bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malignant ovarian germ cell tumors in pediatric patients: The AIEOP (Associazione Italiana Ematologia Oncologia Pediatrica) study
Authors: Terenziani M. , Bisogno G. , Boldrini R. , Cecchetto G. , Conte M. , Boschetti L. , De Pasquale M.D. , Biasoni D. , Inserra A. , Siracusa F. , Basso M.E. , De Leonardis F. , Di Pinto D. , Barretta F. , Spreafico F. , D'Angelo P.
Published: April 2017

Objective

Malignant ovarian germ cell tumors (MOGCT) carry an excellent prognosis, and the treatment aims to achieve results with the least possible treatment‐related morbidity. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of pediatric patients with MOGCT.

Methods

Patients were treated according to their stage: surgery and surveillance for stage I; a modified bleomycin–etoposide–cisplatin (BEP) regimen for stages II (three cycles), III, and IV (three cycles) with surgery on residual disease.

Results

Seventy‐seven patients were enrolled (median age 11.8 years), 26 with dysgerminoma (Dysg), 13 with immature teratoma and elevated serum alpha‐fetoprotein levels (IT + AFP), and 38 with nondysgeminoma (Non‐Dysg) staged as follows: 27 stage I, 13 stage II, 32 stage III, 5 stage IV. Among evaluable patients in stage I (5‐year event‐free survival [EFS] 72.1% [95% CI: 56.4–92.1%]; 5‐year overall survival [OS] 100%), seven relapsed (three patients with Dysg and four patients with Non‐Dysg) and were rescued with chemotherapy (plus surgery in three patients). Among the evaluable patients with stages II–IV, 48 (98%) achieved complete remission after chemotherapy ± surgery, one (IT + AFP, stage IV) had progressive disease. In the whole series (median follow‐up 80 months), the 5‐year OS and EFS were 98.5% (95% CI: 95.6–100%) and 84.5% (95% CI: 76.5–93.5%).

Conclusions

We confirm the excellent outcome for MOGCT. Robust data are lacking on surgical staging, surveillance for Non‐Dysg with stage I, the management of IT + AFP, and the most appropriate BEP regimen. As pediatric oncologists, we support the role of surveillance after proper surgical staging providing cases are managed by experts at specialized pediatric centers.
Effects of malnutrition on treatment‐related morbidity and survival of children with cancer in Nicaragua
Authors: Pribnow Allison K. , Ortiz Roberta , Báez Luis Fulgencio , Mendieta Luvy , Luna‐Fineman Sandra
Published: April 2017

Background

Most children with cancer live in resource‐limited countries where malnutrition is often prevalent. We identified the relationship between malnutrition and treatment‐related morbidity (TRM), abandonment of therapy, and survival of children with cancer in Nicaragua to better inform targeted nutritional interventions.

Procedure

We conducted a retrospective review of patients aged 6 months to 18 years with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), Wilms tumor, Hodgkin lymphoma, or Burkitt lymphoma (BL) who were treated between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2007 at Children's Hospital Manuel de Jesus Rivera in Managua, Nicaragua. Statistical analysis examined the relations among nutritional status and cancer type, risk category, TRM, and event‐free survival (EFS).

Results

Sixty‐seven percent of patients (189/282) were malnourished at diagnosis. Malnutrition was highest among patients with Wilms tumor (85.7%), BL (75%), and AML (74.3%). A total of 92.2% of patients (225/244) experienced morbidity during the first 90 days. Malnutrition was associated with severe infection (P = 0.033). Severely malnourished patients had ≥grade 3 TRM on more days (P = 0.023) and were more likely to experience severe TRM on >50% of days (P = 0.032; OR, 3.27 [95% CI, 1.05–10.16]). Malnourished patients had inferior median EFS (2.25 vs. 5.58 years; P = 0.049), and abandoned therapy more frequently (P = 0.015).

Conclusions

In Nicaragua, pediatric oncology patients with malnutrition at diagnosis experienced increased TRM, abandoned therapy more frequently, and had inferior EFS. Standardized nutritional evaluation of patients with newly diagnosed cancer and targeted provision of nutritional support are essential to decrease TRM and improve outcomes.
Mechanical and thermal properties of volcanic particle filled PLA/PBAT composites
Authors: Çoban Onur , Bora Mustafa Özgür , Kutluk Togayhan , Özkoç Güralp
Published: April 2017

This study aims to investigate the influence of volcanic particles (VPs) incorporation on the thermal and mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene‐adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) blends. Compounding was carried out using a twin‐screw microcompounder and injection molding at various PBAT contents such as 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt%. Optimum PBAT content was determined according to tensile results. 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt% VP was incorporated into optimum PLA/PBAT blend. Thermal transitions and thermal decomposition behaviors were investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. Tensile tests were performed to analyze tensile modulus and tensile strength of VP filled PLA/PBAT composites. According to the DSC and TGA results optimum thermal properties of PLA/PBAT blends were determined with 30 wt% PBAT content. Mechanical properties were decreased with PBAT incorporation. VP filling in PLA/PBAT blend achieved optimum thermal and mechanical properties with 5 wt % VP content. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1500–E1511, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Does A Major Earthquake Change Job Preferences and Human Values?
Authors: Oishi Shigehiro , Yagi Ayano , Komiya Asuka , Kohlbacher Florian , Kusumi Takashi , Ishii Keiko
Published: April 2017

