bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterizing habitat suitability for a central‐place forager in a dynamic marine environment
Authors: Briscoe Dana K. , Fossette Sabrina , Scales Kylie L. , Hazen Elliott L. , Bograd Steven J. , Maxwell Sara M. , McHuron Elizabeth A. , Robinson Patrick W. , Kuhn Carey , Costa Daniel P. , Crowder Larry B. , Lewison Rebecca L.
Published: February 2018

Characterizing habitat suitability for a marine predator requires an understanding of the environmental heterogeneity and variability over the range in which a population moves during a particular life cycle. Female California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) are central‐place foragers and are particularly constrained while provisioning their young. During this time, habitat selection is a function of prey availability and proximity to the rookery, which has important implications for reproductive and population success. We explore how lactating females may select habitat and respond to environmental variability over broad spatial and temporal scales within the California Current System. We combine near‐real‐time remotely sensed satellite oceanography, animal tracking data (n = 72) from November to February over multiple years (2003–2009) and Generalized Additive Mixed Models (GAMMs) to determine the probability of sea lion occurrence based on environmental covariates. Results indicate that sea lion presence is associated with cool (<14°C), productive waters, shallow depths, increased eddy activity, and positive sea‐level anomalies. Predictive habitat maps generated from these biophysical associations suggest winter foraging areas are spatially consistent in the nearshore and offshore environments, except during the 2004–2005 winter, which coincided with an El Niño event. Here, we show how a species distribution model can provide broadscale information on the distribution of female California sea lions during an important life history stage and its implications for population dynamics and spatial management.
Usnic acid, as a biotic factor, changes the ploidy level in mosses
Authors: Goga Michal , Ručová Dajana , Kolarčik Vladislav , Sabovljević Marko , Bačkor Martin , Lang Ingeborg
Published: February 2018

Lichens and mosses often share the same environmental conditions where they compete for substrate and other essential factors. Lichens use secondary metabolites as allelochemicals to repel surrounding plants and potential rivals. In mosses, endoreduplication leads to the occurrence of various ploidy levels in the same individual and has been suggested as an adaptation to abiotic stresses. Here, we show that also biotic factors such as usnic acid, an allelochemical produced by lichens, directly influenced the level of ploidy in mosses. Application of usnic acid changed the nuclei proportion and significantly enhanced the endoreduplication index in two moss species, Physcomitrella patens and Pohlia drummondii. These investigations add a new aspect on secondary metabolites of lichens which count as biotic factors and affect ploidy levels in mosses.
Template‐Derived Submicrometric Carbon Spheres for Lithium–Sulfur and Sodium‐Ion Battery Electrodes
Authors: Weinberger Manuel , Munding Johannes , Lindén Mika , Wohlfahrt‐Mehrens Margret
Published: February 2018

Highly microporous submicrometric carbon spheres were synthesized by etching a sol–gel derived silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) material with aqueous hydrofluoric acid solution. The resulting material shows a large total pore volume of 0.63 cm3 g−1 and thus acts as an ideal host for elemental sulfur. Melt impregnation was used to synthesize a carbon–sulfur composite (50:50 wt %) as a cathode for lithium–sulfur batteries. Characterization by electron microscopy clearly showed that the sulfur is homogeneously distributed within the carbon particles. Electrodes prepared from the composite show good cyclic stability at higher specific currents (e.g., at 500 mA g−1); capacities (related to the active material content) as high as 241 mAh g−1 were retained after 100 cycles and coulombic efficiencies quickly reached values close to 100 %. The material was also tested as an anode in sodium‐ion batteries. Compared to the SiOC precursor, the carbon shows significantly improved electrochemical performance. For instance, at a specific current of 100 mA g−1, a capacity as high as 89 mAh g−1 was retained after 100 cycles, whereas SiOC showed a lower capacity of approximately 70 mAh g−1.
Turbulent flow structures and geomorphic characteristics of a mining affected alluvial channel
Authors: Barman Bandita , Kumar Bimlesh , Sarma Arup Kumar
Published: February 2018

Sediment mining in rivers may have a major impact on river geomorphology and research is required to quantify these impacts. In this research, experimental studies were conducted to analyse the morphological changes of channel bed and the turbulent characteristics of flow in the presence of mining. The channel bed profile shows erosion at the bank of the pit and that the erosion expands to the whole width of the channel and propagates downstream with time. The deposition of sediment occurs along the upstream edge of the pit and the depth of the pit decreases with time. Velocity reversal occurs at the central bottom of the pit related to a recirculation zone. Reynolds shear stress and the turbulent intensities become higher in the mining pit region and downstream of it as compared to the upstream section, causing a more rapid movement of bed particles. Analysis of the bursting phenomenon shows that the contribution of sweep and ejection events to the total Reynolds shear stress is more dominant over outward and inward interaction events. The dominance of the sweep event over ejection is observed at the near‐bed region for all the sections, but the depth range of dominance of sweep events in the pit and downstream of the pit is found to be more than the upstream. The increase in thickness is responsible for the increase in bed material transport. The increased sediment transport capacity at the mining pit and downstream of it caused the deformation and lowering of channel bed downstream. An empirical formulation of bedload transport for mining induced channels is derived from two different sized uniform bed materials. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Further results on the performance improvement in mixed RF‐FSO systems using hybrid DF/AF (HDAF) relaying
Authors: Khanna Himanshu , Aggarwal Mona , Ahuja Swaran
Published: February 2018

