bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flood and landslide warning based on rainfall thresholds and soil moisture indexes: the HEWS (Hydrohazards Early Warning System) for Sicily
Authors: Brigandì Giuseppina , Aronica Giuseppe Tito , Bonaccorso Brunella , Gueli Roberto , Basile Giuseppe
Published: September 2017

Abstract. The main focus of the paper is to present a flood and landslide early warning system, named HEWS (Hydrohazards Early Warning System), specifically developed for the Civil Protection Department of Sicily, based on the combined use of rainfall thresholds, soil moisture modelling and quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF). The warning system is referred to 9 different Alert Zones in which Sicily has been divided into and based on a threshold system of three different increasing critical levels: ordinary, moderate and high. In this system, for early flood warning, a Soil Moisture Accounting (SMA) model provides daily soil moisture conditions, which allow to select a specific set of three rainfall thresholds, one for each critical level considered, to be used for issue the alert bulletin. Wetness indexes, representative of the soil moisture conditions of a catchment, are calculated using a simple, spatially-lumped rainfall–streamflow model, based on the SCS-CN method, and on the unit hydrograph approach, that require daily observed and/or predicted rainfall, and temperature data as input. For the calibration of this model daily continuous time series of rainfall, streamflow and air temperature data are used. An event based lumped rainfall–runoff model has been, instead, used for the derivation of the rainfall thresholds for each catchment in Sicily characterised by an area larger than 50 km2. In particular, a Kinematic Instantaneous Unit Hydrograph based lumped rainfall–runoff model with the SCS-CN routine for net rainfall was developed for this purpose. For rainfall-induced shallow landslide warning, empirical rainfall thresholds provided by Gariano et al. (2015) have been included in the system. They were derived on an empirical basis starting from a catalogue of 265 shallow landslides in Sicily in the period 2002–2012. Finally, Delft-FEWS operational forecasting platform has been applied to link input data, SMA model and rainfall threshold models to produce warning on a daily basis for the entire region.
Water-level attenuation in broad-scale assessments of exposure to coastal flooding: a sensitivity analysis
Authors: Vafeidis Athanasios T. , Schuerch Mark , Wolff Claudia , Spencer Tom , Merkens Jan L. , Hinkel Jochen , Lincke Daniel , Brown Sally , Nicholls Robert J.
Published: September 2017

Abstract. This study explores the uncertainty introduced in global assessments of coastal flood exposure and risk by not accounting for water level attenuation due to land–surface characteristics. We implement a range of plausible water level attenuation values in the flood module of the Dynamic Interactive Vulnerability Assessment (DIVA) modelling framework and assess the sensitivity of flood exposure and flood risk indicators to differences in attenuation rates. Results show a reduction of up to 47 % in area exposure and even larger reductions in population exposure and expected flood damages. Despite the use of a spatially constant rate for water attenuation the reductions vary by country, reflecting the differences in the physical characteristics of the floodplain as well as in the spatial distribution of people and assets in coastal regions. We find that uncertainties related to the omission of this factor in global assessments of flood risk are of similar magnitude to the uncertainties related to the amount of SLR expected over the 21st century. Despite using simplified assumptions, as the process of water level attenuation depends on numerous factors and their complex interactions, our results strongly suggest that future impact modelling needs to focus on an improved representation of the temporal and spatial variation of water levels across floodplains by incorporating the effects of relevant processes.
PERFIL EPIDEMIOLÓGICO E SEGUIMENTO APÓS ALTA DE PACIENTES INTERNADOS EM UNIDADE DE TERAPIA INTENSIVA
Authors: De Albuquerque Jonatas Mendes , Da Silva Renata Flavia Abreu , De Souza Ruth Francisca Freitas
Published: August 2017

Descrever o perfil epidemiológico e o seguimento após alta de pacientes internados em uma unidade de terapia intensiva. Pesquisa descritiva, seccional e de abordagem quantitativa, por meio de análise documental dos prontuários eletrônicos de pacientes adultos, internados na unidade de terapia intensiva em um hospital de atenção terciária na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, no período de novembro de 2014 a novembro de 2015. Na amostra (n=573) 73% apresentaram idade igual ou acima de 60 anos, que foi associada a maior risco de morte. A média do tempo de internação na unidade de terapia intensiva foi de 10,7 dias, a taxa de óbito na unidade de terapia intensiva foi de 26% (n= 148), sendo que 56% (n=112) foram a óbito por choque séptico. Foram readmitidos na unidade de terapia intensiva 10% (n= 44) dos pacientes que apresentaram maior risco relativo para óbito (p=0,001). As variáveis sexo feminino, idade acima de 60 anos, internação na unidade de terapia intensiva acima de 30 dias e readmissão na unidade são fatores de risco para óbito.
Optical Coherence Tomography: A review of current technology and its implications for clinical applications.
Authors: Sander Birgit , Li Xiao Qiang
Published: September 2017

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has become an invaluable tool in many ophthalmologic departments. The images are easy to overview at first glance, a theoretical background is however needed for proper interpretation and in this review the technical developments will be illustrated with a number of cases.
Review of the cicada genus Paharia Distant (Hemiptera, Cicadidae), with the description of a new species and its allied species
Authors: Wang Xu , Duffels Joannes P. , Wei Cong
Published: September 2017

