bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gully morphological characteristics in the loess hilly‐gully region based on 3D laser scanning technique
Authors: Wu Hongyan , Xu Ximeng , Zheng Fenli , Qin Chao , He Xu
Published: December 2017

Gully morphology characteristics can be used effectively to describe the status of gully development. The Chabagou watershed, located in the hilly‐gully region of the Loess Plateau in China, was selected to investigate gully morphological characteristics using a 3D laser scanning technique (LIDAR). Thirty‐one representative gullies located at different watershed locations and gully orders were chosen to quantitatively describe gully morphology and establish empirical equations for estimating gully volume based on gully length and gully surface area. Images and point cloud data for the 31 gullies were collected, and digital elevation models (DEMs) with 10‐cm resolution were generated. ArcGIS 10.1 was then used to extract fundamental gully morphological parameters covering gully length (L), gully width (WT) and gully depth (D), and some derivative morphological parameters, including gully head curvature (C), gully width–depth ratio (w/d), gully bottom‐to‐top width ratio (WB/WT), gully surface area (Ag) and gully volume (Vg). The results indicated that gullies in the upper watershed and the second order were more developed based on their high values of gully head curvature. The potential for gully development increased from the second order to the fourth order. Within the same gully orders, gullies in the lower watershed were more active with more development potential. A method for differentiating between gully head and gully sidewalls based on the gully head curvature value was proposed with a mean relative error of 8.77%. U‐shaped cross‐sections were widely distributed in the upper watershed and upper positions of a gully, while V‐shaped cross‐sections were widely distributed in the lower watershed and lower positions of a gully. V–L and V–Ag empirical equations with acceptable accuracy were established and can be used to estimate gully erosion in the Loess hilly‐gully region. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling the pH–ammonia toxicity relationship for Hydra viridissima in soft waters with low ionic concentrations
Authors: Mooney Thomas J. , Pease Ceiwen , Trenfield Melanie , van Dam Rick , Harford Andrew J.
Published: December 2017

There are limited data concerning the toxicity of ammonia in fresh soft waters. Ammonia toxicity is largely dependent on pH and temperature. The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has derived equations to adjust species toxicity estimates based on changes in pH and temperature. It has been reported that the pH–ammonia toxicity relationship, derived by the USEPA, may differ in waters with low ionic concentrations because of the absence of potentially ameliorative ionic constituents. The present study aimed to assess the pH–ammonia toxicity relationship for the tropical green hydra, Hydra viridissima, across a range of pH values in a natural water with low ionic content. Ammonia toxicity to H. viridissima was assessed at a pH range between 6.0 and 8.5 and temperature 27.5 ± 1 °C. Test solution pH was maintained using a pH buffer. The resulting median effect concentrations ranged from 9.62 (7.95–11.65) mg L−1 total ammonia nitrogen at pH 6.0 to 0.64 (0.50–0.81) mg L−1 total ammonia nitrogen at pH 7.9. The results indicated that increasing pH increased the sensitivity of H. viridissima to ammonia. The pH dependence equation derived by the USEPA accurately described the relationship between pH and ammonia toxicity for H. viridissima. However, when the model parameters for the generic pooled relationship were used, the fit was less accurate (r2 = 0.66), indicating that the generic pooled pH-dependence equations may not be appropriate for use with this species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1189–1196. © 2017 SETAC
An investigation of the fire behavior of ETICS facades with polystyrene under fire loads of different size and location
Authors: Zehfuß Jochen , Northe Christian , Riese Olaf
Published: December 2017

In the context of recent fire damages to façades, and the related discussion about the safety of façade systems in the case of fire, there is a need to discuss the boundary conditions and the phenomena of façade fires based on fundamental investigation. This paper shows the experimental setup, procedure, and results of 5 large‐scale fire tests. The tests were carried out on a flat façade with external thermal insulation composite systems based on polystyrene concerning fire loads at the ground in front of the façade. The tests were scientifically monitored by the Institute of Building Materials, Concrete Construction and Fire Safety. The tests differ to the fire tests of the German building ministers in the case of different fire loads and the corner‐situation of the investigated façade. The 5 fire tests are the base for systematic investigations to study the examination criteria of the fire phenomena at the façades. Further experimental and numerical investigations will follow.
The importance of global economic policy uncertainty in predicting gold futures market volatility: A GARCH‐MIDAS approach
Authors: Fang Libing , Chen Baizhu , Yu Honghai , Qian Yichuo
Published: December 2017

This paper applies the GARCH‐MIDAS model to examine whether information contained in global economic policy uncertainty (GEPU) can help to predict short‐ and long‐term components of the gold futures return variance. Our results show that GEPU positively and significantly forecasts the future monthly volatilities for the aggregate global gold futures market. The forecasting power of GEPU remains strong in an out‐of‐sample setting. Moreover, further out‐of‐sample tests show that the GARCH‐MIDAS model with GEPU and realized volatility outperforms all other specifications, indicating that including low‐frequency GEPU information in the GARCH‐MIDAS model significantly enhances the forecasting ability of the model.
Molecular organic indicators for human activities in the Roman harbor of Ephesus, Turkey
Authors: Schwarzbauer Jan , Stock Friederike , Brückner Helmut , Dsikowitzky Larissa , Krichel Marc
Published: December 2017

