bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Southern high-latitude terrestrial climate change during the Paleocene–Eocene derived from a marine pollen record (ODP Site 1172, East Tasman Plateau)
Authors: Contreras L. , Pross J. , Bijl P. K. , O'Hara R. B. , Raine J. I. , Sluijs A. , Brinkhuis H.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Reconstructing the early Paleogene climate dynamics of terrestrial settings in the high southern latitudes is important to assess the role of high-latitude physical and biogeochemical processes in the global climate system. However, whereas a number of high-quality Paleogene climate records has become available for the marine realm of the high southern latitudes over the recent past, the long-term evolution of coeval terrestrial climates and ecosystems is yet poorly known. We here explore the climate and vegetation dynamics on Tasmania from the middle Paleocene to the early Eocene (60.7–54.2 Ma) based on a sporomorph record from Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Site 1172 on the East Tasman Plateau. Our results show that three distinctly different vegetation types thrived on Tasmania under a high-precipitation regime during the middle Paleocene to early Eocene, with each type representing different temperature conditions: (i) warm-temperate forests dominated by gymnosperms that were dominant during the middle and late Paleocene; (ii) cool-temperate forests dominated by southern beech (Nothofagus) and araucarians across the middle/late Paleocene transition interval (~59.5 to ~59.0 Ma); and (iii) paratropical forests rich in ferns that were established during and in the wake of the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM). The transient establishment of cool-temperate forests lacking any frost-sensitive elements (i.e., palms and cycads) across the middle/late Paleocene transition interval indicates markedly cooler conditions, with the occurrence of frosts in winter, on Tasmania during that time. The integration of our sporomorph data with previously published TEX86-based sea-surface temperatures from ODP Site 1172 documents that the vegetation dynamics on Tasmania were closely linked with the temperature evolution in the Tasman sector of the Southwest Pacific region. Moreover, the comparison of our season-specific climate estimates for the sporomorph assemblages from ODP Site 1172 with the TEX86L- and TEX86H-based temperature data suggests a warm-season bias of both calibrations for the early Paleogene of the high southern latitudes.
The next generation airborne polarimetric Doppler weather radar
Authors: Vivekanandan J. , Lee W.-C. , Loew E. , Salazar J. L. , Grubišić V. , Moore J. , Tsai P.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Results from airborne field deployments emphasized the need to obtain concurrently high temporal and spatial resolution measurements of 3-D winds and microphysics. A phased array radar on an airborne platform using dual-polarization antenna has the potential for retrieving high resolution, collocated 3-D winds and microphysical measurements. Recently, ground-based phased array radar (PAR) demonstrated the high time resolution estimation of accurate Doppler velocity and reflectivity of precipitation and clouds when compared to mechanically scanning radar. PAR uses the electronic scanning (e-scan) to rapidly collect radar measurements. Since an airborne radar has a limited amount of time to collect measurements over a specified sample volume, the e-scan will significantly enhance temporal and spatial resolution of airborne radar observations. At present, airborne weather radars use mechanical scan, and they are not designed for collecting dual-polarization measurements to remotely estimate microphysics. This paper presents a possible configuration of a novel Airborne Phased Array Radar (APAR) to be installed on an aircraft for retrieving improved dynamical and microphysical scientific products. The proposed APAR would replace the aging, X-band Electra Doppler radar (ELDORA). The ELDORA X-band radar's penetration into precipitation is limited by attenuation. Since attenuation at C-band is lower than at X-band, the design specification of a C-band airborne phased array radar (APAR) and its measurement accuracies are presented.
Limiting the parameter space in the Carbon Cycle Data Assimilation System (CCDAS)
Authors: Kemp S. , Scholze M. , Ziehn T. , Kaminski T.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. Terrestrial ecosystem models are employed to calculate the sources and sinks of carbon dioxide between land and atmosphere. These models may be heavily parameterised. Where reliable estimates are unavailable for a parameter, it remains highly uncertain; uncertainty of parameters can substantially contribute to overall model output uncertainty. This paper builds on the work of the terrestrial Carbon Cycle Data Assimilation System (CCDAS), which, here, assimilates atmospheric CO2 concentrations to optimise 19 parameters of the underlying terrestrial ecosystem model (Biosphere Energy Transfer and Hydrology scheme, BETHY). Previous experiments have shown that the identified minimum may contain non-physical parameter values. One way to combat this problem is to use constrained optimisation and so avoid the optimiser searching non-physical regions. Another technique is to use penalty terms in the cost function, which are added when the optimisation searches outside of a specified region. The use of parameter transformations is a further method of avoiding this problem, where the optimisation is carried out in a transformed parameter space, thus ensuring that the optimal parameters at the minimum are in the physical domain. We compare these different methods of achieving meaningful parameter values, finding that the parameter transformation method shows consistent results and the other two provide no useful results.
Atmospheric processes triggering the Central European floods in June 2013
Authors: Grams C. M. , Binder H. , Pfahl S. , Piaget N. , Wernli H.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. In June 2013 Central Europe was hit by a century flood affecting the Danube and Elbe catchments after a 4 day period of heavy precipitation and causing severe human and economic loss. In this study model analysis and observational data are investigated to reveal the key atmospheric processes that caused the heavy precipitation event. The period preceeding the flood was characterised by a weather regime associated with cool and unusual wet conditions resulting from repeated Rossby wave breaking (RWB). During the event a single RWB established a reversed baroclinicity in the low to mid troposphere in Central Europe with cool air trapped over the Alps and warmer air to the North. The upper-level cut-off resulting from the RWB instigated three consecutive cyclones in eastern Europe that unusually tracked westward during the days of heavy precipitation. Continuous large-scale slantwise ascent in so-called "upside down" warm conveyor belts (WCBs) associated with these cyclones is found as the key process that caused the 4 day heavy precipitation period. Fed by moisture sources from continental evapotranspiration, these WCBs unusually ascended equatorward along the southward sloping moist isentropes. Although "upside down" WCBs are climatologically rare events, they have great potential for causing high impact weather.
A treatment resistant hypokalemia case associated with leflunomide
Authors: Aktas Gulali , Karacay Sevim , Ozmen Esma , Alcelik Aytekin , Isci Ahsen Zeyrek
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Leflunomide is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug which is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The most common side effect of leflunomide is diarrhea, however, hypokalemia may also develop during treatment with this drug. Here, we present a case with treatment resistant hypokalemia in a patient who has been on leflunomide treatment for approximately 8 weeks for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Case report: Fifty six years old woman was admitted to internal medicine outpatient clinic with complaints of weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, abnormal weight loss (approximately 10 kilograms) and arthralgias for 3 weeks. Laboratory analyse revealed hypokalemia on admission (serum potassium: 2.3 mmol/L). Potassium chloride was infused in isotonic solutions with close monitoring; a potassium value of 4.5 mmol/L was achieved on the fifth day of treatment. Her complaints such as nausea, constipation, lack of appetite were decreased with normalization of serum potassium. Conclusion: We suggest close electrolyte monitoring is important if leflunomide treatment was planning especially in patients whose treatment regimens include multiple medications.
The gynoecium structure in Dracaena fragrans (L.) Ker Gawl., Sansevieria parva N.E. Brown and S. trifasciata Prain (Asparagaceae) with special emphasis on the structure of the septal nectary
Authors: Odintsova Anastasiya , Fishchuk Oksana , Sulborska Aneta
Published: January 2014