Does a major natural disaster change human values and job preferences? The present studies examined whether the experience of a natural disaster experience shifts people's values and job preferences toward pro–social directions. In Study 1 (cross–temporal analysis), we analysed job application data in nine cities in Japan over 12 years and found that the popularity of pro–social occupations (e.g. firefighter) increased after the Great Hanshin–Awaji Earthquake in 1995, in particular the area hit hardest by the quake. In Study 2 (a large national survey), we found that Japanese respondents who had experienced a major earthquake are more likely to hold a pro–social job than those who never experienced a major earthquake. Together, the current findings suggest that the experience of a major natural disaster shifts human values from the egocentric to the allocentric direction, which in turn could result in a social structure that values pro–social occupations. Copyright © 2017 European Association of Personality Psychology
Hepatic expression profiles in retroviral infection: relevance to drug hypersensitivity risk
Authors: Wong Yat Yee , Johnson Brian , Friedrich Thomas C. , Trepanier Lauren A.
Published: April 2017

HIV‐infected patients show a markedly increased risk of delayed hypersensitivity (HS) reactions to potentiated sulfonamide antibiotics (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole or TMP/SMX). Some studies have suggested altered SMX biotransformation in HIV infection, but hepatic biotransformation pathways have not been evaluated directly. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is another chronic inflammatory disease with a higher incidence of sulfonamide HS, but it is unclear whether retroviral infection and SLE share risk factors for drug HS. We hypothesized that retroviral infection would lead to dysregulation of hepatic pathways of SMX biotransformation, as well as pathway alterations in common with SLE that could contribute to drug HS risk. We characterized hepatic expression profiles and enzymatic activities in an SIV‐infected macaque model of retroviral infection, and found no evidence for dysregulation of sulfonamide drug biotransformation pathways. Specifically, NAT1, NAT2, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYB5R3, MARC1/2, and glutathione‐related genes (GCLC, GCLM, GSS, GSTM1, and GSTP1) were not differentially expressed in drug naïve SIVmac239‐infected male macaques compared to age‐matched controls, and activities for SMX N‐acetylation and SMX hydroxylamine reduction were not different. However, multiple genes that are reportedly over‐expressed in SLE patients were also up‐regulated in retroviral infection, to include enhanced immunoproteasomal processing and presentation of antigens as well as up‐regulation of gene clusters that may be permissive to autoimmunity. These findings support the hypothesis that pathways downstream from drug biotransformation may be primarily important in drug HS risk in HIV infection.
Electrical transport properties and enhanced magnetoresistance effect in double perovskite La2–xCaxCoMnO6 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5)
Authors: Li Qiuhang , Xing Lei , Xu Mingxiang
Published: April 2017

Polycrystalline La2–x
Ca
x
CoMnO6 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) samples were synthesized by the standard solid‐state reaction. The crystal structure of the samples was monoclinic perovskite structure with space group of P21/n at room temperature. All the samples show semiconducting‐like behavior and the nature of electrical conduction can be well described by Mott's three‐dimensional variable range hopping model. A large negative magnetoresistance effect is observed in all samples, which may be caused by the suppression of spin‐fluctuations by the magnetic field. A resistor network theory can be appropriate to explain the features of this magnetoresistance effect. Furthermore, the magnetoresistance effect could be regulated by the concentration of Ca2+ ions. The negative magnetoresistance effect of La1.8Ca0.2CoMnO6 can be enhanced to 56% at 120 K under 7 T.
Leader‐following consensus with connectivity preservation of uncertain Euler–Lagrange multi‐agent systems
Authors: Dong Yi , Huang Jie
Published: April 2017

The leader‐following consensus problem for multiple Euler–Lagrange systems has been extensively studied for various scenarios. Under the assumption that the communication graph is jointly connected, one of our recent papers gave the solution for the case where the leader system can generate a combination of arbitrary step signal, arbitrary ramp signal, and arbitrary sinusoidal signals. In practice, it is desirable to enable the control law the capability of maintaining the connectivity of the communication graph, thus achieving the leader‐following consensus without assuming the connectivity of the communication graph. We call such a problem as leader‐following consensus with connectivity preservation. By combining the adaptive control technique and potential function technique, we will show that such a problem is solvable. By employing different potential functions, our approach may also lead to the solution of such problems as rendezvous, flocking and swarming. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stabilization by forwarding design for switched feedforward systems with unstable modes
Authors: Long Lijun
Published: April 2017

The problem of global stabilization is investigated for a class of switched nonlinear feedforward systems in this paper where the solvability of the stabilization problem for individual subsystem is not assumed. Some sufficient condition for the stabilization problem to be solvable is derived for the first time by exploiting the multiple Lyapunov functions method and the forwarding technique. Also, we design a switching law and construct bounded state feedback controllers of subsystems explicitly by a recursive design algorithm to achieve global asymptotic stability. The provided technique permits removal of a common restriction in which all subsystems in switched nonlinear feedforward systems are globally asymptotically stable. Finally, a numerical example is provided to demonstrate the feasibility of the theoretical result. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
AuRnX and XAuRn (X=F ‐ I and OH)
Authors: Li Xinying
Published: April 2017

