bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra‐low dose CT colonography with automatic tube current modulation and sinogram‐affirmed iterative reconstruction: Effects on radiation exposure and image quality
Authors: Cianci Roberta , Delli Pizzi Andrea , Esposito Gianluigi , Timpani Mauro , Tavoletta Alessandra , Pulsone Pierluigi , Basilico Raffaella , Cotroneo Antonio Raffaele , Filippone Antonella
Published: December 2018

Objective

To assess the radiation dose and image quality of ultra‐low dose (ULD)‐CT colonography (CTC) obtained with the combined use of automatic tube current (mAs) modulation with a quality reference mAs of 25 and sinogram‐affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE), compared to low‐dose (LD) CTC acquired with a quality reference mAs of 55 and reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP).

Methods

Eighty‐two patients underwent ULD‐CTC acquisition in prone position and LD‐CTC acquisition in supine position. Both ULD‐CTC and LD‐CTC protocols were compared in terms of radiation dose [weighted volume computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol) and effective dose], image noise, image quality, and polyp detection.

Results

The mean effective dose of ULD‐CTC was significantly lower than that of LD‐CTC (0.98 and 2.69 mSv respectively, P < 0.0001) with an overall dose reduction of 63.2%. Image noise was comparable between ULD‐CTC and LD‐CTC (28.6 and 29.8 respectively, P = 0.09). There was no relevant difference when comparing image quality scores and polyp detection for both 2D and 3D images.

Conclusion

ULD‐CTC allows to significantly reduce the radiation dose without meaningful image quality degradation compared to LD‐CTC.
Current status of minimally invasive esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: Is it truly less invasive?
Authors: Oshikiri Taro , Takiguchi Gosuke , Miura Susumu , Takase Nobuhisa , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Yamamoto Masashi , Kanaji Shingo , Yamashita Kimihiro , Matsuda Yoshiko , Matsuda Takeru , Nakamura Tetsu , Suzuki Satoshi , Kakeji Yoshihiro
Published: December 2018

Esophagectomy with extended lymphadenectomy remains the mainstay of treatment for localized esophageal cancer. However, it is one of the most invasive procedures with high morbidity. To reduce invasiveness, minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE), which includes thoracoscopic, laparoscopic, mediastinoscopic, and robotic surgery, is becoming popular worldwide. Thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the prone position is ergonomic for the surgeon and has better perioperative arterial oxygen pressure/fraction of inspired oxygen (P/F) ratio. Thoracoscopic esophagectomy in the left decubitus position is easy to introduce because it is similar to standard right posterolateral open esophagectomy (OE) in position. It has a relatively short operative time. Laparoscopic approach could potentially have a substantial effect on pneumonia prevention under the condition of thoracotomy. Mediastinoscopic surgery has the potential to reduce pulmonary complications because it can avoid a transthoracic procedure. In robotic surgery, in the future, less recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy will be expected as a result of polyarticular fine maneuvering without human tremors. In studies comparing MIE with OE, mediastinoscopic surgery and robotic surgery are usually not included; these studies show that MIE has a longer operative time and less blood loss than OE. MIE is particularly beneficial in reducing postoperative respiratory complications such as atelectasis, despite no dramatic decrease in pneumonia. Reoperation might occur more frequently with MIE. There is no significant difference in mortality rate between MIE and OE. It is important to recognize that the advantages of MIE, particularly “less invasiveness”, can be of benefit at facilities with experienced medical personnel.
Enhancement of Dye‐sensitized Solar Cells Efficiency Using Graphene Quantum Dots as Photoanode
Authors: Kim Jinmo , Lee Bongsoo , Kim Young Jun , Hwang Sung Won
Published: December 2018

Dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a candidate to substitute conventional photovoltaic devices due to efficiency, cost in comparison with silicon devices. In this report, graphene quantum dots have attracted considerable potential merit for the development of photo‐electrodes of dye‐sensitized photovoltaic cells. The incorporation of graphene quantum dots into DSSCs photo‐electrodes induced lower recombination, enhanced electron transport, increased light scattering. The conventional semiconductor quantum dots usually has surface defect and instable. To overcome such limitations, we have developed a hydrothermal synthesis process fabricating graphene quantum dots (GQD) with strong visible range emission. The reduced GOs graphene oxide (RGO) underwent sonication, heating, filtering, and dialysis producing GQD. Various sizes of GQDs with circular shape determined using scanning electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and photoluminescence were successfully fabricated. In addition, the impedance nyquist plot, the electron transport resistance was smallest and the incident photo to charge carrier efficiency (IPCE) was the maximum when the size of graphene quantum dots (5 nm) was used. Thus, the GQD with unique optical and structural properties can be a very attractive candidate for dye‐sensitized solar cells, optoelectronics, active layer of display, and bio‐imaging devices.
A sensitive UPLC–MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of polyphenols and theaflavins in rat plasma: Application to a pharmacokinetic study of Da Hong Pao tea
Authors: Wang Lin , Yan Ting , Zhang Kexia , Li Feifeng , Jia Jingming , Hu Gaosheng
Published: December 2018

