bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From eggs to bites: do ovitrap data provide reliable estimates ofAedes albopictusbiting females?
Authors: Manica Mattia , Rosà Roberto , della Torre Alessandra , Caputo Beniamino
Published: March 2017

Background

Aedes albopictusis an aggressive invasive mosquito species that represents a serious health concern not only in tropical areas, but also in temperate regions due to its role as vector of arboviruses. Estimates of mosquito biting rates are essential to account for vector-human contact in models aimed to predict the risk of arbovirus autochthonous transmission and outbreaks, as well as nuisance thresholds useful for correct planning of mosquito control interventions. Methods targeting daytime and outdoor bitingAe. albopictusfemales (e.g., Human Landing Collection, HLC) are expensive and difficult to implement in large scale schemes. Instead, egg-collections by ovitraps are the most widely used routine approach for large-scale monitoring of the species. The aim of this work was to assess whether ovitrap data can be exploited to estimate numbers of adult bitingAe. albopictusfemales and whether the resulting relationship could be used to build risk models helpful for decision-makers in charge of planning of mosquito-control activities in infested areas.

Method

Ovitrap collections and HLCs were carried out in hot-spots ofAe. albopictusabundance in Rome (Italy) along a whole reproductive season. The relationship between the two sets of data was assessed by generalized least square analysis, taking into account meteorological parameters.

Result

The mean number of mosquito females/person collected by HLC in 15′ (i.e., females/HLC) and the mean number of eggs/day were 18.9 ± 0.7 and 39.0 ± 2.0, respectively. The regression models found a significant positive relationship between the two sets of data and estimated an increase of one biting female/person every five additional eggs found in ovitraps. Both observed and fitted values indicated presence of adults in the absence of eggs in ovitraps. Notably, wide confidence intervals of estimates of biting females based on eggs were observed. The patterns of exotic arbovirus outbreak probability obtained by introducing these estimates in risk models were similar to those based on females/HLC (R0 > 1 in 86% and 40% of sampling dates for Chikungunya and Zika, respectively; R0 < 1 along the entire season for Dengue). Moreover, the model predicted that in this case-study scenario an R0 > 1 for Chikungunya is also to be expected when few/no eggs/day are collected by ovitraps.

Discussion

This work provides the first evidence of the possibility to predict mean number of adult bitingAe. albopictusfemales based on mean number of eggs and to compute the threshold of eggs/ovitrap associated to epidemiological risk of arbovirus transmission in the study area. Overall, however, the large confidence intervals in the model predictions represent a caveat regarding the reliability of monitoring schemes based exclusively on ovitrap collections to estimate numbers of biting females and plan control interventions.
Testing the habituation assumption underlying models of parasitoid foraging behavior
Authors: Abram Paul K. , Cusumano Antonino , Abram Katrina , Colazza Stefano , Peri Ezio
Published: March 2017

Background

Habituation, a form of non-associative learning, has several well-defined characteristics that apply to a wide range of physiological and behavioral responses in many organisms. In classic patch time allocation models, habituation is considered to be a major mechanistic component of parasitoid behavioral strategies. However, parasitoid behavioral responses to host cues have not previously been tested for the known, specific characteristics of habituation.

Methods

In the laboratory, we tested whether the foraging behavior of the egg parasitoidTrissolcus basalisshows specific characteristics of habituation in response to consecutive encounters with patches of host (Nezara viridula) chemical contact cues (footprints), in particular: (i) a training interval-dependent decline in response intensity, and (ii) a training interval-dependent recovery of the response.

Results

As would be expected of a habituated response, wasps trained at higher frequencies decreased their behavioral response to host footprints more quickly and to a greater degree than those trained at low frequencies, and subsequently showed a more rapid, although partial, recovery of their behavioral response to host footprints. This putative habituation learning could not be blocked by cold anesthesia, ingestion of an ATPase inhibitor, or ingestion of a protein synthesis inhibitor.

Discussion

Our study provides support for the assumption that diminishing responses of parasitoids to chemical indicators of host presence constitutes habituation as opposed to sensory fatigue, and provides a preliminary basis for exploring the underlying mechanisms.
Effects of sea‐ice and biogeochemical processes and storms on under‐ice water fCO2 during the winter‐spring transition in the high Arctic Ocean: Implications for sea‐air CO2 fluxes
Authors: Fransson Agneta , Chierici Melissa , Skjelvan Ingunn , Olsen Are , Assmy Philipp , Peterson Algot K. , Spreen Gunnar , Ward Brian
Published: March 2017

