bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress management by autophagy: Implications for chemoresistance
Authors: Huang Zhao , Zhou Li , Chen Zhibin , Nice Edouard C. , Huang Canhua
Published: January 2016

Development of chemoresistance, which limits the efficiency of anticancer agents, has long been a major problem in cancer therapy and urgently needs to be solved to improve clinical outcomes. Factors contributing to chemoresistance are various, but a key factor is the cell's capability for stress management. Autophagy, a favored survival strategy that organisms employ to get over many kinds of stress, is emerging as a crucial player in drug resistance. It has been shown that autophagy facilitates the resistance of tumor cells to anticancer agents, and abrogation of autophagy could be therapeutically beneficial in some cases, suggesting autophagy could be a promising target for cancer treatments. Thus, defining the roles of autophagy in chemoresistance, and the mechanisms involved, will be critical to enhance the efficiency of chemotherapy and develop novel anticancer strategy interventions.
Assessment of mediators of racial disparities in cervical cancer survival in the United States
Authors: Sheppard Candace S. , El‐Zein Mariam , Ramanakumar Agnihotram V. , Ferenczy Alex , Franco Eduardo L.
Published: January 2016

Cervical cancer (CC) morbidity and mortality have decreased in the United States, but they remain high among black women. We assessed racial disparities in CC mortality, accounting for socioeconomic status (SES). We linked data from the 1988 to 2007 Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database to the US Census. Additional SES information was obtained through linkage with Area Resource Files. We used the Kaplan–Meier method for estimating probabilities following CC diagnosis and Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CC mortality by race. The models were incrementally adjusted for marital status, registry, period, stage, age at diagnosis, histology, treatment, household income, poverty and unemployment rates. We stratified the analyses by disease stage and American state. A total of 44,554 women with CC were identified. Compared to white women, black women had a higher risk of dying from CC; crude and adjusted HRs were 1.41 (CI: 1.34–1.48) and 1.09 (CI: 1.03–1.15), respectively. Corresponding estimates for Hispanic women were 0.85 (CI: 0.80–0.89) and 0.75 (CI: 0.71–0.80). Black women diagnosed at late disease stages had a higher risk of CC death, whereas Hispanic women diagnosed at early and late stages had significantly lower risks. Black CC patients in California experienced poorer survival relative to white women. Conversely, longer CC survival was seen among Hispanic women in California, Georgia and Utah. While crude estimates indicated an increased CC death risk among black women, risks diminished upon adjustment for clinical and sociodemographic characteristics.
Depth profiling of inks in authentic and counterfeit banknotes by electrospray laser desorption ionization/mass spectrometry
Authors: Kao Yi‐Ying , Cheng Sy‐Chyi , Cheng Chu‐Nian , Shiea Jentaie
Published: January 2016

Electrospray laser desorption ionization is an ambient ionization technique that generates neutrals via laser desorption and ionizes those neutrals in an electrospray plume and was utilized to characterize inks in different layers of copy paper and banknotes of various currencies. Depth profiling of inks was performed on overlapping color bands on copy paper by repeatedly scanning the line with a pulsed laser beam operated at a fixed energy. The molecules in the ink on a banknote were desorbed by irradiating the banknote surface with a laser beam operated at different energies, with results indicating that different ions were detected at different depths. The analysis of authentic $US100, $100 RMB and $1000 NTD banknotes indicated that ions detected in ‘color‐shifting’ and ‘typography’ regions were significantly different. Additionally, the abundances of some ions dramatically changed with the depth of the aforementioned regions. This approach was used to distinguish authentic $1000 NTD banknotes from counterfeits. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A semi‐quantitative approach for the rapid screening and mass profiling of naphthenic acids directly in contaminated aqueous samples
Authors: Duncan Kyle D. , Letourneau Dane R. , Vandergrift Gregory W. , Jobst Karl , Reiner Eric , Gill Chris G. , Krogh Erik T.
Published: January 2016

We report the use of a direct sampling, online analytical approach for the determination of acid extractable naphthenic acids in complex aqueous samples, known as condensed phase membrane introduction mass spectrometry (CP‐MIMS). The technique employs a capillary hollow fibre semi‐permeable membrane probe configured for immersion into a pH adjusted sample. A continuously flowing methanol acceptor phase transfers naphthenic acids to an electrospray ionization source, operated in negative ion mode, whereupon they are analysed by mass spectrometry as [M–H]− ions. High‐resolution mass spectrometry is used to characterize the influence of sample pH on membrane transport of multiple components of complex naphthenic acid mixtures. We demonstrate the use of CP‐MIMS for semi‐quantitative analysis of real‐world samples using selected ion monitoring and full scan mass spectra at unit mass resolution. The technique has also been employed to continuously monitor the temporal evolution in the mass profile and concentrations of individual naphthenic acid isomer classes in heterogeneous solutions during adsorption processes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fragmentation of synthetic cannabinoids with an isopropyl group or a tert‐butyl group ionized by electron impact and electrospray
Authors: Akamatsu Shigeki , Yoshida Masashi
Published: January 2016

