bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new linearly constrained minimum variance beamformer for reconstructing EEG sparse sources
Authors: Samadzadehaghdam Nasser , Makkiabadi Bahador , Masjoodi Sadegh , Mohammadi Mohammad , Mohagheghian Fahimeh
Published: June 2019

Brain source imaging based on EEG aims to reconstruct the neural activities producing the scalp potentials. This includes solving the forward and inverse problems. The aim of the inverse problem is to estimate the activity of the brain sources based on the measured data and leadfield matrix computed in the forward step. Spatial filtering, also known as beamforming, is an inverse method that reconstructs the time course of the source at a particular location by weighting and linearly combining the sensor data. In this paper, we considered a temporal assumption related to the time course of the source, namely sparsity, in the Linearly Constrained Minimum Variance (LCMV) beamformer. This assumption sounds reasonable since not all brain sources are active all the time such as epileptic spikes and also some experimental protocols such as electrical stimulations of a peripheral nerve can be sparse in time. Developing the sparse beamformer is done by incorporating L1‐norm regularization of the beamformer output in the relevant cost function while obtaining the filter weights. We called this new beamformer SParse LCMV (SP‐LCMV). We compared the performance of the SP‐LCMV with that of LCMV for both superficial and deep sources with different amplitudes using synthetic EEG signals. Also, we compared them in localization and reconstruction of sources underlying electric median nerve stimulation. Results show that the proposed sparse beamformer can enhance reconstruction of sparse sources especially in the case of sources with high amplitude spikes.
Retracted: LncRNA‐LET relieves hypoxia‐induced injury in H9c2 cells through regulation of miR‐138
Authors: Li Yugeng , Li Jianwei , Zhang Pengzhen , Jiang Xiaoying , Pan Zhenrui , Zheng Wenjian , Lin Hongli
Published: June 2019

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a common cardiovascular disease, occurs when coronary artery blood circularity cannot match with the heart's need. The present work attempted to study the effects of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) low expression in tumor (LET) on the progression of IHD. H9c2 cells were injured by hypoxia to mimic a cell model of IHD. The effects of lncRNA‐LET on hypoxia‐injured H9c2 cells were tested by using cell counting kit‐8 assay, flow cytometry, and Western blot analysis. MicroRNA‐138 (miR‐138) expression was tested by a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and the expression of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and p38MAPK (p38–mitogen‐activated protein kinase) proteins was measured by Western blot analysis. We found that hypoxia exposure significantly repressed the viability of H9c2 cells, and induced apoptosis. Meanwhile, phosphorylation of JNK and p38MAPK was enhanced by hypoxia. The expression of lncRNA‐LET was repressed by hypoxia. Overexpression of lncRNA‐LET attenuated hypoxia‐induced injury in H9c2 cells. Moreover, miR‐138 was a downstream effector of lncRNA‐LET, that miR‐138 was highly expressed in lncRNA‐LET‐overexpressed cell. The cardioprotective effects of lncRNA‐LET were abolished when miR‐138 was silenced. In conclusion, this study revealed the cardioprotective function of lncRNA‐LET. lncRNA‐LET conferred its cardioprotective effects possibly via upregulation of miR‐138 and thus repressing the JNK and p38MAPK pathways.
Multicomponent reaction of amine, carbon disulfide, and fluoronitrobenzene via nucleophilic attack on the fluorinated carbon for the synthesis of nitrophenyl methylcarbamodithioates
Authors: Bahadorikhalili Saeed , Mohammadi Sayyad , Asadi Mehdi , Barazandeh Maliheh , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: June 2019

In this paper, multicomponent reaction of amine, carbon disulfide and fluoronitrobenzene is reported for the synthesis of nitrophenyl methylcarbamodithioate derivatives. The method is based on the nucleophilic attack of the activated methylcarbamodithioate salt to fluoronitrobenzene. Several starting materials are tested and successfully produced the corresponding nitrophenyl methylcarbamodithioate. A possible mechanism for the reaction is suggested.
Colour in bivalve shells: Using resonance Raman spectroscopy to compare pigments at different phylogenetic levels
Authors: Wade Jessica , Pugh Hazel , Nightingale James , Kim Ji‐Seon , Williams Suzanne T.
Published: June 2019

Several studies have suggested that shell colour may be phylogenetically distributed within the phylum Mollusca, but this pattern is confounded by our ignorance of the homology of colour and lack of understanding about the identity of most molluscan pigments. We use resonance Raman spectroscopy to address this problem by examining bivalve pigments producing a range of colours and compare spectra from taxa at different phylogenetic levels. The spectra of most shell pigments exhibited a skeletal signature typical of partially methylated polyenes, possibly modified carotenoids, with the strongest peaks occurring between 1,501–1,540 cm−1 and 1,117–1,144 cm−1 due to the C═C (ν1) and C–C (ν2) stretching modes, respectively. Neither pigment class nor mineral structure differentiated Imparidentia and Pteriomorphia. Spectral acquisitions for purple pigments for two species of Asaphis suggest that identical or nearly identical pigments are shared within this genus, and some red pigments from distantly related species have similar spectra. Conversely, two species with brown shells have distinctly different pigments, highlighting the difficulty in determining the homology of colour even within a single class of pigments. Curiously, we were unable to detect any Raman activity for green‐coloured shell or pigment peaks for the yellow area of Codakia paytenorum, suggesting that these colours are due to structural elements or a pigment that is quite different from those observed in other taxa examined to date. Our results are consistent with the idea that classes of pigments are evolutionarily ancient but heritable modifications may be specific to clades.
Relationship between the characteristics of rigor‐mortis‐related actomyosin and muscle fiber types in the ordinary muscle of various fishes
Authors: Wang Yao , Wang Qin , Hirasaka Katsuya , Hara Kenji , Taniyama Shigeto , Tachibana Katsuyasu
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Rigor mortis occurs when muscle extension vanishes through the irresistible coupling of actin and myosin by the consumption of adenosine triphosphate as energy. To clarify the cause of the differences in the progression of rigor mortis, seven fish species were used as samples. The superprecipitation reaction and Mg2+‐ATPase activity of actomyosin in dorsal ordinary muscle were measured, and the slope of the regression line between these two variables was calculated for each fish specimen. The fiber types of the dorsal ordinary muscle in each sample fish were discriminated by the stability of actomyosin ATPase at acid and alkaline preincubations.

RESULT

Positive correlations were found between Mg2+‐ATPase activity and the superprecipitation reaction of actomyosin in all 27 fish specimens. The slopes of the regression lines were different not only between fish species but also in fish specimens within the same species. The area ratios of pink muscle fibers and the IIa and/or IIb subtypes of white muscle fibers in the dorsal ordinary muscle were also different between fish species, as well as in specimens within the same fish species. A positive correlation was found between the area ratios of pink muscle fibers in dorsal ordinary muscle and the slopes of the regression line.

CONCLUSION

It was suggested that the differences in characteristics of rigor‐mortis‐related actomyosin of fish might have been caused by the differences in the interposition ratio of muscle fiber types, especially of the pink muscle fiber type, in the dorsal ordinary muscle. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Giant cell tumors combined with secondary aneurysmal bone cysts are more likely to develop postoperative recurrence: A retrospective study of 256 cases
Authors: Tang HaiJun , Moro Abu , Feng WenYu , Lai YinJuan , Xiao ZengMing , Liu Yun , Wang Kun
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The epidemiology and clinicopathology of aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) secondary to giant cell tumors of bone (GCTBs) have been well documented in the previous literature. However, reports on whether secondary ABCs could affect the postoperative recurrence of GCTBs are rare. This study analyzed the effects of secondary ABCs and other relevant clinical factors on the postoperative recurrence of GCTBs of the extremities.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 256 cases of GCTBs of the extremities that were treated surgically at our institution. Among them, there were 60 patients diagnosed with GCTBs combined with secondary ABCs and 196 patients diagnosed with simple GCTBs. Intralesional curettage and tumor resection were performed in 136 and 120 cases, respectively. Univariate analysis, Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis, and multivariate regression analysis were used to assess the factors for postoperative recurrence. The follow‐up period was at least 24 months.

Results

The total postoperative recurrence rate was 32%. The recurrence rate in the secondary ABCs group was significantly higher than that in the simple GCTBs group (53.3% vs 25.5%, P < 0.05). Curettage was associated with a higher recurrence rate than tumor resection (42.5% vs 20%, P < 0.05). Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis showed that patients with GCTBs combined with secondary ABCs and who were treated by intralesional curettage had a decreased disease‐free survival rate. The hazard ratio was 2.18 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15‐4.13) for the group of GCTB combined with ABCs (
P = 0.01) and 1.97 (95% CI, 1.22‐7.50) for the curettage group (
P = 0.01), respectively. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the presence of secondary ABCs and curettage were independent factors for recurrence of GCTBs.

Conclusion

According to the results of this study, the presence of secondary ABCs is a potential risk factor for postoperative relapse of GCTBs.
Postoperative venous thromboembolism and mortality in patients with pancreatic surgery
Authors: Majmudar Kaushal , Quintero Luis D. , Fuentes Harry E. , Stocker Susan , Tafur Alfonso J. , Lee Cheong J. , Talamonti Mark
Published: June 2019

Background and Objectives

Pancreatic cancer is strongly associated with thrombosis. We investigated early postoperative venous thromboembolism (PVTE) mortality among patients with pancreatic surgery and compared outcomes in adenocarcinoma pancreatic cancer (ACPC) to non‐adenocarcinoma pancreatic neoplasm (NACPN).

Methods

We analyzed a prospectively collected database of patients who underwent pancreatic cancer or neoplasm‐related surgery. As NACPN is underrepresented in other studies, we selected NACPN patients and a random sample of ACPC patients. PVTE was defined as VTE occurring within 3 months of surgical intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results

A total of 441 pancreatic surgery patients were included, with 331 ACPC and 110 NACPN. Median follow‐up was 449 days during which 90 (20.4%) patients developed VTE. PVTE occurred in 53 (12.0%) patients, including 41 (12.4%) ACPC patients and 12 (10.9%) NACPN patients. Those with PVTE had 60% higher mortality rate. A multivariable analysis found that PVTE is an independent predictor of increased mortality (HR Adj, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1‐2.2; P < .01). The mortality impact was not consistent between ACPC (HR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.3‐7.9) and NACPN groups (HR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.9‐1.8).

Conclusions

Postoperative venous thromboembolism is an independent predictor of increased mortality in pancreatic surgery, specifically in adenocarcinoma pancreatic cancer surgery.
Visualizing Cholesterol Uptake by Self‐Assembling Rhodamine B‐Labeled Polymer Inside Living Cells via FLIM‐FRET Microscopy
Authors: Doll Franziska , Keckeis Philipp , Scheel Patricia , Cölfen Helmut
Published: June 2019

Atherosclerosis is a widespread and hazardous disease characterized by the formation of arterial plaques mostly composed of fat, cholesterol, and calcium ions. The direct solubilization of cholesterol represents a promising, atheroprotective strategy to subside lipid blood levels and reverse atherosclerosis. This study deals with the in‐depth analysis of polymer‐mediated cholesterol dissolution inside living human cells. To this end, a recently described multifunctional block‐polymer is labeled with Rhodamine B (RhoB) to investigate its interaction with cells via fluorescence microscopy. This gives insight into the cellular internalization process of the polymer, which appears to be clathrin‐ and caveolae/raft‐dependent endocytosis. In cell single particle tracking reveals an active transport of RhoB polymer including structures. Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements of cells treated with a fluorophore‐tagged cholesterol derivative and the RhoB polymer indicates the uptake of cholesterol by the polymeric particles. Hence, these results present a first step toward possible applications of cholesterol‐absorbing polymers for treating atherosclerosis.
STAT3 signaling pathway plays importantly genetic and functional roles in HCV infection
Authors: Song Yuzhu , Yang Xianyao , Shen Yunsong , Wang Yiqian , Xia Xueshan , Zhang A‐Mei
Published: June 2019

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an extensive health problem, which leads to serious liver diseases. Host genetic polymorphisms were associated with HCV infection, progression, and treatment effect of patients. Signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway was important to HCV infection, but no genetic association was studied between STAT3 signaling pathway and HCV infection.

Methods

To investigate the genetic and functional roles of the STAT3 signaling pathway, we collected 394 HCV patients and 395 normal controls to genotype 25 signal nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of six genes (Interleukin 6 [IL6, OMIM 147620], Interleukin 6 receptor [IL6R, OMIM 147880], Hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 alpha [HNF1A, OMIM 142410], Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha [HNF4A, OMIM 600281], STAT3 [OMIM 102582], and ATP binding cassette subfamily C member 2 [ABCC2, OMIM 601107]). Then expression level of these genes were analyzed in HCV infected cells with or without IL6 transfection.

Results

Our results identified that the SNPs in STAT3 signaling pathway were associated with HCV infection or biochemical features of Yunnan HCV patients. Genotype AA of rs4075015 (IL6R) and GG of rs3212172 (HNF4A) increased the risk of HCV infection (p = 0.024 and 0.029), but the genotype AA of rs7553796 (IL6R) played a protective role in HCV infection (p = 0.0008). High‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and Glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) level were associated with genotypes of rs4845617 (IL6R, p = 0.045) and rs1053023 (STAT3, p = 0.034), respectively. Cell assays suggested that IL6 transfection could suppress HCV proliferation. RNA and protein levels of the IL6R, HNF1A, STAT3, and ABCC2 genes significantly increased after HCV infection.

Conclusion

We identified STAT3 signaling pathway influenced HCV infection and biochemical characteristics of HCV patients through genetic and functional aspects.
Modeling curved interfaces without element‐partitioning in the extended finite element method
Authors: Chin Eric B. , Sukumar N.
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we model holes and material interfaces (weak discontinuities) in two‐dimensional linear elastic continua using the extended finite element method on higher‐order (spectral) finite element meshes. Arbitrary parametric curves such as rational Bézier curves and cubic Hermite curves are adopted in conjunction with the level set method to represent curved interfaces. Efficient computation of weak form integrals with polynomial integrands is realized via the homogeneous numerical integration scheme—a method that uses Euler's homogeneous function theorem and Stokes' theorem to reduce integration to the boundary of the domain. Numerical integration on cut elements requires the evaluation of a one‐dimensional integral over a parametric curve, and hence, the need to partition curved elements is eliminated. To improve stiffness matrix conditioning, ghost penalty stabilization and the Jacobi preconditioner are used. For material interface problems, we develop an enrichment function that captures weak discontinuities on spectral meshes. Taken together, we show through numerical experiments that these advances deliver optimal algebraic rates of convergence withh‐refinement (p=1,2,…,5) and exponential rates of convergence withp‐refinement (p=1,2,…,7) for elastostatic problems with holes and material inclusions on Cartesianpth‐order spectral finite element meshes.
Effect of interfacial chemistry on crystallization of polypropylene/multiwall carbon nanotube nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Po‐Hsiang , Gulgunje Prabhakar , Ghoshal Sushanta , Odeh Ihab N. , Verghese Nikhil , Kumar Satish
Published: June 2019

This study systematically investigates the polymer–carbon nanotube (CNT) interaction when the interphase is tailored. Maleic anhydride‐grafted‐polypropylene (MA‐g‐PP) or polypropylene (PP) was noncovalently coated onto acid functionalized multiwall nanotube (f‐MWNT) through solution mixing. These coated f‐MWNTs were melt microcompounded with neat PP to form PP/f‐MWNT nanocomposites. The effects of functional groups and the thin layer of solution processed polymers, namely, MA‐g‐PP or PP, at the PP/f‐MWNT interface on crystallization and on melting behavior of matrix PP were investigated. The results were compared with a pristine MWNT (p‐MWNT) incorporated system. It was shown that PP coated CNTs can serve as a strong nucleating agent for templated polymer crystal growth. Unlike other PP nanocomposites in the literature, a relatively high shift of 7°C in melting peak maximum (Tp), along with a sharp melt endotherm was achieved with the addition of 0.3 wt% f‐MWNT via PP/f‐MWNT master batch. This indicates refinement of matrix PP crystalline region due to the tailored f‐MWNT surface chemistry. With a designed self‐seeding and templated crystal growth approach, columnar crystalline interphases were found surrounding MWNT which melted at 10.5°C higher temperature than neat PP crystallized without undergoing the same heat treatment protocol. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:1570–1584 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Systematic review of technology‐based interventions to improve anxiety, depression, and health‐related quality of life among patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Qan'ir Yousef , Song Lixin
Published: June 2019

Objectives

This review aimed to systematically evaluate the characteristics of technology‐based interventions (TBIs) and their effectiveness on anxiety, depression, and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients with prostate cancer.

Methods

We identified eligible research reports published in English language between January 1, 2000, and September 15, 2018, from CINAHL; Embase; “Library and Information Science Abstracts”; “Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts”; “Library and Information Science Source”; PsychINFO; and PubMed. We abstracted randomized control trials and quasi‐experimental studies that measured the outcomes related to anxiety, depression, or HRQoL. We extracted the data using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions guideline.

Results

Among the six randomized control trials and four quasi‐experimental studies that met our inclusion criteria, the TBIs aimed to provide informational, psychosocial, self‐care management, and communication support. About 60‐92% of the participants in six studies completed all required contents and 77‐94% of the participants in four studies logged onto the TBI platform. Compared with the patients in usual care, the TBI users reported a significant reduction in anxiety (N=1 study) and depression (N=2 studies) and improvement in HRQoL (N=2 studies). We also identified the limitations of the existing TBI trials.

Conclusions

We found insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of TBIs in improving health outcomes (anxiety, depression, and HRQOL) among patients with prostate cancer. Future research needs to (1) use rigorous randomized control trials, (2) be sufficiently powered to examine the effects of TBIs, and (3) examine how the effect of TBIs on health outcomes vary by actual intervention use, intervention components, and duration.
Urinary and exhaled biomarkers of exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction in atopic asthmatic children
Authors: Barreto Mario , Capi Matilde , Lionetto Luana , Caiazzo Ilaria , Salerno Gerardo , Cardelli Patrizia , Simmaco Maurizio , Villa Maria Pia
Published: June 2019

Background

Exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) reflects poor asthma control. Assessing noninvasive biomarkers associated with EIB could help to monitor patients in the pediatric age.

Aims

To test exhaled and urinary biomarkers for assessing EIB in atopic asthmatic children.

Methods

In 45 atopic patients (11.1 ± 1.8 years, 25 males) we measured the fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO), its alveolar (CaNO), and bronchial (J’awNO) components corrected for the trumpet shape of the airways and axial NO diffusion (TMAD), concentrations of urinary adenosine and 8‐hydroxy‐2'‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OxodG), blood eosinophils count, total immunoglobulin E , skin prick tests, and baseline spirometry before a treadmill exercise challenge. Forty healthy control subjects participated solely to baseline measurements.

Results

Patients yielded higher FENO and urinary adenosine concentrations than healthy controls. After the challenge, 18 patients (40%) had EIB; these patients had higher levels of CaNO, CaNO TMAD, and urinary adenosine than patients without EIB. Baseline spirometry, FE
NO, JawNO, JawNO TMAD, urinary 8‐OxodG, allergy, and blood eosinophil counts were found similar in both groups. In multiple linear regression, the fall in FEV
1 was explained by CaNO TMAD, urinary adenosine and blood eosinophil count, whereas the fall in FEF
25‐75 was explained by CaNO TMAD and blood eosinophil count. Both CaNO TMAD ≥10.5 ppb and urinary adenosine ≥406 nmol/mmol Cr predicted a fall in FEV
1 ≥10%, while only CaNO TMAD ≥10.5 ppb predicted a fall in FEF
25‐75 ≥26%.

Conclusion

Concentrations of peripheral airway NO are complementary with urinary adenosine for assessing EIB and promising tools of asthma control in pediatric patients with the atopic phenotype.
The effect of electric current on chemical bonding of hydrogen adsorption on an aluminum nanowire
Authors: Senami Masato , Matsunaga Shunji
Published: June 2019

The effect of electric current on hydrogen adsorption on an aluminum nanowire surface is studied by using nonequilibrium Green's function method. We choose the models studied in the previous work of one of the authors as an aluminum nanowire model and a hydrogen‐adsorbed one. These nanowire models have conductive ability, because the aluminum part of these models is metallic. It is confirmed that electric current affects the strength of the adsorption of hydrogen atoms, and the change of the bonding of hydrogen to aluminum nanowire surface is larger for larger current. However, the change of the chemical bonding is negligibly small within the bias voltage ≤0.5 V.
Verbal reports in the reading processes of language learners: A methodological review
Authors: Smith Patriann , Kim Deoksoon , Vorobel Oksana , King James R.
Published: June 2019

This methodological review highlights the trends in empirical studies where a methodological construct (i.e. verbal reports) intersects with content (i.e. literacy research). Specifically, we synthesise research on language learners’ reading in which verbal reports were deployed as a methodological tool. Questioning the long‐standing assumption that verbal report methods validated in first‐language verbal report reading studies necessarily constitute a basis for validation of second‐language verbal report reading studies, we consider the broader educational frameworks within which studies are embedded. In our synthesis of language learners’ verbal report literacy research published between 2000 and 2015, we attend to the social, demographic and geographic realities characteristic of studies reviewed and of the participants involved. Our findings demonstrate the following: (a) tendency to report quantitative information regardless of the type of verbal reporting method and the component of reading explored; (b) predominance of independent concurrent methods that emphasised the reading product; (c) predominance of integrated verbal reports (i.e. concurrent and other forms of reporting) in sociocultural studies that reflected the reading process; (d) concerns about validity in studies premised on cognitivist models of verbal reports; (e) a tendency to use solely concurrent verbal reports in quantitative studies; (f) high reliance on integrated concurrent methods in qualitative studies; and (g) preponderance of qualitative‐to‐quantitative versus a qualitative‐to‐quantitative‐to‐qualitative verbal reporting paradigms across studies. Based on these findings, we make several recommendations to be considered when verbal reports are used to study language learners’ reading processes.
Spawning Locations within and among Tributaries Influence Flannelmouth Sucker Offspring Experience
Authors: Cathcart Charles N. , Gido Keith B. , Brandenburg W. Howard
Published: June 2019

Migratory fishes often spawn across broad spatial scales to limit intraspecific interactions among mature and immature individuals, leading to long‐distance movements of both adults and offspring. Thus, offspring are potentially exposed to a range of environmental conditions throughout their development that affect growth, survival, and recruitment. Migratory suckers (family Catostomidae) can be used to test spatial variation in early life stage experiences for iteroparous fishes. We use the Flannelmouth Sucker Catostomus latipinnis, a fish that is endemic to the American Southwest, to illustrate how larval and juvenile stages are affected by the distance of upstream spawning migration in tributaries that vary in flow regime and habitat availability (i.e., perennial versus intermittent streams). Remote detection of PIT‐tagged migrating adults indicated that spawning and larval rearing sites were distributed over 32 km within McElmo Creek, a perennial tributary to the San Juan River, Utah. Physical sampling of an upstream intermittent tributary, the Mancos River, New Mexico showed that spawning adults—and then larvae—were restricted to within 1 km of the main‐stem river. Quantile regression demonstrated recruitment of larvae to the juvenile stage was significantly (i.e., up to 2 weeks) faster in more upstream reaches of the perennial tributary, potentially due to more constant thermal regimes. Spatial differences in animal community structure at sites with larval Flannelmouth Sucker indicated that the potential for predation and competition was greatest in upstream reaches. Small, rare, and even intermittent tributaries concentrate spawning activity that dictates larval sucker experiences. Conserving, maintaining, and enhancing connectivity via flows synchronized with spawning and rearing are critical steps to protect migratory suckers in arid environments.
Typification ofSalvia×auriculata(Labiatae)
Authors: Rivera Diego , Obón Concepción , Alcaraz Francisco , Reales Antonio , Barreña José Antonio
Published: June 2019

The group of intermediate sage cultivars of hybrid origin, alternatively ascribed toSalvia fruticosaorS. officinalis, is currently interpreted as an interspecific hybridS. ×auriculata(S. fruticosa×S. officinalis). Neotypification of the nameS. ×auriculatais proposed here.
Plant Pathogens and Control Strategies in Aquaponics
Authors: Stouvenakers Gilles , Dapprich Peter , Massart Sebastien , Jijakli M. Haïssam
Published: June 2019

Among the diversity of plant diseases occurring in aquaponics, soil-borne pathogens, such as Fusarium spp., Phytophthora spp. and Pythium spp., are the most problematic due to their preference for humid/aquatic environment conditions. Phytophthora spp. and Pythium spp. which belong to the Oomycetes pseudo-fungi require special attention because of their mobile form of dispersion, the so-called zoospores that can move freely and actively in liquid water. In coupled aquaponics, curative methods are still limited because of the possible toxicity of pesticides and chemical agents for fish and beneficial bacteria (e.g. nitrifying bacteria of the biofilter). Furthermore, the development of biocontrol agents for aquaponic use is still at its beginning. Consequently, ways to control the initial infection and the progression of a disease are mainly based on preventive actions and water physical treatments. However, suppressive action (suppression) could happen in aquaponic environment considering recent papers and the suppressive activity already highlighted in hydroponics. In addition, aquaponic water contains organic matter that could promote establishment and growth of heterotrophic bacteria in the system or even improve plant growth and viability directly. With regards to organic hydroponics (i.e. use of organic fertilisation and organic plant media), these bacteria could act as antagonist agents or as plant defence elicitors to protect plants from diseases. In the future, research on the disease suppressive ability of the aquaponic biotope must be increased, as well as isolation, characterisation and formulation of microbial plant pathogen antagonists. Finally, a good knowledge in the rapid identification of pathogens, combined with control methods and diseases monitoring, as recommended in integrated plant pest management, is the key to an efficient control of plant diseases in aquaponics.
Aquaponics as an Educational Tool
Authors: Junge Ranka , Bulc Tjasa Griessler , Anseeuw Dieter , Yavuzcan Yildiz Hijran , Milliken Sarah
Published: June 2019

This chapter provides an overview of possible strategies for implementing aquaponics in curricula at different levels of education, illustrated by case studies from different countries. Aquaponics can promote scientific literacy and provide a useful tool for teaching the natural sciences at all levels, from primary through to tertiary education. An aquaponics classroom model system can provide multiple ways of enriching classes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and the day-to-day maintenance of an aquaponics can also enable experiential learning. Aquaponics can thus become an enjoyable and effective way for learners to study STEM content, and can also be used for teaching subjects such as business and economics, and for addressing issues like sustainable development, environmental science, agriculture, food systems, and health. Using learner and teacher evaluations of the use of aquaponics at different educational levels, we attempt to answer the question of whether aquaponics fulfils its promise as an educational tool.
Decoupled Aquaponics Systems
Authors: Goddek Simon , Joyce Alyssa , Wuertz Sven , Körner Oliver , Bläser Ingo , Reuter Michael , Keesman Karel J.
Published: June 2019

Traditional aquaponics systems were arranged in a single process loop that directs nutrient-rich water from fish to the plants and back. Given the differing specific nutrient and environmental requirements of plants and fish, such systems presented a compromise to the ideal conditions for rearing of both, thus reducing the efficiency and productivity of such coupled systems. More recently, designs that allow for decoupling of units provide for a more finely tuned regulation of the process water in each of the respective units while also allowing for better recycling of nutrients from sludge. Suspended solids from the fish (e.g. faeces and uneaten feed) need to be removed from the process water before water can be directed to plants in order to prevent clogging of hydroponic systems, a step that represents a significant loss of total nutrients, most importantly phosphorus. The reuse of sludge and mobilization of nutrients contained within that sludge present a number of engineering challenges that, if addressed creatively, can dramatically increase the efficiency and sustainability of aquaponics systems. One solution is to separate, or when there are pathogens or production problems, to isolate components of the system, thus maximizing overall control and efficiency of each component, while reducing compromises between the conditions and species-specific requirements of each subsystem. Another potential innovation that is made possible by the decoupling of units involves introducing additional loops wherein bioreactors can be used to treat sludge. An additional distillation loop can ensure increased nutrient concentrations to the hydroponics unit while, at the same time, reducing adverse effects on fish health from high nutrient levels in the RAS unit. Several studies have documented the aerobic and anaerobic digestion performance of bioreactors for treating sludge, but the benefits of the digestate on plant growth are not well-researched. Both remineralization and distillation components consequently have a high unexplored potential to improve decoupled aquaponics systems.
From Community to Public Libraries: Liberalism, Education, and Self-Government
Authors: Atkin Lara , Comyn Sarah , Fermanis Porscha , Garvey Nathan
Published: June 2019

This chapter considers the emergence of public libraries in the southern colonies, looking at how access to knowledge, education, and book provision were understood. It focuses primarily on the various meanings attaching to the word ‘public’ in the nineteenth century and on the development of ‘national’ acquisition and collection policies, but it also examines the motivations and catalysts for the development of public libraries more generally, concentrating on the specific, local conditions that led to their establishment and growth, on their connection to political factions concerned with representative government, and on their contribution to a distinctive type of ‘colonial modernity’.
Genus species sp. nov., an underscribed fungus (Taxonomic group) from habit in country with interesting biological properties
Authors: Seifert Keith A. , Rossman Amy Y.
Published: June 2019

If your title is sufficiently engaging, a prospective reader will probably look next at the Abstract. The abstract should include all details necessary for the reader who does not have access to the whole article (i.e. someone looking at the abstract only on-line or in an abstract journal) so that they will know whether it is worth their time or money to obtain the full article. When describing a new species, you should include a summary of the diagnostic characters of the new species, especially the spore characters and dimensions. Make sure to include information about where your fungus was found and what is was growing on. If you have molecular data, it is useful to mention what genes you have sequenced, and what this information tells us about the fungus, such as what family or order it belongs to, and what are the most closely related species. Mention if a key to related species or comparative synoptic table is included, a feature that will increase potential readership.
Aspects of the QCD θ-vacuum
Authors: Vonk Thomas , Guo Feng-Kun , Meißner Ulf-G.
Published: June 2019

Abstract

This paper addresses two aspects concerning the θ-vacuum of Quantum Chro-modynamics. First, large-N

c
chiral perturbation theory is used to calculate the first two non-trivial cumulants of the distribution of the winding number, i.e. the topological susceptibility, χ
top, and the fourth cumulant, c
4, up to next-to-leading order. Their large-N

c
scaling is discussed, and compared to lattice results. It is found that

$$ {\chi}_{\mathrm{top}} = \mathcal{O}\left({N}_c^0\right) $$

χ
top

=

O

N
c
0

, as known before, and

$$ {c}_4 = \mathcal{O}\left({N}_c^{-3}\right) $$

c
4

=

O

N
c

−
3

, correcting the assumption of

$$ \mathcal{O}\left({N}_c^{-2}\right) $$

O

N
c

−
2

in the literature. Second, we discuss the properties of QCD at θ ∼ π using chiral perturbation theory for the case of 2 + 1 light flavors, i.e. by taking the strange quark mass heavier than the degenerate up and down quark masses. It is shown that — in accordance with previous findings for N

f
= 2 and N

f
= 3 mass-degenerate flavors — in the region θ ∼ π two vacuum states coexist, which become degenerate at θ = π. The wall tension of the energy barrier between these degenerate vacua is determined as well as the decay rate of a false vacuum.
Prevalence and patterns of maxillofacial trauma: a retrospective descriptive study
Authors: Al-Hassani Ammar , Ahmad Khalid , El-Menyar Ayman , Abutaka Ahmad , Mekkodathil Ahammed , Peralta Ruben , Al Khalil Moustafa , Al-Thani Hassan
Published: June 2019

Introduction

We aimed to describe the prevalence and pattern of maxillofacial trauma in Qatar.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of trauma registry data at Hamad General Hospital during the period from January 2011 to December 2014. The study included all traumatic maxillofacial patients who underwent CT scan and were admitted during the study period.

Results

A total of 1187 patients with maxillofacial injuries were included in the study and 18.5% of all trauma admissions were related to maxillofacial injuries. Young age and males were predominantly affected. Mechanisms of injury were mainly traffic-related and fall. Orbital injuries were the commonest followed by maxillary injuries. The median and range face abbreviated injury score (AIS) was 2 [1–3] with 66% had a score of 2. Maxillofacial fractures were frequently associated with traumatic brain injuries. One out of five patients was managed with surgery and had median length of stays in ICU and hospital 5 and 7 days, respectively. Overall, in-hospital mortality was 8.3%. Mortality in isolated maxillofacial was low (0.3%) in comparison to 15% in polytrauma patients (p = 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis showed that Injury Severity Score, face AIS and Glasgow Coma Scale were predictors of mortality with age-adjusted odd ratio of 1.15, 2.48 and 0.82; respectively.

Conclusions

Maxillofacial trauma requiring admission is not uncommon in our trauma center and mostly it is mild to moderate in severity. Associated injuries are present in most of the maxillofacial injured patients and further diagnostic investigations should be part of the assessment in maxillofacial injuries.
Readmission Adversely Affects Survival in Surgical Rectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Chen Sophia Y. , Stem Miloslawa , Gearhart Susan L. , Safar Bashar , Fang Sandy H. , Azad Nilofer S. , Murphy Adrian G. , Narang Amol K. , Wolfgang Christopher L. , Efron Jonathan E.
Published: June 2019

Background

Readmission has received attention as a potential healthcare quality metric. No studies have investigated the relationship between readmission and survival in patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery. The aims of this study were to identify factors associated with 30‐day readmission after rectal cancer surgery and to determine the impact of readmission on overall survival (OS).

Methods

Patients who underwent surgical treatment for rectal/rectosigmoid adenocarcinoma stages I–IV were identified using the National Cancer Database (2004–2014). Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors for readmission. 2:1 nearest neighbor caliper matching without replacement was used to ensure similarity of patients being compared. Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan–Meier method along with log‐rank test and Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Of 110,167 patients, 7045 (6.39%) were readmitted. Factors associated with readmission included higher Charlson comorbidity score, non‐private or no insurance, procedure type, hospitals in the Northeast, South, and Midwest regions, and prolonged length of stay. Within the matched cohort (13,756 non‐readmitted and 6878 readmitted), readmitted patients had worse 5‐ and 10‐year OS regardless of cancer stage (p < 0.001) and procedure type. Five‐ and 10‐year OS were 58.98% and 41.01% for readmitted patients, 64.96% and 43.50% for non‐readmitted patients. Readmitted patients had shorter OS by 13.14 months and increased risk of mortality (HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.15–1.25, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Thirty‐day readmission after rectal cancer surgery is associated with decreased OS. Efforts to reduce readmissions should be considered to advance cancer care and enhance the potential for improved patient survival.
Change in Skeletal Muscle Following Resection of Stage I–III Colorectal Cancer is Predictive of Poor Survival: A Cohort Study
Authors: Hopkins Jessica J. , Reif Rebecca , Bigam David , Baracos Vickie E. , Eurich Dean T. , Sawyer Michael M.
Published: June 2019

Background

Sarcopenia at time of diagnosis predicts worse survival outcomes. It is currently unknown how changes in muscle mass over time interact with sarcopenia in colorectal patients treated with curative intent. Objectives of this study were to quantify sarcopenia and skeletal muscle loss from time of diagnosis to end of surveillance and determine its effect on survival outcomes after completion of 2 years of surveillance.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of stage I–III colorectal cancer patients from 2007–2009, who underwent resection and had preoperative and 2‐year surveillance computed tomography scans, without recurrence during that time. Body composition analysis was done at both time points to determine lumbar skeletal muscle index, radiodensity and adiposity. Change over time was standardized as a percentage per year. Cox proportional hazard regression modeling was used for survival analysis.

Results

Of 667 patients included, median survival from surgery was 7.96 years, with 75 recurrences occurring after 2 years. On average patients lost muscle mass (−0.415%/year; CI −0.789, −0.042) and radiodensity (−5.76 HU/year; CI −6.74, −4.80), but gained total adipose tissue (7.06%/year; CI 4.34, 9.79). Patients with sarcopenia at diagnosis (HR 1.80; CI 1.13, 2.85) or muscle loss over time (HR 1.55; CI 1.01, 2.37) had worse overall survival, with significantly worse joint effect (HR 2.73; CI 1.32, 5.65).

