bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of experimentally added salmon subsidies on resident fishes via direct and indirect pathways
Authors: Collins Scott F. , Baxter Colden V. , Marcarelli Amy M. , Wipfli Mark S.
Published: April 2016

Artificial additions of nutrients of differing forms such as salmon carcasses and analog pellets (i.e. pasteurized fishmeal) have been proposed as a means of stimulating aquatic productivity and enhancing populations of anadromous and resident fishes. Nutrient mitigation to enhance fish production in stream ecosystems assumes that the central pathway by which effects occur is bottom‐up, through aquatic primary and secondary production, with little consideration of reciprocal aquatic‐terrestrial pathways. The net outcome (i.e. bottom‐up vs. top‐down) of adding salmon‐derived materials to streams depend on whether or not these subsidies indirectly intensify predation on in situ prey via increases in a shared predator or alleviate such predation pressure. We conducted a 3‐year experiment across nine tributaries of the N. Fork Boise River, Idaho, USA, consisting of 500‐m stream reaches treated with salmon carcasses (n = 3), salmon carcass analog (n = 3), and untreated control reaches (n = 3). We observed 2–8 fold increases in streambed biofilms in the 2–6 weeks following additions of both salmon subsidy treatments in years 1 and 2 and a 1.5‐fold increase in standing crop biomass of aquatic invertebrates to carcass additions in the second year of our experiment. The consumption of benthic invertebrates by stream fishes increased 110–140% and 44–66% in carcass and analog streams in the same time frame, which may have masked invertebrate standing crop responses in years 3 and 4. Resident trout directly consumed 10.0–24.0 g·m−2·yr−1 of salmon carcass and <1–11.0 g·m−2·yr−1 of analog material, which resulted in 1.2–2.9 g·m−2·yr−1 and 0.03–1.4 g·m−2·yr−1 of tissue produced. In addition, a feedback flux of terrestrial maggots to streams contributed 0.0–2.0 g·m−2·yr−1 to trout production. Overall, treatments increased annual trout production by 2–3 fold, though density and biomass were unaffected. Our results indicate the strength of bottom‐up and top‐down responses to subsidy additions was asymmetrical, with top‐down forces masking bottom‐up effects that required multiple years to manifest. The findings also highlight the need for nutrient mitigation programs to consider multiple pathways of energy and nutrient flow to account for the complex effects of salmon subsidies in stream‐riparian ecosystems.
Evaluating vital rate contributions to greater sage‐grouse population dynamics to inform conservation
Authors: Dahlgren David K. , Guttery Michael R. , Messmer Terry A. , Caudill Danny , Dwayne Elmore Robert , Chi Renee , Koons David N.
Published: April 2016

Species conservation efforts often use short‐term studies that fail to identify the vital rates that contribute most to population growth. Although the greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; sage‐grouse) is a candidate for protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, and is sometimes referred to as an umbrella species in the sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) biome of western North America, the failure of proposed management strategies to focus on key vital rates that may contribute most to achieving population stability remains problematic for sustainable conservation. To address this dilemma, we performed both prospective and retrospective perturbation analyses of a life cycle model based on a 12‐yr study that encompassed nearly all sage‐grouse vital rates. To validate our population models, we compared estimates of annual finite population growth rates (λ) from our female‐based life cycle models to those attained from male‐based lek counts. Post‐fledging (i.e., after second year, second year, and juvenile) female survival parameters contributed most to past variation in λ during our study and had the greatest potential to change λ in the future, indicating these vital rates as important determinants of sage‐grouse population dynamics. In addition, annual estimates of λ from female‐based life cycle models and male‐based lek data were similar, providing the most rigorous evidence to date that lek counts of males can serve as a valid index of sage‐grouse population change. Our comparison of fixed and mixed statistical models for evaluating temporal variation in nest survival and initiation suggest that conservation planners use caution when evaluating short‐term nesting studies and using associated fixed‐effect results to develop conservation objectives. In addition, our findings indicated that greater attention should be paid to those factors affecting sage‐grouse post‐fledging females. Our approach demonstrates the need for more long‐term studies of species vital rates across the life cycle. Such studies should address the decoupling of sampling variation from underlying process (co)variation in vital rates, identification of how such variation drives population dynamics, and how decision makers can use this information to re‐direct conservation efforts to address the most limiting points in the life cycle for a given population.
A network approach reveals surprises about the history of the niche
Authors: Pedruski Michael T. , Fussmann Gregor F. , Gonzalez Andrew
Published: April 2016

The ecological niche is a prominent theoretical concept in many ecological fields, central to ecological understanding of species interactions and community structure. To better understand this important concept, and the impact it has had on ecology, we used a citation analysis to examine the history of the niche through citation patterns during the 20th century. In particular, we sought to document the spread of the niche across ecological subdisciplines, to evaluate whether the existence of different niche definitions facilitated the spread of the niche, and to see whether the conceptual integration stemming from adoption of the niche has also yielded an integration of the niche literature across subdisciplinary boundaries. We show that the ecological niche has been adopted by a number of subdisciplines, but that this success does not appear to have relied strongly on the different niche definitions, nor has it led to general integration of the niche literature across subdisciplinary boundaries. Our analysis thus not only examines the history of one of ecology's central concepts but also suggests that despite the conceptual unification that resulted from the broad adoption of the niche, a unified niche literature had not emerged by the close of the 20th century.
Building the team for team science
Authors: Read E. K. , O'Rourke M. , Hong G. S. , Hanson P. C. , Winslow L. A. , Crowley S. , Brewer C. A. , Weathers K. C.
Published: April 2016

