bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling moose–forest interactions under different predation scenarios at Isle Royale National Park, USA
Authors: De Jager Nathan R. , Rohweder Jason J. , Miranda Brian R. , Sturtevant Brian R. , Fox Timothy J. , Romanski Mark C.
Published: March 2017

Loss of top predators may contribute to high ungulate population densities and chronic over‐browsing of forest ecosystems. However, spatial and temporal variability in the strength of interactions between predators and ungulates occurs over scales that are much shorter than the scales over which forest communities change, making it difficult to characterize trophic cascades in forest ecosystems. We applied the LANDIS‐II forest succession model and a recently developed ungulate browsing extension to model how the moose population could interact with the forest ecosystem of Isle Royale National Park, USA, under three different wolf predation scenarios. We contrasted a 100‐yr future without wolves (no predation) with two predation scenarios (weak, long‐term average predation rates and strong, higher than average rates). Increasing predation rates led to lower peak moose population densities, lower biomass removal rates, and higher estimates of forage availability and landscape carrying capacity, especially during the first 40 yr of simulations. Thereafter, moose population density was similar for all predation scenarios, but available forage biomass and the carrying capacity of the landscape continued to diverge among predation scenarios. Changes in total aboveground live biomass and species composition were most pronounced in the no predation and weak predation scenarios. Consistent with smaller‐scale studies, high browsing rates led to reductions in the biomass of heavily browsed Populus tremuloides, Betula papyrifera, and Abies balsamea, and increases in the biomass of unbrowsed Picea glauca and Picea mariana, especially after the simulation year 2050, when existing boreal hardwood stands at Isle Royale are projected to senesce. As a consequence, lower predation rates corresponded with a landscape that progressively shifted toward dominance by Picea glauca and Picea mariana, and lacking available forage biomass. Consistencies with previously documented small‐scale successional shifts, and population estimates and trends that approximate those from this and other boreal forests that support moose provide some confidence that these dynamics represent a trophic cascade and therefore provide an important baseline against which to evaluate long‐term and large‐scale effects of alternative predator management strategies on ungulate populations and forest succession.
Full annual cycle climate change vulnerability assessment for migratory birds
Authors: Culp Leah A. , Cohen Emily B. , Scarpignato Amy L. , Thogmartin Wayne E. , Marra Peter P.
Published: March 2017

Climate change is a serious challenge faced by all plant and animal species. Climate change vulnerability assessments (CCVAs) are one method to assess risk and are increasingly used as a tool to inform management plans. Migratory animals move across regions and continents during their annual cycles where they are exposed to diverse climatic conditions. Climate change during any period and in any region of the annual cycle could influence survival, reproduction, or the cues used to optimize timing of migration. Therefore, CCVAs for migratory animals best estimate risk when they include climate exposure during the entire annual cycle. We developed a CCVA incorporating the full annual cycle and applied this method to 46 species of migratory birds breeding in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes (UMGL) region of the United States. Our methodology included background risk, climate change exposure × climate sensitivity, adaptive capacity to climate change, and indirect effects of climate change. We compiled information about migratory connectivity between breeding and stationary non‐breeding areas using literature searches and U.S. Geological Survey banding and re‐encounter data. Climate change exposure (temperature and moisture) was assessed using UMGL breeding season climate and winter climate from non‐breeding regions for each species. Where possible, we focused on non‐breeding regions known to be linked through migratory connectivity. We ranked 10 species as highly vulnerable to climate change and two as having low vulnerability. The remaining 34 species were ranked as moderately vulnerable. In general, including non‐breeding data provided more robust results that were highly individualistic by species. Two species were found to be highly vulnerable throughout their annual cycle. Projected drying will have the greatest effect during the non‐breeding season for species overwintering in Mexico and the Caribbean. Projected temperature increases will have the greatest effect during the breeding season in UMGL as well as during the non‐breeding season for species overwintering in South America. We provide a model for adaptive management of migratory animals in the face of projected climate change, including identification of priority species, research needs, and regions within non‐breeding ranges for potential conservation partnerships.
Perylenediimide–Benzanthrone Dyad: Organic Chromophores with Enhanced Third‐Order Nonlinear‐Optical Activities
Authors: Cao Liu , Zhang Dingfeng , Xu Liang , Fang Zilin , Jiang Xiao‐Fang , Lu Fushen
Published: March 2017

Several perylenediimide‐based chromophores with peripheral benzanthrone groups were developed and characterized for their third‐order nonlinear optics properties by using the femtosecond Z‐scan technique. As a consequence, these chromophores were found to exhibit a moderate two‐photon absorption cross‐section value, and the largest one was found to be 1072.81 GM.
Phosphate adsorption from aqueous solution by Laminaria japonica‐derived biochar‐calcium alginate beads in a fixed‐bed column: Experiments and prediction of breakthrough curves
Authors: Jung Kyung‐Won , Jeong Tae‐Un , Choi Brian Hyun , Jeong Kang Ho‐ , Ahn Kyu‐Hong
Published: March 2017

