counterions and reduce background signals of mobile phase. These two crucial steps could effectively eliminate matrix effects and enhance analytical sensitivity. The lowest limits of quantification were 2.0 μg L−1 for perfluorobutanoic acid and perfluorovaleric acid, 1.0 μg L−1 for perfluorocaproic acid and 0.50 μg L−1 for perfluorobutane sulfonic acid, respectively. The procedure was successfully applied for determination of trace PFAAs in 25 serum samples. Mean recoveries ranged from 86.3 to 101.4% with relative standard deviations of 1.6–6.8%. The method allowed an excellent separation and quantification of short‐chain PFAAs that were difficult to analyze by conventional chromatography.
Circular economy in corporate sustainability strategies: A review of corporate sustainability reports in the fast‐moving consumer goods sector
Authors: Stewart Raphaëlle , Niero Monia
Published: March 2018

Despite the increasing interest of business and academic research toward Circular Economy, the investigation of its uptake by industry remains limited. To contribute to filling this gap, we perform a systematic review of 46 corporate sustainability reports in the Fast‐Moving Consumer Goods sector aiming to explore how companies incorporate the Circular Economy concept in their sustainability agenda. We focus on (i) companies’ uptake of Circular Economy, (ii) the relationship between Circular Economy and sustainability and (iii) the Circular Economy practices presented. Our results show that Circular Economy has started to be integrated into the corporate sustainability agenda. Most reported activities are oriented toward the main product and packaging, focusing on end‐of‐life management and sourcing strategies, and to a lesser extent on circular product design and business model strategies. Most identified collaborations are with businesses, whereas initiatives addressing consumers are largely missing although considered critical for the transition toward Circular Economy.
Mitochondrial Acetyl‐CoA Synthetase 3 is Biosignature of Gastric Cancer Progression
Authors: Chang Wei‐Chun , Cheng Wei‐Chung , Cheng Bi‐Hua , Chen Lumin , Ju Li‐Jing , Ou Yu‐Jer , Jeng Long‐Bin , Yang Mei‐Due , Hung Yao‐Ching , Ma Wen‐Lung
Published: March 2018

Cholesterol affects cancer progression, and acetyl‐CoA is the primary cholesterogenesis substrate. The previous work has defined cholesterol bioflux via lipoprotein/receptor route is the gastric cancer (GCa) prognosis biosignature. The prognosis importance of acetyl‐CoA to cholesterogenesis (mevalonate pathway) in GCa is yet to be defined. Using Kaplan–Meier Plotter web‐based gene survival analyzer and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)‐database analyzed with DBdriver.v2 platform, we revealed acetyl‐CoA production and the mevalonate pathway are associated with GCa prognosis. We found mitochondrial‐derived acetyl‐CoA contributing enzymes (acyl‐coA synthetase super‐family 3; ACSS3) is the GCa progression confounder. Interestingly, it is not HMGCR (the committee enzyme of mevalonate pathway), but lower mevalonate pathway enzymes (e.g., MVK, LSS, DHCR14A1, SC4MOL, HSD17B7, SC5D) promote GCa patients 5‐years overall survival in a differential level. Advanced analyses found ACSS3 is prognosis biosignatures for multiple GCa disease conditions. This report uncovered a higher expression of ACSS3 in tumor comparing to normal parental lesions, which implicates a targeting value for GCa therapy. While knockdown ACSS3 could suppress growth and invasion of GCa cells, of which even more impactful under starvation condition. This is the first report, surprisingly, revealed ACSS3 as important cancer prognosis biomarker. Targeting ACSS3 could be a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer, in this case, GCa.
Increased expression of miR‐641 contributes to erlotinib resistance in non‐small‐cell lung cancer cells by targeting NF1
Authors: Chen Juan , Cui Jie‐da , Guo Xiao‐tong , Cao Xia , Li Qing
Published: March 2018

Epidermal growth receptor (EGFR)‐targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have emerged as first‐line drugs for advanced non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with EFGR mutations. However, most patients with NSCLC show acquired resistance to EGFR‐TKIs, and low expression of NF1 is a mechanism of EGFR‐TKI resistance in lung cancer. However, the mechanism by which NF1 is downregulated in EGFR‐TKI‐resistant NSCLC is unclear. Here, we found the increased expression of miR‐641 in NSCLC cells and human NSCLC samples with resistance to TKI compared to those with sensitive to TKI. In addition, our in vitro experiments show that overexpression of miR‐641 induces TKI resistance in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, we identified that miR‐641 activates ERK signaling by direct targeting of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) in NSCLC cells. Our data show that overexpression of NF1 or silencing of ERK can block miR‐641‐induced resistance of NSCLC cells to erlotinib treatment. Importantly, our animal experiments show that combination of miR‐641 inhibition and erlotinib treatment can significantly inhibit erlotinib‐resistant NSCLC growth, inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis compared to single‐drug treatment. Our findings suggest that increased expression of miR‐641 significantly contributes to erlotinib resistance development in NSCLC cells through activating ERK signaling by targeting NF1 and that inhibition of miR‐641 may reverse acquired resistance of NSCLC cells to erlotinib treatment.
New Lignans from the Flower of Forsythia koreana and Their Suppression Effect on VCAM‐1 Expression in MOVAS Cells
Authors: Lee Yeong‐Geun , Jang Seon‐A , Seo Kyeong‐Hwa , Gwag Jung Eun , Kim Hyoung‐Geun , Ko Jung‐Hwan , Ji So‐Ae , Kang Se‐Chan , Lee Dae Young , Baek Nam‐In
Published: March 2018