We performed measurements of carbon dioxide fugacity (fCO2) in the surface water under Arctic sea ice from January to June 2015 during the Norwegian young sea ICE (N‐ICE2015) expedition. Over this period, the ship drifted with four different ice floes and covered the deep Nansen Basin, the slopes north of Svalbard, and the Yermak Plateau. This unique winter‐to‐spring data set includes the first winter‐time under‐ice water fCO2 observations in this region. The observed under‐ice fCO2 ranged between 315 µatm in winter and 153 µatm in spring, hence was undersaturated relative to the atmospheric fCO2. Although the sea ice partly prevented direct CO2 exchange between ocean and atmosphere, frequently occurring leads and breakup of the ice sheet promoted sea‐air CO2 fluxes. The CO2 sink varied between 0.3 and 86 mmol C m−2 d−1, depending strongly on the open‐water fractions (OW) and storm events. The maximum sea‐air CO2 fluxes occurred during storm events in February and June. In winter, the main drivers of the change in under‐ice water fCO2 were dissolution of CaCO3 (ikaite) and vertical mixing. In June, in addition to these processes, primary production and sea‐air CO2 fluxes were important. The cumulative loss due to CaCO3 dissolution of 0.7 mol C m−2 in the upper 10 m played a major role in sustaining the undersaturation of fCO2 during the entire study. The relative effects of the total fCO2 change due to CaCO3 dissolution was 38%, primary production 26%, vertical mixing 16%, sea‐air CO2 fluxes 16%, and temperature and salinity insignificant.
Sum signal dosimetry: A new approach for high dose quality assurance with Gafchromic EBT3
Authors: Cusumano Davide , Fumagalli Maria Luisa , Ghielmetti Francesco , Rossi Linda , Grossi Giuliano , Lanzarotti Raffaella , Fariselli Laura , De Martin Elena
Published: March 2017

Gafchromic EBT3 film dosimetry in radiosurgery (RS) and hypofractionated radiotherapy (HRT) is complicated by the limited film accuracy at high fractional doses. The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate sum signal (SS) film dosimetry to increase dose resolution at high fractional doses, thus allowing for use of EBT3 for dose distribution verification of RS/HRT treatments. To characterize EBT3 dose–response, a calibration was performed in the dose range 0.44–26.43 Gy. Red (RC) and green (GC) channel net optical densities were linearly added to produce the SS. Dose resolution and overall accuracy of the dosimetric protocol were estimated and compared for SS,RC, and GC. A homemade Matlab software was developed to compare, in terms of gamma analysis, dose distributions delivered by a Cyberknife on EBT3 films to dose distributions calculated by the treatment planning system. The new SS and conventional single channel (SC) methods were compared, using 3%/1 and 4%/1 mm acceptance criteria, for 20 patient plans. Our analysis shows that the SS dose–response curve is characterized by a steeper trend in comparison with SC, with SS providing a higher dose resolution in the whole dose range investigated. Gamma analysis confirms that the percentage of points satisfying the agreement criteria is significantly higher for SS compared to SC: 95.03% vs. 88.41% (P = 0.014) for 3%/1 mm acceptance criteria and 97.24% vs. 93.58% (P = 0.048) for 4%/1 mm acceptance criteria. This study demonstrates that the SS approach is a new and effective method to improve dosimetric accuracy in the framework of the RS‐HRT patient‐specific quality assurance protocol.
The assessment and characterization of the built‐in internal photometer of primary diagnostic monitors
Authors: Ruuge Andres E. , Mahmood Usman A. , Erdi Yusuf E.
Published: March 2017

The purpose of this work was to perform the initial evaluation of primary diagnostic monitor (PDM) characteristics following the implementation of New York City quality assurance (NYC QA) regulations on January 1, 2016, and compare the results of the QA measurements performed by an external photometer and the PDM manufacturer's built‐in photometer. TG‐18 and Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers test patterns were used to evaluate monitor performance. Overall, 79 PDMs were included in the analysis. The verification of grayscale standard display function (GSDF) calibration, using a built‐in photometer, showed that only 2 out of 79 PDMs failed calibration. However, the same measurements performed by the external luminance meter showed that 15 out of 79 monitors had failed GSDF calibration. Measurements of the PDMs maximum luminance (Lmax), using an external photometer showed that 10 out of 53 PDMs calibrated for Lmax = 400 cd/m2 and 17 out of 26 PDMs calibrated for Lmax = 500 cd/m2 do not meet the manufacturer's recommended 10% tolerance limit for the target Lmax calibration. Two PDMs did not pass the Lmax ≥ 350 cd/m2 NYC QA regulations with Lmax = 331 cd/m2 and Lmax = 340 cd/m2. All tested PDMs exceeded the minimum luminance ratio (LR) of 250:1 as required by NYC QA regulations. Measurements taken of Lmax and LR performed by a built‐in photometer showed that none of the PDMs had failed the NYC QA regulations. All PDMs passed the luminance uniformity test with a maximum nonuniformity of 17% (according to NYC regulations it must be less than 30%). The luminance uniformity test could only be performed using an external photometer. The evaluation of 79 PDMs of various ages and models demonstrated up to 18% disagreement between luminance measurements performed by the manufacturer's built‐in photometer when compared with those performed by an externally calibrated luminance meter. These disagreements were larger for older PDMs.
Dosimetry analysis of panoramic‐imaging devices in different‐sized phantoms
Authors: Wahid Muizz A. , Choi Ella , MacDonald David S. , Ford Nancy L.
Published: March 2017