In the gynoecium of Dracaena fragrans, Sansevieria parva and S. trifasciata, the vertical zonality of the ovary, the structural zonality of the gynoecium following Leinfellner, and the zonality of the septal nectary were studied. The ovary structure is characterised by a high parenchymatous ovary base and ovary roof as well as a long septal nectary that can be extended in both of them and opens with secretory nectary splits. The gynoecium of these species has a short synascidiate zone, a fertile hemisynascidiate zone with a median ovule attached, a hemisymlicate zone (only in D. fragrans) and an asymplicate zone (with postgenitally fused carpels) that comprises the ovary roof, common style and stigma. In the septal nectary, we detected three vertical zones: the basal zone of the distinct nectary in the ovary base or/and the synascidiate zone, the zone of the common nectary (in the hemisynascidiate and hemisymlicate zones) and the zone of the external nectary (the nectary splits in the asymplicate zone). The gynoecium structure in the studied species shows differences in the length of the gynoecium and septal nectary zones and also in the interrelationships of all these three types of vertical zonality.
Characteristics of blooming and pollen in flowers of two Syringa species (f. Oleaceae)
Authors: Denisow Bożena , Strzałkowska-Abramek Monika
Published: January 2014

The observations were conducted in long-term sequence studies in the years 2006, 2009, 2013, in the Lublin area, Poland (51o 16’ N, 22o 30’ E). The flowering phenology, diurnal pattern of blooming, pollen production and insect visitation to the shrubs of Syringa oblata Lindl. var. dilatata (Nakai) Rehd. and S. meyeri ‘Palibin’ Schn. were examined. Syringa oblata var. dilatata and S. meyeri ‘Palibin’ blo- omed from the mid May till mid June. The species are characteristic of early morning diurnal pattern of blooming, with approx. of 60% of daily instalment of flowers opened before 9.00 (GMT + 2h). Both species studied had the corolla tube 2-fold deeper during the pollen shedding phase compared to bud stage (mean = 14.9 mm ± 3.2 SD vs. 7.8 mm ± 2.8). No species effect was found for the size of anthers, for the mass of pollen produced in anthers and for the pollen viability. A constant number of 2 stamens in the flowers of Syringa species entailed the pollen yield was derivative mainly to the number of developed flowers. Therefore significant differences were noted for the pollen yield between individual shrubs (mean 0.9 kg for S. meyeri ‘Palibin’, and 8.1 kg/ha for S. oblata var. dilatata ). The Syringa oblata var. dilatata and S. meyeri ‘Palibin’ due to their attractive flowering period, and the abundance of blooming are suitable for different ornamental designs in urban areas. Unfortunately, despite the entomophilous flower traits, the insect visitors appeared sporadically.
Detection, isolation, and preliminary characterization of bacteria contaminating plant tissue cultures
Authors: Kałużna Monika , Mikiciński Artur , Sobiczewski Piotr , Zawadzka Marta , Zenkteler Elżbieta , Orlikowska Teresa
Published: January 2014