Systematic theoretical investigations on the AuRnX and XAuRn (X=F‐I and OH) have been performed at B3LYP, MP2 and CCSD(T) theoretical levels. The linear structures, stretching frequencies and IR intensities were predicted. Analyses on dissociation energies and frontier orbitals show a decreased trend of stability down the periodic table for halogens. Natural bond orbital analyses show the σAu‐Rnand σAu‐Xbonding occured between Auspdhybrids and Rn/Xsphybrids. The Au−Rn,Au−X and Rn−X interactions, characterized by negative energy densities and positive Laplacian values together with relative small electron densities at BCPs, can be described as interactions of moderate strength with partial covalence. Analyses on electron localization functions, electron density deformations and bonding orbital coefficients found an increased covalence trend down the periodic table for halogens.
Postoperative Prolonged Inflammatory Response as a Poor Prognostic Factor After Curative Resection for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Okumura Yasuhiro , Hiki Naoki , Kumagai Koshi , Ida Satoshi , Nunobe Souya , Ohashi Manabu , Sano Takeshi
Published: April 2017

Background

Postoperative inflammatory complications are associated with poorer prognosis in gastrointestinal malignancies. The aims of this study were to clarify the impact of postoperative inflammation itself on overall survival (OS) and relapse‐free survival (RFS) in advanced gastric cancer patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 490 patients who underwent curative resection for pStage II and III gastric cancer from 2005 to 2008. We evaluated postoperative inflammation based on duration of hyperthermia (body temperature ≥38 °C) and leukocytosis (≥12,000/µL−1). OS and RFS were compared between a prolonged inflammation group and non‐prolonged inflammation group. Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazard model was performed to identify independent prognostic factors.

Results

The prolonged inflammation group comprised 57 (11.7%) patients who had hyperthermia for 4 days or longer and 42 (8.6%) patients who had leukocytosis for 7 days or longer. OS and RFS were significantly worse in the prolonged hyperthermia group (OS: hazard ratio (HR) 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19–2.73, P = 0.004; RFS: HR 1.66, 95% CI 1.08–2.45, P = 0.015). The prolonged leukocytosis group also showed significantly worse OS (HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.19–2.96, P = 0.004) and RFS (HR 1.90, 95% CI 1.19–2.88, P = 0.004). Multivariate analysis identified prolonged hyperthermia as an independent factor for predicting poor prognosis (OS: HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.13–2.68, P = 0.013; RFS: HR 1.60; 95% CI 1.03–2.39, P = 0.038).

Conclusions

Prolonged hyperthermia and leukocytosis after curative gastrectomy were associated with poorer OS and RFS in advanced gastric cancer patients.
An Exploration of Genetic Test Utilization, Genetic Counseling, and Consanguinity within the Inborn Errors of Metabolism Collaborative (IBEMC)
Authors: Stein Quinn P. , Vockley Cate Walsh , Edick Mathew J. , Zhai Shaohui , Hiner Sally J. , Loman Rebecca S. , Davis‐Keppen Laura , Zuck Taylor A. , Cameron Cynthia A. , Berry Susan A. ,   for the Inborn Errors of Metabolism Collaborative
Published: April 2017

The Inborn Errors of Metabolism Collaborative (IBEMC) includes clinicians from 29 institutions collecting data to enhance understanding of metabolic conditions diagnosable by newborn screening. Data collected includes hospitalizations, test results, services, and long‐term outcomes. Through evaluation of this data, we sought to determine how frequently genetic counseling had been provided, how often genetic testing was performed, and also determine the consanguinity rate in this population. A data query was performed with the following elements abstracted/analyzed: current age, metabolic condition, whether genetic counseling was provided (and by whom), whether genetic testing was performed, and consanguinity. Genetic counseling was provided to families 95.8% of the time and in 68.6% of cases by a genetic counselor. Genetic testing was performed on 68.0% of subjects, with usage highest for fatty‐acid‐oxidation disorders (85.1%). The rate of consanguinity was 2.38%. Within this large national collaborative there is a high frequency of genetic counseling, though in one‐third of cases a genetic counselor has not been involved. Additionally, while metabolic conditions have historically been diagnosed biochemically, there is currently high utilization of molecular testing suggesting DNA testing is being incorporated into diagnostic assessments ‐ especially for fatty‐acid‐oxidation disorders where the underlying genotype helps predict clinical presentation.
Elongated ascending aorta predicts a short distance between his‐bundle potential recording site and coronary sinus ostium
Authors: Momose Yuichi , Soejima Kyoko , Ueda Akiko , Arai Takahiro , Koyanagi Masamichi , Hagiwara Yo , Togashi Ikuko , Miwa Yosuke , Hoshida Kyoko , Miyakoshi Mutsumi , Matsushita Noriko , Nagaoka Mika , Sato Toshiaki , Nitatori Toshiaki , Yoshino Hideaki
Published: April 2017

Structured abstract

Background

When performing catheter ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), it can be difficult to maintain a safe distance from the His recording site to avoid AV block in patients with a short distance between this recording site to the coronary sinus (CS) ostium (small triangle of Koch [TOK]). In this study, we sought to identify parameters predicting small TOK and test these parameters in patients undergoing AVNRT catheter ablation.