Intensive organic‐geochemical analyses were applied to sediment core samples from the Roman harbor of Ephesus that date to the open, protected, and post‐harbor time periods. Screening analyses revealed a substance spectrum comprising n‐alkanes, fatty acids, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and selected terpenoids. All these substance groups have been quantified and show a significant increase of concentration in the samples affected by the intensive use of Ephesus’ Roman harbor. However, a unique indicator substance or a single anthropogenic marker compound directly reflecting ancient harbor activities has not been identified. Nonetheless, systematic changes in the patterns of some major organic substance groups (PAHs, fatty acids, and n‐alkanes) point to a significant change in the composition of organic matter (OM), which might reflect increased anthropogenic impacts during Ephesus’ flourishing period. These observations are likely related to enhanced anthropogenic use of natural products, such as waxes, and subsequent discharge by municipal sewage or the direct use and emission of such products in the harbor area. This study clearly demonstrates the usefulness of indicative organic compounds and changes in their patterns through time to detect the activities of ancient civilizations. This approach can be transferred to other sedimentary geoarchives associated with former settlement activities.
On the substructure controls in rare variant analysis: Principal components or variance components?
Authors: Luo Yiwen , Maity Arnab , Wu Michael C. , Smith Chris , Duan Qing , Li Yun , Tzeng Jung‐Ying
Published: December 2017

Recent studies showed that population substructure (PS) can have more complex impact on rare variant tests and that similarity‐based collapsing tests (e.g., SKAT) may suffer more severely by PS than burden‐based tests. In this work, we evaluate the performance of SKAT coupling with principal components (PC) or variance components (VC) based PS correction methods. We consider confounding effects caused by PS including stratified populations, admixed populations, and spatially distributed nongenetic risk; we investigate which types of variants (e.g., common, less frequent, rare, or all variants) should be used to effectively control for confounding effects. We found that (i) PC‐based methods can account for confounding effects in most scenarios except for admixture, although the number of sufficient PCs depends on the PS complexity and the type of variants used. (ii) PCs based on all variants (i.e., common + less frequent + rare) tend to require equal or fewer sufficient PCs and often achieve higher power than PCs based on other variant types. (iii) VC‐based methods can effectively adjust for confounding in all scenarios (even for admixture), though the type of variants should be used to construct VC may vary. (iv) VC based on all variants works consistently in all scenarios, though its power may be sometimes lower than VC based on other variant types. Given that the best‐performed method and which variants to use depend on the underlying unknown confounding mechanisms, a robust strategy is to perform SKAT analyses using VC‐based methods based on all variants.
Protect your skin and let the fun begin: The results of an intervention to improve NSW primary schools’ implementation of the SunSmart Program
Authors: Wright Bradley , Winslade Matthew , Dudley Dean , Cotton Wayne , Hamer Alexandra
Published: December 2017

Issue addressed

The SunSmart Policy Support and Intervention Study (SSPSIS) (ACTRN12614000926639) investigated the feasibility of improving schools’ implementation of the SunSmart Program, which is a resource for primary school communities to support their development of a comprehensive sun protection policy.

Methods

A cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) was used to evaluate the SSPSIS, which was conducted in NSW SunSmart schools (n = 20). Objective measurements of students’ sun‐safe hat‐wearing behaviours and sunscreen application, and teachers’ role‐modelling behaviours, were collected for baseline, post‐test and follow‐up data. Interviews with school community stakeholders, including students (n = 103), parents (n = 31), teachers (n = 11) and executive staff (n = 4), were conducted to inform the intervention design, which was implemented following baseline data collection.

Results

The results of baseline observations and interviews have been published previously. The intervention design aimed to combat negative perceptions of hat‐wearing policy and create a trigger for sunscreen application by rewarding students practising these sun protection behaviours with play‐based incentives. Although this intervention had no significant effect on the wearing of sun‐safe hats among students or teachers, it did have a large effect on the consumption of sunscreen.

Conclusions

Associating sunscreen and play‐based incentives can create an effective trigger for students’ sunscreen application behaviours. However, further evidence is needed to investigate how students’ and teacher role models’ hat‐wearing behaviours could be increased.

So what?

While combining a play‐based incentive with a trigger for behaviour can promptly increase students’ sunscreen application, it was unable to increase students’ or teacher role models’ hat‐wearing behaviours.
Evapotranspiration partitioning using a simple isotope‐based model in a semiarid marsh wetland in northeastern China
Authors: Zhang Shichun , Zhang Jing , Liu Bo , Zhang Wenguang , Gong Chao , Jiang Ming , Lv Xianguo
Published: December 2017

Partitioning evapotranspiration (ET) into evaporation (E) and transpiration (T) in wetlands is important for understanding the hydrological processes in wetlands and the contribution of wetland ET to local and regional water cycling and for designing effective wetland management strategies. Stable water isotopes are useful in the application of ET partitioning through the evaluation of the isotopic compositions of E (δE), T (δT), and ET (δET) obtained from observation or modelling methods. However, this approach still suffers from potentially large uncertainties in terms of estimating the isotopic endmembers. In this study, we modified the traditional isotope‐based ET partitioning methods to include leaf‐level biological constraints to separately estimate the relative contributions of T from Scirpus triqueter and Phragmites australis and the relative contributions of E from the standing surface water in a semiarid marsh wetland in northeastern China.