In order to limit the contamination problem in plant tissue cultures experiments on selection of media suitable for detection and isolation of bacteria contaminating plant tissue explants, and preliminary characterization of isolates were made. In the first experiment aiming at detection of bacteria in plant explants four strains representing genera most often occurring at our survey of plant tissue cultures, and earlier isolated and identified (Bacillus, Methylobacterium, Pseudomonas and Xanthomonas) were streaked on five bacteriological media (NA, King B, K, R2A and 523) and on the medium used for plant culture initiation – ½ MS with milk albumin (IM). All strains grew on all media but on K and IM at the slowest rate and on 523 medium at the fastest. The IM medium proved to be useful for immediate bacteria detection at the initial stage of culture. In the second experiment, aiming at characterization of isolates on the basis of colony growth and morphology 14 strains (Agrobacterium, Bacillus, Curtobacterium, Flavobacterium, Lactobacillus, Methylobacterium – 2 strains Mycobacterium, Paenibacillus, Plantibacterium, Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Xanthomonas, and species Serratia marcescens) were streaked on five microbiological media: KB, NBY, YDC, YNA and YPGA. All strains grew on all those media but at different rates. The only exception was the strain of Lactobacillus spp., which did not grow on King B medium. This medium allowed the detection of such characteristic traits as fluorescence (Pseudomonas) and secretion of inclusions (Stenotrophomonas). The third experiment was focussed on assessment of the sensitivity of detection of specific bacteria in pure cultures and in plant tis- sue cultures using standard PCR and BIO-PCR techniques with genus specific primers and 2 methods of DNA isolation. Results showed that the use of Genomic Mini kit enabled an increase of the sensitivity by 100 times as compared to extraction of DNA by boiling. Moreover, the application of BIO-PCR increased sensitivity of detection from 102 to 105 times over the standard PCR. If looking for unknown cultivable bacteria more effective detection seems to be use of microbiological method enabling detection on bacteriological media single cells in the fragments of explants or in wash liquids, in which fragmented explants were shaken.
Loop-mediated isothermal amplification as a good tool to study changing Leptosphaeria populations in oilseed rape plants and air samples
Authors: Jędryczka Małgorzata , Burzyński Adam , Brachaczek Andrzej , Langwiński Wojciech , Song Peiling , Kaczmarek Joanna
Published: January 2014

LAMP is an innovative, simple, rapid, specific and cost-effective nucleic acid amplification method. Due to the use of a special enzyme – GspSSD polymerase, the reaction takes a short time and can be performed at isothermal conditions. The sensitivity and specificity of LAMP technique is significantly higher, than standard PCR techniques, as two or three specific primer pairs are used. The technique is regarded as a useful tool for the detection and identification of plant pathogens. In this work, LAMP was used to study the composition of the population of fungi of the genus Leptosphaeria, causing a damaging disease of oilseed rape, called blackleg or stem canker. The detection concerned DNA present in fungal spores contained in air samples obtained using Hirst-type volumetric trap, in Pomerania (north Poland) in 2010. The results achieved using the LAMP technique were similar to these obtained with previously used, highly specific method of Real-time PCR. Conducting LAMP reaction was much easier and less time-and cost-consuming, due to a simplified method of DNA isolation of pathogens from plant tissues. Then, the LAMP technique was used to assess the composition of the population of Leptosphaeria spp. in plants of oil- seed rape collected from the field in the Opole region (south-we- stern part of Poland) in 2013. In contrast to studies conducted in 2002–2003, the analysis of leaf symptoms showed a higher pro- portion of L. maculans compared to L. biglobosa, what reflects changes in the composition of pathogen population of fungi causing blackleg on oilseed rape in this part of Poland.
Consolida regalis Gray seed production as influenced by the habitat and crop plant in the western Podlasie region
Authors: Skrajna Teresa , Ługowska Maria , Skrzyczyńska Janina
Published: January 2014

Studies were conducted in 2007–2009 in the Western Podlasie region to examine the seed production potential of Consolida regalis under different habitat conditions. Consolida regalis populations from 15 sites representing the habitat amplitude of this species were examined. Thirty morphologically different plants were sampled from each habitat and soil samples were taken to determine soil contents of available phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) as well as pH. The results were statistically analysed. The seed production potential of the species studied was most strongly correlated with soil contents of magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), phosphorus (P) and soil pH. By contrast, the kind of crop plant and its cover were insignificant. Of the plant characteristics, plant height and traits associated with inflorescence structure had a significant influence on seed production potential. The populations with the greatest seed production potential produced an average of 1287 and 965 se- eds per plant. These populations were associated with the most fertile sites (good wheat soil complex) where the differences in seed production potential resulted from the nutrient contents and soil pH. By contrast, the least seeds were produced by plants growing on poor and acidic light soils. The average seed number per plant ranged from 42 to 83. Low concentrations of the nutrients examined were determined, with the soil content of magnesium being very low.
The influence of strip cropping and weed control methods on weed diversity in dent maize (Zea mays L.), narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) and oats (Avena sativa L.)
Authors: Głowacka Aleksandra
Published: January 2014