This study described a fragmentation pattern of 21 synthetic cannabinoids with an isopropyl group or a tert‐butyl group by electron impact ionization quadrupole mass spectrometry and electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry in the positive mode. The compounds were categorized into four types according to substituted group such as a terminal amide and ester. The characteristic fragment ion in each group was obtained. The main common fragment ions for the two ionizations were formed by C–N cleavage of the amide group adjacent to the N‐hetero rings. Additionally, the fragment ions indicated the difference in the basic structure as well as substituted group, which are useful for estimating the chemical structures of unknown compounds. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A dopant for improved sensitivity in easy ambient sonic‐spray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Santos Jandyson M. , Vendramini Pedro H. , Schwab Nicolas V. , Eberlin Marcos N. , de Morais Damila R.
Published: January 2016

Recently, 3‐nitrobenzonitrile (3‐NBN) has been used to improve sensitivity of sonic‐spray ionization mass spectrometry. Easy ambient sonic‐spray ionization (EASI) is one of the simplest, gentlest and most used spray‐based desorption/ionization ambient techniques, but limited sensitivity has been commonly taken as its major drawback. Herein we investigate the use of 3‐NBN as a dopant in EASI‐MS for improved sensitivity. Using a few typical EASI samples as test cases, the presence of 10 ppm (µg ml−1) of 3‐NBN in the spray solvent showed two to fourfold gains in EASI‐MS sensitivity as measured both by total ion current and S/N ratios, accompanied with significant reductions in chemical noise. Sensitivity for DESI using 3‐NBN as a dopant also improved and dopant DESI versus dopant EASI sensitivities were compared. The use of solvent dopants seems therefore to be a promising strategy to improve sensitivity for spray‐based ambient MS techniques. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of porous metal enrichment probe sampling to single cell analysis using matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS)
Authors: Fu Qiang , Tang Jun , Cui Meng , Xing Junpeng , Liu Zhiqiang , Liu Shuying
Published: January 2016

There is an increasing need for analyzing metabolism in a single cell, which is important to understand the nature of cellular heterogeneity, disease, growth and specialization, etc. However, single cell analysis is often challenging for the traces of samples. In the present study, porous metal enrichment probe sampling combined with matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) has been applied for in situ analysis of live onion epidemic cell. Porous probe, treated by corroding copper wire with HCl, was directly inserted into a single cell to get cell solution. A self‐made linear actuator was enough to control the penetration of probe into the target cell accurately. Then samples on the tip of probe were eluted and detected by a commercial MALDI‐TOF‐MS directly. The formation of porous microstructure on the probe surface increased the adsorptive capacity of cell solution. The sensitivity of porous probe sampling was 6 times higher than uncorroded probes generally. This method provides a sensitive and convenient way for the sampling and detection of single cell solution. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantitation of actarit in rabbit plasma: application to pharmacokinetics and metabolic stability
Authors: Ramakrishna Rachumallu , Bhateria Manisha , Puttrevu Santosh kumar , Durga Prasad Yarra , Singh Rajbir , Bhatta Rabi Sankar
Published: January 2016

Actarit (ATR), 4‐acetylaminophenylacetic acid is an orally effective disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drug widely prescribed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The present study demonstrates the first report on a selective and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantification of ATR in rabbit plasma using p‐coumaric acid as an internal standard (IS). Following liquid–liquid extraction, chromatographic separation of the reconstituted samples was achieved isocratically on a Syncronis‐C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of aqueous ammonium acetate (10 mM, pH 4)‐ methanol and acetonitrile mixture (8 : 92, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.6 ml/min. ATR and IS were detected using electrospray ionization operated in negative multiple reaction monitoring mode. The calibration curve was linear (r2 ≥ 0.990) over the concentration range of 1–4000 ng/ml with a lower limit of quantitation of 1 ng/ml. The mean extraction recovery of ATR and IS from rabbit plasma was greater than 85%. The method complied well with US Food and Drug Administration guidelines for selectivity, sensitivity, accuracy, precision, matrix effect, dilution integrity, carry‐over effect and stability. The method was successfully applied to in vitro metabolic stability (using rabbit liver microsomes) and in vivo pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of ATR at a dose of 10 mg/kg in New Zealand rabbits. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suppression and restoration of disorder‐induced light localization mediated by ‐symmetry breaking
Authors: Kartashov Yaroslav V. , Hang Chao , Konotop Vladimir V. , Vysloukh Victor A. , Huang Guoxiang , Torner Lluis
Published: January 2016

We uncover that the breaking point of the ‐symmetry in optical waveguide arrays has a dramatic impact on light localization induced by the off‐diagonal disorder. Specifically, when the gain/loss control parameter approaches a critical value at which ‐symmetry breaking occurs, a fast growth of the coupling between neighboring waveguides causes diffraction to dominate to an extent that light localization is strongly suppressed and the statistically averaged width of the output pattern substantially increases. Beyond the symmetry‐breaking point localization is gradually restored, although in this regime the power of localized modes grows upon propagation. The strength of localization monotonically increases with disorder at both broken and unbroken ‐symmetry. Our findings are supported by statistical analysis of parameters of stationary eigenmodes of disordered‐symmetric waveguide arrays and by analysis of dynamical evolution of single‐site excitations in such structures.