The aim of this study is to measure the radiographic dose in adult, adolescent, and child head‐sized PMMA phantoms for three panoramic‐imaging devices: the panoramic mode on two CBCT machines (Carestream 9300 and i‐CAT NG) and the Planmeca ProMax 2D. A SEDENTEXCT dose index adult phantom and custom‐built adolescent and pediatric PMMA dosimetry phantoms were used. Panoramic radiographs were performed using a Planmeca ProMax 2D and the panoramic mode on a Carestream 9300 CBCT and an i‐CAT NG using the protocols used clinically. Point dose measurements were performed at the center, around the periphery and on the surface of each phantom using a thimble ionization chamber. Five repeat measurements were taken at each location. For each machine, single‐factor ANOVA was conducted to determine dose differences between protocols in each phantom, as well as determine the differences in absorbed dose when the same protocol was used for different‐sized phantoms. For any individual phantom, using protocols with lower kVp, mA, or acquisition times resulted in statistically significant dose savings, as expected. When the same protocol was used for different‐sized phantoms, the smaller phantom had a higher radiation dose due to less attenuation of x‐rays by the smaller phantom and differences in the positioning of the ion chamber relative to the focal trough. The panoramic‐mode on the CBCT machines produce images suitable for clinical use with similar dose levels to the stand‐alone panoramic device. Significant dose savings may result by selecting age‐ and size‐ appropriate protocols for pediatric patients, but a wider range of protocols for children and adolescents may be beneficial.
Enhanced Ductility of a Bimodal Grain Structure Ti–22Al–25Nb Alloy Fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Sim Kyong‐Ho , Wang Guofeng , Li Yong‐Min , Jong Ju‐Yong
Published: March 2017

A bimodal grain structure Ti–22Al–25Nb alloy with enhanced ductility is fabricated from the blended powder mixture of argon gas atomized powder and mechanically alloyed powder by spark plasma sintering. The microstructure of the bimodal grain structure Ti–22Al–25Nb alloy and the effects of the argon gas atomized powder mass fraction on the compression properties are investigated. This alloy shows the bimodal microstructure, which the coarse grain regions are surrounded by the ultrafine grained matrix. Compared with the Ti–22Al–25Nb alloy sintered from 100% mechanically alloyed powder, this alloy sintered from the blended powder mixture containing 20% argon gas atomized powder exhibits the fracture elongation to improve 20.5%.
Mild Base‐Promoted Indole Annulation–Oxidative Cross‐ Coupling of 2‐Nitrocinnamaldehydes with β‐Tetralones for 3‐Naphthylindole and 3‐Naphthylbenzo[g]indole Fluorophores
Authors: Poudel Tej Narayan , Lee Yong Rok
Published: March 2017

This paper describes the transition metal‐free indole annulation–oxidative cross‐coupling of 2‐nitrocinnamaldehydes or (E)‐3‐(1‐nitronaphthalen‐2‐yl)acrylaldehyde with β‐tetralones for the construction of diverse 3‐naphthylindole and 3‐naphthylbenzo[g]indole fluorophores in moderate to good yields. This unique annulation reaction proceeds via the domino Michael addition/hemiacetalization/intramolecular addition of an enolate to a nitro group/decarbonylation/oxidative aromatization sequence under transition metal‐free conditions without the use of an external reductant and oxidant. The synthetic utility of this protocol has been also demonstrated by evaluating the photophysical properties of the synthesized 3‐naphthylindole and 3‐naphthylbenzo[g]indole derivatives.

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Covalent approach for in situ enhancement of interaction between pristine graphene and styrene‐butadiene‐p‐(2,2,2‐triphenylethyl)styrene rubber
Authors: Huang Minglu , Lu Jianmin , Han Bingyong , Liu Jingwei , Qiao He , Zhang Liqun
Published: March 2017

A facile method for enhancing the interaction between pristine graphene and nonpolar rubber matrices was developed by preparing a new solution‐polymerized styrene‐butadiene‐p‐(2,2,2‐triphenylethyl)styrene (TPES) rubber (SBTR). SBTR macroradicals were formed by the thermal decomposition of a 1,1,1,2‐tetraphenylethane pendant. The macroradicals were successfully trapped by graphene through the formation of covalent bonds. This was confirmed by rotorless rheometer and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. The dispersion of graphene and interfacial interaction between graphene and the SBTR was significantly increased by increasing the TPES content in SBTR composites, as demonstrated by differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, rubber process analysis, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The mechanical properties of the SBTR/GNS composites were significantly improved by the improved dispersion and the increased surface affinity of SBTR for graphene. The developed approach can be generally applied to the functionalization of other polymer matrices by copolymerizing TPES with other vinyl monomers for pristine graphene‐based composite materials. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44923.
Preparation of polypropylene nanocomposites by melt‐mixing: Comparison between three organoclays
Authors: Normand Guillaume , Mija Alice , Pagnotta Sophie , Peuvrel‐Disdier Edith , Vergnes Bruno
Published: March 2017

Polypropylene (PP)‐based nanocomposites reinforced with three different organoclays (Dellite© 67 G, Cloisite© 20, and Cloisite© 30B) were prepared via melt‐mixing in an internal mixer. The three organoclays differ essentially via their organic modifier and interlamellar distance. The nanocomposites microstructure was characterized at different scales through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, X‐ray diffractometry, and rheological measurements. The influence of processing parameters such as rotor speed and mixing time was quantified. The results show that Dellite© 67 G and Cloisite© 20 present a good dispersion state, with an intercalation of the tactoids by the polymer chains and a good level of exfoliation. In contrast, whatever the processing conditions, Cloisite© 30B was not dispersed correctly in the matrix, showing neither intercalation nor exfoliation, even in the presence of compatibilizer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45053.
Mechanism of phase separation in a weakly interacting system with strong dynamic asymmetry
Authors: Chandran C. Sarath , Antolasic Frank , Shanks Robert A. , Thomas Sabu
Published: March 2017

