bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta-analysis of the prognostic role of perioperative platelet count in posthepatectomy liver failure and mortality
Authors: Mehrabi A , Golriz M , Khajeh E , Ghamarnejad O , Probst P , Fonouni H , Mohammadi S , Weiss K H , Büchler M W
Published: July 2018

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that the perioperative platelet count (PLT) can predict posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the impact of perioperative PLT on PHLF and mortality was evaluated.

Methods

MEDLINE and Web of Science databases were searched systematically for relevant literature up to January 2018. All studies comparing PHLF or mortality in patients with a low versus high perioperative PLT were included. Study quality was assessed using methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) criteria. Meta-analyses were performed using Mantel–Haenszel tests with a random-effects model, and presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95 per cent confidence intervals.

Results

Thirteen studies containing 5260 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Two different cut-off values for PLT were used: 150 and 100/nl. Patients with a perioperative PLT below 150/nl had higher PHLF (4 studies, 817 patients; OR 4·79, 95 per cent c.i. 2·89 to 7·94) and mortality (4 studies, 3307 patients; OR 3·78, 1·48 to 9·62) rates than patients with a perioperative PLT of 150/nl or more. Similarly, patients with a PLT below 100/nl had a significantly higher risk of PHLF (4 studies, 949 patients; OR 4·65, 2·60 to 8·31) and higher mortality rates (7 studies, 3487 patients; OR 6·35, 2·99 to 13·47) than patients with a PLT of 100/nl or greater.

Conclusion

A low perioperative PLT correlates with higher PHLF and mortality rates after hepatectomy.
Organization of projection from brainstem auditory nuclei to the inferior colliculus of Japanese house bat (Pipistrellus abramus)
Authors: Ito Tetsufumi , Furuyama Takafumi , Hase Kazuma , Kobayasi Kohta I. , Hiryu Shizuko
Published: July 2018

Objectives

Echolocating bats show remarkable specialization which is related to analysis of echoes of biosonars in subcortical auditory brainstem pathways. The inferior colliculus (IC) receives inputs from all lower brainstem auditory nuclei, i.e., cochlear nuclei, nuclei of the lateral lemniscus, and superior olivary complex, and create de novo responses to sound, which is considered crucial for echolocation. Inside the central nucleus of the IC (ICC), small domains which receive specific combination of extrinsic inputs are the basis of integration of sound information. In addition to extrinsic inputs, each domain is interconnected by local IC neurons but the cell types related to the interconnection are not well‐understood. The primary objective of the current study is to examine whether the ascending inputs are reorganized and terminate in microdomains inside the ICC.

Methods

We made injection of a retrograde tracer into different parts of the ICC, and analyzed distribution of retrogradely labeled cells in the auditory brainstem of Japanese house bat (Pipistrellus abramus).

Results

Pattern of ascending projections from brainstem nuclei was similar to other bat species. Percentages of labeled cells in several nuclei were correlated each other. Furthermore, within the IC, we identified that large GABAergic (LG) and glutamatergic neurons made long‐range connection.

Conclusions

Synaptic organization of IC of Japanese house bat shows specialization which is likely to relate for echolocation. Input nuclei to the IC make clusters which terminate in specific part of the ICC, implying the presence of microdomains. LG neurons have roles for binding IC microdomains.
A graphical tool for modeling correlated video traffic
Authors: Sousa‐Vieira María E.
Published: July 2018

Improvements in network infrastructures, storage capacity and computing power, along with advances in video coding technology, are enabling an increasing popularity of multimedia applications. Traffic modeling plays an important role in the performance evaluation of network architectures and protocols. In this paper, we describe a tool to deal with the process of modeling video traffic with persistent correlations in an easy and intuitive way: analysis of empirical traces, selection of models for the correlation and the marginal distribution, generation of synthetic traces and validation. A graphical user interface is presented to facilitate the process. The correlation models supported by the tool are based on the M/G/ process and the selection of parameters is carried out with the Whittle estimator. This tool can be used for modeling and simulation practices in engineering education.
Understand how the Nassar case impacts your sports medicine department
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: July 2018

This past year brought forward a tsunami of sexual misconduct charges in the sports medicine field, resulting in the arrest and conviction of the physician involved (Larry Nassar), the removal of and criminal charges against his supervisor (a dean at the university), and the resignations of the athletics director and the university president, among other consequences.
Was football player's case filed 40 years too late?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: July 2018

Steven Schmitz played football for the University of Notre Dame from 1974 to 1978.
Focus on short‐term action steps, long‐range plans to better manage inevitable challenges
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: July 2018

Whether it's dealing with such heart‐wrenching tragedies as the death of a student‐athlete or merely trying to manage such mundane difficulties as facilities and funding, working now to establish solid relationships will help you to lead your athletics department through challenging times.
Aerobic Activation of C‐H Bond in Amines Over a Nanorod Manganese Oxide Catalyst
Authors: Wang Hai , Wang Liang , Wang Sai , Dong Xue , Zhang Jian , Xiao Feng‐Shou
Published: July 2018