Phosphate adsorption onto Laminaria japonica‐derived biochar (LB)‐calcium alginate beads (CAB) under a continuous flow fixed‐bed column condition was investigated by varying three operating parameters including the bed height, initial phosphate concentration, and flow rate. Experimental results confirmed that the breakthrough time and exhaustion time decreased with decreasing bed height and increasing initial phosphate concentration and flow rate. The relationship between the adsorption capacity of LB‐CAB and the varied parameters was assessed and predicted using three different theoretical breakthrough curve models: the Adams–Bohart, Thomas, and Yoon–Nelson models. Among them, the breakthrough curves were successfully simulated with the Yoon–Nelson model for all operating parameters with the highest R2 and the lowest error function values. Finally, a simple pot experiment for the growth of Lactuca sativa revealed that the addition of phosphate adsorbed LB‐CAB (10% wt/wt) offers potential for use as an additive to fertilizers for improved soil fertility. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1365–1373, 2017
Evaluating the effects of herbicide drift on nontarget terrestrial plants: A case study with mesotrione
Authors: Brain Richard A. , Perine Jeff , Cooke Catriona , Ellis Clare Butler , Harrington Paul , Lane Andrew , O'Sullivan Christine , Ledson Mark
Published: March 2017

Nature of exposure is a fundamental driver in nontarget terrestrial plant risk assessment for pesticides; consequently a novel study was designed to generate field-based drift exposure and evaluate corresponding biological effects of the herbicide mesotrione. The approach used a combination of US guideline drift reduction technology and vegetative vigor approaches. In each of 3 independent replicate spray application trials, 10 pots each of lettuce and tomato were placed at distances of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 ft (∼3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 m) from the downwind edge of the spray boom. Each application was conducted using a commercial 60-ft (18-m) boom sprayer fitted with TeeJet® Technologies TTI110025 nozzles, with a nominal application rate of 0.2 lb a.i./A (224 g a.i./ha). The environmental conditions required by the protocol (air temperature 10–30 °C and wind perpendicular to the swath (±30°) blowing toward the plants at a mean wind speed of ≥10 mph [≥4.5 m/s] measured at 2.0 m above the ground) were met for each application. Following exposure, plants were transferred to a greenhouse for the 21-d vegetative vigor phase of the study. Symptoms of phytotoxicity and plant height were assessed at 7, 14, and 21 d after treatment. On completion of the 21-d after treatment assessment, all plants were harvested and dried in an oven to determine shoot dry weight. The biological data indicated that no statistically significant effects were observed at a distance of 30 ft (∼9 m) from mesotrione drift at wind speeds of ≥10 mph (10.9–12.4 mph); this endpoint (30 ft) is defined as the no observed effects distance (NOED). Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2465–2475. © 2017 SETAC
Informed Trading in the Options Market and Stock Return Predictability
Authors: Han JoongHo , Kim Da‐Hea , Byun Suk‐Joon
Published: March 2017

Previous research highlights the importance of two distinct types of informed trading in the options market: trading on the price direction of underlying stocks, and trading on their uncertainty. Surprisingly, however, the studies considering these in a unified framework are scant.This study attempts to fill the gap. We predict that when both directional andvolatility information could motivateoptions trading, the return predictability of options volume hinges onthe shape of the volatility smirk.Consistent with this prediction, we find thatthe negative relationship between options volume and future stock returns is concentrated in stocks exhibiting steep volatility smirks. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 37:1053–1093, 2017
Reirradiation of head and neck cancer: Long‐term disease control and toxicity
Authors: Bots Wouter T. C. , van den Bosch Sven , Zwijnenburg Ellen M. , Dijkema Tim , van den Broek Guido B. , Weijs Willem L. J. , Verhoef Lia C. G. , Kaanders Johannes H. A. M.
Published: March 2017

Background

The purpose of this study was to report long‐term disease control and late radiation toxicity for patients reirradiated for head and neck cancer.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 137 patients reirradiated with a prescribed dose ≥45 Gy between 1986 and 2013 for a recurrent or second primary malignancy. Endpoints were locoregional control, overall survival (OS), and grade ≥4 late complications according to European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)/Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) criteria.

Results

Five‐year locoregional control rates were 46% for patients reirradiated postoperatively versus 20% for patients who underwent reirradiation as the primary treatment (p < .05). Sixteen cases of serious (grade ≥4) late toxicity were seen in 11 patients (actuarial 28% at 5 years). In patients reirradiated with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), a borderline improved locoregional control was observed (49% vs 36%; p = .07), whereas late complication rates did not differ.

Conclusion

Reirradiation should be considered for patients with a recurrent or second primary head and neck cancer, especially postoperatively, if indicated. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 1122–1130, 2017
Comparative luciferase assay for establishing reliable in vitro screening system of juvenile hormone agonists
Authors: Miyakawa Hitoshi , Iguchi Taisen
Published: March 2017