The ability to effectively exchange information and develop trusting, collaborative relationships across disciplinary boundaries is essential for 21st century scientists charged with solving complex and large‐scale societal and environmental challenges, yet these communication skills are rarely taught. Here, we describe an adaptable training program designed to increase the capacity of scientists to engage in information exchange and relationship development in team science settings. A pilot of the program, developed by a leader in ecological network science, the Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON), indicates that the training program resulted in improvement in early career scientists’ confidence in team‐based network science collaborations within and outside of the program. Fellows in the program navigated human‐network challenges, expanded communication skills, and improved their ability to build professional relationships, all in the context of producing collaborative scientific outcomes. Here, we describe the rationale for key communication training elements and provide evidence that such training is effective in building essential team science skills.
Spatial heterogeneity in invasive species impacts at the landscape scale
Authors: Latzka Alexander W. , Hansen Gretchen J.A. , Kornis Matthew , Vander Zanden M. Jake
Published: April 2016

Invasive species have substantial impacts across the globe. While management efforts should aim to minimize undesirable impacts, we have a poor understanding of how impacts of a given invasive species vary spatially. Here, we develop a framework for considering heterogeneity of invasive species impacts that allows us to explore the range of possible spatial patterns of impact. This framework incorporates two factors—how invasive species abundance varies among sites (i.e., abundance distributions) and how invasive species impact varies as a function of abundance (i.e., abundance–impact curves). Combining these two factors allows for the creation of probability distributions that represent how invasive species impacts may vary spatially among sites. We used published abundance distributions and inferred abundance–impact curves to generate impact distributions for two problematic invasive species—zebra mussel and Eurasian watermilfoil—across lakes in Wisconsin, USA. Impact distributions of these species tended to be right‐skewed (i.e., the majority of sites had low impacts), although the tail thickness varied. We also simulated how a broader range of combinations of invasive species abundance distributions and abundance–impact curves produce different patterns of invasive species impact. These simulations illustrate a remarkable diversity of invasive species spatial impact patterns—probability distributions of impact were left‐skewed, right‐skewed, bimodal, and normal. Total landscape‐level impacts, estimated by summing site‐level impacts, were similarly variable depending on the distribution of site‐level impacts. Our results indicate that invasive species abundance and abundance–impact curves ultimately affect how invasive species impacts are distributed across the landscape, which has important implications for invasive species management.
Scale‐dependent effects of nonnative plant invasion on host‐seeking tick abundance
Authors: Adalsteinsson Solny A. , D'Amico Vincent , Shriver W. Gregory , Brisson Dustin , Buler Jeffrey J.
Published: April 2016

Nonnative, invasive shrubs can affect human disease risk through direct and indirect effects on vector populations. Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) is a common invader within eastern deciduous forests where tick‐borne disease (e.g., Lyme disease) rates are high. We tested whether R. multiflora invasion affects blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis) abundance and at what scale. We sampled host‐seeking ticks at two spatial scales: fine scale, within R. multiflora‐invaded forest fragments; and patch scale, among R. multiflora‐invaded and R. multiflora‐free forest fragments. At a fine scale, we trapped 2.3 times more ticks under R. multiflora compared with paired traps 25 m away from R. multiflora. At the patch scale, we trapped 3.2 times as many ticks in R. multiflora‐free forests compared with R. multiflora‐invaded forests. Thus, ticks are concentrated beneath R. multiflora within invaded forests, but uninvaded forests support significantly more ticks. Among all covariates tested, leaf litter volume was the best predictor of tick abundance; at the patch scale, R. multiflora‐invaded forests had less leaf litter than uninvaded forests. We suggest that leaf litter availability at the patch scale plays a greater role in constraining tick abundance than the fine‐scale, positive effect of invasive shrubs.
Outcomes in patients hospitalized for heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: differences in clinical profile and treatment between 2002 and 2009
Authors: Staszewsky Lidia , Cortesi Laura , Tettamanti Mauro , Dal Bo Gabrio Andrea , Fortino Ida , Bortolotti Angela , Merlino Luca , Latini Roberto , Roncaglioni Maria Carla , Baviera Marta
Published: April 2016

Aims

Heart failure (HF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently co‐exist, and each is a major public health issue. In a large cohort of hospitalized HF patients, we evaluated: (i) the impact of COPD on clinical outcomes; (ii) whether outcomes and treatments changed from 2002 to 2009; and (iii) the relationship between outcomes and treatments focusing on beta‐blockers (BBs) and bronchodilators (BDs).

