bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feathery Microstructure Formation of Ti48Al2Cr2Nb Alloy by Rapidly Quenched Solidification
Authors: Liu Yi , An Junchao , Yang Guang , Shi Lei , Wang Yujiang
Published: July 2018

Feathery microstructure is observed in the rapidly solidified sample of Ti48Al2Cr2Nb (at%) alloy. The results show that the microstructure changes significantly from the surface to bottom of the sample, that is, cellular → dendrite → dendrite cell → feathery γ phase (γf). This phenomenon is attributed to the variation of cooling rates in local regions. The cooling rates of sample by rapidly quenched solidification are calculated by ANSYS software. A rapid solidification at about 3.67 × 103 K s−1 is obtained at the bottom of sample, causing the formation of γf. High dislocation density is detected in γf by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), attributed to the releases of the stresses during rapid solidification. The formation of γf is considered to be solid‐state phase transformation because of the strong chilling. Rapidly quenched solidification can provide high driving force for the nucleation of γf during rapid solidification.
Storm‐driven particulate organic matter flux connects a tidal tributary floodplain wetland, mainstem river, and estuary
Authors: Thom Ronald M. , Breithaupt Stephen A. , Diefenderfer Heida L. , Borde Amy B. , Roegner G. Curtis , Johnson Gary E. , Woodruff Dana L.
Published: July 2018

The transport of terrestrial plant matter into coastal waters is important to regional and global biogeochemical cycles, and methods for assessing and predicting fluxes in such dynamic environments are needed. We investigated the hypothesis that upon reconnection of a floodplain wetland to its mainstem river, organic matter produced in the wetland would reach other parts of the ecosystem. If so, we can infer that the organic matter would ultimately become a source for the food web in the mainstem river and estuary. To accomplish this, we adapted numerical hydrodynamic and transport modeling methods to estimate the mass of particulate organic matter (POM) derived from the annually senescent aboveground parts of herbaceous marsh plants (H‐POM). The Finite‐Volume Community Ocean Model (FVCOM), parameterized with flow, tide, and aboveground biomass data, simulated H‐POM mobilization from fluid shear stress during tidal exchange, flooding, and variable river flow; entrainment into the water column; transport via channel and overland flow; and entrapment when wetted surfaces dry. We examined export from a recently reconnected, restoring tidal emergent marsh on the Grays River, a tributary to the Columbia River estuary. Modeling indicated that hydrologically reconnecting 65 ha at the site resulted in export of about 96 × 103 kg of H‐POM, primarily during pulsed storm flooding events in autumn and early winter. This exported mass amounted to about 19% of the summer peak aboveground biomass measured at the site. Of that 19%, about 48% (47 × 103 kg) was deposited downstream in the Grays River and floodplain wetlands, and the remaining 52% (50 × 103 kg) passed the confluence of the Grays River and the mainstem estuary located about 7 km from the study site. The colonization of the restoring study site largely by nonnative Phalaris arundinacea (reed canarygrass) may have resulted in 18–28% lower H‐POM mobilization than typical marsh plant communities on this floodplain, based on estimates from regional studies of marshes dominated by less recalcitrant species. We concluded that restored floodplain wetlands can contribute significant amounts of organic matter to the estuarine ecosystem and thereby contribute to the restoration of historical trophic structure.
Egg boon fatty acids reveal effects of a climatic event on a marine food web
Authors: Fuiman Lee A.
Published: July 2018

Flow of essential fatty acids (EFAs) through food webs is critical for the health of individual animals, populations, and communities. Planktonic eggs may play a central role in marine systems because they are highly concentrated in EFAs, superabundant, and consumed by a variety of species. Previous research suggests that egg fatty acid composition should not be useful for trophodynamic studies because it should be tightly regulated to meet the nutritional needs of embryos. Eight years of sampling the egg boon of the teleost fish red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) provided the opportunity to test the hypothesis that extreme climatic events differentially alter abundances of prey populations and, ultimately, egg fatty acid composition. Fatty acid composition of eggs varied significantly among years and three major patterns of interannual variation (principal components) paralleled trends in the Palmer Drought Severity Index. Each of the first three principal components was related to abundances of particular prey (blue crabs, filter‐feeding fishes, and brown shrimp, respectively) during the spring and summer. Summer abundances of blue crab and brown shrimp were most strongly correlated with bay salinity 12–14 months earlier. Summer abundances of filter‐feeding fishes were most strongly correlated with bay salinity 0–1 month earlier. The delayed responses of crustacean abundances to variations in bay salinity likely operate through variability in recruitment. The fast connection for filter‐feeding fishes suggests a behavioral response to changing environmental conditions. The analyses revealed changes in trophodynamic flow that were associated with the phases of the climatic event. EFA content of eggs increased during drought years then decreased in the recovery years, indicating the potential for downstream effects on reproductive output, offspring viability, and tissue composition of egg consumers. Generally, nutrients move from intermediate sized consumers to a larger, higher order consumer (adult red drum). Then, trophic flow reverses when the egg boon is exploited by smaller planktivores. The analysis also revealed climate‐related shifts in the degree of benthic‐pelagic coupling and pelagic recycling that were mediated by the egg boons. This study demonstrates that egg boons can be a useful subject for investigations of trophodynamics in marine ecosystems.
Plasticity of foraging behaviors in response to diverse environmental conditions
Authors: Gilmour Morgan E. , Castillo‐Guerrero José A. , Fleishman Abram B. , Hernández‐Vázquez Salvador , Young Hillary S. , Shaffer Scott A.
Published: July 2018

