bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Satisfactory content delivery scheme for QoS provisioning in delay tolerant networks
Authors: Ezzahidi Sidi Ahmed , Sabir Essaid , Ghogho Mounir
Published: November 2018

We deal in this article with the content forwarding problem in delay tolerant networks (DTNs). We first formulate the content delivery interaction as a noncooperative satisfaction game. On one hand, the source node seeks to ensure a delivery probability above some given threshold. On the other hand, the relay nodes seek to maximize their own payoffs. The source node offers a reward (virtual coins) to the relay, which caches and forwards the file to the final destination. Each relay has to solve the dilemma of accepting/rejecting to cache the source's file. Cooperation incurs energy cost due to caching, carrying, and forwarding the source's file. Yet when a relay accepts to cooperate, it may receive some reward if it succeeds to be the first relay to forward the content to the destination. Otherwise, the relay may receive some penalty in the form of a constant regret; the latter parameter is introduced to make incentive for cooperation. Next, we introduce the concept of satisfaction equilibrium (SE) as a solution concept to the induced game. Now, the source node is solely interested in reaching a file delivery probability greater than some given threshold, while the relays behave rationally to maximize their respective payoffs. Full characterizations of the SEs for both pure and mixed strategies are derived. Furthermore, we propose two learning algorithms allowing the players (source/relays) to reach the SE strategies. Finally, extensive numerical investigations and some learning simulations are carried out to illustrate the behavior of the interacting nodes and to give some insightful thoughts on how to fine‐tune the network setting.
Reading in a transparent second language with limited orality: The case of high school students with dyslexia in Latin
Authors: Toffalini Enrico , Losito Nunzia , Zamperlin Claudia , Cornoldi Cesare
Published: November 2018

Research has shown that individuals with dyslexia have difficulty in reading not only in their native language but also in a second language (L2). The considered L2, however, has always been a language acquired through exposure to both written and oral forms. The present study examines the case of Italian adolescents reading in Latin as an L2, which is the special case of a dead language with very limited use of orality. As the learning of Latin is mainly based on the acquisition of grammar, this study also examined the relationship between grammatical proficiency and reading ability in Latin. Results suggested that, compared with control peers, students with dyslexia had difficulty in reading words and non‐words in Latin. Interestingly, in spite of Latin being learnt mainly through written language, the extent of their difficulty was no larger than they encountered when reading in their native language. Also, despite the fact that students with dyslexia showed relatively less severe difficulties with Latin grammar (as compared to reading), this did not support them when reading Latin words, unlike typical readers. The theoretical and educational implications of these results are discussed.
Black walnut alley cropping is economically competitive with row crops in the MidwestUSA
Authors: Wolz Kevin J. , DeLucia Evan H.
Published: November 2018

The maize–soybean rotation (MSR) dominates the Midwest United States and degrades many ecological functions. Black walnut (Juglans nigraL.) plantation forestry (PF) and alley cropping (AC) are two alternative land‐uses that can enhance productivity and restore ecosystem services. Given the lack of robust market mechanisms to monetize ecosystems services, we tested whether the profitability ofPFandACcould drive adoption in the Midwest. Publically available data on black walnut soil suitability, timber prices, crop productivity, and cash rents were combined in a high‐resolution spatial analysis to identify regions where these alternatives can outcompeteMSR. To avoid selecting an arbitrary discount rate at which to make comparisons, we determined the threshold discount rate necessary to makePForACeconomically competitive withMSR. We show that, with a 5% discount rate,PFandACcould be more profitable on 17.0% and 23.4% ofMSRland, respectively. Contrary to the common assumption that woody agricultural alternatives should first be adopted in marginal row crop areas, the economic competitiveness ofPFandACwas not correlated withMSRproductivity. Instead, black walnut growth rate was the central driver ofPFandACcompetitiveness, underscoring a necessary shift away from the currentMSR‐centric perspective in defining target regions for land‐use alternatives. Results reveal major opportunities for landowners and investors to increase profitability by investing inPFandACon both “marginal” and productiveMSRland.
Benthic biogeographic patterns in the southern Australian deep sea: Do historical museum records accord with recent systematic, but spatially limited, survey data?
Authors: Tanner Jason E. , Althaus Franziska , Sorokin Shirley J. , Williams Alan
Published: November 2018

Aim

To document biogeographic patterns in the deepwater benthic epifauna and demersal fishes of southern Australia, and determine whether museum records and systematic survey data provide matching results.

Location

Southern Australian (32–44oS) continental slope (200–3,000 m deep).

Taxon

Marine benthic fauna (Arthropoda, Bryozoa, Cnidaria, Echinodermata, Mollusca, Porifera, Sipuncula, and fishes).

Methods

All available electronic records of fauna from the above taxa and ≥200 m depth off the southern Australian coastline, regardless of organism size, were collated from Australian museums and checked for geographic and taxonomic consistency. These records were then split into 40 geographic segments of roughly equal numbers, with each segment then treated as a sample in multivariate analyses of assemblage composition. Data from a recent (2015) systematic beam trawl survey along five north–south transects in the central Great Australian Bight were also included for comparison.