This paper presents the performance of a dual‐hop mixed radio frequency (RF)‐free space optical (FSO) system employing a hybrid‐decode/amplify‐and‐forward (HDAF) relaying protocol. The RF link forms the first hop and the FSO link is the second hop for the proposed system model. The assumption of the absence of the direct FSO and RF link between the source transmitter and the destination receiver ends is made for the analysis. The RF link is affected by short‐term multipath fading and long‐term shadowing phenomena and is characterized by the generalized‐K fading distribution, whereas the FSO link is modeled by the gamma‐gamma fading, representing moderate to strong turbulence scenarios. We assume pointing error‐induced misalignment fading to be significantly present over the FSO link. We analyze the outage probability for the system employing amplify‐and‐forward, decode‐and‐forward, and HDAF relaying protocols and show the benefits of using HDAF relaying in mixed RF‐FSO systems. The optimum relay position that results in the best outage performance is investigated. Furthermore, the bit error rate performance for a q‐ary phase shift keying (q‐PSK) modulated signal and the channel capacity for the proposed system employing HDAF relaying protocol are also evaluated. The expressions in closed form for the outage probability, bit error rate, and channel capacity are derived. The asymptotic outage and error performance at high signal‐to‐noise ratio is also evaluated. Furthermore, the performance of the system is demonstrated by numerical plots.
An implicit 2D hydrodynamic numerical model for free surface–subsurface coupled flow problems
Authors: Shokri Naser , Montazeri Namin Masoud , Farhoudi Javad
Published: February 2018

A 2‐dimensional hydrodynamic finite volume model has been proposed for simultaneous simulation of free surface and saturated porous media. The governing equations of the former are 2‐dimensional averaged in a unit width of Navier‐Stokes, whereas that of the latter are Darcy law. An efficient, simple, and stable algorithm has been proposed to track the surface elevation in Cartesian coordinate system by which the water elevation in each computational column has been computed along with the other pressure unknowns simultaneously. The surface position has not been considered to remain in a specific layer so the number of cells in each column have been variably adjusted in accordance with the water surface elevation. Performance of the coupled model has been validated against a range of hydrodynamic problems including propagation of linear short wave, seepage test, tidal oscillation in a lagoon system, gravity current, and saltwater intrusion. Comparison between numerical results, analytical solutions, and experimental data demonstrates that the model represents well the interacting surface water and ground water flow and solute transport processes.
Cholangiocyte‐derived exosomal long noncoding RNA H19 promotes cholestatic liver injury in mouse and humans
Authors: Li Xiaojiaoyang , Liu Runping , Huang Zhiming , Gurley Emily C. , Wang Xuan , Wang Juan , He Hongliang , Yang Hu , Lai Guanhua , Zhang Luyong , Bajaj Jasmohan S. , White Melanie , Pandak William M. , Hylemon Phillip B. , Zhou Huiping
Published: February 2018

Cholestatic liver injury is an important clinical problem with limited understanding of disease pathologies. Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles released by a variety of cells, including cholangiocytes. Exosome‐mediated cell‐cell communication can modulate various cellular functions by transferring a variety of intracellular components to target cells. Our recent studies indicate that the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), H19, is mainly expressed in cholangiocytes, and its aberrant expression is associated with significant down‐regulation of small heterodimer partner (SHP) in hepatocytes and cholestatic liver injury in multidrug resistance 2 knockout (Mdr2−/−) mice. However, how cholangiocyte‐derived H19 suppresses SHP in hepatocytes remains unknown. Here, we report that cholangiocyte‐derived exosomes mediate transfer of H19 into hepatocytes and promote cholestatic injury. Hepatic H19 level is correlated with severity of cholestatic injury in both fibrotic mouse models, including Mdr2−/− mice, a well‐characterized model of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), or CCl4‐induced cholestatic liver injury mouse models, and human PSC patients. Moreover, serum exosomal‐H19 level is gradually up‐regulated during disease progression in Mdr2−/− mice and patients with cirrhosis. H19‐carrying exosomes from the primary cholangiocytes of wild‐type (WT) mice suppress SHP expression in hepatocytes, but not the exosomes from the cholangiocytes of H19−/− mice. Furthermore, overexpression of H19 significantly suppressed SHP expression at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Importantly, transplant of H19‐carrying serum exosomes of old fibrotic Mdr2−/− mice significantly promoted liver fibrosis (LF) in young Mdr2−/− mice. Conclusion: Cholangiocyte‐derived exosomal‐H19 plays a critical role in cholestatic liver injury. Serum exosomal H19 represents a noninvasive biomarker and potential therapeutic target for cholestatic diseases. (Hepatology 2018).
Influence of spontaneous splenorenal shunts on clinical outcomes in decompensated cirrhosis and after liver transplantation
Authors: Saks Karen , Jensen Kyle K. , McLouth Joel , Hum Justine , Ahn Joseph , Zaman Atif , Chang Michael F. , Fung Alice , Schlansky Barry
Published: February 2018