Six lignans including two new lignans were obtained as the principal components of the Forsythia koreana flowers via silica gel (SiO2), octadecyl SiO2 (ODS) as well as Sephadex LH‐20 column chromatography. In addition to two new lignans, named koreanaside A ((7R,8S,7′R,8′S)‐7,7′‐diepoxy‐5′‐hydroxy‐3,3′‐dimethoxylignan 4‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside) and koreanaside B ((7R,8S,7′S,8′R)‐7,9′‐epoxy‐9,5′,7′‐trihydroxy‐3,3′‐dimethoxylignan 4‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside), four known lignans were identified to be (+)‐phylligenin, (−)‐epipinoresinol, pinoresinol, and tinosposide A. The structures and absolute configurations of koreanasides A and B were established by means of analysis of spectroscopic data (NMR, IR, FAB‐MS, and CD), whereas the structures of known lignans were identified by comparison their NMR and MS values with those in the reported literature. Their chemical structures including configuration were established by means of analysis of spectroscopic data (NMR, IR, FAB‐MS, and CD) but also comparison of their NMR and MS values with those in the reported literature. This is the first article for isolation of six lignans of F. koreana flowers. Koreanasides A and B showed high radical scavenging activity with oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) values of 0.97 ± 0.01 and 1.02 ± 0.01, respectively. Koreanaside A also prohibited expressing VCAM‐1 in MOVAS cells with 80.5% at 25 mg/mL.
Cobalt‐Iron‐Manganese Catalysts for the Conversion of End‐of‐Life‐Tire‐Derived Syngas into Light Terminal Olefins
Authors: Falkenhagen Jan P. , Maisonneuve Lise , Paalanen Pasi P. , Coste Nathalie , Malicki Nicolas , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: March 2018

Co‐Fe‐Mn/γ‐Al2O3 Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS) catalysts were synthesized, characterized and tested for CO hydrogenation, mimicking end‐of‐life‐tire (ELT)‐derived syngas. It was found that an increase of C2‐C4 olefin selectivities to 49 % could be reached for 5 wt % Co, 5 wt % Fe, 2.5 wt % Mn/γ‐Al2O3 with Na at ambient pressure. Furthermore, by using a 5 wt % Co, 5 wt % Fe, 2.5 wt % Mn, 1.2 wt % Na, 0.03 wt % S/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst the selectivity towards the fractions of C5+ and CH4 could be reduced, whereas the selectivity towards the fraction of C4 olefins could be improved to 12.6 % at 10 bar. Moreover, the Na/S ratio influences the ratio of terminal to internal olefins observed as products, that is, a high Na loading prevents the isomerization of primary olefins, which is unwanted if 1,3‐butadiene is the target product. Thus, by fine‐tuning the addition of promoter elements the volume of waste streams that need to be recycled, treated or upgraded during ELT syngas processing could be reduced. The most promising catalyst (5 wt % Co, 5 wt % Fe, 2.5 wt % Mn, 1.2 wt % Na, 0.03 wt % S/γ‐Al2O3) has been investigated using operando transmission X‐ray microscopy (TXM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). It was found that a cobalt‐iron alloy was formed, whereas manganese remained in its oxidic phase.
Comparative Photothermal Performance among Various Sub‐Stoichiometric 2D Oxygen‐Deficient Molybdenum Oxide Nanoflakes and In Vivo Toxicity
Authors: Pandey Sunil , Sharma Krishna Hari , Sharma Amit Kumar , Nerthigan Yowan , Hang Da‐Ren , Wu Hui‐Fen
Published: March 2018

