bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variations from morning to afternoon of middle cerebral and umbilical artery blood flow, and fetal heart rate variability, and fetal characteristics in the normally developing fetus
Authors: Avitan Tehila , Sanders Ari , Brain Ursula , Rurak Dan , Oberlander Tim F , Lim Ken
Published: December 2017

Objective

To determine if there are changes in maternal uterine blood flow, fetal brain blood flow, fetal heart rate variability, and umbilical blood flow between morning (AM) and afternoon (PM) in healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies.

Study Design

In this prospective study, 68 uncomplicated singleton pregnancies (mean 35 + 0.7 weeks gestation) underwent a standard observational protocol at both 08:00 (AM) and 13:30 (PM) of the same day. This protocol included Doppler measurements of uterine, umbilical, and fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) volume flow parameters (flow, HR, peak systolic velocity [PSV], PI, and RI) followed by computerized cardiotocography. Standard descriptive statistics, χ2 and t tests were used where appropriate. P < .05 was considered significant.

Results

A significant increase in MCA flow and MCA PSV was observed in the PM compared to the AM. This was accompanied by a fall in MCA resistance. Higher umbilical artery resistance indices were also observed in the PM compared to AM. In contrast, fetal heart rate characteristics, maternal uterine artery Doppler flow and resistance indices did not vary significantly between the AM and PM.

Conclusion

In normal pregnancies, variations in fetal cerebral and umbilical blood flow parameters were observed between AM and PM independent of other fetal movements or baseline fetal heart rate. In contrast, uterine flow parameters remained stable across the day. These findings may have implications for the use of serial Doppler parameters used to guide clinical management in high‐risk pregnancies.
Recovery of hepatitis C specific T‐cell responses after rituximab therapy in hepatitis C mixed cryoglobulinemic vasculitis
Authors: Mathur Poonam , Emmanuel Benjamin , Sneller Michael , Zhang Xiaozhen , Poonia Bhawna , Kottilil Shyamasundaran
Published: December 2017

Mixed cryoglobulinemic vasculitis is associated with monoclonal B cell expansion in patients with chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection. B cell depletion therapy using rituximab, a CD20 monoclonal antibody, has been successful in achieving remission from symptomatic disease. This study investigated whether B cell depletion therapy has an impact on activation of HCV‐specific T cell phenotype and function. Nineteen patients with Hepatitis C mixed cryoglobulinemic vasculitis were treated with 4 cycles of rituximab (375 mg/m2) and variables were measured 6 months after therapy. Using flow cytometry and Enzyme‐Linked Immunospot assay, the number of activated and tissue‐like B cells and number of T cells expressing Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1), T‐cell immunoglobulin and mucin‐domain containing‐3 (TIM‐3), and multiple cytokines were measured before and after rituximab therapy. B cell depletion therapy is associated with a significant (P < 0.0001) decline in peripheral T cells with exhaustive phenotype, from pre‐therapy to post‐therapy‐of rituximab (mean ± standard error): CD4+ (16.9 ± 0.9% to 8.9 ± 1.0%) and CD8+ (6.8 ± 0.6% to 3.0 ± 0.5%) T cells expressing PD‐1 and CD4+ (11.0 ± 1.0% to 6.1 ± 0.8%) and CD8+ (12.7 ± 0.7% to 6.4 ± 0.4%) T cells expressing TIM‐3. In addition, there was a significantly higher percentage of peripheral CD8+ T cells responding to HCV peptide stimulation in vitro secreting IFN‐γ (4.55 ± 0.3 to 9.6 ± 1.0 IFN‐γ/106 PBMCs, P < 0.0001), and more than one cytokine (1.3 ± 0.1% to 3.8 ± 0.2%, P < 0.0001) after therapy compared to pre‐therapy. B cell depletion therapy results in recovery of T cell exhaustion and function in patients with HCV cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.
Constructing quasiminimal structures
Authors: Haykazyan Levon
Published: December 2017

Quasiminimal structures play an important role in non‐elementary categoricity. In this paper we explore possibilities of constructing quasiminimal models of a given first‐order theory. We present several constructions with increasing control of the properties of the outcome using increasingly stronger assumptions on the theory. We also establish an upper bound on the Hanf number of the existence of arbitrarily large quasiminimal models.
Two‐dimensional antiscatter grid: A novel scatter rejection device for Cone‐beam computed tomography
Authors: Alexeev Timur , Kavanagh Brian , Miften Moyed , Altunbas Cem
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Scattered radiation remains to be a major cause of image quality degradation in Flat Panel Detector (FPD)‐based Cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT). We have been investigating a novel two‐dimensional antiscatter grid (2D‐ASG) concept to reduce scatter intensity, and hence improve CBCT image quality. We present the first CBCT imaging experiments performed with the 2D‐ASG prototype, and demonstrate its efficacy in improving CBCT image quality.

