bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative Pancreatic Injury Gives Rise to Severe Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula: Results of a Review of Unedited Videos of the Laparoscopic Surgical Procedures
Authors: Sato Yuya , Kojima Kazuyuki , Inokuchi Mikito , Kato Keiji , Sugita Hirofumi , Otsuki Sho , Sugihara Kenichi
Published: February 2018

Objective

To examine risk factors for and causes of severe postoperative pancreatic fistula (sPOPF) after laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG).

Summary of Background Data

There are few reports on POPF after LG.

Methods

Between February 2012 and March 2014, we examined 86 patients who underwent LG, comparing them with 33 patients who underwent open gastrectomy (OG) for gastric cancer. Risk factors for severe POPF (sPOPF) of Clavien–Dindo grade IIIa or higher were examined. To investigate causes of sPOPF, we reviewed unedited video recordings of laparoscopic surgical procedures.

Results

sPOPF occurred in 3 patients (3.5%) after LG and 1 patient (3.0%) after OG, indicating no significant difference (P = 0.901). Univariate analysis showed no significant risk factors for sPOPF after LG. By reviewing video recordings, all 3 patients with sPOPF after LG had direct pancreatic injury by ultrasonically activated device (USAD) during peripancreatic lymphadenectomy. In 2 patients, pancreas was injured while the contour of pancreas was obscured by bleeding. Durations of drain placement and postoperative hospitalization were longer for patients with sPOPF than for those without POPF or grades I and II POPF (P = 0.003, 0.018; respectively).

Conclusions

No risk factors for sPOPF after LG could be identified. USAD-induced direct pancreatic injury resulted in sPOPF, which significantly complicated the postoperative clinical course. Direct pancreatic injury can occur whether patient has previously reported risk factors (i.e., male, high body mass index, distal pancreatectomy) or not. To prevent pancreatic injury, surgeons should manage hemostasis and keep good surgical field to recognize the contour of pancreas accurately.
Uso do território e investimento público
Authors: Leite Maria Ângela Faggin Pereira
Published: February 2018

Acesso:
Integrated Assessment of Carbon Dioxide Removal
Authors: Rickels W. , Reith F. , Keller D. , Oschlies A. , Quaas M. F.
Published: February 2018

To maintain the chance of keeping the average global temperature increase below 2°C and to limit long‐term climate change, removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (carbon dioxide removal, CDR) is becoming increasingly necessary. We analyze optimal and cost‐effective climate policies in the dynamic integrated assessment model (IAM) of climate and the economy (DICE2016R) and investigate (1) the utilization of (ocean) CDR under different climate objectives, (2) the sensitivity of policies with respect to carbon cycle feedbacks, and (3) how well carbon cycle feedbacks are captured in the carbon cycle models used in state‐of‐the‐art IAMs. Overall, the carbon cycle model in DICE2016R shows clear improvements compared to its predecessor, DICE2013R, capturing much better long‐term dynamics and also oceanic carbon outgassing due to excess oceanic storage of carbon from CDR. However, this comes at the cost of a (too) tight short‐term remaining emission budget, limiting the model suitability to analyze low‐emission scenarios accurately. With DICE2016R, the compliance with the 2°C goal is no longer feasible without negative emissions via CDR. Overall, the optimal amount of CDR has to take into account (1) the emission substitution effect and (2) compensation for carbon cycle feedbacks.
Contribution of Multi‐GNSS Constellation to SLR‐Derived Terrestrial Reference Frame
Authors: Sośnica K. , Bury G. , Zajdel R.
Published: February 2018

All satellites of new Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are equipped with laser retroreflectors dedicated to Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR). This paper demonstrates the contribution of SLR tracking of multi‐GNSS constellations to the improved SLR‐derived reference frame and scientific products. We show a solution strategy with estimating satellite orbits, SLR station coordinates, geocenter coordinates, and Earth rotation parameters using SLR observations to 2 Laser Geodynamics Satellites (LAGEOS) and 55 GNSS satellites: 1 GPS, 31 Globalnaya Navigatsionnaya Sputnikovaya Sistema, 18 Galileo, 3 BeiDou Inclined Geosynchronous Orbit, 1 BeiDou Medium Earth Orbit, and 1 Quasi‐Zenith Satellite System satellite for the period 2014.0–2017.4. Due to a substantial number of GNSS observations, the number of weekly solutions for some SLR stations, for example, Arkhyz, Komsomolsk, Altay, and Brasilia, is larger up to 41% in the combined LAGEOS + GNSS solution when compared to the LAGEOS‐only solution. The SLR observations to GNSS can transfer the orientation of the reference frame from GNSS to SLR solutions. As a result, the SLR‐derived pole coordinates and length‐of‐day estimates become more consistent with GNSS microwave‐based results. The root‐mean‐square errors of length‐of‐day are reduced from 122.5 μs/d to 43.0 μs/d, whereas mean offsets are reduced from −81.6 μs/d to 0.5 μs/d in LAGEOS only and in the combined LAGEOS + GNSS solutions, respectively.
Mesoscale and Submesoscale Processes in the Southeast Atlantic and Their Impact on the Regional Thermohaline Structure
Authors: Capuano Tonia Astrid , Speich Sabrina , Carton Xavier , Blanke Bruno
Published: February 2018