The present study deals with photothermal therapy of solid tumors using different forms of oxygen‐deficient sub‐stoichiometric two‐dimensional (2D) molybdenum oxide nanoflakes (α‐MoO3−x). Upon exfoliation of molybdenum oxide power using fine gridding followed by ultrasonication, bluish green molybdenum oxide (BG α‐MoO3) was obtained. Oxygen vacancies in BG were generated upon irradiation with an intense xenon lamp. Irradiating the BG for 3 and 5 h, deep blue (B) and olive green (G) oxygen‐deficient nanoflakes were obtained respectively. All exhibited high NIR absorption, making these nanomaterials suitable for photothermal therapy. All three forms were functionalized with polypyrrole (PPy@BG, PPy@B, PPy@G) to boost the photothermal stability and transduction efficiency. After functionalization and irradiation with 808 nm laser, the enhancement of temperature for BG, B, G was 50, 65, 52 °C respectively and the corresponding photothermal transduction efficiencies (PTE) were 29.32, 44.42 and 42.00 %. Each of the nanoflakes were found to be highly biocompatible and photostable both in vitro and in vivo. There was substantial decrease in the size of tumors after seven days of treatment on tumor‐bearing experimental mice models.
Reversible Nanogate System for Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Based on Diels–Alder Adducts
Authors: Castillo Rafael R. , Hernández‐Escobar David , Gómez‐Graña Sergio , Vallet‐Regí María
Published: March 2018

The implementation of nanoparticles as nanomedicines requires sophisticated surface modifications to reduce the immune response and enhance recognition abilities. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles present extraordinary host–guest abilities and facile surface functionalization. These two factors make them ideal candidates for the development of novel drug‐delivery systems, at the expense of increasing structural complexity. With this idea in mind, a system composed of triggerable and tunable silica nanoparticles was developed for application as drug‐delivery nanocarriers. Diels–Alder cycloaddition adducts were chosen as thermal‐responsive units that permitted the binding of gold nanocaps able to block the pores and allow the incorporation of targeting fragments. The capping efficiency was tested under different thermal conditions to give outstanding efficiencies within the physiological range and mild temperatures, as well as enhanced release under pulsing heating cycles, which showed the best release profiles.
Anthracene Bisureas as Powerful and Accessible Anion Carriers
Authors: Dias Christopher M. , Valkenier Hennie , Davis Anthony P.
Published: March 2018

Synthetic anion carriers (anionophores) have potential as biomedical research tools and as treatments for conditions arising from defective natural transport systems (notably cystic fibrosis). Highly active anionophores that are readily accessible and easily deliverable are especially valuable. Previous work has resulted in steroid and trans‐decalin based anionophores with exceptional activity for chloride/nitrate exchange in vesicles, but poor accessibility and deliverability. This work shows that anthracene 1,8‐bisureas can fulfil all three criteria. In particular, a bis‐nitrophenyl derivative is prepared in two steps from commercial starting materials, yet shows comparable transport activity to the best currently known. Moreover, unlike earlier highly active systems, it does not need to be preincorporated in test vesicles but can be introduced subsequent to vesicle formation. This transporter also shows the ability to transfer between vesicles, and is therefore uniquely effective for anion transport at low transporter loadings. The results suggest that anthracene bisureas are promising candidates for application in biological research and medicine.
Cooperative Iodide Pd(0)‐Catalysed Coupling of Alkoxyallenes and N‐Tosylhydrazones: A Selective Synthesis of Conjugated and Skipped Dienes
Authors: Parisotto Stefano , Palagi Lorenzo , Prandi Cristina , Deagostino Annamaria
Published: March 2018

Palladium(0)‐catalysed hydro‐alkylation or ‐alkenylation of alkoxyallenes with N‐tosylhydrazones gives direct access to conjugated and skipped 1‐alkoxydienes with high efficiency and excellent functional‐group compatibility. The reaction is proposed to involve the in situ‐formed t‐butanol as proton source in the key step of the allylpalladium(II) species generation. Moreover, lithium iodide or iodobenzene are employed as an unprecedented iodide (I−) reservoir to sustain the catalytic cycle.
Metal‐ and Reagent‐Free Anodic C−C Cross‐Coupling of Phenols with Benzofurans leading to a Furan Metathesis
Authors: Lips Sebastian , Frontana‐Uribe Bernardo Antonio , Dörr Maurice , Schollmeyer Dieter , Franke Robert , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: March 2018

Heterobiaryls consisting of a phenol and a benzofuran motif are of significant importance for pharmaceutical applications. An attractive sustainable, metal‐ and reagent‐free, electrosynthetic, and highly efficient method, that allows access to (2‐hydroxyphenyl)benzofurans is presented. Upon the electrochemical dehydrogenative C−C cross‐coupling reaction, a metathesis of the benzo moiety at the benzofuran occurs. This gives rise to a substitution pattern at the hydroxyphenyl moiety which would not be compatible by a direct coupling process. The single‐step protocol is easy to conduct in an undivided electrolysis cell, therefore scalable, and inherently safe.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Fully Benzenoid Single and Double Carbohelicenes via Gold‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Hydroarylation
Authors: Satoh Masakazu , Shibata Yu , Tanaka Ken
Published: March 2018

The enantioselective synthesis of fully benzenoid single and double carbo[6]helicenes has been achieved via the gold‐catalyzed intramolecular hydroarylation. The single crystal of the racemic double carbo[6]helicene consists of unique layer structures like timbers with halving joints in the woodworking. Furthermore, the double carbo[6]helicenes exhibited relatively large CPL activities among chiral small organic molecules.
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection in women: What is known and what is yet to be understood
Authors: Tweet Marysia S. , Kok Susan N. , Hayes Sharonne N.
Published: March 2018