We investigated the dynamics of phase separation in a bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE)–poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) blend in this study, along with its effects on the long‐term mechanical properties of the blend. BADGE–PTT blends with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl sulfone were prepared by a conventional melt‐mixing technique followed by curing at 180 °C for 4 h. PTT is a rapidly crystallizing polymer because of its unique stereochemistry. The crystalline fraction of PTT is incompatible with BADGE, whereas the amorphous fractions are miscible. Similarly, the blend of BADGE and PTT represented a system with a strong dynamic asymmetry. We examined the effect of the curing (crosslinking) of BADGE in the system discussed previously, with a special emphasis on the viscoelastic properties and long‐term mechanical properties because they are extremely important in tuning these materials for various high‐performance applications in the aerospace industry. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45059.
Evaluation of physicochemical and physical habitat associations forCambarus callainus(Big Sandy crayfish), an imperilled crayfish endemic to the Central Appalachians
Authors: Loughman Zachary J. , Welsh Stuart A. , Sadecky Nicole M. , Dillard Zachary W. , Katie Scott R.
Published: March 2017

1. Crayfish represent one of the most imperilled animal groups on the planet. Habitat degradation, destruction and fragmentation, introduction of invasive crayfishes, and a lack of applied biological information have all been identified as agents thwarting crayfish conservation.

2.Cambarus callainuswas warranted federal protection by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in April, 2016. As part of the USFWS listing procedure, a survey forC. callainusin the Big Sandy River catchment was conducted to determine points of occurrence with a secondary objective of determining reach level physical habitat and physicochemical correlates ofC. callainuspresence and absence.

3. At each site, physicochemical and physical habitat data were collected to determine the influence of abiotic covariates on the presence ofC. callainus.Cambarus callainuspresence or absence and associated site covariates were modelled using logistic regression.

4. Survey results recordedC. callainusat 39 sites in the Upper Levisa Fork (ULF) and Tug Fork (TF) drainages of the Big Sandy River; noC. callainuswere collected in the Lower Levisa Fork (LLF). An additive effects model of physical habitat quality (Basin + Boulder presence/embeddedness) was the only model selected, supporting an association ofC. callainuswith slab boulders, open interstitial spaces, and moderate to no sedimentation. All sites lackingC. callainuswere experiencing some degree of sedimentation. Physicochemical covariates were not supported by the data.

5. Results indicated that good quality habitat was lacking in the LLF, but was present in the ULF and TF catchments, with ULF supporting the most robust populations and most suitable habitat. Effective conservation forC. callainusshould focus on efforts that limit sedimentation as well as restore good quality instream habitat in the greater Big Sandy catchment.
Benzimidazole/Pyridoimidazole‐Based Organic Sensitizers for High‐Performance Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Chaurasia Sumit , Li Chun‐Ting , Desta Mulu Berhe , Ni Jen‐Shyang , Lin Jiann T.
Published: March 2017

A new series of benzimidazole (BIm)‐based dyes (SC32 and SC33) and pyridoimidazole‐(PIm) based dyes (SC35, SC36N and SC36) were synthesized as sensitizers for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The N‐substituent and C‐substituent at the BIm and PIm cores were found to be the dominating factor in determining the electronic properties of the dyes and their DSSCs performance. The efficiency of BIm‐based dyes (SC35 and SC36) was found to be higher than that of the PIm‐based dyes (SC32 and SC33) due to better light harvesting. The C‐substituents in SC36, a 4‐hexylloxybenzene and a hexyl chain, are beneficial to dark current suppression, and hence SC36 achieves the best efficiency of 7.38 % (≈85 % of N719). The two BIm dyes have better cell efficiencies than their congeners with a bithiophene entity between the BIm and the anchor due to better light harvesting of the former.
A decade of warm hot intergalactic medium searches: Where do we stand and where do we go?
Authors: Nicastro F. , Krongold Y. , Mathur S. , Elvis M.
Published: March 2017

In this article, we first review the past decade of efforts in detecting the missing baryons in the warm hot intergalactic medium and summarize the current state of the art by updating the baryon census and physical state of the detected baryons in the local Universe. We then describe observational strategies that should enable a significant step forward in the next decade, while waiting for the step‐up in quality offered by future missions. In particular, we design a multi‐megasecond and multiple cycle XMM‐Newton legacy' program (which we name the Ultimate Roaming Baryon Exploration, or URBE), aimed at securing detections of the peaks in the density distribution of the Universe of missing baryons over their entire predicted range of temperatures.
Neural correlates of language variability in preschool‐aged boys with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Naigles Letitia R. , Johnson Ryan , Mastergeorge Ann , Ozonoff Sally , Rogers Sally J. , Amaral David G. , Nordahl Christine Wu
Published: March 2017

