bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tackling the Self‐Aggregation of IrIII Complexes: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Paulo Coelho Joao , Almeida Tiago R. , Albuquerque Rodrigo Q.
Published: March 2018

IrIII complexes are widely used in electroluminescent devices because of their appropriate photophysical properties. In the device, they can undergo supramolecular aggregation, which quenches their luminescence, as well as red shifts their emission, therefore downgrading the optical properties of the device. Here, we show that self‐aggregation and red shift can be both prevented by designing new IrIII complexes using well‐established blue‐emitting ones. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the emitting triplet state of blue emitting IrIII complexes modified with appropriate substituents do not red shift and their supramolecular aggregation is less favorable than that of the precursor unmodified compounds. These results open up new possibilities to tackle one of the downgrading mechanisms observed in luminescent devices.
Substrate and Catalyst Effects in the Enantioselective Copper‐Catalysed C–H Insertion Reactions of α‐Diazo‐β‐oxo Sulfones
Authors: Shiely Amy E. , Clarke Leslie‐Ann , Flynn Christopher J. , Buckley Aoife M. , Ford Alan , Lawrence Simon E. , Maguire Anita R.
Published: March 2018

Excellent enantioselectivities of up to 98 % ee are achieved by employing the copper‐bis(oxazoline)‐NaBARF catalyst system in the C–H insertion reactions of α‐diazo‐β‐oxo sulfones. The influence of variation of the bis(oxazoline) ligand, copper salt, additive and substrate on both the efficiency and the enantioselectivities of these intramolecular C–H insertion reactions has been explored. Optimum enantioselectivities are achieved with phenyl and diphenyl ligands across the substrate series.
Isomeric Naphtho‐Fused 7‐Deazapurine Nucleosides and Nucleotides: Synthesis, Biological Activity, Photophysical Properties and Enzymatic Incorporation to Nucleic Acids
Authors: Ghosh Ketaki , Perlíková Pavla , Havlíček Vojtěch , Yang Chao , Pohl Radek , Tloušťová Eva , Hodek Jan , Gurská Soňa , Džubák Petr , Hajdúch Marián , Hocek Michal
Published: March 2018

Two series of substituted benzo[g]‐ or benzo[e]pyrimido[4,5‐b]indole (naphtho‐fused 7‐deazapurine) ribonucleosides were synthesized. The heterocyclic nucleobases were obtained by Negishi cross‐coupling reaction of zincated pyrimidines with naphthyl iodides, nucleophilic substitution to tetrazoles/azides and thermal cyclization or photocyclization. Nucleosides were obtained by glycosylation followed by substitution reactions and deprotection. Resulting ribonucleosides were tested for their cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines and antiviral activities. Some derivatives showed micromolar cytotoxic activities and moderate anti‐hepatitis C virus activities. Naphtho‐fused 7‐deazapurine 2′‐deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate was successfully incorporated into DNA oligonucleotides by KOD XL DNA polymerase. Fluorescence properties of naphtho‐fused 7‐deazapurine nucleosides and oligonucleotides were also studied.
Panel of serum protein biomarkers to grade the severity of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Anada Raj Poovindran , Wong Kum Thong , Jayapalan Jaime Jacqueline , Hashim Onn Haji , Ganesan Dharmendra
Published: March 2018

The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), which classifies patients into mild, moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), is a system used to prioritize treatment and prognosticate the severity of head injury. In this study, sera of patients with various stages of TBI, as well as control subjects, were analyzed to screen for proteins that may be used to complement the GCS system. By subjecting pooled serum samples to iTRAQ analysis for quantitative comparison of protein abundance, and attesting their altered levels using ELISA, we have detected increased levels of serum amyloid A, C‐reactive protein, leucine‐rich alpha‐2‐glycoprotein, lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein, fibronectin, vitronectin and alpha‐1‐antichymotrypsin in patients across all strata of TBI relative to the controls. However, kininogen was decreased only in moderate and severe TBI, whereas apolipoprotein E and zinc‐alpha‐2‐glycoprotein were only increased in severe TBI. Hence, we propose a panel of serum biomarkers, which if analyzed within 24 h of the injury, can be used to diagnose patients with TBI into mild, moderate or severe stratification objectively, thus complementing the traditional GCS.
The effects of acetaldehyde exposure on histone modifications and chromatin structure in human lung bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Chen Danqi , Fang Lei , Li Hongjie , Jin Chunyuan
Published: March 2018