Methods and results

From linkable Lombardy administrative health databases, we selected individuals with a discharge diagnosis of HF with or without concomitant COPD (HF yesCOPD and HF noCOPD) in 2002 and 2009. Patients were followed up for 4 years. Outcomes were total mortality, first readmission for HF, and their combination. Unadjusted and adjusted Cox proportional models and competing risk analyses were used. We identified 11 274 patients with HF noCOPD and 2837 with HF yesCOPD. HF yesCOPD patients in 2002 and 2009 had a 20% higher risk of the outcomes. From 2002 to 2009, BB and BD prescriptions increased significantly. In HF noCOPD patients, risks for mortality [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.86–0.97], first HF readmission (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.74–0.85), and the combined endpoint (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.84–0.92) declined (all P < 0.003) while in HF yesCOPD only the risk for first HF readmission dropped (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.76–0.97; P = 0.018). BBs were associated with significantly lower mortality in both groups, but with a higher risk for first HF readmission in HF noCOPD. Outcomes did not significantly differ in HF yesCOPD treated or not with BDs.

Conclusions

The prognosis of patients hospitalized for HF, either with or without COPD, seemed to improve between 2002 and 2009, with possibly better survival of those on BBs. Because of residual confounding in observational studies, a randomized controlled trial should be considered to confirm these results.
A Promising White‐Light‐Emitting Material Constructed from Encapsulating Eu3+/Tb3+ Hybrid Ions into a Robust Microporous Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Gao Xuechuan , Chang Siyuan , Liu Houting , Liu Zhiliang
Published: April 2016

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as extremely promising luminescent materials have become a hot area of research in recent years. Porous MOFs containing uncoordinated groups within the pores play a central role in the functional properties of the material and create a driving force for loading lanthanide(III) (Ln3+) ions. In this work, we report the fascinating {[Zn(H2thca)0.5(tib)]·5H2O}n [1; H6thca = p‐terphenyl‐3,3′,3′′,5,5′,5′′‐hexacarboxylic acid; tib = 1,3,5‐tris(imidazolyl)benzene] MOF, which has a permanently porous structure and uncoordinated carboxyl groups within the pores; it can emit blue light and can serve as a host for several guest Ln3+ ions. Strong red fluorescence and green fluorescence can be generated by introducing Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions into the pores of compound 1, respectively. Furthermore, the luminescence properties of Ln3+@1 can be easily modulated simply by adjusting the amounts of complexing Tb3+ and Eu3+ ions, and in this way the material exhibits broadband white emission with ideal CIE coordinates of (0.3438, 0.3547). This work provides a simple and practical strategy for the design and development of white‐light emitters based on lanthanide‐functionalized MOFs, which opens a new perspective for the development of white‐light‐emitting materials.
Carboxylate–Hydrazone Mixed‐Linker Metal–Organic Frameworks: Synthesis, Structure, and Selective Gas Adsorption
Authors: Roztocki Kornel , Senkovska Irena , Kaskel Stefan , Matoga Dariusz
Published: April 2016

New mixed‐linker metal–organic framework (MOF) materials incorporating both carboxylate and hydrazone linkers were prepared. The zinc‐based 3D MOFs were obtained by utilizing a presynthesized aroylhydrazone [4‐pyridinecarbaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone (PCIH)] and para‐dicarboxylic acids [1,4‐benzenedicarboxylic acid (H2BDC) and 4,4′‐biphenyldicarboxylic acid (H2BPDC)]. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction revealed the interpenetrated, pillar‐layered structures of the MOFs, including layers formed by dicarboxylate‐bridged Zn2 nodes as well as hydrazone pillars. The microporous [Zn2(dcx)2(hdz)2]·guests frameworks (dcx = linear dicarboxylate dianion; hdz = hydrazone) were found to adsorb CO2 selectively over N2 upon thermal activation. The frameworks represent rare MOFs of the type [Zn2(dcx)2(pil)2] (pil = neutral pillar), in which two pillars at each metallic site of the Zn2 node connect adjacent layers.
Consider international student mobility trends
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: April 2016

If your college or university recruits internationally, you will want to know these facts and follow these trends.
Facilitate transfer, degree completion with concurrent enrollment program
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: April 2016

Whether students start at two‐ or four‐year institutions, most of them share the same goal: graduation. Many students who start at community colleges plan to earn bachelor's degrees. But often, not all their credits transfer. Or they learn they did not take the right courses to be on track to graduation for their chosen major.
Optimization of malachite green dye removal by Chrysanthemum indicum using response surface methodology
Authors: Chukki J. , Shanthakumar S.
Published: April 2016