Due to rapidly changing global environmental conditions, many animals are now experiencing concurrent changes in both resource availability and the foraging cues associated with finding those resources. By employing flexible, plastic foraging strategies that use different types of environmental foraging cues, animals could adapt to these novel future environments. To evaluate the extent to which such flexibility and plasticity exist, we analyzed a large dataset of a clade (Sulidae; the boobies) of widespread aerial tropical predators that feed in highly variable marine habitats. These surface foragers are typical of many ocean predators that face dynamic and patchy foraging environments and use a combination of static and ephemeral oceanographic features to locate prey. We compared foraging habitats and behaviors of four species at seven colonies in the eastern and central Pacific Ocean that varied greatly in depth, topography, and primary productivity. Foraging behaviors, recorded by GPS‐tracking tags, were compared to remotely sensed environmental features, to characterize habitat‐behavior interactions. K‐means clustering grouped environmental characteristics into five habitat clusters across the seven sites. We found that boobies relied on a combination of static and ephemeral cues, especially depth, chlorophyll‐a concentrations, and sea surface height (ocean surface topography). Notably, foraging behaviors were strongly predicted by local oceanographic habitats across species and sites, suggesting a high degree of behavioral plasticity in use of different foraging cues. Flexibility allows these top predators to adapt to, and exploit, static and ephemeral oceanic features. Plasticity may well facilitate these species, and other similarly dynamic foragers, to cope with increasingly changing environmental conditions.
Lines on a map: conservation units, meta‐population dynamics, and recovery of woodland caribou in Canada
Authors: Weckworth Byron V. , Hebblewhite Mark , Mariani Stefano , Musiani Marco
Published: July 2018

Delineating conservation units is a fundamental step in recovery planning for endangered species. Yet, challenges remain in the application and validation of scientifically evaluated conservation units in management practice. The Canadian government makes use of Designatable Units (DUs) as the primary conservation unit under their Species‐at‐Risk Act. DUs must be ecologically discrete and have demonstrated evolutionary significance, which, in the case of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou), has led to the definition of multiple DUs across Canada. Simultaneously, Environment and Climate Change Canada has released two recovery strategies affecting four DUs, wherein DUs are subdivided into smaller conservation units. However, the two recovery strategies adopt different definitions for the conservation unit. For the Boreal DU, the Local Population is considered the conservation unit for recovery management, whereas for Southern Mountain DU, the conservation unit for recovery is the subpopulation, which may or may not be comprised of several Local Populations. The scientific rationale for the difference between recovery strategies is unclear, not necessarily supported by genetic or demographic evidence, and highlights a policy challenge facing caribou conservation. We argue that the current emphasis on protecting subpopulations within a DU might be inconsistent and unviable for recovery planning. Instead, the recognition and emphasis on maintaining meta‐population dynamics within DUs is essential and currently underutilized in the long‐term recovery of woodland caribou in Canada.
Loss analysis of quasi Z‐source inverter with Superjunction‐MOSFET
Authors: Kamoshida Naoki , Iijima Ryuji , Isobe Takanori , Tadano Hiroshi
Published: July 2018

A Z‐source inverter (ZSI) can work as an inverter with boost capability in one stage by using its impedance source and the short‐through mode as the switching mode. This paper discusses the circuit losses that depend on the boost ratio between the quasi ZSI, which is one of the ZSI topologies, using Superjunction‐MOSFETs and the conventional inverter with a boost chopper using IGBTs. Two‐kilowatt class three‐phase inverter systems for an AC output of 200 V were fabricated using the proposed method and the conventional method, and the losses for each component were analyzed experimentally. Experimental results confirmed that the proposed method can reduce the total loss in low boost ratio operations, in comparison with the conventional method, due to its reduced inverter conduction loss.
Second‐mode tuned mass dampers in base‐isolated structures for reduction of floor acceleration
Authors: Shi Yundong , Saburi Kazuhiro , Nakashima Masayoshi
Published: July 2018

To reduce floor acceleration of base‐isolated structures under earthquakes, a tuned mass damper (TMD) system installed on the roof is studied. The optimal tuning parameters of the TMD are analyzed for linear base isolation under a generalized ground motion, and the performance of the TMD is validated using a suite of recorded ground motions. The simulation shows that a TMD tuned to the second mode of a base‐isolated structure reduces roof acceleration more effectively than a TMD tuned to the first mode. The reduction ratio, defined as the maximum roof acceleration with the TMD relative to that without the TMD, is approximately 0.9 with the second‐mode TMD. The higher effectiveness of the second‐mode TMD relative to the first‐mode TMD is attributed primarily to the unique characteristics of base isolation, ie, the relatively long first‐mode period and high base damping. The modal acceleration of the second mode is close to or even higher than that of the first mode in base‐isolated structures. The larger TMD mass ratio and lower modal damping ratio of the second‐mode TMD compared to the first‐mode TMD increases its effect on modal acceleration reduction. The reduction ratio with the second‐mode TMD improves to 0.8 for bilinear base isolation. Because of the detuning effect caused by the change in the first‐mode period in bilinear isolation, the first‐mode TMD is ineffective in reducing roof acceleration. Additionally, the displacement experienced by the second‐mode TMD is considerably smaller than that of the first‐mode TMD, thereby reducing the installation space for the TMD.
Infant feeding behaviours and attitudes to feeding amongst mothers with eating disorders: A longitudinal study
Authors: Martini Maria Giulia , Taborelli Emma , Schmidt Ulrike , Treasure Janet , Micali Nadia
Published: July 2018