As the primary metabolite of alcohol and the most abundant carcinogen in tobacco smoke, acetaldehyde is linked to a number of human diseases associated with chronic alcohol consumption and smoking including cancers. In addition to direct DNA damage as a result of the formation of acetaldehyde‐DNA adducts, acetaldehyde may also indirectly impact proper genome function through the formation of protein adducts. Histone proteins are the major component of the chromatin. Post‐translational histone modifications (PTMs) are critically important for the maintenance of genetic and epigenetic stability. However, little is known about how acetaldehyde‐histone adducts affect histone modifications and chromatin structure. The results of protein carbonyl assays suggest that acetaldehyde forms adducts with histone proteins in human bronchial epithelial BEAS‐2B cells. The level of acetylation for N‐terminal tails of cytosolic histones H3 and H4, an important modification for histone nuclear import and chromatin assembly, is significantly downregulated following acetaldehyde exposure in BEAS‐2B cells, possibly due to the formation of histone adducts and/or the decrease in the expression of histone acetyltransferases. Notably, the level of nucleosomal histones in the chromatin fraction and at most of the genomic loci we tested are low in acetaldehyde‐treated cells as compared with the control cells, which is suggestive of inhibition of chromatin assembly. Moreover, acetaldehyde exposure perturbs chromatin structure as evidenced by the increase in general chromatin accessibility and the decrease in nucleosome occupancy at genomic loci following acetaldehyde treatment. Our results indicate that regulation of histone modifications and chromatin accessibility may play important roles in acetaldehyde‐induced pathogenesis. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:375–385, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of nutritional status on arsenic and smokeless tobacco induced genotoxicity, sperm abnormality and oxidative stress in mice in vivo
Authors: Das Samrat , Langthasa Pimily , Barhoi Dharmeswar , Upadhaya Puja , Giri Sarbani
Published: March 2018

Background: Recently, high concentrations of arsenic have been documented in ground waters of Southern Assam, India. Indiscriminate smokeless tobacco consumption is a common practice in this region. Correlation between nutritional status and arsenic and smokeless tobacco‐induced health effects has not been taken up in humans or other test systems.

Methods: Mice were divided into groups based on protein (casein) content in the diet: High protein (40%), optimum protein (20%), and low protein (5%). Simultaneous chronic exposure (90 days) to arsenic and smokeless tobacco (sadagura) orally was given to evaluate the extent of the cytological and genotoxicological damage. Micronucleus assay and Comet assay of the femur bone marrow cells were conducted. Germ cell toxicity was evaluated by recording the sperm head abnormalities and total sperm count. Cell cycle analysis was performed in femur bone marrow cells using flow cytometer. Hepatic, renal, and intestinal tissues were analyzed for various oxidative stress evaluations. Histological examination of liver and kidney was performed.

Results: Notably, high protein diet groups had lower arsenic and sadagura induced genotoxicity, germ cell abnormalities and oxidative stress as compared to optimum protein and low protein diet counterparts.

Conclusion: Our study indicates that sufficient levels of dietary protein appear to reduce the long‐term arsenic and smokeless tobacco‐induced toxicity in mice test system, as compared to lower or deficient amount of protein in the diet. This observation has implications and invites further studies especially epidemiological studies in the human population exposed to arsenic in South East Asian countries. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 59:386–400, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
1‐3‐Type Composites Based on Ferroelectrics: Electromechanical Coupling, Figures of Merit, and Piezotechnical Energy‐Harvesting Applications
Authors: Bowen Christopher R. , Topolov Vitaly Yu. , Zhang Yan , Panich Alexander A.
Published: March 2018

The physical and microgeometric factors that are able to improve the piezoelectric performance, anisotropy, and energy‐harvesting characteristics of modern 1‐3‐type composites based on ferroelectrics are discussed. The composite connectivity patterns of particular interest for this study include 1‐3‐0, 1‐0‐3, and 1‐2‐2. The active components of the studied composites are chosen from conventional perovskite‐type ferroelectric ceramics, lead‐free materials, or domain‐engineered single crystals, all of which exhibit particularly intriguing electromechanical properties. Examples of the large anisotropy of piezoelectric coefficients, electromechanical coupling factors, squared figures of merit, and large hydrostatic parameters of the three‐component 1‐3‐type composites are considered in the context of their piezotechnical applications. The applications of these materials include piezoelectric transducers, sensors, energy‐harvesting, and hydroacoustic devices.
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with t(7;12)(q36;p13) is associated with infancy and trisomy 19: Data from Nordic Society for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (NOPHO‐AML) and review of the literature
Authors: Espersen Anne Dorte Lerche , Noren‐Nyström Ulrika , Abrahamsson Jonas , Ha Shau‐Yin , Pronk Cornelis Jan , Jahnukainen Kirsi , Jónsson Ólafur G. , Lausen Birgitte , Palle Josefine , Zeller Bernward , Palmqvist Lars , Hasle Henrik
Published: March 2018

The t(7;12)(q36;p13) (MNX1/ETV6) is not included in the WHO classification but has been described in up to 30% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in children <2 years and associated with a poor prognosis. We present the clinical and cytogenetics characteristics of AML cases with t(7;12)(p36;p13). A literature review identified 35 patients with this translocation, published between 2000 and 2015. Outcome data were available in 22 cases. The NOPHO‐AML (Nordic Society for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology) database contained 651 patients with AML from 1993 to 2014 and seven (1.1%) had the translocation. The t(7;12) was only present in patients <2 years of age (median age 6 months) but none was diagnosed as newborn. These patients constituted 4.3% of the patients <2 years of age. There was a strong association with trisomy 19 (literature: 86%, NOPHO: 100%) and +8 (literature: 19%, NOPHO: 14%). Seventeen of 22 patients from the literature with t(7;12) and four of seven patients from the NOPHO database suffered from relapse. The patients with t(7;12) had a 3‐year event free survival of 24% (literature) vs. 43% (NOPHO) and a 3‐year overall survival of 42% (literature) vs. 100% (NOPHO). None of the NOPHO patients was treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in first complete remission. Relapse was frequent but the salvage rate using HSCT was high. We conclude that t(7;12)(q36;13) is a unique subgroup of childhood AML with presentation before 2 years of age with most cases being associated with +19.
Health conditions and unmet needs for assistance to perform activities of daily living among older adults with dementia in Chile
Authors: Zhou Yi , Slachevasky Andrea , Calvo Esteban
Published: March 2018