Cirrhosis and portal hypertension can lead to the formation of a spontaneous splenorenal shunt (SSRS) that may divert portal blood flow to the systemic circulation and reduce hepatic perfusion. Our aims were to evaluate SSRSs as an independent prognostic marker for mortality in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and the influence of SSRSs on liver transplantation (LT) outcomes. We retrospectively analyzed adult patients with decompensated cirrhosis undergoing LT evaluation from January 2001 to February 2016 at a large U.S. center. All patients underwent liver cross‐sectional imaging within 6 months of evaluation, and images were reviewed by two radiologists. Clinical variables were obtained by electronic health record review. The cohort was followed until death or receipt of LT, and the subset receiving LT was followed for death after LT or graft failure. Survival data were analyzed using multivariable competing risk and Cox proportional‐hazards regression models. An SSRS was identified in 173 (23%) of 741 included patients. Patients with an SSRS more often had portal vein thrombosis and less often had ascites (P < 0.01). An SSRS was independently associated with a nonsignificant trend for reduced mortality (adjusted subhazard ratio, 0.81; Gray's test P = 0.08) but had no association with receipt of LT (adjusted subhazard ratio, 1.02; Gray's test P = 0.99). Post‐LT outcomes did not differ according to SSRS for either death (hazard ratio, 0.85; log‐rank P = 0.71) or graft failure (hazard ratio, 0.71; log‐rank P = 0.43). Conclusion: Presence of an SSRS does not predict mortality in patients with decompensated cirrhosis or in LT recipients. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:437‐444)
Anion‐π Catalysis: Focus on Nonadjacent Stereocenters
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Liu Le , López‐Andarias Javier , Wang Chao , Sakai Naomi , Matile Stefan
Published: February 2018

Anion‐π interactions have been recently introduced to catalysis with the idea to stabilize anionic intermediates on π‐acidic surfaces. Realized examples include enolate, enamine and iminium chemistry, domino processes and Diels–Alder reactions. Moving on from the formation of contiguous stereogenic centers on π‐acidic surfaces, herein we report the first asymmetric anion‐π catalysis of cascade reactions that afford nonadjacent stereocenters. Conjugate addition‐protonation of achiral disubstituted enolate donors to 2‐chloroacrylonitrile generates 1,3‐nonadjacent stereocenters with moderate enantioselectivity and diastereoselectivity. The explored catalysts operate with complementary naphthalenediimide and fullerene surfaces with highly positive quadrupole moments and high polarizability, respectively, and proximal amine bases. We find that anion‐π catalysts can increase the diastereoselectivity of the reaction beyond the maximal 1:4.0 dr with conventional catalysts to maximal 5.3:1 dr on the large fullerene surfaces. The enantioselectivity of anion‐π catalysts, best on the confined naphthalenediimide surfaces with strong quadrupole moment, exceed the performance of conventional catalysts except for comparable results with a new, most compact, surprisingly powerful bifunctional control catalyst. Simultaneously increased rates and stereoselectivities compared to control catalysts without π‐acidic surface support that contributions of anion‐π interactions to the catalytic cascade process are significant.
Three molecular pathways model colorectal carcinogenesis in Lynch syndrome
Authors: Ahadova Aysel , Gallon Richard , Gebert Johannes , Ballhausen Alexej , Endris Volker , Kirchner Martina , Stenzinger Albrecht , Burn John , von Knebel Doeberitz Magnus , Bläker Hendrik , Kloor Matthias
Published: February 2018

Lynch syndrome is caused by germline mutations of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes. MMR deficiency has long been regarded as a secondary event in the pathogenesis of Lynch syndrome colorectal cancers. Recently, this concept has been challenged by the discovery of MMR‐deficient crypt foci in the normal mucosa. We aimed to reconstruct colorectal carcinogenesis in Lynch syndrome by collecting molecular and histology evidence from Lynch syndrome adenomas and carcinomas. We determined the frequency of MMR deficiency in adenomas from Lynch syndrome mutation carriers by immunohistochemistry and by systematic literature analysis. To trace back the pathways of pathogenesis, histological growth patterns and mutational signatures were analyzed in Lynch syndrome colorectal cancers. Literature and immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated MMR deficiency in 491 (76.7%) out of 640 adenomas (95% CI: 73.3% to 79.8%) from Lynch syndrome mutation carriers. Histologically normal MMR‐deficient crypts were found directly adjacent to dysplastic adenoma tissue, proving their role as tumor precursors in Lynch syndrome. Accordingly, mutation signature analysis in Lynch colorectal cancers revealed that KRAS and APC mutations commonly occur after the onset of MMR deficiency. Tumors lacking evidence of polypous growth frequently presented with CTNNB1 and TP53 mutations. Our findings demonstrate that Lynch syndrome colorectal cancers can develop through three pathways, with MMR deficiency commonly representing an early and possibly initiating event. This underlines that targeting MMR‐deficient cells by chemoprevention or vaccines against MMR deficiency‐induced frameshift peptide neoantigens holds promise for tumor prevention in Lynch syndrome.
Correlation between sex and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (PD‐1 and CTLA‐4 inhibitors)
Authors: Wu Yingcheng , Ju Qianqian , Jia Keren , Yu Jingyan , Shi Hui , Wu Huiqun , Jiang Maorong
Published: February 2018