Children with autism vary widely in their language abilities, yet the neural correlates of this language variability remain unclear, especially early in development. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to examine diffusivity measures along the length of 18 major fiber tracts in 104 preschool‐aged boys with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The boys were assigned to subgroups according to their level of language development (Low: no/low language, Middle: small vocabulary, High: large vocabulary and grammar), based on their raw scores on the expressive language (EL) and receptive language (RL) sections of the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL). Results indicate that the subgroups differed in fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and radial diffusivity (RD) along the inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF) in both hemispheres. Moreover, FA correlated significantly with Mullen EL and RL raw scores, but not ADOS severity score, along the left and right ILF. Subgroups also differed in MD (but not FA) along the left superior longitudinal fasiculus and left corticospinal tract, but these differences were not correlated with language scores. These findings suggest that white matter microstructure in the left and right ILF varies in relation to lexical development in young males with ASD. The findings also support the use of raw scores on language‐relevant standardized tests for assessing early language‐brain relationships. Autism Res 2017. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1107–1119. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Associations between school absence and academic achievement: Do socioeconomics matter?
Authors: Hancock Kirsten J. , Lawrence David , Shepherd Carrington C. J. , Mitrou Francis , Zubrick Stephen R.
Published: March 2017

This study examined the extent to which the association between increased student absence and lower achievement outcomes varied by student and school‐level socioeconomic characteristics. Analyses were based on the enrolment, absence and achievement records of 89,365 Year 5, 7 and 9 students attending government schools in Western Australian between 2008 and 2012. Multivariate multi‐level modelling methods were used to estimate numeracy, writing and reading outcomes based on school absence, and interactions between levels of absence and school socioeconomic index (SEI), prior achievement, gender, ethnicity, language background, parent education and occupation status. While the effects of absence on achievement were greater for previously high‐achieving students, there were few significant interactions between absence and any of the socioeconomic measures on achievement outcomes. The results of first‐difference regression models indicated that the negative effect of an increase in absence was marginally larger for students attending more advantaged schools, though most effects were very small. While students from disadvantaged schools have, on average, more absences than their advantaged peers, there is very little evidence to suggest that the effects of absence are greater for those attending lower‐SEI schools. School attendance should therefore be a priority for all schools, and not just those with high rates of absence or low average achievement.
Damage control laparotomy in trauma
Authors: Jensen S D , Cotton B A
Published: March 2017

Limited role
Engineering of Class II Cellobiose Dehydrogenases for Improved Glucose Sensitivity and Reduced Maltose Affinity
Authors: Ortiz Roberto , Rahman Mahbubur , Zangrilli Beatrice , Sygmund Christoph , Micheelsen Pernille O. , Silow Maria , Toscano Miguel D. , Ludwig Roland , Gorton Lo
Published: March 2017

The front cover artwork is provided by Prof. Lo Gorton from Lund University (Sweden) and his co‐workers. The image shows mutated cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) immobilized on a graphite electrode and how preferentially glucose is oxidized by this enzyme. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/celc.201600781.
Microemulsion Systems as Switchable Reaction Media for the Catalytic Upgrading of Long‐Chain Alkenes
Authors: Pogrzeba Tobias , Illner Markus , Schmidt Marcel , Repke Jens‐Uwe , Schomäcker Reinhard
Published: March 2017

The application of microemulsion systems as switchable reaction media for the rhodium‐catalyzed hydroformylation of 1‐dodecene is herein reported. The influence of temperature and the selected surfactant on the reaction kinetics was investigated. In addition, the feasibility of a process concept for these reaction systems was tested within 100 hours continuous mini‐plant operation, showing similar product yield and reaction selectivity as on the lab‐scale. Alongside, a stable steady state operation was achieved, showing an efficient phase separation and recycling of surfactant and catalyst.
Simultaneous Removal of Methylene Blue and Hexavalent Chromium From Water Using TiO2/Fe(III)/H2O2/Sunlight
Authors: Djellabi Ridha , Ghorab Mohamed Fouzi , Sehili Tahar
Published: March 2017

The objective of the present work was the simultaneous removal of methylene blue (MB) and hexavalent chromium from water using the combined system TiO2/Fe(III)/solar. The comparison between the three processes, i.e., iron cycle (Fe(III)/solar), photocatalytic reactions (TiO2/solar), and the combined system (TiO2/Fe(III)/solar) for single and simultaneous removal cases was investigated. The results show that only the TiO2/Fe(III)/solar system ensures a complete simultaneous removal. A total simultaneous removal of Cr(VI) and MB at a concentration of 30 ppm for each substrate was achieved under natural sunlight within 5 h by the use of 0.16 g/L of TiO2 and 40 ppm of Fe(III). The effects of concentration ratio of substances, solution pH and the presence of H2O2 in the combined system were investigated. Finally, based on the obtained results, a removal pathway of both pollutants by TiO2/Fe(III)/H2O2/solar system was proposed. This fast synergistic combined system is a significant option for both oxidation and reduction reactions.
Pharmacokinetics of a Novel Anagrelide Extended‐Release Formulation in Healthy Subjects: Food Intake and Comparison With a Reference Product
Authors: Petrides Petro E. , Schoergenhofer Christian , Widmann Rudolf , Jilma Bernd , Klade Christoph S.
Published: March 2017