A method based on ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry has been developed for the rapid and simultaneous determination of five catechins and four theaflavins in rat plasma using ethyl gallate as internal standard. The pharmacokinetic profiles of these compounds were compared after oral administration of five kinds of Da Hong Pao tea to rats. Biosamples processed with a mixture of β‐glucuronidase and sulfatase were extracted with ethyl acetate–isopropanol. Chromatographic separation was achieved by gradient elution using 10 mm HCOONH4 solution and methanol as the mobile phase. Analytes were detected using negative ion electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The lower limits of quantification were 1.0, 0.74 and 0.5 ng/mL for theaflavins, two catechins and three catechins, respectively. The validation parameters were well within acceptable limits. The average half‐lives (t1/2) in blood of the reference solution group was much shorter than those of tea samples. The values of AUC0–t and Cmax of the polyphenols and theaflavins exhibited linear pharmacokinetic characteristics which were related to the dose concentration.
Impact of baseline thrombocytopenia on the long‐term outcome of patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention: An analysis of 9,897 consecutive patients
Authors: Liu Shuai , Song Chenxi , Zhao Yanyan , Guan Changdong , Zhu Chenggang , Feng Lei , Xu Bo , Dou Kefei
Published: December 2018

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the association between baseline thrombocytopenia and long‐term clinical outcomes among patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background

Thrombocytopenia (TP) commonly occurs among patients undergoing PCI. However, whether TP has any influence on the outcome of PCI patients remains controversial.

Methods

We examined 9,897 consecutive patients who underwent elective PCI in Fuwai Hospital from January 2013 to December 2013. Baseline thrombocytopenia was defined as platelet count <150 × 109/L. We compared data on demographic, clinical, laboratory, and 30‐month outcomes between nonthrombocytopenic and thrombocytopenic patients. The primary outcome was death and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during the 30‐month follow‐up. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors of baseline thrombocytopenia.

Results

Baseline thrombocytopenia developed in 1263 (12.76%) patients; of these, 1,172 (11.84%) patients had mild thrombocytopenia and 91 (0.92%) had the moderate or severe type. No differences in all‐cause mortality, stent thrombosis, target vessel revascularization, MACE, or bleeding complications were detected between patients with and without thrombocytopenia. Further, advanced age, male sex, previous PCI history, previous myocardial infarction history, and diabetes mellitus history were found to be risk factors of baseline thrombocytopenia.

Conclusions

Although baseline thrombocytopenia was common among patients who underwent elective PCI, it did not appear to have a clinically significant effect on long‐term adverse outcomes, particular bleeding risk. Our results indicated that it seems to be feasible for patients with mild to moderate thrombocytopenia to receive elective PCI as well as guideline‐recommended duration of anti‐platelet therapy.
Phosphine‐Catalyzed Interrupted Morita–Baylis–Hillman Reaction and Switchable Domino Reactions of α‐Substituted Activated Olefins with Formaldehyde and Mechanism Elucidation
Authors: Gu Jing , Xiao Ben‐Xian , Ouyang Qin , Du Wei , Chen Ying‐Chun
Published: December 2018

Summary of main observation and conclusion

3‐Olefinic oxindoles can undergo interrupted Morita‐Baylis‐Hillman reaction with formaldehyde. Apart from the previous reported dephosphoration to access reductive aldol‐type products, here we uncovered that completely different pathways were followed by tuning the substitutions of 3‐olefinic oxindoles. In combination with formalin, an unexpected domino phosphorus‐ylide formation, aldol‐type addition, hemeacetal formation and O‐substitution process was observed to produce 1,3‐dioxolane derivatives. Moreover, a switchable sequence to produce formate derivatives via a key hydride transfer process was furnished by simply replacing formalin with paraformaldehyde. Density functional theory calculations were conducted to well elucidate the catalytic reaction mechanism.
Space use and genetic structure do not maintain color polymorphism in a species with alternative behavioral strategies
Authors: Yewers Madeleine St Clair , Stuart‐Fox Devi , McLean Claire Alice
Published: December 2018

Space use including territoriality and spatial arrangement within a population can reveal important information on the nature, dynamics, and evolutionary maintenance of alternative strategies in color polymorphic species. Despite the prevalence of color polymorphic species as model systems in evolutionary biology, the interaction between space use and genetic structuring of morphs within populations has rarely been examined. Here, we assess the spatial and genetic structure of male throat color morphs within a population of the tawny dragon lizard, Ctenophorus decresii. Male color morphs do not differ in morphology but differ in aggressive and antipredator behaviors as well as androgen levels. Despite these behavioral and endocrine differences, we find that color morphs do not differ in territory size, with their spatial arrangement being essentially random with respect to each other. There were no differences in genetic diversity or relatedness between morphs; however, there was significant, albeit weak, genetic differentiation between morphs, which was unrelated to geographic distance between individuals. Our results indicate potential weak barriers to gene flow between some morphs, potentially due to nonrandom pre‐ or postcopulatory mate choice or postzygotic genetic incompatibilities. However, space use, spatial structure, and nonrandom mating do not appear to be primary mechanisms maintaining color polymorphism in this system, highlighting the complexity and variation in alternative strategies associated with color polymorphism.
A comparative analysis of complete plastid genomes fromPrangos fedtschenkoiandPrangos lipskyi(Apiaceae)
Authors: Mustafina Feruza U. , Yi Dong‐Keun , Choi Kyung , Shin Chang Ho , Tojibaev Komiljon Sh. , Downie Stephen R.
Published: December 2018