The turbulent processes in the Cape Basin, the southeasternmost gate of the Atlantic Ocean, play a key role in the transport and mixing of upper to intermediate water masses entering the area from the Indian Ocean, making them especially relevant for the Indo‐Atlantic transfer of heat and salt. In this paper, two numerical simulations at different horizontal resolutions are used to study mesoscale and submesoscale dynamics, their phenomenology, their evolution, and their impact on the local water masses. Submesoscale processes seasonally affect both, the upper and intermediate layers, but there are clear dynamical differences between the two layers. Several types of instabilities underline this spatial and temporal variability. Near the surface, mixed layer instabilities occur during winter, while mesoscale‐driven instabilities, as the symmetric type, prevail in summer. The connection between these two seasonal regimes is ensured, in anticyclonic eddies and within the mixed layers, by Charney baroclinic instabilities, involved in the local formation and subduction of mode water, that we have dubbed as Agulhas Rings mode water. Intermediate depths are instead characterized by mesoscale mechanisms of density compensation and lateral stirring of the tracer variance, triggering a significant filamentogenesis whose vertical scales are comparable to those mentioned in previous studies. This leads to a particularly efficient mixing of Antarctic Intermediate Waters of Indian and Atlantic origins. Lagrangian estimates highlight the new and significant role of fine scale structures in setting the water masses properties of upper and lower thermocline waters materializing the Indo‐Atlantic exchange and therefore potentially affecting the global ocean circulation.
The Climatological Impacts of Continental Surface Evaporation, Rainout, and Subcloud Processes on δD of Water Vapor and Precipitation in Europe
Authors: Christner Emanuel , Aemisegger Franziska , Pfahl Stephan , Werner Martin , Cauquoin Alexandre , Schneider Matthias , Hase Frank , Barthlott Sabine , Schädler Gerd
Published: February 2018

All types of applications of stable water isotopes, for example, for the reconstruction of paleotemperatures or for climate model validation, rely on a proper understanding of the mechanisms determining the isotopic composition of water vapor and precipitation. In this study, we use the isotope‐enabled limited‐area model COSMOiso to characterize the impacts of continental evapotranspiration, rainout, and subcloud processes on δD of European water vapor and precipitation. To this end, we first confirm a reliable implementation of the most important isotope fractionation processes in COSMOiso by comparing 5 years of modeled δD values with multiplatform δD observations from Europe (remote sensing observations of the δD of water vapor around 2.6 km above ground level, in situ δD measurements in near‐surface water vapor, and δD precipitation data from the Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation). Based on six 15 year sensitivity simulations, we then quantify the climatological impacts of the different fractionation processes on the δD values. We find δD of European water vapor and precipitation to be most strongly controlled by rainout. Superimposed to this are the effect of subcloud processes, which especially affects δD in precipitation under warm conditions, and the effect of continental evapotranspiration, which exerts an important control over the δD of near‐surface water vapor. In future studies, the validated COSMOiso model can be employed in a similar way for a comprehensive interpretation of European isotope records from climatologically different time periods.
Comparisons of the Performance of δ13C and δ18O of Fagus sylvatica, Pinus sylvestris, and Quercus petraea in the Record of Past Climate Variations
Authors: Daux V. , Michelot‐Antalik A. , Lavergne A. , Pierre M. , Stievenard M. , Bréda N. , Damesin C.
Published: February 2018

Climate reconstructions in temperate Europe have been widely based on oak species. However, other co‐occurring species, largely distributed in Europe, may be used for recording climate variability. In this paper, we documented the intertrees and interspecies variations over 1960–2007 of oxygen and carbon isotopic compositions in ring cellulose of Fagus sylvatica, Pinus sylvestris, and Quercus petraea co‐occurring in the Fontainebleau forest (France). Our results indicated that large levels of series replication (11 trees on average) were required to generate isotopic mean series representative of the populations. We calculated mean isotopic ratios higher in pine than in the deciduous species and hypothesized that these contrasts resulted from differences in stomatal conductance, phenology, and canopy structure and, for oxygen, also in water uptake depth and isotopic exchange rate. We found that δ18O and δ13C chronologies were significantly correlated to one another in the three species and responded primarily to air moisture and Tmax, which indicated that stomatal conductance was an important driver of changes in both types of records. We determined that the correlations were strong with the May to July climate variables in F. sylvatica and with the July and August ones in Q. petraea and P. sylvestris. We showed that the oxygen records were systematically more coherent than those of carbon. This study demonstrated that δ18O, and to a lesser extent δ13C, from the three different species are reliable proxies for reconstructing past hydroclimatic variations in Europe.
UAV Remote Sensing Can Reveal the Effects of Low‐Impact Seismic Lines on Surface Morphology, Hydrology, and Methane (CH4) Release in a Boreal Treed Bog
Authors: Lovitt J. , Rahman M. M. , Saraswati S. , McDermid G. J. , Strack M. , Xu B.
Published: February 2018