The development of heterogeneous catalysts for the synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant compounds is always important for chemistry research. Here, we report a selective aerobic oxidation of aromatic and aliphatic amines to corresponding amides over a nanorod manganese oxide (NR‐MnOx) catalyst. The kinetic studies reveal that the NR‐MnOx catalyzed amine‐to‐amide reaction proceeds the oxidative dehydrogenation of the amines into nitriles, followed by hydrolysis of nitrile into amides. The NR−MnOx exhibits fast kinetics and high selectivities in these steps, as well as hinders the by‐product formation. More importantly, the NR‐MnOx catalyst is stable and reusable in the continuous recycle tests with water as a sole by‐product, exhibiting superior sustainability and significant advancement to outperform the traditional amide production route in acidic or basic media with toxic by‐products.
A mid‐century ecological forecast with partitioned uncertainty predicts increases in loblolly pine forest productivity
Authors: Thomas R. Quinn , Jersild Annika L. , Brooks Evan B. , Thomas Valerie A. , Wynne Randolph H.
Published: July 2018

Ecological forecasting of forest productivity involves integrating observations into a process‐based model and propagating the dominant components of uncertainty to generate probability distributions for future states and fluxes. Here, we develop a forecast for the biomass change in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) forests of the southeastern United States and evaluate the relative contribution of different forms of uncertainty to the total forecast uncertainty. Specifically, we assimilated observations of carbon and flux stocks and fluxes from sites across the region, including global change experiments, into a forest ecosystem model to calibrate the parameter distributions and estimate the process uncertainty (i.e., model structure uncertainty revealed in the residuals of the calibration). Using this calibration, we forecasted the change in biomass within each 12‐digit Hydrologic (H12) unit across the native range of loblolly pine between 2010 and 2055 under the Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 scenario. Averaged across the region, productivity is predicted to increase by a mean of 31% between 2010 and 2055 with an average forecast 95% quantile interval of ±15 percentage units. The largest increases were predicted in cooler locations, corresponding to the largest projected changes in temperature. The forecasted mean change varied considerably among the H12 units (3–80% productivity increase), but only units in the warmest and driest extents of the loblolly pine range had forecast distributions with probabilities of a decline in productivity that exceeded 5%. By isolating the individual components of the forecast uncertainty, we found that ecosystem model process uncertainty made the largest individual contribution. Ecosystem model parameter and climate model uncertainty had similar contributions to the overall forecast uncertainty, but with differing spatial patterns across the study region. The probabilistic framework developed here could be modified to include additional sources of uncertainty, including changes due to fire, insects, and pests: processes that would result in lower productivity changes than forecasted here. Overall, this study presents an ecological forecast at the ecosystem management scale so that land managers can explicitly account for uncertainty in decision analysis. Furthermore, it highlights that future work should focus on quantifying, propagating, and reducing ecosystem model process uncertainty.
Advances in assessing Sabellaria spinulosa reefs for ongoing monitoring
Authors: Jenkins Christopher , Eggleton Jacqueline , Barry Jon , O'Connor Joey
Published: July 2018

Standardized and repeatable data acquisition and analyses are required to enable the mapping and condition monitoring of reefs within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Changes in habitat condition must be reliably identified and reported to best support evidence‐based management. Biogenic reefs in temperate waters, that is, hard matter created by living organisms and raised above the seabed, provide food and shelter for many plant and animal species. This article explores the feasibility of habitat mapping, using remote sensing datasets, as well as metrics for repeatable and suitable assessment of areas of Sabellaria spinulosa for their status as biogenic reef. Data were gathered within the North Norfolk Sandbanks and Saturn Reef candidate Special Area of Conservation/Site of Community Importance in the southern North Sea. Six study areas were identified as potential locations of biogenic reef using previously acquired data, and these were targeted for further investigation using a combination of high resolution multibeam echosounder and sidescan sonar. Where potential S. spinulosa was identified from the acoustic data, a drop‐down camera system was employed for visual verification. Areas of known and potential S. spinulosa reef were mapped successfully at two of the six study areas, although future approaches should take careful consideration of the seabed morphology and predominant habitat backdrop to successfully interpret such data. Camera tows from S. spinulosa reef areas were broken up into 5‐s segments, with each segment scored for (a) average tube elevation; (b) average percentage cover; and (c) for the presence or absence of S. spinulosa. These metrics were utilized to create summary statistics, including a value of patchiness derived from presence/absence data, that is recommended for application as part of future monitoring programs. The application of this methodology could benefit wider assessments of similar threated or declining habitats such as intertidal Mytilus edulis beds on mixed and sandy sediments, Maerl beds, Modioulus modiolus beds, Ostrea edulis beds, and Zostera beds where patchiness may also be considered of environmental importance.
Response to joint selection on germination and flowering phenology depends on the direction of selection
Authors: Galloway Laura F. , Watson Ray H. B. , Prendeville Holly R.
Published: July 2018