Methods

A 2D‐ASG prototype with septa focused to x‐ray source was additively manufactured from tungsten and mounted on a Varian TrueBeam CBCT system. CBCT projections of phantoms were acquired with an offset detector geometry using TrueBeam's “developer” mode. To minimize the effect of gantry flex, projections were gain corrected on angle‐specific bases. CBCT images were reconstructed using a filtered backprojection algorithm and image quality improvement was quantified by measuring contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) and CT number accuracy in images acquired with no antiscatter grid (NO‐ASG), conventional one dimensional antiscatter grid (1D‐ASG), and the 2D‐ASG prototype.

Results

A significant improvement in contrast resolution was achieved using our 2D‐ASG prototype compared to results of 1D‐ASG and NO‐ASG acquisitions. Compared to NO‐ASG and 1D‐ASG experiments, the CNR of material inserts improved by as much as 86% and 54% respectively. Using 2D‐ASG, CT number underestimation in water equivalent material section of the phantom was reduced by up to 325 HU when compared to NO‐ASG and up to 179 HU when compared to 1D‐ASG.

Conclusion

We successfully performed the first CBCT imaging experiments with a 2D‐ASG prototype. 2D‐ASG provided significantly higher CT number accuracy, higher CNR, and diminished scatter‐induced image artifacts in qualitative evaluations. We strongly believe that utilization of a 2D‐ASG may potentially lead to better soft tissue visualization in CBCT and may enable novel clinical applications that require high CT number accuracy.
Students Speak/Resources
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: December 2017

Students Speak

Travel opportunities, networking events sell master's program

Resources

Law school tuition discounting on the rise

Grad students benefit from research collaborations
Polymer optical fibres in healthcare: solutions, applications and implications. A perspective
Authors: Quandt Brit M , Boesel Luciano F , Rossi René M
Published: December 2017

Polymer optical fibres are increasingly being used for medical applications, e.g. as wearable devices for diagnostics or therapeutics. Due to the multitude of applications and the corresponding restrictions and prerequisites, the properties of these optical fibres are fine‐tuned to their specific application. Regarding wearables and continuous, unobtrusive long‐term monitoring, a very low burden is reached when the integration into textiles is complete and the wearer's comfort is ensured. Here, we discuss a selection of recent solutions within wearable photonic sensors. Integration processes are highlighted so as to provide insight for further development. Finally, implications of long‐term monitoring are discussed including data mining. The effect of knowing one's vitals on society is highlighted as a relevant influence on medical care. If ubiquitous monitoring were realized for a high percentage of the population, concerns can arise regarding the long‐term reliability of photonic sensors as well as ethical use of patient data. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Chimeric mice with humanized liver as a model for testing organophosphate and carbamate pesticide exposure
Authors: Suemizu Hiroshi , Kawai Kenji , Murayama Norie , Nakamura Masato , Yamazaki Hiroshi
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis of acute intoxication with organophosphate (OP) or carbamate (CM) pesticides in humans is achieved by measuring plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity. However, BuChE activity is not an ideal biomarker in experimental animal models. The aim of this study was to establish an experimental mouse model for evaluating exposure to OP and CM pesticides by monitoring BuChE activity using chimeric mice in which the liver was reconstituted with human hepatocytes.

RESULTS

A single oral administration of acephate (300 mg/kg), chlorpyrifos (10 mg/kg), fenobucarb (300 mg/kg) or molinate (250 mg/kg) in chimeric mice led to inhibition of >95%, > 95%, 28% and 60% of plasma BuChE activity after 7, 0.5, 0.5 and 7 h, respectively. Dose‐dependent decreases in plasma BuChE activity were also observed for acephate and chlorpyrifos. A 5‐day repeated‐dose study with 10 or 30 mg/kg acephate found a constitutive reduction in plasma BuChE activity to 80% and 70% of pre‐dose levels, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Changes in plasma BuChE activity in chimeric mice with humanized liver clearly reflected the exposure levels of OP and CM pesticides. These results suggest that the humanized‐liver mouse model may be suitable for estimating levels of exposure to these pesticides in humans. © 2017 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Ultra‐Wide Band Gap in Two‐Dimensional Phononic Crystal with Combined Convex and Concave Holes
Authors: Jiang Shan , Hu Hongping , Laude Vincent
Published: December 2017

A phononic crystal with an ultra‐wide band gap is proposed, whose unit cell consists of a cross‐like concave hole in the center and four square convex holes at the corners. The dispersion relations, modal kinetic energy ratio, and eigenmodes at edges of the band gaps are investigated by using the finite element method. The influence of the geometrical parameters of the convex and concave holes on the band gaps is further analyzed. After optimization, an ultra‐wide band gap with gap‐to‐midgap ratio of 156.0% is achieved, with the filling fraction keeping a relative small value. Numerical results illustrate that the combination of convex and concave holes is a practicable direction for structural optimization of phononic crystals exhibiting ultra‐wide band gaps.
Iron‐chelating effect of silymarin in patients with β‐thalassemia major: A crossover randomised control trial
Authors: Darvishi‐Khezri Hadi , Salehifar Ebrahim , Kosaryan Mehrnoush , Karami Hossein , Mahdavi Mohammadreza , Alipour Abbas , Aliasgharian Aily
Published: December 2017