Main conclusions

The systematic survey data grouped with the associated geographic segments despite differences in sampling technique (single gear compared to multiple gears), with subsequent differences in taxonomic biases, and the use of a 25 mm mesh, which would undersample some smaller organisms present in the museum data. Thus, the museum data and the survey data provided the same results for the central Great Australian Bight at the level of the whole assemblage. The main biogeographic break occurred off southeastern Tasmania, with a second substantial break occurring at around the border between New South Wales and Victoria. This indicates the potential for unused museum data to describe biogeographic patterns over regional spatial scales, especially in the deep sea where the expense of collecting new data is relatively high.
Under which humidity conditions are moss spores released? A comparison between species with perfect and specialized peristomes
Authors: Zanatta Florian , Vanderpoorten Alain , Hedenäs Lars , Johansson Victor , Patiño Jairo , Lönnell Niklas , Hylander Kristoffer
Published: November 2018

Dispersal is a fundamental biological process that can be divided into three phases: release, transportation, and deposition. Determining the mechanisms of diaspore release is of prime importance to understand under which climatic conditions and at which frequency diaspores are released and transported. In mosses, wherein spore dispersal takes place through the hygroscopic movements of the peristome, the factors enhancing spore release has received little attention. Here, we determine the levels of relative humidity (RH) at which peristome movements are induced, contrasting the response of species with perfect (fully developed) and specialized (reduced) peristomes. All nine investigated species with perfect peristomes displayed a xerochastic behavior, initiating a closing movement from around 50%–65% RH upon increasing humidity and an opening movement from around 90% RH upon drying. Five of the seven species with specialized peristomes exhibited a hygrochastic behavior, initiating an opening movement under increasing RH (from about 80%) and a closing movement upon drying (from about 90%). These differences between species with hygrochastic and xerochastic peristomes suggest that spore dispersal does not randomly occur regardless of the prevailing climate conditions, which can impact their dispersal distances. In species with xerochastic peristomes, the release of spores under decreasing RH can be interpreted as an adaptive mechanism to disperse spores under optimal conditions for long‐distance wind dispersal. In species with hygrochastic peristomes, conversely, the release of spores under wet conditions, which decreases their wind long‐distance dispersal capacities, might be seen as a safe‐site strategy, forcing spores to land in appropriate (micro‐) habitats where their survival is favored. Significant variations were observed in the RH thresholds triggering peristome movements among species, especially in those with hygrochastic peristomes, raising the question of what mechanisms are responsible for such differences.
Birds in the Himalayas: What drives beta diversity patterns along an elevational gradient?
Authors: Hu Yiming , Ding Zhifeng , Jiang Zhigang , Quan Qing , Guo Keji , Tian Liqiao , Hu Huijian , Gibson Luke
Published: November 2018

Beta diversity patterns along elevational gradients have become a hot topic in the study of biogeography and can help illuminate the processes structuring mountain ecosystems. Although elevational species richness patterns have been well documented, there remains much uncertainty over the causes of beta diversity patterns across elevational gradients. We conducted bird surveys and obtained high‐resolution climatic data along an elevational gradient in Gyirong Valley in the central Himalayas, China, between 1,800 and 5,400 m elevation. In total, we recorded 182 bird species (including 169 breeding birds). We simulated beta diversity patterns with the mid‐domain effect (MDE) null model and conducted distance‐based redundancy analyses (db‐RDA) to relate beta diversity to dispersal limitations, spatial constraints, habitat complexity, contemporary climate, and historical climate. Mantel tests and variation partitioning were employed to identify the magnitude of independent statistical associations of environmental factors with beta diversity. Patterns of empirical and simulated beta diversity were both hump‐shaped, peaking at intermediate elevations. The db‐RDA indicated that beta diversity was correlated with changes in spatially structured environmental factors, especially with contemporary climate and habitat complexity. Mantel tests and variation partitioning also suggested that climate dissimilarity was the major independent correlate of beta diversity. The random community structure and spatial constraints may also contribute to the overall hump‐shaped pattern. Beta diversity of bird communities in Gyirong Valley could be explained by the combination of different factors but is mainly shaped by the spatially structured environmental factors, especially contemporary climate.
Breeding for resilience to increasing temperatures: A field trial assessing genetic variation in soft red winter wheat
Authors: Russell Kathleen , Van Sanford David
Published: November 2018