This study aims to investigate breastfeeding, infant feeding behaviours, and attitudes to feeding amongst women with eating disorders (ED) and healthy controls (HC). Women with active ED (C‐ED; N = 25), past ED (P‐ED; N = 28), and HC (N = 46) were recruited in pregnancy and followed up longitudinally. Post‐natally infant feeding behaviour was investigated at 8 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year and parental modelling at 1 and 2 years. Women with P‐ED and C‐ED reported higher concerns about their infant being/becoming overweight compared with HC, respectively, at 8 weeks and 6 months and 6 months only post‐partum. Women with P‐ED showed less awareness of infant hunger and satiety cues compared with HC at 8 weeks. Despite few differences between ED and HC, both P‐ED and C‐ED predicted maternal attitudes and worries about child's eating. These are likely to impact on child's growth and later eating behaviours and might impact on the intergenerational transmission of ED.
Clinical and radiological characteristics of early versus late mild cognitive impairment in patients with comorbid depressive disorder
Authors: Motter Jeffrey N. , Pelton Gregory H. , D'Antonio Kristina , Rushia Sara N. , Pimontel Monique A. , Petrella Jeffrey R. , Garcon Ernst , Ciovacco Michaela W. , Sneed Joel R. , Doraiswamy P. Murali , Devanand Davangere P.
Published: July 2018

Objective

The classification of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) continues to be debated though it has recently been subtyped into late (LMCI) versus early (EMCI) stages. Older adults presenting with both a depressive disorder (DEP) and cognitive impairment (CI) represent a unique, understudied population. Our aim was to examine baseline characteristics of DEP‐CI patients in the DOTCODE trial, a randomized controlled trial of open antidepressant treatment for 16 weeks followed by add‐on donepezil or placebo for 62 weeks.

Methods/Design

Key inclusion criteria were diagnosis of major depression or dysthymic disorder with Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM‐D) score >14, and cognitive impairment defined by MMSE score ≥21 and impaired performance on the WMS‐R Logical Memory II test. Patients were classified as EMCI or LMCI based on the 1.5 SD cutoff on tests of verbal memory, and compared on baseline clinical, neuropsychological, and anatomical characteristics.

Results

Seventy‐nine DEP‐CI patients were recruited of whom 39 met criteria for EMCI and 40 for LMCI. The mean age was 68.9, and mean HAM‐D was 23.0. Late mild cognitive impairment patients had significantly worse ADAS‐Cog (P < .001), MMSE (P = .004), Block Design (P = .024), Visual Rep II (P = .006), CFL Animal (P = .006), UPSIT (P = .051), as well as smaller right hippocampal volume (P = .037) compared to EMCI patients. MRI indices of cerebrovascular disease did not differ between EMCI and LMCI patients.

Conclusions

Cognitive and neuronal loss markers differed between EMCI and LMCI among patients with DEP‐CI, with LMCI being more likely to have the clinical and neuronal loss markers known to be associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Aggregation Induced Phosphorescence in the Main Group
Authors: Parke Sarah M. , Rivard Eric
Published: July 2018

This review summarizes recent progress involving the preparation of materials that exhibit aggregation induced phosphorescence (AIP) and crystallization enhanced phosphorescence, with a focus on compounds containing p‐block (main group) and Group 12 elements as active components. As will be seen, utilizing the heavy atom effect is one of the most reliable paths for unlocking phosphorescence within the main group. The vast majority of phosphorescent emitters depend on expensive transition metals, however the incorporation of main group elements in phosphors can also give rise to high luminescence quantum efficiencies at a decreased cost.
Implementing international human rights recommendations to improve obstetric care in Brazil
Authors: Yamin Alicia E. , Galli Beatriz , Valongueiro Sandra
Published: July 2018

In 2011, the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) issued a groundbreaking decision in the case of Alyne da Silva Pimentel Teixeira versus Brazil involving the maternal death of a young Afro‐Brazilian woman. The CEDAW addressed systemic failures in the Brazilian health system that combined to violate Alyne's rights to life, health, and access to maternal health services. Almost 5 years later, after significant back and forth between the concerned parties, a technical follow‐up commission was created with the support of the Center for Reproductive Rights, and was welcomed by the government of Brazil. The technical follow‐up commission was precedent‐setting, seeking to move beyond identifying gaps in “compliance” and concentrate instead on issues that might catalyze re‐engagement by national level stakeholders, both governmental and non‐governmental, with the aim of advancing CEDAW's recommendations through not only the creation, but also the effective implementation, of policies and programs that promote women's sexual and reproductive rights in practice, including their rights to safe motherhood. Here, the human‐rights‐based framework of the technical follow‐up commission is described, in addition to their findings related to legal and policy frameworks, evidence‐based programing, and monitoring and oversight of providers.
A Fresh Look at Drainage for Agriculture
Authors: Parsinejad Masoud , Akram Mojtaba
Published: July 2018