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Taming chaos: 16 mJ picosecond Ho:YLF regenerative amplifier with 0.7 kHz repetition rate
Authors: von Grafenstein Lorenz , Bock Martin , Steinmeyer Günter , Griebner Uwe , Elsaesser Thomas
Published: January 2016

Nonlinear dynamics of continuous‐wave pumped regenerative amplifiers operating at 2 μm are investigated. At repetition rates near 1 kHz, three different operation regimes are observed, including stable regular, chaotic, and subharmonic dynamics. Numerical simulations reproduce this behavior in a quantitative way. In particular, we find stable periodic doubling regimes in which every other seed pulse experiences high gain. Exploiting a narrow parameter window beyond the onset of chaos enables operation of a high‐gain picosecond Ho:YLF regenerative amplifier which delivers up to 16 mJ picosecond pulses at 2050 nm. Energy fluctuations of the 700 Hz pulse train are as low as 0.9% rms.

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An Exploration and Investigation of Edible Insect Consumption: The Impacts of Image and Description on Risk Perceptions and Purchase Intent
Authors: Baker Melissa A. , Shin Jungyoung Tiffany , Kim Young Wook
Published: January 2016

As a result of the dramatic increase in global population, food waste, and unsustainable practices, the United Nations urges the promotion of edible insects as an alternative food source. However, edible insects are perceived as an unappealing, disgusting food source despite the nutritional and sustainable advantages, especially among Westerners. Therefore, research is needed to bridge the gap between the call for examining alternative food sources and the marketing initiatives to improve purchasing behavior. This research draws upon information processing and risk perception theories to investigate reducing consumers’ negative perceptions toward edible insect food products. The first study examines the effect of image and description in a retail setting while the second study examines a restaurant setting. Results find that in retail settings image was the most significant in reducing perceptions of risk while in the restaurant setting menu description was most important. In addition, vague descriptions were more preferable to explicit descriptions in minimizing risk and increasing purchase intention. Finally, the research provides meaningful implications for the marketers who endeavor to promote alternative food products as well as any products that involve negative and unfamiliar perceptions.
How Hand Proximity Impacts Consumer Responses to a Persuasive Communication
Authors: Coulter Keith S.
Published: January 2016

This research examines the impact of hand proximity (i.e., proximal or distal) on how consumers process the information contained in an advertisement or on a product Web site. Four studies demonstrate that when hands are proximal to that information (e.g., when using a mobile device to view the information), there is more detail‐oriented processing that results in greater attribute recall and a greater amount of attribute‐related thoughts. When hands are distal to that information (e.g., when using a desktop to view the ad or product Web site), there is more holistic, conceptually oriented processing that results in greater thematic recall and more thoughts about the theme. This research also demonstrates that hand proximity can differentially impact choice and product evaluations. Specifically, when hands are proximal consumers prefer ads communicating detailed product information; when hands are distal consumers prefer ads that focus on a theme. Hand proximity effects are driven by the innate tendency to manipulate or inspect an item. The research has important practical implications, given the ubiquity of both hand‐held devices and computers.
The tetrahedral finite cell method: Higher‐order immersogeometric analysis on adaptive non‐boundary‐fitted meshes
Authors: Varduhn Vasco , Hsu Ming‐Chen , Ruess Martin , Schillinger Dominik
Published: January 2016

The finite cell method (FCM) is an immersed domain finite element method that combines higher‐order non‐boundary‐fitted meshes, weak enforcement of Dirichlet boundary conditions, and adaptive quadrature based on recursive subdivision. Because of its ability to improve the geometric resolution of intersected elements, it can be characterized as an immersogeometric method. In this paper, we extend the FCM, so far only used with Cartesian hexahedral elements, to higher‐order non‐boundary‐fitted tetrahedral meshes, based on a reformulation of the octree‐based subdivision algorithm for tetrahedral elements. We show that the resulting TetFCM scheme is fully accurate in an immersogeometric sense, that is, the solution fields achieve optimal and exponential rates of convergence for h‐refinement and p‐refinement, if the immersed geometry is resolved with sufficient accuracy. TetFCM can leverage the natural ability of tetrahedral elements for local mesh refinement in three dimensions. Its suitability for problems with sharp gradients and highly localized features is illustrated by the immersogeometric phase‐field fracture analysis of a human femur bone. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanoglasses: A New Kind of Noncrystalline Material and the Way to an Age of New Technologies?
Authors: Gleiter Herbert
Published: January 2016

Today's technologies are primarily based on crystalline materials (metals, semiconductors, etc.), as their properties can be controlled by varying their chemical and/or defect microstructures. This is not possible in today's glasses. The new features of nanoglasses—consisting of nanometer‐sized glassy regions connected by interfaces—are that their properties may be controlled by varying their chemical and/or defect microstructures, and that their interfaces have a new kind of non‐crystalline structure. By utilizing these new features, an age of new technologies based on non‐crystalline materials (a “glass age”) may be initiated.
Nanosensors for Continuous and Noninvasive Monitoring of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Osteogenic Differentiation
Authors: Wiraja Christian , Yeo David C. , Chong Mark S. K. , Xu Chenjie
Published: January 2016