The genus Paharia Distant, 1905 is reviewed based on the description of a new species, Paharia oorschoti sp. nov., and redescription of the allied Paharia putoni (Distant, 1892), both from Turkey. The relationships among Paharia, Subpsaltria Chen, 1943 and Tibicina Kolenati, 1857 of the tribe Tibicinini Distant, 1905 are discussed. The morphology of the exuviae of Pa. oorschoti sp. nov. and S. yangi Chen, 1943 is described and compared. Tibicina insidiosa Boulard, 1977 is transferred to Paharia to become Paharia insidiosa comb. nov. A key to all species of Paharia is provided.
Does Baseline Hemoglobin A1c Level Predict Diabetic Foot Ulcer Outcome or Wound Healing Time?
Authors: Vella Lourdes , Gatt Alfred , Formosa Cynthia
Published: September 2017

Background:

We sought to evaluate the relationship between baseline hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level and clinical outcomes, including foot ulcer outcome (resolved versus unresolved) and wound-healing time, in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Methods:

A prospective observational study was conducted on 99 patients presenting with a diabetic foot ulceration. Patient and ulcer characteristics were recorded. Patients were followed up for a maximum of 1 year.

Results:

After 1 year of follow-up, 77% of ulcers healed and 23% did not heal. Although this study demonstrated that the baseline HbA1c reading was not a significant predictor of foot ulcer outcome (P = .603, resolved versus amputated), on further statistical analyses, when HbA1c was compared with the time taken for complete ulcer healing in the resolved group (n = 77), it proved to be significant (P = .009).

Conclusions:

These findings have important implications for clinical practice, especially in an outpatient setting. Improving glycemic control may improve ulcer outcomes. Prediction of outcome may be helpful for health-care professionals in individualizing and optimizing clinical assessment and management of patients. Identification of determinants of outcome could result in improved health outcomes, improved quality of life, and fewer diabetes-related foot complications.
Repression by PRDM13 is critical for generating precision in neuronal identity
Authors: Mona Bishakha , Uruena Ana , Kollipara Rahul K , Ma Zhenzhong , Borromeo Mark D , Chang Joshua C , Johnson Jane E
Published: August 2017

The mechanisms that activate some genes while silencing others are critical to ensure precision in lineage specification as multipotent progenitors become restricted in cell fate. During neurodevelopment, these mechanisms are required to generate the diversity of neuronal subtypes found in the nervous system. Here we report interactions between basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcriptional activators and the transcriptional repressor PRDM13 that are critical for specifying dorsal spinal cord neurons. PRDM13 inhibits gene expression programs for excitatory neuronal lineages in the dorsal neural tube. Strikingly, PRDM13 also ensures a battery of ventral neural tube specification genes such as Olig1, Olig2 and Prdm12 are excluded dorsally. PRDM13 does this via recruitment to chromatin by multiple neural bHLH factors to restrict gene expression in specific neuronal lineages. Together these findings highlight the function of PRDM13 in repressing the activity of bHLH transcriptional activators that together are required to achieve precise neuronal specification during mouse development.
Is nitrogen the next carbon?
Authors: Battye William , Aneja Viney P. , Schlesinger William H.
Published: August 2017

Key Points

The rapid growth of anthropogenic reactive nitrogen production now makes it unquestionably dominant relative to the total of natural sources

Anthropogenic production of reactive nitrogen has increased almost five‐fold in the last 60 years.

This anthropogenic activity is a massive perturbation of a global geochemical cycle in a relatively short period of time.
Frictional properties of JFAST core samples and implications for slow earthquakes at the Tohoku subduction zone
Authors: Sawai Michiyo , Niemeijer André R. , Hirose Takehiro , Spiers Christopher J.
Published: August 2017

Slow earthquakes occur in the shallow (<20 km deep) part of the Tohoku subduction zone. To understand how frictional properties of the plate boundary fault affect the generation of these slow earthquakes, we conducted friction experiments using borehole samples retrieved from the plate boundary décollement and footwall during Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 343 (Japan Trench Fast Drilling Project (JFAST)). The plate boundary fault material exhibits a transition from velocity‐strengthening to velocity‐weakening behavior at temperatures between 50 and 150°C, which, in the framework of rate‐and‐state friction laws, is a necessary condition for the generation of slow earthquakes, whereas the footwall sample mainly shows velocity‐strengthening behavior except at temperatures of <50°C. The downdip temperature limit of slow earthquakes in the Japan Trench also lies between 100 and 150°C. Our results suggest that the frictional properties of the plate boundary fault may play a key role in controlling the locations of observed slow earthquakes.
What are the contemporary sources of sediment in the Mississippi River?
Authors: Hassan M. A. , Roberge L. , Church M. , More M. , Donner S. D. , Leach J. , Ali K. F.
Published: August 2017