Anagrelide is an established therapy for essential thrombocythemia. Common adverse effects have been linked to peak plasma concentrations of anagrelide and its 3OH metabolite. Our study was performed to investigate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of a novel anagrelide extended‐release (AER) formulation and its active metabolites. Thirty healthy volunteers were randomized to receive either 2 mg AER (under fasting and fed conditions) or 2 mg commercially available reference product (CARP) in an open‐label, 3‐way crossover trial with washout periods of 6 days. Plasma concentrations of anagrelide and its active metabolites were assessed by tandem mass spectrometry. The PK differed significantly between all treatment periods. Bioavailability of AER was 55% of the CARP under fasting conditions and 60% under fed conditions. Cmax, AUCt, and AUC∞ were significantly higher and Tmax and T1/2 were significantly shorter after the CARP compared with AER. Food had a significant impact on the PK of AER, increasing the Cmax and AUCt while reducing the T1/2, plateau, and mean residence time. Both formulations were well tolerated, with a trend toward more frequently occurring adverse events after the CARP. The PK of AER and the CARP differed significantly in all parameters. Food enhanced the bioavailability of AER.
Pharmacokinetics and Safety of DW1029M, a Botanical Drug for the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy, Following Single Doses in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Kim Yunjeong , Jeon Ji‐Young , Kim Eun‐Young , Lim Cheol‐Hee , Jang Hwan Bong , Kim Min‐Gul
Published: March 2017

DW1029M is a botanical extract of Morus albalinne root bark and Puerariae radix that is used for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. This study evaluated the safety and pharmacokinetics of DW1029M following its administration in healthy Korean subjects. We conducted a randomized, open‐label, single‐dose, crossover phase 1 clinical study. During each period, subjects received 300, 600, or 1200 mg oral doses of DW1029M. Plasma concentrations of puerarin, daidzin, and daidzein were analyzed using a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Six healthy male subjects completed the study. The maximum concentration of the drug in the plasma (Cmax) and area under the plasma drug concentration–time curve to the last measurable concentration (AUClast) for puerarin, daidzin, and daidzein were assessed after oral administration of DW1029M. No serious adverse events or clinically or statistically significant adverse events associated with any of the drug levels were observed. The results of the measurement of vital signs, electrocardiogram, laboratory tests, and physical examinations indicated that no clinically significant changes occurred during this study. The DW1029M tablet was safe and well tolerated over a single dose range of 300–1200 mg. This pharmacokinetic study of a botanical drug may aid in the development of DW1029M.
The Effect of Verapamil, a P‐Glycoprotein Inhibitor, on the Pharmacokinetics of Peficitinib, an Orally Administered, Once‐Daily JAK Inhibitor
Authors: Zhu Tong , Howieson Corrie , Wojtkowski Tomasz , Garg Jay P. , Han David , Fisniku Ogert , Keirns James
Published: March 2017

Peficitinib is an orally administered, once‐daily Janus kinase inhibitor currently in development for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. It has been shown to be a P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) substrate in vitro. The effects of verapamil, an inhibitor of the efflux pump P‐gp, on the pharmacokinetic profile of peficitinib were assessed in this open‐label, single‐center, single‐sequence, crossover drug‐interaction study. Twenty‐four healthy volunteers received a single 150‐mg dose of peficitinib on days 1 and 12 of a 14‐day treatment period and received verapamil 80 mg 3 times daily on days 5–14. Repeated‐dose administration of verapamil increased mean peficitinib AUCinf, AUClast, and Cmax by 27%, 27%, and 39%, respectively, and also increased the mean AUC and Cmax of peficitinib metabolites H1, H2, and H4. Coadministration of verapamil with peficitinib 150 mg was generally well tolerated. Overall, the most commonly reported adverse event was headache, which occurred in 5 subjects (21%); all reported adverse events were grade 1 severity, with the exception of 1 grade 2 incident of vomiting.
Central Regulation of Glucose Homeostasis
Authors: Tups Alexander , Benzler Jonas , Sergi Domenico , Ladyman Sharon R. , Williams Lynda M.
Published: March 2017

The ability of the brain to directly control glucose levels in the blood independently of its effects on food intake and body weight has been known ever since 1854 when Claude Bernard, a French physiologist, discovered that lesioning the floor of the fourth ventricle in rabbits led to a rise of sugar in the blood. Despite this outstanding discovery at that time, it took more than 140 years before progress started to be made in identifying the underlying mechanisms of brain‐mediated control of glucose homeostasis. Technological advances including the generation of brain insulin receptor null mice revealed that insulin action specifically in the central nervous system is required for the regulation of glucose metabolism, particularly in the modulation of hepatic glucose production. Furthermore, it was established that the hormone leptin, known for its role in regulating food intake and body weight, actually exerts its most potent effects on glucose metabolism, and that this function of leptin is mediated centrally. Under certain circumstances, high levels of leptin can replicate the actions of insulin, thus challenging the idea that life without insulin is impossible. Disruptions of central insulin signaling and glucose metabolism not only lead to impairments in whole body glucose homeostasis, they also have other serious consequences, including the development of Alzheimer's disease which is sometimes referred to as type 3 diabetes reflecting its common etiology with type 2 diabetes. © 2017 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol7:471‐764, 2017.
Best Evidence Aside: Why Trump's Executive Order Makes America Less Healthy
Authors: Gostin Lawrence O.
Published: March 2017