Assessing mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation status is crucial to verify therapeutic efficacy and optimize treatment procedures. Currently, this involves destructive methods including antibody‐based protein detection and polymerase chain reaction gene analysis, or laborious and technically challenging genetic reporters. Development of noninvasive methods for real‐time differentiation status assessment can greatly benefit MSC‐based therapies. This report introduces a nanoparticle‐based sensing platform that encapsulates two molecular beacon (MB) probes within the same biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles. One MB targets housekeeping gene glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as an internal reference, while another detects alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a functional biomarker. Following internalization, MBs are gradually released as the nanoparticle degrades. GAPDH MBs provide a stable reference signal throughout the monitoring period (18 days) regardless of differentiation induction. Meanwhile, ALP mRNA undergoes well‐defined dynamics with peak expression observed during early stages of osteogenic differentiation. By normalizing ALP‐MB signal with GAPDH‐MB, changes in ALP expression can be monitored, to noninvasively validate osteogenic differentiation. As proof‐of‐concept, a dual‐colored nanosensor is applied to validate MSC osteogenesis on 2D culture and polycaprolactone films containing osteo‐inductive tricalcium phospate.
Iron‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks as Catalysts for Visible Light‐Driven Water Oxidation
Authors: Chi Le , Xu Qian , Liang Xiaoyu , Wang Jide , Su Xintai
Published: January 2016

The development of earth‐abundant, active, and stable catalysts is important for solar energy conversion. Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have been viewed as a promising class of porous materials, which may have innovative application in photocatalysis. In this paper, three types of Fe‐based MOFs and their aminofunctionalized derivatives have been fabricated and systematically studied as water oxidation catalysts (WOCs) for oxygen evolution under visible light irradiation. MIL‐101(Fe) possesses a higher current density and earlier onset potential and exhibits excellent visible light‐driven oxygen evolution activity than the other Fe‐based catalysts. It speeds up the oxygen evolution reaction rate with the higher initial turnover frequencies value of 0.10 s−1. Our study demonstrates that Fe‐based MOFs as efficient WOCs are promising candidates for photocatalytic water oxidation process.
A genome‐wide association study of multiple longitudinal traits with related subjects
Authors: Sung Yubin , Feng Zeny , Subedi Sanjeena
Published: January 2016

Pleiotropy is a phenomenon that a single gene inflicts multiple correlated phenotypic effects, often characterized as traits, involving multiple biological systems. We propose a two‐stage method to identify pleiotropic effects on multiple longitudinal traits from a family‐based data set. The first stage analyses each longitudinal trait via a three‐level mixed‐effects model. Random effects at the subject‐level and at the family‐level measure the subject‐specific genetic effects and between‐subjects intraclass correlations within families, respectively. The second stage performs a simultaneous association test between a single nucleotide polymorphism and all subject‐specific effects for multiple longitudinal traits. This is performed using a quasi‐likelihood scoring method in which the correlation structure among related subjects is adjusted. Two simulation studies for the proposed method are undertaken to assess both the type I error control and the power. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utility of the two‐stage method in identifying pleiotropic genes or loci by analyzing the Genetic Analysis Workshop 16 Problem 2 cohort data drawn from the Framingham Heart Study and illustrate an example of the kind of complexity in data that can be handled by the proposed approach. We establish that our two‐stage method can identify pleiotropic effects while accommodating varying data types in the model. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Face and the Dynamics of Its Construction: A Relational and Multilayered Perspective
Authors: Ivana Greti‐Iulia
Published: January 2016

This article proposes a new understanding of the concept of face as coconstructed and characterized by various and not always polarized dynamics, such as gain/loss. In elaborating on this conceptual frame, I revisit Goffman's work on social appraisal and argue it is marked by a shift from an expositional to a relational approach. Using this reading of Goffman, together with characteristics of the Chinese concept of face, I analyze interview data about users' interpretations, motivations, and intentions behind public exchanges of information on Facebook. The data illustrate both interactive processes of gradual acquisition/erosion of mien‐tzu and loss of lien.
Genetic Testing and Post‐Testing Decision Making among BRCA‐Positive Mutation Women: A Psychosocial Approach
Authors: Hesse‐Biber Sharlene , An Chen
Published: January 2016

Through an analysis of an online survey of women who tested positive for the BRCA genetic mutation for breast cancer, this research uses a social constructionist and feminist standpoint lens to understand the decision‐making process that leads BRCA‐positive women to choose genetic testing. Additionally, this research examines how they socially construct and understand their risk for developing breast cancer, as well as which treatment options they undergo post‐testing. BRCA‐positive women re‐frame their statistical medical risk for developing cancer and their post‐testing treatment choices through a broad psychosocial context of engagement that also includes their social networks. Important psychosocial factors drive women's medical decisions, such as individual feelings of guilt and vulnerability, and the degree of perceived social support. Women who felt guilty and fearful that they might pass the BRCA gene to their children were more likely to undergo risk reducing surgery. Women with at least one daughter and women without children were more inclined toward the risk reducing surgery compared to those with only sons. These psychosocial factors and social network engagements serve as a “nexus of decision making” that does not, for the most part, mirror the medical assessments of statistical odds for hereditary cancer development, nor the specific treatment protocols outlined by the medical establishment.
Off‐treatment efficacy of 3‐year nucleos(t)ide analogues in chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Lin Ching‐Chung , Bair Ming‐Jong , Chen Chih‐Jen , Lee Keng‐Han , Chen Ming‐Jen , Liu Chia‐Yuan , Chang Chen‐Wang , Hu Kuang‐Chun , Liou Tai‐Cherng , Lin Shee‐Chan , Wang Horng‐Yuan , Chu Cheng‐Hsin , Shih Shou‐Chuan , Wang Tsang‐En
Published: January 2016