The results showed that although the δT values of S. triqueter and P. australis were rather similar, the mean δT values of the 2 species were different from the values of δE, making it possible to distinguish the relative contributions of E and T through the use of isotopes. The simulation of leaf water using a non‐steady‐state model indicated obvious deviations in leaf water enrichment (δLb) from isotopic steady states for both species, especially during early mornings and evenings when relative humidity was highest. The isotopic mass balance showed that E accounted for approximately 60% of ET, and T from S. triqueter and P. australis each contributed approximately 20% to ET; this implied that the transpiration of one reed was equivalent to that of 5.25 individuals of S. triqueter. Using the estimated ratio of T to ET and the measured leaf transpiration, the total ET was estimated to be approximately 10 mm day−1. Using the NSS‐Tr method, the estimated ET was higher than the water loss calculated from the water level gauge. This indicated that the river water and surrounding groundwater were the sources of the marsh wetland, with a supply rate of 8.3 mm day−1.
THERAPISTS’ EXPERIENCES OF MOTHER–INFANT PSYCHOANALYTIC TREATMENT: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
Authors: Winberg Salomonsson Majlis , Barimani Mia
Published: December 2017

As part of a larger research project in Sweden, a qualitative study investigated psychotherapists’ experiences of mother–infant psychoanalysis (MIP). A randomized controlled trial compared two groups of mother–infant dyads with psychological problems. One had received Child Health Center care, and the other received MIP. Previous articles on long‐term effects have found that mothers who had received MIP were less depressed throughout a posttreatment period of 3½ years, and their children showed better global functioning and psychological well‐being. The present study's objectives were to describe the therapist's experiences of MIP and deepen the understanding of the MIP process. Six months after treatment began, all therapists were interviewed. Transcribed interviews with therapists from 10 (of 33 total) MIP treatments were randomly selected and analyzed in detail by thematic analysis. Therapists worked successfully with mother and infant together and found different ways of cooperation during MIP sessions. Therapists reported overall positive experiences; however, in cases where mothers needed more personal attention, it would be important to adapt the method to them.
Hepatitis C virus: Enslavement of host factors
Authors: Sharma Geetika , Raheja Harsha , Das Saumitra
Published: December 2017

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has infected over 170 million people world‐wide. This infection causes severe liver damage that can progress to hepatocellular carcinoma leading to death of the infected patients. Development of a cell culture model system for the study of HCV infection in the recent past has helped the researchers world‐wide to understand the biology of this virus. Studies over the past decade have revealed the tricks played by the virus to sustain itself, for as long as 40 years, in the host setup without being eliminated by the immune system. Today we understand that the host organelles and different cellular proteins are affected during HCV infection. This cytoplasmic virus has all the cellular organelles at its disposal to successfully replicate, from ribosomes and intracellular membranous structures to the nucleus. It modulates these organelles at both the structural and the functional levels. The vast knowledge about the viral genome and viral proteins has also helped in the development of drugs against the virus. Despite the achieved success rate to cure the infected patients, we struggle to eliminate the cases of recurrence and the non‐responders. Such cases might emerge owing to the property of the viral genome to accumulate mutations during its succeeding replication cycles which favours its survival. The current situation calls an urgent need for alternate therapeutic strategies to counter this major problem of human health. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 70(1):41–49, 2018
Deproteinized bovine bone matrix induces osteoblast differentiation via macrophage polarization
Authors: Shi Miusi , Wang Can , Wang Yulan , Tang Cuizhu , Miron Richard J. , Zhang Yufeng
Published: December 2017

Bone grafts are widely used in bone regeneration to increase the speed and quality of new bone formation. While they are routinely characterized based on their biocompatible and bioactive properties, they also exert a profound impact on host immune responses, which in turn can display a significant effect on the healing and repair process. In this study, we investigated the role of macrophage behavior on deproteinized bovine bone matrix (DBBM, BioOss) to investigate their impact on creating either a pro‐ or anti‐inflammatory microenvironment for tissue integration. RT‐PCR and immunofluorescence staining results demonstrated the ability for RAW 264.7 cells to polarize toward M2 wound‐healing macrophages in response to DBBM and positive control (IL‐4). Interestingly, significantly higher expression of interleukin‐10 and higher number of multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) was observed in the DBBM group. Thereafter, conditioned media (CM) from macrophages cultured with DBBM seeded with MC3T3‐E1 cells demonstrated a marked increase in osteoblast differentiation. Noteworthy, this effect was reversed by blocking IL10 with addition of IL10 antibody to CM from the DBBM macrophages. Furthermore, the use of dendritic cell specific transmembrane protein (DC‐STAMP)‐knockout to inhibit MNGC formation in the DBBM group resulted in a significant reduction in osteoblast differentiation, indication a pivotal role for MNGCs in biomaterials‐induced osteogenesis. The results from this study indicate convincingly that the immune response of macrophages towards DBBM has a potent effect on osteoblast differentiation. Furthermore, DBBM promoted macrophage fusion and polarization towards an M2 wound‐healing phenotype, further created a microenvironment favoring biomaterial‐induced osteogenesis. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1236–1246, 2018.
Cross‐linkable graphene oxide embedded nanocomposite hydrogel with enhanced mechanics and cytocompatibility for tissue engineering
Authors: Liu Xifeng , Miller A. Lee , Waletzki Brian E. , Lu Lichun
Published: December 2017