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a nonatherosclerotic etiology of acute coronary syndrome, including sudden cardiac death, which frequently affects younger women. This review highlights contemporary knowledge regarding spontaneous coronary artery dissection demographics, prevalence, diagnosis, presentation, and associated conditions and risks, inpatient treatment, major adverse clinical events, and outpatient management decisions.
Engineering Anisotropically Curved Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanosheets with Recyclable Binary Flux for Sodium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Chen Yuxiang , Li Jie , Lai Yanqing , Xu Ming , Li Junming , Wang Peng , Zhang Zhian
Published: March 2018

As a low‐cost substitute of graphene and graphene derivatives, 2D carbon nanosheets are considered to be attractive materials for high‐performance electrochemical energy‐storage devices. Nevertheless, the lack of cost‐effective and green preparation methods still greatly impedes the application of 2D carbon nanosheets in sodium‐ion batteries. Herein, an environmental friendly and versatile strategy is proposed to engineer anisotropically curved nitrogen‐doped carbon nanosheets (CNCNs) derived from biosources with hydrosoluble and recyclable flux. After undergoing serious corrosion from the LiCl/KCl binary flux, the resulting CNCNs possess high structural stability. Notably, the CNCNs also possess a rational specific surface area, open porous structure, and abundant accessible edges, which can shorten the ion‐diffusion path, provide abundant accessible active sites, and result in less charge‐transfer impedance and excellent sodium‐ion diffusion coefficient (8.9×10−10 cm2 s−1). As a consequence, CNCN electrodes can deliver a high specific capacity of 361.6 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1. Such architecture provides a promising structural platform for the fabrication of 2D carbons for highly reversible and high capacity sodium‐ion batteries.
Cytomorphologic patterns of Pap and PAS‐stained oral exfoliative cytology smears in adult Saudi diabetic patients as compared to healthy controls
Authors: Salih Magdi Mansour , El‐Esawy Basem Hassan , Abd El hafez Amal , Abd El‐Hafez Afaf
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common metabolic disorders worldwide and 425 million people were estimated to have diabetes by 2017. Oral manifestations reflect the metabolic control of diabetes. Exfoliative cytology using Papanicolaou (Pap) and periodic acid Schiff (PAS) stains is a practical technique to evaluate oral epithelial cytomorphologic changes in diabetes.

Aim

This study analyzes the cytomorphologic changes and the glycogen content in exfoliated oral epithelial cells among diabetic patients as compared to healthy controls using Pap and PAS stains to verify the utility of exfoliative cytology as adjunct to diagnosis, follow up or screening of diabetes.

Subjects and Methods

Eighty‐nine participants; 38 adult diabetic patients (case group) and 51 age‐matching nondiabetics (control group) were enrolled in the study after fulfilling appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sampling and staining procedures were performed using routine protocols. Slides were observed by two pathologists and categorized as inflammatory, dyskaryotic and negative. Glycogen content was expressed as PAS negative or +, ++, and +++ positive.

Results

The difference between the diabetics and the controls was statistically significant regarding inflammatory, dyskaryotic/nuclear changes and glycogen content and staining intensity. Other observed finding in diabetic patient smears included binucleation, polychromic, and/or vacuolated cytoplasm.

Conclusions

Cytomorphologic changes of oral epithelial cells reflect the complex pathological mechanisms by which DM affects cellular metabolism and function. Cytomorphologic patterns of Pap and PAS‐stained oral exfoliative cytology smears can be helpful for diagnosis, follow up as well as for screening for diabetes in high prevalence communities.
Stormwater wetlands can function as ecological traps for urban frogs
Authors: Sievers Michael , Parris Kirsten M. , Swearer Stephen E. , Hale Robin
Published: March 2018

Around cities, natural wetlands are rapidly being destroyed and replaced with wetlands constructed to treat stormwater. Although the intended purpose of these wetlands is to manage urban stormwater, they are inhabited by wildlife that might be exposed to contaminants. These effects will be exacerbated if animals are unable to differentiate between stormwater treatment wetlands of varying quality and some function as “ecological traps” (i.e., habitats that animals prefer despite fitness being lower than in other habitats). To examine if urban stormwater wetlands can be ecological traps for frogs, we tested if survival, metamorphosis‐related measures, and predator avoidance behaviors of frogs differed within mesocosms that simulated stormwater wetlands with different contaminant levels, and paired this with a natural oviposition experiment to assess breeding‐site preferences. We provide the first empirical evidence that these wetlands can function as ecological traps for frogs. Tadpoles had lower survival and were less responsive to predator olfactory cues when raised in more polluted stormwater wetlands, but also reached metamorphosis earlier and at a larger size. A greater size at metamorphosis was likely a result of increased per capita food availability due to higher mortality combined with eutrophication, although other compensatory effects such as selective‐mortality removing smaller individuals from low‐quality mesocosms may also explain these results. Breeding adults laid comparable numbers of eggs across wetlands with high and low contaminant levels, indicating no avoidance of the former. Since stormwater treatment wetlands are often the only available aquatic habitat in urban landscapes we need to better understand how they perform as habitats to guide management decisions that mitigate their potential ecological costs. This may include improving wetland quality so that fitness is no longer compromised, preventing colonization by animals, altering the cues animals use when selecting habitats, pretreating contaminated water prior to release, providing off‐line wetlands nearby, or simply not constructing stormwater treatment wetlands in sensitive areas. Our study confirms the potential for urban stormwater treatment wetlands to function as ecological traps and highlights the need for greater awareness of their prevalence and impact at landscape scales.
Dropout from cognitive‐behavioral therapy for eating disorders: A meta‐analysis of randomized, controlled trials
Authors: Linardon Jake , Hindle Annemarie , Brennan Leah
Published: March 2018

Objective

Cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT) is efficacious for a range of eating disorder presentations, yet premature dropout is one factor that might limit CBTs effectiveness. Improved understanding of dropout from CBT for eating disorders is important. This meta‐analysis aimed to study dropout from CBT for eating disorders in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), by (a) identifying the types of dropout definitions applied, (b) providing estimates of dropout, (c) comparing dropout rates from CBT to non‐CBT interventions for eating disorders, and (d) testing moderators of dropout.

Method

RCTs of CBT for eating disorders that reported rates of dropout were searched. Ninety‐nine RCTs (131 CBT conditions) were included.

Results

Dropout definitions varied widely across studies. The overall dropout estimate was 24% (95% CI = 22–27%). Diagnostic type, type of dropout definition, baseline symptom severity, study quality, and sample age did not moderate this estimate. Dropout was highest among studies that delivered internet‐based CBT and was lowest in studies that delivered transdiagnostic enhanced CBT. There was some evidence that longer treatment protocols were associated with lower dropout. No significant differences in dropout rates were observed between CBT and non‐CBT interventions for all eating disorder subtypes.

Conclusion

Present study dropout estimates are hampered by the use of disparate dropout definitions applied. This meta‐analysis highlights the urgency for RCTs to utilize a standardized dropout definition and to report as much information on patient dropout as possible, so that strategies designed to minimize dropout can be developed, and factors predictive of CBT dropout can be more easily identified.
Plant soil feedback strength in relation to large‐scale plant rarity and phylogenetic relatedness
Authors: Kempel Anne , Rindisbacher Abiel , Fischer Markus , Allan Eric
Published: March 2018

Understanding why some species are rare while others are common remains a central and fascinating question in ecology. Recently, interactions with soil organisms have been shown to affect local abundances of plant species within communities, however, it is not known whether they might also drive patterns of rarity at large scales. Further, little is known about the specificity of soil‐feedback effects, and whether closely related plants share more soil pathogens than more distantly related plants. In a multi‐species soil‐feedback experiment (using 19 species) we tested whether regionally and locally rare species differed in their response to soil biota. Regional rarity was measured using range size or IUCN status and local rarity by typical abundance within an area. All species were grown on soils trained by a variety of regionally and locally rare and common species, which also varied in their degree of relatedness to the target. We found that, in general, regionally rare species suffered more than twice as much from soil biota than regionally common species. Soil cultured by regionally rare species also had a more negative effect on subsequent plant growth, suggesting they may have also accumulated more pathogens. Local rarity did not predict feedback strength. Further, soil trained by closely related plants had a more negative effect on growth than soil trained by distant relatives, which indicates a phylogenetic signal in the host range of soil biota. We conclude that soil biota may well contribute to plant rarity at large spatial scales, which offers a novel explanation for plant rarity and commonness. Moreover, our results show that phylogenetic relatedness between plants was a good predictor of the likelihood that two plant species interacted negatively via soil biota, which might mean that soil pathogens could prevent the coexistence of closely related plants and could drive patterns of phylogenetic overdispersion. Our results suggest that soil pathogens could restrict the ability of rare species to shift their ranges and might need to be considered by conservation biologists seeking to protect populations of rare plants.
Demonstration of Loss‐reduction Effect of the Amorphous Cores for Larger‐Capacity Transformers by Trial Manufacture
Authors: KURITA NAOYUKI , NISHIMIZU AKIRA , MOROOKA HISASHI , KOBAYASHI CHIE , MIYAMOTO NAOYA , HAMADATE YOSHIO , ISHIGAMI TAKASHI , YAMADA YU , SASAKI KOUJI , SATAKE TAKAHIRO , FUKUYAMA TETSUYA
Published: March 2018