Historically, drainage systems have been considered as tools for removing excess water. In the past two decades, however, a more comprehensive and inclusive approach has been developed that considers drainage as only one of the central elements of an integrated and comprehensive water management scheme. Since its invention, the science and technology of agricultural drainage have undergone development in the formulation of design, materials and methods. Recently, more concern has been focused on the environmental consequences of adoption of drainage systems. Now, environmental conservation is the greatest challenge for drainage globally. The 13th International ICID Drainage Workshop, held from 4 to 7 March 2017 in Ahwaz City, Iran, was entitled Drainage and Environmental Sustainability, to address these challenges. Of the presentations, a number focused on the new outlook and technologies that have recently been adopted. In this paper, these presentations have been used to provide a brief history of the invention and development of materials and methods in agricultural drainage. Under the notion of ‘beyond modern drainage’, the latest innovations in materials and management of agricultural water, in general, and drainage systems in particular, are presented. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blue‐Ribbon Boys: factors associated with PrEP use, ART use and undetectable viral load among gay app users across six regions of the world
Authors: Ayala George , Santos Glenn‐Milo , Arreola Sonya , Garner Alex , Makofane Keletso , Howell Sean
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Gay social networking apps have grown in popularity among men who have sex with men offering opportunities for rapid and confidential collection of vital data as well as social connection. The goal of our study was to explore factors associated with utilization of pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral treatment (ART), and self‐reported undetectable viral load (UVL) using data collected by the gay social networking app Hornet.

Methods

In 2016, the Global Forum on MSM & HIV (MSMGF) partnered with Hornet, to support an educational initiative called Blue‐Ribbon Boys. One aspect of the initiative prompts Hornet users to answer a short series of yes‐no questions about their sexual health. Using survey responses, we evaluated factors associated with PrEP and ART use as well as self‐reported UVL by fitting separate multivariable generalized estimating equation models.

Results

In total, 16,008 unique Hornet users started the survey, of which 12,126 (76%) provided sufficient data for analyses. Of the 10,774 HIV‐negative men, 13% reported PrEP use in the past year. PrEP use was associated with a recent sexually transmitted infection (STI) test or treatment (aOR = 2.19, CI = 1.49 to 3.21); and taking steps to protect oneself from HIV (aOR = 1.41, CI = 1.13 to 1.76). Among HIV‐positive Hornet users (n = 1243), ART use was associated with older age (each year increase aOR = 1.02, CI = 1.01 to 1.04), a recent STI test or treatment (aOR = 4.54, CI = 2.65 to 7.78); and awareness of unlikely HIV transmission with UVL (aOR = 1.53, CI = 1.03 to 2.26). UVL was associated with older age (each year increase aOR = 1.03, CI = 1.01 to 1.04), a recent STI test or treatment (aOR = 4.84, CI = 2.74 to 8.55), and awareness of unlikely HIV transmission with UVL (aOR = 1.98, CI = 1.37 to 2.85).

Conclusions

Study findings underscore the importance of STI testing and treatment as well as information about HIV transmissibility for encouraging PrEP and ART use. Our findings also reveal age disparities, which can undermine incidence reduction among gay men. Gay social networking apps can be effectively used for rapid data collection and sexual health promotion with men who have sex with men. STI testing and treatment programmes offer important opportunities for encouraging PrEP and ART use. Information about HIV transmissibility with consistent ART use should be incorporated into prevention messaging tailored to various age groups.
Achieving the first 90 for key populations in sub‐Saharan Africa through venue‐based outreach: challenges and opportunities for HIV prevention based on PLACE study findings from Malawi and Angola
Authors: Herce Michael E , Miller William M , Bula Agatha , Edwards Jessie K , Sapalalo Pedro , Lancaster Kathryn E , Mofolo Innocent , Furtado Maria Lúcia M , Weir Sharon S
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Providing outreach HIV prevention services at venues (i.e. “hotspots”) where people meet new sex partners can decrease barriers to HIV testing services (HTS) for key populations (KP) in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). We offered venue‐based HTS as part of bio‐behavioural surveys conducted in urban Malawi and Angola to generate regional insights into KP programming gaps and identify opportunities to achieve the “first 90” for KP in SSA.

Methods

From October 2016 to March 2017, we identified and verified 1054 venues in Luanda and Benguela, Angola and Zomba, Malawi and conducted bio‐behavioural surveys at 166 using the PLACE method. PLACE interviews community informants to systematically identify public venues where KP can be reached and conducts bio‐behavioural surveys at a stratified random sample of venues. We present survey results using summary statistics and multivariable modified Poisson regression modelling to examine associations between receipt of outreach worker‐delivered HIV/AIDS education and HTS uptake. We applied sampling weights to estimate numbers of HIV‐positive KP unaware of their status at venues.

Results

We surveyed 959 female sex workers (FSW), 836 men who have sex with men (MSM), and 129 transgender women (TGW). An estimated 71% of HIV‐positive KP surveyed were not previously aware of their HIV status, receiving a new HIV diagnosis through PLACE venue‐based HTS. If venue‐based HTS were implemented at all venues, 2022 HIV‐positive KP (95% CI: 1649 to 2477) who do not know their status could be reached, including 1666 FSW (95% CI: 1397 to 1987), 274 MSM (95% CI: 160 to 374), and 82 TG (95% CI: 20 to 197). In multivariable analyses, FSW, MSM, and TGW who received outreach worker‐delivered HIV/AIDS education were 3.15 (95% CI: 1.99 to 5.01), 3.12 (95% CI: 2.17 to 4.48), and 1.80 (95% CI: 0.67 to 4.87) times as likely, respectively, as those who did not to have undergone HTS within the last six months. Among verified venues, <=68% offered any on‐site HIV prevention services.