Graphene oxide (GO) is an attractive material that can be utilized to enhance the modulus and conductivities of substrates and hydrogels. To covalently cross‐link graphene oxide sheets into hydrogels, abundant cross‐linkable double bonds were introduced to synthesize the graphene‐oxide‐tris‐acrylate sheet (GO‐TrisA). Polyacrylamide (PAM) nanocomposite hydrogels were then fabricated with inherent covalently and permanently cross‐linked GO‐TrisA sheets. Results showed that the covalently cross‐linked GO‐TrisA/PAM nanocomposite hydrogel had enhanced mechanical strength, thermo stability compared with GO/PAM hydrogel maintained mainly by hydrogen bonding between PAM chains and GO sheets. In vitro cell study showed that the covalently cross‐linked rGO‐TrisA/PAM nanocomposite hydrogel had excellent cytocompatibility after in situ reduction. These results suggest that rGO‐TrisA/PAM nanocomposite hydrogel holds great potential for tissue engineering applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1247–1257, 2018.
7‐hydroxy‐staurosporine, UCN‐01, induces DNA damage response, and autophagy in human osteosarcoma U2‐OS cells
Authors: Lien Wei‐Chih , Chen Ting‐Yu , Sheu Shi‐Yuan , Lin Tzu‐Chien , Kang Fu‐Chi , Yu Chung‐Hsing , Kuan Ta‐Shen , Huang Bu‐Miin , Wang Chia‐Yih
Published: December 2017

Human osteosarcoma (bone cancer) is a highly malignant and the most prevalent bone tumor affecting children. Despite recent advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanism by which anticancer drugs kill osteosarcoma or block its growth, however, the mortality rate has declined only modestly. Thus, a new therapeutic approach is needed to be established. 7‐hydroxystaurosporine, UCN‐01, abrogates the G2 checkpoint thus enhancing the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. In addition, it has been evaluated in clinical trials as a single antineoplastic agent in treating several cancers. However, the effects of UCN‐01 on treating bone cancer has never been tested. In this study, we found that UCN‐01 induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in the human osteosarcoma, U2‐OS cells. In addition, the migration ability was also reduced, suggesting UCN‐01 inhibited cell growth and migration. When U2‐OS cells were treated with UCN‐01, DNA damage response was triggered. The ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and the non‐canonical downstream effector, ERK, was activated by UCN‐01. In addition, depletion of ATM or inhibition of ERK deteriorated the cell viability in UCN‐01‐treated U2‐OS cells. Furthermore, UCN‐01 induced autophagy activation for protecting cells from apoptosis. Thus, UCN‐01 might function as a single antineoplastic agent in treating human osteosarcoma.
IGFBP‐7 inhibits the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells via regulation of Wnt/β‐Catenin signaling
Authors: Li Nan , Han Jinfeng , Tang Jing , Ying Yanqin
Published: December 2017

Oligodendrocytes (OLs) are glial cells that form myelin sheaths in the central nervous system. Myelin sheath plays important role in nervous system and loss of it in neurodegenerative diseases can lead to impairment of movement. Understanding the signals and factors that regulate OL differentiation can help to address novel strategies for improving myelin repair in neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of insulin‐like growth factor‐binding proteins 7 (IGFBP‐7) in differentiating OL precursor cells (OPCs). It was found that oligodendrocyte precursors undergoing differentiation were accompanied by selective expression of IGFBP‐7. In addition, knockdown of IGFBP‐7 promoted differentiation of oligodendrocytes and increased formation of myelin in cultured cells. In contrast, excessive expression of IGFBP‐7 inhibited differentiation of oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, overexpression of IGFBP‐7 in oligodendrocyte precursor cells increased transcription of Wnt target genes and promoted β‐Catenin nuclear translocation. These findings suggest that IGFBP‐7 negatively regulates differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells via regulation of Wnt/β‐Catenin signaling.
A simplified implementation of the stationary liquid mass balance method for on‐line OUR monitoring in animal cell cultures
Authors: Fontova Andreu , Lecina Martí , López‐Repullo Jonatan , Martínez‐Monge Iván , Comas Pere , Bragós Ramon , Cairó Jordi Joan
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Compared with other methods, the stationary liquid mass balance method for oxygen uptake rate (OUR) determination offers advantages in terms of estimation accuracy and reduction of stress. However, the need for sophisticated instrumentation, like mass flow controllers and gas analysers, has historically limited wider implementation of such a method.

In this paper, a new simplified method based on inexpensive valves for the continuous estimation of OUR in animal cell cultures is evaluated. The determination of OUR values is based on accurate operation of the dissolved oxygen (DO) control loop and monitoring of its internal variables.