Flowering and germination time are components of phenology, a complex phenotype that incorporates a number of traits. In natural populations, selection is likely to occur on multiple components of phenology at once. However, we have little knowledge of how joint selection on several phenological traits influences evolutionary response. We conducted one generation of artificial selection for all combinations of early and late germination and flowering on replicated lines within two independent base populations in the herb Campanula americana. We then measured response to selection and realized heritability for each trait. Response to selection and heritability were greater for flowering time than germination time, indicating greater evolutionary potential of this trait. Selection for earlier phenology, both flowering and germination, did not depend on the direction of selection on the other trait, whereas response to selection to delay germination and flowering was greater when selection on the other trait was in the opposite direction (e.g., early germination and late flowering), indicating a negative genetic correlation between the traits. Therefore, the extent to which correlations shaped response to selection depended on the direction of selection. Furthermore, the genetic correlation between timing of germination and flowering varies across the trait distributions. The negative correlation between germination and flowering time found when selecting for delayed phenology follows theoretical predictions of constraint for traits that jointly determine life history schedule. In contrast, the lack of constraint found when selecting for an accelerated phenology suggests a reduction of the covariance due to strong selection favoring earlier flowering and a shorter life cycle. This genetic architecture, in turn, will facilitate further evolution of the early phenology often favored in warm climates.
Zwitterionic codeine‐derived methacrylate monoliths for enantioselective capillary electrochromatography of chiral acids and chiral bases
Authors: Carrasco‐Correa Enrique Javier , Ferri Martina , Woiwode Ulrich , Ma Yubo , Herrero‐Martínez José Manuel , Ramis‐Ramos Guillermo , Lindner Wolfgang , Lämmerhofer Michael
Published: July 2018

Thiol‐ene click reaction of N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine methyl ester to codeine, followed by reaction with allyl isocyanate and hydrolysis to the corresponding zwitterionic chiral selector and its subsequent bonding to the surface of a methacrylate monolith provided a new chiral capillary column for enantiomer separation of chiral acids and chiral bases. First, the epoxy groups of a poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylene dimethacrylate) monolith were converted into amine residues, followed by reaction with allylglycidyl ether. In this way, a spacer arm was bonded to the surface before coating and cross‐linking poly(3‐mercaptopropyl methylsiloxane) (PMPMS) via radical addition (thiol‐ene click reaction) to the surface. In order to improve the performance of the monolithic chiral stationary phase, thio ether and residual thiol groups were oxidized to sulfonyl and sulphonate groups, respectively. This novel chiral stationary phase (CSP) was evaluated by capillary electrochromatography (CEC) using two chiral model compounds, namely N‐3,5‐dinitrobenzoyl‐R,S‐leucine (retained by anion‐exchange mechanism) and mefloquine (by cation‐exchange process). The ion‐exchange retention mechanism on the CSP was characterized for these two counterionic model solutes by varying the mobile phase composition, including the nature of solvents, the concentration of counter‐ions and co‐ions, and the acid‐to‐base ratio. A series of chiral β‐blockers and amino acid derivatives was used to further check the performance of the modified monolith under the optimal conditions. Several enantiomers were baseline resolved with reasonable peak efficiencies (up to 60,000 theoretical plates per meter for the second eluted enantiomer).
A scalable multilabel‐based access control as a service for the cloud (SMBACaaS)
Authors: Chinnasamy P. , Deepalakshmi P.
Published: July 2018

Cloud computing is a shared pool area of computing resources, which might be accessed from anywhere and simply by just about anyone. The cloud's invaluable features, such as data availability and reduced hardware costs, have corporations moving their records into it en masse. Still, concerns about data security remain unaddressed because all data are managed and stored by third‐party service providers in a pay‐as‐you‐go model. The fundamental problem faced by enterprizes is trustworthy access control, which is normally used to protect resources from unauthorized user accessibility. In this paper, we introduce a new solution to overcome access control problems by implementing a multilabel‐based scalable access control as a service for the cloud. The proposed access control can be offered as a cloud service such as Software as a Service, Infrastructure as a Service, and Platform as a Service. These access services are provided by the trusted third party, named the access control provider. From our results and comparative studies with Google Drive, Amazon S3, and OpenStack Swift, our model using the multilabel feature has demonstrated that it is able to enhance consumer privacy, improve access policy protection, and reinforce data security.
Error performance of power line communications in the presence of Nakagami‐m background noise
Authors: Papanikolaou Vasilis K. , Ntouni Georgia D. , Boulogeorgos Alexandros‐Apostolos A. , Karagiannidis George K.
Published: July 2018