Methods

Twenty‐eight patients who underwent catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation using a three‐dimensional (3D) electroanatomical mapping system (EAM) with computed tomography (CT) merge (23 males; mean age, 65.8±12.1 years) were included. The shortest distance between the CS ostium and His recording sites (His‐CSd) was measured on the EAM. Aortic (Ao) unfolding in chest X‐ray scan, Ao angle to the LV, Ao length, Ao to the right ventricular distance, size of the Valsalva in the CT scan, and parameters of echocardiogram were evaluated. The identified parameters were subsequently tested as predictors for small TOK in patients undergoing AVNRT ablation.

Results

The size of TOK was associated with Ao length (r = −0.70, p<0.01), left ventricular end‐systolic dimension (LVDs) (r = −0.51, p<0.01), and Ao unfolding. In patients with AVNRT, only Ao unfolding predicted a smaller TOK.

Conclusions

Small TOK was associated with longer Ao, larger LVDs, and Ao unfolding. Of these, Ao unfolding was associated with smaller TOK in patients with AVNRT.
Spectrum and Predictors of Refractory Status Epilepticus in a Developing Country
Authors: Dubey Deepanshu , Bhoi Sanjeev K. , Kalita Jayantee , Misra Usha K.
Published: April 2017

Objective:Refractory status epilepticus (RSE) can influence the outcome of status epilepticus (SE). In the present study, we report the aetiology and predictors of outcomes of RSE in a developing country.Methods:This is a prospective hospital-based study of SE patients (continuous seizures for five minutes or more). Those who had SE persisting after two antiepileptic drugs were defined as having RSE. We present the demographic information, duration, and type of SE, and we note its severity using the status epilepticus severity score (STESS), its aetiology, comorbidities and imaging findings. The outcome of RSE was defined as cessation of seizures and the condition upon discharge, as assessed by the modified Rankin Scale.Results:A total of 35 (42.5%) of our 81 patients had RSE. The median duration of SE before starting treatment was 2 hours (range=0.008-160 h). The most common causes of RSE were stroke in 5 (14.3%), central nervous system (CNS) infections in 12 (34.3%) and metabolic encephalopathies in 13 (37.1%) patients. Some 21 (60%) patients had comorbidities, and the STESS was favourable in 7 (20%) patients. A total of 14 (20%) patients died, but death was directly related to SE in only one of these. Some 10 patients had super-refractory status epilepticus, which was due to CNS infection in 5 (50%) and metabolic encephalopathy in 3 (30%). On multivariate analysis, an unfavourable STESS (p=0.05) and duration of SE before treatment (p=0.01) predicted RSE. Metabolic aetiology (p=0.05), mechanical ventilation (p<0.001) and age >60 years (p=0.003) were predictors of poor outcomes.Conclusions:RSE was common (42.5%) among patients with SE in a tertiary care center in India. It was associated with high mortality and poor outcomes. Age above 60 years and metabolic aetiology were found to be predictors of poor outcomes.
A new modular palaeopascichnid fossil Curviacus ediacaranus new genus and species from the Ediacaran Dengying Formation in the Yangtze Gorges area of South China
Authors: SHEN BING , XIAO SHUHAI , ZHOU CHUANMING , DONG LIN , CHANG JIEQIONG , CHEN ZHE
Published: April 2017

Non-biomineralizing Ediacaran macrofossils are rare in carbonate facies, but they offer valuable information about their three-dimensional internal anatomy and can broaden our view about their taphonomy and palaeoecology. In this study, we report a new Ediacaran fossil, Curviacus ediacaranus new genus and species, from bituminous limestone of the Shibantan Member of the Dengying Formation in the Yangtze Gorges area of South China. Curviacus is reconstructed as a benthic modular organism consisting of serially arranged and crescent-shaped chambers. The chambers are confined by chamber walls that are replicated by calcispars, and are filled by micritic sediments. Such modular body construction is broadly similar to the co-occurring Yangtziramulus zhangii and other Ediacaran modular fossils, such as Palaeopascichnus. The preservation style of Curviacus is similar to Yangtziramulus, although the phylogenetic affinities of both genera remain unresolved. The new fossil adds to the diversity of Ediacaran modular organisms.
Evaluating impacts of training in conservation: a case study in Mauritius
Authors: Sawrey Brittany , Copsey Jamie , Milner-Gulland E. J.
Published: April 2017

The need for increased monitoring and evaluation within the conservation sector has been well documented, and includes the monitoring and evaluation of training activities. We evaluated the impacts of a long-term training programme in Mauritius, using a questionnaire and semi-structured key informant interviews to develop a theory of change from the perspective of the trainers, and validated it against participants' perceptions of the benefits of training. Our findings indicated that an important outcome of training was to increase participants' belief that they could effect change, also called perception of control; this is related to an increase in a trainee's practical skills, which enables them to become more effective in their work. However, if a trainee's work environment was negative, the impact of training on practical skills, job performance and perception of control was lower. Neither the acquisition of conservation theory nor the opportunity to network was perceived by participants as improving their conservation performance, despite trainers anticipating that these matters would be important. Perception of control and work environment should therefore be considered when designing conservation training programmes, and the effectiveness of teaching conservation theory and networking should be examined further.
Epidemiological characteristics of breakthrough varicella infection during varicella outbreaks in Shanghai, 2008–2014
Authors: ZHU Y. F. , LI Y. F. , DU Y. , ZENG M.
Published: April 2017