This study investigates the adsorption capacity of Chrysanthemum indicum flower for removal of Malachite Green dye from aqueous solution. Batch experiments were conducted to study the effects of six independent variables including pH (4–8), adsorbent dose (2–4 g/L), initial dye concentration (100–200 mg/L), stirring speed (100–200 RPM), contact time (60–90 min), and temperature (25–35°C) on dye removal. The effect of these variables and its interactive effects have been studied using central composite design by response surface methodology. The characteristics of the adsorbent were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Scanning electron microscopy techniques, before and after the adsorption process. The maximum dye removal (99.3%) was achieved with the optimum conditions as: pH 11, adsorbent dosage of 3 g/L, stirring speed of 150 RPM with contact time of 75 min at temperature of 30°C for the initial dye concentration of 150 mg/L. pH, adsorbent dosage, and stirring speed have significant individual effects on dye removal among six independent variables. Interactive effect of pH with adsorbent dose and initial dye concentration are also significant. The higher percentage removal of Malachite Green dye by Chrysanthemum indicum flower suggests the effectiveness of the adsorbent for cationic dyes. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 1415–1419, 2016
Overload mitigation mechanism for VoIP networks: a transport layer approach based on resource management
Authors: Montazerolghaem Ahmadreza , Hosseini Seno Seyed Amin , Yaghmaee Mohammad Hossein , Tashtarian Farzad
Published: April 2016

Session initiation protocol (SIP) is an application layer signalling protocol for the set‐up, management and termination of multimedia networks such as voice over IP standardised by Internet Engineering Task Force. This protocol has also been recognised by International Telecommunication Union as a main core of next‐generation networks. When this network is under overload for reasons such as improper design, instantaneous swarm, components error and sudden reduction of processing capacity, its efficiency is considerably reduced. Overload occurs when the SIP proxy lacks sufficient CPU and memory resources to process all messages. Because the overload cannot be prevented completely, it is important to equip SIP proxies with an effective overload mitigation mechanism. In this paper, capabilities of transmission control protocol are used in transport layer to reduce SIP proxy overload through the proper allocation of proxy resources. Major activities in this field assume SIP on user datagram protocol, which practically does not result in optimal throughput. To evaluate this approach, an Asterisk open source proxy is used. Our implementation results in the real testbed indicate the efficiency improvement of Asterisk proxy under overload. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multimodal nonlinear microscopy of head and neck carcinoma — toward surgery assisting frozen section analysis
Authors: Heuke Sandro , Chernavskaia Olga , Bocklitz Thomas , Legesse Fisseha Bekele , Meyer Tobias , Akimov Denis , Dirsch Olaf , Ernst Günther , von Eggeling Ferdinand , Petersen Iver , Guntinas–Lichius Orlando , Schmitt Michael , Popp Jürgen
Published: April 2016

Background

Treatment of early cancer stages is deeply connected to a good prognosis, a moderate reduction of the quality of life, and comparably low treatment costs.

Methods

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas were investigated using the multimodal combination of coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), two‐photon excited fluorescence (TPEF), and second‐harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy.

Results

An increased median TPEF to CARS contrast was found comparing cancerous and healthy squamous epithelium with a p value of 1.8·10−10. A following comprehensive image analysis was able to predict the diagnosis of imaged tissue sections with an overall accuracy of 90% for a 4‐class model.

Conclusion

Nonlinear multimodal imaging is verified objectively as a valuable diagnostic tool that complements conventional staining protocols and can serve as filter in future clinical routine reducing the pathologist's workload. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: First–1552, 2016
Effect of Maternal Responsiveness on Young Infants' Social Bidding‐Like Behavior during the Still Face Task
Authors: Bigelow Ann E. , Power Michelle
Published: April 2016

The effect of maternal responsiveness on infants' emergence of social bidding‐like behavior during the Still Face Task was examined longitudinally at the infant ages of one week, one month, two months, and three months. Infants' social behaviors of smiling or making non‐distress vocalizations while looking at the mother during the still face phase significantly increased when infants were two months of age. These social bidding‐like behaviors at two and three months correlated with maternal responsiveness in the initial interactive phase of the Still Face Task on the concurrent and previous visits and with infants' positive social behaviors in the initial interactive phase at two and three months. Regression analyses indicate that maternal vocal responsiveness on the concurrent visit was the sole predictor of infants' social bidding‐like behavior at two months and was the major predictor of such infant behavior at three months. Maternal responsiveness enhances infants' awareness that they are effective agents in instigating social interaction, as suggested by infants' social behaviors toward their mothers when the mothers are unresponsive. This awareness is present by the infant age of two months. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Preliminary In‐Vitro Cytotoxic Evaluation of Some Novel bis‐Heterocycles Incorporating Thienothiophene
Authors: Gomha Sobhi M. , Edrees Mastoura M. , El‐Arab Elham E.
Published: April 2016

An efficient synthesis of some novel bis‐heterocycles containing thieno[2,3‐b]thiophene is described via reaction of bis‐2‐bromoacetylthieno[2,3‐b]thiophene derivative with various heterocyclic amines and heterocyclic thioles. The synthesized compounds were characterized on the basis of their elemental analysis and spectral data. The cytotoxic activity of the new products against breast carcinoma (MCF‐7) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines were determined, and the results revealed promising activity.
The effect of disulfide bonds on protein folding, unfolding, and misfolding investigated by FT–Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Chih‐Hsien , Huang Chia‐Chi , Lin Long‐Liu , Chen Wenlung
Published: April 2016

Disulfide bond is relevant to many protein folding/unfolding functions and conformational diseases. To elucidate the effects of disulfide bonds on protein folding, unfolding, and misfolding, we performed Fourier transform–Raman measurements on serial chemical‐induced denaturations of bovine serum albumin (BSA). By directly monitoring Raman stretching at S–S (~507 cm−1), S–H (~2566 cm−1), amide I (1655 cm−1 for α‐helix; 1667 cm−1 for β‐sheet structure), and amide III (>1300 cm−1 for α‐helix; 1246 cm−1 for β‐sheet structure), the status of disulfide bonds and secondary structure of BSA at different states were elucidated. Both disulfide bonds and secondary structure (mostly in α‐helix) of BSA appeared relatively stable even when the protein was unfolded by urea solution. However, disulfide bonds were completely reduced and protein secondary structure changed from α‐helix to a relatively β‐sheet dominant when the protein was modified by the mixed solution of urea and dithiothreitol (urea/DTT). Adhering to these structural changes, the protein proceeded to different degrees of polymerization. BSA would aggregate into a high molecular mass (over 700 kDa) of protein ensemble when it was exposed to the mixed urea/DTT solution. An irreversible change in S–S/S–H conversion and secondary structure was responsible for protein misfolding. We demonstrate here that Fourier transform–Raman directly probe S–S/S–H conversion and secondary structural change of BSA at different states, and these results clearly indicate that disulfide bonds and secondary structure of BSA serve as concrete frameworks to stabilize protein structure. As the frameworks collapse, the protein undergoes an irreversible structural change and results in protein misfolding. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization of process parameters for supercritical fluid extraction of cholesterol from whole milk powder using ethanol as co‐solvent
Authors: Dey Paul Indira , Jayakumar Chitra , Niwas Mishra Hari
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

In spite of being highly nutritious, the consumption of milk is hindered because of its high cholesterol content, which is responsible for numerous cardiac diseases. Supercritical carbon dioxide using ethanol as co‐solvent was employed to extract cholesterol from whole milk powder (WMP). This study was undertaken to optimize the process parameters of supercritical fluid extraction (SCFE), viz. extraction temperature, pressure and volume of ethanol.

RESULTS

The cholesterol content of WMP was quantified using high‐performance liquid chromatography. The impact of the extraction conditions on the fat content (FC), solubility index (SI) and lightness (L*) of the SCFE‐treated WMP were also investigated. The process parameters were optimized using response surface methodology. About 46% reduction in cholesterol was achieved at the optimized conditions of 48 °C, 17 MPa and 31 mL co‐solvent; flow rate of expanded CO2, static time and dynamic time of extraction were 6 L min−1, 10 min and 80 min respectively. The treated WMP retained its FC, SI, and L* at moderate limits of 183.67 g kg−1, 96.3% and 96.90, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated the feasibility of ethanol‐modified SCFE of cholesterol from WMP with negligible changes in its physicochemical properties. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Pediatric liver transplantation: Personal perspectives on historical achievements and future challenges
Authors: Otte Jean‐Bernard
Published: April 2016

This review presents the author's personal perspective and contributions to the first steps, the development, the current status, and the remaining issues of pediatric liver transplantation (LT). Innumerable children around the world who have undergone LT have reached adulthood. The techniques have reached maturity. As shown by my own group's experience, grafts donated by living donors might provide the best short‐term and longterm results. Debate persists about the optimal immunosuppression (IS), although the place of tacrolimus remains unchallenged. Tolerance induction protocols aiming to induce microchimerism have been tried in clinical transplantation without convincing results. Withdrawal of maintenance IS is possible in some children who underwent liver transplantation who have excellent clinical status and normal liver function tests but is not without risk of rejection and subsequent worsening of histology. The current trend favored by the Brussels' group is to minimize IS as soon after transplant as possible, aiming to obtain a state of “prope” or “almost” tolerance. Liver grafts are threatened in the long term by increasing hepatitis‐related fibrosis, resulting most likely from immunological assault. Nowadays, the focus is on the longterm survival, quality of life (growth, academic performance, employment, self‐fulfillment, fertility, raising a family, etc.), induction of tolerance, prevention of risks bound to decades of IS (nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity, cardiovascular risk, de novo malignancies, etc.), and prevention of graft fibrosis. All these issues are fertile fields for younger scientists. Liver Transplantation 22 1284–1294 2016 AASLD
Higher perioperative fluid administration is associated with increased rates of complications following head and neck microvascular reconstruction with fibular free flaps
Authors: Ettinger Kyle S. , Arce Kevin , Lohse Christine M. , Peck Brandon W. , Reiland Matthew D. , Bezak Brett J. , Moore Eric J.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of perioperative fluid administration on the rates of postoperative complications following head and neck reconstruction with fibular free flaps (FFF).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of subjects undergoing head and neck reconstruction with FFF was completed. The primary predictor variable was the total volume of perioperative fluids administered on the day of surgery. The primary outcome variable was the presence of medical and surgical complications occurring within 30 days of surgery. Medical and surgical complications were stratified as major or minor based on severity level. Basic demographic information, comorbidity indices, and intraoperative parameters were abstracted as covariates. Univariable and multivariable models were developed to assess for associations between total fluid volume administered on the day of surgery and postoperative medical/surgical complications occurring within 30 days of surgery.