For the demonstration of feasibility and loss‐reduction effect of the larger‐capacity amorphous core transformers (AMT), this paper proposed the support structure and design method of the iron‐loss reduced amorphous wound cores with a weight of 7 tons. We designed and manufactured 10 MVA single‐phase test model with the cores inserted in a support cage having structures of the stress‐buffered core support, the proof electromagnetic force from the windings, and the stray loss‐reducing shields. The 50%‐loaded total loss of the test model estimated from the calculated and measured results has been reduced by 35% compared with a conventional silicon‐steel core transformer (SST) with the same power capacity.
Plaque‐dependent morphological and electrophysiological heterogeneity of microglia in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model
Authors: Plescher Monika , Seifert Gerald , Hansen Jan Niklas , Bedner Peter , Steinhäuser Christian , Halle Annett
Published: March 2018

Microglia, the central nervous system resident innate immune cells, cluster around Aβ plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The activation phenotype of these plaque‐associated microglial cells, and their differences to microglia distant to Aβ plaques, are incompletely understood. We used novel three‐dimensional cell analysis software to comprehensively analyze the morphological properties of microglia in the TgCRND8 mouse model of AD in spatial relation to Aβ plaques. We found strong morphological changes exclusively in plaque‐associated microglia, whereas plaque‐distant microglia showed only minor changes. In addition, patch‐clamp recordings of microglia in acute cerebral slices of TgCRND8 mice revealed increased K+ currents in plaque‐associated but not plaque‐distant microglia. Within the subgroup of plaque‐associated microglia, two different current profiles were detected. One subset of cells displayed only increased inward currents, while a second subset showed both increased inward and outward currents, implicating that the plaque microenvironment differentially impacts microglial ion channel expression. Using pharmacological channel blockers, multiplex single‐cell PCR analysis and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization, we identified Kir and Kv channel types contributing to the in‐ and outward K+ conductance in plaque‐associated microglia. In summary, we have identified a previously unrecognized level of morphological and electrophysiological heterogeneity of microglia in relation to amyloid plaques, suggesting that microglia may display multiple activation states in AD.
Thirty‐day readmission in patients undergoing head and neck microvascular reconstruction
Authors: Graboyes Evan M. , Schrank Travis P. , Worley Mitchell L. , Momin Suhael R. , Day Terry A. , Huang Andrew T.
Published: March 2018

Background

Characteristics of 30‐day unplanned readmissions after head and neck microvascular reconstruction remain poorly understood.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort of patients who underwent head and neck microvascular reconstruction between 2010 and 2015.

Results

The 30‐day unplanned readmission rate was 13.0% (64/493). The most common readmission diagnoses were dehiscence, surgical site infection, or fistula (45.3%; n = 29). Of the readmissions, 46.9% (30/64) occurred within 7 days of discharge from the hospital. Risk factors for readmission on multivariable analysis included body mass index (BMI) < 21 kg/m (odds ratio [OR] 2.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36‐4.47), primary site of oropharynx (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.17‐6.06), hypopharynx/larynx (OR 3.66; 95% CI 1.70‐7.88), or sinonasal/skull base (OR 4.07; 95% CI 1.43‐11.55), and fistula during the index hospitalization (OR 2.98; 95% CI 1.22‐7.24).

Conclusion

More than 1 in 10 patients undergoing head and neck microvascular reconstruction has a 30‐day unplanned readmission, most commonly related to wound complications. Further efforts are needed to determine optimal 30‐day unplanned readmission reduction strategies.
Early and late changes in natural killer cells in response to ledipasvir/sofosbuvir treatment
Authors: Golden‐Mason Lucy , McMahan Rachel H. , Kriss Michael S. , Kilgore Alexandra L. , Cheng Linling , Dran Rachael J. , Wieland Amanda , Rosen Hugo R.
Published: March 2018

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is characterized by dysregulated natural killer (NK) cell responses. NKs play a critical role in achieving sustained responses to interferon (IFN)‐α‐based therapy. Rapid sustained HCV‐RNA clearance is now achieved with direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs). Studies of patients receiving first‐wave DAAs suggest NK functional restoration. Here, we investigate the effect of mainstream DAA treatment on NKs. We collected a prospective cohort of male HCV genotype 1‐infected patients treated with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (n = 22). Peripheral blood was obtained at treatment start, week 2 (W2), W4, W8, and W12 of treatment and 12 weeks posttreatment. Flow cytometry was used to characterize NK responses to therapy. Mean baseline viral load was 1.75 million IU/mL. All subjects rapidly cleared virus and remained HCV RNA‐negative posttreatment. No change was seen in total NK levels; however, the frequency of immature NKs (clusters of differentiation [CD]56bright) decreased by W2 and was maintained throughout the study. Phenotypic changes were evident by W2/W4, coincident with rapid viral clearance. At W2, T‐cell immunoglobulin and mucin‐domain containing‐3 and CD161 were significantly increased, returning to pretreatment levels by W12. Some changes were not evident until late (W12 or posttreatment). Down‐regulation of several activation markers, including NKp30 and tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis‐inducing ligand, was observed at W12 and sustained posttreatment. No difference was observed in IFN‐γ production or cytokine‐mediated killing of NK‐sensitive cell line K562 posttreatment compared to pretreatment. Conclusion: Our phenotype data suggest transient activation followed by dampening of NK cell activity to pretreatment levels. The NK response to ledipasvir/sofosbuvir is not universal in a homogeneous patient cohort. More studies are needed to elucidate the roles of NK cells in IFN‐free regimens, which will have implications for protection from re‐infection and fibrosis progression. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:364‐375)
Bridging the gap between numerical solutions of travel time distributions and analytical storage selection functions
Authors: Danesh‐Yazdi Mohammad , Klaus Julian , Condon Laura E. , Maxwell Reed M.
Published: March 2018