Prangos fedtschenkoi(Regel & Schmalh.) Korovin andP. lipskyiKorovin (Apiaceae) are rare plant species endemic to mountainous regions of Middle Asia. Both are edificators of biotic communities and valuable resource plants. The results of recent phylogenetic analyses place them inPrangossubgen.Koelzella(M. Hiroe) Lyskov & Pimenov and suggest they may possibly represent sister species. To aid in development of molecular markers useful for intraspecific phylogeographic and population‐level genetic studies of these ecologically and economically important plants, we determined their complete plastid genome sequences and compared the results obtained to several previously published plastomes of Apiaceae. The plastomes ofP. fedtschenkoiandP. lipskyiare typical of Apiaceae and most other higher plant plastid DNAs in their sizes (153,626 and 154,143 bp, respectively), structural organization, gene arrangement, and gene content (with 113 unique genes). A total of 49 and 48 short sequence repeat (SSR) loci of 10 bp or longer were detected inP. fedtschenkoiandP. lipskyiplastomes, respectively, representing 42–43 mononucleotides and 6 AT dinucleotides. Seven tandem repeats of 30 bp or longer with a sequence identity ≥90% were identified in each plastome. Further comparisons revealed 319 polymorphic sites between the plastomes (IR, 21; LSC, 234; SSC, 64), representing 43.8% transitions (Ts), 56.1% transversions (Tv), and a Ts/Tv ratio of 0.78. Within genic regions, two indel events were observed inrpoA (6 and 51 bp) andycf1 (3 and 12 bp), and one inndhF (6 bp). The most variable intergenic spacer region was that ofaccD/psaI, with 21.1% nucleotide divergence. EachPrangosspecies possessed one of two separate inversions (either 5 bp inndhB intron or 9 bp inpetB intron), and these were predicted to form hairpin structures with flanking repeat sequences of 18 and 19 bp, respectively. Both species have also incorporated novel DNA in the LSC region adjacent to the LSC/IRa junction, and BLAST searches revealed it had a 100 bp match (86% sequence identity) to noncoding mitochondrial DNA.Prangos‐specific primers were developed for the variableaccD/psaI intergenic spacer and preliminary PCR‐surveys suggest that this region will be useful for future phylogeographic and population‐level studies.
Environmental variation shapes genetic variation in Bouteloua gracilis: Implications for restoration management of natural populations and cultivated varieties in the southwestern United States
Authors: Tso Katrina L. , Allan Gerard J.
Published: December 2018

With the increasing frequency of large‐scale restoration efforts, the need to understand the adaptive genetic structure of natural plant populations and their relation to heavily utilized cultivars is critical. Bouteloua gracilis (blue grama) is a wind‐dispersed, perennial grass consisting of several cytotypes (2n = 2×–6×) with a widespread distribution in western North America. The species is locally dominant and used regularly in restoration treatments. Using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and cpDNA analyses, we assessed the genetic variability and adaptive genetic structure of blue grama within and among 44 sampling sites that are representative of the species’ environmental and habitat diversity in the southwestern United States. Five cultivars were also included to investigate genetic diversity and differentiation in natural versus cultivated populations. Three main findings resulted from this study: (a) Ninety‐four polymorphic AFLP markers distinguished two population clusters defined largely by samples on and off the Colorado Plateau; (b) substructure of samples on the Colorado Plateau was indicated by genetic divergence between boundary and interior regions, and was supported by cytotype distribution and cpDNA analysis; and (c) six AFLP markers were identified as “outliers,” consistent with being under selection. These loci were significantly correlated to mean annual temperature, mean annual precipitation, precipitation of driest quarter, and precipitation of wettest quarter in natural populations, but not in cultivated samples. Marker × environment relationships were found to be largely influenced by cytotype and cultivar development. Our results demonstrate that blue grama is genetically variable, and exhibits genetic structure, which is shaped, in part, by environmental variability across the Colorado Plateau. Information from our study can be used to guide the selection of seed source populations for commercial development and long‐term conservation management of B. gracilis, which could include genetic assessments of diversity and the adaptive potential of both natural and cultivated populations for wildland restoration.
Divergent patterns of telomere shortening in tropical compared to temperate stonechats
Authors: Apfelbeck Beate , Haussmann Mark F. , Boner Winnie , Flinks Heiner , Griffiths Kate , Illera Juan Carlos , Mortega Kim G. , Sisson Zachary , Smiddy Patrick , Helm Barbara
Published: December 2018