Within the last two centuries, the Mississippi River basin has been transformed by changes in land use practices, dam construction, and training of the rivers for navigation. Here we analyze the contemporary patterns of fluvial sediment yield in the Mississippi River basin using all available data in order to assess the influence of regional land condition on the variation of sediment yield within the basin. We develop regional‐scale relations between specific sediment yield (yield per unit area) and drainage area to reveal contemporary regional sediment yield patterns and source areas of riverine sediments. Extensive upland erosion before the development of soil conservation practices exported large amounts of sediment to the valleys and floodplains. We show that sediment today is sourced primarily along the river valleys from arable land, and from stream bank and channel erosion, with sediment yields from areas dominated by arable land 2 orders of magnitude greater than that of grassland dominated areas. Comparison with the “T factor,” a commonly quoted measure of agricultural soil resilience suggests that the latter may not reflect contemporary soil loss from the landscape.
Relative surface wave amplitude and phase anomalies from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea announced nuclear tests
Authors: Ichinose G. A. , Myers S. C. , Ford S. R. , Pasyanos M. E. , Walter W. R.
Published: August 2017

We performed relative locations of six event pairs based on surface wave (SW) and body wave (BW) differential traveltimes of the 9 September 2016, 6 January 2016, 12 February 2013, and 25 May 2009 announced North Korea nuclear explosions. The SW relative locations for the 25 May 2009 and 12 February 2013 events were inconsistent with the BWs when paired with other events, and only the 6 January 2016/9 September 2016 pair was consistent. Apparent SW phase shift is investigated with respect to the BW relative locations. The pairs formed with the 25 May 2009 and 12 February 2013 events, beneath the southeast slope of Mount Mant'ap, have the largest phase shifts and amplitude ratio deviations, whereas the least deviation was from the 6 January 2016 and 9 September 2016 event pair beneath the mountain peak. Regional moment tensors (MTs) predict the amplitude ratios but do not resolve the relative phase. We find that MTs with 10% difference in isotropic and rotated +CLVD can fit both relative phase and amplitude ratios. SW relative locations of highly isotropic and correlated explosion clusters can be affected by topography and small differences in MT.
Creep and slip: Seismic precursors to the Nuugaatsiaq landslide (Greenland)
Authors: Poli Piero
Published: August 2017

Precursory signals to material's failure are predicted by numerical models and observed in laboratory experiments or using field data. These precursory signals are a marker of slip acceleration on weak regions, such as crustal faults. Observation of these precursory signals of catastrophic natural events, such as earthquakes and landslides, is necessary for improving our knowledge about the physics of the nucleation process. Furthermore, observing such precursory signals may help to forecast these catastrophic events or reduce their hazard. I report here the observation of seismic precursors to the Nuugaatsiaq landslide in Greenland. Time evolution of the detected precursors implies that an aseismic slip event is taking place for hours before the landslide, with an exponential increase of slip velocity. Furthermore, time evolution of the precursory signals' amplitude sheds light on the evolution of the fault physics during the nucleation process.
High‐Resolution Large Eddy Simulation of Snow Accumulation in Alpine Terrain
Authors: Vionnet Vincent , Martin Eric , Masson Valéry , Lac Christine , Naaim Bouvet Florence , Guyomarc'h Gilbert
Published: August 2017

Snow accumulation in alpine terrain is controlled by three main processes that act at different spatial scales: (i) orographic snowfall, (ii) preferential deposition of snowfall, and (iii) wind‐induced snow transport of deposited snow. The relative importance of these processes largely remains uncertain at small scale (10–100 m). This study presents how high‐resolution coupled snowpack/atmosphere simulations help quantifying the effects of these processes. The simulation system consists of the detailed snowpack model Crocus and the atmospheric model Meso‐NH used in Large Eddy Simulation mode. Dedicated routines allow the coupled system to explicitly simulate wind‐induced snow transport. Our case study is a snowfall event that occurred in February 2011 in the French Alps. Three nested domains at 450, 150 and 50 m grid spacing allow the model to simulate the complex 3D precipitation and wind fields down to fine scale. We firstly assess the ability of the coupled model to reproduce meteorological conditions during the event (wind speed and direction, snowfall amount, and blowing snow fluxes). The spatial variability of snowfall and snow accumulation is then considered. At 50 m grid spacing, snowfall presents local maxima associated with the formation of rimed snow aggregates and graupel in regions of sustained updrafts. Variograms show that the resultant spatial variability of snowfall is lower than the variability of snow accumulation when considering snow transport. Despite an overestimation of simulated blowing fluxes, our results suggest that wind‐induced snow transport is the main source of spatial variability of snow accumulation in our case study.
Subjective Social Standing and Conflict Tactics Among Young Kenyan Men
Authors: Goodman Michael L. , Serag Hani , Raimer‐Goodman Lauren , Keiser Philip , Gitari Stanley
Published: August 2017

Highlights

Lower subjective social status predicts more violent conflict and less negotiation‐based conflict.

Lower self‐esteem and more loneliness mediate associations of subjective status and partner conflict.