The outbreaks of varicella occurring in kindergartens and schools are increasingly notified in Shanghai despite the implementation of one-dose varicella vaccination. We analyzed surveillance data on the notified outbreaks of varicella in Minhang District of Shanghai during 2008–2014. A total of 13 511 varicella cases and 154 outbreaks involving 1558 (11·5%) cases were reported. Annual attack rates of outbreak-associated varicella in outbreak classes were 5·5%–12%. The mean age of the outbreak-associated cases was 8·6 ± 3·1 years. Among 1558 outbreak cases, 660 (42·4%) received one-dose varicella vaccine previously. The proportions of breakthrough varicella infection during outbreaks ranged from 21·5% in 2008 to 86·1% in 2014. Annual breakthrough infection rates in outbreak classes ranged from 5·4% to 7·4%. Breakthrough cases as index cases results in 9·7% of outbreaks, and the average duration of outbreaks was significantly longer in vaccinated cases as index cases than in unvaccinated cases as index cases (11·3 ± 5·8 days vs. 8·6 ± 6·1 days, P < 0·05). The mean time of breakthrough infection since vaccination was 6·2 ± 2·3 years (range 0·6–13·4 years). One-dose varicella vaccination cannot prevent the varicella outbreaks in kindergartens and schools. A second dose of varicella vaccine should be recommended for children.
Stability of weakly dissipative Reissner–Mindlin–Timoshenko plates: A sharp result
Authors: CAMPELO A. D. S. , ALMEIDA JÚNIOR D. S. , SANTOS M. L.
Published: April 2017

In the present article, we show that there exists a critical number that stabilizes the Reissner–Mindlin–Timoshenko system with frictional dissipation acting on rotation angles. We identify two speed characteristicsv12:=K/ρ1andv22:=D/ρ2, and we show that the system is exponentially stable if and only if\begin{equation*} v_{1}^{2}=v_{2}^{2}. \end{equation*}Forv12≠v22, we prove that the system is polynomially stable and determine an optimal estimate for the decay. To confirm our analytical results, we compute the numerical solutions by means of several numerical experiments by using a finite difference method.
Modeling the emissions–income relationship using long-run growth rates
Authors: Stern David I. , Gerlagh Reyer , Burke Paul J.
Published: April 2017

The authors adopt a new approach to modeling the relationship between emissions and income using long-run per capita growth rates. This approach allows them to test multiple hypotheses about the drivers of per capita emissions in a single framework and avoid several of the econometric issues that have plagued the environmental Kuznets curve literature. They estimate models for carbon and sulfur dioxide emissions. They can reject restricted models that omit either growth or beta convergence effects. Although the term representing the environmental Kuznets effect is statistically significant for per capita carbon and sulfur dioxide emissions, the estimated income per capita turning points are out of the sample for the full data set.
3-D FOSSILS FOR K–12 EDUCATION: A CASE EXAMPLE USING THE GIANT EXTINCT SHARKCARCHAROCLES MEGALODON
Authors: Grant Claudia A. , MacFadden Bruce J. , Antonenko Pavlo , Perez Victor J.
Published: April 2017

Fossils and the science of paleontology provide a charismatic gateway to integrate STEM teaching and learning. With the new Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), as well as the exponentially increasing use of three-dimensional (3-D) printing and scanning technology, it is a particularly opportune time to integrate a wider variety of fossils and paleontology into K–12 curricula. We describe a curricular prototype that integrates all four components of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) into authentic research using dentitions of the Neogene giant shark Megalodon (Carcharocles megalodon Agassiz, 1843). This prototype has been implemented in two middle and two high schools in California and Florida. Consistent with prior evidence-based research, student engagement increases when they have hands-on experiences with fossils, particularly with a charismatic species such as Megalodon. Access to museum specimens helps students understand big ideas in ‘Deep Time.’ In addition to engaging students in authentic STEM practices and scaffolding development of content knowledge, paleontology is an integrative science that connects and informs socially relevant topics, including long-term (macro-) evolution and climate change. The application of 3-D printing and scanning to develop curricula using fossils has immense potential in K–12 schools in the U.S.
FOSSIL SECRETS REVEALED: X-RAY CT SCANNING AND APPLICATIONS IN PALEONTOLOGY
Authors: Racicot Rachel
Published: April 2017

X-ray computed tomography (CT) provides a nondestructive means of studying the inside and outside of objects. It allows accurate visualization and measurement of internal features, that are otherwise impossible to obtain nondestructively, and is a lasting digital record that can be made available to future researchers, museums, and the general public. Here, an overview of CT scanning methodologies and protocol is provided, as well as some recent examples of how this technology is allowing paleontologists to make new inroads into understanding the ecology, evolution, and development of both extant and extinct organisms. Lastly, some frontiers and outstanding questions in the acquisition, processing, and storage of digital 3-D morphological data are highlighted.
PATTERNS AND PROCESSES IN MORPHOSPACE: GEOMETRIC MORPHOMETRICS OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECTS
Authors: Polly P. David , Motz Gary J.
Published: April 2017