Telomeres have emerged as important biomarkers of health and senescence as they predict chances of survival in various species. Tropical birds live in more benign environments with lower extrinsic mortality and higher juvenile and adult survival than temperate birds. Therefore, telomere biology may play a more important role in tropical compared to temperate birds. We measured mean telomere length of male stonechats (Saxicola spp.) at four age classes from tropical African and temperate European breeding regions. Tropical and temperate stonechats had similarly long telomeres as nestlings. However, while in tropical stonechats pre‐breeding first‐years had longer telomeres than nestlings, in temperate stonechats pre‐breeding first‐years had shorter telomeres than nestlings. During their first breeding season, telomere length was again similar between tropical and temperate stonechats. These patterns may indicate differential survival of high‐quality juveniles in tropical environments. Alternatively, more favorable environmental conditions, that is, extended parental care, may enable tropical juveniles to minimize telomere shortening. As suggested by previous studies, our results imply that variation in life history and life span may be reflected in different patterns of telomere shortening rather than telomere length. Our data provide first evidence that distinct selective pressures in tropical and temperate environments may be reflected in diverging patterns of telomere loss in birds.
No evidence of handling‐induced mortality in Serengeti's African wild dog population
Authors: Jackson Craig R. , Masenga Emmanuel H. , Mjingo Ernest E. , Davies Andrew B. , Fossøy Frode , Fyumagwa Robert D. , Røskaft Eivin , May Roel F.
Published: December 2018

The disappearance of an endangered African wild dog population from Serengeti National Park (SNP) led to international debate centered around one question: were researchers to blame? The “Burrows' hypothesis” postulated that stress induced by research‐related immobilization and handling reactivated a latent rabies virus, eliminating the population. Insufficient data inhibited hypothesis testing, but since wild dogs persisted alongside SNP and have been studied since 2005, the hypothesis can be tested 25 years after its proposition. To be supported, wild dog immobilization interventions should have resulted in high mortality rates. However, 87.6% of 121 handled wild dogs (2006–2016) survived >12 months post‐handling. Some argued that viral reactivation would necessitate long‐term stress. Following immobilization, 67 animals were captured, transported, and held in a translocation enclosure. Despite the longer‐term stress, 95.5% survived >12 months. Furthermore, the stable number of wild dog packs in the ecosystem over the past decade, and lack of recolonization of SNP, strongly oppose Burrows' hypothesis. Instead, factors such as heightened levels of interspecific competition are likely to have contributed to the wild dog disappearance and subsequent avoidance of the Serengeti plains. Handling and radio telemetry are invaluable when studying elusive endangered species, yielding information pertinent to their conservation and management, and had no effect on Serengeti wild dog survival.
Repurposing population genetics data to discern genomic architecture: A case study of linkage cohort detection in mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae)
Authors: Trevoy Stephen A. L. , Janes Jasmine K. , Muirhead Kevin , Sperling Felix A. H.
Published: December 2018

Genetic surveys of the population structure of species can be used as resources for exploring their genomic architecture. By adjusting filtering assumptions, genome‐wide single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) datasets can be reused to give new insights into the genetic basis of divergence and speciation without targeted resampling of specimens. Filtering only for missing data and minor allele frequency, we used a combination of principal components analysis and linkage disequilibrium network analysis to distinguish three cohorts of variable SNPs in the mountain pine beetle in western Canada, including one that was sex‐linked and one that was geographically associated. These marker cohorts indicate genomically localized differentiation, and their detection demonstrates an accessible and intuitive method for discovering potential islands of genomic divergence without a priori knowledge of a species’ genomic architecture. Thus, this method has utility for directly addressing the genomic architecture of species and generating new hypotheses for functional research.
Review on development of devices for amplifying human olfaction: Approaches using real and virtual concentration method
Authors: Matsukura Haruka , Ishida Hiroshi
Published: December 2018

This paper reports on olfactory amplifying systems and reviews related technologies. We have developed two types of olfactory amplifying systems that allow the user to sense smells with amplified sensitivities. In the first system, odor molecules drifting in the air are collected using an adsorbent material. The concentrated odor vapor is generated and presented to the user by thermal desorption of the collected odor molecules. The second system is a virtual odor concentrator. An odor with an amplified intensity is presented to the user when the presence of a volatile organic compound in the air is detected using a gas sensor. These systems can be viewed as olfactory versions of augmented reality systems. The user's perception of the world is altered by modifying the olfactory stimuli perceived by the user's nose. Ongoing research efforts toward the development of the olfactory amplifying systems are presented in this paper and their potential applications are discussed.
Evaluation of households’ willingness to accept the ecological restoration of rivers flowing in china
Authors: Yifei Zhang , Li Sheng , Luo Yuxi
Published: December 2018

During the past decade, many urban rivers in China have undergone ecological restoration overseen by government agencies at the local and national level. Ecological restoration efforts such as this can improve the welfare of urban residents. This study reports the willingness to accept (WTA) for Pingjiang and Guangtaiwei rivers degradation in Suzhou based on a contingent valuation study of 426 respondents. Our results indicate that 48% of respondents would not accept any money as compensation for river degradation. The mean WTA estimate for those willing to accept a finite amount of compensation is 39,607 RMB, while the median WTA estimate for this group is 25,000 RMB. Results from the econometric model show that residents who have previously donated in support of environmental causes, are more satisfied with the river, more frequently come in contact with the river, who are employed, and who own a house are less likely to provide a finite WTA amount. Moreover, the results also indicated that residents who have lived around the river for longer periods, who live near the river, who are younger, who have larger families, who have not donated to environmental issues, and who are unsatisfied with the landscaping around the river are willing to accept more money. Our results provide an estimate of the average welfare loss associated with not restoring rivers, while also suggesting that there is considerable heterogeneity in the responses of those willing to accept a finite WTA payment as well as those who reject such compensation. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13094, 2019
Seismic behavior of coupled steel plate shear walls with simple boundary frame connections
Authors: Safari Gorji Meisam , Cheng J.J. Roger
Published: December 2018