The experiment was conducted in 2008–2010 at the Experimental Station of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences in Zamość, University of Life Sciences in Lublin. The research design included two factors: I. Method of cultivation – sole cropping and strip cropping (the cultivation of three plants: maize, narrow-leafed lupin and oats, in neighboring strips); II. Weed control method – mechanical and chemical. The subject of this study was weed infestation in maize, narrow-leafed lupin and oats. The greatest diversity of weeds was found in the narrow-leafed lupine crop, while the lowest diversity in maize. The dominant weed species in maize, lupine and oats were Echinochloa crus-galli, Chenopodium album and Galinsoga parviflora which ranged from 34% to 99% of the total number of weeds. Strip cropping clearly reduced the number of weeds per unit area in the narrow-leafed lupin and oat crops as well as the aboveground dry weight of weeds in all plant species. Chemical weed control significantly decreased both the number and weight of weeds in comparison with the mechanical method.
Les sous-cultures politiques du savoir
Authors: Warren Jean-Philippe
Published: January 2014

L’idéal de la science repose sur sa neutralité axiologique. D’ordinaire, il ne vient pas à l’idée qu’une science puisse être de droite ou de gauche. Pourtant, on sait que la répartition des options idéologiques des chercheurs ne se fait pas au hasard au sein des différentes disciplines universitaires. Il existe des clivages assez solides et persistants qui distinguent des champs plus conservateurs ou progressistes que d’autres. L’analyse de la participation à la grève étudiante québécoise de 2012 par département et faculté de premier cycle confirme cette observation. Notre analyse procède en trois temps. Dans un premier temps, nous définissons les départements ou les facultés comme sous-cultures politiques en les distinguant selon leur participation au mouvement de grève. Dans un deuxième temps, nous cherchons à évaluer si des changements dans la puissance et la forme du militantisme ont affecté dans les dernières décennies les domaines des humanités, des sciences sociales et des sciences pures et appliquées. Finalement, dans la troisième partie, nous tentons de comprendre pourquoi certaines disciplines sont plus militantes et progressistes que d’autres. En conclusion, nous tentons de dégager la possibilité de définir une culture épistémo-politique de la science.
Le développement du Nord et le destin du Québec
Authors: Duhaime Gérard , Brousseau Sébastien , Grenier Josianne , Therrien Aude , Beaudoin-Jobin Charles
Published: January 2014

Le Plan Nord fut dévoilé en mai 2011 puis fut largement discuté jusqu’à l’élection législative de l’automne 2012 où le gouvernement qui le proposait fut défait. Cette étude propose d’examiner les rapports de pouvoir en cause au cours de cette période dans ce projet de développement massif des ressources naturelles du Nord du Québec. Inspirée par l’approche théorique et la méthode d’analyse du pouvoir d’influence, elle décrit et analyse le rôle tenu par chacun des acteurs principaux en présence ainsi que leurs rapports : la grande entreprise, l’État et les collectivités locales. Elle repose sur l’analyse documentaire d’un corpus constitué de plusieurs sources : informations corporatives disponibles sur Internet, documentation officielle du Gouvernement du Québec, dépouillement systématique de la presse nationale et régionale. Elle diagnostique une convergence entre les intérêts de la grande entreprise et le discours étatique, et un déchirement des collectivités locales. Dans ce contexte, il n’est pas étonnant de trouver au rang des contestataires les étudiants grévistes du printemps 2012. Les tensions que révèlent les débats au sujet du Plan Nord étaient révélatrices de tensions plus générales qui caractérisent les rapports de pouvoir au Québec, fondés sur l’approfondissement du néolibéralisme.
La longue marche des carrés rouges
Authors: Fortin Andrée
Published: January 2014

Trois livres écrits à chaud au printemps et à l’été 2012 fournissent l’occasion et le moyen de scruter la manière dont le Printemps québécois s’est lui-même mis en images et en mots : témoignages, parfois sous le mode de la poésie, du dessin et de la fiction ; textes et images de création, parfois sous le mode du témoignage ; ensemble, ils ouvrent une fenêtre sur ce Printemps et permettent de le saisir de l’intérieur, de l’aborder en tant que mouvement dans sa globalité et sa complexité, de saisir l’imaginaire qui y est à l’oeuvre, et surtout de le faire rétrospectivement. Seront mis en évidence les sujets individuels et le sujet collectif au coeur du Printemps québécois ainsi que les figures de leur adversaire, puis le passage du Je au Nous – des sujets individuels au sujet collectif – ce qui permettra de cerner tant la mémoire que le projet dont ce mouvement est porteur.
Ayurvedic therapy (Shirodhara) for Insomnia: A Case Series
Authors: Vinjamury Sivarama Prasad , Vinjamury Manjusha , Der Martirosian Claudia , Miller Judith
Published: January 2014

Background:

Insomnia is one of the most common complaints faced by primary care practitioners after pain. Non-pharmacological management of Insomnia that is noninvasive is gaining interest among patients with insomnia.

Purpose:

To determine the feasibility of recruiting and retaining participants in a clinical trial on shirodhara, Ayurvedic oil dripping therapy, for insomnia in the United States and also to investigate the therapeutic usefulness of Shirodhara for insomnia using standardized outcome measures.

Design:

Case series.

Study Intervention and Data Collection:

Shirodhara with Brahmi oil was done for 45 minutes on each participant for 5 consecutive days. Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was used to evaluate the severity of insomnia as well as to determine the response to Shirodhara therapy. Data were collected at baseline, end of the treatment (day 5) and 1 week after the treatment ended (follow-up).

