bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population genetics of the pink snail Strombus gigas in the Yucatan Peninsula:Implications for its management and fishery
Authors: Tello-Cetina JA , Rodríguez-Gil LA , Rodríguez-Romero F
Published: August 2017

The genetic population structure of the pink snail Strombus gigas in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, was determined by isozyme expression in polyacrylamide gels. Muscle samples of 50 organisms, captured at four sites of the Yucatan Peninsula, were used to characterize the genotypic expression as revealed by the expression of 55 loci in 30 enzymatic systems. The TFPGA program was used to analyze genic frequency data. The following parameters were determined: descriptive statistics, F statistic, genetic distances, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, UPGMA and the number of migrants as indicator of gene flow. Heterozygosity values ranged from 0.3240 for OCTDH 2 to 0.0440 for FUM, with a mean value of 0.0366; Fis values ranged from 0.0835 for OCTDH 2 to 0.3600 for FUM, with a mean value of –0.0492; and Fst values ranged from 0.0082 for LAP 2 to 0.1967 for MDH 2, with a mean value of 0.1039, suggesting heterozygote deficiency. The number of migrants derived from the Slatkin equation is 2.156 per generation, which suggests a certain degree of variability among populations and corroborates the low values obtained for Nei´ s genetic distance, of 0.0053 for the node showing the separation of the population from Arrecife de Alacranes from the other populations. We conclude that the S. gigas populations studied here do not present genetic fragility for their subsistence.
High‐resolution hyperspectral imaging of diagenesis and clays in fossil coral reef material: a nondestructive tool for improving environmental and climate reconstructions
Authors: Murphy R. J. , Webster J. M. , Nothdurft L. , Dechnik B. , McGregor H. V. , Patterson M. A. , Sanborn K. L. , Webb G. E. , Kearney L. I. , Rintoul L. , Erler D. V.
Published: August 2017

Hyperspectral imagery (1000–2500 nm) was used to quantitatively map carbonate and clay minerals in fossil reef cores that are relevant to accurately reconstructing past environmental and climatic conditions. Techniques were developed using hyperspectral imagery of fossil reef corals and cores acquired from three different geological settings, and were validated against independent measures of calcite to aragonite ratios. Aragonite, calcite, and dolomite were distinguished using a combination of the wavelength position and asymmetry of the primary carbonate absorption between 2300 and 2350 nm. Areas of core containing small amounts of calcite (>2–5%) were distinguished from aragonite in imagery of two cores, enabling quantitative maps of these minerals to be constructed. Dolomite was found to be the dominant mineral in another core. Trace amounts of the aluminium‐rich clay mineral kaolinite were detected, quantified, and mapped in one core using its diagnostic absorption feature near 2200 nm. The amounts of clay detected from hyperspectral imagery were below the limits of detection by standard X‐ray diffraction techniques but its presence was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Hyperspectral imagery acquired at high spatial resolution simplifies vetting procedures for secondary carbonate minerals in coral reef cores, significantly reduces sampling time and costs, and is a powerful nondestructive tool to identify well‐preserved coral aragonite in cores for uses in paleoclimate, paleoenvironment and paleoecosystem reconstruction.
The impact of lidar detection sensitivity on assessing aerosol direct radiative effects
Authors: Thorsen Tyler J. , Ferrare Richard A. , Hostetler Chris A. , Vaughan Mark A. , Fu Qiang
Published: August 2017

Spaceborne lidar observations have great potential to provide accurate global estimates of the aerosol direct radiative effect (DRE) in both clear and cloudy conditions. However, comparisons between observations from the Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite (CALIPSO) and multiple years of Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program's ground‐based Raman lidars (RL) show that CALIPSO does not detect all radiatively significant aerosol, i.e., aerosol that directly modifies the Earth's radiation budget. We estimated that using CALIPSO observations results in an underestimate of the magnitude of the global mean aerosol DRE by up to 54%. The ARM RL data sets along with NASA Langley airborne high spectral resolution lidar data from multiple field campaigns are used to derive the detection sensitivity required to accurately resolve the aerosol DRE. This shows that a lidar with a backscatter coefficient detection sensitivity of about 1–2 × 10−4 km−1 sr−1 at 532 nm would resolve all the aerosol needed to derive the DRE to within 1%.
Factors controlling Hadley circulation changes from the Last Glacial Maximum to the end of the 21st century
Authors: D'Agostino Roberta , Lionello Piero , Adam Ori , Schneider Tapio
Published: August 2017

The Hadley circulation (HC) extent and strength are analyzed in a wide range of simulated climates from the Last Glacial Maximum to global warming scenarios. Motivated by HC theories, we analyze how the HC is influenced by the subtropical stability, the near‐surface meridional potential temperature gradient, and the tropical tropopause level. The subtropical static stability accounts for the bulk of the HC changes across the simulations. However, since it correlates strongly with global mean surface temperature, most HC changes can be attributed to global mean surface temperature changes. The HC widens as the climate warms, and it also weakens, but only robustly so in the Northern Hemisphere. On the other hand, the Southern Hemisphere strength response is uncertain, in part because subtropical static stability changes counteract meridional potential temperature gradient changes to various degrees in different models, with no consensus on the response of the latter to global warming.
Different composition and distribution patterns of mineral‐protected versus hydrolyzable lipids in shrubland soils
Authors: Cai Yue , Tang Zhiyao , Xiong Gaoming , Xie Zongqiang , Liu Zongguang , Feng Xiaojuan
Published: August 2017