Breeding for resilience to climate change is a daunting prospect. Crop and climate models tell us that global wheat yields are likely to decline as the climate warms, causing a significant risk to global food security. High temperatures are known to affect crop development yet breeding for tolerance to heat stress is difficult to achieve in field environments. We conducted an active warming study over two years to quantify the effects of heat stress on genetic variation of soft red winter (SRW) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Forty SRW cultivars and breeding lines were chosen based on marker genotypes at photoperiod sensitivity and reduced height loci. These genotypes were planted in a randomized complete block design replicated twice across two environments, ambient and artificially warmed. Average heading date occurred 5 days earlier in the warmed environment than in the ambient environment over both years (p ≤ 0.05). On average, grain yield was significantly reduced in the warmed environment by 211.41 kg/ha (p ≤ 0.05) or 4.84%, though we identified 13 genotypes with increased yield in response to warming in both years. Of these genotypes, eight had significantly increased N uptake while six showed significantly increased N utilization efficiency under warming. Under warming, genotypes with wild‐type alleles at the Rht‐D1 locus display significantly greater yields (p ≤ 0.01) and biomass (p ≤ 0.001) than genotypes with reduced height alleles. Of the 13 genotypes with higher (p ≤ 0.01) yields under warming, nine have the wild‐type allele at the Rht‐D1 locus in addition to being photoperiod insensitive. The next steps will be to validate these findings in other populations and to develop an efficient breeding/phenotyping scheme that will lead to more resilient cultivars.
Drought weakens the positive effects of defoliation on native rhizomatous grasses but enhances the drought‐tolerance traits of native caespitose grasses
Authors: Zhang Ruiyang , Schellenberg Michael P. , Han Guodong , Wang Hu , Li Junxian
Published: November 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the drought tolerance, compensatory growth, and different plant traits between two native perennial caespitose grasses and two native rhizomatous grasses in response to drought and defoliation. A randomized complete block design at the Swift Current Research and Development Centre (SCRDC) of Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada (AAFC) examined the effects of water stress and clipping on the plant biomass, plant morphological traits, and relative leaf chlorophyll content (SPAD value) of four native grasses (caespitose grass: Hesperostipa comata and H. curtiseta; rhizomatous grass: Pascopyrum smithii and Elymus lanceolatus). Drought drastically decreased the shoot and root biomass, plant height, number of tillers and leaf growth of P. smithii and E. lanceolatus, as well as the rhizome biomass and R/S ratio of P. smithii. Defoliation had a positive effect on the shoot biomass of P. smithii and E. lanceolatus under well water treatments (100% and 85% of field capacity). However, the compensatory growth of P. smithii and E. lanceolatus significantly declined with increased water stress. In addition, there are no significant changes in plant biomass, plant height, number of tillers and leaves, and SPAD value of H. comata and H. curtiseta under relative dry condition (70% of field capacity). Consequently, these results demonstrated that the rhizomatous grasses possessed a stronger compensation in response to defoliation under wet conditions, but the positive effects of defoliation can be weakened by drought. The caespitose grasses (Hesperostipa species) exhibited a greater drought tolerance than rhizomatous grasses due to the relatively stable plant traits in response to water stress.
Fish assemblage responses to flow seasonality and predictability in a tropical flood pulse system
Authors: Ngor Peng Bun , Oberdorff Thierry , Phen Chheng , Baehr Christophe , Grenouillet Gaël , Lek Sovan
Published: November 2018

Hydropower dams are looming in the Mekong Basin, affecting river flows that structure aquatic communities. Here, we quantitatively assessed flow seasonality and predictability in three sites located in three rivers displaying a gradient in flow alterations caused by upstream dams and investigated how fish assemblages responded seasonally and inter‐annually to this gradient. By analyzing 7‐yr daily fish and water monitoring data, we found that dams disturbed the natural flow seasonality and predictability. While the river displaying the lower seasonality–predictability was characterized by a distinct seasonal variation in assemblage composition with high species turnover, rivers with stronger flow seasonality–predictability exhibited broadly similar seasonal patterns in fish assemblage composition with low species turnover and regular annual peaks of fish migration. These results challenge the expectation of higher species turnover in systems displaying higher flow seasonality and predictability and may be partly due to the strong adaptation of fish assemblages to these specific systems. By enhancing our understanding of biological systems in the highly seasonal–predictable and aseasonal–unpredictable environments of the lower Mekong system, these findings suggest that hydropower‐related pulsed flows that can mimic as far as possible natural pulsed flows are critical to reduce downstream effects on aquatic organisms.
Flower movement balances pollinator needs and pollen protection
Authors: Haverkamp Alexander , Li Xiang , Hansson Bill S. , Baldwin Ian T. , Knaden Markus , Yon Felipe
Published: November 2018

Flower signaling and orientation are key characteristics that determine a flower's pollinator guild. However, many flowers actively move during their daily cycle, changing both their detectability and accessibility to pollinators. The flowers of the wild tobacco Nicotiana attenuata orientate their corolla upward at sunset and downward after sunrise. Here, we investigated the effect of different flower orientations on a major pollinator of N. attenuata, the hawkmoth Manduca sexta. We found that although flower orientation influenced the flight altitude of the moth in respect to the flower, it did not alter the moth's final flower choice. These behavioral observations were consistent with the finding that orientation did not systematically change the spatial distribution of floral volatiles, which are major attractants for the moths. Moreover, hawkmoths invested the same amount of time into probing flowers at different orientations, even though they were only able to feed and gather pollen from horizontally and upward‐oriented flowers, but not from downward‐facing flowers. The orientation of the flower was hence crucial for a successful interaction between N. attenuata and its hawkmoth pollinator. Additionally, we also investigated potential adverse effects of exposing flowers at different orientations to natural daylight levels, finding that anther temperature of upward‐oriented flowers was more than 7°C higher than for downward‐oriented flowers. This increase in temperature likely caused the significantly reduced germination success that was observed for pollen grains from upward‐oriented flowers in comparison to those of downward and horizontally oriented flowers. These results highlight the importance of flower reorientation to balance pollen protection and a successful interaction of the plant with its insect pollinators by maintaining the association between flower volatiles and flower accessibility to the pollinator.
Finite locally resonant Metafoundations for the seismic protection of fuel storage tanks
Authors: Basone Francesco , Wenzel Moritz , Bursi Oreste S. , Fossetti Marinella
Published: November 2018