Objective

This study aims to address gaps in health conditions and unmet needs in daily activities between people with dementia (PWD) and without dementia in a developing country and to identify the variables associated with unmet needs among PWD to guide practitioners and policymakers in dealing with an increased burden of dementia.

Methods

Nationally representative data on 4655 Chileans age 60 and over were used to compare health conditions and unmet needs in daily life activities between individuals with (N = 455, 9.6%) and without dementia. Regression analysis was conducted to identify the variables associated with unmet needs among PWD.

Results

Overall, PWD had worse health and needed greater assistance in performing daily activities than people without dementia. Among PWD, being male was associated with more unmet needs, in both activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL. Lower educational level and fewer caregivers were associated with more unmet needs for ADL, while inferior functional ability was associated with more unmet needs for instrumental ADL.

Conclusions

The results from this study call for action by practitioners and policymakers to foster caregiver training, increase supportive services, and advance care planning for PWD.
Biocompatibility and hemocompatibility of efficiently decellularized whole porcine kidney for tissue engineering
Authors: Hussein Kamal Hany , Saleh Tarek , Ahmed Ebtehal , Kwak Ho‐Hyun , Park Kyung‐Mee , Yang Se‐Ran , Kang Byung‐Jae , Choi Ki‐Young , Kang Kyung‐Sun , Woo Heung‐Myong
Published: March 2018

Whole kidney decellularization is a promising approach in regenerative medicine for engineering a functional organ. The reaction of the potential host depends on the biocompatibility of these decellularized constructs. Despite the proven ability of decellularized kidney scaffolds to guide cell attachment and growth, little is known about biocompatibility and hemocompatibility of these scaffolds. Our aim is to prepare decellularized kidneys of a clinically relevant size and evaluate its biocompatibility and hemocompatibility. Porcine kidneys were cannulated via the renal artery, and then perfused with 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate solution. Hematoxylin and eosin as well as DAPI staining confirmed cellular clearance from native kidneys in addition to preservation of the microstructure. SEM confirmed the absence of any cellular content within the scaffold, which is maintained in a well‐organized 3D architecture. Decellularized kidneys retained the intact renal vasculature upon examination with contrast radiography. The essential structural extracellular matrix molecules were well‐preserved. Scaffolds were susceptible to enzymatic degradation upon collagenase treatment. Scaffolds showed a good hemocompatibility when exposed to porcine blood. Decellularization was efficient to remove 97.7% of DNA from native kidneys in addition to the immunogenic and pathogenic antigens. Scaffolds did not induce the human immune response in vitro. Decellularized kidneys were non‐cytotoxic to pig kidney cells (PKs). PKs were able to grow and proliferate within the decellularized renal scaffolds with maintaining a higher function than cells grown as monolayers. Thus, we have developed a rapid decellularization technique for generating biocompatible kidney scaffolds that represents a step toward development of a transplantable organ. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2034–2047, 2018.
Wnt and Notch signaling pathways in calcium phosphate‐enhanced osteogenic differentiation: A pilot study
Authors: Wang Yu , Pan Jianwei , Zhang Yiqun , Li Xiang , Zhang Zhen , Wang Peng , Qin Zhifan , Li Jihua
Published: March 2018

Calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramics are being increasingly used to repair critical bone defect for biocompatibility, biosafety, porous structure and osteoinduction. Wnt and Notch signaling pathways are conservative and classic signaling pathways regulating osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs). In this study, we evaluated the expression of Wnt, Notch signal pathways and osteogenic related genes of BMSCs with and without Wnt pathway inhibitor DKK1 on CaP ceramics in vitro by real‐time RT‐PCR. Also, we evaluated new bone formation after implantation of CaP ceramics in vivo. The in vitro culture displayed the expression of Wnt, Notch signaling pathways and osteogenic related genes was increased at first and then declined. After adding DKK1 to the culture, the expression was decreased. The in vivo implantation showed significant bone formation on CaP ceramics. These findings reveal that Wnt and Notch signaling pathways play important roles in the CaP‐enhanced osteogenic differentiation but the mechanism of synergistic effect needs to be further explored. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 149–160, 2019.
When Cheap Isn't the Same as Not Expensive: Generic Price Terms and Their Negations
Authors: Weijters Bert , Cabooter Elke , Baumgartner Hans
Published: March 2018