The coupled steel plate shear wall (C‐SPSW) configuration has been investigated by researchers as a means of improving the overturning stiffness and architectural flexibility of SPSW structures. While C‐SPSWs have been shown to exhibit excellent seismic performance, the fabrication cost associated with the high number of moment‐resisting connections used in such systems is a potential detraction to their use as an economical solution. Past research has shown that the hysteresis response of SPSWs with simple frame connections is significantly pinched, and as such, most seismic codes prohibit their use in high seismic areas. However, when used in the C‐SPSW configuration, a dual system is formed in which the coupling beams not only improve resistance to overturning but also provide substantial lateral strength and energy dissipation capacity. This paper presents an exploration of the potential to improve the economy of C‐SPSWs by using the simple boundary frame connections. First, employing the principles of plastic analysis, an attempt is made to quantify the contribution of the coupling beams to the overall lateral load resistance of the system. Then, to evaluate the seismic performance of such C‐SPSW systems and allow for the comparison with that of the C‐SPSWs with rigid frames, several prototypes are designed and analyzed using a series of nonlinear response history and pushover analyses. The results indicated that the C‐SPSWs with simple boundary frames exhibited satisfactory seismic performance comparable with that of the C‐SPSWs with rigid frames under both the 10/50 and 2/50 hazard levels, while allowing for reduced fabrication costs.
High‐intensity exercise is associated with a better nutritional status in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Rizk Melissa , Kern Laurence , Lalanne Christophe , Hanachi Mouna , Melchior Jean‐Claude , Pichard Claude , Mattar Lama ,   EVHAN Group, Berthoz Sylvie , Godart Nathalie
Published: December 2018

Objective

Our aim is to investigate the links between duration and intensity of exercise and the nutritional status in terms of body composition in acute anorexia nervosa (AN) patients.

Method

One hundred ninety‐one hospitalized women suffering from AN were included. Exercise duration and intensity were assessed using a semistructured questionnaire. Body composition was measured using bioelectrical impedance. Linear multiple regression analyses were carried out using body mass index, fat‐free mass index, and fat mass index as dependent variables and including systematically exercise duration, exercise intensity, and other confounding variables described in the literature that were significantly associated with each dependent variable in univariate analysis.

Results

A lower BMI was linked to lower exercise intensity, AN restrictive type, and presence of amenorrhea. A lower FFMI was linked to lower exercise intensity, older age, AN restrictive type, and premenarchal AN. Duration of exercise was not linked to the nutritional status.

Conclusions

Exercising at higher intensity in AN is associated with a better nutritional status, thus, a better resistance to starvation. The impact of therapeutic physical activity sessions, adapted in terms of exercise intensity and patient's clinical status, should be evaluated during nutrition rehabilitation.
The Development of a Quadratic Functions Learning Progression and Associated Task Shells
Authors: Graf Edith Aurora , Fife James H. , Howell Heather , Marquez Elizabeth
Published: December 2018

In this report, we discuss background research on the development of student understanding of quadratic functions and present a provisional learning progression for quadratic functions and quadratic equations. We also describe task shells that are linked to the learning progression. The learning progression and task shells can be used as a starting point to develop tasks that assess student standing with respect to the theory of development. The intention is that this report should find an audience in both researchers and test developers.
Biostimulants research in some horticultural plant species—A review
Authors: Parađiković Nada , Teklić Tihana , Zeljković Svjetlana , Lisjak Miroslav , Špoljarević Marija
Published: December 2018

Different substances from the natural origin which have beneficial effects on plant growth and development, stress resistance, and crop yield and quality can be called biostimulants or biostimulators. Their physiological effects depend on their composition as they contain various organic and mineral compounds which plants can use as metabolites, growth regulators, and nutrients; however, biostimulants cannot be considered biofertilizers. Biostimulants applied in plant production have been widely considered as an environment‐friendly agricultural practice—and so are now among tools used in sustainable agriculture. Here, we discuss the results of the biostimulants’ effect investigations performed in Croatia, focused on horticultural crops, with edible plant species, such as tomato, garlic, bell pepper, lettuce, strawberry, garden cress, and basil, as well as ornamentals, such as wild rose, wax begonia, Mexican and French marigold, moss rose, everlasting flower, common zinnia, English primrose, and scarlet sage. The investigated biostimulants were applied at all plant growth stages, from germination to full plant and fruit or flower commercial maturity, using the seed treatment, foliar application, or irrigation. To evaluate biostimulant effectiveness, various morphological, physiological, and quality traits were analyzed. In this wide array of studies, the evaluated biostimulants mostly enhanced seed and transplant vigor, stimulated vegetative growth, improved nutrient acquisition and distribution within the plant, increased antioxidative capacity of plant tissues, contributing to higher stress tolerance, and improved plant yield and fruit/flower quality. In general, the research reviewed here implies possible benefits of biostimulant application in horticultural production, especially in stressful growth conditions, such as the transplant stage, reduced fertilization, or incidence of other abiotic stress. Considering possible interactions among the contained physiologically active compounds, the effects on plants may depend on dose, time of treatment, growth conditions, and plant species. Therefore, further research of biostimulant applications in horticultural production is suggested.
Carbon dioxide mineralization for the disposition of blast‐furnace slag: reaction intensification using NaCl solutions
Authors: Ren Enze , Tang Siyang , Liu Changjun , Yue Hairong , Li Chun , Liang Bin
Published: December 2018