Results:

Two males and eight females with a mean age of 40 years (range 23 to 72), SD ± 14.2, were enrolled in the study. One dropped out of the study, but all remaining nine participants experienced improvement at the end of treatment. The percentage of improvement range varied from 3.85% to 69.57%. At follow-up, most participants continued to improve. Comparison of means between baseline and day 5 indicated an overall significant improvement (P < .005), but in a comparison of baseline vs 1 week posttreatment the improvement was not significant (P < .089). No adverse events were reported during the study.

Conclusion:

Shirodhara with Brahmi oil may be beneficial for moderate to severe insomnia. It is feasible to recruit and retain participants for such therapies in the United States. It is important to validate these findings and investigate the mechanism of action using a larger sample and rigorous research design.
Adverse Effects of High doses of Intravenous Alpha Lipoic Acid on Liver Mitochondria
Authors: Vigil Michael , Berkson Burton M. , Garcia Ana Patricia
Published: January 2014

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA, thioctic acid), among other actions, is an essential coenzyme in the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl co-enzyme A. Therefore, it is necessary for the production of energy for aerobic organisms. Scientists have found that it can be used medically to help regenerate liver tissue, reverse the complications of diabetes mellitus, slow or stop the growth of cancer cells, and chelate heavy metals, among other actions. In this article, the authors describe the cellular mitochondrial damage from excessively high doses of this beneficial agent.
Low loss silica high-mesa waveguide for infrared sensing
Authors: Chen Jiao , Hokazono Hirohito , Nakashima Daisuke , Tsujino Miki , Hashizume Yasuaki , Itoh Mikitaka , Hamamoto Kiichi
Published: January 2014

A high-mesa waveguide is attractive as a certain portion of propagation light profiles out of the waveguide, which can be used for infrared absorption. One of the issues for a high-mesa waveguide is its propagation loss, since high propagation loss decreases the propagation light power, which restricts sensing capabilities. In this paper, we propose a silica high-mesa waveguide for infrared sensing and demonstrate its low propagation loss possibility. The implemented waveguide showed a low propagation loss of 0.02 dB/cm successfully.
Laparoscopy-assisted Total Gastrectomy: A Simplified Approach
Authors: Muguruma Kazuya , Tanaka Hiroaki , Sakurai Katsunobu , Toyokawa Takahiro , Kubo Naoshi , Yamashita Yoshito , Sawada Tetsuji , Ohira Masaichi , Hirakawa Kosei
Published: January 2014

Laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG), esophagojejunostomy is an effective but difficult procedure to perform. We describe a simple modification that substantially facilitates insertion of the anvil into the esophagus and avoids oral injuries and complications. After mobilization of the stomach and esophagus, a semicircumferential esophagotomy is made at the anterior esophageal wall. An OrVil anvil (Orvil, Covidien, Norwalk, CT, USA) is delivered laparoscopically and secured with a POLYSORB (Covidien) suture to the esophagus. The suture is advanced anteriorly so that the center rod penetrates the esophageal wall. The esophagus is transected with the stapler at this point. A circular-stapled esophagojejunostomy is then performed using the hemidouble stapling technique. Laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomies were performed for 40 patients with gastric cancers (T1N0M0). All procedures were completed laparoscopically without any complications. The time required to place the anvil averaged 5 min compared with 9 min reported by others. There were no major complications or mortality in this series. The major advantage of this technique is that circular stapling is much easier than linear stapling, allowing surgeons without advanced surgical skills in LATG to perform the procedure effectively and safely.
Measures for Preventing Wound Infections During Elective Open Surgery for Colorectal Cancer: Scrubbing With Gauze
Authors: Goi Takanori , Ueda Yuki , Nakazawa Toshiyuki , Sawai Katsuji , Morikawa Mitsuhiro , Yamaguchi Akio
Published: January 2014

In addition to the general surgical-site infection prevention measures in colorectal cancer surgery, we performed a simple subcutaneous scrubbing procedure with gauze at the time of abdominal closure, which reduced the incidence of wound infections. There are 289 patients whose primary colon cancer lesions were removed by elective surgeries. They were divided into Group A (74 patients with no wound infection prevention measures who were treated from 2002 to 2003), Group B (76 patients with wound infection prevention measures who were treated from 2007 to 2008), and Group C (139 patients with subcutaneous scrubbing with gauze plus the measures in Group B who were treated from 2009 to 2012). The incidence in Group A was 23%, while the corresponding values in Group B and Group C were 14.5% and 2.9%, respectively. The incidence of wound infections was substantially reduced by additional subcutaneous scrubbing with a saline solution and gauze during closure of a surgical incision. This very simple procedure was considered useful for surgical site infection prevention.
Mixed Adenoneuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Colon Progressed Rapidly After Hepatic Rupture: Report of a Case
Authors: Ito Hiromitsu , Kudo Atsushi , Matsumura Satoshi , Ban Daisuke , Irie Takumi , Ochiai Takanori , Nakamura Noriaki , Tanaka Shinji , Tanabe Minoru
Published: January 2014