Mineral protection is known as an important mechanism stabilizing soil organic carbon (SOC). However, the composition, sources, and variations of mineral‐protected SOC remain poorly constrained. To fill this knowledge gap, we used hydrofluoric acid to demineralize soil matrix and compared the sources and distribution of mineral‐protected lipids (ML) versus hydrolyzable lipids (HL) of four typical Chinese shrubland soils. ML was found to represent a sizable fraction (9–32%) of total aliphatic lipids (including n‐alkanols; n‐alkanoic acids; α,ω‐alkanedioic acids; hydroxyalkanoic acids; and midchain‐substituted acids) in all soils. Based on carbon chain length and branch positions, microbe‐ and plant‐derived lipids were distinguished. No significant difference was found in the ratio of microbe‐ to plant‐derived lipids in ML versus HL, implying that plant and microbial inputs are equally important for the mineral‐associated soil lipids. However, ML contained a higher proportion of nonspecific lipids, especially at depths. Furthermore, to evaluate key environmental variable(s) controlling the distribution of different lipid components, a multiple stepwise regression analysis was conducted. Notably, ML was mainly affected by SOC‐to‐nitrogen ratio instead of mineralogical properties, implying that the accrual of mineral‐associated soil lipids relies strongly on organic matter properties. Collectively, our findings provide novel insights on sources and accumulation mechanisms of mineral‐protected soil lipids. SOC decomposition and subsequent accretion of degradation products appear to be vital for the sequestration of mineral‐associated soil lipids and warrant better recognition in the investigations of stable soil carbon accumulation mechanisms.
Soil CO2concentrations and efflux dynamics of a tree island in the Pantanal wetland
Authors: Lathuillière Michael J. , Pinto Osvaldo B. , Johnson Mark S. , Jassal Rachhpal S. , Dalmagro Higo J. , Leite Nei K. , Speratti Alicia B. , Krampe Daniela , Couto Eduardo G.
Published: August 2017

The Pantanal is the largest tropical wetland on the planet, and yet little information is available on the biome's carbon cycle. We used an automatic station to measure soil CO2concentrations and oxidation‐reduction potential over the 2014 and 2015 flood cycles of a tree island in the Pantanal that is immune to inundation during the wetland's annual flooding. The soil CO2concentration profile was then used to estimate soil CO2efflux over the two periods. In 2014, subsurface soil saturation at 0.30 m depth created conditions in that layer that led to CO2buildup close to 200,000 ppm and soil oxidation‐reduction potential below −300 mV, conditions that were not repeated in 2015 due to annual variability in soil saturation at the site. Mean CO2efflux over the 2015 flood cycle was 0.023 ± 0.103 mg CO2‐C m−2 s−1representing a total annual efflux of 593 ± 2690 mg CO2‐C m−2 y−1. Unlike a nearby tree island site that experiences full inundation during the wet season, here the soil dried quickly following repeated rain events throughout the year, which led to the release of CO2pulses from the soil. This study highlights not only the complexity and heterogeneity in the Pantanal's carbon balance based on differences in topography, flood cycles, and vegetation but also the challenges of applying the gradient method in the Pantanal due to deviations from steady state conditions.
Forecasting the Dst index using a swarm‐optimized neural network
Authors: Lazzús J. A. , Vega P. , Rojas P. , Salfate I.
Published: August 2017

A hybrid technique that combines an artificial neural network with a particle swarm optimization (ANN+PSO) was used to forecast the disturbance storm time (Dst) index from 1 to 6 h ahead. Our ANN was optimized by PSO to update ANN weights and to predict the short‐term Dst index using past values as input parameters. The database used contains 233,760 hourly data from 1 January 1990 to 31 August 2016, considering storms and quiet period, grouped into three data sets: learning set (with 116,880 hourly data points), validation set (with 58,440 data points), and testing set (with 58,440 data points). Several ANN topologies were studied, and the best architecture was determined by systematically adding neurons and evaluating the root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) and the correlation coefficient (R) during the training process. These results show that the hybrid algorithm is a powerful technique for forecasting the Dst index a short time in advance like t + 1 to t + 3, with RMSE from 3.5 nT to 7.5 nT, and R from 0.98 to 0.90. However, t + 4 to t + 6 predictions become slightly more uncertain, with RMSE from 8.8 nT to 10.9 nT, and R from 0.86 to 0.79. Additionally, an exhaustive analysis according to geomagnetic storm magnitude was conducted. In general, the results show that our hybrid algorithm can be correctly trained to forecast the Dst index with appropriate precision and that Dst past behavior significantly affects adequate training and predicting capabilities of the implemented ANN.
Midlatitude postsunset plasma bubbles observed over Europe during intense storms in April 2000 and 2001
Authors: Katamzi‐Joseph Zama Thobeka , Habarulema John Bosco , Hernández‐Pajares Manuel
Published: August 2017