Research and policy response to IPV should consider social well‐being and social inequality.
Congenital neurodevelopmental anomalies in pediatric and young adult cancer
Authors: Wong‐Siegel Jeannette R. , Johnson Kimberly J. , Gettinger Katie , Cousins Nicole , McAmis Nicole , Zamarione Ashley , Druley Todd E.
Published: August 2017

Congenital anomalies that are diagnosed in at least 120,000 US infants every year are the leading cause of infant death and contribute to disability and pediatric hospitalizations. Several large‐scale epidemiologic studies have provided substantial evidence of an association between congenital anomalies and cancer risk in children, suggesting potential underlying cancer‐predisposing conditions and the involvement of developmental genetic pathways. Electronic medical records from 1,107 pediatric, adolescent, and young adult oncology patients were reviewed. The observed number (O) of congenital anomalies among children with a specific pediatric cancer subtype was compared to the expected number (E) of anomalies based on the frequency of congenital anomalies in the entire study population. The O/E ratios were tested for significance using Fisher's exact test. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to compare overall and neurological malignancy survival rates following tumor diagnosis. Thirteen percent of patients had a congenital anomaly diagnosis prior to their cancer diagnosis. When stratified by congenital anomaly subtype, there was an excess of neurological anomalies among children with central nervous system tumors (O/E = 1.56, 95%CI 1.13–2.09). Male pediatric cancer patients were more likely than females to have a congenital anomaly, particularly those <5 years of age (O/E 1.35, 95%CI 0.97–1.82). Our study provides additional insight into the association between specific congenital anomaly types and pediatric cancer development. Moreover, it may help to inform the development of new screening policies and support hypothesis‐driven research investigating mechanisms underlying tumor predisposition in children with congenital anomalies.
Tree‐Bark‐Shaped N‐Doped Porous Carbon Anode for Hydrazine Fuel Cells
Authors: Jeong Jaehoon , Choun Myounghoon , Lee Jaeyoung
Published: August 2017

Metal‐free N‐doped porous carbon has great potential as a catalyst for hydrazine oxidation in direct hydrazine fuel cells (DHFCs). However, previous studies have reported only half‐cell characterization, and the effect of the pore size distribution has not been intensively investigated. Herein, we report the synthesis of highly active, metal‐free N‐doped carbon (NDC) by controlling the pore size distribution, and for the first time, the effect of the pore size distribution on the anode performance in a DHFC is investigated. As a result, tree‐bark‐shaped NDC with meso/macroporous (>10 nm) structures exhibit a remarkable power density of 127.5 mW cm−2 in a DHFC.
Blood compatibility and physicochemical assessment of novel nanocomposite comprising polyurethane and dietary carotino oil for cardiac tissue engineering applications
Authors: Jaganathan Saravana Kumar , Mani Mohan Prasath , Ayyar Manikandan , Krishnasamy Navaneetha Pandiyaraj , Nageswaran Gomathi
Published: August 2017

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) were estimated to claim 17 million lives each year. Among these, coronary heart disease almost accounts 50% deaths associated with CVD, which causes the blockage of the coronary arteries that supplies blood to the heart. Nowadays, the cardiac tissue engineering have become a promising solution to overcome the drawbacks associated with current therapies. Further, the scaffold used in cardiac tissue engineering must possess thromboresistant and anticoagulant nature to serve as a plausible candidate for cardiovascular applications. In this present investigation, a novel nanocomposite based on polyurethane (PU) and carotino oil was fabricated using electrospinning. Scanning electron microscopy images indicated that the nanocomposites have smaller fiber diameter (702 ± 130 nm) compared to the pristine PU (969 ± 217 nm). The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the interaction between the carotino oil and PU by the formation of hydrogen bond and shifting of CH peak. The contact angle of electrospun PU/carotino oil was found to be 119°, which was increased compared to pristine PU (86°) indicating the hydrophobic nature of developed nanocomposites. Moreover, the surface roughness and thermal stability were found to be enhanced due to the presence of carotino oil in the PU matrix indicated in atomic force microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The enhanced surface roughness of nanocomposites resulted in delayed activation of the blood clot as revealed in activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time assay. Moreover, the hemolytic index of fabricated nanocomposites was found to very low of about 1.33% compared to pristine PU (2.73%), suggesting non‐hemolytic nature and also better blood compatibility. So, the developed PU/carotino nanocomposites having desirable characteristics like better physicochemical and blood compatibility may render appropriate potentials for raw materials of cardiac tissue engineering. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45691.
Large‐scale commercial production of cellulosic ethanol from agricultural residues: A case study of wheat straw in the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Mupondwa Edmund , Li Xue , Tabil Lope
Published: August 2017