Lamivudine, telbivudine, and entecavir are the first‐line drugs covered by the Taiwan National Health Insurance as 3‐year treatments for patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV), but the optimal treatment duration of each remains unclear. We aimed to detect HBV treatment‐cessation durability, and compare the predictors in patients with and without clinical relapse. In this retrospective cohort study, 210 patients with chronic HBV who tested hepatitis B e‐antigen positive or hepatitis B e‐antigen negative were treated for 3 years with a nucleos(t)ide analogue. Of these, 102 patients continued therapy after 3 years, while 88 patients stopped treatment and were followed for 1 year due to financial difficulties. Efficacy was assessed in terms of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level normalization, HBV DNA clearance, virus breakthrough, clinical relapse, and liver decompensation. The durability predictors were evaluated by host factors, HBV DNA, and drug differences. Eighty patients (14 on lamivudine, 19 on telbivudine, and 47 on entecavir) were recruited. There was no difference in clinical‐relapse rate among lamivudine, telbivudine, and entecavir (35.7% vs. 36.8% vs. 31.9%, respectively; p = 0.916), and liver decompensated hepatitis was absent. In baseline clinical characteristics, there were no differences between the clinical‐relapse and nonrelapse groups in age, sex, cirrhosis, prior treatment, HBV DNA, pretreatment ALT, or hepatitis B e‐antigen (HBeAg). The mean 3rd year serum ALT level differed significantly between clinical‐relapse and nonrelapse patients (37.5 U/L vs. 27.7 U/L, respectively; p = 0.044). The 3‐year nucleos(t)ide analogue off‐treatment in patients with chronic HBV delivered according to the Taiwan National Health Insurance guidelines had an overall 33.8% 1‐year clinical‐relapse rate without any decompensated hepatitis flare‐ups.
Desflurane reinforces the efficacy of propofol target‐controlled infusion in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Chen Po‐Nien , Lu I‐Cheng , Chen Hui‐Ming , Cheng Kuang‐I , Tseng Kuang‐Yi , Lee King‐Teh
Published: January 2016

Whether low‐concentration desflurane reinforces propofol‐based intravenous anesthesia on maintenance of anesthesia for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy is to be determined. The aim of this study was to investigate whether propofol‐based anesthesia adding low‐concentration desflurane is feasible for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Fifty‐two patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled in the prospective, randomized, clinical trial. Induction of anesthesia was achieved in all patients with fentanyl 2 μg/kg, lidocaine 1 mg/kg, propofol 2 mg/kg, and rocuronium 0.8 mg/kg to facilitate tracheal intubation and to initiate propofol target‐controlled infusion (TCI) to effect site concentration (Ce: 4 μg/mL with infusion rate 400 mL/h). The patients were then allocated into either propofol TCI based (group P) or propofol TCI adding low‐concentration desflurane (group PD) for maintenance of anesthesia. The peri‐anesthesia hemodynamic responses to stimuli were measured. The perioperative psychomotor test included p‐deletion test, minus calculation, orientation, and alert/sedation scales. Group PD showed stable hemodynamic responses at CO2 inflation, initial 15 minutes of operation, and recovery from general anesthesia as compared with group P. There is no significant difference between the groups in operation time and anesthesia time, perioperative psychomotor functional tests, postoperative vomiting, and pain score. Based on our findings, the anesthetic technique combination propofol and desflurane for the maintenance of general anesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy provided more stable hemodynamic responses than propofol alone. The combined regimen is recommended for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Serial Quantitative Computed Tomography Perfusion in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Lum Cheemun , Hogan Matthew J. , Sinclair John , English Shane , Lesiuk Howard , Shankar Jai , Ayoub Hala
Published: January 2016