Conclusions

Availability of HTS and other HIV prevention services was limited at venues. HIV prevention can be delivered at venues, which can increase HTS uptake and HIV diagnosis among individuals not previously aware of their status. Delivering venue‐based HTS may represent an effective strategy to reach the “first 90” for KP in SSA.
Notochordal cell matrix: An inhibitor of neurite and blood vessel growth?
Authors: de Vries Stefan A.H. , van Doeselaar Marina , Meij Björn P. , Tryfonidou Marianna A. , Ito Keita
Published: July 2018

Blood vessel and neurite ingrowth into the degenerating intervertebral disc (IVD) are related to pain. In reported studies, notochordal cell (NC)‐conditioned medium (NCCM) induced a regenerative response of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, but also inhibition of neurite and vessel formation. NC matrix (NCM) derived from NC‐rich NP tissue, induced even stronger anabolic effects than NCCM. Thus, the aim was to investigate whether NCM has similar anti‐neurogenic and ‐angiogenic properties as NCCM. NCM and NCCM where produced from porcine NC‐rich NP tissue. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured in base medium (BM, 300 mOsm), NCCM (produced at 300 and 400 mOsm), NCM, or with chondroitin sulfate (CS, positive control) in angiogenesis‐inducing medium, after which vessel length was measured. Although CS alone inhibited vessel growth, NCCM (both osmolarities) stimulated vessel formation by HUVECs. NCM did not affect vessel growth relative to BM. SH‐SY5Y cells were cultured in BM, NCCM, and NCM on poly‐D‐lysine coated and polystyrene surfaces, and analyzed for neurite length and percentage of neurite expressing cells. On coated surfaces, neither NCCM nor NCM affected neurite growth. On a polystyrene surface, NCCM and NCM induced a higher number of neurite‐expressing cells. NCCM's previously reported anti‐angiogenic and ‐neurogenic effects were not observed in this study. Although addition of CS inhibited HUVEC vessel formation, other factors may be present in NCCM and NCM that affect neurite and vessel growth. Therefore, future studies testing an NC‐based regenerative strategy should carefully assess the risk of such adverse effects in an in vivo setting. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:3188–3195, 2018.
The combined use of Raman and micro‐X‐ray diffraction analysis in the study of archaeological glass beads
Authors: Costa Mafalda , Arruda Ana Margarida , Dias Luís , Barbosa Rui , Mirão José , Vandenabeele Peter
Published: July 2018

This study proposes a new nondestructive methodology that combines micro‐Raman spectroscopy and micro‐X‐ray diffraction (μ‐XRD), complemented by variable pressure scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry, to determine the composition of glass artifacts and the manufacturing techniques employed in their production. The use of micro‐Raman spectroscopy revealed that most samples belong to the alkaline glass family. Chemical analysis also allowed the identification of the main colorants used in the manufacture of the glass beads in this study. Dark blue and turquoise glass were colored using cobalt ions and copper ions, respectively. Amber or light brown hues were produced using the iron–sulfur amber chromophore. Iron ions were also used to produce green, yellow, cream‐colored gray, and black hues. White glass was produced using calcium antimonate phases. These compounds, identified by micro‐Raman spectroscopy and μ‐XRD, were also used as opacifying agents. This study highlights the importance of using micro‐Raman spectroscopy in the study of ancient glass artifacts. In fact, micro‐Raman spectroscopy not only allows the determination of the glass family of heavily degraded samples but was also found to be the only technique capable of identifying evidences of the rearrangement of the silicate network following selective leaching. The combined use of micro‐Raman spectroscopy and μ‐XRD permitted the identification of the opacifying agents and heat treatment used in the manufacture of the opaque glass beads in this study.
The influence of copper levels on in vitro ruminal fermentation, bacterial growth and methane production
Authors: Hernández‐Sánchez David , Cervantes‐Gómez Daniel , Ramírez‐Bribiesca J Efrén , Cobos‐Peralta Mario , Pinto‐Ruiz René , Astigarraga Laura , Gere José I
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Copper (Cu) is an essential microelement to the health and proper functioning of metabolic processes in animals, but the particular function of Cu in fermentation processes and the formation of methane (CH4) in the rumen have been poorly analyzed. The innovative aspect of this study was to investigate the effects of high doses of Cu as copper sulfate on in vitro ruminal degradation, fermentation patterns, and CH4 production.