This paper introduces a novel seismic isolation system based on metamaterial concepts for the reduction of ground motion‐induced vibrations in fuel storage tanks. In recent years, the advance of seismic metamaterials has led to various new concepts for the attenuation of seismic waves. Of particular interest for the present work is the concept of locally resonant materials, which are able to attenuate seismic waves at wavelengths much greater than the dimensions of their unit cells. Based on this concept, we propose a finite locally resonant Metafoundation, the so‐called Metafoundation, which is able to shield fuel storage tanks from earthquakes. To crystallize the ideas, the Metafoundation is designed according to the Italian standards with conservatism and optimized under the consideration of its interaction with both superstructure and ground. To accomplish this, we developed two optimization procedures that are able to compute the response of the coupled foundation‐tank system subjected to site‐specific ground motion spectra. They are carried out in the frequency domain, and both the optimal damping and the frequency parameters of the Metafoundation‐embedded resonators are evaluated. As case studies for the superstructure, we consider one slender and one broad tank characterized by different geometries and eigenproperties. Furthermore, the expected site‐specific ground motion is taken into account with filtered Gaussian white noise processes modeled with a modified Kanai‐Tajimi filter. Both the effectiveness of the optimization procedures and the resulting systems are evaluated through time history analyses with two sets of natural accelerograms corresponding to operating basis and safe shutdown earthquakes, respectively.
Microbiological quality of traditional and improved kiln smoked catfish (Clarias gariepinus; Pisces; Clariidae) in Lake Chilwa Basin
Authors: Likongwe Martin Charles , Kasapila William , Katundu Mangani , Mpeketula Placid
Published: November 2018

Microbiological quality of smoked catfish (Clarias gariepinus) locally known as Mlamba was assessed in this study where traditional and improved smoking kilns were used to smoke fish. Catfish is common fish caught in abundance in the Lake Chilwa basin, and the fish is usually smoked to reduce postharvest losses and increase shelf life. Samples were collected in sterile polythene bags, well labeled, and collected in cooler boxes transported ready for laboratory analysis. One gram representative sample was obtained aseptically from the muscle of the fresh and smoked catfish (Mlamba) samples. The samples were grounded, and fourfold serial dilutions (10−1–10−4) of the homogenized samples were made using sterile distilled water. Fish samples were analyzed for total plate count (TPC), Escherichia coli counts, and pathogenic organisms (Salmonella) following the methods prescribed by AOAC (Official methods of analysis, Association of Official Analytical Chemistry, Arlington, VA, 2000). Each analysis was carried out in triplicates. There were significant differences (p = 0.05), with respect to total viable bacterial counts between traditional kiln smoked and improved kiln smoked catfish (5.6 × 106 cfu/g, 1.9 × 106 cfu/g, respectively). Traditional kiln smoked catfish harbored significantly higher total viable counts as well as a higher population of E. coli compared to improved kiln smoked catfish. However, for both types of smoking kilns there were detected levels of pathogenic bacteria Salmonella with traditional kiln smoked catfish containing 2.1 × 104 cfu/g which were significantly higher than amount found in improved kiln smoked catfish (1.5 × 104 cfu/g; p = 0.05). Salmonella is a microbe of public health importance and has implications on the handling and source of the fish.
The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Ligand Amphiregulin Protects From Cholestatic Liver Injury and Regulates Bile Acids Synthesis
Authors: Santamaría Eva , Rodríguez‐Ortigosa Carlos M. , Uriarte Iker , Latasa Maria U. , Urtasun Raquel , Alvarez‐Sola Gloria , Bárcena‐Varela Marina , Colyn Leticia , Arcelus Sara , Jiménez Maddalen , Deutschmann Kathleen , Peleteiro‐Vigil Ana , Gómez‐Cambronero Julian , Milkiewicz Malgorzata , Milkiewicz Piotr , Sangro Bruno , Keitel Verena , Monte Maria J. , Marin Jose J.G. , Fernández‐Barrena Maite G. , Ávila Matias A. , Berasain Carmen
Published: November 2018

Intrahepatic accumulation of bile acids (BAs) causes hepatocellular injury. Upon liver damage, a potent protective response is mounted to restore the organ’s function. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling is essential for regeneration after most types of liver damage, including cholestatic injury. However, EGFR can be activated by a family of growth factors induced during liver injury and regeneration. We evaluated the role of the EGFR ligand, amphiregulin (AREG), during cholestatic liver injury and regulation of AREG expression by BAs. First, we demonstrated increased AREG levels in livers from patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). In two murine models of cholestatic liver injury, bile duct ligation (BDL) and alpha‐naphthyl‐isothiocyanate (ANIT) gavage, hepatic AREG expression was markedly up‐regulated. Importantly, Areg–/–
mice showed aggravated liver injury after BDL and ANIT administration compared to Areg+/+
mice. Recombinant AREG protected from ANIT and BDL‐induced liver injury and reduced BA‐triggered apoptosis in liver cells. Oral BA administration induced ileal and hepatic Areg expression, and, interestingly, cholestyramine feeding reduced postprandial Areg up‐regulation in both tissues. Most interestingly, Areg–/–
mice displayed high hepatic cholesterol 7 α‐hydroxylase (CYP7A1) expression, reduced serum cholesterol, and high BA levels. Postprandial repression of Cyp7a1 was impaired in Areg–/–
mice, and recombinant AREG down‐regulated Cyp7a1 mRNA in hepatocytes. On the other hand, BAs promoted AREG gene expression and protein shedding in hepatocytes. This effect was mediated through the farnesoid X receptor (FXR), as demonstrated in Fxr–/–
mice, and involved EGFR transactivation. Finally, we show that hepatic EGFR expression is indirectly induced by BA‐FXR through activation of suppressor of cytokine signaling‐3 (SOC3). Conclusion: AREG‐EGFR signaling protects from cholestatic injury and participates in the physiological regulation of BA synthesis.
Genetic variants in CCL5 and CCR5 genes and serum VEGF‐A levels predict efficacy of bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Suenaga Mitsukuni , Cao Shu , Zhang Wu , Yang Dongyun , Ning Yan , Okazaki Satoshi , Berger Martin D. , Miyamoto Yuji , Schirripa Marta , Soni Shivani , Barzi Afsaneh , Yamaguchi Toshiharu , Lenz Heinz‐Josef
Published: November 2018

Early VEGF‐A reduction (EVR) by targeting abundant VEGF‐A is a potential predictive marker of bevacizumab (BEV). The CCL5/CCR5 axis modulates VEGF‐A production via endothelial progenitor cells migration. We tested whether genetic polymorphisms in the CCL5/CCR5 pathway could predict efficacy of BEV in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in a first‐line setting. Genomic DNA was extracted from 215 samples from three independent cohorts: 61 patients receiving FOLFOX+BEV (evaluation cohort); 83 patients receiving FOLFOX (control cohort); 71 patients receiving FOLFOX/XELOX+BEV (exploratory cohort) for validation and serum biochemistry assay (n = 48). Single nucleotide polymorphisms of genes in the CCL5/CCR5 pathway were analyzed by PCR‐based direct sequencing. Considering the unbalanced distribution of patient baseline characteristics between the evaluation and control cohorts, propensity score matching analysis was performed. Serum VEGF‐A levels during treatment were measured using ELISA. Among the evaluation and control cohorts, patients with any CCL5 rs2280789 G allele had longer progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) when receiving FOLFOX+BEV than FOLFOX (PFS: 19.8 vs. 11.0 months, HR 0.44, 95%CI: 0.24–0.83, p = 0.004; OS: 41.8 vs. 24.5 months, HR: 0.50, 95%CI: 0.26–0.95, p = 0.024). No significant difference was shown in patients with the A/A variant. In the exploratory cohort, CCL5 rs2280789 G alleles were associated with higher VEGF‐A levels at baseline and a greater decrease in VEGF‐A levels at day 14 compared to the A/A variant. CCL5 and CCR5 impact the angiogenic environment, and the genotypes in CCL5/CCR5 genes may identify specific populations who will benefit from BEV in first‐line treatment for mCRC.
Teaching and Learning Electrochemistry
Authors: Tsaparlis Georgios
Published: November 2018

Numerous conceptual difficulties and misconceptions have been reported in the science and chemistry education literature about electrochemistry concepts such as electrolytes, redox equations, and about electrochemical (galvanic and electrolytic) cells. Other studies have considered teaching approaches aimed at improving learning and at overcoming misconceptions. This paper reviews these studies and considers strategies and approaches for the effective teaching of electrochemistry. Then, the review focuses on problem solving in equilibrium electrochemistry, especially problems involving the Nernst equation. The main findings of four studies with Greek university chemistry students, dealing with: (i) algorithmic problem‐solving ability; (ii) practice on problem solving; (iii) the effect of the format of a problem; and (iv) the construction and evaluation of a website devoted to electrochemistry problem solving, are reported.
Inside Front Cover: Multispectral optoacoustic tomography of systemic sclerosis (J. Biophotonics 11/2018)
Authors: Masthoff Max , Helfen Anne , Claussen Jing , Roll Wolfgang , Karlas Angelos , Becker Heidemarie , Gabriëls Gert , Riess Jan , Heindel Walter , Schäfers Michael , Ntziachristos Vasilis , Eisenblätter Michel , Gerth Ulrich , Wildgruber Moritz
Published: November 2018

Hybridized Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography/Ultrasonography reveals dedicated biomarkers in inflamed joints in systemic sclerosis.

Further details can be found in the article by Max Masthoff, Anne Helfen, Jing Claussen, et al. (e201800155).

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Back Cover: Development and in vivo test of a miniature Raman probe for early cancer detection in the peripheral lung (J. Biophotonics 11/2018)
Authors: McGregor Hanna C. , Short Michael A. , Lam Stephen , Shaipanich Tawimas , Beaudoin Eve‐Léa , Zeng Haishan
Published: November 2018

A miniature Raman probe was successfully developed and navigated through the lung architecture into the narrow peripheral airways. Using this probe and a home‐made rapid Raman spectroscopy system, in vivo Raman spectra were successfully obtained from the periphery lung for the first time.