Carbon dioxide mineralization for the disposition of blast‐furnace slag is an important method for reducing CO2 emissions and simultaneously dealing with solid waste from the steel industry. However, due to the stable structures and properties of blast‐furnace slag, low mineralization reaction efficiency is a key issue in this process and hinders industrial applications. This work presents a method for enhancing the CO2 mineralization reaction by the addition of salt solutions (e.g., NaCl 1 mol · L−1) in the slurry of the blast‐furnace slag (<75 μm). The results showed that CO2 mineralization efficiency could be greatly improved with a high CO2 storage amount of ∼280 kg · tBFS−1 at a liquid‐solid ratio (L/S ratio) of 10, a temperature of 150°C and CO2 pressure of 3 MPa. The mineralization process was systematically characterized to identify the mechanism for mineralization enhancement by saline solution. The results indicated that saline solution could accelerate the dissolution of Ca2+ in blast‐furnace slag, reduce the activity of water, and lead to high acidity in the solution, and thus facilitate mineralization and improve the reaction rate. The NaCl solution was not consumed and could be recycled in the process, suggesting that this approach could use the brine and saline water as the medium for solid waste treatment and CO2 emission reduction in high energy‐consuming industries such as mineral processing, power plants, and the steel industry. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stroke target identification guided by astrocyte transcriptome analysis
Authors: Rakers Cordula , Schleif Melvin , Blank Nelli , Matušková Hana , Ulas Thomas , Händler Kristian , Torres Santiago Valle , Schumacher Toni , Tai Khalid , Schultze Joachim L. , Jackson Walker S. , Petzold Gabor C.
Published: December 2018

Astrocytes support normal brain function, but may also contribute to neurodegeneration when they become reactive under pathological conditions such as stroke. However, the molecular underpinnings of this context‐dependent interplay between beneficial and detrimental properties in reactive astrogliosis have remained incompletely understood. Therefore, using the RiboTag technique, we immunopurified translating mRNAs specifically from astrocytes 72 hr after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice (tMCAO), thereby generating a stroke‐specific astroglial translatome database. We found that compared to control brains, reactive astrocytes after tMCAO show an enrichment of transcripts linked to the A2 phenotype, which has been associated with neuroprotection. However, we found that astrocytes also upregulate a large number of potentially neurotoxic genes. In total, we identified the differential expression of 1,003 genes and 38 transcription factors, of which Stat3, Sp1, and Spi1 were the most prominent. To further explore the effects of Stat3‐mediated pathways on stroke pathogenesis, we subjected mice with an astrocyte‐specific conditional deletion of Stat3 to tMCAO, and found that these mice have reduced stroke volume and improved motor outcome 72 hr after focal ischemia. Taken together, our study extends the emerging database of novel astrocyte‐specific targets for stroke therapy, and supports the role of astrocytes as critical safeguards of brain function in health and disease.
Who Are You?
Authors: Gilbert Susan
Published: December 2018

At a time when our views on practically everything are polarized, there's one thing that growing numbers of us agree on: we want genetic information about ourselves. About 15 million people have taken a direct‐to‐consumer genetic test, up from 4 million two years ago. Millions more are likely to give these tests as holiday gifts. Many people consider genetic findings deeply meaningful to their understanding of who they are. This information is a gift, but it is also a weight—a paradox that was the theme of a conference organized by my colleagues Erik Parens and Joel Michael Reynolds in October 2018. Genomic knowledge is a gift when, for example, it connects us with relatives whom we're glad to meet. But it is a weight when it pigeonholes us into categories that suggest racial differences and possibly stereotypes.
Of Monsters and Men
Authors: Kaebnick Gregory E.
Published: December 2018

The November‐December 2018 issue of the Hastings Center Report celebrates two anniversaries. In a supplement to the issue, the fifty‐year‐old debate about what “dead” means—a debate launched in 1968 by the publication of the Harvard report on brain death—is dissected and reinvigorated in a set of essays assembled by Robert Truog, of Harvard Medical School's Center for Bioethics, and The Hastings Center's Nancy Berlinger, Rachel Zacharias, and Mildred Solomon. Inside the regular issue, a set of essays celebrates the two‐hundredth anniversary of the publication of Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, the novel about death, dissection, and reinvigoration and a touchstone for much commentary about emerging biotechnologies. Elsewhere in the issue are contrasting perspectives on physician‐assisted death, and in the lead article, Danielle Wenner explores the requirement, often noted but recently challenged, that medical research must have “social value” to be worth conducting.
Unexpected Creatures: Procreative Liberty and the Frankenstein Ballet
Authors: Garland‐Thomson Rosemarie
Published: December 2018