Plasma bubbles are prevalent features of the equatorial/low‐latitude ionosphere which are seldom observed at middle and high latitudes. Understanding the influence of geomagnetic storms on plasma bubbles' migration to higher latitudes is an important space weather topic, since a geomagnetic storm is an important phenomenon of space weather. This paper reports on the first observations of postsunset/evening midlatitude plasma bubbles in the European sector during the main phase of severe storms (Dst≤−200 nT) on 6 April 2000 and 11 April 2001. Plasma depletions observed in Global Navigation Satellite System total electron content measurements are confirmed with those observed from in situ Defense Meteorological Satellite Program ion density measurements. The results show that the plasma bubbles were migrating north at virtual speeds of 400 m/s and on each of the storm days they extended as far north as ∼42° (geographic latitude). It is estimated that the plasma bubbles may have grown to a maximum apex height of approximately 4000 km. During the time of bubble occurrence, the evening midlatitude plasma was enhanced and the equatorial ionization anomaly extended to European midlatitudes. In addition, evidence of the upward plasma motion was found in ionosonde hmF2 and h'F measurements, while the interplanetary electric field Ey was enhanced. This was found to suggest that the possible mechanism for the enhancement of midlatitude plasma and subsequent midlatitude plasma bubbles occurrence was the eastward penetration electric field associated with Bz southward turning.
Pain Catastrophizing, Subjective Outcomes, and Inflammatory Assessments Including Ultrasound: Results From a Longitudinal Study of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Hammer Hilde B. , Uhlig Till , Kvien Tore K. , Lampa Jon
Published: August 2017

Objective

Pain catastrophizing is conceptualized as a negative cognitive–affective response to anticipated or actual pain and has been associated with important pain‐related outcomes. The objective of this prospective study of established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients was to explore how pain catastrophizing was related to patient‐reported outcomes (PROs), composite scores, and assessments of inflammatory activity.

Methods

RA patients starting biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs were examined at baseline and after 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months with PROs (joint pain/patient's global visual analog scale [VAS], modified Health Assessment Questionnaire, Rheumatoid Arthritis Impact of Disease score), clinical and laboratory assessments (tender/swollen joint count, assessor's global VAS, erythrocyte sedimentation rate/C‐reactive protein [CRP] level), ultrasound (US) (gray scale [GS]/power Doppler [PD] of 36 joints and 4 tendons), and pain catastrophizing. The composite scores for Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, Clinical Disease Activity Index, and Simplified Disease Activity Index were calculated. Statistical calculations included independent samples t‐test, paired samples t‐test, one‐way analysis of variance, Pearson's correlations, and linear and logistic regression.

Results

Of 209 patients included, 152 (72.7%) completed 12‐month followup. Pain catastrophizing, PROs, and clinical and inflammatory assessments decreased significantly (P < 0.001). Pain catastrophizing was strongly correlated with the PROs and composite scores (P < 0.001) but not with the inflammatory parameters (swollen joint count, CRP level, and GS/PD US). Patients with higher levels of pain catastrophizing had higher PROs and composite scores during the study (P < 0.001) but not inflammatory assessments. Baseline pain catastrophizing was negatively associated with achievement of remission at 6 and 12 months (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Pain catastrophizing was strongly associated with PROs and composite measures, but not with markers of inflammation. High levels of pain catastrophizing reduced the likelihood of achieving composite score remission and should be a factor to consider in a treat‐to‐target strategy.
Small Y Addition Effects on Hot Deformation Behavior of Copper‐Matrix Alloys
Authors: Zhang Yi , Sun Huili , Volinsky Alex A. , Wang Bingjie , Tian Baohong , Chai Zhe , Liu Yong , Song Kexing
Published: August 2017

Hot deformation behavior of two alloys, Cu–Zr and Cu–Zr–Y is studied by compression tests using the Gleeble‐1500D thermo‐mechanical simulator. Experiments are conducted at 550–900 °C temperature and 0.001–10 s−1 strain rate. The true stress–true strain curves are analyzed, and the results show that the flow stress strongly depends on the temperature and the strain rate. Furthermore, both alloys behave similarly when the flow stress increases with higher strain rate and lower temperature. Based on the dynamic material model, the processing maps are obtained at strains of 0.4 and 0.5. The optimal processing parameters for the Cu–Zr and Cu–Zr–Y alloys are determined. In addition, the constitutive equations for the alloys are established to characterize the flow stress as a function of strain rate and deformation temperature. Based on the microstructure evolution analysis, the results show that the addition of Y can effectively promote dynamic recrystallization. Moreover, the processability of the alloy can be optimized. Thermal deformation activation energy and the peak power dissipation efficiency for the alloys are obtained. It is observed that the addition of Y effectively improves thermal deformation activation energy and has considerable influence on the peak power dissipation efficiency.
Indentation Response and Structure‐Property Correlation in a Bimodal Ti–6Al–4V Alloy
Authors: Sen Indrani , Roy Shibayan , Wagner Martin F.‐X.
Published: August 2017

Understanding the deformation behavior of multi‐phase alloys under external loading requires careful mechanical characterization of the individual constituent phases at various length scales. The present study first evaluates the elastic moduli and hardness of the microstructural constituents viz. primary α (αp) and transformed β (secondary α (αs) plus retained prior β) phases in a bimodal Ti–6Al–4V alloy by nano‐indentation using different loads. The bulk mechanical properties of the overall microstructure are then determined by grid wise nano‐indentation, as well as micro‐indentation. The alloy shows a pronounced indentation size effect; the hardness increases with the decrease in indentation load, or depth of penetration. Assuming an iso‐stress condition for individual constituents (αp and transformed β) in the rule of mixture approach, the bulk mechanical properties of the Ti–6Al–4V alloy are reasonably predicted. Such prediction of bulk properties, however, is not possible when a similar calculation is performed using iso‐strain condition. The transformed β phase shows disparity between the estimated and experimental values, while considering the αs and β phases individually, on both iso‐stress and iso‐strain assumptions. From these results, the influence of individual microstructural phases (size, distribution, volume fraction, morphology) and the interfaces between them, is found key in controlling the overall bulk mechanical response of the alloy system.
In Vivo Subcutaneous Thermal Video Recording by Supersensitive Infrared Nanothermometers
Authors: Ximendes Erving C. , Rocha Uéslen , Sales Tasso O. , Fernández Núria , Sanz‐Rodríguez Francisco , Martín Inocencio R. , Jacinto Carlos , Jaque Daniel
Published: August 2017