This paper provides a business case for a large‐scale wheat‐straw‐based cellulosic ethanol plant in the Canadian Prairies. Feedstock availability and costs were quantified for 11 locations representing the region’s agroecological soil zones. The economic feasibility of the cellulosic ethanol plant was evaluated using SuperPro Designer® based on simultaneous saccharification and cofermentation process. Total capital investment is approximately $90–$200 million for corresponding plant with capacities of 69–208 million liters annum‐1. The lowest operating costs are associated with high volume biomass locations such as Yorkton, Lanigan, and Weyburn. A range of discount rates (7–15%), ethanol selling price ($1.00–$1.70 L‐1), and feedstock cost ($35–70 tonne‐1) was used to assess the sensitivity of plant profitability (NPV) to changes in these parameters. Average total cost of ethanol production decreased with increasing plant size, from $0.90 L‐1 in a small ethanol plant to $0.66 L‐1 for plant capacity higher than 125 million L. The sensitivity analysis showed better economies of scale for larger plants, with marginal costs and average cost curves suggesting that Canadian Prairies could support a cellulosic ethanol plant capacity of 250 million L annum‐1 at a single location. Yorkton, Melfort, Weyburn, Prince Albert, and Lanigan generate positive NPV over a wider range of annual plant capacities (138–208 million L). Swift Current, Rosetown, and Kindersley have the lowest NPV, associated with their low straw density and correspondingly higher transportation costs. © 2017 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Do Smarter People Employ Better Decision Strategies? The Influence of Intelligence on Adaptive Use of the Recognition Heuristic
Authors: Michalkiewicz Martha , Arden Katja , Erdfelder Edgar
Published: August 2017

Within the adaptive toolbox approach, it has repeatedly been shown that, on average, people tend to adapt their decision strategies to the decision context. Building upon these results, we investigated whether individuals systematically differ in their ability to successfully adapt to the situation when applying the fast‐and‐frugal recognition heuristic (RH). In decisions between recognized and unrecognized choice objects, individuals can base their choices solely on recognition, as predicted by the RH, or they can use further knowledge retrieved from memory. Since intelligence has been conceived as the ability to successfully adapt to different situations, we expected intelligence to influence the degree of adaptive use of the RH. To test this hypothesis, we first re‐analyzed data that referred to a decision domain for which RH‐use is known to perform well. As expected, individual RH‐use increased with general intelligence. Next, we designed an experiment addressing individual RH‐use in two new decision domains, one domain for which RH‐use was less effective than knowledge‐use and another domain for which both strategies were about equally effective. In addition, we tested whether fluid or crystallized intelligence best predicts adaptive use of the RH. RH‐use was found to decrease with fluid but not crystallized intelligence when RH‐use was less effective than use of further knowledge. In contrast, there was no significant association between either type of intelligence and RH‐use when none of the two strategies was optimal. We conclude that adaptive use versus non‐use of the RH is moderated by fluid intelligence. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Pyrone‐based Ratiometric Probe for Galactosidase with Dramatic Color and Fluorescence Changes
Authors: Seo Hyun‐Seok , Kim Hae‐Jo
Published: August 2017

A simple pyrone‐based fluorophore was designed for ratiometric detection of β‐galactosidase. Upon reaction with the enzyme, the probe underwent a dramatic ratiometric optical change and exhibited dramatic color and fluorescence changes capable of quantitative detection of β‐galactosidase.
Kinetic Study on Alkaline Hydrolysis of 2‐Pyridyl and 4‐Pyridyl X‐substituted‐Benzoates: Effects of Benzoyl Substituent X and Leaving‐Group Basicity on Reactivity and Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Shin Young‐Hee , Koh Han‐Joong , Um Ik‐Hwan
Published: August 2017

Second‐order rate constants for alkaline hydrolysis of 2‐pyridyl X‐substituted‐benzoates (4a–4l) and 4‐pyridyl X‐substituted‐benzoates (5a–5l) are reported. The Hammett plots are nonlinear, e.g., substrates possessing a weak electron‐withdrawing group (EWG) or an electron‐donating group (EDG) in the benzoyl moiety deviate negatively from the linear Hammett plots composed of substrates bearing a strong EWG. In contrast, the Yukawa–Tsuno plots exhibit excellent linearity with ρX = 1.57, r = 0.43, and R2 = 0.998 for the reactions of 4a–4l and ρX = 1.47, r = 0.41, and R2 = 0.999 for those of 5a–5l, indicating that the nonlinear Hammett plots are not due to a change in the rate‐determining step (RDS) but are caused by ground‐state (GS) stabilization through resonance interactions. The ρX values found for the reactions of 4a–4l and 5a–5l are similar to those reported previously for reactions that proceed through a stepwise mechanism with formation of an intermediate being the RDS. Small βlg values (e.g., −0.2 ~ −0.3) calculated from the Brønsted‐type correlation of rate constants with leaving‐group basicity also indicate that the reactions proceed through a stepwise mechanism, in which expulsion of the leaving group occurs after the RDS.
Protection of bone marrow, mononuclear, and CD34+ cells by enclosing within the biochemical compound solution during and after transplantation
Authors: Qujeq Durdi , Abedian Zeinab
Published: August 2017

We have chosen collagen, chitosan acetate, hyaluronic acid, and propolis as model biochemical compound solution to determine the influence of cell carrier mechanics on cell viability and functionality during and after transplantation. Suspending of bone marrow (BM), mononuclear (MN), and CD34+ cells into a biochemical compounds solution is an attractive tool to achieve to protect and ensure reproducible deliver. Hyperglycemic rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: to receive no cell treatment or approximately 1 × 105 of BM, MN, and CD34+ cells within the PBS or biochemical compound solution. These cells were infused into the hyperglycemic rats on day 10 and again on day 20. At each time point, the animals were anaesthetized with ether, and 200 μL of blood was drawn from the tail vein. Samples were collected to determine whether BM, MN, and CD34+ cell affected glucose content and insulin production.

Our results exhibit the use of biochemical compound solution method to overcome the cell transplantation problem during and after injection of these cells into rats. These findings are supported by resulting in significantly greater insulin production and more decreased glucose content than cells injected in PBS only (P < 0.05). These effects displayed the following hierarchy: hyaluronic acid > chitosan acetate > collagen > propolis solution.

Our results showed that these compounds demonstrated a capacity to encapsulate the BM, MN, and CD34+ cells. It is proven by decreasing glucose content and increasing insulin secretion by pancreatic cells. The uniqueness of our study is the improvement of current transplantation efficiency.
Effect of orthodontic force on the expression of PI3K, Akt, and P70S6 K in the human periodontal ligament during orthodontic loading
Authors: Xu Yunhe , Shen Jiayuan , Muhammed Fenik Kaml , Zheng Bowen , Zhang Yuejiao , Liu Yi
Published: August 2017

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an atypical serine/threonine protein kinases involved in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/P70S6 K signalling pathway. P70S6 K as a downstream molecule of mTOR is activated by phosphorylation and subsequently promotes the synthesis of ribosomal and translational proteins. In this study, we investigated the role of PI3K, Akt, and P70S6 K in human periodontal tissue remodelling during orthodontic loading. The prepared tissue specimens taken from 4 extracted premolars were processed for immunolabelling. The changes in the expression of PI3K, Akt, and P70S6 K in the periodontal tissues were detected by real‐time quantitative‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The results from real‐time quantitative‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blot both showed that the expression of PI3K, Akt, and P70S6 K in the experimental group began to increase at 3 days and increased significantly at 10 days, then decreased approaching the control group level at 28 days. Our findings showed that the expression of PI3K, Akt, and P70S6 K in human periodontal ligament demonstrated a variability during the orthodontic loading, which suggested that the PI3K/Akt/mTOR/P70S6 K signal pathway was involved in orthodontic tooth movement and played a role in the process of periodontium remodelling.
A New Class of Fluorinated A2A Adenosine Receptor Agonist with Application to Last‐Step Enzymatic [18F]Fluorination for PET Imaging
Authors: Lowe Phillip T. , Dall'Angelo Sergio , Mulder‐Krieger Thea , IJzerman Adriaan P. , Zanda Matteo , O'Hagan David
Published: August 2017

The A2A adenosine receptor belongs to a family of G‐coupled protein receptors that have been subjected to extensive investigation over the last few decades. Due to their prominent role in the biological functions of the heart, lungs, CNS and brain, they have become a target for the treatment of illnesses ranging from cancer immunotherapy to Parkinson's disease. The imaging of such receptors by using positron emission tomography (PET) has also been of interest, potentially providing a valuable tool for analysing and diagnosing various myocardial and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as offering support to drug discovery trials. Reported herein are the design, synthesis and evaluation of two new 5′‐fluorodeoxy‐adenosine (FDA)‐based receptor agonists (FDA‐PP1 and FDA‐PP2), each substituted at the C‐2 position with a terminally functionalised ethynyl unit. The structures enable a synthesis of 18F‐labelled analogues by direct, last‐step radiosynthesis from chlorinated precursors using the fluorinase enzyme (5′‐fluoro‐5′‐deoxyadenosine synthase), which catalyses a transhalogenation reaction. This delivers a new class of A2A adenosine receptor agonist that can be directly radiolabelled for exploration in PET studies.
Methotrexate‐induced leukoencephalopathy presenting as stroke in the emergency department
Authors: Cruz‐Carreras Maria Teresa , Chaftari Patrick , Shamsnia Anna , Guha‐Thakurta Nandita , Gonzalez Carmen
Published: August 2017

Key Clinical Message

Methotrexate‐induced leukoencephalopathy is to be considered as a potential etiology in any patient presenting with stroke‐like symptoms after receiving methotrexate. One of our cases suggests that the method of administration of the methotrexate can be IV or intrathecal and still results in leukoencephalopathy.
Plantar keratoderma of Sézary syndrome
Authors: Fragkos Konstantinos C.
Published: August 2017

Key Clinical Message

Sézary syndrome is an extremely rare form of cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma. It presents suddenly and is associated with a poor prognosis. Clinical recognition is crucial for the diagnostic process and initiation of appropriate treatment. Plantar keratoderma is usually pathognomonic for Sézary syndrome and clinicians should be alerted to its presence.
Tetrabutylammonium Fluoride as the Electrolyte in Aluminum Cells
Authors: Fan Jiaxin , Liu Yinhua , Zhang Zhixiong , Wang Aiye , Li Li , Yuan Wenhui
Published: August 2017