The rupture of a metastatic mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC) has not been previously reported, although the neuroendocrine cell carcinoma is often associated with a high incidence of hepatic metastases. The patient was a 39-year-old male who presented with upper abdominal pain over 3 months. Computed tomography showed multiple tumors in both hepatic lobes, while lower gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a tumor in the transverse colon. Histopathologic examination of the tumor revealed it to be a neuroendocrine cell carcinoma. After the resection of the primary tumor, hepatic metastases rapidly increased, and one of them in the left lateral segment was ruptured with significant hemorrhage. The rupture led us to undertake the emergency operation to stop the bleeding. Histology showed a high-grade large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma associated with moderately differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma. The Ki-67 labeling index was 80% (G3). The diagnosis was mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma according to the 2010 World Health Organization guidelines. Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy, systemic chemotherapy, and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization did not decrease the tumor progress, and the patient died on postoperative day 110. Reporting this highly malignant case, I hope all doctors can be interested in MANEC.
Comment on a perspective: Molecular detections of new agents in finfish—Interpreting biological significance for fish health management
Authors: Mordecai Gideon , Di Cicco Emiliano , Deeg Christoph , Bateman Andrew , Teffer Amy , Miller Kristi
Published: July 2024

Impact statement The rapid development of genomic technologies has begun a new paradigm in the study and management of emerging infectious diseases. To inform the conservation of fish, here we examine different perspectives on how to determine thresholds for management action in the context of molecular tools and fisheries policy.
Adaptive fuzzy ABLF function fixed‐time tracking control method for nonlinear fault‐tolerant control systems with event triggering mechanism
Authors: You Guodong , Li Xingyun , Wu Jinyuan , Xu Bin , Ge Leijiao , Shen Zhifang , Zhang Hailong
Published: July 2024

As the nonlinearities of many real physical controlled systems become stronger and stronger, they are difficult to be described by accurate mathematical models. For a class of nonlinear single‐input single‐output systems with all‐state constraints and actuator faults, an event‐triggered adaptive fuzzy ABLF function fixed‐time tracking control method is proposed. The asymmetric barrier Lyapunov function (ABLF) combined with backward step technique is used to ensure the boundedness of the closed‐loop system output. In order to solve the problem of limited bandwidth resources, this paper adopts the event trigger mechanism and fuzzy control technology to approximate the unknown function to ensure the convergence of the system in a fixed time. After theoretical analysis, it is proved that the tracking error of the system converges in the small neighborhood of the origin, and it still has good tracking performance when the actuator faults. Finally, by comparing the proposed method with the asymmetric barrier Lyapunov function, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Fatigue Crack Characteristics in Gradient Predeformed Pearlitic Steel under Multiaxial Loading
Authors: Gren Daniel , Ahlström Johan , Ekh Magnus
Published: July 2024

Rolling contact fatigue of railway rails not only severely deforms the surface material near the rail head, but also induces an anisotropy in the mechanical behavior due to work hardening and alignment of the microstructure along the shear direction. Cracks typically initiate in this region and propagate along the aligned microstructure. The fatigue behavior of rails is evaluated under uniaxial loading in the undeformed material state. However, this is not representative of the contact loading condition and material performance after years of service. Herein, the nonproportional multiaxial fatigue of as‐received and biaxially predeformed pearlitic rail steel R260 is investigated. Four material states are investigated, corresponding to the microstructure found at different depths from the severely deformed surface material at the rail head. A starting notch is machined by electrical discharge machining to control crack initiation and allow for comparable surface crack propagation measurements. The crack path is found to be strongly influenced by the degree of predeformation while the early surface crack propagation rate is found to be similar for all material states.
Direct Fabrication of 3D Electrodes Based on Graphene and Conducting Polymers for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Jimoh Musibau Francis , Carson Gray Scott , Anderson Mackenzie Babetta , El‐Kady Maher F. , Kaner Richard B.
Published: July 2024

The development of commercially viable composite conducting polymer electrodes for energy storage is limited by the requirement of multiple and complex fabrication steps, low energy density, and poor cycling stability. In this work, a straightforward, economical, single‐step method is developed for creating densely packed nanostructured PEDOT/graphene composite material demonstrating its application as an electrode for supercapacitors. The electrode achieved the highest mass loading reported so far in the literature for composite vapor phase polymerized PEDOT/rGO using aqueous FeCl3 (25.2 mg cm−2), and displayed an ultrahigh areal capacitance of 4628.3 mF cm−2 at 0.5 mA cm−2. The symmetric two‐electrode setup displayed an energy density of 169.3 µWh cm−2 and a 70% capacitance retention after 70 000 cycles, showcasing its exceptional performance and durability.
Electron Donor–Acceptor Activated Single Atomic Sites for Boosting Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Ye Shenghua , Zhang Dantong , Ou Zhijun , Zheng Lirong , Liu Wenchao , Chen Wenda , Xu Yuan , Li Yongliang , Ren Xiangzhong , Ouyang Xiaoping , Xue Dongfeng , Yan Xueqing , Zhang Qianling , Liu Jianhong
Published: July 2024

Fabricating efficient non‐platinum‐group‐metal catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in proton‐exchange membrane fuel cells still remains a big challenge. This study creates a unique bamboo‐like architecture of Mn and Fe single atomic sites (SASs) anchored on core‐shell structure of nanopaticles@carbon nanotubes (MnFe SASs/NPs@CNTs) via a precursor route, where the Fe nanoparticles (NPs) (identified as γ‐Fe and Austenite) are confined into CNTs, such an architecture exhibits compelling ORR activity and durability in 0.1 m HClO4. Experiments and calculations both reveal that the electron donor–acceptor paradigm between Mn SASs and Fe NPs launches a lattice‐electron coupling mechanism not only increasing occupation of π‐antibonding orbital in Mn−*O intermediates but also rising Jahn–Teller effect, thereby destabilize the Mn−*O intermediate and eventually facilitate the potential‐limiting step from *O to *OH. Such a coupling activation of the ORR‐inert Mn SASs greatly improves ORR performances of MnFe SASs/NPs@CNTs.
Bilayer Borophenes Exhibit Silicon‐Like Bandgap and Carrier Mobilities
Authors: Xu Ying , Wang Zhenxian , Xuan Xiaoyu , Zhang Zhuhua , Guo Wanlin
Published: July 2024