This study aimed to determine the potential iron‐chelating effects of silymarin in patients with β‐thalassemia major receiving standard iron‐chelation therapy. We evaluated whether addition of silymarin to standard iron‐chelation therapy could improve iron burden markers and liver and cardiac function in these patients, via a placebo‐controlled, crossover clinical study. Silymarin (140 mg) or placebo were administered thrice daily to all patients (n = 82) for 12 weeks, and after a 2‐week washout period, patients were crossed over to the other groups. Silymarin efficacy was assessed by measuring serum iron level, ferritin level, total iron‐binding capacity and liver and cardiac function on magnetic resonance imaging. Silymarin treatment resulted in a negative change in the serum iron and ferritin levels and a positive change in the total iron‐binding capacity levels (treatment effect, p < .001, p = .06, and p = .05, respectively). Silymarin treatment led to positive changes in cardiac and liver function in both treatment sequences of study; however, this was not statistically significant. There was a negative change in liver iron concentration in both treatment sequences (treatment effect, p = .02). In conclusion, combined iron‐chelation and silymarin therapy was effective for improving the iron‐burden status in patients with β‐thalassemia major.
The effects of hypoglycemia and weight loss of total lignans from Fructus Arctii in KKAy mice and its mechanisms of the activity
Authors: Gao Yingying , Gu Chenchen , Wang Kai , Wang Haiying , Ruan Kefeng , Xu Zhaohui , Feng Yi
Published: December 2017

Fructus Arctii (great burdock achene) is the dried ripe fruit of Arctium lappa L. (family Asteraceae) and is included in the Chinese pharmacopoeia. It has been reported that the clinical use of Fructus Arctii resulted in a satisfactory hypoglycemic effect in diabetic patients. This study aimed to investigate antidiabetic activity and mechanism of total lignans from Fructus Arctii (TLFA) in KKAy mice, a spontaneous Type 2 diabetic rodent model that exhibits marked obesity. In this study, KKAy mice were gavaged once daily with solvents (0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose), TLFA (250 and 125 mg/kg), or metformin (200 mg/kg) for 11 weeks, and C57BL/6J mice treated with saline solution (0.9%, w/v) were used as normal control. The results indicate that TLFA has dual effects of hypoglycemia and weight loss, and administration of TLFA in KKAy mice could decrease fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and body weight; improve oral glucose tolerance; increase high density lipoprotein cholesterol; and decrease triglycerides and free fatty acid in mice serum. Its efficacy may associate with multiple mechanisms of action such as stimulation of insulin secretion, activation of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/protein kinase B, and adenosine‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway, decreasing leptin.
Calling all archaeologists: guidelines for terminology, methodology, data handling, and reporting when undertaking and reviewing stable isotope applications in archaeology
Authors: Roberts Patrick , Fernandes Ricardo , Craig Oliver E. , Larsen Thomas , Lucquin Alexandre , Swift Jillian , Zech Jana
Published: December 2017

Stable isotope analysis has been utilized in archaeology since the 1970s, yet standardized protocols for terminology, sampling, pretreatment evaluation, calibration, quality assurance and control, data presentation, and graphical or statistical treatment still remain lacking in archaeological applications. Here, we present recommendations and requirements for each of these in the archaeological context of: bulk stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of organics; bulk stable carbon and oxygen isotope analysis of carbonates; single compound stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis on amino acids in collagen and keratin; and single compound stable carbon and hydrogen isotope analysis on fatty acids. The protocols are based on recommendations from the Commission on Isotopic Abundances and Atomic Weights of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) as well as an expanding geochemical and archaeological science experimental literature. We hope that this will provide a useful future reference for authors and reviewers engaging with the growing number of stable isotope applications and datasets in archaeology.
Inner approximations of domains of attraction for a class of switched systems by computing Lyapunov‐like functions
Authors: Zheng Xiuliang , She Zhikun , Liang Quanyi , Li Meilun
Published: December 2017

Domain of attraction plays an important role in control systems analysis, which is usually estimated by sublevel sets of Lyapunov functions. In this paper, based on the concept of common Lyapunov‐like functions, we propose an iteration method for estimating domains of attraction for a class of switched systems, where the state space is divided into several regions, each region is described by polynomial inequalities, and any region has no intersection among with each other. Starting with an initial inner estimate of domain of attraction, we first present a theoretical framework for obtaining a larger inner estimate by iteratively computing common Lyapunov‐like functions. Then, for obtaining a required initial inner estimate of domain of attraction, we propose a higher‐order truncation and linear semidefinite programming–based method for computing a common Lyapunov function. Successively, the theoretical framework is under‐approximatively realized by using S‐procedure and sum‐of‐squares programming, associated with a coordinatewise iteration idea. Finally, we implement our method and test it on some examples with comparisons. These computation and comparison results show the advantages of our method.
Efficient Copper‐Promoted Tandem Multi‐Component Strategy: The Synthesis of 1‐ Aryl/Alkyl‐5‐(N‐Benzoylamino) Tetrazoles and Guanidine's
Authors: vali Shaik Baji , Seelam Mohan , Tamminana Ramana , Kammela Prasad Rao
Published: December 2017