Some of the old and unrealizable dreams of biomedicine have become possible thanks to the appearance of novel advanced materials such as luminescent nanothermometers, nanoparticles capable of providing a contactless thermal reading through their light emission properties. Luminescent nanothermometers have already been demonstrated to be capable of in vivo subcutaneous punctual thermal reading but their real application as diagnosis tools still requires demonstrating their actual capacity for the acquisition of in vivo, time‐resolved subcutaneous thermal images. The transfer from 1D to 2D subcutaneous thermal sensing is blocked in the last years mainly due to the lack of high sensitivity luminescent nanothermometers operating in the infrared biological windows. This work demonstrates how core/shell engineering, in combination with selective rare earth doping, can be used to develop supersensitive infrared luminescent nanothermometers. Erbium, thulium, and ytterbium core–shell LaF3 nanoparticles, operating within the biological windows, provide thermal sensitivities as large as 5% °C−1. This “record” sensitivity has allowed for the final acquisition of subcutaneous thermal videos of a living animal. Subsequent analysis of thermal videos allows for an unequivocal determination of intrinsic properties of subcutaneous tissues, opening the venue to the development of novel thermal imaging‐based diagnosis tools.
A Benchmark Quantum Yield for Water Photoreduction on Amorphous Carbon Nitride
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Z. , Tapping Patrick C. , Kee Tak W. , Smernik Ronald , Spooner Nigel , Moffatt Jillian , Tang Youhong , Davey Kenneth , Qiao Shi‐Zhang
Published: August 2017

Amorphous carbon nitride (a‐CN) is a less‐explored but promising photocatalyst for hydrogen production. Despite an extended visible light absorption (EVLA) its low quantum efficiency (QE) for water photoreduction is a long standing problem. This implies that EVLA is not proportionally translated into collection of large amounts of photogenerated electrons. Minimizing the mismatch between light‐absorption and charge‐collection remains a scientific challenge. Here a sponge‐like hierarchical structure of a‐CN that addresses this apparent mismatch is reported. Combined experimental and finite difference time domain simulations demonstrate the ability of the a‐CN sponge to induce scattering for total internal light reflection that promotes localized charge carrier generation. Diffused reflectance and transient fluorescence decay studies show good agreement with simulations with a 40% enhanced light‐trapping and an ≈23 times longer electron lifetime in spongy a‐CN compared with that of the bulk material. The result is a new high benchmark for hydrogen production of 203.5 µmol h−1 with a QE of 6.1% at 420 nm in a reaction system of 10 vol% triethanolamine and 1 wt% Pt cocatalyst. The enhanced water photoreduction is a result of amenable photophysical and electrochemical attributes existing within the a‐CN sponge.
3D Bioprinting for Cartilage and Osteochondral Tissue Engineering
Authors: Daly Andrew C. , Freeman Fiona E. , Gonzalez‐Fernandez Tomas , Critchley Susan E. , Nulty Jessica , Kelly Daniel J.
Published: August 2017

Significant progress has been made in the field of cartilage and bone tissue engineering over the last two decades. As a result, there is real promise that strategies to regenerate rather than replace damaged or diseased bones and joints will one day reach the clinic however, a number of major challenges must still be addressed before this becomes a reality. These include vascularization in the context of large bone defect repair, engineering complex gradients for bone‐soft tissue interface regeneration and recapitulating the stratified zonal architecture present in many adult tissues such as articular cartilage. Tissue engineered constructs typically lack such spatial complexity in cell types and tissue organization, which may explain their relatively limited success to date. This has led to increased interest in bioprinting technologies in the field of musculoskeletal tissue engineering. The additive, layer by layer nature of such biofabrication strategies makes it possible to generate zonal distributions of cells, matrix and bioactive cues in 3D. The adoption of biofabrication technology in musculoskeletal tissue engineering may therefore make it possible to produce the next generation of biological implants capable of treating a range of conditions. Here, advances in bioprinting for cartilage and osteochondral tissue engineering are reviewed.
Site‐Selective Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed C−H Amination of 7‐Azaindoles with Anthranils: Synthesis and Anticancer Evaluation
Authors: Jeon Mijin , Park Jihye , Dey Prasanta , Oh Yongguk , Oh Hyunjung , Han Sangil , Um Sung Hee , Kim Hyung Sik , Mishra Neeraj Kumar , Kim In Su
Published: August 2017

The site‐selective C−H amination reaction of 7‐azaindoles with various benzisoxazoles as amination surrogates under cationic rhodium(III) catalysis is described. This transformation efficiently provides a range of ortho‐aminated N‐aryl‐7‐azaindoles with excellent site‐selectivity and functional group compatibility. The formed ortho‐aminated 7‐azaindoles were readily transformed into biologically relevant heterocycles such as azaindoloacridine, azaindoloacridone, and bis‐indole compounds. Moreover, the synthetic derivatives were tested for in vitro anticancer activity against human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF‐7), human renal carcinoma cells (786‐O), and human prostate adenocarcinoma cells (DU145). Notably, some synthetic compounds were found to display most potent anticancer activity, compared to that of anticancer doxorubicin as a positive control.