The cultured cell‐based in vitro assay using the stringency of ligand‐receptor interactions is typically useful for screening certain hormone agonists from among a very large number of molecules. However, ligands are frequently altered or modified through evolution; indeed, even in the same receptor orthologs, different ligand sensitivity profiles are considered to arise among species and/or taxa. Such ligand transition has been observed in juvenile hormone (JH), one of the most important endocrine factors in arthropods. To understand the molecular basis of ligand selectivity alteration in hormone receptors, we compared the amino acid sequences and ligand selectivity of the JH receptor, Methoprene‐tolerant (Met), among three insects (Drosophila melanogaster, Aedes aegypti and Tribolium castaneum) and one crustacean (Daphnia pulex). Compared with D. pulex, we found that the receptors of the three insects showed a higher sensitivity to JH III, which is the major innate JH ligand in insects. Furthermore, point mutation analysis in Met sequences revealed a candidate amino acid residue that is important for increasing JH sensitivity in insects. Amino acid mutations in Met may have affected changes in ligand selectivity intermittently over the course of the evolution of the JH‐signaling pathway. These findings are useful to improve the existing (developing) cultured cell‐based assay system and may shed light on the relationship between functional diversification in hormonal signaling and the molecular evolution of hormone receptors. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of designer self‐assembling nanofiber scaffolds containing anti‐cancer peptide motif on hepatoma carcinoma cells
Authors: Liu Ting , Li Pindong , Jin Honglin , Ding Qian , Zou Zhenwei , Peng Gang
Published: March 2017

Nanotechnology provides a novel scope for cancer therapeutics. Nanoscale platforms could influence the survival, adhesion, and migration of cancer cells through altering the tumor microenvironments. We report here the development of an anti‐tumor material designed specifically for cancer therapy. We synthesized a 48‐amino acid peptide RADA‐KLA, which could self‐assemble into nanostructures with antitumor activities. We tested the microstructure of RADA‐KLA nanofiber scaffold using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and accessed rheological properties of the material. Then, we demonstrated the effects of RADA‐KLA nanofibers on hepatoma carcinoma cells. We found that RADA‐KLA self‐assembling peptide scaffold could induce cell death, and inhibit adhesion and migration of hepatoma carcinoma cells. Our results indicate that the designer peptide scaffold has anti‐tumor activities and could be used for cancer therapy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2329–2334, 2017.
Anti‐inflammatory coatings of hernia repair meshes: A pilot study
Authors: Gil Dmitry , Rex James , Cobb William , Reukov Vladimir , Vertegel Alexey
Published: March 2017

The current prevalence of postoperative chronic pain from hernioplasty procedures employing polymer mesh is close to 30%. Most of the researchers agree that oxidative stress, resulting from the release of oxidants and enzymes during acute inflammatory response, is a key factor in the development of posthernioplasty complications. This results in both the decrease of the biomechanical properties and stiffening of the polymer fibers of the mesh, leading to chronic pain. Moreover, enhanced activity of inflammatory cells can lead to an excessive deposition of connective tissue around the implant. In this study polypropylene hernia repair meshes coated with vitamin E (α‐tocopherol), a known antioxidant, were prepared and characterized. The absorption isotherm of vitamin E on the mesh was characterized and a release profile study yielded a promising results, showing sustained release of the drug over a 10‐day period. An animal study was conducted, and histological analysis five weeks after implantation exhibited a reduced host tissue response for a modified mesh as compared to a plain mesh, as evidenced by a higher mature collagen to immature collagen ratio, as well as lower level of fatty infiltrates, neovascularization and fibrosis in the case of modified mesh. These results support the use of α‐tocopherol as a potential coating in attempt to reduce the extent of postoperative inflammation, and thereby improve long‐term outcomes of hernioplasty. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 589–597, 2018.
Early Life Pb Exposure and its Effect on Later Life Retinal Degeneration
Authors: Modgil Shweta , Cameotra Swaranjit S. , Sharma Vijay L. , Anand Akshay
Published: March 2017

The study presents the longitudinal effect of early life lead exposure on retinal ischemia. Swiss albino mice were exposed to lead acetate at two different timepoints viz. postnatal day 1–20 and at 7th week of age. These mice were then followed till 10 week of age and subjected to retinal ischemia. Retinal ischemia was induced using pterygopalatine artery ligation. The effect of prior lead exposure on ischemic insult was determined using various histological and molecular parameters. Although toxic effects of Pb are well reported, but the results in this study showed not much significant effect of early life Pb exposure on later life retinal degeneration. While retinal thickness was decreased in surgery group and 7th week Pb exposed group, PND Pb exposed mice showed retinal thickness comparable to normal control. There was no difference in TUNEL positive cells in Pb exposed group when compared to surgery group. The molecular studies revealed overexpression of BDNF and GFAP in PND Pb exposed mice reflecting more injury and inflammation. The combined results revealed that Pb exposure have mild effect on overall susceptibility to retinal damage in later life. The Pb may exert its toxic effects at longer duration and thus the toxic effects may be mapped at longer timepoints. The study provides a new dimension to the already well known toxic effects of lead which needs to be further explored. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3213–3224, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of water of crystallization on the dissolution efficiency of molten zinc chloride hydrate salts during the pre‐treatment of corncob biomass
Authors: Awosusi Ayotunde A , Ayeni Augustine , Adeleke Rasheed , Daramola Michael O
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Agro‐wastes albeit abundant and cheap, require pre‐treatment steps tailored to overcome the characteristic recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass. In this study, zinc chloride hydrate salts were studied for their biomass deconstruction potential. The role of salts' hydration and to what degree it affects the dissolution efficiency was evaluated. Milled corn cobs from local farmlands were dissolved in the following solvent systems; ZnCl2.3H2O, ZnCl2 .4H2O, ZnCl2 .5H2O and ZnCl2 .7H2O at 70 °C for 60 mins at a biomass to solvent ratio of 1:12.