Generic price terms such as cheap, not expensive, not cheap, and expensive are used frequently in marketing, but little is known about how consumers interpret them. In typical consumer contexts, in which lower prices are preferred, we find that not cheap means essentially the same as expensive (i.e., not cheap = expensive). In contrast, not expensive does not mean the same as cheap, in that cheap is associated with lower prices (i.e., cheap < not expensive). As an implication, in a consumer survey we find different response distributions for rating scales that are anchored with endpoint labels of not expensive versus expensive as compared to cheap versus expensive or cheap versus not cheap (the latter two are equivalent). Furthermore, although cheap is associated with lower prices than not expensive, this does not necessarily translate into higher preferences for options that are described as cheap (vs. not expensive), because cheap may also evoke negative quality perceptions. Finally, we demonstrate an interesting reversal in the way price terms are interpreted: when higher prices are preferred, cheap is equal to not expensive (i.e., cheap = not expensive), whereas not cheap is associated with lower prices than expensive (i.e., not cheap < expensive).
Efficient adsorption separation of xylene isomers using a facilely fabricated cyclodextrin‐based metal–organic framework
Authors: Chen Le , Zhu Dan‐Dan , Ji Guo‐Jian , Yuan Sheng , Qian Jun‐Feng , He Ming‐Yang , Chen Qun , Zhang Zhi‐Hui
Published: March 2018

Background

Metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) are energy‐efficient adsorbents for separating industrial chemical feedstocks. A type of MOF containing an extended porous network of γ‐cyclodextrin (γ‐CD) and alkali metal salts, CD‐MOF, has potential applications in adsorption separation processes in the petrochemical industry. This study aims to present the adsorption efficiency of CD‐MOF‐1 in separating xylene regioisomers.

Results

The adsorption separation of xylene regioisomers on layered CD‐MOF‐1 microcrystals was studied using batch vapor‐phase adsorption and liquid‐phase breakthrough adsorption. CD‐MOF‐1 showed preferable adsorption of o‐xylene over the other two isomers, with adsorption strength in the order o‐xylene (oX) > m‐xylene (mX) > p‐xylene (pX). With increased temperature, high adsorption capacities of oX and mX over pX were detected. However, this also resulted in a decrease of the separation factors of oX/pX and mX/pX.

Conclusion

The high resolution and large separation factors for oX/pX and mX/pX make CD‐MOF‐1 an efficient and reliable alternative adsorbent to the isolation protocols for xylene isomers currently used in the petrochemical industry. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Gonadal histology of box jellyfish (Cnidaria: Cubozoa) reveals variation between internal fertilizing species Alatina alata (Alatinidae) and Copula sivickisi (Tripedaliidae)
Authors: García‐Rodríguez Jimena , Lewis Ames Cheryl , Marian José Eduardo A. R. , Marques Antonio Carlos
Published: March 2018

Cubozoans (box jellyfish) are gonochoristic cnidarians with distinct reproductive strategies. This comparative histological study examines the gonad organization of Alatina alata and Copula sivickisi, two box jellyfish species that exhibit different modes of internal fertilization. A. alata reproduces via spermcasting aggregations while C. sivickisi reproduces via copulation; in both cases, internal fertilization occurs in the gastrovascular cavity. Herein, we provide the first histological description of subgastric sacs—structures unique to C. sivickisi. Although previously thought to function as sperm storage sacs, our findings reveal that subgastric sacs are nematocyst nests lacking sperm entirely. Conversely, we discovered that velarial spots in C. sivickisi females correspond to actual sperm storage structures. Histological examination of cubozoan sperm packages revealed that while sperm packages from both species have motile flagella, A. alata males produce nonencapsulated sperm bundles (i.e., “spermatozeugmata”), and C. sivickisi males produce encapsulated packages (i.e., “spermatophores”). Our findings corroborate the presence of several types of nematocysts in C. sivickisi embryo strands and spermatophores, and indicate their provenance to be both female and male gonads respectively, as well as subgastric sacs (i.e., nematocyst nests). In contrast to our findings of velarial spots as sperm storages structures in C. sivickisi females, and of nematocysts in the gonads of both sexes, we report that A. alata medusae lack both sperm storage structures and gonadal nematocysts. Finally, we discuss our findings on reproductive morphology of C. sivickisi and A. alata in light of the respective reproductive behavior of these two cubozoan species.
Seasonal patterns of warming amplification of high‐elevation stations across the globe
Authors: Qixiang Wang , Wang Mengben , Fan Xiaohui
Published: March 2018

Elevation‐dependent warming in high‐elevation regions is of great interest to many researchers, but global assessment of seasonal signals of elevation‐dependent warming has received little attention. Here, using monthly mean temperatures from 2,104 global stations for the period 1961–2010, we find that the temperature trends are highly significant in all seasons for the high‐elevation stations (>500 m a.s.l.) as well as their low‐elevation counterparts over the study period. For the high‐elevation stations, the warming is the strongest in winter, followed by autumn, spring and summer, with the magnitudes of 2.165, 1.355, 1.344 and 1.256 °C/50 year, respectively. With the exception of spring, the trend in three other seasons is clearly higher for the high‐elevation stations than their low‐elevation counterparts. A significant altitudinal amplification trend is detected for all seasons for the high‐elevation stations based on the elevation band method, and the amplification amplitude for autumn and winter is about two times that for spring and summer. Furthermore, stepwise regression analysis reveals that the trends of each season for the high‐elevation stations are closely related to altitude and latitude, suggesting that there exist not only an altitudinal amplification trend but also a latitudinal amplification trend on the seasonal scale for the high‐elevation stations in the past 50 years. It was also found that the warming in each season for the high‐elevation stations is linearly related to the temperature lapse rates in altitudinal and latitudinal directions due in large part to the mathematical shape of Stefan–Boltzmann law in these two directions.
Spatial patterns and driving mechanisms of mid‐Holocene hydroclimate in western North America
Authors: Hermann Nicholas Wayne , Oster Jessica Leigh , Ibarra Daniel Enrique
Published: March 2018