Peatlands are globally significant stores of soil carbon, where local methane (CH4) emissions are strongly linked to water table position and microtopography. Historically, these factors have been difficult to measure in the field, constraining our capacity to observe local patterns of variability. In this paper, we show how remote sensing surveys conducted from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms can be used to map microtopography and depth to water over large areas with good accuracy, paving the way for spatially explicit estimates of CH4 emissions. This approach enabled us to observe—for the first time—the effects of low‐impact seismic lines (LIS; petroleum exploration corridors) on surface morphology and CH4 emissions in a treed‐bog ecosystem in northern Alberta, Canada. Through compaction, LIS lines were found to flatten the observed range in microtopographic elevation by 46 cm and decrease mean depth to water by 15.4 cm, compared to surrounding undisturbed conditions. These alterations are projected to increase CH4 emissions by 20–120% relative to undisturbed areas in our study area, which translates to a total rise of 0.011–0.027 kg CH4 day−1 per linear kilometer of LIS (~2 m wide). The ~16 km of LIS present at our 61 ha study site were predicted to boost CH4 emissions by 20–70 kg between May and September 2016.
The Embrace Magnetometer Network for South America: Network Description and Its Qualification
Authors: Denardini C. M. , Chen S. S. , Resende L. C. A. , Moro J. , Bilibio A. V. , Fagundes P. R. , Gende M. A. , Cabrera M. A. , Bolzan M. J. A. , Padilha A. L. , Schuch N. J. , Hormaechea J. L. , Alves L. R. , Barbosa Neto P. F. , Nogueira P. A. B. , Picanço G. A. S. , Bertollotto T. O.
Published: February 2018

The present work is the first of a two‐part paper on the Embrace Magnetometer Network. In this part, we present the new Embrace Magnetometer Network (Embrace MagNet) in South America, which is originally planned to cover most of the eastern portion of the Southern America longitudinal sector by installing and operating fluxgate magnetometer stations. We discuss the purpose and scientific goals of the network, associated with aeronomy and space weather. We provide details on the instrumentation, location of the sensors, sensitivity matching process, gain matching process, and magnetometer installation. In addition, we present and discuss details about the data storage, near‐real time display, and availability.
The Critical Role of the Research Community in Space Weather Planning and Execution
Authors: Robinson Robert M. , Behnke Richard A. , Moretto Therese
Published: February 2018

The explosion of interest in space weather in the last 25 years has been due to a confluence of efforts all over the globe, motivated by the recognition that events on the Sun and the consequent conditions in interplanetary space and Earth's magnetosphere, ionosphere, and thermosphere can have serious impacts on vital technological systems. The fundamental research conducted at universities, government laboratories, and in the private sector has led to tremendous improvements in the ability to forecast space weather events and predict their impacts on human technology and health. The mobilization of the research community that made this progress possible was the result of a series of actions taken by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to build a national program aimed at space weather. The path forward for space weather is to build on those successes through continued involvement of the research community and support for programs aimed at strengthening basic research and education in academia, the private sector, and government laboratories. Investments in space weather are most effective when applied at the intersection of research and applications. Thus, to achieve the goals set forth originally by the National Space Weather Program, the research community must be fully engaged in the planning, implementation, and execution of space weather activities, currently being coordinated by the Space Weather Operations, Research, and Mitigation Subcommittee under the National Science and Technology Council.
The Value of Hydrograph Partitioning Curves for Calibrating Hydrological Models in Glacierized Basins
Authors: He Zhihua , Vorogushyn Sergiy , Unger‐Shayesteh Katy , Gafurov Abror , Kalashnikova Olga , Omorova Elvira , Merz Bruno
Published: February 2018

This study refines the method for calibrating a glacio‐hydrological model based on Hydrograph Partitioning Curves (HPCs), and evaluates its value in comparison to multidata set optimization approaches which use glacier mass balance, satellite snow cover images, and discharge. The HPCs are extracted from the observed flow hydrograph using catchment precipitation and temperature gradients. They indicate the periods when the various runoff processes, such as glacier melt or snow melt, dominate the basin hydrograph. The annual cumulative curve of the difference between average daily temperature and melt threshold temperature over the basin, as well as the annual cumulative curve of average daily snowfall on the glacierized areas are used to identify the starting and end dates of snow and glacier ablation periods. Model parameters characterizing different runoff processes are calibrated on different HPCs in a stepwise and iterative way. Results show that the HPC‐based method (1) delivers model‐internal consistency comparably to the tri‐data set calibration method; (2) improves the stability of calibrated parameter values across various calibration periods; and (3) estimates the contributions of runoff components similarly to the tri‐data set calibration method. Our findings indicate the potential of the HPC‐based approach as an alternative for hydrological model calibration in glacierized basins where other calibration data sets than discharge are often not available or very costly to obtain.
Quantifying Changes in Future Intensity‐Duration‐Frequency Curves Using Multimodel Ensemble Simulations
Authors: Ragno Elisa , AghaKouchak Amir , Love Charlotte A. , Cheng Linyin , Vahedifard Farshid , Lima Carlos H. R.
Published: February 2018

During the last century, we have observed a warming climate with more intense precipitation extremes in some regions, likely due to increases in the atmosphere's water holding capacity. Traditionally, infrastructure design and rainfall‐triggered landslide models rely on the notion of stationarity, which assumes that the statistics of extremes do not change significantly over time. However, in a warming climate, infrastructures and natural slopes will likely face more severe climatic conditions, with potential human and socioeconomical consequences. Here we outline a framework for quantifying climate change impacts based on the magnitude and frequency of extreme rainfall events using bias corrected historical and multimodel projected precipitation extremes. The approach evaluates changes in rainfall Intensity‐Duration‐Frequency (IDF) curves and their uncertainty bounds using a nonstationary model based on Bayesian inference. We show that highly populated areas across the United States may experience extreme precipitation events up to 20% more intense and twice as frequent, relative to historical records, despite the expectation of unchanged annual mean precipitation. Since IDF curves are widely used for infrastructure design and risk assessment, the proposed framework offers an avenue for assessing resilience of infrastructure and landslide hazard in a warming climate.
Direct Growth of Highly Stable Patterned Graphene on Dielectric Insulators using a Surface‐Adhered Solid Carbon Source
Authors: Lee Eunho , Lee Seung Goo , Lee Hyo Chan , Jo Mankyu , Yoo Min Seok , Cho Kilwon
Published: February 2018

A novel method is described for the direct growth of patterned graphene on dielectric substrates by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) in the presence of Cu vapor and using a solid aromatic carbon source, 1,2,3,4‐tetraphenylnapthalene (TPN), as the precursor. The UV/O3 treatment of the TPN film both crosslinks TPN and results in a strong interaction between the substrate and the TPN that prevents complete sublimation of the carbon source from the substrate during CVD. Substrate‐adhered crosslinked TPN is successfully converted to graphene on the substrate without any organic contamination. The graphene synthesized by this method shows excellent mechanical and chemical stability. This process also enables the simultaneous patterning of graphene materials, which can thus be used as transparent electrodes for electronic devices. The proposed method for the synthesis directly on substrates of patterned graphene is expected to have wide applications in organic and soft hybrid electronics.
Highly Augmented Drug Loading and Stability of Micellar Nanocomplexes Composed of Doxorubicin and Poly(ethylene glycol)–Green Tea Catechin Conjugate for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Liang Kun , Chung Joo Eun , Gao Shu Jun , Yongvongsoontorn Nunnarpas , Kurisawa Motoichi
Published: February 2018

Low drug loading and instability in blood circulation are two key challenges that impede the successful clinical translation of nanomedicine, as they result in only marginal therapeutic efficacy and toxic side effects associated with premature drug leakage, respectively. Herein, highly stable and ultrahigh drug loading micellar nanocomplexes (MNCs) based on the self‐assembly of the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) and a poly(ethylene glycol)–epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate (EGCG) conjugate are developed. The formation of these MNCs is facilitated by strong favorable intermolecular interactions between the structurally similar aromatic EGCG and DOX molecules, which impart exceptionally high drug‐loading capability of up to 88% and excellent thermodynamic and kinetic stability. Unlike two clinical formulations of DOX—free DOX and liposomal DOX, which are not effective below their lethal dosages, these DOX‐loaded MNCs demonstrate significant tumor growth inhibition in vivo on a human liver cancer xenograft mouse model with minimal unwanted toxicity. Overall, these MNCs can represent a safe and effective strategy to deliver DOX for cancer therapy.
Extraordinary THz Transmission with a Small Beam Spot: The Leaky Wave Mechanism
Authors: Navarro‐Cía Miguel , Pacheco‐Peña Víctor , Kuznetsov Sergei A. , Beruete Miguel
Published: February 2018

The discovery of extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) through patterned metallic foils in the late 1990s was decisive for the development of plasmonics and cleared the path to employ small apertures for a variety of interesting applications all along the electromagnetic spectrum. However, a typical drawback often found in practical EOT structures is the large size needed to obtain high transmittance peaks. Consequently, practical EOT arrays are usually illuminated using an expanded (mimicking a plane wave) beam. Here, it is shown with numerical and experimental results in the THz range that high transmittance peaks can be obtained even with a reduced illumination spot exciting a small number of holes, provided that the structure has a sufficient number of lateral holes out of the illumination spot. These results shed more light on the prominent role of leaky waves in the underlying physics of EOT and have a direct impact on potential applications.
Brain Delivery of Multifunctional Dendrimer Protein Bioconjugates
Authors: Moscariello Pierpaolo , Ng David Y. W. , Jansen Malin , Weil Tanja , Luhmann Heiko J. , Hedrich Jana
Published: February 2018

Neurological disorders are undoubtedly among the most alarming diseases humans might face. In treatment of neurological disorders, the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) is a challenging obstacle preventing drug penetration into the brain. Advances in dendrimer chemistry for central nervous system (CNS) treatments are presented here. A poly(amido)amine (PAMAM) dendrimer bioconjugate with a streptavidin adapter for the attachment of dendrons or any biotinylated drug is constructed. In vitro studies on porcine or murine models and in vivo mouse studies are performed and reveal the permeation of dendronized streptavidin (DSA) into the CNS. The bioconjugate is taken up mainly by the caveolae pathway and transported across the BBB via transcytosis escaping from lysosomes. After transcytosis DSA are delivered to astrocytes and neurons. Furthermore, DSA offer high biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo. In summary, a new strategy for implementing therapeutic PAMAM function as well as drug delivery in neuropathology is presented here.
Ordered PtPb/Pt Core/Shell Nanodisks as Highly Active, Selective, and Stable Catalysts for Methanol Reformation to H2
Authors: E Bin , Shao Qi , Bu Lingzheng , Bai Shuxing , Li Yujing , Huang Xiaoqing
Published: February 2018

Herein, we report on unique bimetallic PtPb/Pt core/shell nanodisks consisting of structurally ordered PtPb hexagonal nanoplates as the core and the well‐organized Pt as the shell, as extremely active and selective catalysts towards CH3OH reformation. We found that the created Pt‐Pb nanodisks/C show the composition‐dependent activity with the optimized PtPb0.56 nanodisks/C being the most active for the CH3OH reformation to H2, 5.1 times higher than those of the commercial Pt/C. Significantly, only very limited carbon monoxide (CO) is produced during the CH3OH reformation, which is crucial for the practical application in fuel cells. The PtPb0.56 nanodisks/C is also more active for CH3OH reformation than PtPb hexagonal nanoplates/C and PtPb0.58 nanoparticles/C. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results reveal that the high ratio of Pt (0) to Pt (II) in Pt‐Pb nanodisks/C enhances the CH3OH reformation to H2, while the high content of Pb (0) is beneficial for decrease the CO production. Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS) of CO adsorption shows that Pt‐Pb nanodisks can promote the activation of CO molecules by forming the carboxylate (CO2δ−) intermediates, leading to the low CO production.
Palladium Immobilized onto Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles as Robust Catalysts for Amination and Room‐Temperature Ullmann Homocoupling of Aryl Halides: A Walk Around the C−F Bond Activation
Authors: Moghaddam Firouz Matloubi , Pourkaveh Raheleh , Karimi Ashkan , Ayati Seyed Ebrahim
Published: February 2018

The first example of a heterogeneous catalytically active system for Buchwald–Hartwig and Ullmann homocoupling of unactivated aryl halides (fluorobenzene) is presented. The novel magnetic heterogeneous palladium catalyst was synthesized by immobilization of palladium ions onto an aminopyridine‐functionalized Fe3O4. The catalyst was fully characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, temperature‐programmed reduction, thermogravimetric analysis, CHN elemental analysis, transmission electron microscopy, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and atomic absorption spectroscopy. By using this catalyst system, various types of primary and secondary amines reacted with different types of aryl halides, even fluorobenzene. This catalyst can also efficiently transform all types of haloarenes into biaryl derivatives by Ullmann reaction at room temperature. Therefore, it is a promising catalyst in the area of C−F bond activation. The catalyst was reused several times and no significant loss of activity was observed.
The NFL's Arbitration Bias: A Powerful Commissioner Makes Impartiality Questionable, and a Process Flawed
Authors: Mullineaux Theresa
Published: February 2018

Last month, the author described the National Football League's arbitration system, with an appeal that goes to the league's commissioner. (Cite and link to the article are below.) She discussed in detail a Missouri Supreme Court decision that overturned the commissioner's ruling in an employment case. This month's comment calls for changes in the NFL system in line with other leagues and, in its analysis, revisits the Deflategate scandal that began in 2015.
Effect of nanodiamond additives on the structure and gas‐transport properties of a poly(phenylene–isophtalamide) matrix
Authors: Avagimova Natalia , Polotskaya Galina , Toikka Alexander , Pulyalina Alexandra , Morávková Zuzana , Trchová Miroslava , Pientka Zbyněk
Published: February 2018

Nanodiamonds (NDs) are specific carbon nanoparticles approximately 5 nm in diameter with a large and accessible surface containing functional groups. Poly(phenylene–isophtalamide) (PA)–ND composites were prepared by solid‐phase dispersal and used for dense film formation. The PA–ND composites were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The membrane structure was determined on the basis of density measurement and morphological study by atomic force microscopy. The gas‐transport properties were measured over a wide range of temperatures from 30 to 100 °C for the following series of penetrants: H2, N2, O2, and CO2. The experimental data of gas permeability were compared with the permeability values calculated from Maxwell's model. Data on the permeability and diffusion coefficients were used to calculate the activation energies. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46320.
Isothermal melt crystallization and performance evaluation of polylactide/thermoplastic polyester blends with multi‐functional epoxy
Authors: Lu Xueli , Lv Qiaoqiang , Huang Xiulong , Song Zijian , Xu Nai , Pang Sujuan , Pan Lisha , Li Tan
Published: February 2018

A multi‐functional epoxy (ADR) was used to improve compatibilization of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/ thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE) blends. Influence of ADR on isothermal melt crystallization of the blends was investigated. The results show that isothermal melt crystallization rate of the samples increases with ADR loading. It can be attributed to a nucleation enhancement resulted from an increase of molecular weight and melt viscosity created by the chain extension/branched process of PLA in the presence of ADR. In addition, the maximum crystallinity of the samples shows a decrease with increasing ADR loading because of the chain extended and branched reaction. Quenched and crystallized samples were fabricated using compression molding under different cooling conditions in‐mold. Effects of crystallinity and ADR on mechanical performances of the PLA/TPEE sample were investigated. With increasing the crystallinity, the PLA/TPEE sample shows a marked enhancement in heat resistance. However, the tensile ductility of the crystallized PLA/TPEE sample drastically decreases due to the formation of firm crystal crosslinking and the incompatibility between PLA and TPEE. It is notable that the tensile ductility of the crystallized samples is improved with the introduction of ADR owing to its reactive compatibilization effect. Finally, the crystallized PLA/TPEE/ADR samples with improved heat resistance and relative higher ductility are obtained. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46343.
Clinical Evolution in Patients With New‐Onset Inflammatory Back Pain
Authors: Wang Runsheng , Crowson Cynthia S. , Wright Kerry , Ward Michael M.
Published: February 2018