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) exert the antitumor efficacy depending on immune response, which is affected by sex difference, where both biological and sociological factors are involved. The role of sex in ICI trials has been overlooked. How sex correlates with ICI efficacy is incompletely understood. Clinical trials evaluating ICI versus other therapies in male and female patients were included. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were used. Six thousand and ninety‐six patients from 11 trials were included. More improvement of OS was observed in males (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.53–0.71; p < 0.001) treated with ICI versus controls than females (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.65–0.84; p < 0.001). ICIs improved PFS more in males (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.43–0.71; p < 0.001) than females (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.52–0.91; p < 0.001). The sex difference had more effect on the overall survival in melanoma patients versus NSCLC patients. Overall survival of patients treated with CTLA‐4 inhibitor was more influenced by sex variable compared with PD‐1 inhibitors. A significant sex‐related efficacy difference was observed between female and male melanoma patients. Although male patients had longer OS and PFS than females when treated with ICIs versus controls, the difference was not significant. Sex difference should be more considered in future clinical trials, guidelines and clinical practice.
PARTICIPATION AND INCLUSION ‐ A DISCOURSE OF WELFARE OR A DISCOURSE OF RIGHTS?
Authors: Abbott‐Chapman Joan , Easthope Gary
Published: February 2018

Research among students with physical and sensory disabilities who have succeeded in continuing their education at post‐compulsory level as far as higher education, revealed that they have a high level of perceived personal control. This is strongly linked with educational attainment irrespective of severity of disability. The emphasis of these students upon self‐help groups, and institutional response to student needs within a discourse of rights, rather than of welfare, has lessons for equity policy and practice with respect to other disadvantaged groups. The wider implications of intervention strategies and compensation programs which label and further marginalise members of disadvantaged groups are explored in the paper, in the context of the social construction of categories of disadvantage and difference, the analysis of competing discourses and social trends of individualisation and globalisation.
THE STERILISATION OF CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES ‐ DEFECTIVE LAW, UNLAWFUL ACTIVITY AND THE NEED FOR A SERVICE ORIENTED APPROACH
Authors: Brady Susan
Published: February 2018

Australian sterilisation law is defective because it does little to prevent the unauthorised sterilisation of children with intellectual disabilities. This paper supports the urgent need for prescriptive legislation and procedural reform to ensure the protection of the rights and best interests of these children. It argues that non‐adversarial approaches like the provision of information, advice, and support services are essential for the promotion of informed decision‐making by families, and to ensure that irreversible and invasive procedures are of ‘last resort’, and in the ‘best interests’ of the child. It describes a ‘cooperative arrangement’ in Queensland where key stakeholders have successfully identified a practical, less intrusive service oriented approach for addressing these highly sensitive and ethically contentious matters.
UNEMPLOYED? BOARD THE ENTERPRISE FOR A BRAVE NEW WORLD AND A ‘REAL’ JOB: A CRITIQUE OF THE NEW STRATEGY FOR REDUCING UNEMPLOYMENT
Authors: Kellie Deborah
Published: February 2018

This paper argues that the changes to the delivery of labour exchange assistance to the unemployed, initiated in the 1996 Federal Budget, are unlikely to deliver on the promise of ‘Helping Australians into Real Jobs’. The changes posited by the government are more realistically viewed as a trend to divesting itself of cost intensive functions through the mechanisms of corporatisation and privatisation. Through an analysis of service expectations, the author suggests that the creation of the employment services market will neither build confidence in the Government's strategy to contain unemployment, nor have a positive impact on reducing levels of unemployment. PEPE Ltd, the government owned employment placement enterprise, faces an interesting future as it competes in an open employment services marketplace. It is further suggested that the privatisation trend has serious implications for equitable service delivery to unemployed Australians.
Aerogels made of chitosan and chondroitin sulfate at high degree of neutralization: Biological properties toward wound healing
Authors: Concha Miguel , Vidal Alejandra , Giacaman Annesi , Ojeda Javier , Pavicic Francisca , Oyarzun‐Ampuero Felipe A. , Torres César , Cabrera Marcela , Moreno‐Villoslada Ignacio , Orellana Sandra L.
Published: February 2018