Efficient, simple and multi component methodology has been demonstrated for the construction of l‐Aryl/Alkyl‐5‐(N‐Benzoylamino) tetrazoles and guanidine's. These compounds can be used as intermediates for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds such as substituted 2‐(N‐benzoyl) benzimidazoles and fused cyclic tetrazoles. Target products were obtained from benzyol chloride via in situ consecutive formation of benzoyl isothiocyanates and benzyol aryl thiourea. Moreover, desulphurization was also observed during this methodology. In addition, functional group tolerance and reaction mechanism have also been studied.
Chemical Immobilization Effect on Lithium Polysulfides for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Li Caixia , Xi Zhucong , Guo Dexiang , Chen Xiangju , Yin Longwei
Published: December 2017

Despite great progress in lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs), great obstacles still exist to achieve high loading content of sulfur and avoid the loss of active materials due to the dissolution of the intermediate polysulfide products in the electrolyte. Relationships between the intrinsic properties of nanostructured hosts and electrochemical performance of LSBs, especially, the chemical interaction effects on immobilizing polysulfides for LSB cathodes, are discussed in this Review. Moreover, the principle of rational microstructure design for LSB cathode materials with strong chemical interaction adsorbent effects on polysulfides, such as metallic compounds, metal particles, organic polymers, and heteroatom‐doped carbon, is mainly described. According to the chemical immobilizing mechanism of polysulfide on LSB cathodes, three kinds of chemical immobilizing effects, including the strong chemical affinity between polar host and polar polysulfides, the chemical bonding effect between sulfur and the special function groups/atoms, and the catalytic effect on electrochemical reaction kinetics, are thoroughly reviewed. To improve the electrochemical performance and long cycling life‐cycle stability of LSBs, possible solutions and strategies with respect to the rational design of the microstructure of LSB cathodes are comprehensively analyzed.
SMART Design of a Bulk‐Capped Supramolecular Segment for the Assembly into Organic Interdigital Lipid Bilayer‐Like (ILB) Nanosheets
Authors: Li Yin‐Xiang , Wang Sha‐Sha , Yu Yang , Zhang He , Wang Wu‐You , Yang Ru‐Qian , Xie Ling‐Hai , Liu Feng , Lin Zong‐Qiong , Shi Nai‐En , Sun Li‐Tao , Huang Wei
Published: December 2017

Rational molecular design for the organic nanocrystal morphology still remains a challenge due to the structural diversity and complicated weak intermolecular interactions. In this work, a typical attractor–repulsor molecule N,N‐diphenyl‐4‐(9‐phenyl‐fluoren‐9‐yl) phenylamine (TPA‐PF) is designed to explore a general assembly strategy for 2D nanocrystals. Via an interdigital lipid bilayer‐like (ILB) molecular packing mode, large‐sized lamellar 2D nanosheets are obtained with a length:width:thickness ratio as ≈2500:1000:1. The d‐spacing of the largest (001) plane is 1.32 nm, which equals to the thickness of a single interdigital stacking layer. The synergetic effect of the attractive supramolecular segment (TPA) and the repulsive bulky group (PF) is supposed to be the critical factor for the ILB packing that leads to the 2D structures. The attractor–repulsor molecule design is expected to be an effective strategy for the growth of 2D nanocrystals based on small organic molecules.
Copper Catalysis and Organocatalysis Showing the Way: Synthesis of Selenium‐Containing Highly Functionalized 1,2,3‐Triazoles
Authors: Alves Diego , Goldani Bruna , Lenardão Eder J. , Perin Gelson , Schumacher Ricardo F. , Paixão Márcio W.
Published: December 2017

This article provides a comprehensive overview of reported methods ‐ particularly copper‐ and organocatalyzed reactions ‐ for the regioselective syntheses of selenium‐containing 1,2,3‐triazoles systems. These chemical entities are prevalent cores in biologically active compounds and functional materials. In view of their unique properties, substantial efforts have been paid for the design and development of practical approaches for the synthesis of these scaffolds.
Students' environmental NOS views, compassion, intent, and action: Impact of place‐based socioscientific issues instruction
Authors: Herman Benjamin C.
Published: December 2017

Preparing students to achieve the lofty goal of functional scientific literacy entails addressing the normative and non‐normative facets of socioscientific issues (SSI) such as scientific processes, the nature of science (NOS) and diverse sociocultural perspectives. SSI instructional approaches have demonstrated some efficacy for promoting students' NOS views, compassion for others, and decision making. However, extant investigations appear to neglect fully engaging students through authentic SSI in several ways. These include: (i) providing SSI instruction through classroom approaches that are divorced from students' lived experiences; (ii) demonstrating a contextual misalignment between SSI and NOS (particularly evident in NOS assessments); and (iii) framing decision making and position taking analogously—with the latter being an unreliable indicator of how people truly act. The significance of the convergent parallel mixed‐methods investigation reported here is how it responds to these shortcomings through exploring how place‐based SSI instruction focused on the contentious environmental issue of wolf reintroduction in the Greater Yellowstone Area impacted sixty secondary students' NOS views, compassion toward those impacted by contentious environmental issues, and pro‐environmental intent. Moreover, this investigation explores how those perspectives associate with the students' pro‐environmental action of donating to a Yellowstone environmental organization. Results demonstrate that the students' NOS views became significantly more accurate and contextualized, with moderate to large effect, through the place‐based SSI instruction. Through that instruction, the students also exhibited significant gains in their compassion for nature and people impacted by contentious environmental issues and pro‐environmental intent. Further analyses showed that donating students developed and demonstrated significantly more robust and contextualized NOS views, compassion for people and nature impacted by contentious environmental issues, and pro‐environmental intent than their nondonating counterparts. Pedagogical implications include how place‐based learning in authentic settings could better prepare students to understand NOS, become socioculturally aware, and engage SSI across a variety of contexts.
The MVP Model: Overview and Application
Authors: Keller John M.
Published: December 2017