Objective

Inflammatory back pain (IBP) is often an early manifestation of spondyloarthritis (SpA), but the prognosis of patients with incident IBP is unknown. This study was undertaken to investigate long‐term outcomes in patients with IBP, and predictors of progression to SpA, in a population‐based cohort.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal study using the Rochester Epidemiology Project, a longstanding population‐based cohort of residents of Olmsted County, MN. Patients ages 16–35 years with clinical visits for back pain from 1999 to 2003 were identified, and we screened these patients for the presence of new‐onset IBP and performed medical record reviews to collect data on clinical, laboratory, and imaging features of SpA. Outcomes in these patients were followed up until July 2016. We used survival analysis for competing risks to examine progression to either SpA, a non‐SpA diagnosis, or resolution of back pain. Recursive partitioning was used to identify predictors of progression to SpA.

Results

Among 5,304 patients with back pain, we identified 124 patients with new‐onset IBP. After a median follow‐up of 13.2 years, IBP had progressed to SpA in 39 patients, 15 patients developed a non‐SpA diagnosis, and 58 patients had resolution of IBP. At 10 years, the probability of having SpA was 30%, while the probability of resolution of IBP was 43%. The most important predictors for progression to SpA were uveitis, male sex, and family history of SpA.

Conclusion

In a minority of patients, new‐onset IBP progresses to SpA, while IBP resolves in many. That IBP often resolves may explain the difference between the prevalence of IBP (3–6%) and the prevalence of SpA (0.4–1.3%).
Impacts of the use of social network sites on users' psychological well‐being: A systematic review
Authors: Erfani Seyedezahra Shadi , Abedin Babak
Published: February 2018

As Social Network Sites (SNSs) are increasingly becoming part of people's everyday lives, the implications of their use need to be investigated and understood. We conducted a systematic literature review to lay the groundwork for understanding the relationship between SNS use and users' psychological well‐being and for devising strategies for taking advantage of this relationship. The review included articles published between 2003 and 2016, extracted from major academic databases. Findings revealed that the use of SNSs is both positively and negatively related to users' psychological well‐being. We discuss the factors that moderate this relationship and their implications on users' psychological well‐being. Many of the studies we reviewed lacked a sound theoretical justification for their findings and most involved young and healthy students, leaving other cohorts of SNS users neglected. The paper concludes with the presentation of a platform for future investigation.
Long‐term strategies for sustainable biomass imports in European bioenergy markets
Authors: Pelkmans Luc , Van Dael Miet , Junginger Martin , Fritsche Uwe R. , Diaz‐Chavez Rocio , Nabuurs Gert‐Jan , Del Campo Colmenar Ines , Gonzalez David Sanchez , Rutz Dominik , Janssen Rainer
Published: February 2018

Projections show that biomass will remain important for reaching future EU renewable energy targets. In addition to using domestic biomass, European bioenergy markets will also partly rely on imports of biomass, in particular in trade‐oriented EU member states like the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark. There has been a lot of debate on the sustainability of (imported) biomass and how policy should deal with this. In this research, therefore, we defined long‐term strategies for sustainable biomass imports in European bioenergy markets. We used the input of different stakeholders in our approach through focus‐group discussions and a global survey, focusing on the following aspects: key principles of sustainable biomass trade, risks and opportunities of biomass trade, both for import regions (EU countries) and for sourcing regions, and practical barriers for trade. Overall we conclude that policies should be stable and consistent within a long‐term vision. An overall sustainability assurance framework of biomass production and use is key, but should ultimately apply to all end uses of biomass. Furthermore, the mobilization of biomass should be supported, as well as commoditization, considering the large diversity of biomass. Side impacts of biomass use should be monitored. Reducing investors’ risk perception is crucial for future developments in the biobased economy, and a clear policy to phase out fossil fuels, e.g. through a carbon tax, needs to be implemented. The results of this research are of interest for policy makers when deciding on long‐term strategies concerning sustainable bioenergy markets. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Oxidation catalysis by iron and manganese porphyrins within enzyme‐like cages
Authors: Chino Marco , Leone Linda , Zambrano Gerardo , Pirro Fabio , D'Alonzo Daniele , Firpo Vincenzo , Aref Diaa , Lista Liliana , Maglio Ornella , Nastri Flavia , Lombardi Angela
Published: February 2018

Inspired by natural heme‐proteins, scientists have attempted for decades to design efficient and selective metalloporphyrin‐based oxidation catalysts. Starting from the pioneering work on small molecule mimics in the late 1970s, we have assisted to a tremendous progress in designing cages of different nature and complexity, able to accommodate metalloporphyrins. With the intent of tuning and controlling their reactivity, more and more sophisticated and diverse environments are continuously exploited. In this review, we will survey the current state of art in oxidation catalysis using iron‐ and manganese‐porphyrins housed within designed or engineered protein cages. We will also examine the innovative metal‐organic framework (MOF) systems, exploited to achieving an enzyme‐like environment around the metalloporphyrin cofactor.
A laboratory exercise for detecting microbial contaminants
Authors: Shen Jie , Zhu Xiang , Jin Kai , Li Ya , Gu YiTian , Huang Jiahong , Qu Yulan , Li Xiaoyu
Published: February 2018