RESULTS

The method developed was tested empirically in 2 L bioreactor HEK293 batch cultures. OUR profiles obtained by a dynamic method, global mass balance method and the developed simplified method were monitored and compared. The results show how OUR profile obtained with the proposed method better follows the off‐line cell density determination. The OUR estimation frequency was also increased, improving the method capabilities and applications.

The theoretical rationale of the method was extended to the sensitivity analysis which was analytically and numerically approached.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed the proposed method to be not only cheap, but also a reliable alternative to monitor the metabolic activity in bioreactors in many biotechnological processes, being a useful tool for high cell density culture strategies implementation based on OUR monitoring. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Ultrasound‐assisted emerging technologies for chemical processes
Authors: Kiss Anton A , Geertman Rob , Wierschem Matthias , Skiborowski Mirko , Gielen Bjorn , Jordens Jeroen , John Jinu J , Van Gerven Tom
Published: December 2017

The chemical industry has witnessed many important developments during past decades largely enabled by process intensification techniques. Some of them are already proven at commercial scale (e.g. reactive distillation) while others (e.g. ultrasound‐assisted extraction/crystallization/reaction) are on their way to becoming the next‐generation technologies. This article focuses on the advances of ultrasound (US)‐assisted technologies that could lead in the near future to significant improvements in commercial activities. The aim is to provide an authoritative discussion on US‐assisted technologies that are currently emerging from the research environment into the chemical industry, as well as give an overview of the current state‐of‐the‐art applications of US in chemical processing (e.g. enzymatic reactive distillation, crystallization of API). Sufficient information is included to allow the assessment of US‐assisted technologies and the challenges for implementation, as well as their potential for commercial applications. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Intraspecific variation in seed morphology of tribe vicieae (Papilionoidae) using scanning electron microscopy techniques
Authors: Rashid Neelam , Zafar Muhammad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Malik Khafsa , Haq Ihsan‐ul , Shah Syed Nasar , Mateen Abdul , Ahmed Tauseef
Published: December 2017

Seed micromorphology of 12 species of tribe Vicieae (Papilionoidae) representing five genera were examined using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The different seed types were described, illustrated, compared, and their taxonomic importance is discussed. Seeds exhibit great diversity in ultrastructure and a variety of novel morphological features have been determined among and within genera of the tribe. Seeds were characterized by oval to round shape, ovate to oblong outline and striate to papillate ornamentation. Radiate and wavy cell pattern has been observed as a characteristic exomorphological feature. In Vicia sativa, testa cells superficially seem to form peltate hairs. As a result, seed micromorphology with few exceptions showed variation and its taxonomic value was significant in distinguishing taxa at species level. The disparity in shape and density of papillae or protuberances and alignment of testa cells, may possibly give further insight at intraspecific level within tribe. The findings also illustrated that the use of SEM in seed morphology can reveal hidden morphological affinities among species and showed potential in delimitation of Vicieae members generally at tribe, genus, and particularly at species level.
PDZ proteins are expressed and regulated in antigen-presenting cells and are targets of influenza A virus
Authors: Barreda Dante , Sánchez-Galindo Marisa , López-Flores Jessica , Nava-Castro Karen E , Bobadilla Karen , Salgado-Aguayo Alfonso , Santos-Mendoza Teresa
Published: December 2017

In this work, we identified the expression, regulation, and viral targeting of Scribble and Dlg1 in antigen-presenting cells. Scribble and Dlg1 belong to the family of PDZ (postsynaptic density (PSD95), disc large (Dlg), and zonula occludens (ZO-1)) proteins involved in cell polarity. The relevance of PDZ proteins in cellular functions is reinforced by the fact that many viruses interfere with host PDZ-dependent interactions affecting cellular mechanisms thus favoring viral replication. The functions of Scribble and Dlg have been widely studied in polarized cells such as epithelial and neuron cells. However, within the cells of the immune system, their functions have been described only in T and B lymphocytes. Here we demonstrated that Scribble and Dlg1 are differentially expressed during antigen-presenting cell differentiation and dendritic cell maturation. While both Scribble and Dlg1 seem to participate in distinct dendritic cell functions, both are targeted by the viral protein NS1 of influenza A in a PDZ-dependent manner in dendritic cells. Our findings suggest that these proteins might be involved in the mechanisms of innate immunity and/or antigen processing and presentation that can be hijacked by viral pathogens.
Spatial and temporal variations in extreme temperature in Central Asia
Authors: Feng Ru , Yu Ruide , Zheng Hongwei , Gan Miao
Published: December 2017