This paper studies the error performance of power line communication (PLC) systems, in the presence of background noise with Nakagami‐m distributed envelope and uniformly distributed phase. In this sense, we present closed‐form expressions for the symbol error rate (SER) of PLC systems using binary pulse amplitude modulation and generalize the analysis to accommodate the M‐ary pulse amplitude modulation. In addition, novel closed‐form expressions for the SER upper bound of rectangular quadrature amplitude modulation PLC systems are derived. Interestingly, these expressions can be considered as tight SER approximations in the high–signal‐to‐noise ratio region and, thus, can efficiently evaluate the operational bound of a PLC system.
Spirituality Matters: The Role of Religion in Development Project Evaluation in the Tibetan Communities in China
Authors: Luo Laura Pan , Liu Yonggong , Liu Yanli
Published: July 2018

The Chinese Indigenous/ethnic minority people have rich cultural traditions. Spirituality, including religion, is central to their worldviews and is manifested in their daily lives. Many development projects in China are conducted in ethnic minority areas. This paper discusses the authors’ experiences and reflections on evaluations of development interventions in the Tibetan communities. The authors propose: (1) project participants’ values, including religion and spirituality, be fully integrated into project design, implementation, and evaluation and (2) evaluators be humble to gain insight and wisdom from ethnic cultures, and conduct evaluations in a culturally responsive way.
Skolt Sámi and Atlantic Salmon Collaborative Management of Näätämö Watershed, Finland as a Case of Indigenous Evaluation and Knowledge in the Eurasian Arctic
Authors: Mustonen Tero , Feodoroff Pauliina ,   (with the Skolt Sámi Fishermen of Sevettijärvi)
Published: July 2018

Indigenous evaluation as a process, method, and paradigm has developed over the past few years in those global areas, where Indigenous communities and scholars have been able to secure rights and achieve overall recognition of their knowledge systems. In the Eurasian North, the Indigenous knowledge systems and evaluation are actively being contested and suppressed. Our chapter, cowritten by Sámi fishermen and cultural leaders, juxtaposes the relevance of the academic and global discussions of “Indigenous evaluation” with the first collaborative management initiative of Finland. It involves the Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar). By reviewing critically the ongoing relationships and fisheries the Skolt Sámi have with their river and fish, an equally critical view is employed toward the emerging Indigenous evaluation discourses and their applicability and transferability from international arenas into on‐the‐ground management and defense initiatives in the context of regime‐shifting Arctic. Such a view identifies the key aspects of relevance from Indigenous evaluation. It also dissects the academic rhetoric and related relevant measures that can influence land use, policy, and development of Indigenous governance in the context of rapid changes.
Diminished Canonical β-Catenin Signaling During Osteoblast Differentiation Contributes to Osteopenia in Progeria
Authors: Choi Ji Young , Lai Jim K , Xiong Zheng-Mei , Ren Margaret , Moorer Megan C , Stains Joseph P , Cao Kan
Published: July 2018

Patients with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) have low bone mass and an atypical skeletal geometry that manifests in a high risk of fractures. Using both in vitro and in vivo models of HGPS, we demonstrate that defects in the canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway, seemingly at the level of the efficiency of nuclear import of β-catenin, impair osteoblast differentiation and that restoring β-catenin activity rescues osteoblast differentiation and significantly improves bone mass. Specifically, we show that HGPS patient-derived iPSCs display defects in osteoblast differentiation, characterized by a decreased alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralizing capacity. We demonstrate that the canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway, a major signaling cascade involved in skeletal homeostasis, is impaired by progerin, causing a reduction in the active β-catenin in the nucleus and thus decreased transcriptional activity, and its reciprocal cytoplasmic accumulation. Blocking farnesylation of progerin restores active β-catenin accumulation in the nucleus, increasing signaling, and ameliorates the defective osteogenesis. Moreover, in vivo analysis of the Zmpste24-/- HGPS mouse model demonstrates that treatment with a sclerostin-neutralizing antibody (SclAb), which targets an antagonist of canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway, fully rescues the low bone mass phenotype to wild-type levels. Together, this study reveals that the β-catenin signaling cascade is a therapeutic target for restoring defective skeletal microarchitecture in HGPS. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Prospective Assessment of Peristomal Infections Using Objective Criteria
Authors: Mundi Manpreet S. , Seegmiller Sara , Davidson Jacob , Schneckloth Jill , Saied Jessica , Hurt Ryan T.
Published: July 2018

Background

Enteral nutrition (EN) is a safe and cost‐effective intervention with significant morbidity and mortality benefit that can also be associated with complications. Peristomal infections can occur in 5%–30% of cases after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement. Despite this common occurrence, widespread use of objective diagnostic criteria is not prevalent, possibly leading to overuse of antibiotics.

Methods

All patients who were reporting symptoms consistent with peristomal infection were evaluated. Criteria based on erythema, induration, and exudates were applied with cumulative score ≥8 indicating peristomal infection. All patients were followed, with additional factors being collected if available.

Results

Forty‐three patients noted complaints consistent with peristomal infection. In patients with a score <8 (n = 16), only 2 required antibiotics (12.5%) and 1 patient was hospitalized (6.3%). In patients with a score ≥8 (n = 27), 16 had a score of 8 or 9; all patients responded to antibiotics (100%), and 1 was hospitalized (6.3%). In patients with a score ≥10, all (100%) were treated with antibiotics. Five of 11 (45%) patients were hospitalized, with the most common diagnosis being sepsis. Of the baseline variables analyzed, higher body mass index correlated with score ≥10 (26.36 ± 2.94 vs 22.91 ± 4.35 in score <9, P = .0128).

Conclusions

Objective criteria were effective in risk stratifying patients who presented with reports of peristomal infection. Patients with a score <8 tended to be at low risk, scores of 8–9 were of moderate risk, and patients with a score ≥10 were at high risk and required very close monitoring or hospitalization.
Uniconazole and diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate increase soybean pod setting and yield by regulating sucrose and starch content
Authors: Liu Chunjuan , Feng Naijie , Zheng Dianfeng , Cui Hongqiu , Sun Fudong , Gong Xiangwei
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Uniconazole (S3307) and diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate (DA‐6) are known plant growth regulators (PGRs). However, it is unknown if their regulation of sucrose and starch content can affect pod setting and yield in soybean. Herein, S3307 and DA‐6 were foliar sprayed on soybean Hefeng50 and Kangxian6 at the beginning of the bloom cycle in field tests conducted over two years.

RESULTS

PGRs promoted the accumulation and distribution of plant biomass and significantly improved leaf photosynthetic rates. Sucrose and starch content increased after PGR treatment across organs and varieties. Accumulation and allocation of sucrose and starch content in soybean source organs are enhanced by PGRs, which supply high levels of assimilate to sink organs. Moreover, sucrose and starch contents in source and sink organs are positively correlated. S3307 and DA‐6 also significantly increased pod setting rates and reduced flower and pod abscission rates, leading to increased yield.

CONCLUSION

S3307 and DA‐6 promoted the accumulation and availability of sucrose and starch content in source organs and increased sucrose and starch content in flowers and pods or seeds, thereby maintaining the balance between source and sink organs and contributing to increased pod setting rates and soybean yield. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of pre‐storage removal of different parts of the scape top on the biochemical changes of two garlic cultivars during controlled atmosphere storage
Authors: Naheed Zobia , Rizwan Zafar , Cheng Zhihui , A Khan Noor , Hanif Muhammad
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

This study highlights the effect of removing different plant parts on the biochemical changes in the garlic scape of cultivars G064 and G025 during controlled atmosphere storage (O2 = 2%–5%, CO2 = 3%–6%) at temperature = 0 ± 0.5 °C, Relative Humidity (RH) RH = 85%–95%, for 168 day. Total polyphenols (TP), total flavonoids (TF), the concentration of allicin, ethylene production and the antioxidant potential were evaluated and analyzed by using four different assays. Statistically significant differences were observed between different treatments.

RESULTS

Total polyphenols, allicin concentration, and ethylene production were the highest in G064, while the total flavonoid concentration was the highest in G025. Removing the top resulted in the highest levels of total polyphenols, total flavonoids, allicin, and ethylene in both cultivars. The antioxidant capacity was also significantly higher when the top was removed than with other treatments in both cultivars. 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (HRSC), ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and metal‐chelating capacity (MCC) were higher in cultivar G064 compared to G025.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the results suggest that the removing the tops of the scapes of G025 and G064 is the best treatment to maintain these biochemical changes. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Cultivation of black soldier fly larvae on almond byproducts: impacts of aeration and moisture on larvae growth and composition
Authors: Palma Lydia , Ceballos Shannon J , Johnson Paulina C , Niemeier Deb , Pitesky Maurice , VanderGheynst Jean S
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

The increasing production of almonds worldwide has resulted in the significant generation of byproduct streams that require end uses. One potential use for byproducts is for cultivation of additional food sources including insects. Studies were performed to determine if black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens L.) could be cultivated on almond byproducts (hulls and shells) and to examine the effect of aeration and moisture on larvae growth and hull composition.

RESULTS

Increasing aeration from 0.04 to 0.36 mL min−1 g dry weight−1 tripled the harvest weight of larvae and increased larvae yield by a factor of five. Larvae calcium content increased by 18% with an increase in aeration from 0.04 to 0.95 mL min−1 g dry weight−1. Moisture content also affected harvest dry weight and yield; increasing moisture content from 480 g kg−1(wet basis) to 680 g kg−1 increased harvest weight by 56% and yield by a factor of 2. Variables did not affect larvae methionine and cysteine content. Low moisture content and aeration rate yielded an environment that supported microbial consumption of hulls over larvae consumption and growth.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that almond hulls are a suitable feedstock for larvae production under controlled management of moisture content and aeration. © 2018 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
An insight into land use and land cover changes and their impacts in Rib watershed, north‐western highland Ethiopia
Authors: Moges Desalew Meseret , Bhat Hejamady Gangadhara
Published: July 2018

Land use and land cover (LULC) changes have severely threatened ecological and economic sustainability in highland Ethiopia. A clear insight into its extent and rate is, therefore, a crucial step for effective land use planning and decision making. The main objective of this study was to analyse the nature of LULC change and its impacts in north‐western highland Ethiopia over the last four decades, using the integrated approach of remote sensing and geographic information system in combination with field data. Multidate Landsat images were used for spatio‐temporal change detection through the help of ArcGIS 10.3 and ERDAS IMAGINE 2014 software. A pixel‐based statistical analysis was used to measure class‐to‐class changes and total losses and gains of each LULC class during the study period. The results show that a significant and widespread change of LULC has occurred in the study area during the period 1973–2016. The cropland, grassland, and shrubland were the dominant LULC types taking more than 95% in total over the entire study period. The cropland and built‐up land showed a significant increase from 1973 to 2016, whereas grassland and shrubland decreased gradually over the same time period. The LULC change in the study area has caused severe environmental degradation, which in turn has affected ecological sustainability, agricultural productivity, food security, and rural livelihoods. The results of this study are expected to provide local‐level current information on the extent, rate, and impacts of LULC change for decision makers seeking to ensure ecological, social, and economic sustainability.
Monitoring land use and land cover changes due to extensive gold mining, urban expansion, and agriculture in the Pra River Basin of Ghana, 1986–2025
Authors: Awotwi Alfred , Anornu Geophrey Kwame , Quaye‐Ballard Jonathan Arthur , Annor Thompson
Published: July 2018

This study used the double cumulative curve and visual image interpretation methods for the selection of spatiotemporal Landsat data to evaluate the land degradation by anthropogenic activities in the Pra River Basin (PRB) of Ghana. Unsupervised and supervised classification procedures were used to map the land use and land cover (LULC) distribution from 1986 to 2016. Assessment of LULC showed that the PRB has been subjected to six different rates of land degradation in the years 1986, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2013, and 2016. This is due to increase in settlement, cropland, and mining activities to about 130%, 198%, and 304%, respectively. The Markov chain and cellular automation integrated model was successful in predicting LULC distribution in 2016 and the outcomes were comparable to the actual LULC for 2016. The projected LULC for 2025 showed that land degradation is significant in the western and the eastern parts where cropland and forest are, respectively, converted to mining activity. The northern, southern, and middle parts of PRB are expected to experience high settlement expansion, sedimentation in the rivers, and cropland expansion, respectively. The results will aid natural resources management, planning, and sustainable development at PRB. In addition, the research method serves as guideline for other related studies in an attempt to investigate, quantify, and project LULC change in forest ecological areas.
Assembling the jigsaw puzzle: CBX2 isoform 2 and its targets in disorders/differences of sex development
Authors: Sproll Patrick , Eid Wassim , Gomes Camila R. , Mendonca Berenice B. , Gomes Nathalia L. , Costa Elaine M.‐F. , Biason‐Lauber Anna
Published: July 2018

Background

One of the defining moments of human life occurs early during embryonic development, when individuals sexually differentiate into either male or female. Perturbation of this process can lead to disorders/differences of sex development (DSD). Chromobox protein homolog 2 (CBX2) has two distinct isoforms, CBX2.1 and CBX2.2: the role of CBX2.1 in DSD has been previously established, yet to date the function of the smaller isoform CBX2.2 remains unknown.

Methods

The genomic DNA of two 46,XY DSD patients was analysed using whole exome sequencing. Furthermore, protein/DNA interaction studies were performed using DNA adenine methyltransferase identification (DamID) to identify putative binding partners of CBX2. Finally, in vitro functional studies were used to elucidate the effect of wild‐type and variant CBX2.2 on selected downstream targets.

Results

Here, we describe two patients with features of DSD i.e. atypical external genitalia, perineal hypospadias and no palpable gonads, each patient carrying a distinct CBX2.2 variant, p.Cys132Arg (c.394T>C) and p.Cys154fs (c.460delT). We show that both CBX2.2 variants fail to regulate the expression of genes essential for sexual development, leading to a severe 46,XY DSD defect, likely because of a defective expression of EMX2 in the developing gonad.

Conclusion

Our study indicates a distinct function of the shorter form of CBX2 and by identifying several of its unique targets, can advance our understanding of DSD pathogenesis and ultimately DSD diagnosis and management.
Effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJA)‐induced defenses in rice against the rice leaffolderCnaphalocrocis medinalis(Guenèe) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Senthil‐Nathan Sengottayan
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) activates host defense mechanisms against insect pests of agricultural importance, and regulates defense responses against living and non‐living stresses in various plant species. Rice leaf‐folder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalisGuenèe, Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) feeding activity and mortality were evaluated after MeJA treatment of rice plants ASD‐16.

RESULTS

Rice plant resistance was activated through the topical application of MeJA to rice leaves. Feeding deterrence occurred with application of 2.5 and 5 mmMeJA solution. Feeding activity and consumption rates were significantly different, being reduced compared with controls post MeJA treatment. Significantly greater mortality was seen in second instars post treatment with 2.5 and 5 mmMeJA. Survival was significantly reduced for larvae and adults post treatment.

CONCLUSION

Application of MeJA as a topical spray onto rice plants significantly altered the biology and survival of the leaf‐folder, having an effect on all life stages. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
An improved DNA method to unambiguously detect small hive beetle Aethina tumida, an invasive pest of honeybee colonies
Authors: Silacci Paolo , Biolley Claudine , Jud Corinne , Charrière Jean‐Daniel , Dainat Benjamin
Published: July 2018

The scavenger and invasive species Aethina tumida threatening the honey bee has been recently introduced in Europe. We present a new, reliable and rapid multiplex real‐time PCR for efficient diagnostics enabling surveillance programs. © 2018 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
The Influence of the Firing Temperatures on the Phase Evolution, Microstructure, Dielectric and Strain Responses of BCTS Ceramics Prepared by the Solid State Combustion Technique
Authors: Kornphom Chittakorn , Yotthuan Surirat , Chootin Suphornphun , Bongkarn Theerachai
Published: July 2018

In this report, the influence of the firing temperatures on the phase evolution, microstructure, dielectric and strain responses of (Ba0.945Ca0.055)(Ti0.91Sn0.09)O3 (BCTS) lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics is investigated. BCTS ceramics are prepared with the solid state combustion technique with glycine as the fuel. Pure BCTS powders, with a perovskite structure, are obtained by calcining at 1150 °C for 2 h. The particle morphology of the BCTS powders exhibits a rounded shape and large agglomerated forms in all samples. The average particle size increases from 158 to 223 nm when the calcination temperature is increased from 1050 to 1250 °C. The XRD results of the sintered samples show they all have a single perovskite structure. The Rietveld refinement analysis indicates that the BCTS ceramics sintered at 1400 °C have the orthorhombic (O), tetragonal (T), and rhombohedral (R) phases coexisting while the O + T phases coexist in the other samples. The average grain size, density, dielectric constant (at Tc), %strain, and increase when the sintering temperature is increased up to 1400 °C and then, reduced in values. At the optimum sintering temperature (1400 °C), BCTS ceramic show multi phases (O + T + R), good crystalline morphology, the highest density (98%), an excellent dielectric constant (ϵc ≅ 16 252), and a good value (866 pm/V).
New species of Karydomys (Rodentia) from the Miocene of Chios Island (Greece) and phylogenetic relationships of this rare democricetodontine genus
Authors: López‐Antoñanzas Raquel , Peláez‐Campomanes Pablo , Prieto Jérôme , Knoll Fabien
Published: July 2018

Karydomys is a rare and little diversified democricetodontine, of which only six species are currently recognized. This group of rodents is first recorded in the early Miocene (MN3) in China and spread quickly thereafter to Kazakhstan and Greece (MN4). Karydomys reached south‐western and central Europe by early middle Miocene times (MN5), from where it became extinct shortly thereafter (MN6). A new species of Karydomys is here described from the Miocene Keramia Formation of Chios Island (north‐eastern Aegean Sea). Karydomys strati sp. nov. is characterized by the presence of a labial spur on the anterolophule, the lack of anterior protolophule on the M1 and by the presence of a double metalophule on the M2. A cladistics analysis involving all the species of Karydomys and some closely related species of Democricetodon and Cricetodon show that Karydomys split early into two different lineages, an ‘eastern stock’, which includes the central Asian (K. debruijni and K. dzerzhinskii) and Greek (K. symeonidisi, K. boskosi and K. strati) species, and a ‘western lineage’ comprising the western and central European species (K. wigharti and K. zapfei). The evolutionary stage of Karydomys strati suggests that the lowermost part of the Keramia Formation, usually attributed to the middle Miocene, is older than previously thought.
Student‐Athletes and Mental Health Experiences
Authors: Ryan Heather , Gayles Joy Gaston , Bell Lydia
Published: July 2018

Mental illness is a growing issue for college student‐athletes. This chapter discusses the prevalence of mental health problems on college campuses, as well as some of the most common concerns for student‐athletes and barriers associated with underutilization of mental health resources. The chapter concludes with recommendations for student‐athlete services.
Role of Activator Protein-1 Complex on the Phenotype of Human Osteosarcomas Generated from Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Gambera Stefano , Abarrategi Ander , Rodríguez-Milla Miguel A. , Mulero Francisca , Menéndez Sofía T. , Rodriguez René , Navarro Samuel , García-Castro Javier
Published: July 2018

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly aggressive bone tumor that usually arises intramedullary at the extremities of long bones. Due to the fact that the peak of incidence is in the growth spurt of adolescence, the specific anatomical location, and the heterogeneity of cells, it is believed that osteosarcomagenesis is a process associated with bone development. Different studies in murine models showed that the tumor-initiating cell in OS could be an uncommitted mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) developing in a specific bone microenvironment. However, only a few studies have reported transgene-induced human MSCs transformation and mostly obtained undifferentiated sarcomas. In our study, we demonstrate that activator protein 1 family members induce osteosarcomagenesis in immortalized hMSC. c-JUN or c-JUN/c-FOS overexpression act as tumorigenic factors generating OS with fibroblastic or pleomorphic osteoblastic phenotypes, respectively.
A Brief History of the Teacher Behavior Checklist
Authors: Kirby Lauren A. J. , Busler Jessica N. , Keeley Jared W. , Buskist William
Published: July 2018

We summarize the history of the development of the Teacher Behavior Checklist and review examples of its utility for studying excellence in teaching across cultures and contexts.
Faculty Perspectives on Master Teaching in Saudi Arabia: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Hassan Mohamed , Ismail Emad A.
Published: July 2018

This chapter identifies perspectives of excellent teaching among faculty from Saudi Arabia using the Teacher Behavior Checklist. Faculty ranked knowledgeable, promotes critical thinking, current, enthusiastic, and creative and interesting as top qualities of master teachers.
Dimethylhydroxyoxosulfonium(VI) Hexafluoridometallates, [(CH3)2SO(OX)]+[MF6]–(X = H, D; M = As, Sb)
Authors: Leitz Dominik , Betzenbichler Gloria , Morgenstern Yvonne , Zischka Florian , Kornath Andreas
Published: July 2018

Dimethylsulfone reacts in the binary superacidic systems XF/MF5 (X = H, D; M = As, Sb) under the formation of the corresponding salts of the type [(CH3)2SO(OX)]+[MF6]–. The salts are characterized by low temperature vibrational spectroscopy. In case of [(CH3)2SO(OH)]+[SbF6]– a single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis is reported. The salt crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca with eight formula units per unit cell [a = 10.3281(3) Å, b = 12.2111(4) Å, c = 13.9593(4) Å]. The experimental results are discussed together with quantum chemical calculations on the PBE1PBE/6‐311G++(3pd,3df) level of theory.
Implementation and results of a surgical training programme for chronic suppurative otitis media in Cambodia
Authors: Smith A K K , Sokdavy T , Sothea C , Pastrana M K R , Ali R F , Huins C T , Clark M P A , Gollogly J G , Bhutta M F
Published: July 2018

Background

Chronic suppurative otitis media is a massive public health problem in numerous low- and middle-income countries. Unfortunately, few low- and middle-income countries can offer surgical therapy.

Methods

A six-month long programme in Cambodia focused on training local surgeons in type I tympanoplasty was instigated. Qualitative educational and quantitative surgical outcomes were evaluated in the 12 months following programme completion. A four-month long training programme in mastoidectomy and homograft ossiculoplasty was subsequently implemented, and the preliminary surgical and educational outcomes were reported.

Results

A total of 124 patients underwent tympanoplasty by the locally trained surgeons. Tympanic membrane closure at six weeks post-operation was 88.5 per cent. Pure tone audiometry at three months showed that 80.9 per cent of patients had improved hearing, with a mean gain of 17.1 dB. The trained surgeons reported high confidence in performing tympanoplasty. Early outcomes suggest the local surgeons can perform mastoidectomy and ossiculoplasty as safely as overseas-trained surgeons, with reported surgeon confidence reflecting these positive outcomes.

Conclusion

The training programme has demonstrated success, as measured by surgeon confidence and operative outcomes. This approach can be emulated in other settings to help combat the global burden of chronic suppurative otitis media.
Fruit and vegetable intakes, associated characteristics and perceptions of current and future availability in Dutch university students
Authors: van den Bogerd Nicole , Maas Jolanda , Seidell Jacob C , Dijkstra S Coosje
Published: July 2018

Objective

To investigate fruit and vegetable (F&V) intakes of university students and associated demographic and lifestyle characteristics, and students’ perceptions of F&V availability and F&V intervention strategies in the university environment.

Design

Cross-sectional questionnaire data were collected; F&V intakes were measured using a food frequency tool. Multivariable linear regression analyses were used to analyse the associations between demographic and lifestyle characteristics and F&V intakes.

Setting

Universities in the Netherlands.

Subjects

University students (n 717).

Results

The majority of students did not adhere to Dutch F&V guidelines (71 % and 93 %, respectively). Fruit intake was lower among students who were male, living independently, enrolled in a technical study, not adhering to physical activity guidelines, and heavy to excessive alcohol drinkers. Vegetable intake was lower among students who were non-Dutch, living with their parents, not adhering to physical activity guidelines, and moderate and heavy to excessive alcohol drinkers. Most students perceived that their university environment offers sufficient healthy foods (60 %) and F&V (65 %), but also indicated that their F&V intakes would increase with interventions concerning affordable F&V in the university canteen (64 %) or university supermarket (60 %). Students were less disposed to indicate that weekly local farmers’ markets, vegetable parcels or a vegetable garden would increase their F&V intakes.

Conclusions

Dutch university students do not consume enough F&V. Future efforts that aim to promote students’ F&V intakes should consider the differences between subgroups based on demographic and lifestyle characteristics and that affordable F&V in the university environment might be an effective strategy.