Mid‐Holocene paleoclimate proxy records from drought‐sensitive western North America suggest widespread aridity in areas dominated by winter precipitation. We present spatial comparisons of a diverse network of moisture‐sensitive proxies with 12 global circulation model simulations from the Paleoclimate Model Intercomparison Project to determine the most important atmospheric drivers behind observed mid‐Holocene aridity in this region. Although model‐proxy agreement is low for most models, in part reflecting small mid‐Holocene precipitation anomalies, three show relatively strong agreement by successfully simulating arid conditions across the Pacific Northwest. The model that shows the strongest spatial agreement with the proxy network reveals an anticyclonic wind anomaly that is similar to but weaker than anomalies noted during west‐wide drought episodes of the past 500 years. This model suggests increased transient upper level ridging that reduced winter water vapor transport from the south‐west during the mid‐Holocene. These mechanisms are similar to those suggested to have supported megadrought conditions in western North America during the Medieval Climate Anomaly and which are also simulated in anthropogenic warming scenarios. Future work on quantitative proxy records to enhance temporal and spatial coverage, and explicitly address issues of seasonality, will improve the quality of future climate model–data comparison studies.
Detection on pharyngeal wall floppiness in patients with nonstructural factor‐induced obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome: Difference in position detection
Authors: Lin Zhiqiang , Jiang Kanglun , Zhao Lin , Li Shuna , Shao Shu , Qian Wei , Tao Zezhang
Published: March 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate changes in pharyngeal wall floppiness (PWF) between patients with obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome induced by non–upper‐airway structural factors and normal subjects, as well as the clinical significance using acoustic pharyngealmetry technology.

Study Design

Cohort study.

Methods

The obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) group (n = 102) and the normal control group (n = 50) were identified using the Eccovision Acoustic Pharyngometer measuring instrument. The volume of the pharyngeal cavity in the sitting and supine positions during expiration and inspiration was recorded, respectively, and the PWF index in the sitting and supine positions was calculated for further statistical analysis.

Results

PWF in the sitting (P < .001) and supine positions (P < .001) in the OSA group was notably higher than that in the control group. PWF in the supine position in both the OSA group and control group was remarkably higher than that in the sitting position (P < .001, P = .025, respectively). The difference in PWF between the supine and sitting positions (ΔPWF) (PWF_supine−PWF_sit) was distinctly higher than in control group (P < .01). PWF was positively correlated with age (P < .001) but not with body mass index (P > .05).

Conclusions

PWF, quantified as elevated PWF, is an important nonstructural factor for the pathogenesis of OSA patients. PWF in the supine position can more accurately reflect airway collapsibility in OSA patients. Our pilot study of a novel observation may help us in the choice of proper surgical candidates for OSA procedures.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope, 128:2200–2205, 2018
China's wetlands loss to urban expansion
Authors: Mao Dehua , Wang Zongming , Wu Jianguo , Wu Bingfang , Zeng Yuan , Song Kaishan , Yi Kunpeng , Luo Ling
Published: March 2018

Humans benefit from multiple ecosystem services of wetlands, but massive wetland loss has occurred worldwide due to rapid urbanization. To assess the problem, it is necessary to quantify the spatial extent of urbanization‐induced wetland loss. Here, we investigated the amount and pattern of wetland loss in China due to urbanization from 1990 to 2010, based on the China National Land Cover Database (ChinaCover). Our results show that, during these 20 years, China lost 2,883 km2 of wetlands to urban expansion, of which about 2,394 km2 took place in the eastern regions (Northeast China, North China, Southeast China, and South China). The rate of urbanization‐induced wetland loss was 2.8 times higher between 2000 and 2010 (213 km2 year−1) than between 1990 and 2000 (75 km2 yr−1). Of all wetland categories, reservoirs/ponds and marshes suffered the most severe losses. Most of the wetland loss was due to the expansion of urban built‐up areas rather than industrial or transportation lands. Four hotspots of urbanization‐induced wetland loss in China were identified: the Beijing–Tianjin metropolitan region, the Yangtze River Delta, the Jianghan Plain, and the Pearl River Delta. Urbanization and industrialization continue to unfold in China for the next few decades, and the rapid expansion of small‐ and middle‐sized cities and urban traffic networks is expected to encroach on more wetlands. Although great efforts have been made towards wetland conservation in recent years, China must prevent more wetlands from being wiped out by urbanization if the country is to ahieve its sustainable development goals.
Contrasting suspended sediment export in two small agricultural catchments: Cross‐influence of hydrological behaviour and landscape degradation or stream bank management
Authors: Vongvixay Amphone , Grimaldi Catherine , Dupas Rémi , Fovet Ophélie , Birgand François , Gilliet Nicolas , Gascuel‐Odoux Chantal
Published: March 2018