Central Asia, a typical arid and semi‐arid area, is very sensitive to climate change and is projected to undergo vigorous warming trend in future. However, it is still unclear how extreme temperatures have changed. Therefore, using the daily maximum and minimum temperatures collected from 108 stations in the study area from 1981 to 2015, the spatial–temporal variations in extreme temperature in Central Asia were analysed on both annual and seasonal scales based on 11 indices from The Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices. Results show that: (1) from 1981 to 2015, all extreme temperature values exhibited increasing trends on an annual scale, but maximum temperature (TMAX) increased faster than the minimum temperature (TMIN), leading to an overall increase in the diurnal temperature range (DTR). Most of the stations in Central Asia, except for those in Xinjiang (China), exhibited an increasing trend in DTR, while most of the stations in Xinjiang (China) exhibited reversely significant decreasing trends. (2) TMAX, TMIN and DTR increased significantly, mainly during spring and summer. The trends of most warm extreme indices (warm days, warm nights and warmest days) indicate that the warming mainly occurred in spring, while most cold extreme indices (cool days, cool nights and coldest nights) exhibited significant warming trends in autumn. Dominant warming during spring and autumn can lead to longer summers, which may further accelerate the frequencies and magnitudes of temperature extremes. (3) Additionally, TMAX, TMIN and the percentile‐based warm indices all exhibited significant increasing trends from southwestern Central Asia (Turkmenistan) to eastern Central Asia (Xinjiang (China)) via the Tianshan Mountains. Although the percentile‐based cold indices showed decreasing trends in this region, they were too minor to offset the overall warming trend. With longer summers, stronger and more prolonged melting seasons were detected in the mountains of Central Asia.
The challenges of promoting osteogenesis in segmental bone defects and osteoporosis
Authors: Ball Alyssa N. , Donahue Seth W. , Wojda Samantha J. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Kawcak Christopher E. , Ehrhart Nicole , Goodrich Laurie R.
Published: December 2017

Conventional clinical management of complex bone healing scenarios continues to result in 5–10% of fractures forming non‐unions. Additionally, the aging population and prevalence of osteoporosis‐related fractures necessitate the further exploration of novel ways to augment osteogenesis in this special population. This review focuses on the current clinical modalities available, and the ongoing clinical and pre‐clinical research to promote osteogenesis in segmental bone defects, delayed unions, and osteoporosis. In summary, animal models of fracture repair are often small animals as historically significant large animal models, like the dog, continue to gain favor as companion animals. Small rodents have well‐documented limitations in comparing to fracture repair in humans, and few similarities exist. Study design, number of studies, and availability of funding continue to limit large animal studies. Osteoinduction with rhBMP‐2 results in robust bone formation, although long‐term quality is scrutinized due to poor bone mineral quality. PTH 1‐34 is the only FDA approved osteo‐anabolic treatment to prevent osteoporotic fractures. Limited to 2 years of clinical use, PTH 1‐34 has further been plagued by dose‐related ambiguities and inconsistent results when applied to pathologic fractures in systematic human clinical studies. There is limited animal data of PTH 1‐34 applied locally to bone defects. Gene therapy continues to gain popularity among researchers to augment bone healing. Non‐integrating viral vectors and targeted apoptosis of genetically modified therapeutic cells is an ongoing area of research. Finally, progenitor cell therapies and the content variation of patient‐side treatments (e.g., PRP and BMAC) are being studied. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1559–1572, 2018.
SERS spectrum of imazalil. Experimental and quantum‐chemical vibrational analysis
Authors: Díaz‐Mirón Gonzalo , Sánchez María A. , Chemes Doly M. , Álvarez Rosa M.S.
Published: December 2017

Imazalil [1‐[2‐(2,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐2‐(2‐propenyloxyl‐ethyl]‐1 H imidazole] is a systemic fungicide that is toxic to a number of plant pathogens, particularly species of Penicillum. Its activity is based on the inhibition of mold sporulation on fruit skin, which makes it one of the most commonly used fungicide in post‐harvest citrus treatments for fruit preservation during storage, shipping, and marketing. Due to its wide application, the presence of imazalil needs to be monitored to avoid the excessive and/or improper use. This work reports a complete analysis of the Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectra of imazalil as a pure compound as well as in the commercial product for agricultural use; the band assignment relays in the vibrational predictions acquired by quantum‐chemical calculations (B3LYP/6–311 + g(2df, p)) for the imazalil molecule. An analytical application of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is also presented here. It is done so by using a novel, low‐cost, and sensitive SERS‐active substrate built with silver nanoparticles supported on a Si/ZnO nanowires platform to detect traces of imazalil in aqueous solutions. Comparison between the Raman and SERS spectra allowed the characterization of the interaction between the pesticide and the silver nanoparticle surface.
Meta‐STEPP with random effects
Authors: Wang Xin Victoria , Cole Bernard , Bonetti Marco , Gelber Richard D.
Published: December 2017

We recently developed a method called Meta‐STEPP based on the fixed‐effects meta‐analytic approach to explore treatment effect heterogeneity across a continuous covariate for individual time‐to‐event data arising from multiple clinical trials. Meta‐STEPP forms overlapping subpopulation windows (meta‐windows) along a continuous covariate of interest, estimates the overall treatment effect in each meta‐window using standard fixed‐effects method, plots them against the continuous covariate, and tests for treatment‐effect heterogeneity across the range of covariate values. Here, we extend this method using random‐effects methods and find it to be more conservative than the fixed‐effects method. Both the random‐ and fixed‐effects Meta‐STEPP are implemented in R.
Immunostimulatory effect of pepsin enzymatic extract from Porphyra yezoensis on murine splenocytes
Authors: Herath Khin Madushani , Lee Jeong Ha , Cho Jinhee , Kim Areum , Shin Su Min , Kim Bohyung , Jeon You‐Jin , Jee Youngheun
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Porphyra yezoensis is a red alga consumed mainly in Korea, Japan, and China for food. This study researches the immunological effect of pepsin extract of P. yezoensis (PPEE) on murine splenocytes.