Results

In 154 subjects, the partial flap failure rate was 3% and there were no complete flap failures. Total fluid volume was significantly associated with the presence of postoperative medical/surgical complications (OR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.02–1.44; p = 0.032). A cutpoint for total fluid volume predicting any severity level of postoperative complication was identified at 5,500 mL. A cutpoint for total fluid volume predicting major postoperative complications was identified at 7,000 mL.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that liberal fluid administration is associated with increased rates of medical/surgical complications following head and neck reconstruction with FFF. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:128–136, 2017.
Synergistic effect of cellulose nanowhiskers reinforcement and dicarboxylic acids crosslinking towards polyvinyl alcohol properties
Authors: Sonker Amit Kumar , Tiwari Naveen , Nagarale Rajaram Krishna , Verma Vivek
Published: April 2016

In the presented work, a significant increase in the tensile strength of the PVA composite material is reported. The obtained best value of 122 MPa and 14.6% swelling shows the excellent synergistic effect of both crosslinker and reinforcement material. The composite films were prepared by simple mechanical dispersion of reinforcement material, bacterial cellulose nanowhiskers (BCNW) into PVA solution followed by crosslinking with diacids, succinic acid (SuA), and adipic acid (AdA). The effect of aliphatic carbon chain length of crosslinker on thermal, mechanical, and water uptake properties is evaluated and discussed in detail. Neat PVA had the strength of 37.3 MPa. With 5% reinforcement of BCNW, that is, without crosslinking, it exhibited 97% increase, that is, 74.5 MPa. With crosslinking of 15 mmol of SuA and AdA PVA films for 2 h had excellent thermal properties with swelling percentage of 19 and 26.6% and tensile strength of 103 and 67 MPa, respectively. The best result obtained was for 5% BCNW–PVA films crosslinked with 15 mmol SuA. These results were explained on the basis of synergetic crosslinking and extended hydrogen bonding between PVA and reinforcement material. The composite films can be used as biological implants, a membrane for pervaporation and filtration system, etc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2515–2525
Pendant groups fine‐tuning thermal gelation of poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) aqueous solution
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wang Miao , Ye Jinhai , Lang Meidong
Published: April 2016

Novel poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL‐PEG‐PCL) bearing pendant hydrophobic γ‐(carbamic acid benzyl ester) groups (PECB) and hydrophiphilic amino groups (PECN) were synthesized based on the functionalized comonomer γ‐(carbamic acid benzyl ester)‐ε‐caprolactone (CABCL). The thermal gelation behavior of the amphiphilic copolymer aqueous solutions was examined. The phase transition behavior could be finely tuned via the pendant groups, and an abnormal phenomenon occurred that the sol–gel transition temperature shifted to a higher temperature for PECB whereas a lower temperature for PECN. The micelles percolation was adopted to clarify the hydrogel mechanism, and the effect of the pendant groups on the micellization was further investigated in detail. The results demonstrated that the introduction of γ‐(carbamic acid benzyl ester) pendant groups significantly decreased the crystallinity of the copolymer micelles whereas amino pendant groups made the micelles easy to aggregate. Thus, the thermal gelation of PEG/PCL aqueous solution could be finely tuned by the pendant groups, and the pendant groups modified PEG/PCL hydrogels are expected to have great potential biomedical application. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2571–2581
A review of data mining applications in crime
Authors: Hassani Hossein , Huang Xu , Silva Emmanuel S. , Ghodsi Mansi
Published: April 2016

Crime continues to remain a severe threat to all communities and nations across the globe alongside the sophistication in technology and processes that are being exploited to enable highly complex criminal activities. Data mining, the process of uncovering hidden information from Big Data, is now an important tool for investigating, curbing and preventing crime and is exploited by both private and government institutions around the world. The primary aim of this paper is to provide a concise review of the data mining applications in crime. To this end, the paper reviews over 100 applications of data mining in crime, covering a substantial quantity of research to date, presented in chronological order with an overview table of many important data mining applications in the crime domain as a reference directory. The data mining techniques themselves are briefly introduced to the reader and these include entity extraction, clustering, association rule mining, decision trees, support vector machines, naive Bayes rule, neural networks and social network analysis amongst others. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining: The ASA Data Science Journal, 2016
Effects of Anxiety on Novice Genetic Counseling Students’ Experience of Supervised Clinical Rotations
Authors: MacFarlane Ian M. , McCarthy Veach Pat , Grier Janelle E. , Meister Derek J. , LeRoy Bonnie S.
Published: April 2016

Supervised clinical experiences with patients comprise a critical component of genetic counseling student education. Previous research has found genetic counseling students tend to be more anxiety prone than the general population, and anxiety related to supervision has been found in genetic counseling and related fields. The present study investigated how anxiety affects the experience of supervision for genetic counseling students. Second year genetic counseling students were invited to participate through email invitations distributed via training directors of the 33 programs accredited at the time of the study by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. An initial online survey contained the trait scale of the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory to estimate anxiety proneness in this population and an invitation to participate in a 45‐minute semi‐structured phone interview focusing on students’ experiences of supervision during their clinical rotations. High and low trait anxiety groups were created using STAI scores, and the groups’ interview responses were compared using consensual qualitative research methodology (CQR; Hill 2012). The high anxiety group was more likely to describe problematic supervisory relationships, appreciate the supervisor's ability to help them when they get stuck in sessions, and feel their anxiety had a negative effect on their performance in general and in supervision. Common themes included supervisors’ balancing support and guidance, the importance of feedback, ego‐centric responses, and supervisors as focal points. The results of the present study are largely consistent with current literature. Further research findings and research, practice, and training recommendations are provided.
Natural Palm Olein Polyol as a Replacement for Polyether Polyols in Viscoelastic Polyurethane Foam
Authors: Nurul ‘Ain H. , Maznee T. I. Tuan Noor , Norhayati M. N. , Noor M. A. Mohd , Adnan S. , Devi P. P. Kosheela , Norhisham S. Mohd , Yeong S. K. , Hazimah A. H. , Campara Irma , Sendijarevic Vahid , Sendijarevic Ibrahim
Published: April 2016

The impact of replacing three polyether polyols with different levels of a single palm olein‐based natural oil polyol (NOP) was systematically correlated with the changes in foaming reactivity, cell structure, physico‐mechanical properties, and morphology of viscoelastic (VE) foams. The data show that replacing the polyether polyols with the NOP slightly increased the rate of the foaming reactivity. Increasing the NOP content resulted in increased cell size and cells remained fully open. Increased NOP content contributed to higher load bearing properties of VE foam, which can be attributed to higher functionality of NOP compared to polyether polyols. Addition of the NOP slightly increased the resilience of the foams, however, the hysteresis which is the measure of energy absorption remained mostly unaffected. Age properties, characterized by dry and humid compression sets, were mostly unaffected by the replacement of the polyether polyol with the NOP. The addition of NOP did not impact the morphology of the VE foam polymer matrix, which appears to retain a low degree of hard and soft segment domain separation. Overall, the results demonstrate a feasibility that the NOP can be used to partially replace the polyether polyols in VE polyurethane foams without significant impact on the functional performance.
The Transmission of Trypanosoma lewisi by Fleas and Lice
Authors: Nuttall George H. F.
Published: April 2016

The first experiments upon the transmission of T. lewisi by fleas were carried out by Rabinowitsch and Kempner (1899) who observed that three fresh rats placed with others harbouring trypanosomes in their blood subsequently (after 11–15 days) became infected. Fleas (species?) were found on these rats. They next teazed the bodies of fleas taken from infected rats and inoculated them into fresh rats with the result that in five out of nine experiments the fresh rats became infected with T. lewisi. In one experiment they removed 20 fleas from infected rats and placed them on a clean animal with the result that the latter became infected after 2–3 weeks. They regarded this one experiment as conclusively proving that T. lewisi is transmitted by rat fleas.
The Language of Landscape
Authors: Wales Katie
Published: April 2016

Landmarks is a book difficult to classify, yet it is of great interest to students of the English language. It is also a book that on publication in early 2015 struck such a chord with the general readership that it spent several months in booksellers’ ‘top ten’ lists.
To end life or to save life: ageism moderates the effect of message framing on attitudes towards older adults’ suicide
Authors: Gamliel Eyal , Levi-Belz Yossi
Published: April 2016

Background:

Global suicide rates among older adults are very high. Public attitudes towards older adults’ suicide may affect older adults upon their contemplating such an act. Previous research has demonstrated that message framing affects persons’ judgments and decision making. Thus, message framing may have particular significance in the context of attitudes towards end-of-life phenomena, such as physician-aided suicide. This study examined the possible role of ageism in moderating the effect of message framing on attitudes towards older adults’ suicide.

Methods:

Two studies examined the association between ageism and attitudes towards older adults’ suicide. Study 1 assessed both variables by self-administered questionnaires; Study 2 further examined these variables, incorporating participants’ responses to a suicide-related vignette, and evaluating the possible effect of message framing, using a between-participants design.

Results:

High-ageism participants expressed greater acceptance for older adults’ suicide, whereas low-ageism participants expressed a less permissive approach to it (Study 1). In addition, ageism moderated the effect of message framing on attitudes towards older adults’ suicide: High-ageism participants revealed a more permissive attitude towards older adults’ suicide when the issue was presented in positive terms ofnot prolonging life, relative to a negative presentation ofending life; a similar effect was not found for low-ageism participants (Study 2).