The development and evaluation of a 6‐hours laboratory class, based on capillary electrophoresis (CE) and the detection of microbial contaminants, is described. It can be easily scaled up or down, to suit class sizes up to 188 and completed in a shorter time scale. CE uses narrow‐bore fused‐silica capillaries to separate a complex array of large and small molecules. A laboratory exercise has been devised to illustrate how CE‐based genetic analysis system processes DNA fragment analysis to detect three microbial contaminants. The protocol is relatively inexpensive and uses standard molecular biology reagents and equipment. © 2018 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 46(3):279–284, 2018.
Clinical impact of ulceration width, lymphovascular invasion, microscopic satellitosis, perineural invasion, and mitotic rate in patients undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy for cutaneous melanoma: a retrospective observational study at a comprehensive cancer center
Authors: Namikawa Kenjiro , Aung Phyu P. , Gershenwald Jeffrey E. , Milton Denái R. , Prieto Victor G.
Published: February 2018

The prognostic significance of the width of the ulceration in primary melanomas remains unclear, and there is a relative paucity of data for lymphovascular invasion (LVI), microscopic satellitosis (MS), perineural invasion (PNI), and mitotic rate when compared with other pathological elements currently required for reporting. To evaluate the prognostic importance of the ulceration width and other important pathologic measurements, a single‐institutional retrospective study was conducted using records of cutaneous melanoma patients who underwent sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy at The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center between 2003 and 2008. We identified 1898 eligible patients with median tumor thickness of 1.25 mm and median follow‐up of 6.7 years. By multivariable analyses, the strongest risk factor for SLN positivity was high tumor thickness followed by the presence of LVI. The pathologic measures with the strongest influence on recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were tumor thickness and positive SLN status. Ulceration width and presence of MS were also significantly associated with RFS while PNI was not. Factors with the strongest influence on melanoma‐specific survival (MSS) were positive SLN status and mitotic rate. In conclusion, SLN biopsy should probably be offered if the primary tumor has LVI. MS is an adverse prognostic factor for RFS, but its influence on outcome is modest. Ulceration width predicts RFS but loses its independent prognostic significance for MSS when adjusting for currently used clinicopathological factors. In view of its impact on MSS, mitotic rate should be recorded for cutaneous invasive melanomas across all T categories.
MiR‐634 sensitizes glioma cells to temozolomide by targeting CYR61 through Raf‐ERK signaling pathway
Authors: Tan Zhigang , Zhao Jizong , Jiang Yugang
Published: February 2018

Glioma is the most common intracranial malignant tumors, accounting for about 40% of intracranial tumors. Primary or secondary drug resistance is one of the main reasons for the failure of treatment. The oncogenic or tumor‐suppressive roles of miR‐634 have been revealed in different types of cancer. However, the role of miR‐634 in glioma remains unknown and whether miR‐634 could sensitize glioma cells to temozolomide also is unclear. Here, we aim to investigate the biological function of miR‐634 and the possible mechanisms in glioma. In this study, we found that miR‐634 was downregulated in glioma tissues compared with normal brain tissues, and its expression was associated with tumor size and WHO grade. Importantly, glioma patients with low miR‐634 expression showed a shorter survival time than patients which had high expression of miR‐634. This study also showed that miR‐634 was decreased in temozolomide‐resistant glioma cells, and restoration of miR‐634 could sensitize the resistant cells to temozolomide by targeting CYR61 through Raf‐ERK signaling. Our study provides a potential target for overcome drug resistance in glioma.
Prediction of radiotherapy response with a 5‐microRNA signature‐based nomogram in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Lin , Wen Yihui , Zhang Jingwei , Sun Wei , Lui Vivian W. Y. , Wei Yi , Chen Fenghong , Wen Weiping
Published: February 2018

Radiotherapy is unlikely to benefit all patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Therefore, novel method is warranted to predict the radiotherapy response. Our study aimed to construct a microRNA (miRNA)‐based nomogram to predict clinical outcomes of patients with HNSCC receiving radiotherapy. We screened out 56 differential miRNAs by analyzing 44 paired tumor and adjacent normal samples miRNA expression profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). A total of 307 patients with HNSCC receiving adjuvant radiotherapy were randomly divided into a training set (n = 154) and a validation set (n = 153). In the training set, we combined the differential miRNA profiles with clinical outcomes, and LASSO regression model was applied to establish a 5‐miRNA signature. The prediction accuracy of the 5‐miRNA signature was further validated. In addition, target genes of these miRNAs were predicted, and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis as well as KEGG pathway analysis was executed. A 5‐miRNA signature including miR‐99a, miR‐31, miR‐410, miR‐424, and miR‐495 was identified. With a cutoff value of 1.2201 from Youden's index, the training set was divided into high‐risk and low‐risk groups, and the 5‐year overall survival was significantly different (30% vs. 73%, HR 3.65, CI 2.46–8.16; P < 0.0001). Furthermore, our 5‐miRNA signature revealed that only low‐risk group would benefit from radiotherapy. Then, a nomogram combining 5‐miRNA signature with clinical variables to predict radiotherapy response was constructed. The analysis of 108 target genes of these miRNAs revealed some potential mechanisms in HNSCC radiotherapy response for future investigations. In conclusion, the 5‐miRNA signature‐based nomogram is useful in predicting radiotherapy response in HNSCC and might become a promising tool to optimize radiation strategies.
A systematic review and meta‐synthesis of qualitative research into mandatory personal psychotherapy during training
Authors: Murphy David , Irfan Nisha , Barnett Harriet , Castledine Emma , Enescu Lily
Published: February 2018