This chapter contains an overview of the MVP model that is used as a basis for the other chapters in this issue. It also contains a description of key steps in the ARCS‐V design process that is derived from the MVP model and a summary of a design‐based research study illustrating the application of the ARCS‐V model.
Internet-based guided self-help for glioma patients with depressive symptoms: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Boele Florien W. , Klein Martin , Verdonck-de Leeuw Irma M. , Cuijpers Pim , Heimans Jan J. , Snijders Tom J. , Vos Maaike , Bosma Ingeborg , Tijssen Cees C. , Reijneveld Jaap C. ,   On behalf of the Dutch Society for Neuro-Oncology (LWNO)
Published: December 2017

Depressive symptoms are common in glioma patients, and can negatively affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We performed a nation-wide randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of an online guided self-help intervention for depressive symptoms in adult glioma patients. Glioma patients with depressive symptoms were randomized to a 5-week online course based on problem-solving therapy, or a waiting list control group. After having received the intervention, the glioma patient groups combined were compared with patients with cancer outside the central nervous system (non-CNS cancer controls), who also received the intervention. Sample size calculations yielded 63 participants to be recruited per arm. The primary outcome [depressive symptoms (CES-D)] and secondary outcomes [fatigue (Checklist Individual Strength (CIS)) and HRQOL (Short Form-36)], were assessed online at baseline, post-intervention, and 3 and 12 months follow-up. In total, 89 glioma patients (intervention N = 45; waiting list N = 44) and 26 non-CNS cancer controls were included, of whom 35 and 54% completed the intervention, respectively. Recruitment could not be extended beyond 3.5 years due to funding. On depression, no statistically significant differences between the groups were found. Fatigue decreased post-treatment in the glioma intervention group compared with the waiting list group (p = 0.054, d = 0.306). At 12 months, the physical component summary (HRQOL) remained stable in glioma patients, while scores improved in non-CNS cancer controls (p = 0.035, d = 0.883). In this underpowered study, no evidence for the effectiveness of online guided self-help for depression or HRQOL in glioma patients was found, but it may improve fatigue.

Trial registration Netherlands Trial Register NTR3223.
On an Anomaly in the Modeling of Electromagnetic Stirring in Continuous Casting
Authors: Vynnycky M.
Published: December 2017

Early, yet still often-cited, mathematical models for electromagnetic stirring (EMS) in continuous casting are re-examined and found to contain a surprising anomaly: the solutions obtained were not unique. Analysis for the case of a round billet under rotary EMS shows how to avoid this behavior, whilst still making use of the experimental data that motivated the original models. The relevance of this result for current-day modeling of EMS is highlighted, particularly in the context of modulated EMS.
Secondary Invasion and Reinvasion after Russian-Olive Removal and Revegetation
Authors: Espeland Erin K. , Muscha Jennifer M. , Scianna Joseph , Kilian Robert , West Natalie M. , Petersen Mark K.
Published: December 2017

Russian-olive is a nitrogen-fixing tree invading riparian corridors in western North America. The premise of revegetation after weed removal is that revegetation is required to return native species to a removal site and that revegetation improves site resistance to invasion or reinvasion via competitive exclusion. Therefore, we expected that revegetation would reduce invasive species cover and increase native species cover compared with non-revegetated controls. Native understory species diversity increased with time since removal. We recorded 18.2 native species in 2012, and 28.2 native species in 2016. Out of 22 planted species, 2 did not establish. Diversity in revegetated plots did not differ from unplanted controls, likely because species spread quickly across plot boundaries. Native perennial grass, seeded species, and annual bromes increased over time, while nonnative forbs and native forbs decreased over time. Only invasive perennial grass cover responded to the revegetation treatment with cover much higher in controls compared with revegetated plots (25.7% vs. 7.7%); this was likely a response to a preplanting herbicide treatment. All categories of species diversity except invasive species diversity increased over time. Only 4% of Russian-olive stumps resprouted in the first year of removal, less than 1% resprouted 2 yr after removal. There was no Russian-olive emergence from seed in the removal year, and seed emergence varied exponentially among following years. Seeded native species did not have trouble establishing once adequate spring moisture occurred in the second growing season after Russian-olive removal, indicating that removal did not present substantial obstacles to successful revegetation. Follow-up control of Russian-olive is critical after initial treatment.
The integration of palaeomagnetism, the geological record and mantle tomography in the location of ancient continents
Authors: TORSVIK TROND H. , COCKS L. ROBIN M.
Published: December 2017