Conclusions

Sarcopenia at diagnosis combined with ongoing skeletal muscle loss over time resulted in significantly worse survival. Patients with these features who are recurrence‐free at 2 years are more likely to have a non‐colorectal cancer cause of death.
Comparison of Outcomes with Semi‐mechanical and Circular Stapled Intrathoracic Esophagogastric Anastomosis following Esophagectomy
Authors: Yanni Fady , Singh Pritam , Tewari Nilanjana , Parsons Simon L. , Catton James A. , Duffy John , Welch Neil T. , Vohra Ravinder S.
Published: June 2019

Background

Several techniques have been described for esophagogastric anastomosis following esophagectomy. This study compared the outcomes of circular stapled anastomoses with semi‐mechanical technique using a linear stapler.

Methods

Perioperative data were extracted from a contemporaneously collected database of all consecutive esophagectomies for cancer with intrathoracic anastomoses performed in the Trent Oesophago‐Gastric Unit between January 2015 and April 2018. Anastomotic techniques: circular stapled versus semi‐mechanical, were evaluated and outcomes were compared. The primary outcome was anastomotic leak rate. Secondary outcomes included anastomotic stricture, overall complication rates, length of stay (LOS) and 30 day all‐cause mortality.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐nine consecutive esophagectomies with intrathoracic anastomosis were performed during the study period. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, American Society of Anaesthesiologists score, Charlson comorbidity index and neoadjuvant therapies received. Circular stapled anastomoses were performed in 85 patients, while 74 patients received a semi‐mechanical anastomosis. Clavien–Dindo complications II or more were higher in the circular stapled group (p = 0.02). There were 16 (10%) anastomotic leaks overall, three (4%) in semi‐mechanical group versus 13 (15%) in the circular stapled group (p < 0.019). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of LOS, 30‐day mortality or the need for endoscopic dilatation of the anastomosis at 3 months follow‐up.

Conclusion

The move from a circular stapled to a semi‐mechanical intrathoracic anastomosis has been associated with a reduced postoperative anastomotic leak rate following esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.
Submarine giant pumice: a window into the shallow conduit dynamics of a recent silicic eruption
Authors: Mitchell Samuel J. , Houghton Bruce F. , Carey Rebecca J. , Manga Michael , Fauria Kristen E. , Jones Max P. , Soule S. Adam , Conway Chris E. , Wei Zihan , Giachetti Thomas
Published: June 2019

Meter-scale vesicular blocks, termed “giant pumice,” are characteristic primary products of many subaqueous silicic eruptions. The size of giant pumices allows us to describe meter-scale variations in textures and geochemistry with implications for shearing processes, ascent dynamics, and thermal histories within submarine conduits prior to eruption. The submarine eruption of Havre volcano, Kermadec Arc, in 2012, produced at least 0.1 km3 of rhyolitic giant pumice from a single 900-m-deep vent, with blocks up to 10 m in size transported to at least 6 km from source. We sampled and analyzed 29 giant pumices from the 2012 Havre eruption. Geochemical analyses of whole rock and matrix glass show no evidence for geochemical heterogeneities in parental magma; any textural variations can be attributed to crystallization of phenocrysts and microlites, and degassing. Extensive growth of microlites occurred near conduit walls where magma was then mingled with ascending microlite-poor, low viscosity rhyolite. Meter- to micron-scale textural analyses of giant pumices identify diversity throughout an individual block and between the exteriors of individual blocks. We identify evidence for post-disruption vesicle growth during pumice ascent in the water column above the submarine vent. A 2D cumulative strain model with a flared, shallow conduit may explain observed vesicularity contrasts (elongate tube vesicles vs spherical vesicles). Low vesicle number densities in these pumices from this high-intensity silicic eruption demonstrate the effect of hydrostatic pressure above a deep submarine vent in suppressing rapid late-stage bubble nucleation and inhibiting explosive fragmentation in the shallow conduit.
Self-Reported Long-Term Antiretroviral Adherence: A Longitudinal Study Among HIV Infected Pregnant Women in Mpumalanga, South Africa
Authors: Ramlagan Shandir , Rodriguez Violeta J. , Peltzer Karl , Ruiter Robert A. C. , Jones Deborah L. , Sifunda Sibusiso
Published: June 2019

We evaluate the impact of a multi-session cognitive behavioral prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) intervention on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. A total of 683 women were enrolled into a randomized control trial conducted at twelve community health centres (CHCs) in Mpumalanga Province. Participants were randomized to Standard Care or Enhanced PMTCT Intervention (EI). EI received three group and three individual intervention sessions. EI impact was ascertained on ART adherence (baseline vs 12 months post-partum). Women in the intervention groups were less likely to remain stable with regards to ART adherence over time compared to the control groups. In predicting if women become adherent over time, the intervention condition had no impact. However, the intervention condition was significantly positively associated with change to non-adherence. The enhanced cognitive-behavioral PMTCT intervention did not show any improvement in relation to maternal ART adherence relative to standard PMTCT care.

Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov: number NCT02085356.