Purpose: Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) has been performed to predict which patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are at risk of developing delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). Patients with severe arterial narrowing may have significant reduction in perfusion. However, many patients have less severe arterial narrowing. There is a paucity of literature evaluating perfusion changes which occur with mild to moderate narrowing. The purpose of our study was to investigate serial whole-brain CTP/computed tomography angiography in aneurysm-related subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients with mild to moderate angiographic narrowing. Methods: We retrospectively studied 18 aSAH patients who had baseline and follow-up whole-brain CTP/computed tomography angiography. Thirty-one regions of interest/hemisphere at six levels were grouped by vascular territory. Arterial diameters were measured at the circle of Willis. The correlation between arterial diameter and change in CTP values, change in CTP in with and without DCI, and response to intra-arterial vasodilator therapy in DCI patients was evaluated. Results: There was correlation among the overall average cerebral blood flow (CBF; R=0.49, p<0.04), mean transit time (R=–0.48, p=0.04), and angiographic narrowing. In individual arterial territories, there was correlation between changes in CBF and arterial diameter in the middle cerebral artery (R=0.53, p=0.03), posterior cerebral artery (R=0.5, p=0.03), and anterior cerebral artery (R=0.54, p=0.02) territories. Prolonged mean transit time was correlated with arterial diameter narrowing in the middle cerebral artery territory (R=0.52, p=0.03). Patients with DCI tended to have serial worsening of CBF compared with those without DCI (p=0.055). Conclusions: Our preliminary study demonstrates there is a correlation between mild to moderate angiographic narrowing and serial changes in perfusion in patients with aSAH. Patients developing DCI tended to have progressively worsening CBF compared with those not developing DCI.
A NOTE ON RICH LINES IN TRULY HIGH DIMENSIONAL SETS
Authors: ZAHL JOSHUA
Published: January 2016

We modify an argument of Hablicsek and Scherr to show that if a collection of points in $\mathbb{C}^{d}$ spans many $r$-rich lines, then many of these lines must lie in a common $(d-1)$-flat. This is closely related to a previous result of Dvir and Gopi.
Fish oil supplementation from 9 to 18 months of age affects the insulin-like growth factor axis in a sex-specific manner in Danish infants
Authors: Damsgaard Camilla T. , Harsløf Laurine B. S. , Andersen Anders D. , Hellgren Lars I. , Michaelsen Kim F. , Lauritzen Lotte
Published: January 2016

Several studies have investigated the effects of fish oil (FO) on infant growth, but little is known about the effects of FO and sex on insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), the main regulator of growth in childhood. We explored whether FOv. sunflower oil (SO) supplementation from 9 to 18 months of age affected IGF-1 and its binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and whether the potential effects were sex specific. Danish infants (n115) were randomly allocated to 5 ml/d FO (1·2 g/dn-3 long-chain PUFA (n-3 LCPUFA)) or SO. We measured growth, IGF-1, IGFBP-3 and erythrocyte EPA, a biomarker ofn-3 LCPUFA intake and status, at 9 and 18 months. Erythrocyte EPA increased strongly with FO compared with SO (P<0·001). There were no effects of FO compared with SO on IGF-1 in the total population, but a sex×group interaction (P=0·02). Baseline-adjusted IGF-1 at 18 months was 11·1 µg/l (95 % CI 0·4, 21·8;P=0·04) higher after FO compared with SO supplementation among boys only. The sex×group interaction was borderline significant in the model of IGFBP-3 (P=0·09), with lower IGFBP-3 with FO compared with SO among girls only (P=0·03). The results were supported by sex-specific dose–response associations between changes in erythrocyte EPA and changes in IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 (bothP<0·03). Moreover, IGF-1 was sex specifically associated with BMI and length. In conclusion, FO compared with SO resulted in higher IGF-1 among boys and lower IGFBP-3 among girls. The potential long-term implications for growth and body composition should be investigated further.
A new species ofNebalia(Malacostraca: Phyllocarida: Leptostraca) from South Korea, with a key to the species ofNebaliaLeach, 1814
Authors: Song Ji-Hun , Min Gi-Sik
Published: January 2016

Nebalia dolsandoensissp. nov. (Malacostraca: Phyllocarida: Leptostraca), is described from specimens taken from light traps in harbours with organic-rich muddy sand and seaweeds along the south coast of Korea. The new species is characterized based on the following unique combination of characteristics: an antennular flagellum with up to only nine articles in the mature female; the fourth article of the antennule has up to four distal spine-like setae; pleonites 3–7 have rounded denticles along the posterior dorsal margins; the protopod of pleopod 4 has an even posterior margin; the uropods are distinctly short, about 0.6 times as long as pleonite 7 and the anal somite combined; the anal plates have a noticeably broad lateral ‘shoulder’. In addition, a key to the species of the genusNebaliaLeach, 1814 and partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene from the new species are provided.
Diazotrophic cyanobacteria signatures and their relationship to hydrographic conditions in the Gulf of Gabes, Tunisia
Authors: Drira Zaher , Chaari Dorra , Hamza Asma , Hassen Malika Bel , Pagano Marc , Ayadi Habib
Published: January 2016