Recent advancements in analytical solutions to quantify water and solute travel time distributions (TTDs) and the related StorAge Selection (SAS) functions synthesize catchment complexity into a simplified, lumped representation. Although these analytical approaches are efficient in application, they require rarely available long‐term and high‐frequency hydrochemical data for parameter estimation. Alternatively, integrated hydrologic models coupled to Lagrangian particle‐tracking approaches can directly simulate age under different catchment geometries and complexity, but at a greater computational expense. Here, we bridge the two approaches, using a physically based model to explore the uncertainty in the estimation of the SAS function shape. In particular, we study the influence of subsurface heterogeneity, interactions between distinct flow domains (i.e., the vadose zone and saturated groundwater), diversity of flow pathways, and recharge rate on the shape of TTDs and the SAS functions. We use an integrated hydrology model, ParFlow, linked with a particle‐tracking model, SLIM, to compute transient residence times (or ages) at every cell in the domain, facilitating a direct characterization of the SAS function. Steady‐state results reveal that the SAS function shape shows a wide range of variation with respect to the variability in the structure of subsurface heterogeneity. Ensembles of spatially correlated realizations of hydraulic conductivity indicate that the SAS functions in the saturated groundwater have an overall weak tendency toward sampling younger ages, whereas the vadose zone gives a strong preference for older ages. We further show that the influence of recharge rate on the TTD is tightly dependent on the variability of subsurface hydraulic conductivity.
DNA methylation of imprinted gene control regions in the regression of low‐grade cervical lesions
Authors: Gomih Ayodele , Smith Jennifer S. , North Kari E. , Hudgens Michael G. , Brewster Wendy R. , Huang Zhiqing , Skaar David , Valea Fidel , Bentley Rex C. , Vidal Adriana C. , Maguire Rachel L. , Jirtle Randy L. , Murphy Susan K. , Hoyo Cathrine
Published: March 2018

The role of host epigenetic mechanisms in the natural history of low‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN1) is not well characterized. We explored differential methylation of imprinted gene regulatory regions as predictors of the risk of CIN1 regression. A total of 164 patients with CIN1 were recruited from 10 Duke University clinics for the CIN Cohort Study. Participants had colposcopies at enrollment and up to five follow‐up visits over 3 years. DNA was extracted from exfoliated cervical cells for methylation quantitation at CpG (cytosine‐phosphate‐guanine) sites and human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox regression to quantify the effect of methylation on CIN1 regression over two consecutive visits, compared to non‐regression (persistent CIN1; progression to CIN2+; or CIN1 regression at a single time‐point), adjusting for age, race, high‐risk HPV (hrHPV), parity, oral contraceptive and smoking status. Median participant age was 26.6 years (range: 21.0–64.4 years), 39% were African‐American, and 11% were current smokers. Most participants were hrHPV‐positive at enrollment (80.5%). Over one‐third of cases regressed (n = 53, 35.1%). Median time‐to‐regression was 12.6 months (range: 4.5–24.0 months). Probability of CIN1 regression was negatively correlated with methylation at IGF2AS CpG 5 (HR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.23–0.77) and PEG10 DMR (HR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.65–0.98). Altered methylation of imprinted IGF2AS and PEG10 DMRs may play a role in the natural history of CIN1. If confirmed in larger studies, further research on imprinted gene DMR methylation is warranted to determine its efficacy as a biomarker for cervical cancer screening.
A clinicopathological study and prognostic factor analysis of 177 salivary duct carcinoma patients from The Netherlands
Authors: Boon Eline , Bel Miranda , van Boxtel Wim , van der Graaf Winette T. A. , van Es Robert J. J. , Eerenstein Simone E. J. , Baatenburg de Jong Robert J. , van den Brekel Michiel W. M. , van der Velden Lilly‐Ann , Witjes Max J. H. , Hoeben Ann , Willems Stefan M. , Bloemena Elisabeth , Smit Laura A. , Oosting Sjoukje F. ,   PALGA Group, Jonker Marianne A. , Flucke Uta E. , van Herpen Carla M. L.
Published: March 2018

Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is a subtype of salivary gland cancer with a dismal prognosis and a need for better prognostication and novel treatments. The aim of this national cohort study was to investigate clinical outcome, prognostic factors, androgen receptor (AR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. SDC patients diagnosed between 1990 and 2014 were identified by the Nationwide Network and Registry of Histo‐ and Cytopathology in the Netherlands (PALGA). Subsequently, medical records were evaluated and pathological diagnoses reviewed. Data were analyzed for overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS) and prognostic factors. AR was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC), HER2 by IHC and fluorescent in‐situ hybridization. A total of 177 patients were included. The median age was 65 years, 75% were male. At diagnosis, 68% presented with lymph node metastases and 6% with distant metastases. Median OS, DFS and DMFS were 51, 23 and 26 months, respectively. In patients presenting without distant metastases, the absolute number of positive lymph nodes was associated with poor OS and DMFS in a multivariable analysis. AR and HER2 were positive in 161/168 (96%) and 44/153 (29%) tumors, respectively, and were not prognostic factors. SDC has a dismal prognosis with primary lymph node involvement in the majority of patients. The absolute number of lymph node metastases was found to be the only prognostic factor for DMFS and OS. AR expression and—to a lesser extent—HER2 expression hold promise for systemic treatment in the metastatic and eventually adjuvant setting.
Pseudomonas sp. Lipase Immobilized on Magnetic Porous Polymer Microspheres as an Effective and Recyclable Biocatalyst for Resolution of Allylic Alcohols
Authors: Gu Yaohua , Xue Ping
Published: March 2018

Magnetic porous polymeric microspheres containing epoxy groups were prepared by suspension polymerization (denoted as magnetic Fe3O4@GEM microspheres). Fe3O4@GEM with a specific surface area of 30.41 m2/g, average pore diameter of 17.13 nm, and pore volume of 0.13 cm3/g exhibited superparamagnetic behavior with the saturation magnetization of 7.1 emu/g. The content of epoxy groups on Fe3O4@GEM was 0.22 mmol/g. Pseudomonas sp. lipase (PSL) was covalently immobilized onto the Fe3O4@GEM microspheres through the reaction between the amino groups of the enzyme and the epoxy groups on the microspheres. PSL/Fe3O4@GEM exhibited enhanced enantioselectivity for the resolution of allylic alcohol to the corresponding optically active (S)‐allylic alcohol and (R)‐allylic alcohol acetate compared to free PSL. The enantiomeric excess of (S)‐l‐pheny‐2‐propen‐1‐ol for the former (98.1%) was 81.7 times that of the latter (1.2%) when the immobilized PSL was used for transesterification resolution of (R,S)‐l‐pheny‐2‐propen‐1‐ol. Furthermore, the ees and eep values were still retained at 95.2% and 95.4% after PSL/Fe3O4@GEM was recycled 10 times, indicating that PSL/Fe3O4@GEM had very good reusability. In addition, the transesterification resolution of (R,S)‐1‐(4‐methylphenyl)‐2‐propen‐1‐ol and (R,S)‐1‐(4‐bromophenyl)‐2‐propen‐1‐ol was catalyzed by PSL/Fe3O4@GEM, affording ideal ees and eep values of 99.3%, 97.4% and 99.6%, 98.2%, respectively. Therefore, PSL/Fe3O4@GEM demonstrated its potential as a highly efficient enzymatic reactor and Fe3O4@GEM would be very promising carriers for immobilizing enzymes in industrial application.
Genotypic effect of a mutation of the MYBPC3 gene and two phenotypes with different patterns of inheritance
Authors: Mahdieh Nejat , Hosseini Moghaddam Maryam , Motavaf Mahsa , Rabbani Ahmad , Soveizi Mahdieh , Maleki Majid , Rabbani Bahareh , Alizadeh‐asl Azin
Published: March 2018

Background

MYBPC3 mutations have been described in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). A mutation, c.3373G>A, has been reported to cause autosomal recessive form of HCM. Here, we report that this mutation can cause autosomal dominant form of DCM.

Methods

Next‐generation sequencing using targeted panel of a total of 23 candidate genes and following Sanger sequencing was applied to detect causal mutations of DCM. Computational analyses were also performed using available software tools. In silico structural and functional analyses including protein modeling and prediction were done for the mutated MYBPC3 protein.

Results and Conclusion

Targeted sequencing showed one variant c.3373G>A (p.Val1125Met) in the studied family following autosomal dominant inheritance. Computational programs predicted a high score of pathogenicity. Secondary structure of the region surrounding p.Val1125 was changed to a shortened beta‐strand based on prediction of I‐TASSER and Phyre2 servers with high confidence value for the mutation. cMyBP‐C protein was modeled to 3dmkA. Our findings suggest that one single mutation of MYBPC3 may have different effects on the cellular mechanisms based of its zygosity. Various factors might be considered for explaining this phenomenon. This gene may have an important role in Iranian DCM and HCM patients.