Focusing on geometric morphometrics (GMM), we review methods for acquiring morphometric data from 3-D objects (including fossils), algorithms for producing shape variables and morphospaces, the mathematical properties of shape space, especially how they relate to morphogenetic and evolutionary factors, and issues posed by working with fossil objects. We use the Raupian shell-coiling equations to illustrate the complexity of the relationship between such factors and GMM morphospaces. The complexity of these issues re-emphasize what are arguably the two most important recommendations for GMM studies: 1) always use multivariate methods and all of the morphospace axes in an analysis; and 2) always anticipate the possibility that the factors of interest can have complex, nonlinear relationships with shape.
Gender differences in endovascular treatment of infrainguinal peripheral artery disease
Authors: Rieß Henrik Christian , Debus Eike Sebastian , Heidemann Franziska , Stoberock Konstanze , Grundmann Reinhart T. , Behrendt Christian-Alexander
Published: April 2017

Abstract. Background: Despite ongoing research concerning comorbidities and clinical presentation of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), the issue of gender associated differences in treatment is far from being settled. Patients and methods: This was a prospective, non-randomized multicentre study design. All patients suffering from intermittent claudication (IC) or critical limb ischaemia (CLI) were included. Results: A total of 2,798 procedures for symptomatic PAD in the infrainguinal region were recorded, with 1,696 (61.4 %) males. Distribution of comorbidities for patients with IC were gender-specifically different. Smoking was more common in men (41.9 vs. 31.9 %, p < .001), men had more often previous coronary heart disease (35.2 vs. 27.7 %, p = .007), and suffered more often from diabetes (33.9 vs. 28.2 %, p = .037). Women were generally older (71 vs. 77 years). Men were more prone to present with IC (46.9 vs. 43.6 %, p < .001) and ulcer/gangrene (43.6 vs. 41.2 %, p < .001). Women were more likely to present with rest pain (9.5 vs. 15.1 %, p < .001). Men were more often treated for a lesion below the knee (BTK) (21.1 vs. 14.9 %, p < .001), and females above the knee (ATK) (58.1 vs. 61.5 %, p < .001). Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association of male gender and treatment for lesions BTK (OR 1.565, 95 % CI 1.281-1.913, p < .001). Dissections and bleeding complications were more often observed in females with IC (3.3 vs. 7.2 %, p = 0.003; 0.4 vs. 1.5 %, p = 0.044). Women were rather discharged to rehabilitation and had a longer hospital stay compared to men (3.4 vs. 8.9 %, p < .001; three vs. four days, p = .023). Conclusions: The present study provides an overview on gender-specific differences in endovascular treatment of PAD. To date, available evidence on this topic is limited, emphasising the importance of further vascular research targeting this topic.
Spatial working memory alters the efficacy of input to visual cortex
Authors: Merrikhi Yaser , Clark Kelsey , Albarran Eddy , Parsa Mohammadbagher , Zirnsak Marc , Moore Tirin , Noudoost Behrad
Published: April 2017

Prefrontal cortex modulates sensory signals in extrastriate visual cortex, in part via its direct projections from the frontal eye field (FEF), an area involved in selective attention. We find that working memory-related activity is a dominant signal within FEF input to visual cortex. Although this signal alone does not evoke spiking responses in areas V4 and MT during memory, the gain of visual responses in these areas increases, and neuronal receptive fields expand and shift towards the remembered location, improving the stimulus representation by neuronal populations. These results provide a basis for enhancing the representation of working memory targets and implicate persistent FEF activity as a basis for the interdependence of working memory and selective attention.
Cell-size dependent progression of the cell cycle creates homeostasis and flexibility of plant cell size
Authors: R. Jones Angharad , Forero-Vargas Manuel , Withers Simon P. , Smith Richard S. , Traas Jan , Dewitte Walter , Murray James A. H.
Published: April 2017

Mean cell size at division is generally constant for specific conditions and cell types, but the mechanisms coupling cell growth and cell cycle control with cell size regulation are poorly understood in intact tissues. Here we show that the continuously dividing fields of cells within the shoot apical meristem of Arabidopsis show dynamic regulation of mean cell size dependent on developmental stage, genotype and environmental signals. We show cell size at division and cell cycle length is effectively predicted using a two-stage cell cycle model linking cell growth and two sequential cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) activities, and experimental results concur in showing that progression through both G1/S and G2/M is size dependent. This work shows that cell-autonomous co-ordination of cell growth and cell division previously observed in unicellular organisms also exists in intact plant tissues, and that cell size may be an emergent rather than directly determined property of cells.
Distinct molecular cues ensure a robust microtubule-dependent nuclear positioning in the Drosophila oocyte
Authors: Tissot Nicolas , Lepesant Jean-Antoine , Bernard Fred , Legent Kevin , Bosveld Floris , Martin Charlotte , Faklaris Orestis , Bellaïche Yohanns , Coppey Maïté , Guichet Antoine
Published: April 2017

Controlling nucleus localization is crucial for a variety of cellular functions. In the Drosophila oocyte, nuclear asymmetric positioning is essential for the reorganization of the microtubule (MT) network that controls the polarized transport of axis determinants. A combination of quantitative three-dimensional live imaging and laser ablation-mediated force analysis reveal that nuclear positioning is ensured with an unexpected level of robustness. We show that the nucleus is pushed to the oocyte antero-dorsal cortex by MTs and that its migration can proceed through distinct tracks. Centrosome-associated MTs favour one migratory route. In addition, the MT-associated protein Mud/NuMA that is asymmetrically localized in an Asp-dependent manner at the nuclear envelope hemisphere where MT nucleation is higher promotes a separate route. Our results demonstrate that centrosomes do not provide an obligatory driving force for nuclear movement, but together with Mud, contribute to the mechanisms that ensure the robustness of asymmetric nuclear positioning.
High-order harmonics measured by the photon statistics of the infrared driving-field exiting the atomic medium
Authors: Tsatrafyllis N. , Kominis I. K. , Gonoskov I. A. , Tzallas P.
Published: April 2017