Constructing palaeogeographical maps is best achieved through the integration of data from hotspotting (since the Cretaceous), palaeomagnetism (including ocean-floor magnetic anomalies since the Jurassic), and the analysis of fossils and identification of their faunal and floral provinces; as well as a host of other geological information, not least the characters of the rocks themselves. Recently developed techniques now also allow us to determine more objectively the palaeolongitude of continents from the time of Pangaea onwards, which palaeomagnetism alone does not reveal. This together with new methods to estimate true polar wander have led to hybrid mantle plate motion frames that demonstrate that TUZO and JASON, two antipodal thermochemical piles in the deep mantle, have been stable for at least 300 Ma, and where deep plumes sourcing large igneous provinces and kimberlites are mostly derived from their margins. This remarkable observation has led to the plume generation zone reconstruction method which exploits the fundamental link between surface and deep mantle processes to allow determination of palaeolongitudes, unlocking a way forward in modelling absolute plate motions prior to the assembly of Pangaea. The plume generation zone method is a novel way to derive ‘absolute’ plate motions in a mantle reference frame before Pangaea, but the technique assumes that the margins of TUZO and JASON did not move much and that Earth was a degree-2 planet, as today.
Takayasu arteritis in paediatrics
Authors: Di Santo Marisa , Stelmaszewski Erica V. , Villa Alejandra
Published: December 2017

Takayasu arteritis is an idiopathic chronic granulomatous panarteritis predominantly affecting the aorta and its main branches. Although idiopathic, genetic contribution to disease susceptibility is being increasingly recognised. Rare in children, Takayasu arteritis is a worldwide disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Its diagnosis is a challenge and requires awareness of the condition as clinical features at presentation are non-specific and assessing disease activity is difficult. In the inflammatory stage, treatment is essential to prevent the insidious course and vascular damage: stenotic, occlusive lesions, aneurysms, and aortic regurgitation. New imaging modalities, such as CT scan, MRI, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, have expanded the possibilities for non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring; however, digital subtraction arteriography remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis. Steroids are the first-line medical treatment. The combined use of methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, and biological agents is common. Revascularisation therapy should be considered in uncontrolled hypertension secondary to renal artery stenosis, symptomatic coronary ischaemia, cerebrovascular disease, severe aortic regurgitation, limb ischaemia, and aneurysms at risk of rupture, using surgical or endovascular procedures and taking into consideration that complications, especially restenosis, are frequent. Disease activity increases the likelihood of complications after revascularisation. Surgical intervention has shown better long-term outcomes, although the endovascular approach is evolving. The aim of this review was to describe key points of the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of Takayasu arteritis in childhood.
Disease and Non-Battle Traumatic Injuries Evaluated by Emergency Physicians in a US Tertiary Combat Hospital
Authors: Bebarta Vikhyat S. , Mora Alejandra G. , Ng Patrick C. , Mason Phillip E. , Muck Andrew , Maddry Joseph K.
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Analysis of injuries during military operations has focused on those related to combat. Non-combat complaints have received less attention, despite the need for many troops to be evacuated for non-battle illnesses in Iraq. This study aims to further characterize the disease and non-battle injuries (DNBIs) seen at a tertiary combat hospital and to describe the types of procedures and medications used in the management of these cases.

Methods

In this observational study, patients were enrolled from a convenience sample with non-combat-related diseases and injuries who were evaluated in the emergency department (ED) of a US military tertiary hospital in Iraq from 2007-2008. The treating emergency physician (EP) used a data collection form to enroll patients that arrived to the ED whose injury or illness was unrelated to combat.

Results

Data were gathered on 1,745 patients with a median age of 30 years; 84% of patients were male and 85% were US military personnel. The most common diagnoses evaluated in the ED were abdominal disorders, orthopedic injuries, and headache. Many cases involved intravenous access, laboratory testing, and radiographic testing. Procedures performed included electrocardiogram, lumbar puncture, and intubation.

Conclusion

Disease and non-battle traumatic injuries are common in a tertiary combat hospital. Emergency providers working in austere settings should have the diagnostic and procedural skills to evaluate and treat DNBIs.

BebartaVS, MoraAG, NgPC, MasonPE, MuckA, MaddryJK. Disease and non-battle traumatic injuries evaluated by emergency physicians in a US tertiary combat hospital. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(1):53–57.
Angiogenesis in a 3D model containing adipose tissue stem cells and endothelial cells is mediated by canonical Wnt signaling
Authors: Cai Xiaoxiao , Xie Jing , Yao Yang , Cun Xiangzhu , Lin Shiyu , Tian Taoran , Zhu Bofeng , Lin Yunfeng
Published: December 2017

Adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) have gained great attention in regenerative medicine. Progress in our understanding of adult neovascularization further suggests the potential of ASCs in promoting vascular regeneration, although the specific cues that stimulate their angiogenic behavior remain controversial. In this study, we established a three-dimensional (3D) angiogenesis model by co-culturing ASCs and endothelial cells (ECs) in collagen gel and found that ASC-EC-instructed angiogenesis was regulated by the canonical Wnt pathway. Furthermore, the angiogenesis that occurred in implants collected after injections of our collagen gel-based 3D angiogenesis model into nude mice was confirmed to be functional and also regulated by the canonical Wnt pathway. Wnt regulation of angiogenesis involving changes in vessel length, vessel density, vessel sprout, and connection numbers occurred in our system. Wnt signaling was then shown to regulate ASC-mediated paracrine signaling during angiogenesis through the nuclear translocation of β-catenin after its cytoplasmic accumulation in both ASCs and ECs. This translocation enhanced the expression of nuclear co-factor Lef-1 and cyclin D1 and activated the angiogenic transcription of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). The angiogenesis process in the 3D collagen model appeared to follow canonical Wnt signaling, and this model can help us understand the importance of the canonical Wnt pathway in the use of ASCs in vascular regeneration.
circHIPK2-mediated σ-1R promotes endoplasmic reticulum stress in human pulmonary fibroblasts exposed to silica
Authors: Cao Zhouli , Xiao Qingling , Dai Xiaoniu , Zhou Zewei , Jiang Rong , Cheng Yusi , Yang Xiyue , Guo Huifang , Wang Jing , Xi Zhaoqing , Yao Honghong , Chao Jie
Published: December 2017

Silicosis is characterized by fibroblast accumulation and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. Although the roles of SiO2-induced chemokines and cytokines released from alveolar macrophages have received significant attention, the direct effects of SiO2 on protein production and functional changes in pulmonary fibroblasts have been less extensively studied. Sigma-1 receptor, which has been associated with cell proliferation and migration in the central nervous system, is expressed in the lung, but its role in silicosis remains unknown. To elucidate the role of sigma-1 receptor in fibrosis induced by silica, both the upstream molecular mechanisms and the functional effects on cell proliferation and migration were investigated. Both molecular biological assays and pharmacological techniques, combined with functional experiments, such as migration and proliferation, were applied in human pulmonary fibroblasts from adults to analyze the molecular and functional changes induced by SiO2. SiO2 induced endoplasmic reticulum stress in association with enhanced expression of sigma-1 receptor. Endoplasmic reticulum stress promoted migration and proliferation of human pulmonary fibroblasts-adult exposed to SiO2, inducing the development of silicosis. Inhibition of sigma-1 receptor ameliorated endoplasmic reticulum stress and fibroblast functional changes induced by SiO2. circHIPK2 is involved in the regulation of sigma-1 receptor in human pulmonary fibroblasts-adult exposed to SiO2. Our study elucidated a link between SiO2-induced fibrosis and sigma-1 receptor signaling, thereby providing novel insight into the potential use of sigma-1 receptor/endoplasmic reticulum stress in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for silicosis treatment.
Negative control of the HGF/c-MET pathway by TGF-β: a new look at the regulation of stemness in glioblastoma
Authors: Papa Eleanna , Weller Michael , Weiss Tobias , Ventura Elisa , Burghardt Isabel , Szabó Emese
Published: December 2017

Multiple target inhibition has gained considerable interest in combating drug resistance in glioblastoma, however, understanding the molecular mechanisms of crosstalk between signaling pathways and predicting responses of cancer cells to targeted interventions has remained challenging. Despite the significant role attributed to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β family and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-MET signaling in glioblastoma pathogenesis, their functional interactions have not been well characterized. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches to stimulate or antagonize the TGF-β pathway in human glioma-initiating cells (GIC), we observed that TGF-β exerts an inhibitory effect on c-MET phosphorylation. Inhibition of either mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/ extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) signaling pathway attenuated this effect. A comparison of c-MET-driven and c-MET independent GIC models revealed that TGF-β inhibits stemness in GIC at least in part via its negative regulation of c-MET activity, suggesting that stem cell (SC) maintenance may be controlled by the balance between these two oncogenic pathways. Importantly, immunohistochemical analyses of human glioblastoma and ex vivo single-cell gene expression profiling of TGF-β and HGF confirm the negative interaction between both pathways. These novel insights into the crosstalk of two major pathogenic pathways in glioblastoma may explain some of the disappointing results when targeting either pathway alone in human glioblastoma patients and inform on potential future designs on targeted pharmacological or genetic intervention.
Dynamic patterns of information flow in complex networks
Authors: Harush Uzi , Barzel Baruch
Published: December 2017

Although networks are extensively used to visualize information flow in biological, social and technological systems, translating topology into dynamic flow continues to challenge us, as similar networks exhibit fundamentally different flow patterns, driven by different interaction mechanisms. To uncover a network’s actual flow patterns, here we use a perturbative formalism, analytically tracking the contribution of all nodes/paths to the flow of information, exposing the rules that link structure and dynamic information flow for a broad range of nonlinear systems. We find that the diversity of flow patterns can be mapped into a single universal function, characterizing the interplay between the system’s topology and its dynamics, ultimately allowing us to identify the network’s main arteries of information flow. Counter-intuitively, our formalism predicts a family of frequently encountered dynamics where the flow of information avoids the hubs, favoring the network’s peripheral pathways, a striking disparity between structure and dynamics.
Increased ionization supports growth of aerosols into cloud condensation nuclei
Authors: Svensmark H. , Enghoff M. B. , Shaviv N. J. , Svensmark J.
Published: December 2017