In this study, highly neutralized, highly porous, and ultralight polymeric aerogels prepared from aqueous colloidal suspensions of chitosan (CS) and chondroitin sulfate (ChS) nanocomplexes, formulated as quasi‐equimolar amounts of both, are described. These aerogels were designed as healing agents under the inspiration of minimizing the amount of matter applied to wounds, reducing the electrostatic potential of the material and avoiding covalent cross‐linkers in order to decrease metabolic stress over wounds. Aerogels synthesized under these criteria are biocompatible and provide specific properties for the induction of wound healing. They do not affect neither the metabolic activity of cultured 3T3 fibroblasts nor the biochemical parameters of experimental animals, open wounds close significantly faster and, unlike control wounds, complete reepithelialization and scarring can be attained 14 days after surgery. Because of its hydration abilities, rapid adaptation to the wound bed and the early accelerator effect of wound closure, the CS/ChS aerogels appear to be functional inducers of the healing. Previous information show that CS/ChS aerogels improve wound bed quality, increase granulation tissue and have pain suppressive effect. CS/ChS aerogels are useful as safe, inexpensive and easy to handle materials for topical applications, such as skin chronic wounds. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2464–2471, 2018.
The effects of bi‐functional anti‐adhesion scaffolds on flexor tendon healing in a rabbit model
Authors: Liao Janice C. Y. , He Min , Gan Aaron W. T. , Wen Feng , Tan Lay Poh , Chong Alphonsus K. S.
Published: February 2018

Progressive tendon adhesion is a major challenge in flexor tendon repair. The authors developed a bifunctional anti‐adhesion scaffold and hypothesized that its application would reduce adhesion formation and deliver mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to enhance tendon healing. The scaffold was fabricated by an electrospinning machine before surface modification. The flexor tendons of 29 New Zealand rabbits underwent surgical repair and randomized to control, scaffold and scaffold loaded with MSC group. At 3 and 8 weeks post‐surgery, range of motion (ROM), biomechanical properties, and histology were examined. There was no significant increase in ROM and biomechanical properties between the three groups. The histology showed successful delivery of MSCs but no significant difference in nuclear morphometry. This barrier delivers and retains MSCs within the tendon repair site. However, its sheet form and wrapping around the repair site may not be optimal for tendon healing. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2605–2614, 2018.
Can gamma irradiation during radiotherapy influence the metal release process for biomedical CoCrMo and 316L alloys?
Authors: Wei Zheng , Edin Jonathan , Karlsson Anna Emelie , Petrovic Katarina , Soroka Inna L. , Odnevall Wallinder Inger , Hedberg Yolanda
Published: February 2018

The extent of metal release from implant materials that are irradiated during radiotherapy may be influenced by irradiation‐formed radicals. The influence of gamma irradiation, with a total dose of relevance for radiotherapy (e.g., for cancer treatments) on the extent of metal release from biomedical stainless steel AISI 316L and a cobalt‐chromium alloy (CoCrMo) was investigated in physiological relevant solutions (phosphate buffered saline with and without 10 g/L bovine serum albumin) at pH 7.3. Directly after irradiation, the released amounts of metals were significantly higher for irradiated CoCrMo as compared to nonirradiated CoCrMo, resulting in an increased surface passivation (enhanced passive conditions) that hindered further release. A similar effect was observed for 316L showing lower nickel release after 1 h of initially irradiated samples as compared to nonirradiated samples. However, the effect of irradiation (total dose of 16.5 Gy) on metal release and surface oxide composition and thickness was generally small. Most metals were released initially (within seconds) upon immersion from CoCrMo but not from 316L. Albumin induced an increased amount of released metals from AISI 316L but not from CoCrMo. Albumin was not found to aggregate to any greater extent either upon gamma irradiation or in the presence of trace metal ions, as determined using different light scattering techniques. Further studies should elucidate the effect of repeated friction and fractionated low irradiation doses on the short‐ and long term metal release process of biomedical materials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2673–2680, 2018.
Enhancing the removal of pollutants from coke wastewater by bioaugmentation: A scoping study
Authors: Raper Eleanor , Stephenson Tom , Simões Francisco , Fisher Raymond , Anderson David R , Soares Ana
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Bioaugmentation and biostimulation were investigated for their ability to improve the removal of thiocyanate (SCN–), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phenol and trace metals in coke wastewater. Additionally, the ability of the microorganisms supplemented with the bioaugmentation product to survive in a simulated river water discharge was evaluated.

RESULTS

A commercially available bioaugmentation product composed mainly of Bacillus sp. was mixed with activated sludge biomass. A dose of 0.5 g L–1 increased the removal of Σ6PAHs (sum of fluoranthene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, indeno[1,2,3‐cd]pyrene and benzo[g,h,i]perylene) by 51% and reduced SCN– below 4 mg L–1 enabling compliance with the EU Industrial Emissions Directive (IED). Biostimulation (supplementing micronutrients and alkalinity) allowed compliance for both SCN– and phenol (<0.5 mg L–1). Bacillus sp. accounted for 4.4% of the microbial population after 25 h (1.5 g L–1 dose) which declined to 0.06% after exposure to river water (24 h). Exposure of the activated sludge biomass to river water resulted in a 98.6% decline in viable cell counts.

CONCLUSION

In order to comply with the IED, bioaugmentation and biostimulation are recommended for the treatment of coke wastewater to enable an effluent Σ6PAHs of 6.6 µg L–1, 0.3 mg L–1 phenol and 1.2 mg L–1 SCN–. Such techniques are not anticipated to impact on downstream river water quality. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Polymer‐coated viral vectors: hybrid nanosystems for gene therapy
Authors: Rajagopal Pratheppa , Duraiswamy Sowmiya , Sethuraman Swaminathan , Giridhara Rao Jayandharan , Krishnan Uma Maheswari
Published: February 2018

The advantages and critical aspects of nanodimensional polymer‐coated viral vector systems potentially applicable for gene delivery are reviewed. Various viral and nonviral vectors have been explored for gene therapy. Viral gene transfer methods, although highly efficient, are limited by their immunogenicity. Nonviral vectors have a lower transfection efficiency as a result of their inability to escape from the endosome. To overcome these drawbacks, novel nanotechnology‐mediated interventions that involve the coating or modification of virus using polymers have emerged as a new paradigm in gene therapy. These alterations not only modify the tropism of the virus, but also reduce their undesirable interactions with the biological system. Also, co‐encapsulation of other therapeutic agents in the polymeric coating may serve to augment the treatment efficacy. The viral particles can aid endosomal escape, as well as nuclear targeting, thereby enhancing the transfection efficiency. The integration of the desirable properties of both viral and nonviral vectors has been found beneficial for gene therapy by enhancing the transduction efficiency and minimizing the immune response. However, it is essential to ensure that these attempts should not compromise on the inherent ability of viruses to target and internalize into the cells and escape the endosomes.
Fewer peripheral asymmetrical cortical veins is a predictor of favorable outcome in MCA infarctions with SWI‐DWI mismatch
Authors: Yuan Tao , Ren Guoli , Quan Guanmin , Gao Duo
Published: February 2018

Background

Outcome prediction of asymmetrical prominent cortical veins (APCVs) on infarction is still debated and may help in selecting patients for reperfusion treatment.

Purpose

To explore the relationship between fewer peripheral APCVs and the outcome in the patients of acute/subacute middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarctions as well as the relationship between this sign and stenosis of ipsilateral MCA.

Study Type

Retrospective case–control study.

Population

We enrolled 41 patients with MCA acute/subacute infarction. Compared to the low sign of cortical veins of contralateral hemisphere on susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI), these patients were divided into fewer (n = 28) and prominent APCVs (n = 13) groups.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T conventional stroke sequences, including T1‐weighted imaging, T2‐weighted imaging, fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) (b = 0 and 1000 s/mm2), MR angiography (MRA), and SWI.

Assessment

We explored the relationships between fewer peripheral APCVs sign and clinical outcome, as well as the relationship between this sign and the degree of ipsilateral MCA stenosis.

Statistical Tests

Fisher's exact analysis, logistical regression, as well as Cohen's kappa coefficient were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Fewer and prominent peripheral APCVs were detected in 28 (56.10%) and 13 (43.90%) patients. In 28 patients with fewer peripheral APCVs, 23 patients (82.14%) had a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] ≤2), and five patients (17.76%) had an unfavorable outcome (mRS >2) (P = 0.010). In terms of MCA stenosis, the rate of normal and mild to moderate stenosis of MCA in the fewer APCVs group (82.14%) was higher than that in the prominent APCVs group (23.08%) (P < 0.001). More severe stenosis of ipsilateral MCA was found in patients with prominent APCVs group (76.92%) than that of fewer APCVs group (17.86%). The peripheral APCVs was positively correlated with the degree of MCA stenosis (r = 0.538, P < 0.001).

Data Conclusion

Fewer peripheral APCVs may suggest a favorable outcome in unilateral MCA infarction. The patency of ipsilateral MCA may correlate to fewer APCVs and favorable outcome.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 5

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;48:964–970.
An examination of operation room management at a Malaysian public hospital
Authors: Yap Wai Ken , Tan Cheng Ling , Ching Sook Lee
Published: February 2018

A serious concern throughout the world, the ever‐rising cost of healthcare is particularly challenging in resource‐strapped emerging economies. A study of the management of expensive operating rooms in a public hospital in a northern region of Malaysia highlights how effective scheduling of operations and a reduction in the number of cancellations can help contain healthcare costs. It also identifies five categories of disruptions to operating room schedules, pinpoints the underlying root causes, and offers recommendations on how these problems might be avoided. The findings are relevant to any nation that faces the twin problems of an increased demand for healthcare services from a rapidly growing elderly population and rising costs of advanced surgical techniques. It also shows how several tactics that typically are associated with manufacturing can be used to address problems in the service sector.
Assessing the challenges to e‐commerce adoption in Tanzania
Authors: Nantembelele Fatuma Abdallah , Gopal Sagaran
Published: February 2018

A study of 100 managers at Information Technology and e‐commerce companies in three districts of Dar‐es‐Salaam, Tanzania's largest city, identifies the principal factors impeding the spread of e‐commerce in that area. These include budget constraints, poor Internet penetration, a low level of computer literacy, and a lack of skills and training. By addressing these issues, along with users’ security and privacy concerns, organizational leaders can help foster the adoption of e‐commerce technologies that can lead to increased efficiency, profits, and market reach.
Think tank—Not fair, not enough, not good enough: Searching for answers to the care crisis
Authors: Bigo Vinca , Martin Virginie
Published: February 2018

Industrialized nations are finding it increasingly difficult to provide appropriate levels of care for their aging populations, a situation often referred to as the care crisis. Why has conventional economic research not been successful in resolving this crisis? Although orthodox economists acknowledge the urgency of the situation, their analysis and recommendations tend to omit certain crucial aspects, which could explain why they have not been more successful in helping politicians to resolve the problem. A look at some of the lesser known heterodox research offers both a relevant understanding of the situation and some potential solutions to the crisis at hand.
The evolution of CSR efforts at Steel Authority of India Limited
Authors: Pattnaik Pinaki Nandan , Shukla Mahendra Kumar
Published: February 2018

What impact has India's 2013 law mandating corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives had on businesses and the communities in which they operate? A comparison of the CSR programs implemented by Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), a leading public‐sector firm, before and after mandatory CSR indicates that the company has paid rigorous attention to social concerns in both periods. A statistical analysis of the company's expenditures on CSR efforts shows that the Companies Act 2013 amendment that requires spending 2% of company profits on CSR has not had an impact on SAIL. Since passage of the amended act, however, the scope of SAIL's CSR activities has become more focused and is now in sync with specific initiatives highlighted in the legislation.
Radiographic alveolar bone morphology and progressive periodontitis
Authors: Rams Thomas E. , Listgarten Max A. , Slots Jørgen
Published: February 2018

Background

This study evaluated the relationship between radiographic crestal alveolar bone morphology and progressive periodontitis.

Methods

A total of 1,356 posterior interproximal sites in 56 adults treated for chronic periodontitis and receiving systematic 3‐month maintenance care were scored for angular or horizontal marginal bone morphology, as well as for alveolar crestal lamina dura, on radiographs obtained at baseline of a 30‐month post‐treatment period. Semi‐annually, the study patients were clinically evaluated for progressive periodontitis. Logistic regression analysis assessed baseline parameters to progressive periodontitis over the 30‐month post‐treatment period.

Results

Progressive periodontitis was detected at 33 (2.4%) posterior interproximal sites in 20 (35.7%) patients. Sites with post‐treatment angular bony defects developed progressive periodontitis more frequently (14.7%) than sites with a horizontal bone topography (1.8%). Angular bony defects (odds ratio = 10.6) and periodontal probing depths ≥5 mm (odds ratio = 4.2) were identified as statistically significant independent predictors of progressive periodontitis at posterior interproximal sites. Angular bony and horizontal lesions with intact radiographic lamina dura revealed an absence of progressive periodontitis through 24 months.

Conclusions

Post‐treatment presence of angular bone morphology and periodontal probing depths ≥5 mm significantly increased risk of progressive periodontitis at posterior interproximal sites. Sites of all morphology and probing depth that displayed radiographic crestal lamina dura at post‐treatment baseline exhibited clinical stability for ≥24 months.
Age‐dependent prediction of visible differences in displayed images
Authors: Mantiuk Rafał K. , Ramponi Giovanni
Published: February 2018

A comprehensive computational model of the human visual system has been developed to predict just‐noticeable differences between a pair of stimuli. The stimuli are provided as high‐dynamic‐range, multichannel images, containing accurate spectral and photometric description of the scene. In this work, we extend such a model to determine the effect of age on the sensitivity of the visual system. The extensions are based on the existing models of disability glare, aging of the crystalline lens, and reduced pupil size with age (senile miosis). We confirm findings from other studies that those optical effects cannot fully explain the effect of aging, and we attribute the remaining drop of sensitivity to neural changes. The complete model, including an empirical neural component, can well explain the differences in contrast sensitivity between old and young observers.
Food tourism subsegments: A data‐driven analysis
Authors: Robinson Richard N.S. , Getz Don , Dolnicar Sara
Published: February 2018

The demand side food tourism literature is underdeveloped with gaps in knowledge regarding the particular characteristics of the “foodies” market. Shortcomings in previous approaches have inhibited determining whether the food tourism market is behaviourally homogeneous or whether it is more nuanced. The omnivore–univore theory frames this data‐driven analysis segmentation study. The 4 food‐related travel preference segments that emerge are interpreted as distinct. Our analysis focuses on 2 particular segments. This has practical implications, especially for food tourism stakeholders in marketing but also has implications for tourism researchers more broadly, to reconsider the previously assumed homogeneity of other travel markets.
Preoperative Axillary Ultrasound in the Selection of Patients With a Heavy Axillary Tumor Burden in Early‐Stage Breast Cancer: What Leads to False‐Positive Results?
Authors: Zhu Ying , Zhou Wei , Jia Xiao‐hong , Huang Ou , Zhan Wei‐wei
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To determine whether imaging and clinicopathologic features could predict false‐positive axillary ultrasound (US) results in the selection of patients with breast cancer who had a heavy axillary tumor burden (≥3 tumor‐involved nodes).