RESULTS

There was a decrease (P < 0.04) on in vitro dry matter (DM) and organic matter degradability from 60 to 100 µg Cu/g DM. Ammonia concentration decreased drastically with increasing Cu levels (linear effect, P < 0.01). Total bacteria and volatile fatty acids (quadratic effect, P < 0.02) were reduced with 80 and 100 µg Cu/g DM. Methane production (milliliters per gram digestible organic matter) was decreased when dosages of Cu were increased (linear effect, P < 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Overall, the addition of increasing levels of Cu to 40 µg Cu/g DM did not have an adverse impact on ruminal bacteria growth and decreased CH4 production, without affecting the ruminal kinetics. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Sodium dodecyl sulfate sensitized switchable solvent liquid‐phase microextraction for the preconcentration of protoberberine alkaloids in Rhizoma coptidis
Authors: Hu Shuang , Xue Jiao , Yang Xiao , Chen Xuan , Wang Run‐qin , Bai Xiao‐hong
Published: July 2018

A sodium dodecyl sulfate sensitized switchable solvent liquid‐phase microextraction method was developed and applied to the preconcentration of active alkaloids in Rhizoma coptidis followed by high performance liquid chromatography determination. Before extraction, nonionic triethylamine was converted to its cationic form in the presence of carbon dioxide. Then, the ionic solvent carrying target analytes was once more reverted to its nonionic form by adding sodium hydroxide, as well as phase separation and analytes enrichment were realized simultaneously. Several parameters affecting the approach, such as concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate, extraction solvent volume, sodium hydroxide concentration, sample phase pH, injection solvent type, and extraction time, were investigated and optimized. The possible microextraction mechanism of double micelle supramolecular inclusion was explored. Under the optimum conditions, the enrichment factors of four protoberberine alkaloids were from 101.8 to 152.0. The linear ranges (with r2 ≥ 0.990) were 0.032–4.23, 0.031–4.33, 0.0026–10.04, and 0.0013–4.13 μg/mL for epiberberine, coptisine, palmatine, and berberine, respectively. The detection limits were in the range of 0.16–0.32 ng/mL. Satisfactory accuracies (recoveries 98.8–104.6%) and precisions (RSDs 1.9–10.9%) were also obtained. The results showed that the approach is rapid, effective, eco‐friendly, and easy‐to‐handle for the enrichment and detection of active alkaloids in Rhizoma coptidis.
Patterns of spectral, spatial, and long‐term variability in light attenuation in an optically complex sub‐estuary
Authors: Rose Kevin C. , Neale Patrick J. , Tzortziou Maria , Gallegos Charles L. , Jordan Thomas E.
Published: July 2018

Abstract

The attenuation of solar radiation controls many processes and characteristics of aquatic ecosystems and is a sentinel of larger‐scale environmental change. While light attenuation is often characterized with a single broadband diffuse attenuation coefficient of photosynthetically active radiation (K
d PAR), attenuation can exhibit substantial variability across the solar spectrum and through time and space. Understanding this variability and its proximate causes may provide information to characterize large‐scale environmental change. We implemented a semi‐analytical K
d model in four segments of the Rhode River sub‐estuary of the Chesapeake Bay to examine spectral, spatial, and temporal variability in K
d across the ultraviolet (UV) to PAR wavelengths (290–710 nm) over the period 1986–2014. We used this model to identify wavelengths most sensitive to long‐term change, the seasonal phenology of long‐term change, and the optical constituents driving changes. The model included contributions by phytoplankton, non‐algal particulates, chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM), and water. Over the period of record, K
d increased (water transparency decreased) in both UV and PAR wavelengths, with the largest increases at the most upstream site, during summer months, and at short UV wavelengths. These increases were due primarily to an increase in non‐algal particulates, and particularly since year 2005, however there was substantial seasonality in K
d. The model reveals how different changes in water quality have a differential effect on UV and PAR attenuation, and enables insight into what types of long‐term change in transparency have occurred over the long period of human impacts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Effect of graphene on the electrochemical protection of zinc‐rich coatings
Authors: Song Zuwei , Qian Bei
Published: July 2018

The effect of graphene on electrochemical protection of zinc‐rich coatings was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the monitoring of open circuit potential (OCP) versus time of immersion. The obtained results show that addition of 2.5 wt% graphene to zinc‐rich coating prolongs the lifetime of cathodic protection to mild steel immersion in sodium chloride solution. On the basis of these consistent finds, two protective mechanisms of graphene are assumed. On the one hand, the embedded graphene could serve as electrical conduction paths between zinc particles. On the other hand, the more distributed graphene may lead to the galvanic corrosion of mild steel.
Genetic variants in nucleotide excision repair pathway predict survival of esophageal squamous cell cancer patients receiving platinum‐based chemotherapy
Authors: Zhang Ruoxin , Zhou Fei , Cheng Lei , Yu Alexandria , Zhu Meiling , Wang Mengyun , Zhang Zhuanxu , Xiang Jiaqing , Wei Qingyi
Published: July 2018