Ions produced by cosmic rays have been thought to influence aerosols and clouds. In this study, the effect of ionization on the growth of aerosols into cloud condensation nuclei is investigated theoretically and experimentally. We show that the mass-flux of small ions can constitute an important addition to the growth caused by condensation of neutral molecules. Under atmospheric conditions the growth from ions can constitute several percent of the neutral growth. We performed experimental studies which quantify the effect of ions on the growth of aerosols between nucleation and sizes >20 nm and find good agreement with theory. Ion-induced condensation should be of importance not just in Earth’s present day atmosphere for the growth of aerosols into cloud condensation nuclei under pristine marine conditions, but also under elevated atmospheric ionization caused by increased supernova activity.
In situ inward epitaxial growth of bulk macroporous single crystals
Authors: Chen Chenlong , Sun Shujing , Chou Mitch M. C. , Xie Kui
Published: December 2017

The functionalities of porous materials could be significantly enhanced if the materials themselves were in single-crystal form, which, owing to structural coherence, would reduce electronic and optical scattering effects. However, growing macroporous single crystals remains a fundamental challenge, let alone manufacturing crystals large enough to be of practical use. Here we demonstrate a straightforward, inexpensive, versatile method for creating macroporous gallium nitride single crystals on a centimetre scale. The synthetic strategy is built upon a disruptive crystal growth mechanism that utilises direct nitridation of a parent LiGaO2 single crystal rendering an inward epitaxial growth process. Strikingly, the resulting single crystals exhibit electron mobility comparable to that for bulk crystals grown by the conventional sodium flux method. This approach not only affords control of both crystal and pore size through synthetic modification, but proves generic, thus opening up the possibility of designing macroporous crystals in a wealth of other materials.
Extensive gene content variation in the Brachypodium distachyon pan-genome correlates with population structure
Authors: Gordon Sean P. , Contreras-Moreira Bruno , Woods Daniel P. , Des Marais David L. , Burgess Diane , Shu Shengqiang , Stritt Christoph , Roulin Anne C. , Schackwitz Wendy , Tyler Ludmila , Martin Joel , Lipzen Anna , Dochy Niklas , Phillips Jeremy , Barry Kerrie , Geuten Koen , Budak Hikmet , Juenger Thomas E. , Amasino Richard , Caicedo Ana L. , Goodstein David , Davidson Patrick , Mur Luis A. J. , Figueroa Melania , Freeling Michael , Catalan Pilar , Vogel John P.
Published: December 2017

While prokaryotic pan-genomes have been shown to contain many more genes than any individual organism, the prevalence and functional significance of differentially present genes in eukaryotes remains poorly understood. Whole-genome de novo assembly and annotation of 54 lines of the grass Brachypodium distachyon yield a pan-genome containing nearly twice the number of genes found in any individual genome. Genes present in all lines are enriched for essential biological functions, while genes present in only some lines are enriched for conditionally beneficial functions (e.g., defense and development), display faster evolutionary rates, lie closer to transposable elements and are less likely to be syntenic with orthologous genes in other grasses. Our data suggest that differentially present genes contribute substantially to phenotypic variation within a eukaryote species, these genes have a major influence in population genetics, and transposable elements play a key role in pan-genome evolution.
Dickkopf2 rescues erectile function by enhancing penile neurovascular regeneration in a mouse model of cavernous nerve injury
Authors: Ghatak Kalyan , Yin Guo Nan , Choi Min-Ji , Limanjaya Anita , Minh Nguyen Nhat , Ock Jiyeon , Song Kang-Moon , Kang Dong Hyuk , Kwon Young-Guen , Kim Ho Min , Ryu Ji-Kan , Suh Jun-Kyu
Published: December 2017

Penile erection is a neurovascular event and neurologic or vascular disturbances are major causes of erectile dysfunction (ED). Radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer not only induces cavernous nerve injury (CNI) but also results in cavernous angiopathy, which is responsible for poor responsiveness to oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Dickkopf2 (DKK2) is known as a Wnt signaling antagonist and is reported to promote mature and stable blood vessel formation. Here, we demonstrated in CNI mice that overexpression of DKK2 by administering DKK2 protein or by using DKK2-Tg mice successfully restored erectile function: this recovery was accompanied by enhanced neural regeneration through the secretion of neurotrophic factors, and restoration of cavernous endothelial cell and pericyte content. DKK2 protein also promoted neurite outgrowth in an ex vivo major pelvic ganglion culture experiment and enhanced tube formation in primary cultured mouse cavernous endothelial cells and pericytes co-culture system in vitro. In light of critical role of neuropathy and angiopathy in the pathogenesis of radical prostatectomy-induced ED, reprogramming of damaged erectile tissue toward neurovascular repair by use of a DKK2 therapeutic protein may represent viable treatment option for this condition.