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Technical details of video‐assisted transcervical mediastinal dissection for esophageal cancer and its perioperative outcome
Authors: Mori Kazuhiko , Aikou Susumu , Yagi Koichi , Nishida Masato , Mitsui Takashi , Yamagata Yukinori , Yamashita Hiroharu , Nomura Sachiyo , Seto Yasuyuki
Published: August 2017

To reduce pulmonary complications after esophagectomy, the transthoracic procedure should be shortened or totally avoided. Transcervical approach assisted by mediastinoscope for the upper mediastinum may be advantageous for this purpose. We carried out video‐assisted transcervical mediastinal dissection (VATCMD) as part of totally non‐transthoracic radical esophagectomy. A single‐port laparoscopy device was adopted to a small cervical incision and the mediastinum was inflated with a positive pressure of 6 to 10 mmHg. Without assistant's retractor, the upper mediastinum and partially the middle mediastinum were dissected mainly by mediastinoscopic‐assisted surgery. Video of the operation is demonstrated with illustrations. We have carried out and reported 17 cases of esophagectomy including VATCMD and its perioperative outcome. Non‐transthoracic esophagectomy was completed without conversion to transthoracic procedure in all 17 cases. Procedure‐related adverse event was not observed and postoperative course was favorable with a zero occurrence (0%) of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, chyle leakage or pulmonary complications. Median number of harvested lymph nodes from the upper mediastinal stations was 10. VATCMD is suggested as a safe and feasible approach for the upper mediastinum in esophagectomy for malignancies. It enabled a totally non‐transthoracic radical esophagectomy in combination with a transhiatal approach.

Video‐assisted transcervical mediastinal dissection is suggested as a safe and feasible approach for the upper mediastinum in esophagectomy for malignancies. It enabled a totally non‐transthoracic radical esophagectomy in combination with a transhiatal approach.
Local control of sphincter‐preserving procedures and abdominoperineal resection for locally advanced low rectal cancer: Propensity score matched analysis
Authors: Okamura Ryosuke , Hida Koya , Yamaguchi Tomohiro , Akagi Tomonori , Konishi Tsuyoshi , Yamamoto Michio , Ota Mitsuyoshi , Matoba Shuichiro , Bando Hiroyuki , Goto Saori , Sakai Yoshiharu , Watanabe Masahiko ,   Japan Society of Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery
Published: August 2017

Sphincter‐preserving procedures (SPPs) for surgical treatment of low‐lying rectal tumors have advanced considerably. However, their oncological safety for locally advanced low rectal cancer compared with abdominoperineal resection (APR) is contentious. We retrospectively analyzed cohort data of 1500 consecutive patients who underwent elective resection for stage II‐III rectal cancer between 2010 and 2011. Patients with tumors 2‐5 cm from the anal verge and clinical stage T3‐4 were eligible. Primary outcome was 3‐year local recurrence rate, and confounding effects were minimized by propensity score matching. The study involved 794 patients (456 SPPs and 338 APR). Before matching, candidates for APR were more likely to have lower and advanced lesions, whereas SPPs were carried out more often following preoperative treatment, by laparoscopic approach, and at institutions with higher case volume. After matching, 398 patients (199 each for SPPs and APR) were included in the analysis sample. Postoperative morbidity was similar between the SPPs and APR groups (38% vs 39%; RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.77‐1.27). Margin involvement was present in eight patients in the SPPs group (one and seven at the distal and radial margins, respectively) and in 12 patients in the APR group. No difference in 3‐year local recurrence rate was noted between the two groups (11% vs 14%; HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.42‐1.41). In this observational study, comparability was ensured by adjusting for possible confounding factors. Our results suggest that SPPs and APR for locally advanced low rectal cancer have demonstrably equivalent oncological local control.
Plasma assisted nitrogen oxide production from air: Using pulsed powered gliding arc reactor for a containerized plant
Authors: Patil Bhaskar S. , Peeters F. J. J. , van Rooij Gerard J. , Medrano J. A. , Gallucci Fausto , Lang J. , Wang Qi , Hessel Volker
Published: August 2017

The production of NOx from air and air + O2 is investigated in a pulsed powered milli‐scale gliding arc (GA) reactor, aiming at a containerized process for fertilizer production. Influence of feed mixture, flow rate, temperature, and Ar and O2 content are investigated at varying specific energy input. The findings are correlated with high‐speed imaging of the GA dynamics. An O2 content of 40–48% was optimum, with an enhancement of 11% in NOx production. Addition of Ar and preheating of the feed resulted in lower NOx production. Lower flow rates produced higher NOx concentrations due to longer residence time in the GA. The volume covered by GA depends strongly on the gas flow rate, emphasizing that the gas flow rate has a major impact on the GA dynamics and the reaction kinetics. For 0.5 L/min, 1.4 vol % of NOx concentration was realized, which is promising for a containerized process plant to produce fertilizer in remote locations. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 526–537, 2018
Anterior superior alveolar nerve injury after extended endoscopic medial maxillectomy: a preclinical study to predict neurological morbidity
Authors: Schreiber Alberto , Mattavelli Davide , Ferrari Marco , Rampinelli Vittorio , Lancini Davide , Ravanelli Marco , Bertazzoni Giacomo , Rodella Luigi Fabrizio , Buffoli Barbara , Doglietto Francesco , Nicolai Piero
Published: August 2017

Background

Endoscopic medial maxillectomies (EMMs) are used to optimize exposure of the maxillary sinus and retromaxillary areas. Although in type D EMM (Sturmann‐Canfield procedure) the anterior superior alveolar nerve (ASAN) is always at risk of injury, only 29% of patients complained of alveolar process and dental anesthesia. The purpose of this anatomical study is to assess the neural anastomotic network of the ASAN (ASAN‐NAN) and describe different extensions of type D EMMs in a preclinical setting.