The benefits of platinum‐based chemotherapy (PBC) on survival of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients are inexplicit due to the varied therapeutic effects. Nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway plays a vital role in removing platinum‐DNA adducts in tumor cells and hence may modulate the therapeutic effect and survival outcome. The present study assessed the associations of 26 potentially functional regulatory single nucleotide polymorphisms (rSNPs) in nine core NER genes with disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in 339 ESCC patients. We found that ERCC2 rs2097215 T and rs3916788 A, ERCC5 rs3759497 A and XPC rs3731054 C alleles were associated with unfavorable DFS. Patients carrying high‐risk allele group (HRG, 5‐8 risk alleles) had a significantly shorter DFS, compared with those carrying low‐risk alleles (LRG, 0‐4 risk alleles) [adjusted hazards ratio (HRadj) = 1.64, 95%CI = 1.23‐2.19, Padj < 0.001]. Three of these SNPs (ie, ERCC2 rs2097215 T and rs3916788 A and ERCC5 rs3759497 A) were also significantly associated with a poorer OS (HRG vs LRG: HRadj = 1.75, 95%CI = 1.23‐2.47, Padj = 0.002). The expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis revealed significant genotype‐expression correlations for ERCC5 rs3759497 and ERCC2 2097215 and rs3916788, which suggest regulatory roles of these SNPs. It appears that these NER variants may independently or jointly exert an impact on survival outcome of Chinese ESCC patients undergoing adjuvant platinum‐based therapy. Large studies are warranted to validate these findings.
Low dose radiation primed iNOS + M1macrophages modulate angiogenic programming of tumor derived endothelium
Authors: Nadella Vinod , Singh Sandhya , Jain Aklank , Jain Manju , Vasquez Karen M. , Sharma Ashok , Tanwar Pranay , Rath Goura Kishore , Prakash Hridayesh
Published: July 2018

Solid tumors are covered by stroma, which is hypoxic in nature and composed of various non‐malignant components such as endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and pericytes that support tumor growth. Tumor stroma represents a mechanical barrier for tumor infiltration of CD8+ effector T cells in particular. In this context, our previous studies have demonstrated the therapeutic impact of Low‐Dose Radiation (LDR)‐primed and M1‐retuned (iNOS+) peritumoral macrophages that produce inducible nitric oxide, have immunological roles on tumor infiltration of effector T cells, cancer‐related inflammation, and subsequent tumor immune rejection in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer. These findings suggested a possible modification of tumor endothelium by LDR‐primed macrophages. In line with these observations, here we demonstrate the influence of LDR in down‐modulating HIF‐1 in irradiated tumors in the course of polarization of irradiated tumor‐associated macrophages toward an M1 phenotype. Furthermore, we demonstrate that M1 macrophages which are primed by LDR can directly influence angiogenic responses in eNOS+ endothelial cells which produce nitric oxide having both vascular and physiological roles. Furthermore, we demonstrate that naïve macrophages, upon differentiating to an M1 phenotype either by Th1 stimuli or LDR, potentially modify sphingosine‐1‐phosphate/VEGF‐induced angiogenic signaling in tumor‐derived endothelial cells with tumorigenic potential, thus indicating the significance of iNOS+ macrophages in modulating signaling in eNOS+ tumor‐derived endothelium. Our study suggests that iNOS+ macrophages can activate tumor endothelium which may contribute to cancer‐directed immunotherapy in particular.
Size, Age, and Spatial–Temporal Distribution of Shortfin Mako in the Mexican Pacific Ocean
Authors: Carreón-Zapiain M. T. , Favela-Lara S. , González-Pérez J. O. , Tavares R. , Leija-Tristán A. , Mercado-Hernández R. , Compeán-Jiménez G. A.
Published: July 2018

Basic population parameters such as age, size, and distribution have been poorly evaluated for the Shortfin Mako Isurus oxyrinchus in the Mexican Pacific Ocean. According to data collected by scientific observers on board medium-size fishing vessels during the period of 2006–2013, size as TL was obtained for 5,740 individual sharks. The range of TL was 70–362 cm for females and 71–296 cm for males. Weight (W), measured randomly from 1,409 individuals, ranged from 2 to 90 kg for females and from 2 to 80 kg for males. The weight-to-TL ratio was best fitted by the equation W = 4 × 10−5(TL)2.59 (r2 = 0.6532). No sex-specific difference was found in the weight-to-TL relationship between males and females, nor in W or TL separately. By using the inverse von Bertalanffy equation and parameters described by other authors for the same study area, we determined the age range for individuals captured on the basis of their TL. The age ranged from 0 to 39 years in females and from 0 to 21 years in males. Using a logistic model, the mean length at sexual maturity was obtained for 2,532 males (TL = 190 cm). The quarterly distribution of young of the year and 1-year-old juveniles showed that there is a tendency for these sharks to move northward as sea surface temperature increases. Our findings shed new light on how Shortfin Mako juveniles use a habitat that has been proposed by other authors as a nursery area for this species, information that is valuable for the sustainability of the Mexican Pacific fisheries.
The Potential for Cryptic Population Structure to Sustain a Heavily Exploited Marine Flatfish Stock
Authors: Midway Stephen R. , White J. Wilson , Scharf Frederick S.
Published: July 2018