One of the most recent and original adaptations of Mary Wollstonecraft (Godwin) Shelley's Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus (1818) is the ballet version choreographed by Liam Scarlett and performed by the Royal Ballet in 2016 and the San Francisco Ballet in 2017 and 2018. What emerges from this translation is an economical, emotionally wrenching, and visually elegant drama of family tragedy from which we can draw a cautionary tale about contemporary bioethical dilemmas in family making that new and forthcoming biomedical technologies present. This performance of bodies interacting suggests the need for an ethics of acceptance and recognition as people navigate complex familial relationships involving procreative liberty, questions of moral personhood, and parental obligation. In the Frankenstein ballet, the narrative genre of dance—what I'll call “story in the flesh”—invites viewers to identify with the characters and enter into the complexity of interpersonal relations. The ballet becomes a compelling testimony about possible unintended outcomes set in motion by well‐intended fallible humans like themselves.
Identifying threshold storm events and quantifying potential impacts of climate change on sediment yield in a small upland agricultural watershed of Ontario
Authors: Shrestha Narayan Kumar , Allataifeh Nabil , Rudra Ramesh , Daggupati Prasad , Goel Pradeep K. , Dickinson Trevor
Published: December 2018

Agricultural zones are significant sediment sources, but it is crucial to identify critical source areas (CSAs) of sediment yield within these zones where best management practices (BMPs) can be applied to the best effect in reducing sediment delivery to receiving water bodies rather than the economically nonviable alternative of randomly or sweepingly implementing BMPs. A storm event of a specific magnitude and hyetograph profile may, at different times, generate a greater or lesser sediment yield. The widely used agricultural nonpoint source (AGNPS) model was used to identify CSAs for sediment losses in Southwestern Ontario's agriculture‐dominated 374‐ha Holtby watershed. A storm threshold approach was adopted to identify critical periods for higher sediment losses. An AGNPS model for the Holtby watershed was set up, calibrated, and validated for run‐off volume, peak flow rate, and sediment yield for several storms. The calibrated and validated model was run for storms of increasing return periods to identify threshold storm events that would generate sediment yield greater than an acceptable value for early and late spring, summer, and fall seasons. Finally, to evaluate the potential impacts of climate change, we shifted shorter duration summer storms into spring conditions and quantified the changes in sediment yield dynamics. A 6‐hr, 7.5‐year early spring storm would generate sediment losses exceeding the acceptable limit of 0.34 t ha−1 for the season. However, summer storms (2 hr, up to 100 years) tended to generate sediment yields below those of an identifiable threshold storm. If such shorter duration summer storms occurred in spring, the sediment yield would increase by more than fivefold. A 5‐year future storm would generate an equivalent effect of a 100‐year current spring event. The high sediment delivery to be expected will have significant implications regarding the future management of water quality of receiving waters. Appropriate placement of BMPs at CSAs will thus be needed to reduce such high sediment delivery to receiving waters.
Impact of screening programme using the faecal immunochemical test on stage of colorectal cancer: Results from the IMPATTO study
Authors: Vicentini Massimo , Zorzi Manuel , Bovo Emanuela , Mancuso Pamela , Zappa Marco , Manneschi Gianfranco , Mangone Lucia , Giorgi Rossi Paolo ,   Colorectal Cancer Screening IMPATTO study working group
Published: December 2018

To evaluate the impact of faecal immunochemical test (FIT) screening on stage distribution at diagnosis, and to estimate relative incidence rates by stage in screened at first and subsequent rounds vs. unscreened. We included all incident cases occurring in 2000–2008 in 50‐ to 71‐year‐olds residing in areas with an FIT‐screening programme. Multinomial logistic models were computed to estimate the relative risk ratio (RRR) of stages I and IV, compared to stage II + III, adjusting for age, sex, geographical area, and incidence year. Proportions were then used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR) by stage for screened subjects at the first and at subsequent rounds vs. unscreened subjects, applying the expected changes in overall incidence during screening phases. 11,663 cancers were included: 5965 in not‐invited and 5,698 in invited subjects, 3,425 of whom attendees. Compared to not‐invited, invited subjects had RRR 2.04 (95% CI: 1.84; 2.46) of stage I and RRR 0.77 (95% CI: 0.69; 0.87) of stage IV. Differences were stronger comparing attendees vs. nonattendees. Interval cancers were more frequently stage I compared to non‐invited (RRR 1.54; 95% CI: 1.15; 2.04), but there was no difference for stage IV. IRRs in screened at first round vs. unscreened were 4.6 (95% CI: 4.2; 5.1), 1.4 (95% CI: 1.3; 1.5) and 0.7 (95% CI: 0.6; 0.9) for stages I, II + III and IV, respectively; in the following rounds the IRRs of screened vs. unscreened were 1.4 (95% CI: 1.2; 1.6), 0.8 (95% CI: 0.7; 0.9) and 0.3 (95% CI: 0.1; 0.4) for stages I, II + III and IV, respectively. FIT screening reduces the incidence of metastatic cancers by about 70% after the first round.
Efficacy of anastrozole after tamoxifen in early breast cancer patients with chemotherapy‐induced ovarian function failure
Authors: van Hellemond Irene E.G. , Vriens Ingeborg J.H. , Peer Petronella G.M. , Swinkels Astrid C.P. , Smorenburg Carolien H. , Seynaeve Caroline M. , van der Sangen Maurice J.C. , Kroep Judith R. , de Graaf Hiltje , Honkoop Aafke H. , Erdkamp Frans L.G. , van den Berkmortel Franchette W.P.J. , de Boer Maaike , de Roos Wilfred K. , Linn Sabine C. , Imholz Alexander L.T. , Tjan‐Heijnen Vivianne C.G. ,   on behalf of the Dutch Breast Cancer Research Group (BOOG)
Published: December 2018