Methods

The ASAN and its medial anastomotic branches (MABs) and lateral anastomotic branches (LABs) were evaluated by cone‐beam computerized tomography (CBCT). Five different extensions of type D (D1 to D5) EMMs were identified and nerves at risk of injury in each type were assessed by CBCT. Moreover, quantification of surgical corridors was performed on cadaver heads with a neuronavigation system.

Results

Fifty‐seven CBCT scans were analyzed. The ASAN would be spared in 16.3% of cases with a type D1 EMM, while it would be injured in the majority of type D2 to D5 resections. At least 1 nerve of the ASAN‐NAN was spared in 96.6%, 93%, 74.6%, 0%, and 65.8% of type D1 to D5 EMMs, respectively. Two cadaver heads were dissected and the incremental volume and number of maxillary subsites exposed was assessed in type D1 to D5 EMMs.

Conclusion

ASAN function impairment is probably compensated by LABs and MABs. If this hypothesis will be validated in a prospective study on patients, preoperative CBCT evaluation could predict neurological morbidity after type D EMM, and allow tailoring the procedure to minimize impairment of the ASAN‐NAN.
Visible‐Light‐Mediated Selective Arylation of Cysteine in Batch and Flow
Authors: Bottecchia Cecilia , Rubens Maarten , Gunnoo Smita B. , Hessel Volker , Madder Annemieke , Noël Timothy
Published: August 2017

A mild visible‐light‐mediated strategy for cysteine arylation is presented. The method relies on the use of eosin Y as a metal‐free photocatalyst and aryldiazonium salts as arylating agents. The reaction can be significantly accelerated in a microflow reactor, whilst allowing the in situ formation of the required diazonium salts. The batch and flow protocol described herein can be applied to obtain a broad series of arylated cysteine derivatives and arylated cysteine‐containing dipeptides. Moreover, the method was applied to the chemoselective arylation of a model peptide in biocompatible reaction conditions (room temperature, phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) buffer) within a short reaction time.
DNA Trojan Horses: Self‐Assembled Floxuridine‐Containing DNA Polyhedra for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Mou Quanbing , Ma Yuan , Pan Gaifang , Xue Bai , Yan Deyue , Zhang Chuan , Zhu Xinyuan
Published: August 2017

Based on their structural similarity to natural nucleobases, nucleoside analogue therapeutics were integrated into DNA strands through conventional solid‐phase synthesis. By elaborately designing their sequences, floxuridine‐integrated DNA strands were synthesized and self‐assembled into well‐defined DNA polyhedra with definite drug‐loading ratios as well as tunable size and morphology. As a novel drug delivery system, these drug‐containing DNA polyhedra could ideally mimic the Trojan Horse to deliver chemotherapeutics into tumor cells and fight against cancer. Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that the DNA Trojan horse with buckyball architecture exhibits superior anticancer capability over the free drug and other formulations. With precise control over the drug‐loading ratio and structure of the nanocarriers, the DNA Trojan horse may play an important role in anticancer treatment and exhibit great potential in translational nanomedicine.
Doxepin Mitigates Noise‐induced Neuronal Damage in Primary Auditory Cortex of Mice via Suppression of Acid Sphingomyelinase/Ceramide Pathway
Authors: Su Yu‐Ting , Meng Xing‐Xing , Zhang Xi , Guo Yi‐Bin , Zhang Hai‐Jun , Cheng Yao‐Ping , Xie Xiao‐Ping , Chang Yao‐Ming , Bao Jun‐Xiang
Published: August 2017

Neuronal damage in primary auditory cortex (A1) underlies complex manifestations of noise exposure, prevention of which is critical for health maintenance. Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) catalyzes generation of ceramide (Cer) which if over‐activated mediates neuronal disorders in various diseases. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), by restraining ASM/Cer, benefits multiple neuronal anomalies, so we aimed to elucidate the effect of TCA on noise induced hearing loss and auditory cortex derangement, unraveling mechanism involved. The mice were exposed to noise with frequencies of 20–20 KHz and intensity of 95 dB. Doxepin hydrochloride (DOX), a kind of TCAs, was given intragastrically by 5 mg kg−1 days−1. Morphology of neurons was examined using hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) and Nissl staining. Apoptosis was assayed through transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). The content of ASM, Cer or acid ceramidase (AC) was detected by western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis. We demonstrated intense, broad band noise caused upward shift of auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold to sound over frequencies 4–32 KHz, with prominent morphologic changes and enhanced apoptosis in neurons of primary auditory cortex (A1) (P < 0.05). DOX partly restored noise‐caused hearing loss alleviating morphologic changes or apoptosis remarkably (P < 0.05). Both ASM and Cer abundance were elevated significantly by noise which was reversed upon DOX treatment (P < 0.05), but neither noise nor DOX altered AC content. DOX had no influence on hearing, neuronal morphology or ASM/Cer in control mice. Our result suggests DOX palliates noise induced hearing loss and neuronal damage in auditory cortex by correcting over‐activation of ASM/Cer without hampering intrinsic behavior of it. Anat Rec, 300:2220–2232, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Embedding a functional analysis of compliance in small group instruction
Authors: Lloyd Blair P. , Weaver Emily S. , Staubitz Johanna L.
Published: August 2017