Further details can be found in the article by Hanna C. McGregor, Michael A. Short, Stephen Lam, et al. (e201800055).

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Fetal lipomyelomeningocele: A closed neural tube defect diagnosed at second‐trimester ultrasound examination
Authors: Sarmento‐Gonçalves Inês , Cunha Manuela , Loureiro Teresa , Pinto Pedro S. , Ramalho Carla
Published: November 2018

Fetal lipomyelomeningocele was suspected during the second‐trimester ultrasound and confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. The pregnancy took its course and a term neonate was delivered. At 2 years of age lipomyelomeningocele surgical removal was performed. The patient is now 4 years old and, despite neurogenic bladder, is a healthy boy with normal psychomotor development for his age. This case illustrates the favorable prognosis of this entity and the importance of prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary counseling.
Risk factors for delayed hemorrhage after colonoscopic postpolypectomy: Polyp size and operative modality
Authors: Liu Changqin , Wu Ruijin , Sun Xiaomin , Tao Chunhua , Liu Zhanju
Published: November 2018

Background and Aim

Delayed postpolypectomy hemorrhage is relatively common, with occasional extensive blood loss, endangering life. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with postoperative hemorrhage.

Methods

The study was a retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalized for colonoscopic polypectomy at the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, China, between January and December 2015. Data on gender, age, bowel preparation, location, size, number of polyps, operative modality, pathology, and operation practitioner were collected. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of postoperative hemorrhage.

Results

A total of 1962 polyps were detected in patients and they underwent polypectomy; hemorrhage occurred in 41 cases. A correlation was demonstrated between postpolypectomy hemorrhage and each of the following factors: polyp size and operative modality. The odds ratio (OR) was 4.535 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.331–8.823) for 1–2‐cm polyps, 4.008 (95% CI, 0.904–17.776) for 2–3‐cm polyps, and 22.407 (95% CI, 5.783–86.812) for ≥3‐cm polyps. Compared with argon plasma coagulation, OR was 9.128 (95% CI, 3.548–23.486) for endoscopic mucosal resection and 31.257 (95% CI, 7.009–139.395) for endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Conclusions

The independent risk factors for delayed postpolypectomy hemorrhage include polyp size and operative modality.
Acid Catalyzed One‐pot Three‐component Biginelli‐type Synthesis of Some New Symmetrical Bis 3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐ones/thiones
Authors: Gülten Şirin , Arslan Ezgi
Published: November 2018

Biologically important 21 new symmetrical bis 3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2(1H)‐ones/thiones were synthesized by reacting 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl ether/4,4′‐ethylenedianiline with tert‐butyl acetoacetate to produce diphenyl ether‐bridged bis β‐keto amide/diphenyl ethane‐bridged bis β‐keto amide then treated with urea or thiourea and an appropriate aldehyde with either a catalytic amount of p‐TSA·H2O or conc. HCl in ethanol afforded the title compounds.
Comparative study of ink photoinitiators in food packages using gas chromatography with vacuum ultraviolet detection and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry
Authors: Pechancová Radka , Qiu Changling , Smuts Jonathan , Lemr Karel , Schug Kevin A.
Published: November 2018

This work focused on the development and validation of the analytical procedure using gas chromatography equipped with vacuum‐ultraviolet detection for the specific and sensitive determination of nine photoinitiators in food packages. Subsequently, a comparison of the combination of vacuum ultraviolet spectroscopy with gas chromatography and a developed gas chromatography with mass spectrometry method was performed. The vacuum‐ultraviolet spectra of all tested photoinitiators were collected and found to be highly distinct, even for isomers. Under the optimal conditions, the limits of detection for nine photoinitiators ranged from 1 to 5 mg/L using vacuum ultraviolet detection and from 0.15 to 0.5 mg/L using mass spectrometric detection. Both techniques were successfully applied for screening of photoinitiators in seven kinds of food packages and the obtained data showed good agreement (the relative difference was between 3 and 18%). The variability in concentrations found in triplicate samples was assessed to be below 18%. Predominantly benzophenone was found in all analysed samples in the range of 0.31–4.23 mg/kg. It appears to be preferably selected by food packaging manufacturers. This study proposes a new simple and sensitive technique used for analysis of photoinitiators that could be a good alternative to gas chromatography with mass spectrometry.
Transplanted human multipotent stromal cells reduce acute tongue fibrosis in rats
Authors: Vahabzadeh‐Hagh Andrew M. , Goel Alexander N. , Frederick John W. , Berke Gerald S. , Long Jennifer L.
Published: November 2018

Background

Tongue fibrosis resulting from head and neck cancer, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination thereof devastates one's quality of life. Therapeutic options are limited. Here we investigate human bone marrow–derived multipotent stromal cells (MSC) as a novel injectable treatment for post‐injury tongue fibrosis.

Methods

MSCs were grown in culture. Eighteen athymic rats underwent unilateral partial glossectomy. After two weeks for scar formation, a single injection was performed in the tongue scar. Three treatment groups were studied: low and high concentration MSC, and control media injection. Tongues were harvested for evaluation at three weeks post‐treatment.

Results

Dense fibrosis was achieved in control animals at five weeks. High concentration MSC reduced cross sectional scar burden (P = .007) and pathologic score for inflammation and fibrosis.

Conclusion

This study establishes the feasibility of a novel rodent tongue fibrosis model, and begins to assess the utility of human MSCs to reduce scar burden.

Level of Evidence

N/a
Multidimensional Coherent Spectroscopy of Semiconductors
Authors: Smallwood Christopher L. , Cundiff Steven T.
Published: November 2018

Optical multidimensional coherent spectroscopy (MDCS) is a nonlinear spectroscopy technique where a material is excited by a series of laser pulses to produce a spectrum as a function of multiple frequencies. The technique's ability to elucidate excited‐state structure and interactions has made MDCS a valuable tool in the study of excitons in semiconductors. This review introduces the method and describes progress it has fostered establishing a better understanding of dephasing rates, coherent coupling mechanisms, and many‐body interactions pertaining to optically generated electronic excitations in a variety of semiconductor material systems. Emphasis is placed on nanostructured gallium arsenide quantum wells and quantum dots, on quantum dots in other III–V and II–VI semiconductors, and on atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides. Recent technical advances and potential future directions in the field are also discussed.
Color Conversion Materials for High‐Brightness Laser‐Driven Solid‐State Lighting
Authors: Li Shuxing , Wang Le , Hirosaki Naoto , Xie Rong‐Jun
Published: November 2018

Solid‐state lighting is advancing toward higher power, higher brightness, and smaller size to cope with the market competitiveness, and laser‐driven solid‐state lighting technology is springing up owing to its super‐high brightness and compactness. These developments put forward new requirements for color conversion materials (i.e., phosphors). Here, the state‐of‐art achievements in laser phosphors are summarized, and the topics of luminescence saturation, light extraction efficiency, and light uniformity encountered in laser lighting technology are discussed. Several typical types of color converters, such as single crystal, phosphor ceramics, phosphor‐in‐glass, phosphor films, and quantum‐well light‐emitting diodes, are comparatively overviewed and discussed. The cutting‐edge applications of high‐brightness white laser light in lighting, displays, healthcare, and communications are summarized. The challenges and outlook in laser‐driven solid‐state lighting and some empirical rules for designing novel laser phosphors are highlighted.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry of Native Silk Feedstock
Authors: Holland Chris , Hawkins Nicholas , Frydrych Martin , Laity Peter , Porter David , Vollrath Fritz
Published: November 2018

Native silk proteins, extracted directly from the silk gland prior to spinning, offer access to a naturally hydrated protein that has undergone little to no processing. Combined with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), it is possible to probe the thermal stability and hydration status of silk and thus investigate its denaturation and solidification, echoing that of the natural spinning process. It is found that native silk is stable between −10 °C and 55 °C, and both the high‐temperature enthalpy of denaturation (measured via modulated temperature DSC) and a newly reported low‐temperature ice‐melting transition may serve as useful quality indicators in the future for artificial silks. Finally, compared to albumin, silk's denaturation enthalpy is much lower than expected, which is interpreted within a recently proposed entropic desolvation framework which can serve to unveil the low‐energy aquamelt processing pathway.
Pregnenolone as a potential candidate for hormone therapy for female reproductive disorders targeting ERβ
Authors: Shin Ye Young , Kang Eun‐Jin , Jeong Jea Sic , Kim Min Jae , Jung Eui‐Man , Jeung Eui‐Bae , An Beum‐Soo
Published: November 2018

Many steroid hormones such as estrogen (E2) bind to their receptors for the regulation of biological processes. Pregnenolone (P5) is the precursor form of almost all steroid hormones and is often used to treat skin disorders and neurological complications. However, the mechanism and physiological function of P5 in reproductive organs are not well established. In this study, we investigated the effects of P5 on activation and expression of E2 receptor (ER) in the uteri and ovaries. To study the mechanism of P5 directly, Ishikawa cells were transfected with E2 response element (ERE)‐luciferase plasmid and isoforms of ER. ERE‐luciferase activity induced by P5 was similar to that induced by E2, and P5 showed high activity for ERβ without any relevance to P5‐metabolizing hormones such as progesterone (P4) and E2. In an animal study, immature female rats treated with P5 showed upregulation of ERα and downregulation of ERβ in the uteri, which is the main organ expressing ERα. In ERβ‐expressing organ ovaries, estrogen receptor 1, estrogen receptor 2, and P4 receptor were all downregulated by P5 and E2. Also, a decrease of ovarian cell proliferation and viability was observed in response to P5 relative to the control, suggesting that P5 may be a candidate for antiproliferative hormone of ovarian cancer. These findings suggest that P5 stimulates ERE promoter by ERβ‐mediated signaling in the uteri and ovaries. Activation of ERβ by P5 may help in understanding the mechanism of ER‐related female reproductive diseases such as endometriosis and ovarian cancer.
Correlation of MRI features of urethral diverticulum and pre‐ and post‐operative stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Seth Jai H. , Naaseri Sahar , Solomon Eskinder , Pakzad Mahreen , Hamid Rizwan , Ockrim Jeremy , Greenwell Tamsin J.
Published: November 2018

Aims

The complexity of urethral diverticulectomy depends on location, size, and degree of circumferential involvement. MRI features were examined to predict functional outcome after surgery for urethral diverticulum (UD).