This work proposes a novel tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF)‐based electrolyte for aluminum (Al) cells, with mixed carbonate as the solvent. The Al foil was immersed in the electrolyte to investigate the hydrogen evolution process. After 40 h, the morphology of the Al surface was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results reveal that the TBAF‐based solution would not lead to the passivation of the Al surface. In addition, this work demonstrates that, by using an anhydrous ionic liquid fluoride salt (with a strong nucleophilic fluorinion) as the electrolyte, the Al cell could sustain a high electrode potential without hydrogen evolution. Further evaluation of this electrolyte was carried out by using Al/CuO cells. CuO@Cu nanoplatelets synthesized through a novel hydrothermal method containing two steps, immersion and steaming, were used as the cathode material. The Al/CuO primary cells with the TBAF‐02ED electrolyte exhibit a well‐defined initial open circuit voltage (OCV) of 1.42 V and a high discharge capacity of 457 mAh g−1. Utilizing anhydrous ionic liquid fluoride salt electrolyte in Al cells opens a new avenue for the application of Al battery systems.
Quionolone carboxylic acid derivatives as HIV‐1 integrase inhibitors: Docking‐based HQSAR and topomer CoMFA analyses
Authors: Tong Jianbo , Zhan Pei , Wang Xiang Simon , Wu Yingji
Published: August 2017

Quionolone carboxylic acid derivatives as inhibitors of HIV‐1 integrase were investigated as a potential class of drugs for the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Hologram quantitative structure‐activity relationships (HQSAR) and translocation comparative molecular field vector analysis (topomer CoMFA) were applied to a series of 48 quionolone carboxylic acid derivatives. The most effective HQSAR model was obtained using atoms and bonds as fragment distinctions: cross‐validation q2 = 0.796, standard error of prediction SDCV = 0.36, the non‐cross‐validated r2 = 0.967, non‐cross validated standard error SD = 0.17, the correlation coefficient of external validation Qext2 = 0.955, and the best hologram length HL = 180. topomer CoMFA models were built based on different fragment cutting models, with the most effective model of q2 = 0.775, SDCV = 0.37, r2 = 0.967, SD = 0.15, Qext2 = 0.915, and F = 163.255. These results show that the models generated form HQSAR and topomer CoMFA were able to effectively predict the inhibitory potency of this class of compounds. The molecular docking method was also used to study the interactions of these drugs by docking the ligands into the HIV‐1 integrase active site, which revealed the likely bioactive conformations. This study showed that there are extensive interactions between the quionolone carboxylic acid derivatives and THR80, VAL82, GLY27, ASP29, and ARG8 residues in the active site of HIV‐1 integrase. These results provide useful insights for the design of potent new inhibitors of HIV‐1 integrase.
Hemodynamic parameters predict the risk of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery in adults
Authors: Lu Rongxin , Ma Nan , Jiang Zhaolei , Mei Ju
Published: August 2017

Background

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication following cardiac surgery and is associated with poorer prognosis. This study attempted to evaluate whether hemodynamic parameters determined by a right heart catheter predict the occurrence of POAF.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery can be predicted by hemodynamic parameters determined by a right heart catheter.

Methods

Between October 2015 and January 2017, 126 patients with preoperative sinus rhythm undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and/or aortic valve replacement were enrolled in this study. Complete echocardiographic examination was performed preoperatively, and hemodynamic parameters were recorded via a right heart catheter before anesthesia induction. Postoperative telemetry strips and electrocardiogram were used to detect atrial fibrillation until discharge. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors of POAF.

Results

The overall incidence of POAF was 40/126 (31.7%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis determined that left atrial dimension (LAD) (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 1.118, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.020‐1.227, P = 0.018), pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) (adjusted OR: 1.225, 95% CI: 1.082‐1.387, P = 0.001), and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) (adjusted OR: 1.076, 95% CI: 1.019‐1.137, P = 0.008) were significant predictors of POAF.

Conclusions

The present study suggested that LAD, PCWP, and PASP were robust predictors of POAF. These parameters may indicate a patient's susceptibility toward developing POAF and help to identify patients who need preventive treatment.
Effectiveness of bereavement counselling through a community‐based organization: A naturalistic, controlled trial
Authors: Newsom Catherine , Schut Henk , Stroebe Margaret S. , Wilson Stewart , Birrell John , Moerbeek Mirjam , Eisma Maarten C.
Published: August 2017

This controlled, longitudinal investigation tested the effectiveness of a bereavement counselling model for adults on reducing complicated grief (CG) symptoms. Participants (N = 344; 79% female; mean age: 49.3 years) were adult residents of Scotland who were bereaved of a close relation or partner, experiencing elevated levels of CG, and/or risks of developing CG. It was hypothesized that participants who received intervention would experience a greater decline in CG levels immediately following the intervention compared to the control participants, but the difference would diminish at follow‐up (due to relapse). Data were collected via postal questionnaire at 3 time points: baseline (T), post‐intervention (T + 12 months), and follow‐up (T + 18 months). CG, post‐traumatic stress, and general psychological distress were assessed at all time points. Multilevel analyses controlling for relevant covariates were conducted to examine group differences in symptom levels over time. A stepwise, serial gatekeeping procedure was used to correct for multiple hypothesis testing. A main finding was that, contrary to expectations, counselling intervention and control group participants experienced a similar reduction in CG symptoms at postmeasure. However, intervention participants demonstrated a greater reduction in symptom levels at follow‐up (M = 53.64; d = .33) compared to the control group (M = 62.00). Results suggest community‐based bereavement counselling may have long‐term beneficial effects. Further longitudinal treatment effect investigations with extensive study intervals are needed.
Zebrafish sin3b mutants are viable but have size, skeletal, and locomotor defects
Authors: Moravec Cara E. , Yousef Hakeem , Kinney Brian A. , Salerno‐Eichenholz Ryan , Monestime Camillia M. , Martin Benjamin L. , Sirotkin Howard I.
Published: August 2017