Complex spatial structure is widely viewed as an attribute that can contribute to stability in fish populations. Depending on aspects of stock demography and productivity, the existence of complete or partial spatial refugia can enable population persistence when faced with high rates of exploitation. The Southern Flounder Paralichthys lethostigma has been harvested extensively by inshore fisheries in North Carolina for more than three decades, with estimates of fishing mortality (F) surpassing 2.0 year−1 in several years and systems. Potential hypotheses to explain population persistence under heavy exploitation include high levels of recruitment at low stock sizes (high steepness) and/or the maintenance of adult biomass in offshore habitats that remain cryptic to the fishery. We constructed and applied an age-structured matrix model to evaluate the potential for cryptic stock structure, combined with varying levels of steepness in the stock–recruit relationship, to sustain the Southern Flounder stock across a range of plausible exploitation scenarios. Model simulations predicted that both high steepness in the stock–recruit relationship and large fractions of cryptic biomass were necessary to maintain even modest levels (~25%) of unfished biomass at the high estuarine harvest rates that have likely occurred since the inception of the fishery. When the estuarine fishery exploited the stock at an elevated rate (F > 1.0), high steepness in the stock–recruit relationship alone was insufficient to maintain population biomass at sustainable levels. Only maintaining a large fraction of the adult stock within the spatial refuge afforded by offshore habitats could offset high rates of estuarine exploitation and maintain more conservative levels (40% of unfished biomass) of population biomass. Future efforts should be focused on the identification and preservation of spatial structure within the Southern Flounder stock to maintain both age structure and fishery yield.
Motor and Nonmotor Complications of Levodopa: Phenomenology, Risk Factors, and Imaging Features
Authors: Ray Chaudhuri K. , Poewe Werner , Brooks David
Published: July 2018

Despite enormous advances in our current understanding of PD since James Parkinson described the “shaking palsy” 200 years ago, l‐dopa, in clinical use since the 1960s, remains the gold standard of treatment. Virtually every patient with PD requires varying doses of l‐dopa to manage motor and some nonmotor symptoms and retain an acceptable quality of life. However, after a period of treatment with l‐dopa, a number of problems emerge; the key ones are motor and nonmotor fluctuations, a range of dyskinesias, and a combination of both. Nonmotor complications can range from behavioral problems to sensory, autonomic, and cognitive issues. Even with a wealth of data, both in animal models and in vivo imaging that address the pathophysiology of l‐dopa‐related motor and nonmotor complications, the treatment remains challenging and is an unmet need. Although refinement in types of dopamine replacement therapy and delivery systems have improved the management of l‐dopa‐related complications, the search for the ideal treatment continues. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Data‐driven model order reduction of quadratic‐bilinear systems
Authors: Gosea Ion Victor , Antoulas Athanasios C.
Published: July 2018

We introduce a data‐driven model order reduction approach that represents an extension of the Loewner framework for linear and bilinear systems to the case of quadratic‐bilinear (QB) systems. For certain types of nonlinear systems, one can always find an equivalent QB model without performing any approximation whatsoever. An advantage of the Loewner framework is that information about the redundancy of the given data is explicitly available, by means of the singular values of the Loewner matrices. This feature is also valid for the proposed generalization. As for the linear and bilinear cases, these matrices can be directly computed by solving Sylvester equations. We begin by defining generalized higher‐order transfer functions for QB systems. These multivariate rational functions play an important role in the model order reduction process. We construct reduced‐order systems for which the associated transfer functions match those corresponding to the original system at selected tuples of interpolation points. Another benefit of the proposed approach is that it is data‐driven oriented, in the sense that one would only need computed or measured samples to construct a reduced‐order QB system. We illustrate the practical applicability of the proposed method by means of several numerical experiments.
Evidence of probable subadult scurvy in the Early Medieval cemetery of Castel Tirolo, South Tyrol, Italy
Authors: Paladin Alice , Wahl Joachim , Zink Albert
Published: July 2018

The study of subadult scurvy (vitamin C deficiency), also known as Möller‐Barlow's disease, is of growing interest in palaeopathology. However, in Italy, there is still a paucity of knowledge on nutritional stress diseases in human skeletal remains.

In the present work, the anthropological and palaeopathological study on subadults found in the Early Medieval cemetery of Castel Tirolo, in South Tyrol (Italy) is reported. Referring to the macroscopic and palaeopathological features described in the literature, abnormal pores, and abnormal new bone formations were analysed in multiple cranial and postcranial skeletal regions. Based on our study, 58% individuals (N = 14/24) displayed abnormal lesions: three subadults were nonspecific pathological cases; nine showed few indicative, but not diagnostic, lesions; and two cases (TCT13 and TCT14) exhibited abnormal lesions highly consistent with scurvy. As a reliable diagnosis of vitamin C deficiency is still challenging, we conducted a differential diagnosis of the recorded lesions that supported the probable presence of scurvy in the two cases.

This work presents the first documentation of scurvy in Early Medieval Italy revealing new insights into the health condition and nutritional stress in historical communities in the Eastern Italian Alps.
Clinical value of serial ultrasonography in the dynamic observation of foetal cystic adrenal lesions
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhan WeiCong , Wu DaoZhu , Ni XianWei , Luo HongXia , Yang Yan
Published: July 2018

Objectives

The objective of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasonography in cystic lesions of the adrenal gland.

Methods

Twenty‐two cases of adrenal cystic lesions found in the foetal period were retrospectively analysed. All foetuses were followed up by ultrasound after birth, and all lesions were confirmed by operation or ultrasound‐guided biopsy.

Results

Sixteen foetuses displayed anechoic findings, and 6 had patchy mixed echoic findings. Nevertheless, the characteristics of these lesions changed in the neonatal period: 7 cases presented as anechoic and 15 cases presented as mixed echoic. The final pathology revealed simple cysts in 7 cases, intracystic haemorrhage in 9 cases, and 6 cases of spontaneous haemorrhage of the adrenal glands.

Conclusions

The ultrasonographic findings of foetal cystic lesions in the adrenal gland and the change they undergo after birth may provide valuable information for clinical diagnosis.