Research on adaptations to standard functional analyses for use in classroom settings has increased in recent years. However, few studies have focused on procedural variations specific to assessing noncompliance in the context of academic instruction. In the current study, we trained a special education teacher to embed a functional analysis of compliance in small group instruction. The goal of the functional analysis was to identify an effective reinforcement contingency for compliance for a second grade student with an intellectual disability. Results suggested a combined escape + tangible contingency increased compliance to instructional prompts relative to other conditions. The functional analysis of compliance represents a variation on previous functional analyses of noncompliance with potential to increase ecological and social validity of assessment procedures for classroom settings.
Stroke survivors’ views and experiences on impact of visual impairment
Authors: Rowe Fiona J.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

We sought to determine stroke survivors’ views on impact of stroke‐related visual impairment to quality of life.

Materials and Methods

Stroke survivors with visual impairment, more than 1 year post stroke onset, were recruited. Semistructured biographical narrative interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic approach to analysis of the qualitative data was adopted. Transcripts were systematically coded using NVivo10 software.

Results

Thirty‐five stroke survivors were interviewed across the UK: 16 females, 19 males; aged 20–75 years at stroke onset. Five qualitative themes emerged: “Formal care,” “Symptoms and self,” “Adaptations,” “Daily life,” and “Information.” Where visual problems existed, they were often not immediately recognized as part of the stroke syndrome and attributed to other causes such as migraine. Many participants did not receive early vision assessment or treatment for their visual problems. Visual problems included visual field loss, double vision, and perceptual problems. Impact of visual problems included loss in confidence, being a burden to others, increased collisions/accidents, and fear of falling. They made many self‐identified adaptations to compensate for visual problems: magnifiers, large print, increased lighting, use of white sticks. There was a consistent lack of support and provision of information about visual problems.

Conclusions

Poststroke visual impairment causes considerable impact to daily life which could be substantially improved by simple measures including early formal visual assessment, management and advice on adaptive strategies and self‐management options. Improved education about poststroke visual impairment for the public and clinicians could aid earlier diagnosis of visual impairments.
Linking kindling to increased glutamate release in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus through the STXBP5/tomosyn‐1 gene
Authors: Batten Seth R. , Matveeva Elena A. , Whiteheart Sidney W. , Vanaman Thomas C. , Gerhardt Greg A. , Slevin John T.
Published: August 2017

Introduction

In kindling, repeated electrical stimulation of certain brain areas causes progressive and permanent intensification of epileptiform activity resulting in generalized seizures. We focused on the role(s) of glutamate and a negative regulator of glutamate release, STXBP5/tomosyn‐1, in kindling.

Methods

Stimulating electrodes were implanted in the amygdala and progression to two successive Racine stage 5 seizures was measured in wild‐type and STXBP5/tomosyn‐1−/− (Tom−/−) animals. Glutamate release measurements were performed in distinct brain regions using a glutamate‐selective microelectrode array (MEA).

Results

Naïve Tom−/− mice had significant increases in KCl‐evoked glutamate release compared to naïve wild type as measured by MEA of presynaptic release in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). Kindling progression was considerably accelerated in Tom−/− mice, requiring fewer stimuli to reach a fully kindled state. Following full kindling, MEA measurements of both kindled Tom+/+ and Tom−/− mice showed significant increases in KCl‐evoked and spontaneous glutamate release in the DG, indicating a correlation with the fully kindled state independent of genotype. Resting glutamate levels in all hippocampal subregions were significantly lower in the kindled Tom−/− mice, suggesting possible changes in basal control of glutamate circuitry in the kindled Tom−/− mice.

Conclusions

Our studies demonstrate that increased glutamate release in the hippocampal DG correlates with acceleration of the kindling process. Although STXBP5/tomosyn‐1 loss increased evoked glutamate release in naïve animals contributing to their prokindling phenotype, the kindling process can override any attenuating effect of STXBP5/tomosyn‐1. Loss of this “braking” effect of STXBP5/tomosyn‐1 on kindling progression may set in motion an alternative but ultimately equally ineffective compensatory response, detected here as reduced basal glutamate release.
Successful treatment with risperidone increases 5‐HT 3A receptor gene expression in patients with paranoid schizophrenia – data from a prospective study
Authors: Chen Hongying , Fan Yong , Zhao Lei , Hao Yong , Zhou Xiajun , Guan Yangtai , Li Zezhi
Published: August 2017

Introduction

The relationship between peripheral 5‐HT3A receptor mRNA level and risperidone efficiency in paranoid schizophrenia patients is still unknown.

Methods

A total 52 first‐episode and drug‐naive paranoid schizophrenia patients who were treated with risperidone and 53 matched healthy controls were enrolled. Patients were naturalistically followed up for 8 weeks. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was applied to assess symptom severity of the patients at baseline and at the end of 8th week.

Results

There was no difference in 5‐HT3A receptor mRNA level between paranoid schizophrenia patients and healthy controls at baseline (p = .24). Among 47 patients who completed 8‐week naturalistic follow‐up, 37 were responders to risperidone treatment. 5‐HT3A receptor mRNA level of paranoid schizophrenia patients did not change in overall patients after 8‐week treatment with risperidone (p = .29). However, 5‐HT3A receptor mRNA level in responders increased significantly (p = .04), but not in nonresponders (p = .81).

Conclusions

Successful treatment with risperidone increases 5‐HT3A receptor gene expression in patients with paranoid schizophrenia, indicating that 5‐HT3A receptor may be involved in the mechanism of risperidone effect.
NCAA exec shares insight into compliance‐related issues
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: August 2017

ORLANDO, Fla. — The world of college athletics has enough rules, regulations, and policies to make compliance a confusing, time‐consuming, and challenging task.
Learn how to reduce risks in the risky business of college sports
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: August 2017

Imagine that you or one of your staff members received an anonymous phone call from someone who claims a specific employee was involved in ongoing criminal activity. Would you or your staff member know how to handle the call?
Consider Title IX issues before starting new construction projects
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: August 2017

The new construction of athletics‐related facilities has been an attention‐getter throughout the country during the last several years.
Position‐based simulation of cloth wetting phenomena
Authors: Shao Xuqiang , Wu Wei , Wang Baoyi
Published: August 2017

Because of the advantages of high stability and efficiency, position‐based dynamics (PBD) is becoming increasingly popular with game developers and filmmakers. On the basis of the unified adaptive PBD, we present a nonlinear cloth wetting model to simulate visually realistic cloth wetting phenomena, which takes into account the influence of gravity on all aspects of the wetting process. Specifically, in order to model water diffusion in unsaturated cloth, we propose a novel nonlinear saturation constraint of cloth particles, which considers the influence of gravity, and then solve it using PBD to stably smooth the saturation field. The dynamic behaviors of the cloth and the water–cloth coupling during the cloth wetting process are modeled by using PBD. Moreover, a water absorption model and a water emission model are proposed to simulate the unsaturated cloth absorbing water and the oversaturated cloth draining water under the influence of gravity, respectively. The experimental results demonstrate that our novel wetting model provides an efficient way to model more stable and realistic cloth wetting phenomena using PBD.
Constituents from Scutellaria barbata Inhibiting Nitric Oxide Production in LPS‐Stimulated Microglial Cells
Authors: Lee So Ra , Kim Min‐Suk , Kim Sunggun , Hwang Kwang Woo , Park So‐Young
Published: August 2017

The arial parts of Scutellaria barbata D. Don (Lamiaceae) efficiently inhibited NO production in BV2 microglial cells, and the active constituents were further isolated based on activity‐guided isolation using silica‐gel column chromatography, RP‐C18 MPLC and prep‐HPLC. As the results, 2 flavonoids including 6‐methoxynaringenin (1) and 6‐O‐methylscutellarein (5), and 6 neo‐clerodane diterpenes such as scutebarbatine W (2), scutebatas B (3), scutebarbatine B (4), scutebarbatine A (6), 6‐O‐nicotinolylscutebarbatine G (7), and scutebarbatine X (8) were isolated. The structures of these compounds were elucidated based on NMR and MS data, and the comparison of literature values. All the compounds except compound 7 inhibited NO production efficiently with IC50 values of lower than 50 μm. Particularly, compounds 1 and 8 were the most efficient with IC50 values of 25.8 and 27.4 μm, respectively. This is the first report suggesting the potential of S. barbata on the reduction of neuroinflammation.
Novel approaches to direct atrial access after extracardiac fontan palliation
Authors: Lucas Victor “Sam”
Published: August 2017

Key Points

Catheter access to the “native” atria is limited after extra‐cardiac Fontan palliation of univentricular cardiac defects

Catheter access to the atria is necessary to percutaneously treat acquired abnormalities after extra‐cardiac Fontan palliation

Direct trans‐thoracic atrial access and extra‐cardiac conduit puncture is technically straightforward and allows for novel catheter interventions
“ICE or not to ICE during LAAO?” What are the benefits and disadvantages of ICE during LAAO?
Authors: Shatila Wassim , Krajcer Zvonimir
Published: August 2017

Key Points

For left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) could be a safe alternative to transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

ICE obviates the need for general anesthesia and can be readily implemented in practice.

Randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the noninferiority of ICE to TEE for LAAO.
Improving outcomes after CABG and PCI
Authors: Safian Robert D.
Published: August 2017

Key Points

Within 1 year of coronary artery bypass surgery , 64% of percutaneous coronary interventions were performed for graft failure and 36% for native vessel disease.

Predictors of graft failure were small diameter of the graft and native vessel, poor distal run‐off, and disease distal to the graft.

In the near future, cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and fractional flow reserve by CT (FFRct) will incorporate accurate determination of coronary anatomy and the presence and extent of myocardial ischemia.
A hybrid technique for ventricular septal defect closure in young infants
Authors: Bartel Thomas , Tuzcu E. Murat
Published: August 2017

Key Points

Perventricular device closure is a hybrid surgical and transcatheter technique.

Perventricular device closure is a safe and effective technique to close muscular VSDs even in infants.

TEE guidance is the principal tool for intra‐procedural guidance