The DATA study (NCT00301457) compared 6 and 3 years of anastrozole in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor‐positive early breast cancer after 2–3 years of tamoxifen. Patients with chemotherapy‐induced ovarian function failure (CIOFF) were also eligible, but could be at risk of ovarian function recovery (OFR). The current analysis compared the survival of women with CIOFF with definitely postmenopausal women and examined the influence of OFR on survival. Therefore, we selected patients from the DATA study aged 45–57 years at randomization who had received (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy. They were classified by reversibility of postmenopausal status: possibly reversible in case of CIOFF (n = 395) versus definitely postmenopausal (n = 261). The former were monitored by E2 measurements for OFR. The occurrence of OFR was incorporated as a time‐dependent covariate in a Cox‐regression model for calculating the hazard ratio (HR). We used the landmark method to calculate residual 5‐year survival rates. When comparing CIOFF women with definitely postmenopausal women, the survival was not different. Among CIOFF women with available E2 follow‐up values (n = 329), experiencing OFR (n = 39) had an unfavorable impact on distant recurrence‐free survival (HR 2.27 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98–5.25; p = 0.05] and overall survival (HR 2.61 [95% CI 1.11–6.13; p = 0.03]). After adjusting for tumor features, the HRs became 2.11 (95% CI 0.89–5.02; p = 0.09) and 2.24 (95% CI 0.92–5.45; p = 0.07), respectively. The residual 5‐year rate for distant recurrence‐free survival was 76.9% for women with OFR and 92.1% for women without OFR, and for 5‐year overall survival 80.8% and 94.4%, respectively. Women with CIOFF receiving anastrozole may be at increased risk of disease recurrence if experiencing OFR.
Impacts of Climate Change on Urban Extreme Rainfall and Drainage Infrastructure Performance: A Case Study in Wuhan City, China
Authors: Xiong Lihua , Yan Lei , Du Tao , Yan Pengtao , Li Lingqi , Xu Wentao
Published: December 2018

The design of stormwater drainage infrastructure in urban areas in China is based on the statistical stationary assumption of probability distribution of extreme rainfall, which is being increasingly challenged by climate change. However, quantitative assessment of the performance of urban drainage systems in response to climate change with the latest emission scenarios of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 in China is quite limited. This study aims to investigate potential changes of extreme rainfall and their influence on drainage infrastructure in a representative urban area in Wuhan city, China. The Storm Water Management Model is established to investigate the response of drainage infrastructure to future design rainfall. It is found that the probability distribution of extreme rainfall for two historical sub‐periods (1961–1985 and 1986–2005) has changed, especially in the head and tail of the frequency curves. Furthermore, the design rainfall with return periods of 2, 3, 4 and 5 years increases more significantly than those of 10 and 20 years. Consequently, the incapability of the current drainage infrastructure in the study area is aggravated. Moreover, the results of SWMM modelling provide detailed information about the performance of current drainage infrastructure, which can provide technical support for future modifications of the current drainage infrastructure of the study area. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Speaking Spanish in White Public Spaces: Implications for Literacy Classrooms
Authors: Martinez Danny C. , Rojo Javier , González Rubén A.
Published: December 2018

This department explores how teachers can sustain students’ multilingual literacies and reimagine literacy learning across multiple contexts in conversation with researchers, practitioners, and communities.
Apelin/APJ system: A potential therapeutic target for endothelial dysfunction‐related diseases
Authors: Cheng Jun , Luo Xuling , Huang Zhen , Chen Linxi
Published: December 2018

APJ is a G protein‐coupled receptor and its endogenous ligand is apelin. Studies have shown that apelin/APJ system is widely distributed in the body, especially highly expressed in the vascular endothelial cells (ECs). Numerous reports have demonstrated that apelin/APJ system plays an important role in the regulation of ECs function. Our lab has demonstrated that apelin‐13 is able to promote adhesion of monocyte‐human umbilical vein EC via 14‐3‐3, and reactive oxygen species‐autophagy signaling pathways. In this review, we concentrate on the regulatory mechanism of apelin/APJ system in EC, including promotion of proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. Moreover, we also analyze the role of apelin/APJ on endothelial dysfunction‐related diseases including atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension, and myocardial infarction. Finally, we summarize the most commonly used agonists and antagonists of APJ. Therefore, apelin/APJ system is expected to be a therapeutic target for the treatment of endothelial dysfunction‐related diseases.