Changes in the planktonic cyanobacteria structure, composition and diversity were followed over three consecutive years (2005–2006–2007) in the Gulf of Gabes (Eastern Mediterranean Sea, Tunisia). Cyanobacteria abundances, biomasses and cell lengths were measured together with selected environmental variables (pH, salinity, temperature and nutrients). The space and time variations of the cyanobacteria in relation to the environmental factors showed a close relationship between these plankton communities and the hydrographic structure of the water column. Cyanobacteria developed over semi-mixed conditions (May–June 2006) and during the thermal stratification (July 2005). The cyanobacterial abundance and biomass was evident between 20 and 35 m in inshore stations and between 20 and 25 m in deeper stations during the semi-mixing conditions and stratification. This thermocline level coincided with the euphotic layer (21.85 ± 3.76 m) allowing access of light radiation. The cyanobacteria bloom occurred during May–June 2006 when the N/P ratio (<10) was clearly below the accepted standard molar ratio of N/P = 16/1. Commonalities among cyanobacterial genera include being highly competitive for low concentrations of inorganic P (DIP) and the ability to acquire organic P compounds. Our study showed that both diazotrophic (N2-fixing) cyanobacteria such as Anabaena sp., Chroococcus sp., Trichodesmium erythraeum, Spirulina sp. and Spirulina subsalsa and non-diazotrophic cyanobacteria such as Pseudoanabaena sp. and Microcystis display a great flexibility in the N sources which allow formation of blooms.
Sympathy for the environment predicts green consumerism but not more important environmental behaviours related to domestic energy use
Authors: CHEN XIAODONG , DE LA ROSA JENNIFER , PETERSON M. NILS , ZHONG YING , LU CHUNTIAN
Published: January 2016

Household consumption is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Some behaviours (for example energy use and vehicle use) may have far larger impacts than others (for example green consumerism of household products). Here, the driving forces of green consumerism and two domestic energy uses (electricity consumption and vehicle fuel use) are compared. This study found that environmental attitudes predicted green consumerism, but not electricity consumption or vehicle fuel use. Furthermore, green consumerism was correlated with income and individual level demographic factors, while energy consumption was primarily predicted by household size and structural constraints. Because household energy consumption has greater environmental impacts than green consumerism, policies that aim to improve pro-environmental attitudes may not be effective in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Policies should rather aim to change structural constraints influencing transportation and household energy decisions and improve the conspicuousness of household energy consumption.
Norovirus gastroenteritis outbreak transmitted by food and vomit in a high school
Authors: GODOY P. , ALSEDÀ M. , BARTOLOMÉ R. , CLAVERÍA D. , MÓDOL I. , BACH P. , MIRADA G. , DOMÍNGUEZ À.
Published: January 2016

We investigated an outbreak of norovirus that affected students and teachers of a high school in Lleida, Spain through various transmission mechanisms. A case-control epidemiological study of the risk of disease and the relative importance of each mode of transmission was carried out. Cases and controls were selected from a systematic sample of students and teachers present at the school on 28 January. Faecal samples were taken from three food handlers and 16 cases. The influence of each factor was studied using the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and the estimated population attributable risk (ePAR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We interviewed 210 people (42 cases, 168 controls). The proportion of symptoms in these individuals was nausea 78·6%, vomiting 59·5%, diarrhoea 45·2%, and fever 19·0%. The epidemic curve showed transmission for at least 4 days. The risk of disease was associated with exposure to food (aOR 5·8) in 66·1% of cases and vomit (aOR 4·7) in 24·8% of cases. Faecal samples from 11 patients and two food handlers were positive for norovirus GII.12 g. Vomit may co-exist with other modes of transmission in norovirus outbreaks and could explain a large number of cases.
Effectiveness of a programme to reduce the burden of catheter-related bloodstream infections in a tertiary hospital
Authors: MARTÍNEZ-MOREL H. R. , SANCHEZ-PAYÁ J. , GARCÍA-SHIMIZU P. , MENDOZA-GARCÍA J. L. , TENZA-IGLESIAS I. , RODRÍGUEZ-DÍAZ J. C. , MERINO-DE-LUCAS E. , NOLASCO A.
Published: January 2016

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR BSI) reduction programme and healthcare workers' compliance with recommendations. A 3-year surveillance programme of CR BSIs in all hospital settings was implemented. As part of the programme, there was a direct observation of insertion and maintenance of central venous catheters (CVCs) to determine performance. A total of 38 education courses were held over the study period and feedback reports with the results of surveillance and recommendations were delivered to healthcare workers every 6 months. A total of 6722 short-term CVCs were inserted in 4982 patients for 58 763 catheter-days. Improvements of compliance with hand hygiene was verified at the insertion (87·1–100%, P < 0·001) and maintenance (51·1–72·1%, P = 0·029) of CVCs; and the use of chlorhexidine for skin disinfection was implemented at insertion (35·7–65·4%, P < 0·001) and maintenance (33·3–45·9%, P < 0·197) of CVCs. There were 266 CR BSI incidents recorded with an annual incidence density of 5·75/1000 catheter-days in the first year, 4·38 in the second year [rate ratio (RR) 0·76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·57–1·01] and 3·46 in the third year (RR 0·60, 95% CI 0·44–0·81). The education programme clearly improved compliance with recommendations for CVC handling, and was effective in reducing the burden of CR BSIs.
Automatic generation of short answer questions for reading comprehension assessment
Authors: HUANG YAN , HE LIANZHEN
Published: January 2016