Conclusions:

The moderating effect of ageism on attitudes towards older adults’ suicide has both theoretical and practical implications. We discuss these implications with respect to suicide prevention among older adults, and suggest future research.
25-hydroxyvitamin D status of pregnant women is associated with the use of antenatal vitamin supplements and ambient ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Jones A. P. , Rueter K. , Siafarikas A. , Lim E.-M. , Prescott S. L. , Palmer D. J.
Published: April 2016

Previous research suggests prevalent vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women residing in South Australia and the Eastern Seaboard, however recent data from Perth, Western Australia (WA) is lacking. This cross-sectional study ofn=209 pregnant women (36–40 weeks of gestation, 84% white Caucasian) reports on the vitamin D (25[OH]D) status of a contemporary population of pregnant women in Perth, WA, with a focus on the relative contributions of supplemental vitamin D and ambient ultraviolet (UV) radiation to 25(OH)D levels. Mean (SD) season-adjusted 25(OH)D levels were 77.7 (24.6) nmol/l. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25[OH]D<50 nmol/l) was 13.9%. Ambient UV radiation levels in the 90 days preceding blood draw were significantly correlated with serum 25(OH)D levels (unstandardized coefficient 2.82; 95% CI 1.77, 3.86,P<0.001). Vitamin D supplementation expressed as dose per kg of body weight was also positively correlated with serum 25(OH)D levels (unstandardized coefficient 0.744; 95% CI 0.395, 1.092,P<0.001). In conclusion, this study finds that vitamin D deficiency in a predominantly white Caucasian cohort of pregnant women is less prevalent than has been reported in other studies, providing useful information relating to supplementation and screening in this, and similar, populations.
MicroRNA-92b promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by targeting Smad7 and is mediated by long non-coding RNA XIST
Authors: Zhuang L K , Yang Y T , Ma X , Han B , Wang Z S , Zhao Q Y , Wu L Q , Qu Z Q
Published: April 2016

MicroRNA (miRNA) and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) have been demonstrated to participate in the progression of many cancers. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and aggressive malignant tumors worldwide, while the molecular mechanisms underlying HCC tumorigenesis are not completely clear. In this study, we showed that miR-92b was significantly upregulated in tumor tissue and plasma of HCC patients, and its expression level was highly correlated with gender and microvascular invasion. Functionally, miR-92b could promote cell proliferation and metastasis of HCC in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigations suggested that Smad7, which exhibited an inverse relationship with miR-92b expression in HCC, was a direct target of miR-92b and could reverse its effects on HCC tumorigenesis. Furthermore, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) and miR-92b could directly interact with and repress each other, and XIST could inhibit HCC cell proliferation and metastasis by targeting miR-92b. Taken together, our study not only revealed for the first time the importance of XIST/miR-92b/Smad7 signaling axis in HCC progression but also suggested the potential value of miR-92b as a biomarker in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
A cardiac mitochondrial cAMP signaling pathway regulates calcium accumulation, permeability transition and cell death
Authors: Wang Z , Liu D , Varin A , Nicolas V , Courilleau D , Mateo P , Caubere C , Rouet P , Gomez A-M , Vandecasteele G , Fischmeister R , Brenner C
Published: April 2016

Although cardiac cytosolic cyclic 3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) regulates multiple processes, such as beating, contractility, metabolism and apoptosis, little is known yet on the role of this second messenger within cardiac mitochondria. Using cellular and subcellular approaches, we demonstrate here the local expression of several actors of cAMP signaling within cardiac mitochondria, namely a truncated form of soluble AC (sACt) and the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 1 (Epac1), and show a protective role for sACt against cell death, apoptosis as well as necrosis in primary cardiomyocytes. Upon stimulation with bicarbonate (HCO3−) and Ca2+, sACt produces cAMP, which in turn stimulates oxygen consumption, increases the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and ATP production. cAMP is rate limiting for matrix Ca2+ entry via Epac1 and the mitochondrial calcium uniporter and, as a consequence, prevents mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT). The mitochondrial cAMP effects involve neither protein kinase A, Epac2 nor the mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. In addition, in mitochondria isolated from failing rat hearts, stimulation of the mitochondrial cAMP pathway by HCO3− rescued the sensitization of mitochondria to Ca2+-induced MPT. Thus, our study identifies a link between mitochondrial cAMP, mitochondrial metabolism and cell death in the heart, which is independent of cytosolic cAMP signaling. Our results might have implications for therapeutic prevention of cell death in cardiac pathologies.
Cell cycle and apoptosis regulation by NFAT transcription factors: new roles for an old player
Authors: Mognol G P , Carneiro F R G , Robbs B K , Faget D V , Viola J P B
Published: April 2016

The NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells) family of transcription factors consists of four Ca2+-regulated members (NFAT1–NFAT4), which were first described in T lymphocytes. In addition to their well-documented role in T lymphocytes, where they control gene expression during cell activation and differentiation, NFAT proteins are also expressed in a wide range of cells and tissue types and regulate genes involved in cell cycle, apoptosis, angiogenesis and metastasis. The NFAT proteins share a highly conserved DNA-binding domain (DBD), which allows all NFAT members to bind to the same DNA sequence in enhancers or promoter regions. The same DNA-binding specificity suggests redundant roles for the NFAT proteins, which is true during the regulation of some genes such asIL-2andp21. However, it has become increasingly clear that different NFAT proteins and even isoforms can have unique functions. In this review, we address the possible reasons for these distinct roles, particularly regarding N- and C-terminal transactivation regions (TADs) and the partner proteins that interact with these TADs. We also discuss the genes regulated by NFAT during cell cycle regulation and apoptosis and the role of NFAT during tumorigenesis.