Background

This study addresses the thorny issue of mandatory personal psychotherapy within counselling and psychotherapy training. It is expensive, emotionally demanding and time‐consuming. Nevertheless, proponents argue that it is essential in protecting the public and keeping clients safe; to ensure psychotherapists develop high levels of self‐awareness and gain knowledge of interpersonal dynamics; and that it enhances therapist effectiveness. Existing evidence about these potential benefits is equivocal and is largely reliant on small‐scale qualitative studies.

Method

We carried out a systematic review of literature searched within five major databases. The search identified 16 published qualitative research studies on the topic of mandatory personal psychotherapy that matched the inclusion criteria. All studies were rated for quality. The findings from individual studies were thematically analysed through a process of meta‐synthesis.

Results

Meta‐synthesis showed studies on mandatory psychotherapy had reported both positive and hindering factors in almost equal number. Six main themes were identified: three positive and three negative. Positive findings were related to personal and professional development, experiential learning and therapeutic benefits. Negative findings related to ethical imperatives do no harm, justice and integrity.

Conclusion

When mandatory personal psychotherapy is used within a training programme, courses must consider carefully and put ethical issues at the forefront of decision‐making. Additionally, the requirement of mandatory psychotherapy should be positioned and identified as an experiential pedagogical device rather than fulfilling a curative function. Recommendations for further research are made.
Focus on goals of 21st‐century policing
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: February 2018

If you picture policing as a line, with conviction and prosecution on the right and community engagement and safety efforts on the left, it's easy to see the difference between municipal and campus law enforcement, said John Venuti, assistant vice president of campus safety at Virginia Commonwealth University. Venuti came to VCU in 2010 after more than 26 years with the City of Richmond Police Department, where his last position was to oversee the homicide and violent crime division.
Antibody Epitope of Human α‐Galactosidase A Revealed by Affinity Mass Spectrometry: A Basis for Reversing Immunoreactivity in Enzyme Replacement Therapy of Fabry Disease
Authors: Kukacka Zdenek , Iurascu Marius , Lupu Loredana , Rusche Hendrik , Murphy Mary , Altamore Lorenzo , Borri Fabio , Maeser Stefan , Papini Anna Maria , Hennermann Julia , Przybylski Michael
Published: February 2018

α‐Galactosidase (αGal) is a lysosomal enzyme that hydrolyses the terminal α‐galactosyl moiety from glycosphingolipids. Mutations in the encoding genes for αGal lead to defective or misfolded enzyme, which results in substrate accumulation and subsequent organ dysfunction. The metabolic disease caused by a deficiency of human α‐galactosidase A is known as Fabry disease or Fabry–Anderson disease, and it belongs to a larger group known as lysosomal storage diseases. An effective treatment for Fabry disease has been developed by enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), which involves infusions of purified recombinant enzyme in order to increase enzyme levels and decrease the amounts of accumulated substrate. However, immunoreactivity and IgG antibody formation are major, therapy‐limiting, and eventually life‐threatening complications of ERT. The present study focused on the epitope determination of human α‐galactosidase A against its antibody formed. Here we report the identification of the epitope of human αGal(309–332) recognized by a human monoclonal anti‐αGal antibody, using a combination of proteolytic excision of the immobilized immune complex and surface plasmon resonance biosensing mass spectrometry. The epitope peptide, αGal(309–332), was synthesized by solid‐phase peptide synthesis. Determination of its affinity by surface plasmon resonance analysis revealed a high binding affinity for the antibody (KD=39×10−9 m), which is nearly identical to that of the full‐length enzyme (KD=16×10−9 m). The proteolytic excision affinity mass spectrometry method is shown here to be an efficient tool for epitope identification of an immunogenic lysosomal enzyme. Because the full‐length αGal and the antibody epitope showed similar binding affinities, this provides a basis for reversing immunogenicity upon ERT by: 1) treatment of patients with the epitope peptide to neutralize antibodies, or 2) removal of antibodies by apheresis, and thus significantly improving the response to ERT.
Copper Supported on Hybrid C@SiO2 Hollow Submicron Spheres as Active Ethanol Dehydrogenation Catalyst
Authors: Lu Wen‐Duo , Wang Qing‐Nan , He Lei , Li Wen‐Cui , Schüth Ferdi , Lu An‐Hui
Published: February 2018

The dehydrogenation of ethanol to acetaldehyde (DHEA) is an environmentally benign alternative for synthetic chemistry and for the fine chemical industry. The key is to design Cu‐based catalysts with certain structures to obtain high acetaldehyde selectivity. Herein, hybrid C@SiO2 hollow submicron spheres were designed and synthesized using a confined pyrolysis method. This hybrid structure processes a layer of carbon‐silica hybrid shell. After loading the Cu, the Cu/C@SiO2 catalyst exhibited 36.1% conversion of ethanol and ∼99% acetaldehyde selectivity at 260 °C. The hybrid support combined the two favorable properties of carbon and silica and thus improving both selectivity and stability.