Writing items for reading comprehension assessment is time-consuming. Automating part of the process can help test-designers to develop assessments more efficiently and consistently. This paper presents an approach to automatically generating short answer questions for reading comprehension assessment. Our major contribution is to introduce Lexical Functional Grammar (LFG) as the linguistic framework for question generation, which enables systematic utilization of semantic and syntactic information. The approach can efficiently generate questions of better quality than previous high-performing question generation systems, and uses paraphrasing and sentence selection to improve the cognitive complexity and effectiveness of questions.
Autofocus by Bayes Spectral Entropy Applied to Optical Microscopy
Authors: Podlech Steffen
Published: January 2016

This study introduces a passive autofocus method based on image analysis calculating the Bayes spectral entropy (BSE). The method is applied to optical microscopy and together with the specific construction of the opto-mechanical unit, it allows the analysis of large samples with complicated surfaces without subsampling. This paper will provide a short overview of the relevant theory of calculating the normalized discrete cosine transform when analyzing obtained images, in order to find the BSE measure. Furthermore, it will be shown that the BSE measure is a strong indicator, helping to determine the focal position of the optical microscope. To demonstrate the strength and robustness of the microscope system, tests have been performed using a 1951 USAF test pattern resolution chart determining the in focus position of the microscope. Finally, this method and the optical microscope system is applied to analyze an optical grating (100 lines/mm) demonstrating the detection of the focal position. The paper concludes with an outlook of potential applications of the presented system within quality control and surface analysis.
Circumvention and Anti-Circumvention: Rising Protectionism in Australia
Authors: ZHOU WEIHUAN
Published: January 2016

The article discusses circumvention and anti-circumvention in international trade with a focus on Australia's anti-circumvention mechanism and in particular the first anti-circumvention investigation in Australia. It identifies the major issues relating to circumvention and anti-circumvention in the GATT/WTO negotiations which have led to the failure of WTO members to conclude uniform rules on anti-circumvention. The article argues that multilateral anti-circumvention rules are necessary to standardize national anti-circumvention laws and practice and discipline unilateral use of anti-circumvention measures. The article further argues that Australia's anti-circumvention law and practice, as reflected in its first anti-circumvention investigation, may have violated WTO rules and is likely to lead to increasing protectionism to cost of WTO members and Australia's FTA trading partners. Australia's unjustified use of anti-circumvention measures is unlikely to foster the development of its import-competing industries and may provoke retaliation by other countries.
TEST IDEALS IN RINGS WITH FINITELY GENERATED ANTI-CANONICAL ALGEBRAS
Authors: Chiecchio Alberto , Enescu Florian , Miller Lance Edward , Schwede Karl
Published: January 2016

Many results are known about test ideals and$F$-singularities for$\mathbb{Q}$-Gorenstein rings. In this paper, we generalize many of these results to the case when the symbolic Rees algebra${\mathcal{O}}_{X}\oplus {\mathcal{O}}_{X}(-K_{X})\oplus {\mathcal{O}}_{X}(-2K_{X})\oplus \cdots \,$is finitely generated (or more generally, in the log setting for$-K_{X}-\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E5}$). In particular, we show that the$F$-jumping numbers of$\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}(X,\mathfrak{a}^{t})$are discrete and rational. We show that test ideals$\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}(X)$can be described by alterations as in Blickle–Schwede–Tucker (and hence show that splinters are strongly$F$-regular in this setting – recovering a result of Singh). We demonstrate that multiplier ideals reduce to test ideals under reduction modulo$p$when the symbolic Rees algebra is finitely generated. We prove that Hartshorne–Speiser–Lyubeznik–Gabber-type stabilization still holds. We also show that test ideals satisfy global generation properties in this setting.
Compact dual-band bandpass filter using open stub-loaded stepped impedance resonator with cross-slots
Authors: Denis Bukuru , Song Kaijun , Zhang Fan
Published: January 2016

A compact dual-band bandpass filter using stub-loaded stepped impedance resonator (SLSIR) with cross-slots is presented. The symmetric SLSIR is analyzed using even- and odd-mode techniques. Design equations are derived and they are used to guide the design of the circuits. Two passbands can be easily tuned by cross-slots and open stubs. Transmission zeros among each passbands are created, resulting in high isolation and frequency selectivity. An experimental circuit is fabricated and evaluated to validate the design concept. The fabricated filter is compact with 19.76 × 12.7 mm2. The measurement results are in good agreement with the full-wave simulation results.
Andrew C. Revkin Receives 2015 Robert C. Cowen Award for Sustained Achievement in Science Journalism
Authors:   AGU
Published: January 2016

Andrew C. Revkin received the 2015 Robert C. Cowen Award for Sustained Achievement in Science Journalism at the American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 16 December 2015 in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes "a journalist or team of journalists who have made significant, lasting, and consistent contributions to accurate reporting on the Earth and space sciences for the general public."
Where Curiosity Has Taken Us
Authors: Vasavada Ashwin
Published: January 2016

The Curiosity rover, one of NASA's flagship missions, analyzes Martian geology, geochemistry, climatology, and radiation to assess whether Mars could have supported microbial life.
New Technology and Teamwork to Tackle Ocean Color Radiometry
Authors: Stuart Venetia , Bernard Stewart , Dierssen Heidi
Published: January 2016

International Ocean Colour Science Meeting; San Francisco, California, 15–18 June 2015