What are the health impacts of President Trump's January 27, 2017, executive order suspending the resettlement of refugees and temporarily banning entry of nationals from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen? Even if the President's constitutional arguments are credible, the order is deeply troubling under international law and humanitarian values. Under the 1967 Refugee Protocol, the United States has assumed a legal obligation to examine the claims of asylum seekers who reach U.S. territory without discrimination based on race, nationality, or religion. Congress has delegated the decision as to how many refugees to accept to the president. Still, the executive order runs contrary to the principle of solidarity—which includes the fair sharing of responsibilities and burdens in accepting endangered individuals. Migrating doctors and nurses fill much of America's health care resources shortfall. The executive order also undermines science and academia, which depend on the free flow of knowledge and the spread of ideas.
Managing Opioid Withdrawal for Hospital Patients in Custody
Authors: Shi Connie R. , Kandola Manjinder S. , Tobey Matthew , Singer Elizabeth
Published: March 2017

Dr. Brown, a hospitalist, admits Mark, a patient transferred from a local jail for management of cellulitis. The patient, who was taken into custody two days prior to hospital admission, has a history of intravenous heroin use. Mark explains that he had been prescribed buprenorphine‐naloxone maintenance therapy for opioid use disorder for several years prior to being arrested and had not used other opioids during that time. As a policy, the jail where Mark is detained does not prescribe opioid agonists, and his maintenance therapy was stopped upon his arrival there.

Dr. Brown discovers that Mark is diaphoretic and appears distressed. Mark's symptoms suggest to Dr. Brown that, in addition to having cellulitis, Mark is actively withdrawing from opioids. Mark tells Dr. Brown that he has felt “horrible” since his buprenorphine‐naloxone therapy was stopped and that he now has intense cravings for opioids. He asks Dr. Brown to help alleviate the withdrawal symptoms. Dr. Brown, who is accustomed to treating opioid withdrawal with opioid replacement therapy, wonders if she should initiate ORT for Mark while he is in the hospital.
Bioethics and Populism:How Should Our Field Respond?
Authors: Solomon Mildred Z. , Jennings Bruce
Published: March 2017

Across the world, an authoritarian and exclusionary form of populism is gaining political traction. Historically, some populist movements have been democratic and based on a sense of inclusive justice and the common good. But the populism on the rise at present speaks and acts otherwise. It is challenging constitutional democracies. The polarization seen in authoritarian populism goes beyond the familiar left‐right political spectrum and generates disturbing forms of extremism, including the so‐called alternative right in the United States and similar ethnic and nationalistic political movements in other countries. The field of bioethics will be profoundly affected if authoritarian populism displaces constitutional democracy. But the field has a significant contribution to make to rebuilding the communal and civic foundations upon which constitutional democracy rests.
Authenticity, Best Interest, and Clinical Nudging
Authors: Holm Søren
Published: March 2017

In this issue of the Hastings Center Report, Moti Gorin, Steven Joffe, Neal Dickert, and Scott Halpern offer a comprehensive defense of the use of nudging techniques in the clinical context, with the aim of promoting the best interests of patients. Their argument is built on three important claims: Nudging is ubiquitous and inescapable in clinical choice situations, and there is no neutral way of informing patients about their treatment choices; many patients do not have authentic (preexisting) preferences concerning their treatment choices, and those that do can easily resist nudging; and, finally, since many people lack authentic preferences and those that do can still act on their preferences, nudging in the patients’ best interest is justified. I agree with the authors that if these three claims stand up to scrutiny, then they will provide a justification for many types of clinical nudging. I am, however, skeptical as to whether the claims can be sustained, despite the valiant efforts of Gorin and colleagues.
Bioethics and “Rightness”
Authors: Frank Arthur W.
Published: March 2017

If bioethics seeks to affect what people do and don't do as they respond to the practical issues that confront them, then it is useful to take seriously people's sense of rightness. Rightness emerges from the fabric of a life—including the economy of its geography, the events of its times, its popular culture—to be what the sociologist Pierre Bourdieu calls a predisposition. It is the product of a way of life and presupposes continuing to live that way. Rightness is local and communal, holding in relationship those who share the same predisposing sense of how to experience. Rightness is an embodied way of evaluating what is known to matter and choosing among possible responses. Bioethics spends considerable time on what people should do and on the arguments that support recommended actions. It might spend more time on what shapes people's sense of the rightness of what they feel called to do.
Argument Beliefs Mediate Relations Between Attachment Style and Conflict Tactics
Authors: Ricco Robert B. , Sierra Anthony
Published: March 2017

This study explores the importance of romantic relationship partners' beliefs about argument. Findings support a model in which a view of argument as threatening to relationships mediates the positive association between both anxious and avoidant attachment and the use of self‐focused conflict tactics such as dominating and denying. A belief that argument is devoid of benefit mediates a negative association between avoidant attachment and the use of other‐oriented tactics such as integrating/compromising and obliging.
A First Step to a Conceptual Framework of Parent Empowerment: Exploring Relationships Between Parent Empowerment and Academic Performance in a National Sample
Authors: Kim Jungnam , Bryan Julia
Published: March 2017

This study tested a parent empowerment framework using a national sample of 9,982 parents from the Parent and Family Involvement Survey (National Center for Education Statistics, ) to investigate relationships between parent empowerment and children's academic performance. A multinomial logistic regression demonstrated significant relationships between parents' competence, self‐determination, community belonging, community participation, and academic performance, which differentiate among parents based on racial/ethnic, language, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Findings highlight the importance of parent empowerment interventions that consider structural barriers in schools.
Evolving application of minimally invasive cancer operations at a tertiary cancer center
Authors: Selby Luke V. , DeMatteo Ronald P. , Tholey Renee M. , Jarnagin William R. , Garcia‐Aguilar Julio , Strombom Paul D. , Allen Peter J. , Kingham T. Peter , Weiser Martin R. , Brennan Murray F. , Strong Vivian E.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Patients and providers are increasingly interested in the utilization, safety, and efficacy of minimally invasive surgery (MIS). We reviewed 11 years of MIS resections (laparoscopic and robotic) for intra‐abdominal malignancies.

METHODS

Patients who underwent gastrectomy, distal pancreatectomy, hepatic resection, and colorectal resection between 2004 and 2014 were identified. Cases were categorized as open, laparoscopic, and robotic based on the initial operation approach. Diagnostic laparoscopies were excluded.

RESULTS

Of the 10 039 patients who underwent the above procedures, between 2004 and 2014, 2832 (28%) were MIS. In 2004, 12% (100/826) of all resections were performed with MIS approaches, rising to 23% (192/821) of all resections by 2009 and 44% (484/1092) in 2014. The number of open resections has remained largely stable: 726 (88% of all resections) in 2004 and 608 (56% of all resections) in 2014. Initially, laparoscopy experienced incremental adoption. Robotic surgery was implemented in 2009 and is currently the dominant MIS approach, accounting for 76% (368/484) of all MIS resections in 2014. Overall mortality has remained less than 1%.

CONCLUSIONS

While maintaining patient safety, utilization of MIS techniques has increased substantially since 2004, particularly for gastric and colorectal resections. Since 2009 robotic surgery is the predominant MIS approach.
Epidemiology of firearm and other noise exposures in the United States
Authors: Bhatt Jay M. , Lin Harrison W. , Bhattacharyya Neil
Published: March 2017

Objective

Identify contemporary noise exposures and hearing protection use among adults.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis of national health survey.

Methods

Adult respondents in the 2014 National Health Interview Series hearing survey module were analyzed. Potentially harmful exposures to occupational and recreational noises in the past 12 months were extracted and quantified. Patterns of hearing protection use also were analyzed.

Results

Among 239.7 million adults, “loud” and “very loud” occupational noise exposures were reported by 5.3% and 21.7%, respectively. Of those exposed to “loud” or “very loud” sounds at work, only 18.7% and 43.6%, respectively, always used hearing protection. A total of 38.2% (1.9 million) of those with “very loud” occupational exposures never used hearing protection. Frequent (> 10/year) “loud” and “very loud” recreational noise exposures were reported by 13.9% and 21.1%, respectively, most commonly to lawn mowers (72.6% and 55.2%, respectively). When exposed to recreational “loud/very loud” noise, only 11.4% always used hearing protection, whereas 62.3% (6.3 million) never used any protection. Lifetime exposure to firearm noise was reported by 36.6% of adults, 11.5% of whom had used firearms in the prior 12 months. Of those, only 58.5% always used hearing protection, whereas 21.4% (7.4 million) never used hearing protection.

Conclusion

Substantial noise exposures with potentially serious long‐term hearing health consequences frequently are occurring in occupational and recreational settings, and with the use of firearms. Only a minority of those exposed consistently are using hearing protection. Healthcare providers should actively identify and encourage the use of hearing protection with those patients at risk.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:E340–E346, 2017
Preservation of seawater samples for soluble reactive phosphate, nitrite, and nitrate plus nitrite analyses by the addition of sodium hydroxide
Authors: Wong George T. F. , Li‐Tzu Hou Lisa , Li Kuo‐Yuan
Published: March 2017

Seawater storage at ambient temperature is necessary when freezing facilities are unavailable for the preservation of samples collected for the determination of soluble reactive phosphate (SRP), nitrite (
), and nitrate plus nitrite (N + N)—notably, during small boat operations. Here, we report that samples may be preserved at ambient temperature by the addition of NaOH at sampling to induce the precipitation of Mg(OH)2, and then returned to a shore base laboratory for further processing. In the laboratory, SRP, which has been sequestered in the precipitate, is analyzed by the MAGnesium‐induced co‐precipitation method.
and N + N are quantitatively retained in the supernatant liquid and they are analyzed by the standard methods after a pH adjustment. The samples may be stored for up to at least 2 months and they yield concentrations that are indistinguishable from those in frozen samples. Internally added SRP,
, and N + N to seawater samples can be recovered quantitatively after storage. This storage method also offers clear advantages over the preservation of samples at ambient temperature by the addition of HgCl2 as NaOH is a less toxic and less environmentally hazardous chemical and it does not interfere in the determination of N + N. It also allows low level SRP to be determined as part of the analytical routine as a pre‐concentration of SRP has been built into the storage scheme.