RESULTS

The difference between the least and most hydrated solvent systems in terms of total released sugars as a percentage of recoverable sugar is 70.1%. The ZnCl2.4H2O solvent system extracted up to 49.1% of glucose and 95% of xylose. There were significant differences in the crystallinity indices and surface morphologies between the untreated and treated biomass.

CONCLUSION

The findings as documented contribute to current insights on the mechanisms of disintegration of lignocellulosic biomass in molten hydrate salts. The extraction of sugar components of biomass by ZnCl2.4H2O solvation was about 43% glucan and 99% xylan. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Optimized whole cell biocatalyst from acetoin to 2,3‐butanediol through coexpression of acetoin reductase with NADH regeneration systems in engineered Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Samuel Niyomukiza , Bao Teng , Zhang Xian , Yang Taowei , Xu Meijuan , Li Xin , Komera Irene , Philibert Tuyishime , Rao Zhiming
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

2,3‐Butanediol (2,3‐BD) has a wide range of applications in chiral molecular synthesis, biofuel additives, and in food flavor additive manufacturing. Fermentation is a favorable method for 2,3‐BD production. However, it requires much time and produces several NADH related byproducts which compete with 2,3‐BD production. Bacillus subtilis has an excellent ability for 2,3‐BD production by biocatalysis. However, its production is limited by low intracellular NADH and the reversible property of acetoin reductase (AR/2,3‐BDH). The whole cell biocatalyst process with two different NADH regeneration systems was designed for efficient production of 2,3‐BD in B. subtilis 168.

RESULTS

Formate dehydrogenase and glucose dehydrogenase for NADH regeneration were successfully co‐expressed with acetoin reductase in B. subtilis 168. After optimization of biocatalyst bioconversion conditions, B. subtilis 168/pMA5‐bdhA‐HpaII‐fdh yielded 74.5 g L−1 of 2, 3‐BD with 9.3 g L−1 h−1 productivity by fed batch and 115.4 g of 2,3‐BD was achieved using same batch bacterium by three repeated batch bioconversions. On the other hand, 63.7 g L−1 of 2, 3‐BD was produced with 7.92 g L−1 h−1 productivity by B. subtilis 168/pMA5‐bdhA‐HpaII‐gdh. To our knowledge, the volume productivity obtained here is the highest ever reported for biocatalysis.

CONCLUSION

A higher productivity of 2,3‐BD from acetoin was achieved by whole cell biocatalysis with NADH regeneration systems in B. subtilis 168. This approach can be applied for NADH related bio‐based chemicals production to improve titer, yield and productivity. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Microwave‐accelerated Conjugate Addition of 2‐Arylindoles to Substituted β‐Nitrostyrenes in the Presence of Ammonium Trifluoroacetate: An Efficient Approach for the Synthesis of a Novel Class of CB1 Cannabinoid Receptor Allosteric Modulators
Authors: Kulkarni Pushkar M. , Ranade Ameya , Garai Sumanta , Thakur Ganesh A.
Published: March 2017

2‐Arylindoles, in general, exhibit reduced reactivity towards the conjugate addition to substituted nitrostyrenes, when compared with indoles. We report here an efficient, expeditious, and high‐yielding conjugate addition of 2‐arylindoles to substituted β‐nitrostyrenes in the presence of ammonium trifluoroacetate under microwave irradiation. This method is mild with high and reproducible yields and is selective for addition of β‐nitrostyrenes when compared with other electrophiles. The results obtained from the optimized microwave method consistently provided improved yields in a shorter time compared with those of the conventional heating synthetic route.
Methods for the computation of templates from quantitative magnetic susceptibility maps (QSM): Toward improved atlas‐ and voxel‐based analyses (VBA)
Authors: Hanspach Jannis , Dwyer Michael G. , Bergsland Niels P. , Feng Xiang , Hagemeier Jesper , Bertolino Nicola , Polak Paul , Reichenbach Jürgen R. , Zivadinov Robert , Schweser Ferdinand
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To develop and assess a method for the creation of templates for voxel‐based analysis (VBA) and atlas‐based approaches using quantitative magnetic susceptibility mapping (QSM).

Materials and Methods

We studied four strategies for the creation of magnetic susceptibility brain templates, derived as successive extensions of the conventional template generation (CONV) based on only T1‐weighted (T1w) images. One method that used only T1w images involved a minor improvement of CONV (U‐CONV). One method used only magnetic susceptibility maps as input for template generation (DIRECT), and the other two used a linear combination of susceptibility and T1w images (HYBRID) and an algorithm that directly used both image modalities (MULTI), respectively. The strategies were evaluated in a group of N = 10 healthy human subjects and semiquantitatively assessed by three experienced raters. Template quality was compared statistically via worth estimates (WEs) obtained with a log‐linear Bradley‐Terry model.

Results

The overall quality of the templates was better for strategies including both susceptibility and T1w contrast (MULTI: WE = 0.62; HYBRID: WE = 0.21), but the best method depended on the anatomical region of interest. While methods using only one modality resulted in lower WEs, lowest overall WEs were obtained when only T1w images were used (DIRECT: WE = 0.12; U‐CONV: WE = 0.05).

