bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ruralidade e governança municipal na determinação do desenvolvimento local: uma análise de clusters
Authors: Renzi Adriano , Piacenti Carlos Alberto
Published: October 2024

As mudanças pelas quais tem passado o conceito de desenvolvimento econômico têm apontado para novas particularidades, entre as quais podem ser destacados os aspectos rurais e urbanos. Esses aspectos podem contribuir para caracterizar mais fidedignamente o nível de desenvolvimento econômico das regiões. Empregando, simultaneamente, um novo índice de desenvolvimento econômico local e a Análise Estatística de Dados Espaciais, esse artigo objetiva examinar a formação de clusters nas regiões e estados brasileiros. A principal contribuição que o artigo pretende oferecer é de, mesmo parcialmente, identificar os aspectos rurais e de governança municipal como componentes explicativos do nível de desenvolvimento econômico local dos municípios brasileiros. Esses aspectos devem permitir, de forma diferenciada, verificar o argumento de que existe um significativo hiato de desigualdade entre as regiões e estados brasileiros.
Rythu Bharosa Kendram: Rejuvenating the Indian Rural Economy
Authors: Sulthana Shaik Reshma , Srujan Dobbali , Anthony Remalli , Himabindu Meda , Yuvraj Doke Vipul
Published: October 2024

Rythu Bharosa Kendram (RBK) serves as one stop shop for all of the needs of farmers at the Panchayat level. They offer services like e-crop booking for crop insurance, an agricultural input store, farmer knowledge centers, a technical advisory team, YSR Rythu Bharosa, Polambadi (Farmer Field School), CCRC cards, D-Krishi Seed distribution, and others. The objective is to study the extent of adoption of technologies and services of RBKs by the farmers. The present study is conducted in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh state as it is has significant area under crop cultivation. Multi stage simple random sampling technique has been adopted to select the sample farmers for the study. The data was collected from 75 respondents by personal interview method and analyzed using statistical analytical techniques such as Mean scale value and adoption Index. The study revealed that the majority of respondents 58.67% adopted technology at a medium level followed by low adoption 26.67% and high adoption 14.67% levels. The study concludes that RBKs are vital in serving farmers, with moderate adoption levels influenced by farmers’ age and education.
Advancing Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Through AI-Driven Decision-making: A Comprehensive PRISMA-Based Systematic Review
Authors: Choudhary Rohit , Swain Santi Swarup , Khairari Anshul , Thatoi Priyabrata , Thatoi Hrudayanath
Published: October 2024

Decision-making during the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer often requires the evaluation of data from several sources. The purpose of this systematic was to evaluate how AI can enhance prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. We search five different databases for available studies using a pre-specified search strategy. The study was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. A total of 1058 studies were found on five different databases (Scopus N=287, Web of Science N=204, PubMed/EMBASE N=306, Cochrane Library N=94, Google Scholar N=167). The articles were stored in the ENDNOTE library and all the duplicates were removed. We found 19 relevant studies that were included after a stringent assessment criterion based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Included studies were assessed for risk bias assessment using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) in which one study was found to have high-risk bias assessment, seven were identified to have low-risk bias assessment while the rest of the studies were moderate. Clinicians can recognize complex correlations and handle massive data sets with the help of artificial intelligence. These tasks are extremely laborious and challenging for humans to complete. It is feasible to employ fewer resources while increasing overall effectiveness and precision in prostate cancer detection and treatment by utilizing AI algorithms and lowering the degree of subjectivity. This review provides a comprehensive comparison of AI algorithms in detection of prostate cancer.
Biostimulant: Its Effect on the Growth and Survival of Asexually Propagated Mango Grafts (Mangifera indica L.) Cv. Alphonso
Authors: Karbat. Neha H. , Kulkarni. M.M. , Haldankar. P. M. , Dalvi N.V. , Khobragade N.H.
Published: October 2024

The Konkan belt of Maharashtra, India is home to over 400 nurseries producing more than 1 million high quality mango planting materials annually. To enhance the survival rate and growth of mango grafts at the nursery stage, a study was conducted as “Biostimulant: Its Effect on the growth and survival of asexually propagated mango grafts (Mangifera indica L.)” Cv. Alphonso during August 2023 to Aprile 2024 at Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra, India. The experiment, designed in a factorial randomized block design, tested 26 treatment interactions in which NATCA (10.00 %) + folic acid (0.2 %) combination @ 1ml/L at 60 days interval) performed best in terms of plant growth parameters and also reduced cost of production of mango grafts Cv. Alphonso followed by Chitosan @ 150 ppm at 60 days interval also showed maximum B:C (1.49) and maximum net profit.
Evaluation the Efficacy of Botanical Insecticides in Controlling Tomato Boll Worm (Helicoverpa zea) and Leaf Minor (Tuta absoluta) in WesternTigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Belay Yirga , Abadi Assefa , Tuemay Asmelash , Negash Weres , Atsbeha Alem , Kassie Mehari
Published: October 2024

Aim of the study was to evaluate botanical insecticides to control tomato boll worm and leaf minor in western Tigray, Ethiopia. Field experiment was conducted during 2018/2020 in main crop growing season at Humera. A total of five treatments (Green miracle, Neembicidene, Melatonin, Gm+ Neembicidene and control no sprayed) were used in the field experiment. The experiment was laid out randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The mean yield had a significant difference at (p<0.001) among the botanical insecticides. The highest mean yield was obtained from Neembicidene (348.8) followed by green miracle (195.8) Malathion (183), Malathion+GM (162.8), and control (84.2) qtha-1 respectively. The highest severity recorded from control was 85.41% for leaf severity and 71.3% for fruit severity. However, lowest recorded severity 18.73% for leaves and 4.55% for fruits were calculated from Neembicidene. The highest percent population reduction after chemical spray was recorded from Neembicidene (85.07%). Therefore, Neembicidene botanical insecticide recommended and promoted to verification trial to control tomato bollworm and leaf minor.
Effect of Different Altitudinal Zones on Growth Parameters of Garcinia indica (Choisy) in Uttara Kannada, Karnataka, India
Authors: Rathod Aravind, B. , P. Ramana, , Karthik H. N.
Published: October 2024

This study examines the impact of altitudinal variation on the growth of Garcinia indica in Agro-climatic Zone-9 of Karnataka, specifically in the Uttara Kannada district of the Western Ghats. Eight experimental sites, categorized into four altitudinal zones (Plains, Up-ghat, Mid-ghat, and Coastal), were analyzed for tree height, girth, and crown diameter. Results show significant growth variations, with the Up-ghat zone having the highest mean tree height (10.73 m), the Coastal zone showing the largest girth (69.67 cm), and the Mid-ghat zone exhibiting the widest crown diameter (7.08 m). Four type of canopy found viz., Pyramidal, Full-crowned, Weeping and Spreading. These growth differences are influenced by environmental factors such as rainfall, humidity, and light availability, which are more favourable in higher altitude regions. The findings have practical implications for commercial Garcinia indica cultivation, indicating plains and up-ghat as optimal for higher productivity. Understanding these growth patterns supports sustainable harvesting and improved yields for industries using kokum butter and extracts.
Investigating the Public Awareness and Utilization of Health Screening Services Offered by Community Pharmacies
Authors: Ch Mahnoor , Zaman Minahil , Rauf Samra Abdul , Mairaj Zaki Ullah , Jamil Laiba , Essa Samra , Chaudhary Noor-e-Hizba , Mehr-un-nisa  , Riaz Javeria , Iqbal Muhammad Zahid
Published: October 2024

Background: Community pharmacies are the integral part of the healthcare system offering healthcare services for patients. Pharmacists are expanding their roles by providing pharmaceutical services and comprehensive pharmaceutical care. Health screenings played an important role in early detection of diseases and potential risk factors.
Objectives: To assess the extent of awareness, utilization and impact of using health screening services offered by community pharmacy among public and to identify the barriers to access these services.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in different cities of Punjab, Pakistan. Data was collected using validated questionnaire after getting consent from general public. The sample size for this study was 151. SPSS version 26th was used as a statistical tool to analyze data. P-value < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.
Results:  Health screening services were more used by middle age individuals and adults. Individuals holding bachelor’s degree (41.2%) and female respondents (42.9%) showed more satisfactory response than male respondents. Blood pressure screenings (53.6%), diabetes screenings (28.5%) and other services (34.4%) were mostly used by the participants Barriers to health screening services include lack of awareness, lack of time and preference to visit doctor.
Conclusion: Screening services offered at community pharmacies are found satisfactory, convenient and economical by most people. However utilization of these services is less frequent indicating a need for improved awareness and public education about the services offered by community pharmacy. Attention should be given to reduce barriers to the use of health screening services.
Regional influences on reconstructed global mean sea level
Authors: Natarov Svetlana I. , Merrifield Mark A. , Becker Janet M. , Thompson Phillip R.
Published: March 2017

Reconstructions of global mean sea level (GMSL) based on tide gauge measurements tend to exhibit common multidecadal rate fluctuations over the twentieth century. GMSL rate changes may result from physical drivers, such as changes in radiative forcing or land water storage. Alternatively, these fluctuations may represent artifacts due to sampling limitations inherent in the historical tide gauge network. In particular, a high percentage of tide gauges used in reconstructions, especially prior to the 1950s, are from Europe and North America in the North Atlantic region. Here a GMSL reconstruction based on the reduced space optimal interpolation algorithm is deconstructed, with the contributions of individual tide gauge stations quantified and assessed regionally. It is demonstrated that the North Atlantic region has a disproportionate influence on reconstructed GMSL rate fluctuations prior to the 1950s, notably accounting for a rate minimum in the 1920s and contributing to a rate maximum in the 1950s. North Atlantic coastal sea level fluctuations related to wind‐driven ocean volume redistribution likely contribute to these estimated GMSL rate inflections. The findings support previous claims that multidecadal rate changes in GMSL reconstructions are likely related to the geographic distribution of tide gauge stations within a sparse global network.
Revised cloud processes to improve the mean and intraseasonal variability of Indian summer monsoon in climate forecast system: Part 1
Authors: Abhik S. , Krishna R. P. M. , Mahakur M. , Ganai Malay , Mukhopadhyay P. , Dudhia J.
Published: March 2017

The National Centre for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System (CFS) is being used for operational monsoon prediction over the Indian region. Recent studies indicate that the moist convective process in CFS is one of the major sources of uncertainty in monsoon predictions. In this study, the existing simple cloud microphysics of CFS is replaced by the six‐class Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) single moment (WSM6) microphysical scheme. Additionally, a revised convective parameterization is employed to improve the performance of the model in simulating the boreal summer mean climate and intraseasonal variability over the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) region. The revised version of the model (CFSCR) exhibits a potential to improve shortcomings in the seasonal mean precipitation distribution relative to the standard CFS (CTRL), especially over the ISM region. Consistently, notable improvements are also evident in other observed ISM characteristics. These improvements are found to be associated with a better simulation of spatial and vertical distributions of cloud hydrometeors in CFSCR. A reasonable representation of the subgrid‐scale convective parameterization along with cloud hydrometeors helps to improve the convective and large‐scale precipitation distribution in the model. As a consequence, the simulated low‐frequency boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO) exhibits realistic propagation and the observed northwest‐southeast rainband is well reproduced in CFSCR. Additionally, both the high and low‐frequency BSISOs are better captured in CFSCR. The improvement of low and high‐frequency BSISOs in CFSCR is shown to be related to a realistic phase relationship of clouds.
QBO/solar modulation of the boreal winter Madden‐Julian oscillation: A prediction for the coming solar minimum
Authors: Hood Lon L.
Published: March 2017

The Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO), also known as the 30–60 day oscillation, is the strongest of the intraseasonal climate oscillations in the tropics and has significant derivative effects on extratropical circulation and intraseasonal climate. It has recently been shown that the stratospheric quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) modulates the amplitude of the boreal winter MJO such that MJO amplitudes are larger on average during the easterly phase (QBOE) than during the westerly phase (QBOW). A major possible mechanism is the decrease in static stability in the lowermost stratosphere under QBOE conditions resulting from relative upwelling associated with the QBO‐induced meridional circulation. Here evidence is presented that tropical upwelling changes related to the 11 year solar cycle also modulate the boreal winter MJO. Based on 37.3 years of MJO amplitude data, the largest amplitudes and occurrence rates, and the weakest static stabilities in the tropical lower stratosphere, occur during the QBOE phase under solar minimum (SMIN) conditions while the smallest amplitudes and strongest static stabilities occur during the QBOW phase under solar maximum (SMAX) conditions. Conversely, when the QBO and solar forcings are opposed (QBOW/SMIN and QBOE/SMAX), the difference in occurrence rates becomes statistically insignificant. During the coming solar minimum, at least one additional winter in the QBOE/SMIN category should occur (possibly as early as 2017/2018) during which especially large MJO amplitudes are expected and an initial test of these results will be possible.
Ensemble‐based Reconstructed Forcing (ERF) for regional climate modeling: Attaining the performance at a fraction of cost
Authors: Erfanian Amir , Wang Guiling , Fomenko Lori , Yu Miao
Published: March 2017

Multimodel ensemble (MME) is considered the most reliable for both present‐day and future climate simulations. However, the conventional MME approach can create physical inconsistencies between climate variables. It can also be computationally inhibiting when using regional climate models (RCMs) due to uncertainties originating from both RCMs and the driving global climate models (GCMs) which must be accounted for. Here we propose the Ensemble‐based Reconstructed Forcing (ERF) approach which derives the RCM's initial and boundary conditions from the ensemble average of multiple GCMs. Using ensembles of up to six GCMs as examples, we show that the ERF approach with a single RCM integration performs comparably to the MME average in bias reduction. The ERF simulation provides unaltered solutions to the RCM's underlying equations, making it theoretically superior to the conventional MME approach which averages multiple solutions and may result in a physically implausible climate state.
A phase 1 study of AMG 900, an orally administered pan‐aurora kinase inhibitor, in adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kantarjian Hagop M. , Schuster Michael W. , Jain Nitin , Advani Anjali , Jabbour Elias , Gamelin Erick , Rasmussen Erik , Juan Gloria , Anderson Abraham , Chow Vincent F. , Friberg Gregory , Vogl Florian D. , Sekeres Mikkael A.
Published: March 2017

Aurora kinases are involved in the pathophysiology of several cancers including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this phase 1 study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of AMG 900, an orally administered, highly potent, selective, small‐molecule inhibitor of both Aurora kinase A and B, in patients with AML . Patients with pathologically documented AML who either declined standard treatments or had relapsed from or were refractory to previous therapies were enrolled. Two every‐2‐week dose‐escalation schedules using a modified 3 + 3 + 3 design were evaluated AMG 900 given daily for 4 days with 10 days off (4/10 schedule), and AMG 900 given daily for 7 days with 7 days off (7/7 schedule). Thirty‐five patients were enrolled at 9 different dose levels: 22 patients on the 4/10 schedule (doses from 15 to 100 mg daily), and 13 patients on the 7/7 schedule (doses from 30 to 50 mg daily). Both schedules were tolerated; nausea (31%), diarrhea (29%), febrile neutropenia (29%), and fatigue (23%) were the most common treatment‐related adverse events. Three patients (9%) achieved complete response with incomplete count recovery. Patients with higher baseline expression of a set of specific pathway‐related genes (BIRC5, AURKA, TTK, CDC2, and CCNB1) were more likely to respond in an exploratory biomarker analysis. AMG 900 was tolerated in a general AML population, and pathway‐specific biomarkers identified a potential target population. Future research efforts will be directed toward further exploration of biomarkers of response and combination of AMG 900 with other anticancer agents.
Monocytosis in polycythemia vera: Clinical and molecular correlates
Authors: Barraco Daniela , Cerquozzi Sonia , Gangat Naseema , Patnaik Mrinal M. , Lasho Terra , Finke Christy , Hanson Curtis A. , Ketterling Rhett P. , Pardanani Animesh , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: March 2017

Monocytosis (absolute monocyte count, AMC ≥ 1 × 109/L) might accompany a spectrum of myeloid neoplasms, other than chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML). In the current study, we examined the prevalence, laboratory and molecular correlates, and prognostic relevance of monocytosis in polycythemia vera (PV). Among 267 consecutive patients with World Health Organization (WHO)‐defined PV, 55 (21%) patients displayed an AMC of ≥1 × 109/L and 18 (7%) an AMC of ≥1.5 × 109/L. In general, PV patients with monocytosis were significantly older and displayed higher frequencies of leukocytosis (81% vs. 50% at AMC ≥1 × 109/L) and TET2/SRSF2 mutations (57%/29% vs. 19%/1% at AMC ≥ 1.5 × 109/L). In univariate analysis, AMC ≥1.5 × 109/L adversely affected overall (OS; P = .004; HR 2.6, 95% CI 1.4‐4.8) and myelofibrosis‐free (MFFS; P = .02; HR 4.4, 95% CI 1.3‐15.1) survival; during multivariable analysis, significance was borderline sustained for OS (P = .05) and MFFS (P = .06). Other independent risk factors for OS included unfavorable karyotype (P = .02, HR 3.39, 95% CI 1.17‐9.79), older age (P < .0001, HR 3.34 95% CI 1.97‐5.65), and leukocytosis ≥15 × 109/L (P = .004, HR 2.04, 95% CI 1.26‐3.29). In conclusion, in the current study, we encountered a higher than expected prevalence of monocytosis in patients with PV and the mutation profile and age distribution of PV patients with monocytosis is akin to those of patients with CMML and might partly contribute to their worse prognosis.
Chiral Tertiary Sulfonium Salts as Effective Catalysts for Asymmetric Base‐Free Neutral Phase‐Transfer Reactions
Authors: Liu Shiyao , Maruoka Keiji , Shirakawa Seiji
Published: March 2017

Although chiral quaternary ammonium and phosphonium salts are commonly used for asymmetric organocatalysis, the catalytic ability of chiral tertiary sulfonium salts has yet to be demonstrated in asymmetric synthesis. Herein, we show that chiral bifunctional trialkylsulfonium salts catalyze highly enantioselective conjugate additions of 3‐substituted oxindoles to maleimides under base‐free neutral phase‐transfer conditions.
Discovery and Characterization of a New Family of Diterpene Cyclases in Bacteria and Fungi
Authors: Yang Yan‐long , Zhang Shasha , Ma Ke , Xu Yuxing , Tao Qiaoqiao , Chen Yihua , Chen Juan , Guo Shunxing , Ren Jinwei , Wang Wenzhao , Tao Yong , Yin Wen‐Bing , Liu Hongwei
Published: March 2017

Diterpene cyclases from bacteria and basidiomycete fungi are seldom studied. Here, we presented the identification and verification of EriG, a member of the UbiA superfamily, as the enzyme responsible for the cyclization of the cyathane skeleton in the mushroom Hericium erinaceum. Genome mining using the EriG protein sequence as a probe led to the discovery of a new family of ubiquitous UbiA‐related diterpene cyclases in bacteria and fungi. We successfully characterized seven new diterpene cyclases from bacteria or basidiomycete fungi with the help of an engineered Escherichia coli strain and determined the structures of their corresponding products. A new diterpene with an unusual skeleton was generated during this process. The discovery of this new family of diterpene cyclases provides new insight into the UbiA superfamily.
A Photocatalytically Active Lubricant‐Impregnated Surface
Authors: Wooh Sanghyuk , Butt Hans‐Jürgen
Published: March 2017

Lubricant impregnated surfaces (LISs) exhibit sliding angles below 5°. A LIS is presented that possesses photocatalytic activity as well as improved liquid repellency. In a single‐step reaction, the surface of photocatalytic mesoporous TiO2 substrate is modified by grafting polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) brush and the residual non‐bound PDMS serves as lubricant. Since the lubricant and the hydrophobic layer are chemically identical, the grafting PDMS layer is stably swollen by the lubricant PDMS, which inhibits direct contact of liquid drops to the solid substrate. Liquid drops such as water, methanol, and even low‐surface‐tension fluorocarbons, slide on the surface with tilt angles below 1°. The surface exhibits long‐term stable photocatalytic activity while retaining its liquid repellency. This photocatalytic activity allows photocatalytic chemistry, for example, decomposition of organics, on LIS to be carried out.
Charges Shift Protonation: Neutron Diffraction Reveals that Aniline and 2‐Aminopyridine Become Protonated Upon Binding to Trypsin
Authors: Schiebel Johannes , Gaspari Roberto , Sandner Anna , Ngo Khang , Gerber Hans‐Dieter , Cavalli Andrea , Ostermann Andreas , Heine Andreas , Klebe Gerhard
Published: March 2017

Hydrogen atoms play a key role in protein–ligand recognition. They determine the quality of established H‐bonding networks and define the protonation of bound ligands. Structural visualization of H atoms by X‐ray crystallography is rarely possible. We used neutron diffraction to determine the positions of the hydrogen atoms in the ligands aniline and 2‐aminopyridine bound to the archetypical serine protease trypsin. The resulting structures show the best resolution so far achieved for proteins larger than 100 residues and allow an accurate description of the protonation states and interactions with nearby water molecules. Despite its low pKa of 4.6 and a large distance of 3.6 Å to the charged Asp189 at the bottom of the S1 pocket, the amino group of aniline becomes protonated, whereas in 2‐aminopyridine, the pyridine nitrogen picks up the proton although its amino group is 1.6 Å closer to Asp189. Therefore, apart from charge–charge distances, tautomer stability is decisive for the resulting binding poses, an aspect that is pivotal for predicting correct binding.
A Membrane‐Intercalating Conjugated Oligoelectrolyte with High‐Efficiency Photodynamic Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Wang Bing , Wang Ming , Mikhailovsky Alexander , Wang Shu , Bazan Guillermo C.
Published: March 2017

A membrane‐intercalating conjugated oligoelectrolyte (COE), PTTP, was designed and synthesized with the goal of providing red‐shifted absorption spectra relative to previously synthesized COE analogs. Specifically, electron‐rich and electron‐poor subunits were introduced in the conjugated backbone to modulate the band gap. PTTP exhibits maxima of absorption at 507 nm and of emission at 725 nm. PTTP can also efficiently function to generate singlet oxygen in situ (ΦΔ≈20 %) and has appropriate topology and dimensions to interact with lipid membranes. The resulting rapid membrane insertion and sensitizing ability provide PTTP with a highly efficient antibacterial capability under a low light dose (0.6 J cm−2) toward Gram‐negative bacteria E. coli, making it a remarkably efficient optically mediated antimicrobial agent.
Photolysis of a High‐Spin Azidoiron(III) Complex Studied by Time‐Resolved Fourier‐Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Torres‐Alacan Joel , Vöhringer Peter
Published: March 2017

The laser‐flash photolysis of the high‐spin azidoiron(III) complex [FeIII(Me3Cyclam‐ac)(N3)]PF6 ([1]PF6) in liquid acetonitrile solution at room temperature was explored by time‐resolved Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. Excitation of [1] at 480 and 266 nm induced a photoreduction of the metal center and generated [FeII(Me3Cyclam‐ac)(NCCH3)]+ ([2]) and azidyl radicals. Both photoproducts were detected independently through scavenging experiments. The metal‐containing fragment was quenched with carbon monoxide to generate an iron(II) carbonyl complex, whereas the nitrogen‐containing fragment was quenched with iodide to form azide anions. In the presence of N3−, the photoreduction created the elusive hexanitrogen radical anion N6.− as a transient byproduct.
Reactivity‐Tuning in Frustrated Lewis Pairs: Nucleophilicity and Lewis Basicity of Sterically Hindered Phosphines
Authors: Follet Elsa , Mayer Peter , Stephenson David S. , Ofial Armin R. , Berionni Guillaume
Published: March 2017

The nucleophilicity and Lewis basicity of sterically hindered phosphines, widely used in catalysis and in frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) chemistry, have been quantified by determining the rates and equilibrium constants of their associations with reference systems (benzhydrylium and tritylium ions) of calibrated electrophilicities and Lewis acidities. These structure–reactivity investigations allow a rationalization of the Lewis acid–base interactions all along the way from covalent Lewis adducts to FLPs. Comparisons of the association of phosphines of increasing sizes (Ph3P, (o‐tolyl)3P, and tBu3P) with the triarylborane B(C6F5)3 and with the isoelectronic tritylium ions Ar3C+ provide detailed insights for the future fine‐tuning of the reactivities of FLPs. As a proof of concept, tritylium‐ion‐derived FLPs were shown to react with alkynes, as reported for the FLPs derived from the benchmark triarylborane B(C6F5)3.
Perceptual and emotional effects of light and color in a simulated retail space
Authors: Lombana Maria , Tonello Graciela Lucia
Published: March 2017

This article aims to address two aspects of lighting often treated intuitively by designers in charge of creating retail atmospheres, that is, the impact of color and light distribution, as design variables. The study comprised a controlled experiment with a repeated measure design with three directions of lighting (front, overhead, and wallwasher), as the within‐subject factor and four color combinations of the walls (yellow‐blue, magenta, gray, and green‐magenta), as the between‐group variable. The perceptual (visually) and emotional responses of 184 participants revealed the interplay between light and color on these psychological outcomes. Specifically, the results showed that the overhead direction of lighting improves the appearance of the less favored color conditions, either in terms of lack of visual complexity (monochromatic) or color itself (gray). In turn, the wallwasher lighting emphasized these attributes, differing according to visual or emotional aspects. In retailing, emotional dimensions such as activation and evaluation are desired, and they were confirmed across all the lighting and color conditions of this study. The results provide designers with certain perceptual cues regarding colors and their lighting mode to create desirable impressions and affect in retail spaces.
Pre‐exposure to cocaine or morphine attenuates taste avoidance conditioning in adolescent rats: Drug specificity in the US pre‐exposure effect
Authors: Clasen Matthew M. , Hempel Briana J. , Riley Anthony L.
Published: March 2017

Although the attenuating effects of drug history on conditioned taste avoidance (CTA) learning have been widely investigated in adults, such effects in adolescents have not been well characterized. Recent research has suggested that the display of the drug pre‐exposure effect during adolescence may be drug dependent given that pre‐exposure to ethanol attenuates subsequent conditioning, whereas pre‐exposure to the classic emetic lithium chloride (LiCl) fails to do so. The present study began investigating the possible drug‐dependent nature of the effects of drug pre‐exposure by pre‐exposing and conditioning adolescent male Sprague–Dawley rats to drugs from two additional classes, specifically psychostimulants (cocaine; Experiment 1) and opioids (morphine; Experiment 2). Consistent with prior work with ethanol (but not LiCl), prior exposure to both cocaine and morphine attenuated taste avoidance induced by these compounds. Although this work supports the view of drug‐dependent pre‐exposure effects on taste avoidance learning during adolescence, research is needed to assess its mechanisms.
High‐dose or low‐dose cisplatin concurrent with radiotherapy in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer
Authors: Chang Chia‐Lun , Yuan Kevin Sheng‐Po , Wu Szu‐Yuan
Published: March 2017

Background

No randomized studies have compared low‐dose or high‐dose concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

Methods

In this study, 7219 patients with stage III or IV head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) were enrolled and categorized into 2 groups: group 1, comprising those undergoing low‐dose concurrent CRT (n = 1575), and group 2, comprising those receiving high‐dose concurrent CRT (n = 5644).

Results

Cox regression analyses revealed that age ≥65 years, male, high Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) scores, radiotherapy (RT) duration ≥7.5 weeks, clinical stage IV cancer, oral cavity cancers, tobacco smoking, and total cisplatin dose ≥240 mg/m2 were significant independent prognostic risk factors for overall survival (OS). After adjustment for confounders, the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR; 95% confidence interval [CI]) for overall mortality was 0.83 (0.78‐0.89; P < .001) in patients with oral cavity HNSCC undergoing high‐dose concurrent CRT and 0.82 (0.77‐0.94; P < .001) in patients with nonoral cavity HNSCC receiving high‐dose concurrent CRT.

Conclusion

High‐dose concurrent CRT can reduce the incidence of death in patients with stage III or IV HNSCC.
p16INK4a: A surrogate marker of high‐risk human papillomavirus infection in squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule
Authors: Vital Domenic , Holzmann David , Huber Gerhard F. , Soyka Michael B. , Moch Holger , Zimmermann Dieter R. , Ikenberg Kristian
Published: March 2017

Background

The purpose of this study was to analyze the role of p16INK4a and the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the nasal vestibule.

Methods

Patients diagnosed from 1995 to 2014 were included in this study. Assessment of p16INK4a and HPV‐DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed and analyzed with respect to baseline, clinicopathological, and outcome parameters. The p16INK4a positivity was defined as unequivocal nuclear and cytoplasmic staining of ≥70% of the cells, whereas 50%‐69% was considered to be a “borderline” result.

Results

There were 46 patients with SCCs of the nasal vestibule, of whom 31 (67.4%) were available for p16INK4a and 30 (65.2%) for analysis of HPV. Expression of p16INK4a was present in 19.4% and showed coincidence with high‐risk HPV (P < .001). Neither p16INK4a nor HPV‐DNA had significant impact on outcome.

Conclusion

Significant immunoreactivity for p16INK4a was present in about one‐fifth of the samples and figured as a surrogate marker of high‐risk HPV infection. There was no influence on outcome.
Study of N‐vinylpyrrolidone‐N‐vinylformamide copolymers labelled with indium‐113m
Authors: Gorshkov N.I. , Miroslavov А.Е. , Аlekseev I.Е. , Lumpov А.А. , Мurko А.Y. , Gavrilova I.I. , Saprykina N.N. , Bezrukova М.А. , Kipper А.I. , Krasikov V.D. , Suglobov D.N. , Tyupina M.Y. , Panarin Е.F.
Published: March 2017

The procedure of the directed synthesis of N‐vinylpyrrolidone‐N‐vinylformamide (VP‐VFA) copolymers with grafted iminodiacetate (IDA) chelating units is presented. The methods for labelling resulting conjugates with indium‐113m were developed. The metal‐copolymer conjugates were characterized by different physicochemical methods, including IR and NMR, viscometry, light scattering, and exclusion high‐performance liquid chromatography. Parameters of radiochemical synthesis of the conjugates labelled with indium‐113m were optimized. It was shown that the VP‐VFA‐IDA copolymer firmly binds indium‐113m both in the acid and alkaline solutions, with pH of the reaction mixture having almost no effect on the complexation. VP‐VFA‐IDA‐In conjugates were found to be unstable in histidine challenge reaction.
Hearing loss and speech perception in noise difficulties in Fanconi anemia
Authors: Verheij Emmy , Oomen Karin P. Q. , Smetsers Stephanie E. , van Zanten Gijsbert A. , Speleman Lucienne
Published: March 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Fanconi anemia is a hereditary chromosomal instability disorder. Hearing loss and ear abnormalities are among the many manifestations reported in this disorder. In addition, Fanconi anemia patients often complain about hearing difficulties in situations with background noise (speech perception in noise difficulties). Our study aimed to describe the prevalence of hearing loss and speech perception in noise difficulties in Dutch Fanconi anemia patients.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted at a Dutch tertiary care center. All patients with Fanconi anemia at clinical follow‐up in our hospital were included. Medical files were reviewed to collect data on hearing loss and speech perception in noise difficulties.

Results

In total, 49 Fanconi anemia patients were included. Audiograms were available in 29 patients and showed hearing loss in 16 patients (55%). Conductive hearing loss was present in 24.1%, sensorineural in 20.7%, and mixed in 10.3%. A speech in noise test was performed in 17 patients; speech perception in noise was subnormal in nine patients (52.9%) and abnormal in two patients (11.7%).

Conclusions

Hearing loss and speech perception in noise abnormalities are common in Fanconi anemia. Therefore, pure tone audiograms and speech in noise tests should be performed, preferably already at a young age, because hearing aids or assistive listening devices could be very valuable in developing language and communication skills.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:2358–2361, 2017
Periodic olfactory assessment in patients undergoing skull base surgery with preservation of the olfactory strip
Authors: Upadhyay Smita , Buohliqah Lamia , Dolci Ricardo L. L. , Otto Bradley A. , Prevedello Daniel M. , Carrau Ricardo L.
Published: March 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Others have reported olfactory disturbances following endoscopic approaches to the skull base. However, there is a lack of consensus on the extent and duration of dysfunction. This study aimed to compare our results with previously published work and to validate the olfactory strip–sparing approach.

Study Design

Prospective study to assess olfaction in 50 patients scheduled to undergo resection of skull base tumors via extended endoscopic approaches.

Methods

Patients were divided into two groups. Group I had a nasoseptal flap (NSF), and group II included patients in whom rescue flaps were performed bilaterally. Olfactory outcomes were assessed using repeated University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months following surgery.

Results

Ultimately, 42 patients (seven group I and 35 group II) were available for assessment. Scores for group I were lower than at baseline at 6 weeks postoperatively (30.71 ± 5.5 vs. 24.5 ± 5.4; P = .05). However, by the third postoperative month the scores had improved to a level that was not significantly different from baseline (29.0 ± 3.7; P = .5). At 6 months, the score was 30.0 ± 3.9. Patients in group II showed no difference between their baseline and 6‐week scores (31.5 ± 5.3 vs. 29.7 ± 5.9; P = .16). Six months postoperatively, the score was significantly higher (33.78 ± 3.6; P = .04).

Conclusions

Expanded endoscopic approaches to skull base tumors involving reconstruction with an NSF are associated with a short‐term negative impact on olfaction. Olfaction does not seem to be affected by the surgical resection of pituitary adenomas associated with rescue flaps. Identification of the olfactory epithelium and meticulous harvesting of the NSF are critical to preserve olfaction.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 127:1970–1975, 2017
Nerve transection repair using laser‐activated chitosan in a rat model
Authors: Bhatt Neel K. , Khan Taleef R. , Mejias Christopher , Paniello Randal C.
Published: March 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Cranial nerve transection during head and neck surgery is conventionally repaired with microsuture. Previous studies have demonstrated recovery with laser nerve welding (LNW), a novel alternative to microsuture. LNW has been reported to have poorer tensile strength, however. Laser‐activated chitosan, an adhesive biopolymer, may promote nerve recovery while enhancing the tensile strength of the repair. Using a rat posterior tibial nerve injury model, we compared four different methods of nerve repair in this pilot study.

Study Design

Animal study.

Design

Animals underwent unilateral posterior tibial nerve transection. The injury was repaired by potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser alone (n = 20), KTP + chitosan (n = 12), microsuture + chitosan (n = 12), and chitosan alone (n = 14). Weekly walking tracks were conducted to measure functional recovery (FR). Tensile strength (TS) was measured at 6 weeks.

Results

At 6 weeks, KTP laser alone had the best recovery (FR = 93.4% ± 8.3%). Microsuture + chitosan, KTP + chitosan, and chitosan alone all showed good FR (87.4% ± 13.5%, 84.6% ± 13.0%, and 84.1% ± 10.0%, respectively). One‐way analysis of variance was performed (F(3,56) = 2.6, P = .061). A TS threshold of 3.8 N was selected as a control mean recovery. Three groups—KTP alone, KTP + chitosan, and microsuture + chitosan—were found to meet threshold 60% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 23.1%‐88.3%), 75% (95% CI: 46.8%‐91.1%), and 100% (95% CI: 75.8%‐100.0%), respectively.

Conclusions

In the posterior tibial nerve model, all repair methods promoted nerve recovery. Laser‐activated chitosan as a biopolymer anchor provided good TS and appears to be a novel alternative to microsuture. This repair method may have surgical utility following cranial nerve injury during head and neck surgery.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 127:E253–E257, 2017
Changes to cholesterol trafficking in macrophages by Leishmania parasites infection
Authors: Semini Geo , Paape Daniel , Paterou Athina , Schroeder Juliane , Barrios‐Llerena Martin , Aebischer Toni
Published: March 2017

Leishmania spp. are protozoan parasites that are transmitted by sandfly vectors during blood sucking to vertebrate hosts and cause a spectrum of diseases called leishmaniases. It has been demonstrated that host cholesterol plays an important role during Leishmania infection. Nevertheless, little is known about the intracellular distribution of this lipid early after internalization of the parasite. Here, pulse‐chase experiments with radiolabeled cholesteryl esterified to fatty acids bound to low‐density lipoproteins indicated that retention of this source of cholesterol is increased in parasite‐containing subcellular fractions, while uptake is unaffected. This is correlated with a reduction or absence of detectable NPC1 (Niemann–Pick disease, type C1), a protein responsible for cholesterol efflux from endocytic compartments, in the Leishmania mexicana habitat and infected cells. Filipin staining revealed a halo around parasites within parasitophorous vacuoles (PV) likely representing free cholesterol accumulation. Labeling of host cell membranous cholesterol by fluorescent cholesterol species before infection revealed that this pool is also trafficked to the PV but becomes incorporated into the parasites’ membranes and seems not to contribute to the halo detected by filipin. This cholesterol sequestration happened early after infection and was functionally significant as it correlated with the upregulation of mRNA‐encoding proteins required for cholesterol biosynthesis. Thus, sequestration of cholesterol by Leishmania amastigotes early after infection provides a basis to understand perturbation of cholesterol‐dependent processes in macrophages that were shown previously by others to be necessary for their proper function in innate and adaptive immune responses.
Inter‐ONU‐communication over different wavelength group in next generation pon based on physical‐layer network coding
Authors: Lu Yang , Bi Meihua , Qian Zhengfeng , Hu Miao , Wei Yizhen , Yang Guowei , Li Qiliang
Published: March 2017

An inter‐ONU‐communication (IOC) between different wavelength groups is proposed for next generation PON. The proposed IOC is based on physical‐layer network coding (PNC) to provide full‐duplex and private communications. The IOC requires no extra transmitter or receiver. 10‐Gb/s error‐free communications are experimentally demonstrated. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:1068–1071, 2017
Bandwidth enhancement of microstrip antenna loaded by parasitic zeroth‐order resonators
Authors: Peng Lin , Mao Jing‐Yao , Li Xiao‐Feng , Jiang Xing , Ruan Cheng‐Li
Published: March 2017

New zeroth‐order resonators (ZORs) were utilized as parasitic elements to enhance bandwidth of microstrip antenna. By utilizing one, two and three resonators, extra corresponding numbers of resonances were generated. Then, by merging the resonances of the resonators with that of the microstrip antenna, the measured impedance bandwidth can be increased from 56 MHz of the reference microstrip antenna to 101, 120, and 133 MHz of the ZORs loaded antennas. As the ZOR is very small (approximately λ0/10), the antenna area ratio of the proposed bandwidth enhanced antennas to the referenced microstrip antenna (RMA) is only approximately 1.33. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:1096–1100, 2017
A broadband miniaturized UHF RFID dipole tag antenna with tapered meandered arms
Authors: Mathew Jibish , Abraham Manju , Aanandan C.K. , Mathew Thomaskutty
Published: March 2017

A novel miniaturized UHF RFID tag antenna (26.4 × 24 × 1.6 mm3) for broadband operation over the UHF RFID band with good read range characteristics are proposed. The tag consists of a T‐matched dipole antenna with tapered meandered arms whose ends are folded to one side and an RFID chip is connected to the terminals of the antenna. The resonant frequency can be tuned by varying the gap width between the folded arms so that maximum read range can be achieved in the required territory's allotted band, without affecting its overall size. The measured read range variations with angular ranges for the proposed tag designed for maximum read range at 915 MHz are also presented. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 59:1142–1145, 2017
Stress, cortisol, and other appetite‐related hormones: Prospective prediction of 6‐month changes in food cravings and weight
Authors: Chao Ariana M. , Jastreboff Ania M. , White Marney A. , Grilo Carlos M. , Sinha Rajita
Published: March 2017

Objective

To examine whether baseline chronic stress, morning cortisol, and other appetite‐related hormones (leptin, ghrelin, and insulin) predict future weight gain and food cravings in a naturalistic, longitudinal, 6‐month follow‐up study.

Methods

A prospective community cohort of 339 adults (age 29.1 ± 9.0 years; BMI = 26.7 ± 5.4 kg/m2; 56.9% female; 70.2% white) completed assessments at baseline and 6‐month follow‐up. Fasting blood draws were used to assess cortisol and other appetite‐related hormone levels at baseline. At baseline and follow‐up, body weight was measured, and the Cumulative Adversity Interview and Food Craving Inventory were administered. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates.

Results

Over the 6‐month period, 49.9% of the sample gained weight. Food cravings and chronic stress decreased over 6 months (Ps < 0.05). However, after adjusting for covariates, individuals with higher baseline total ghrelin had significantly higher food cravings at 6 months (P = 0.04). Furthermore, higher cortisol, insulin, and chronic stress were each predictive of greater future weight gain (Ps < 0.05).

Conclusions

These results suggest that ghrelin plays a role in increased food cravings and reward‐driven eating behaviors. Studies are needed that examine the utility of stress reduction methods for normalizing disrupted cortisol responses and preventing future weight gain.
An adaptive chaos particle swarm optimization for tuning parameters of PID controller
Authors: Nie Shan‐Kun , Wang Yu‐Jia , Xiao Shanli , Liu Zhifeng
Published: March 2017

An adaptive chaos particle swarm optimization (ACPSO) is presented in this paper to tune the parameters of proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID) controller. To avoid the local minima, we introduced a constriction factor. Meanwhile, the chaotic searching is combined with the particle swarm optimization to improve the ability of the proposed algorithm. A series of experiment is performed on 6 benchmark functions to confirm its performance. It is found that the ACPSO can get better solution quality in solving the global optimization problems and avoiding the premature convergence. Based on it, the proposed algorithm is applied to tune the PID controller's parameters. The performances of the ACPSO are compared with different inspired algorithms, and these results show that the ACPSO is more robust and efficient when it is used to find the optimal parameters of PID controller.