Background: The transcriptional co‐repressor Sin3 is highly conserved from yeast to vertebrates and has multiple roles controlling cell fate, cell cycle progression, and senescence programming. Sin3 proteins recruit histone deacetylases and other chromatin modifying factors to specific loci through interactions with transcription factors including Myc, Rest, p53 and E2F. Most vertebrates have two Sin3 family members (sin3a and sin3b), but zebrafish have a second sin3a paralogue. In mice, sin3a and sin3b are essential for embryonic development. Sin3b knockout mice show defects in growth as well as bone and blood differentiation. Results: To study the requirement for Sin3b during development, we disrupted zebrafish sin3b using CRISPR‐Cas9, and studied the effects on early development and locomotor behavior. Conclusions: Surprisingly, Sin3b is not essential in zebrafish. sin3b mutants show a decrease in fitness, small size, changes to locomotor behavior, and delayed bone development. We did not detect a role for Sin3b in cell proliferation. Our analysis of the sin3b mutant revealed a more nuanced requirement for zebrafish Sin3b than would be predicted from analysis of mutants in other species. Developmental Dynamics 246:946–955, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sperm whale dive behavior characteristics derived from intermediate‐duration archival tag data
Authors: Irvine Ladd , Palacios Daniel M. , Urbán Jorge , Mate Bruce
Published: August 2017

Here, we describe the diving behavior of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) using the Advanced Dive Behavior (ADB) tag, which records depth data at 1‐Hz resolution and GPS‐quality locations for over 1 month, before releasing from the whale for recovery. A total of 27 ADB tags were deployed on sperm whales in the central Gulf of California, Mexico, during spring 2007 and 2008, of which 10 were recovered for data download. Tracking durations of all tags ranged from 0 to 34.5 days (median = 2.3 days), and 0.6 to 26.6 days (median = 5.0 days) for recovered tags. Recovered tags recorded a median of 50.8 GPS‐quality locations and 42.6 dives per day. Dive summary metrics were generated for archived dives and were subsequently classified into six categories using hierarchical cluster analysis. A mean of 77% of archived dives per individual were one of four dive categories with median Maximum Dive Depth >290 m (V‐shaped, Mid‐water, Benthic, or Variable), likely associated with foraging. Median Maximum Dive Depth was <30 m for the other two categories (Short‐ and Long‐duration shallow dives), likely representing socializing or resting behavior. Most tagged whales remained near the tagging area during the tracking period, but one moved north of Isla Tiburón, where it appeared to regularly dive to, and travel along the seafloor. Three whales were tagged on the same day in 2007 and subsequently traveled in close proximity (<1 km) for 2 days. During this period, the depth and timing of their dives were not coordinated, suggesting they were foraging on a vertically heterogeneous prey field. The multiweek dive records produced by ADB tags enabled us to generate a robust characterization of the diving behavior, activity budget, and individual variation for an important predator of the mesopelagos over temporal and spatial scales not previously possible.
Habitat niche breadth predicts invasiveness in solitary ascidians
Authors: Granot Itai , Shenkar Noa , Belmaker Jonathan
Published: August 2017

A major focus of invasion biology is understanding the traits associated with introduction success. Most studies assess these traits in the invaded region, while only few compare nonindigenous species to the pool of potential invaders in their native region. We focused on theniche breadth hypothesis, commonly evoked but seldom tested, which states that generalist species are more likely to become introduced as they are capable of thriving under a wide set of conditions. Based on the massive introduction of tropical species into the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal (Lessepsian migration), we defined ascidians in the Red Sea as the pool of potential invaders. We constructed unique settlement plates, each representing six different niches, to assess ascidian niche breadth, and deployed them in similar habitats in the native and invaded regions. For each species found on plates, we evaluated its abundance, relative abundance across successional stages, and niche breadth, and then compared (1) species in the Red Sea known to have been introduced into the Mediterranean (Lessepsian species) and those not known from the Mediterranean (non‐Lessepsian); and (2) nonindigenous and indigenous species in the Mediterranean. Lessepsian species identified on plates in the Red Sea demonstrated wider niche breadth than non‐Lessepsian species, supporting theniche breadth hypothesiswithin the native region. No differences were found between Lessepsian and non‐Lessepsian species in species abundance and successional stages. In the Mediterranean, nonindigenous species numerically dominated the settlement plates. This precluded robust comparisons of niche breadth between nonindigenous and indigenous species in the invaded region. In conclusion, using Red Sea ascidians as the pool of potential invaders, we found clear evidence supporting theniche breadth hypothesisin the native region. We suggest that such patterns may often be obscured when conducting trait‐based studies in the invaded regions alone. Our findings indicate that quantifying the niche breadth of species in their native regions will improve estimates of invasiveness potential.