Methods

A prospectively acquired database was of all patients who have had surgical excision of UD at a tertiary center since 2004 was reviewed. Particular focus was pre‐ and post‐operative urodynamically proven stress urinary incontinence (USUI), and pre‐operative MRI features. MRI parameters included diverticular volume, degree of circumferential involvement around the urethra, distance of the Os of UD to bladder neck and urethral length. Students t‐test and Mann‐Whitney U‐test were used to compare rates of de novo USUI.

Results

There were 100 patients (mean age 45.8 yrs), who had excision of UD since 2004, with a minimum follow‐up of 10 months (range 10‐112 months). Full MRI data was available for 83 patients. Fourteen were of simple configuration (16.8%), 32 were horseshoe (38.6%), and 37 (44.6%) were circumferential. Twenty‐five (25%) patients had pre‐operative USUI, while 12 (12%) patients developed de novo USUI post‐excision. While, the majority of patients with de novo USUI (67%) had >270° circumferential involvement of urethra, the pre‐operative diverticular volume did not predict the likelihood of USUI developing (P = 0.3). A shorter urethral length was associated with pre‐operative USUI.

Conclusions

25% of all patients had pre‐op USUI, and diverticular volume and urethral length was significantly smaller in this group. The majority of patients with de novo USUI had complex diverticula configuration with higher baseline circumferential angle around urethra, with 67% of angle's between 270 and 360°
Governing Indigenous Difference Differently: The Politics of Disgust, Compassion and Care
Authors: Vincent Eve
Published: November 2018

This essay concerns two experimental governmental interventions undertaken in Ceduna, far west South Australia. The first scenario involves a local council initiative, which I argue was designed to expunge public spaces of the presence of disturbing Indigenous bodies, which elicited local disgust. The second case involves a current federal government trial of stringent welfare reform measures. I argue that this case was framed primarily in terms of suffering, which arouses compassion and demands intervention. Thus the essay explores how disgust and respectability, suffering and compassion, as well as alterity, circulate and come to settle on different Indigenous bodies. Focussing on the governing of Indigenous people, I use these two policy experiments to track the state's penalization and abandonment of, interventions into, and concern for Indigenous lives in a single setting.
Experimental investigation on the smart self‐healing composites based on the short hollow glass fibers and shape memory alloy strips
Authors: Aghamirzadeh Gh.R. , Khalili S.M.R. , Eslami‐Farsani R. , Saeedi A.
Published: November 2018

In the present study, self‐healing composites based on randomly oriented short hollow glass fibers and shape memory alloy (SMA) strips are investigated. Charpy impact tests were conducted to determine the healing efficiency of the specimens. The obtained results showed that an efficient healing process occurs after 7 days from the initial damage. According to the results, the presence of embedded SMA strips caused enhancement in the healing efficiency of the composites due to induced recovery force in the SMA, which leads to crack closure in the specimens. The healing efficiency of composites were calculated to be 36%, 49%, 55%, and 34% for the specimens without embedded SMA strips, and with 0%, 2%, and 4% pre‐strain SMA strips, respectively. According to the results, the healing efficiency of the specimens is affected significantly by the interfacial shear strength between the SMA strips and the glass fibers/epoxy composites. In this regards, the results showed that using 2% pre‐strained strip in the composites resulted in the highest healing efficiency. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1883–1889, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Predictive model algorithms identifying early and advanced stage ER+/HER2− breast cancer in claims data
Authors: Beachler Daniel C. , de Luise Cynthia , Yin Ruihua , Gangemi Kelsey , Cochetti Philip T. , Lanes Stephan
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Claims databases offer large populations for research, but lack clinical details. We aimed to develop predictive models to identify estrogen receptor positive (ER+) and human epidermal growth factor negative (HER2−) early breast cancer (ESBC) and advanced stage breast cancer (ASBC) in a claims database.

Methods

Female breast cancer cases in Anthem's Cancer Care Quality Program served as the gold standard validation sample. Predictive models were developed from clinical knowledge and empirically from claims data using logistic and lasso regression. Model performance was assessed by classification rates and c‐statistics. Models were applied to the HealthCore Integrated Research Database (claims) to identify cohorts of women with ER+/HER2− ESBC and ASBC.

Results

The validation sample included 3184 women with ER+/HER2− ESBC and 1436 with ER+/HER2− ASBC. Predictive models for ER+/HER2− ESBC and ASBC included 25 and 20 factors, respectively. Models had robust discrimination in identifying cases (c‐stat = 0.92 for ESBC and 0.95 for ASBC). Compared with a traditional a priori algorithm developed with clinical insight alone, the ER+/HER2− ASBC‐predictive model had better positive predictive value (PPV) (0.91, 95% CI, 0.90‐0.93, vs 0.69, 95% CI, 0.66‐0.73) and sensitivity (0.54 vs 0.35). Models were applied to the claims database to identify cohorts of 33 001 and 3198 women with ER+/HER2− ESBC and ASBC.

Conclusion

We conducted a validation study and developed predictive models to identify in a claims database cohorts of women with ER+/HER2− ESBC and ASBC. The models identified large cohorts in the claims data that can be used to characterize indications in the evaluation of targeted therapies.