RESULTS

PPEE was not toxic on murine splenocytes and dramatically increased the proliferation of splenocytes compared with untreated control. Flow cytometry assay performed to sum up the effect of PPEE (31.3 and 62.5 µg mL−1) on major immune cells revealed that PPEE had no effect on the function of CD3e+CD4+ T‐helper cells, CD3e+CD8+ T‐cytotoxic cells, or CD44+CD62L‐ effector T cells in splenocytes compared with untreated control. More importantly, CD45+CD11b+ macrophage and dendritic cell populations and Ly‐6C+Ly‐6G+ macrophages/monocytes in splenocytes were activated by PPEE treatment compared with untreated control. Further experiments showed that PPEE treatment increased the secretion of macrophage‐derived cytokines such as interleukin‐1β, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin‐12, and macrophage‐activating cytokines interferon‐γ and interleukin‐10 compared with untreated control.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these results suggest that PPEE has an immune stimulatory effect on macrophages, dendritic cells, and memory T cells. This property signifies the potential medicinal value of PPEE in clinical implications for immune‐compromised diseases. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Bioactive hydrolysates from casein: generation, identification, and in silico toxicity and allergenicity prediction of peptides
Authors: Tu Maolin , Liu Hanxiong , Zhang Ruyi , Chen Hui , Fan Fengjiao , Shi Pujie , Xu Xianbing , Lu Weihong , Du Ming
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Bioactive casein peptides have attracted considerable attention for their applications in industry. However, there is little clarity regarding mass spectrometric profiles for peptides in enzymatic hydrolysates of casein produced under varying conditions. In this study, the compositions of the peptides from casein hydrolysates were compared for different enzyme/substrate ratio (E/S) and hydrolysis times. The toxicity, allergenicity and bioactivity of the identified peptides were assessed in silico.

RESULTS

A total of 70 unique peptides were identified, and there were 28, 21, 13 and 8 peptides from αs1‐casein, αs2‐casein, β‐casein and κ‐casein respectively. The peptide number decreased with the increase in E/S and hydrolysis time. Moreover, peptides with relative molecular mass Mr ranging from 1000 to 1500 Da occupied the highest proportion of 31.43%, and almost all of the peptides showed Mr less than 5000 Da. In silico analysis showed that all of the peptides were non‐toxic and non‐allergenic, and several of them were assessed by PeptideRanker as having a relatively high likelihood of being bioactive peptides.

CONCLUSIONS

Composition of the peptides in the casein hydrolysates varied with the enzymolysis conditions. This study's results may facilitate the production of target bioactive peptides by controlling E/S and hydrolysis time, which is beneficial for the application of casein peptides in the functional food industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Shelf‐life dating of shelf‐stable strawberry juice based on survival analysis of consumer acceptance information
Authors: Buvé Carolien , Van Bedts Tine , Haenen Annelien , Kebede Biniam , Braekers Roel , Hendrickx Marc , Van Loey Ann , Grauwet Tara
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Accurate shelf‐life dating of food products is crucial for consumers and industries. Therefore, in this study we applied a science‐based approach for shelf‐life assessment, including accelerated shelf‐life testing (ASLT), acceptability testing and the screening of analytical attributes for fast shelf‐life predictions. Shelf‐stable strawberry juice was selected as a case study.

RESULTS

Ambient storage (20 °C) had no effect on the aroma‐based acceptance of strawberry juice. The colour‐based acceptability decreased during storage under ambient and accelerated (28‐42 °C) conditions. The application of survival analysis showed that the colour‐based shelf‐life was reached in the early stages of storage (≤11 weeks) and that the shelf‐life was shortened at higher temperatures. None of the selected attributes (a* and ΔE* value, anthocyanin and ascorbic acid content) is an ideal analytical marker for shelf‐life predictions in the investigated temperature range (20–42 °C). Nevertheless, an overall analytical cut‐off value over the whole temperature range can be selected.

CONCLUSIONS

Colour changes of strawberry juice during storage are shelf‐life limiting. Combining ASLT with acceptability testing allowed to gain faster insight into the change in colour‐based acceptability and to perform shelf‐life predictions relying on scientific data. An analytical marker is a convenient tool for shelf‐life predictions in the context of ASLT. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Short‐term outcomes and risk factors for pancreatic fistula after pancreatic enucleation: A single‐center experience of 142 patients
Authors: Wang Xing , Tan Chun‐lu , Zhang Hao , Chen Yong‐Hua , Yang Min , Ke Neng‐wen , Liu Xu‐Bao
Published: December 2017

Background

Enucleation is increasingly used for benign or low‐grade pancreatic neoplasms. Enucleation preserves the pancreatic parenchyma as well as decreases the risk of long‐term endocrine and exocrine dysfunction, but may be associated with a higher rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). The aim of this study was to assess short‐term outcomes, in particular, POPF.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively from all 142 patients who underwent pancreatic enucleation between 2009 and 2014 in our institution were analyzed.