High-order harmonics in the extreme-ultraviolet spectral range, resulting from the strong-field laser-atom interaction, have been used in a broad range of fascinating applications in all states of matter. In the majority of these studies the harmonic generation process is described using semi-classical theories which treat the electromagnetic field of the driving laser pulse classically without taking into account its quantum nature. In addition, for the measurement of the generated harmonics, all the experiments require diagnostics in the extreme-ultraviolet spectral region. Here by treating the driving laser field quantum mechanically we reveal the quantum-optical nature of the high-order harmonic generation process by measuring the photon number distribution of the infrared light exiting the harmonic generation medium. It is found that the high-order harmonics are imprinted in the photon number distribution of the infrared light and can be recorded without the need of a spectrometer in the extreme-ultraviolet.
Multi-copy quantifiers for single-photon states
Authors: Zapletal Petr , Filip Radim
Published: April 2017

Single-photon states are basic resources for hybrid quantum technology with non-Gaussian states of light. Accelerating quantum technology is already able to produce high-quality single-photon states. These states can be used for hybrid quantum information processing, based on a nonclassical phase-space interference represented by negativity of a Wigner function. Therefore, new quantifiers, capable of evaluating such high-quality single-photon states, are required. We propose and analyze quantifiers which process multiple estimates of single-photon state’s statistics. The quantifiers simulate basic capability of single photons to conditionally bunch into a single mode and form a Fock state. This state exhibits complex nonclassical phase-space interference effects making its Wigner function negative in multiple areas. The quantifiers directly evaluate a presence of the multiple negativities corresponding to the Fock state. We verify applicability of the quantifiers by using them to single-photon states from recent experiments. The quantifiers can be further extended to also test indistinguishability of single-photon states. It allows to verify quantum interference of light from single-photon emitters more sensitively than in the traditional Hong-Ou-Mandel test. Besides quantum optics, the multi-copy quantifiers can be also applied to experiments with atomic memories and mechanical oscillators.
Impaired renal function and dysbiosis of gut microbiota contribute to increased trimethylamine-N-oxide in chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Xu Kai-Yu , Xia Geng-Hong , Lu Jun-Qi , Chen Mu-Xuan , Zhen Xin , Wang Shan , You Chao , Nie Jing , Zhou Hong-Wei , Yin Jia
Published: April 2017

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The present study aimed to investigate the gut microbiota and blood trimethylamine-N-oxide concentration (TMAO) in Chinese CKD patients and explore the underlying explanations through the animal experiment. The median plasma TMAO level was 30.33 μmol/L in the CKD patients, which was significantly higher than the 2.08 μmol/L concentration measured in the healthy controls. Next-generation sequence revealed obvious dysbiosis of the gut microbiome in CKD patients, with reduced bacterial diversity and biased community constitutions. CKD patients had higher percentages of opportunistic pathogens from gamma-Proteobacteria and reduced percentages of beneficial microbes, such as Roseburia, Coprococcus, and Ruminococcaceae. The PICRUSt analysis demonstrated that eight genes involved in choline, betaine, L-carnitine and trimethylamine (TMA) metabolism were changed in the CKD patients. Moreover, we transferred faecal samples from CKD patients and healthy controls into antibiotic-treated C57BL/6 mice and found that the mice that received gut microbes from the CKD patients had significantly higher plasma TMAO levels and different composition of gut microbiota than did the comparative mouse group. Our present study demonstrated that CKD patients had increased plasma TMAO levels due to contributions from both impaired renal functions and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota.
Development of a Novel Zebrafish Model for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zang Liqing , Shimada Yasuhito , Nishimura Norihiro
Published: April 2017

Obesity is a major cause of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in mammals. We have previously established a zebrafish model of diet-induced obesity (DIO zebrafish) by overfeeding Artemia. Here we created DIO zebrafish using a different method to induce T2DM. Zebrafish were overfed a commercially available fish food using an automated feeding system. We monitored the fasting blood glucose levels in the normal-fed group (one feed/day) and overfed group (six feeds/day) over an 8-week period. The fasting blood glucose level was significantly increased in DIO zebrafish compared with that of normal-fed zebrafish. Intraperitoneal and oral glucose tolerance tests showed impaired glucose tolerance by overfeeding. Insulin production, which was determined indirectly by measuring the EGFP signal strength in overfed Tg(−1.0ins:EGFP)
sc1
zebrafish, was increased in DIO zebrafish. The anti-diabetic drugs metformin and glimepiride ameliorated hyperglycaemia in the overfed group, suggesting that this zebrafish can be used as a model of human T2DM. Finally, we conducted RNA deep sequencing and found that the gene expression profiling of liver-pancreas revealed pathways common to human T2DM. In summary, we developed a zebrafish model of T2DM that shows promise as a platform for mechanistic and therapeutic studies of diet-induced glucose intolerance and insulin resistance.
Alumina nanoparticle-assisted enzyme refolding: A versatile methodology for proteins renaturation
Authors: Volodina Katerina V. , Avnir David , Vinogradov Vladimir V.
Published: April 2017