Borophene, a boron analogue of graphene, is typically metallic, while all bulk boron phases are insulating. Here, we predict by first‐principles calculations that recently synthesized bilayer borophene, being suggested to be composed of two stacked v1/12 sheets, is a semiconductor with a bandgap of 1.13 eV, almost the same as that of silicon. It is shown that the stacking mode between two boron sheets as well as the density and pattern of the interlayer boron‐boron (B─B) bonds are the key factors for opening the bandgap in the otherwise metallic boron sheet. Moreover, the bilayer borophene exhibits electron mobility of 878.6 cm2 V−1 s−1 and a significantly higher optical absorption coefficient in the visible region than silicon. These excellent electronic and optical properties hosted in a two atom‐thick space, together with high thermal and mechanical stability, position the bilayer borophene as a promising nanomaterial for maintaining the miniaturization of electronics.
Electron Bridge Effect Induced by Oxygen‐Bridged Ga on PdMo Bimetallene Nanoribbons for Boosting Electrocatalytic Alkynol Semihydrogenation
Authors: Wang Wenxin , Yang Ruidong , Mao Qiqi , Mu Xu , Yu Hongjie , Deng Kai , Wang Jianguo , Wang Liang , Wang Hongjing
Published: July 2024

The utilization of green hydrogen sources in H2O for alkynols electrocatalytic semihydrogenation reaction (ESHR) at ambient temperature provides a promising pathway toward the sustainable conversion of alkynols. However, it is still a great challenge to construct specific interfacial structure to adjust the electronic structure of Pd for the purpose of altering the strong adsorption of Pd with active hydrogen to enhance the production of alkenols. Here, the atomically dispersed GaOx‐PdMo bimetallene nanoribbons (GaOx‐PdMo BNRs) via oxygen bridging Ga atoms is designed to the surface of PdMo BNRs for 2‐methyl‐3‐butyn‐2‐ol (MBY) ESHR to the synthesis of 2‐methyl‐3‐buten‐2‐ol (MBE). The GaOx‐PdMo BNRs achieve the excellent MBE selectivity (≈97.4%), Faraday efficiency (≈96.1%), and maintain long‐term stability. Density functional theory demonstrates that the top electron‐enriched Ga atoms and the bottom electron‐deficient Pd atoms construct a “pyramidal” interface via the oxygen bridge. The unique surface can effectively activate H2O and weaken interaction between catalyst and MBE, thus promoting MBE generation. Moreover, the electron bridge effect between Ga‐O‐PdMo can induce p‐d orbital hybridization to achieve lower the d‐band center of surface Pd thus modulating the reactants adsorption. This work provides a strategy to improve ESHR performance by electron bridge effect to modulate interfacial electron distribution.
Redirecting Tumor Evolution with Nanocompiler Precision for Enhanced Therapeutic Outcomes
Authors: Sun Wenshe , Cai Biao , Zhao Zejun , Li Shilun , He Yutian , Xie Shaowei
Published: July 2024

Precisely programming the highly plastic tumor expression profile to render it devoid of drug resistance and metastatic potential presents immense challenges. Here, a transformative nanocompiler designed to reprogram and stabilize the mutable state of tumor cells is introduced. This nanocompiler features a trio of components: 2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose‐modified lipid nanoparticles to inhibit glucose uptake, iron oxide nanoparticles to induce oxidative stress, and a deubiquitinase inhibitor to block adaptive protein profile changes in tumor cells. By specifically targeting the hypermetabolic nature of tumors, this approach disrupted their energy production, ultimately fostering a state of vulnerability and impeding their ability to adapt and resist. The results of this study indicate a substantial reduction in tumor growth and metastasis, thus demonstrating the potential of this strategy to manipulate tumor protein expression and fate. This proactive nanocompiler approach promises to steer cancer therapy toward more effective and lasting outcomes.
Bidirectional, Multilayer MXene/Polyimide Aerogels for Ultra‐Broadband Microwave Absorption
Authors: Wang Xin , Chen Xiaoming , He Qingyuan , Hui Yaozu , Xu Chaofan , Wang Baichuan , Shan Feihu , Zhang Jie , Shao Jinyou
Published: July 2024

To obtain high‐performance electromagnetic microwave (EM) absorption materials with broad effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) and reduced thickness, designing structures has proved to be a promising way. Herein, ultra‐broadband multilayer bidirectional MXene/polyimide EM absorption aerogels containing multi‐structures on scales ranging from the micro‐ to the macroscale are produced with the aid of electric and temperature fields. On the microscale, under the action of electric force and temperature gradient, the ordered structures made of aligned Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets and the microscale layered aerogel walls enable the bidirectional aerogel to achieve a wide EAB of 8.58 GHz at a thickness of 2.1 mm. This is ascribed to the numerous aligned nanosheets and layered aerogel walls perpendicular to the incident EMs, facilitating the conversion of electromagnetic energy into electrical energy. Furthermore, on the macroscale, the multilayer bidirectional aerogel with non‐gradient structures effectively resolves the conflict between impedance matching and energy loss, resulting in an ultrawide EAB of 9.41 GHz at a thickness of 3 mm. This innovative design of electric‐field‐assisted multilayer bidirectional aerogels with multiscale structural coupling may provide feasible and effective pathways for the development of advanced EM absorption materials.
Recent Advances in Self‐Powered Electrochemical Biosensors for Early Diagnosis of Diseases
Authors: Galstyan Vardan , D'Onofrio Ilenia , Liboà Aris , De Giorgio Giuseppe , Vurro Davide , Rovati Luigi , Tarabella Giuseppe , D'Angelo Pasquale
Published: July 2024

Modern sensing technologies are highly required for health monitoring. In this respect, the development of small‐size, high‐performance, and self‐powered biosensors for detecting and quantifying disease markers in biofluids can bring crucial changes and improvements to the concept of health monitoring systems. Clinical trials identify a wide range of biomarkers in biofluids that provide significant health information. Research into novel functional materials with outstanding properties opens up new perspectives for fabricating new‐generation biosensors. Furthermore, energy conversion and storage units are investigated to integrate them into biosensors and develop self‐powered systems. Electrochemical methods are very attractive for applications in biosensor technology, both in terms of biomarker detection and energy generation. Here the recent achievements in research into self‐powered electrochemical biosensors to detect sweat and saliva biomarkers are presented. Potential biomarkers for efficient analysis of these fluids are discussed in light of their importance in identifying various diseases. The influence of electrode materials on the performance of sensors is discussed. Progress in developing operating strategies for self‐powered electrochemical monitoring systems is also discussed. A summary and outlook are presented, mentioning major achievements and current issues to be explored.
Catalytic Deoxygenative Transformation of Ketoacids/Esters for the Synthesis of Coumarin, Benzofuranone, and Dihydrobenzo[b]oxepin‐2(3H)‐one Derivatives
Authors: Yadav Naveen , Khan Jabir , Kumar Hazra Chinmoy
Published: July 2024

We disclose herein a triflic acid and silane‐promoted reductive deoxygenative transformation of ketoacid/esters for the divergent synthesis of different‐sized lactones, which hold substantial significance in pharmaceutical and natural product chemistry. Owing to the simple reaction conditions and setup, this protocol features broad substrate generality, scalability, and good functional group tolerance, including late‐stage functionalization of pharmaceutical compounds and natural products. The control experiments and detailed NMR study provide insight into the reaction mechanism.
Synthesis of Cyclohexenone(aryl)iodonium Salts and Their Application in Construction of Fused aza‐Heterocyclic Skeletons
Authors: Zhang Shuoshuo , Xu Lingzhi , Li Xuemin , Yang Zhifang , Shi Haofeng , Li Yadong , Du Yunfei
Published: July 2024

A class of cyclohexenone(aryl)iodonium salts was readily prepared from 2‐iodocyclohexenones and arenes under mild conditions. This novel series of hypervalent iodonium building blocks exhibits dual characteristics of hyperiodonium salts and α,β‐unsaturated cyclic ketones, enabling access to intricate aza‐heterocycles. The reaction of these cyclohexenone(aryl)iodonium salts with arylamines or aryl sulfonamides affords 2‐acylaziridines, while with 2‐aminobenzimidazoles or 2‐aminoimidazoles leads to the formation of the 1H‐imidazo[1,2‐a]imidazole‐fused compounds. The transformation is postulated to proceed through an exclusive hyperiodonium‐mediated N‐Michael addition followed by N‐annulation cascade.
Recent Advances on Direct Phosphorothiolation Reactions
Authors: Zheng Haifa , Peng Ju , Liu Xiang , Zhao Ping
Published: July 2024

Organophosphorothioates are organic molecules containing sulfur and phosphorus, with significant biological activity and physicochemical properties, widely used in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and the agrochemical industry. In particular, many phosphorothioates display a variety of biological activities, such as antifungal, antibacterial, anti‐parasite, anticancer, and so on. Traditionally, the synthesis of phosphorothioates has mainly relied on indirect methods involving the construction of S−P bond. In recent years, direct phosphorothiolation has gained attention as a reliable and rapid method for introducing the −S−P(O)(OR)2 group into parent molecules. This article reviews the latest advances in direct phosphorothiolation reactions, categorized based on the different sources of the −S−P(O)(OR)2 group.
Rapid (Deuterio)difluoromethylation of Heteroatoms Using R‐22 Gas: A Demonstration of Flow Chemistry in Suppressing Intrinsic Reaction Pathways
Authors: Leung Hon Cheung , Lee Tsz Chun , Wong Wing‐Tak , Fu Wai Chung
Published: July 2024

R‐22 gas (ClCF2H) is utilized in continuous flow for the installation of CF2H and CF2D groups on heteroatoms. A judiciously designed flow system suppresses the intrinsic SN2 reaction between heteroatom anions and ClCF2H, allowing for selective carbene‐based fragment coupling to yield X‐CF2D products with deuterium incorporation levels up to 96%. A broad scope of X–CF2H and X–CF2D products (X=S, O, N) is obtained with a short residence time of 5 minutes and scalability is demonstrated.