Results

Lesions were most frequently located in the head and uncinate process of the pancreas (60.6%), and the most common types were neuroendocrine neoplasms (52.1%). Overall morbidity was 66%, mainly due to POPF (53.5%), and severe morbidity was only 8.4%, including one death (0.7%). Clinical POPF (Grade B or C) occurred in 22 patients (15.5%). Independent risk factors for clinical POPF were age ≥60 years, an episode of acute pancreatitis, and cystic morphology. Tumor size, coverage, histological differentiation, and prolonged operative time were not associated with the risk of POPF.

Conclusions

Enucleation is a safe and feasible procedure for benign or low‐grade pancreatic neoplasms. The rate of clinical POPF is acceptable, and clinical POPF occurs more frequently in elderly patients (≥60 years of age), patients with cystic neoplasms, or patients with an episode of acute pancreatitis.
Analysis of bioactive components and multi‐component pharmacokinetics of saponins from the leaves of Panax notoginseng in rat plasma after oral administration by LC–MS/MS
Authors: Ju Zhengcai , Li Jia , Han Han , Yang Li , Wang Zhengtao
Published: December 2017

In this study, simple ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass tandem mass spectrometry is used to characterize the absorbed components in rat plasma after the oral administration of saponins from the leaves of Panax notoginseng. Seventeen prototype compounds are structurally characterized. Furthermore, a simple and sensitive liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method is also used for the simultaneous determination of notoginsenoside Fc, ginsenoside Rb1, ginsenoside Rc, ginsenoside Rb3, ginsenoside Rd, and notoginsenoside Fe in rat plasma within 5 min. After n‐butanol mediated liquid–liquid extraction, all analytes were separated on a C18 column and monitored in negative ion mode. Linearity, sensitivity, intra‐ and inter‐assay precision, accuracy, recovery, matrix effect, and stability were all within acceptable ranges. The validated liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method is successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of saponins from the leaves of Panax notoginseng in rats after oral administration. The results suggest that notoginsenoside Fc and ginsenoside Rb3 showed relatively higher exposure compared with other saponins. All saponins showed a long duration in plasma with a t1/2 longer than 15 h, except notoginsenoside Fe (t1/2 = 2.78 h). This study provides important information about the metabolism of saponins from the leaves of Panax notoginseng, which is useful for completely understanding its mechanism of action.
Unexpected prominent tension pneumosella five years after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery
Authors: Matsuda Tatsuma , Horiguchi Kentaro , Higuchi Yoshinori , Hanazawa Toyoyuki , Okamoto Yoshitaka , Iwadate Yasuo
Published: December 2017

Tension pneumosella (TP) is a rare entity reported as the invagination of the sphenoid sinus mucosa into the skull base after endonasal transsphenoidal surgery. Few studies have reported on TP, and in these studies, invagination is confined to either the intrasellar or suprasellar area. We encountered a case of unexpected prominent TP toward the intracranial space 5 years after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EETS) for a nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma. In addition, we present a hypothesis of the underlying mechanism by a pressure gradient change between the extracranial and intracranial space in TP formation. For repair, a pedicled nasal septal flap was fabricated from the remaining part of the septal mucosa, and a pedicled inferior turbinate flap was created. Moreover, the nasal septal cartilage was used as a rigid support for reconstruction, which was useful for preventing TP recurrence. This is the first report of an unexpected prominent TP after EETS. It is important for otorhinolaryngologists and neurosurgeons to be aware of the possibility of TP following EETS. Laryngoscope, 1798–1801, 2018
National trends in primary tracheoesophageal puncture after total laryngectomy
Authors: Sethi Rosh K. V. , Deschler Daniel G.
Published: December 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

Tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) can be performed at the time of laryngectomy (primary) or postoperatively (secondary). Prior studies demonstrate safe and earlier voice acquisition and rehabilitation with primary TEP. The objectives of this study were to assess national trends in primary TEP and identify factors associated with its use.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2010 to 2014 was performed. The NIS was queried for patients who underwent total laryngectomy (TL) (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD‐9‐CM] 30.3–30.4) and primary TEP (ICD‐9‐CM 31.95). Patient demographics, comorbidities, and factors known to influence the decision to perform TEP were characterized. Factors associated with primary TEP were identified by multivariable regression.

Results

A total of 15,410 patients underwent TL during the study period. Of this cohort, 1,124 patients (7.3%) underwent primary TEP. Among patients who underwent primary TEP, 80.9% had laryngeal cancer, 16.4% had pedicled or free‐flap reconstruction at the time of TL, 4.2% underwent partial pharyngectomy, and 48.0% underwent cricopharyngeal myotomy (CPM). The majority of primary TEPs were performed at urban teaching hospitals (90.6%). In multivariable regression, patients who underwent CPM were at significantly increased odds of primary TEP (odds ratio: 3.79, P < .0001). Flap reconstruction, partial pharyngectomy, age, gender, history of laryngeal cancer, hospital region, and teaching status were not associated.

Conclusions

Primary TEP is associated with earlier voice restoration after TL but is infrequently performed. The majority of primary TEPs are performed in teaching hospitals, and primary TEP is associated with concurrent cricopharyngeal myotomy. Future studies should investigate practice patterns associated with primary TEP.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:2320–2325, 2018