Conclusion

Template generation strategies that employ only magnetic susceptibility contrast or both magnetic susceptibility and T1w contrast produce templates with the highest quality. The optimal approach depends on the anatomical structures of interest. The established approach of using only T1w images (CONV) results in reduced image quality compared to all other approaches studied.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1474–1484.
HOW TO MEET YOUR CUSTOMER'S NEEDS—AND YOUR OWN: UNDERSTANDING SERVICE DESIGN ARCHETYPES
Authors: Stewart Thomas A. , O'Connell Patricia
Published: March 2017

Stewart and O'Connell contend that companies must design great customer experiences to attract, retain, and delight customers. We tend to think about design more in products, yet services must also be designed. The authors describe nine attributes that represent what they call “service design archetypes,” which in their words are the aggregator, the bargain, the classic, the old shoe, the safe choice, the solutions provider, the specialist, the trendsetter, and the utility. When you match your own archetype, you are better able to design services. “An organization aligned to its archetype,” they write, “makes better decisions at all levels, delighting customers and saving money at the same time.”
Improved field‐mapping and artifact correction in multispectral imaging
Authors: Quist Brady , Shi Xinwei , Weber Hans , Hargreaves Brian A.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To develop a method for improved B0 field‐map estimation, deblurring, and image combination for multispectral imaging near metal.

Methods

A goodness‐of‐fit field‐map estimation technique is proposed that uses only the multispectral imaging (MSI) data to estimate the field map. Using the improved field map, a novel deblurring technique is proposed that also employs a new image combination scheme to reduce the effects of noise and other residual MSI artifacts. The proposed field‐map estimation and deblurring techniques are compared to the current methods in phantoms and/or in vivo from subjects with knee, hip, and spinal metallic implants.

Results

Phantom experiments validate that the goodness‐of‐fit field‐map estimation is less sensitive to noise and bias than the conventional center‐of‐mass technique, which reduces distortion in the deblurring methods. The new deblurring approach also is substantially less sensitive to noise and distortion than the current deblurring method, as demonstrated in phantoms and in vivo, and is able to find a good tradeoff between deblurring and distortion.

Conclusion

The proposed methods not only enable field‐mapping with reduced noise sensitivity but are able to create deblurred images with less distortion and better signal‐to‐noise ratio with no additional scan time, thereby enabling improved visualization of underlying anatomy near metallic implants. Magn Reson Med 78:2022–2034, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
In vivo assessment of intracellular redox state in rat liver using hyperpolarized [1‐13C]Alanine
Authors: Park Jae Mo , Khemtong Chalermchai , Liu Shie‐Chau , Hurd Ralph E. , Spielman Daniel M.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The intracellular lactate to pyruvate concentration ratio is a commonly used tissue assay biomarker of redox, being proportional to free cytosolic [NADH]/[NAD+]. In this study, we assessed the use of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]alanine and the subsequent detection of the intracellular products of [1‐13C]pyruvate and [1‐13C]lactate as a useful substrate for assessing redox levels in the liver in vivo.

Methods

Animal experiments were conducted to measure in vivo metabolism at baseline and after ethanol infusion. A solution of 80‐mM hyperpolarized [1‐13C]alanine was injected intravenously at baseline (n = 8) and 45 min after ethanol infusion (n = 4), immediately followed by the dynamic acquisition of 13C MRS spectra.

Results

In vivo rat liver spectra showed peaks from [1‐13C] alanine and the products of [1‐13C]lactate, [1‐13C]pyruvate, and 13C‐bicarbonate. A significantly increased 13C‐lactate/13C‐pyruvate ratio was observed after ethanol infusion (8.46 ± 0.58 at baseline versus 13.58 ± 0.69 after ethanol infusion; P < 0.001) consistent with the increased NADH produced by liver metabolism of ethanol to acetaldehyde and then acetate. A decrease in 13C‐bicarbonate production was also noted, potentially reflecting ethanol‐induced mitochondrial redox changes.

Conclusion

A method to measure in vivo tissue redox using hyperpolarized [1‐13C]alanine is presented, with the validity of the proposed 13C‐pyruvate/13C‐lactate metric tested using an ethanol challenge to alter liver redox state. Magn Reson Med 77:1741–1748, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Concentration‐dependent linkage of dietary methionine restriction to the components of its metabolic phenotype
Authors: Forney Laura A. , Wanders Desiree , Stone Kirsten P. , Pierse Alicia , Gettys Thomas W.
Published: March 2017

Objective

Restricting dietary methionine to 0.17% produces a series of physiological responses through coordinated transcriptional effects in liver and adipose tissue. The goal of the present work was to determine the threshold concentrations above and below 0.17% at which the beneficial responses to 0.17% dietary methionine are preserved.

Methods

Diets were formulated to restrict methionine to different degrees, followed by evaluation of the transcriptional and physiological responses to the different diets.

Results

Restriction of dietary methionine to 0.25%, but not 0.34%, was partially effective in reproducing the metabolic phenotype produced by restriction of methionine to 0.17%, while restriction of methionine to 0.12% reproduced the responses produced by restriction to 0.17% but failed to support growth and caused excessive weight loss. Restriction beyond 0.12% initiated responses characteristic of essential amino acid deprivation including food aversion and rapid weight loss.

Conclusions

Restriction of dietary methionine to levels above 0.25% was without effect, while restriction to levels below 0.12% produced responses characteristic of essential amino acid deprivation. In addition, although restriction of dietary methionine to 0.12% did not evoke essential amino acid deprivation responses, it provided insufficient methionine to support growth. The ideal range of dietary methionine restriction was from 0.17% to 0.25%.
Copper and cobalt nanoparticles containing poly(acrylic acid‐co‐acrylamide) hydrogel composites for rapid reduction of 4‐nitrophenol and fast removal of malachite green from aqueous medium
Authors: Naseer Fehmida , Ajmal Muhammad , Bibi Fouzia , Farooqi Zahoor H. , Siddiq Muhammad
Published: March 2017

Poly(acrylic acid‐co‐acrylamide) (p(AAc‐co‐AAm)) hydrogels were synthesized and used as templates for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles. Metal nanoparticles were prepared by in situ reduction of Cu(II) and Co(II) ions. The metal nanoparticles inside the hydrogel were visualized by transmission electron microscope (TEM). Thermal properties of the bare hydrogel and hydrogel composites were investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The prepared p(AAc‐co‐AAm)‐M (M = Co and Cu) composites were used as catalysts for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) and as adsorbent for the removal of malachite green (MG) from aqueous medium. The effects of temperature and the amount of catalyst were also investigated on the reduction of 4‐NP and various thermodynamic parameters such as activation enthalpy (ΔH#), activation entropy (ΔS#), and activation Gibb's energy (ΔG#) were calculated. The reusability of the composites up to four consecutive cycles was also investigated. Additionally, the effect of amount of adsorbent and concentration of adsorbate (MG) on the adsorption of MG was studied. Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin adsorption isotherms were applied and adsorption kinetic parameters were calculated. The adsorption kinetics was also studied, and it was found that adsorption of MG by p(AAc‐co‐AAm) hydrogel followed the pseudo second‐order kinetics. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3187–3198, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Shared decision‐making and providing information among newly diagnosed patients with hematological malignancies and their informal caregivers: Not “one‐size‐fits‐all”
Authors: Rood J.A.J. , Nauta I.H. , Witte B.I. , Stam F. , van Zuuren F.J. , Manenschijn A. , Huijgens P.C. , Verdonck‐de Leeuw I.M. , Zweegman S.
Published: March 2017

Objective

To optimize personalized medicine for patients with hematological malignancies (HM), we find that knowledge on patient preferences with regard to information provision and shared decision‐making (SDM) is of the utmost importance. The aim of this study was to investigate the SDM preference and the satisfaction with and need for information among newly diagnosed HM patients and their informal caregivers, in relation to sociodemographic and clinical factors, cognitive coping style, and health related quality of life.

Methods

Newly diagnosed patients and their caregivers were asked to complete the Hematology Information Needs Questionnaire, the Information Satisfaction Questionnaire, and the Threatening Medical Situations Inventory. Medical records were consulted to retrieve sociodemographic and clinical factors and comorbidity by means of the ACE‐27.

Results

Questionnaires were completed by 138 patients and 95 caregivers. Shared decision‐making was preferred by the majority of patients (75%) and caregivers (88%), especially patients treated with curative intent (OR = 2.7, P = .041), and patients (OR = 1.2, P < .001) and caregivers (OR = 1.2, P = .001) with a higher monitoring cognitive coping style (MCCS). Among patients, total need for information was related to MCCS (P = .012), and need for specific information was related to MCCS and several clinical factors. Importantly, dissatisfaction with the information they received was reported by a third of the patients and caregivers, especially patients who wanted SDM (χ2 = 7.3, P = .007), and patients with a higher MCCS (OR = 0.94, P = .038).

Conclusion

The majority of HM patients want to be involved in SDM, but the received information is not sufficient. Patient‐tailored information is urgently needed, to improve SDM.
A decade of pediatric tracheostomies: Indications, outcomes, and long‐term prognosis
Authors: McPherson Mona L. , Shekerdemian Lara , Goldsworthy Michelle , Minard Charles G. , Nelson Cynthia S. , Stein Fernando , Graf Jeanine M.
Published: March 2017

Objective

To define the mortality and long‐term outcomes of children undergoing tracheostomy.

Design

Retrospective chart and Texas Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics review of patients admitted to a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit who underwent a tracheostomy between 2001 and 2011. Mortality and decannulation rates were compared based on tracheostomy indication and age.

Subjects

A total of 426 patients admitted to a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in a large tertiary children's hospital.

Results

The median patient age was 1.5 years (3 days–24 years). Primary indications for tracheostomy included (a) airway obstruction, (b) congenital neurologic disease, (c) acquired neurologic disease, (d) congenital respiratory disease, and (e) acquired respiratory disease. Overall, 98 patients (23%) died during the study period, and 75th percentile survival time was 5.9 years (95%CI: 3–8). Patients undergoing a tracheostomy for airway obstruction were the least likely to die; while patients with acquired neurologic disease were most likely to die. A total of 163 patients (38%) were decannulated, and 50% were decannulated at 1.2 years (95%CI: 0.9–1.5). Patients with congenital neurologic disease were the least likely to undergo decannulation. Over half of the patients were discharged from the hospital requiring some form of mechanical respiratory support in addition to their tracheostomy.

Conclusions

In this largest cohort of long‐term follow‐up to date, we have shown the overall risk of mortality varied according to the indication for the tracheostomy. We were unable to determine exact causes of death. The likelihood of being decannulated also correlates with the underlying indication for the tracheostomy.Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017; 52:946–953.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Proper scoring rules for interval probabilistic forecasts
Authors: Mitchell K. , Ferro C. A. T.
Published: March 2017

Interval probabilistic forecasts for a binary event are forecasts issued as a range of probabilities for the occurrence of the event: for example, ‘chance of rain: 10–20%’. To verify interval probabilistic forecasts, use can be made of a scoring rule that assigns a score to each forecast–outcome pair. An important requirement for scoring rules, if they are to provide a faithful assessment of a forecaster, is that they be proper, by which is meant that they direct forecasters to issue their true beliefs as their forecasts. Proper scoring rules for probabilistic forecasts issued as precise numbers have been studied extensively. However, applying such a proper scoring rule to, for example, the midpoint of an interval probabilistic forecast does not typically produce a proper scoring rule for interval probabilistic forecasts. Complementing parallel work by other authors, we derive a general characterization of scoring rules that are proper for interval probabilistic forecasts and from this characterization we determine particular scoring rules for interval probabilistic forecasts that correspond to the familiar scoring rules used for probabilistic forecasts given as precise probabilities. All the scoring rules we derive apply immediately to rounded probabilistic forecasts, being a special case of interval probabilistic forecasts.
Enhanced Field Emission Characteristics of a 3D Hierarchical HfO2‐ZnO Heteroarchitecture
Authors: Shisode Raju T. , Suryawanshi Sachin R. , Mistari Chetan D. , Late Dattatray J. , More Mahendra A.
Published: March 2017

Three dimensional (3D) HfO2‐ZnO heteroarchitecture comprised of thin coating of HfO2 on self assembled 3D ZnO urchins with pointed apex has been synthesized using hydrothermal route followed by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD). The as‐synthesized HfO2‐ZnO heteroarchitecture was characterized using XRD, SEM, EDS, and (HR) TEM, in order to reveal its structural, morphological, and chemical properties. The HfO2‐ZnO heteroarchitecture emitter exhibits superior field emission (FE) behaviour in contrast to the pristine ZnO urchins, demonstrated by delivery of high emission current density of ∼ 885 μA/cm2 at an applied field of ∼ 3.35 V/μm, against ∼383 μA/cm2 at an applied field of ∼ 4.32 V/μm for the pristine ZnO urchins emitter. Interestingly, the HfO2‐ZnO heteroarchitecture emitter exhibits excellent emission current stability characterized with fewer fluctuations, owing to very good ion‐bombardment resistance offered by the HfO2 coating. Furthermore, the heteroarchitecture thus obtained facilitates tailoring of the morphology with high aspect ratio and modulation of electronic properties as well, thereby enhancing the FE behaviour.Despite HfO2 being wide band gap and high‐k material, the HfO2‐ZnO heteroarchitecture exhibits potential as promising candidate for fabrication of high current density cold cathode
High Complexation Selectivity of U(VI) over Rare Earths by N,N‐Dihexyl‐2‐ethylhexanamide (DH2EHA): Experimental and Theoretical Evidence
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Mondal Soumyadip , Mallavarapu Anitha , Ali Sk. Musharaf , Singh Dhruva K.
Published: March 2017

A new amide based extractants namely N,N‐Dihexyl‐2‐ethylhexanamide (DH2EHA) has been synthesized and characterized for extraction of uranium. The formation of UO2(NO3)3.2DH2EHA complex in the organic phase was established by X‐ray diffraction. The X‐ray structure was further corroborated by the density functional theoretical calculation. Furthermore, DFT approach was adopted to explain the relative stability of uranium and rare earth complex with DH2EHA by determining the free energy of extraction. The calculated selectivity trend from free energy of extraction using 1:2 stoichiometry for Nd and Yb was found to be Yb3+>UO22+>Nd3+ which does not follow the experimental trend of UO22+>Nd3+>Yb3+. But, the correct selectivity order is recovered after consideration of 1:3 stoichiometry for Nd and Yb. Thus, the correct selectivity order was understood from a combined experimental and density functional theoretical studies.
Zur Grundinstandsetzung der Köhlbrandbrücke
Authors: Brux Gunther
Published: March 2017

Seit über 40 Jahren verbindet die Köhlbrandbrücke im ehemaligen Freihafen des Hamburger Hafens die Elbinsel Wilhelmsburg mit der Autobahn A7. Die Brückenkonstruktion nach einem Entwurf des Bauingenieurs Paul Boué und des Architekten Egon Jux überspannt einen 325 m breiten Arm der Südelbe, den sogenannten Köhlbrand. Dank ihrer 135 m hohen Pylone ist die Köhlbrandbrücke schon von Weitem sichtbar und gilt nach den 1970er Jahren als eines der Wahrzeichen der Hansestadt Hamburg. Mit 3 618 m ist die Brücke die zweitlängste Straßenbrücke Deutschlands (Bild 1).

Das Gesamtbauwerk umfasst zwei Rampenbrücken aus Spannbeton sowie die 520 m lange Strombrücke, die als Schrägseilbrücke in Stahl ausgeführt ist. 88 Stahlseile sind fächerförmig am äußeren Brückenkasten sowie an den Pylonen befestigt. Der Brückenträger besteht aus einem Stahlhohlkasten mit einer rund 17 m breiten Fahrbahnplatte.
Die Digitalisierung im Bauwesen ist eine Chance
Authors: Peter Boris , Oppe Matthias
Published: March 2017

Durch die Digitalisierung verändern sich unser Leben, unsere Gesellschaft und ganze Wirtschaftszweige. Sogenannte Disruptoren wie Apple, Google, Uber und viele andere führen in kürzester Zeit zu einer Neuordnung einer Branche. Beispiele für disruptive Technologien sind unter anderem die Digitalkamera, das Smartphone, das Elektroauto und eben auch das CAD (Computer Aided Design), das in den 90er Jahren die technische Handzeichnung mit Tuschestift und Zeichenbrett innerhalb kürzester Zeit ersetzte (Bild 1).

Digitaler Prozesswandel, das parametrische Entwerfen und der Einsatz von BIM als Planungsmethode führen vermehrt auch im Bauwesen zu grundlegenden Veränderungen in den Planungsprozessen und Planungsschnittstellen. Sie ermöglichen die Planung, Berechnung und Umsetzung deutlich komplexerer Bauwerke, führen zu durchgängigen Prozessketten zwischen Planung, Ausführung und Nutzung, und ermöglichen die koordinierte Bündelung aller Bauwerksinformationen in einer Projektdatenbank. Durch die Veränderung unserer Prozesse hin zu einer teamorientierten Planungsmethode lassen sich Paradigmen aufbrechen und Fehlentwicklungen korrigieren. „Aber dafür müssen wir heraus aus der Deckung, selbst ausprobieren und mit reden [1]”.
Concurrency-preserving and sound monitoring of multi-threaded component-based systems: theory, algorithms, implementation, and evaluation
Authors: Nazarpour Hosein , Falcone Yliès , Bensalem Saddek , Bozga Marius
Published: March 2017

This paper addresses the monitoring of logic-independent linear-time user-provided properties in multi-threaded component-based systems. We consider intrinsically independent components that can be executed concurrently with a centralized coordination for multiparty interactions. In this context, the problem that arises is that a global state of the system is not available to the monitor. A naive solution to this problem would be to plug in a monitor which would force the system to synchronize in order to obtain the sequence of global states at runtime. Such a solution would defeat the whole purpose of having concurrent components. Instead, we reconstruct on-the-fly the global states by accumulating the partial states traversed by the system at runtime. We define transformations of components that preserve their semantics and concurrency and, at the same time, allow to monitor global-state properties. Moreover, we present RVMT-BIP, a prototype tool implementing the transformations for monitoring multi-threaded systems described in the Behavior, Interaction, Priority (BIP) framework, an expressive framework for the formal construction of heterogeneous systems. Our experiments on several multi-threaded BIP systems show that RVMT-BIP induces a cheap runtime overhead.
Quality Control of the Foot Revascularization Using Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Settembre Nicla , Kauhanen Petteri , Albäck Anders , Spillerova Kristyna , Venermo Maarit
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a clinical diagnosis, confirmed by objective tests, usually ankle‐brachial index (ABI), toe pressure (TP) and TcPO2. Furthermore, the anatomical lesions in patients affected by CLI were visualized by ultrasound, angiography, CTA, or MRA. Indocyanine green fluorescence imaging (ICG‐FI) is a diagnostic modality for assessing foot perfusion. We aimed to study the usefulness of ICG‐FI in the quality control of revascularization.

Materials and methods

One hundred and four CLI limbs in 101 patients were studied with ICG‐FI using SPY Elite before and after open or endovascular revascularization. ABI and TP were also measured. After ICG‐FI, assessment of circulation was done using time–intensity curve derived from the two regions of interest the one being in the plantar side of the foot and the other in the dorsal side of the foot. Three parameters were derived from the curves: maximum intensity (the absolute value of the maximum intensity); intensity rate (the value from the time–intensity curve describing the increase in maximum intensity/s) and SPY10 (the intensity achieved during the first 10 s after the foot starts to gain intensity).

Results

Sixty‐two limbs presented category 3 of Rutherford classification, 12 limbs category 4, and 30 limbs category 5. Ninety‐five technically successful procedures were achieved, 63 (66.3%) endovascular and 32 (33.7%) surgical revascularizations. In 9 (9.5%) patients, an in‐line flow from the aorta to the foot was not achieved due to a failure to recanalize the occlusion (n = 7) or due to distal embolization (n = 2). ABI was not reliable in 58 patients (57.4%) mostly due to pseudohypertension and TPs in 49 (48.5%) patients mostly due to previous minor amputations. ICG‐FI was successful in all patients. The mean intensity values before and after the procedure in patients who underwent successful revascularization were 81 ± 47 units and 120 ± 5 units of intensity (p <. 001) and intensity rates 4.2 ± 4 and 8.0 ± 6.2 units/s (p =. 001), respectively. In the PTA patients in whom the revascularization was unsuccessful, no changes were seen in the hemodynamic parameters. In 6 (8.8%) patients who underwent technically successful revascularization, the SPY values were worse after the revascularization than at the baseline.

Conclusions

ICG‐FI with SPY Elite provides reliable information on the increase in perfusion after revascularization, in addition to implicating possible failure if there is no improvement in the ICG‐FI variables. Unlike ABI and TP, it can be performed in all patients. It gives valuable information to complement traditional assessment methods.