We present a high-yield method for the renaturation of negatively charged enzymes. The approach is based on the use of alumina nanoparticles, which after electrostatic interaction with denatured protein molecules, prevent their aggregation and make the process of refolding controllable. The method, demonstrated by the renaturation of several enzymes, is efficient, rapid, employs a minimal amount of reagents and even can be applied to renature mixture of the denatured enzymes.
Photocatalytic degradation of Aniline from aqueous solutions under sunlight illumination using immobilized Cr:ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Pirsaheb Meghdad , Shahmoradi Behzad , Beikmohammadi Masumeh , Azizi Esmaeel , Hossini Hooshyar , Md Ashraf Ghulam
Published: April 2017

The present study aimed at synthesizing chromium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (Cr:ZnO NPs) under mild hydrothermal conditions (temperature ~100 °C, p = autogenous and time ~12 hr). Chromium oxide and n-butylamine were used as dopant and surface modifier, respectively. The characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles were determined through conducting specialized experiments including powder XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDX, and UV-VIS spectroscopy. Then, the Cr:ZnO NPs were immobilized on a sandblasted glass through thermal method. The photocatalytic degradation of aniline was conducted in a continuous reactor with a volume of 1.5 liters. Before and after photocatalytic degradation, the immobilized Cr:ZnO NPs were characterized for SEM and EDX to determine the degree of stability of immobilized nanoparticles as well as the influence of the current applied on them. The photodegradation operational parameters investigated were aniline initial concentration (150, 200, and 250 mg/L), pH (5, 7, 6, and 12), and reaction time (2, 4, and 6 hours) under sunlight illumination. The characterization results indicated high purity of the Cr:ZnO NPs and no change in morphology or composition even after the immobilization and photo-oxidation process. Finally, it was found that the optimum conditions for 93% removal of aniline under sunlight illumination was about 6 hours retention time at pH 9.
Interpenetration of polymeric microgels at ultrahigh densities
Authors: Mohanty Priti S. , Nöjd Sofi , van Gruijthuijsen Kitty , Crassous Jérôme J. , Obiols-Rabasa Marc , Schweins Ralf , Stradner Anna , Schurtenberger Peter
Published: April 2017

Soft particles such as polymeric microgels can form ultra-dense phases, where the average center-to-center distance as can be smaller than the initial unperturbed particle diameter σ0, due to their ability to interpenetrate and compress. However, despite of the effort devoted to microgels at ultrahigh densities, we know surprisingly little about their response to their environment at effective volume fractions ϕ
eff
above close packing (ϕ
cp
), and the existing information is often contradictory. Here we report direct measurements of the size and shape of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) microgels at concentrations below and above ϕ
cp
using the zero average contrast method in small-angle neutron scattering. We complement these experiments with measurements of the average interparticle distances using small-angle x-ray scattering, and a determination of the glass transition using dynamic light scattering. This allows us to unambiguously decouple interaction effects from density-dependent variations of the particle size and shape at all values of ϕ
eff
. We demonstrate that the microgels used in this study significantly interpenetrate and thus change their size and shape only marginally even for ϕ
eff
 ≫ ϕ
cp
, a finding that may require changes in the interpretation of a number of previously published studies on the structural and dynamic properties of dense soft particle systems.
Fluorocarbon Thin Films Fabricated using Carbon Nanotube/Polytetrafluoroethylene Composite Polymer Targets via Mid-Frequency Sputtering
Authors: Kim Sung Hyun , Kim Cheol Hwan , Choi Woo Jin , Lee Tae Gon , Cho Seong Keun , Yang Yong Suk , Lee Jae Heung , Lee Sang-Jin
Published: April 2017

Carbon nanotube/polytetrafluoroethylene composite polymer targets are proposed for use in the fabrication of fluorocarbon thin films using the mid-frequency sputtering process. Fluorocarbon thin films deposited using carbon nanotube/polytetrafluoroethylene composite targets exhibit an amorphous phase with a smooth surface and show a high water contact angle, optical transmittance, and surface hardness. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy studies reveal that as the carbon nanotube concentration increased in the composite target, a carbon cross-linked structure was formed, which enhanced the film hardness and the modulus of the fluorocarbon thin film. Large-area fluorocarbon thin films with a substrate width of 700 mm were successfully fabricated by a pilot-scale roll-to-roll sputtering system using a carbon nanotube/polytetrafluoroethylene composite target.
Efficient hydrogen isotopologues separation through a tunable potential barrier: The case of a C2N membrane
Authors: Qu Yuanyuan , Li Feng , Zhao Mingwen
Published: April 2017

Isotopes separation through quantum sieving effect of membranes is quite promising for industrial applications. For the light hydrogen isotopologues (eg. H2, D2), the confinement of potential wells in porous membranes to isotopologues was commonly regarded to be crucial for highly efficient separation ability. Here, we demonstrate from first-principles that a potential barrier is also favorable for efficient hydrogen isotopologues separation. Taking an already-synthesized two-dimensional carbon nitride (C2N-h2D) as an example, we predict that the competition between quantum tunneling and zero-point-energy (ZPE) effects regulated by the tensile strain leads to high selectivity and permeance. Both kinetic quantum sieving and equilibrium quantum sieving effects are considered. The quantum effects revealed in this work offer a prospective strategy for highly efficient hydrogen isotopologues separation.