The study aimed to identify hydrological and landscape factors that influence sediment transport in 2 agricultural catchments in north‐western France—Moulinet and Kervidy‐Naizin—with the same climate, size, and bedrock but with contrasting suspended sediment (SS) fluxes. Discharge and SS concentrations were continuously monitored at the catchment outlets for 9 hydrological years. Data were examined at annual, seasonal, and individual storm‐flow event scales. Storm events were classified into 3 types—single small, successive, and major events—whose effect on sediment transport was studied. At the annual scale, SS yields were higher in Moulinet (16–63 × 103 kg km−2) than in Kervidy‐Naizin (3–22 × 103 kg km−2) despite similar water fluxes. However, Kervidy‐Naizin had higher potential for hillslope erosion because of more frequent occurrence of saturation excess runoff, more frequent bare soil in cultivated area, and fewer hedgerows. Major storm events were also stronger in this catchment. Although high SS concentrations and fluxes occurred only during a few major events in Kervidy‐Naizin, SS export was always substantial throughout the year in Moulinet. We hypothesised that bank degradation due to cattle trampling generated the higher SS export in the Moulinet catchment. This hypothesis was confirmed by the large decrease in SS fluxes following construction of watering troughs in the middle of the study period. In the Kervidy‐Naizin catchment, natural woody vegetation or grass buffer strips along the stream effectively protect the stream from bank erosion or a possible influx of hillslope erosion particles, except during some major events in winter.
An improved method for determination of aggregate stability using laser diffraction
Authors: Bieganowski Andrzej , Zaleski Tomasz , Kajdas Bartłomiej , Sochan Agata , Józefowska Agnieszka , Beczek Michał , Lipiec Jerzy , Turski Marcin , Ryżak Magdalena
Published: March 2018

Soil aggregate water stability is very important from both scientific and practical points of view. This stability is a critical factor in a soil's susceptibility to water erosion and, in turn, land degradation. The most popular measure of soil aggregate stability is the water resistance index (WRI), which is commonly measured using the wet‐sieving method. Using the laser diffraction method in order to observe changes in the median of the particle size distribution and determine soil aggregate stability was first proposed in 2010. However, the method was not suitable for weak aggregates. The aim of this study was to present a measure of aggregate stability using laser diffractometry, aggregate stability index (ASILD). Determination of the ASILD is based on the calculation of the directional coefficient of the straight line interpolated from 2 points: (a) the value calculated as the mean of the lower and upper nominal sieve sizes used for soil aggregate separation and (b) the median of the first measurement after the adding of the dry aggregates into the measuring system of the laser diffractometer.

This proposed method for the calculation of the ASILD can be applied to very weak aggregates (i.e., aggregates that, in practice, are not at all water resistant). For weak and moderately stable aggregates, the correlation between ASILD and WRI is higher than 0.9. This method also enables differentiation between the water resistance of aggregates which, by the wet‐sieving method, are indistinguishable (i.e., those which have the maximum WRI).
Effects of vegetation buffer strips on concentrated flow hydraulics and gully bed erosion based on in situ scouring experiments
Authors: Dong Yifan , Xiong Donghong , Su Zheng'an , Yang Dan , Zheng Xueyong , Shi Liangtao , Poesen Jean
Published: March 2018

Vegetation on gully beds could intercept runoff, reduce incision of gully bed, and trap sediment from upstream area. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influences of vegetation buffer strips on concentrated flow hydraulics and gully bed erosion downstream of gully headcuts. Five gully head plots containing different buffer strip widths with similar vegetation density were constructed for in situ scouring experiments. Each plot received 11 tests with 2 discharges (i.e., 7 tests simulating 83.3 L min−1 and 4 tests simulating 166.7 L min−1). Buffer strips clearly decrease flow hydraulics (about 56–70%) and increase flow resistance (1.2 to 1.5 times) according to the selected hydraulic parameters. After 11 tests, total net erosion volume (NEV) and average sediment concentration from each gully bed showed an exponential decreasing relationship with increasing widths of buffer strips. All the selected hydraulic parameters showed a strong correlation with total NEV from the bare soil sections (0.43 < R2 < .61 with significance level reaching .01), whereas the relationship was very weak in the buffer strips. The gross deposition volume in buffer strips showed a linear correlation with upstream NEV (NEVu) and flow velocity (R2 = .91, p < .001). Split flow effects expressed by braid index increased with increasing widths of buffer strips and scouring times. Both bare and vegetated sections suffered from erosion clearly, but the average NEV from buffer strips was about 30.2% of bare soil sections. This indicated the buffer strip effects on reducing erosion were more significant than trapping sediments were in this study.
Ketogenic Diet Based on Extra Virgin Coconut Oil Has No Effects in Young Wistar Rats With Pilocarpine‐Induced Epilepsy
Authors: Melo Isabelle T. , M. Rêgo Elisabete , Bueno Nassib B. , Gomes Tâmara C. , Oliveira Suzana L. , Trindade‐Filho Euclides M. , Cabral‐Jr. Cyro R. , Machado Tacy S. , Galvão Jaqueline A. , R. Ataide Terezinha
Published: March 2018