Methods

Among 788 patients with histologically confirmed invasive breast cancer at Ruijin Hospital from October 2014 to September 2015, 162 patients (cT1‐T2, cN0) with 167 axillae had suspicious axillary US findings. Ultrasound findings were considered suspicious for metastasis if cortical thickening of greater than 3 mm or effacement of the fatty hilum was present. The false‐positive rate of suspicious axillary US results for identifying 3 or more positive lymph nodes in the final pathologic examination was calculated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate imaging and clinicopathologic factors related to the false‐positive results.

Results

Axillary US showed a false‐positive rate of 60.5% (101 of 167) in the patients with breast cancer and a heavy nodal burden. By logistic regression analyses, we found false‐positive axillary US results more frequently in patients who had a T1 stage tumor (P = .005), an estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor–negative tumor (P < .001), solitary suspicious nodes identified on axillary US (P < .001), and a cortical thickness of the most suspicious lymph node of 3.5 mm or less (P = .015).

Conclusions

Imaging and clinicopathologic features can be used to identify axillae with less than 3 metastatic nodes in patients with early‐stage breast cancer who have positive axillary US results. In the post–American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z0011 trial era, conducting a secondary evaluation either clinically or by axillary imaging before the use of a US‐guided biopsy of suspicious nodes can potentially avoid the additional morbidity of axillary lymph node dissection and reduce the preoperative workload.
Comparison of Ultrasound Elastography and Color Doppler Ultrasonography for Distinguishing Small Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer From Fibroadenoma
Authors: Yeo Soo Hyun , Kim Ga Ram , Lee Su Hyun , Moon Woo Kyung
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To compare the performance of ultrasound elastography and color Doppler ultrasonography (US) in distinguishing small, oval, or round triple‐negative breast cancer from fibroadenoma and the influence on the further management decision at US.

Methods

In total, 131 biopsy‐proven oval or round fibroadenomas (n = 68) and triple‐negative breast cancers (n = 63) smaller than 2 cm were included. Three blinded readers assessed the images from US, elastography, and color Doppler imaging according to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System lexicon independently. Interobserver agreement was assessed, and sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values for each data set were compared. Pathologic results were reference standards.

Results

The interobserver agreements were excellent (intraclass correlation coefficients, 0.856 for US, 0.948 for elastography, and 0.864 for color Doppler). The specificity and accuracy of US with elastography were increased compared with US alone or US with Doppler imaging without statistically significant differences in sensitivity. The average area under the curve for US with elastography (0.869) was increased compared with US alone (0.650) or US with color Doppler (0.576).

Conclusions

Elastography is more useful than color Doppler imaging for distinguishing small, oval, or round triple‐negative breast cancer from fibroadenoma, and elastography can help avoid biopsy of benign masses.
Object‐oriented soil erosion modelling: A possible paradigm shift from potential to actual risk assessments in agricultural environments
Authors: Borrelli Pasquale , Meusburger Katrin , Ballabio Cristiano , Panagos Panos , Alewell Christine
Published: February 2018

Over the last 2 decades, geospatial technologies such as Geographic Information System and spatial interpolation methods have facilitated the development of increasingly accurate spatially explicit assessments of soil erosion. Despite these advances, current modelling approaches rest on (a) an insufficient definition of the proportion of arable land that is exploited for crop production and (b) a neglect of the intra‐annual variability of soil cover conditions in arable land. To overcome these inaccuracies, this study introduces a novel spatio‐temporal approach to compute an enhanced cover‐management factor (C) for revised universal soil loss equation‐based models. It combines highly accurate agricultural parcel information contained in the Land Parcel Identification System with an object‐oriented Landsat imagery classification technique to assess spatial conditions and interannual variability of soil cover conditions at field scale. With its strong link to Land Parcel Identification System and Earth observation satellite data, the approach documents an unprecedented representation of farming operations. This opens the door for the transition from the currently used potential soil erosion risk assessments towards the assessment of the actual soil erosion risk. Testing this method in a medium‐size catchment located in the Swiss Plateau (Upper Enziwigger River Catchment), this study lays an important foundation for the application of the very same methods for large‐scale or even pan‐European applications. Soil loss rates modelled in this study were compared with the insights gained from emerging techniques to differentiate sediment source contribution through compound‐specific isotope analysis on river sediments. The presented technique is adaptable beyond revised universal soil loss equation‐type soil erosion models.
The impact of money attitudes and global life satisfaction on the maladaptive pursuit of consumption
Authors: Harnish Richard J. , Bridges K. Robert , Nataraajan Rajan , Gump Joshua T , Carson Alicia E.
Published: February 2018

The goal of this research was to examine how money attitudes and global life satisfaction relate to and predict compulsive buying among young adults. Using aProlific Academicsample, 265 adults between the ages 18 and 25 completed the Money Attitudes Scale, Money Ethics Scale, Spendthrift‐Tightwad Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the Richmond Compulsive‐Buying Scale. As expected, motives toward saving and spending money as assessed by the Money Attitude Scale and pain of paying as assessed by the Spendthrift‐Tightwad Scale were correlated and predicted compulsive buying. However, these findings are qualified by an interaction effect such that those who held negative attitudes toward saving money and experienced little pain of paying were compulsive buyers. Theoretical and practical implications for maladaptive purchasing behavior among young adults are discussed.