This study evaluated the effects of a ketogenic diet (KD) based on extra virgin coconut oil (Cocos nucifera L., VCO), on the treatment of epileptic rats. Two sets of experiments were conducted. First, male Wistar rats underwent induction of status epilepticus (SE) with the administration of pilocarpine intraperitoneally 21 animals reached spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) and were randomly allocated to the dietary regimens and video‐monitored for 19 days. In the second experiment, 24 animals were randomized immediately after the induction of SE and followed for 67 days. Diets were as follows: Control (AIN‐93G; 7% lipid), KetoTAGsoya (KD based on soybean oil; 69.79% lipid), and KetoTAGcoco (KD based on VCO; 69.79% lipid). There were no differences in the latency to the first crisis, total frequency, and duration of the SRS between groups in 2 experiments. The data suggest no effects of KD, with or without VCO, in rats with pilocarpine‐induced epilepsy.
Influence of a simple pole on the convergence of separate node ascending derivatives expansion (SNADE) on a sequence of nodes alternating between 2 values
Authors: Bodur Derya , Demiralp Metin
Published: March 2018

This work focuses on the influence of a simple pole on a new function representing method we called separate node ascending derivatives expansion (SNADE) convergence characteristics. Even though SNADE can be somehow considered as a new Taylor series expansion, it is distincted from Taylor series expansion by its different nodal points using features. This paper focuses on certain details of SNADE about convergence and its validity. Beyond that, this research focusing on the influence of a simple pole location in the function on the convergence characteristics involves completely new original findings and reported in this paper where a specific importance is given to the case where the SNADE nodal sequence is composed of elements alternating between two nodal values.
Automatic intraoperative stitching of nonoverlapping cone‐beam CT acquisitions
Authors: Fotouhi Javad , Fuerst Bernhard , Unberath Mathias , Reichenstein Stefan , Lee Sing Chun , Johnson Alex A. , Osgood Greg M. , Armand Mehran , Navab Nassir
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) is one of the primary imaging modalities in radiation therapy, dentistry, and orthopedic interventions. While CBCT provides crucial intraoperative information, it is bounded by a limited imaging volume, resulting in reduced effectiveness. This paper introduces an approach allowing real‐time intraoperative stitching of overlapping and nonoverlapping CBCT volumes to enable 3D measurements on large anatomical structures.

Methods

A CBCT‐capable mobile C‐arm is augmented with a red‐green‐blue‐depth (RGBD) camera. An offline cocalibration of the two imaging modalities results in coregistered video, infrared, and x‐ray views of the surgical scene. Then, automatic stitching of multiple small, nonoverlapping CBCT volumes is possible by recovering the relative motion of the C‐arm with respect to the patient based on the camera observations. We propose three methods to recover the relative pose: RGB‐based tracking of visual markers that are placed near the surgical site, RGBD‐based simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) of the surgical scene which incorporates both color and depth information for pose estimation, and surface tracking of the patient using only depth data provided by the RGBD sensor.

Results

On an animal cadaver, we show stitching errors as low as 0.33, 0.91, and 1.72 mm when the visual marker, RGBD SLAM, and surface data are used for tracking, respectively.

Conclusions

The proposed method overcomes one of the major limitations of CBCT C‐arm systems by integrating vision‐based tracking and expanding the imaging volume without any intraoperative use of calibration grids or external tracking systems. We believe this solution to be most appropriate for 3D intraoperative verification of several orthopedic procedures.
Chemical exchange–sensitive spin‐lock (CESL) MRI of glucose and analogs in brain tumors
Authors: Jin Tao , Iordanova Bistra , Hitchens T. Kevin , Modo Michel , Wang Ping , Mehrens Hunter , Kim Seong‐Gi
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Glucose uptake and metabolism can be measured by chemical exchange–sensitive spin‐lock (CESL) MRI with an administration of glucose or its analogs. This study investigates the sensitivity, the spatiotemporal characteristics, and the signal source of glucoCESL with a 9L rat brain tumor model.

Methods

Dynamic CESL MRI with intravenous injection of D‐glucose, 2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (2DG), and L‐glucose were measured and compared with gadolinium‐based dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI.

Results

The CESL signals with an injection of glucose or analogs have faster and larger changes in tumors than normal brain tissue. In tumors, the CESL signal with 2DG injection has larger and slower peak response than that with D‐glucose due to the accumulation of 2DG and 2DG‐6‐phosphate in the intracellular compartment, whereas L‐glucose, which cannot be transported intracellularly by glucose transporters, only induces a small change. The initial glucoCESL maps (< 4 minutes) are qualitatively similar to DCE maps, whereas later maps (> 4 minutes) show more widespread responses. The rise times of D‐glucose‐CESL and 2DG‐CESL signals in the tumor are slower than that of DCE. Our data suggest that the initial CESL contrast primarily reflects a passive increase of glucose content in the extracellular space of tumors due to a higher vascular permeability, whereas the later period may have a significant contribution from the uptake/metabolism of glucose in the intracellular compartment.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that glucoCESL MRI has both extracellular and intracellular contributions, and can be a useful tool for measurements of both vascular permeability and glucose uptake in tumors.
Survival of Juvenile Fall-Run Chinook Salmon through the San Joaquin River Delta, California, 2010–2015
Authors: Buchanan Rebecca A. , Brandes Patricia L. , Skalski John R.
Published: March 2018

Survival of juvenile fall-run Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha through the San Joaquin River Delta of California (hereafter, “Delta”) has been low for most estimates since 2002 and has been consistently low since 2010. From 2010 through 2015, annual estimates of the probability of surviving through the Delta (from Mossdale to Chipps Island, approximately 92 river kilometers) ranged from 0 to 0.05, based on acoustic-telemetry data from smolt-sized hatchery Chinook Salmon. River conditions were poor in most of these years; average daily river discharge into the Delta from the San Joaquin River was <40 m3/s in four of the six study years. In the high flow year of 2011 (average daily river discharge = 278–308 m3/s), the juvenile survival probability through the Delta was estimated at only 0.02 (SE < 0.01), suggesting increased flows alone will not be sufficient to resolve the low survival through the Delta. The low survival in this short portion of the salmon's life history makes achieving a minimal smolt-to-adult ratio of ≥2% nearly impossible for this fish stock. Over half of the fish surviving through the Delta during 6 years of study were salvaged at the Central Valley Project's water export facility and transported for release just upstream of Chipps Island.
Vibration effects on tensile properties of adhesively bonded single lap joints in composite materials
Authors: Kemiklioğlu Uğur , Okutan Baba Buket
Published: March 2018

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of cyclic‐vibration‐loading on failure loads of adhesively bonded composites. For this purpose, experimental studies were performed for composite adherents with single lap joint. Manufactured eight‐layered E/glass‐epoxy composite plates with single lap joints were subjected to dynamic cyclic loading via vibration motor, which delivered a force of 160 N at a frequency of 50 Hz. and then tested under tensile loading to investigate the joint strength. The behavior of adhesively bonded joints under various vibration cycles was observed and failure mechanisms of joints were also discussed. It was observed that a significant decrement in the strength of the vibrated joints when compared with that of the non‐vibrated joints. However, the joint performance increased up to a certain value of vibration load cycle. After a certain value of vibration load cycle, the joint performance dropped suddenly. Besides, the light‐fiber‐tear failure was observed in the overlap region of all joints. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1258–1267, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Biocomposites based on cellulose and starch modified urea‐formaldehyde resin: Hydrolytic, thermal, and radiation stability
Authors: Jovanović Vojislav , Samaržija‐Jovanović Suzana , Petković Branka , Milićević Zoran , Marković Gordana , Marinović‐Cincović Milena
Published: March 2018

Two biocomposites based on cellulose (UFC) and starch modified urea formaldehyde (UFS) resin (F/U ratio of 0.8) were synthesized using the same procedure. The hydrolitical, thermal, and radiation stability of biocomposites are determined. Also, released formaldehyde during the acid hydrolysis is determined. Biocomposites based on modified UF resin have been irradiated with (50 kGy). Cellulose modified UF resin after γ‐radiation has 1.38% released formaldehyde; unmodified UF resin has 2.21% released formaldehyde. Thermal stability of biocomposites is determined using nonisothermal thermogravimetric analysis, differential thermal gravimetry (DTG), and differential thermal analysis with IR spectroscopy. Moving the DTG peak to higher temperatures indicates an increased thermal stability of cellulose modified UF resin, which is confirmed by the FTIR analysis. Gamma radiation most often causes a decrease in the intensity of the peaks in the FTIR spectrum. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1287–1294, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
5‐Phenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐thiol/polyamide‐montmorillonite microbicides nanocomposites as drug delivery system
Authors: Salahuddin Nehal , Elbarbary Ahmed , Allam Nanis G. , Hashim Ayat F.
Published: March 2018

The preparation and structural characterization of polymeric microbicides consisting of 5‐phenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐thiol covalently bound to polyamide based on diethyl‐2,3‐dihydroxysuccinate and polyoxypropylenetriamine Jeffamine (T403) are described. Two different mole ratios of 5‐phenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐thiol was reacted with chloroacetylated diethyl‐2,3‐dihydroxysuccinate followed by polycondensation with Jeffamine (T403). The nanocomposites were prepared by modification of microbicide polyamides to yield polymers with phosphonium salt or amine hydrochloride salt followed by ion exchange process between the phosphonium salt or amine hydrochloride of the polyamides and the intermellar sodium cation of the clay mineral montmorillonite. The monomers were characterized by mass spectrum, proton nuclear magnetic resonance. The polymers showed good or moderate antimicrobial activities. Nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, and transmission electron microscope. The swelling behavior and release of 5‐phenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐thiol in different pH values (2.3, 5.8, and 7.4) were studied. A slow release, ranging from 12% to 28% after 50 hours was recorded from nanocomposites. However, the release profile reached almost 70% from polyamides. The antimicrobial activity of the polyamides was studied against gram‐negative bacteria, gram‐positive bacteria, yeast, and the filamentous fungi by well diffusion method. The polyamides showed better antimicrobial activities than 5‐phenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐thiol.