bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of genomic variation in Coho salmon following reintroduction to the interior Columbia River
Authors: Campbell Nathan R. , Kamphaus Cory , Murdoch Keely , Narum Shawn R.
Published: October 2017

Coho salmon were extirpated in the mid‐20th century from the interior reaches of the Columbia River but were reintroduced with relatively abundant source stocks from the lower Columbia River near the Pacific coast. Reintroduction of Coho salmon to the interior Columbia River (Wenatchee River) using lower river stocks placed selective pressures on the new colonizers due to substantial differences with their original habitat such as migration distance and navigation of six additional hydropower dams. We used restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐seq) to genotype 5,392 SNPs in reintroduced Coho salmon in the Wenatchee River over four generations to test for signals of temporal structure and adaptive variation. Temporal genetic structure among the three broodlines of reintroduced fish was evident among the initial return years (2000, 2001, and 2002) and their descendants, which indicated levels of reproductive isolation among broodlines. Signals of adaptive variation were detected from multiple outlier tests and identified candidate genes for further study. This study illustrated that genetic variation and structure of reintroduced populations are likely to reflect source stocks for multiple generations but may shift over time once established in nature.
A railway increases the abundance and accelerates the phenology of bear‐attracting plants in a forested, mountain park
Authors: Pollock Sonya Z. , Nielsen Scott E. , St. Clair Colleen C.
Published: October 2017

Vegetation enhancement along railways has not been well studied, despite high rates of mortality from train strikes across numerous species, including sensitive populations in protected areas. This situation describes grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) in the mountain parks of Canada, where train strikes have become the leading source of known mortality. We hypothesized that attraction by bears to railways occurs partly because of increases in the richness, diversity, cover, and maturation rate of plants consumed by bears relative to adjacent forest and that this effect may increase with elevation. We quantified and compared responses in plants used by bears to the railway (ballast), forest edge, and within adjacent forest for two growing seasons (May–October) at 19 locations spanning an elevational gradient in Banff and Yoho National Parks in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Overall, richness, diversity, and total cover of plants consumed by bears were greatest at the forest edge. On the forest edge or ballast, flowering rates of some species were over three times higher and fruit occurrence was up to five times higher than 50 m into the adjacent forest. Enhancement of berry productivity along rail edges increased with elevation. Buffaloberry (Shepherdia canadensis), an important regional pre‐hibernation resource, had more fruit, faster ripening, and higher sugar content for shrubs located within 15 m of the rail than within surrounding interior forest. Our results demonstrate that railway edges can increase the quantity and quality of palatable vegetation resources of both native and introduced species, potentially increasing strike risk for bears and other wildlife. Potential mitigation of this risk could include removal of attractants along the rail, particularly at locations where other factors increase the risk of collisions, and creation of forest openings, either through natural processes or through forest modification that would provide forage in less risky habitats.
Between invaders and a risky place: Exotic grasses alter demographic tradeoffs of native forb germination timing
Authors: Thomson Diane M. , King Rachel A. , Schultz Emily L.
Published: October 2017

Priority effects are hypothesized to play an important role in community assembly and may promote suppression of native by exotic species. Work in a range of grassland systems has proved valuable for testing these effects, demonstrating that earlier germination by some exotic annual grasses contributes to their competitive dominance over natives. Yet few studies have measured native forb germination phenology under field conditions, and the demographic consequences of emergence timing for competitive interactions and native fitness are not well understood. We focused on three native annual species in a southern California grassland dominated by exotic Bromus spp. over three years, measuring (1) seedling emergence rates, for both early (October) and later (November and December) germinators; (2) effects of exotic grasses on native survival and reproduction, through a grass removal experiment; and (3) interactions between emergence timing and grass competitive effects on native mortality, survival, and flowering. We quantified tradeoffs of emergence timing, by estimating mortality experienced by early germinants until the late cohort emerged (early survival), and then for both cohorts from the time of late emergence to flowering (spring survival). The two most common focal natives, Amsinckia intermedia and Phacelia distans, varied substantially in germination phenology but primarily emerged early. The less abundant Clarkia purpurea germinated late. Late emergence reduced spring survival in control plots but not those where exotic grasses were reduced experimentally, supporting the importance of priority effects and benefits of early germination in competition with grasses. However, early emergence entailed a high cost of initial mortality risk in some years. We found no effect of emergence timing on size at flowering. Estimates of net survivorship to flowering suggest that late emergence consistently was associated with the highest survival when exotic grasses were reduced experimentally. Early emergence was more favored in control than in exotic grass reduction plots, but the survival tradeoffs differed substantially between years. These results suggest that priority effects contribute to suppression of native forbs, but may not consistently promote higher fitness for earlier germinators. Instead, exotic invasion may increase yearly variation in the fitness consequences of native germination phenology, with potential implications for bet hedging strategies.
Latitude, temperature, and habitat complexity predict predation pressure in eelgrass beds across the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Reynolds Pamela L. , Stachowicz John J. , Hovel Kevin , Boström Christoffer , Boyer Katharyn , Cusson Mathieu , Eklöf Johan S. , Engel Friederike G. , Engelen Aschwin H. , Eriksson Britas Klemens , Fodrie F. Joel , Griffin John N. , Hereu Clara M. , Hori Masakazu , Hanley Torrance C. , Ivanov Mikhail , Jorgensen Pablo , Kruschel Claudia , Lee Kun‐Seop , McGlathery Karen , Moksnes Per‐Olav , Nakaoka Masahiro , O'Connor Mary I. , O'Connor Nessa E. , Orth Robert J. , Rossi Francesca , Ruesink Jennifer , Sotka Erik E. , Thormar Jonas , Tomas Fiona , Unsworth Richard K. F. , Whalen Matthew A. , Duffy J. Emmett
Published: October 2017

Latitudinal gradients in species interactions are widely cited as potential causes or consequences of global patterns of biodiversity. However, mechanistic studies documenting changes in interactions across broad geographic ranges are limited. We surveyed predation intensity on common prey (live amphipods and gastropods) in communities of eelgrass (Zostera marina) at 48 sites across its Northern Hemisphere range, encompassing over 37° of latitude and four continental coastlines. Predation on amphipods declined with latitude on all coasts but declined more strongly along western ocean margins where temperature gradients are steeper. Whereas in situ water temperature at the time of the experiments was uncorrelated with predation, mean annual temperature strongly positively predicted predation, suggesting a more complex mechanism than simply increased metabolic activity at the time of predation. This large‐scale biogeographic pattern was modified by local habitat characteristics; predation declined with higher shoot density both among and within sites. Predation rates on gastropods, by contrast, were uniformly low and varied little among sites. The high replication and geographic extent of our study not only provides additional evidence to support biogeographic variation in predation intensity, but also insight into the mechanisms that relate temperature and biogeographic gradients in species interactions.
Aetiology, timing and clinical predictors of early vs. late readmission following index hospitalization for acute heart failure: insights from ASCEND‐HF
Authors: Fudim Marat , O'Connor Christopher M. , Dunning Allison , Ambrosy Andrew P. , Armstrong Paul W. , Coles Adrian , Ezekowitz Justin A. , Greene Stephen J. , Metra Marco , Starling Randall C. , Voors Adriaan A. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Michael Felker G. , Mentz Robert J.
Published: October 2017

Aims

Patients hospitalized for heart failure (HF) are at high risk for 30‐day readmission. This study sought to examine the timings and causes of readmission within 30 days of an HF hospitalization.

Methods and results

Timing and cause of readmission in the ASCEND‐HF (Acute Study of Clinical Effectiveness of Nesiritide and Decompensated Heart Failure) trial were assessed. Early and late readmissions were defined as admissions occurring within 0–7 days and 8–30 days post‐discharge, respectively. Patients who died in hospital or remained hospitalized at day 30 post‐randomization were excluded. Patients were compared by timing and cause of readmission. Logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for early vs. late readmission and associations with 180‐day outcomes. Of the 6584 patients (92%) in the ASCEND‐HF population included in this analysis, 751 patients (11%) were readmitted within 30 days for any cause. Overall, 54% of readmissions were for non‐HF causes. The median time to rehospitalization was 11 days (interquartile range: 6–18 days) and 33% of rehospitalizations occurred by day 7. Rehospitalization within 30 days was independently associated with increased risk for 180‐day all‐cause death [hazard ratio (HR) 2.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.93–2.94; P < 0.001]. Risk for 180‐day all‐cause death did not differ according to early vs. late readmission (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.67–1.45; P = 0.94).

Conclusions

In this hospitalized HF trial population, a significant majority of 30‐day readmissions were for non‐HF causes and one‐third of readmissions occurred in the first 7 days. Early and late readmissions within the 30‐day timeframe were associated with similarly increased risk for death. Continued efforts to optimize multidisciplinary transitional care are warranted to improve rates of early readmission.
Lessons learned in acute heart failure
Authors: Cheema Baljash , Ambrosy Andrew P. , Kaplan Rachel M. , Senni Michele , Fonarow Gregg C. , Chioncel Ovidiu , Butler Javed , Gheorghiade Mihai
Published: October 2017

Acute heart failure (HF) is a global pandemic with more than one million admissions to hospital annually in the US and millions more worldwide. Post‐discharge mortality and readmission rates remain unchanged and unacceptably high. Although recent drug development programmes have failed to deliver novel therapies capable of reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients hospitalized for worsening chronic HF, hospitalized HF registries and clinical trial databases have generated a wealth of information improving our collective understanding of the HF syndrome. This review will summarize key insights from clinical trials in acute HF and hospitalized HF registries over the last several decades, focusing on improving the management of patients with HF and reduced ejection fraction.
Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Properties of a Family of Complexes Containing a {CoII2DyIII} Pivalate Core and a Pentanuclear CoII4DyIII Derivative
Authors: Kiskin Mikhail , Zorina‐Tikhonova Ekaterina , Kolotilov Sergey , Goloveshkin Alexander , Romanenko Galina , Efimov Nikolay , Eremenko Igor
Published: October 2017

A series of new CoII–LnIII complexes with polynuclear {Co2Ln(NO3)(Piv)6} (Ln = La, Gd, Dy; Piv = pivalate) cores were prepared by self‐assembly reactions or step‐by‐step assembly. [Co2Dy(NO3)(Piv)6(MeCN)2] was used as the starting compound for the synthesis of the trinuclear analogue [Co2Dy(NO3)(Piv)6(py)2] (py = pyridine) and the pentanuclear complex [{Co2Dy(NO3)(Piv)6}{CoL(Piv)(H2O)}2][NO3]2 [L = 2,6‐bis(2‐pyridyl)‐4‐(4‐pyridyl)pyridine]. The effects of the coordination environment and temperature on the distortion of the LnIII coordination polyhedra were analyzed for a series of coordination compounds with MII2LnIII cores and close analogues. The distortion of the LnIII polyhedron depends on both the composition of the compound and the temperature; a temperature increase favors the D2d geometry of the LnIII coordination polyhedron. The magnetic properties of the complexes with CoII2DyIII cores were analyzed with consideration of the anisotropy of the CoII and DyIII ions. The compounds containing diamagnetic LaIII and isotropic GdIII ions, [Co2Ln(Piv)6(NO3)(MeCN)2] (Ln = La, Gd), which are isostructural to the CoIIDyIII analogue, were studied to evaluate the CoII magnetic‐anisotropy parameters to minimize the overparameterization of the magnetic properties in the fits for the Co2Dy systems. The magnetic properties of all complexes in this study are governed mainly by the magnetic properties of the isolated ions.
A Zwitterionic Palladium(II) Complex as a Precatalyst for Neat‐Water‐Mediated Cross‐Coupling Reactions of Heteroaryl, Benzyl, and Aryl Acid Chlorides with Organoboron Reagents
Authors: Ramakrishna Visannagari , Rani Morla Jhansi , Reddy Nareddula Dastagiri
Published: October 2017

The Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling (SMC) reactions of several heteroaryl chlorides, benzyl chlorides, and aryl acid chlorides with (hetero)arylboron reagents have been investigated in the presence of [Pd(HL1)(PPh3)Cl2] (I) [HL1 = 3‐[(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐1‐imidazolio]‐2‐quinoxalinide] as catalyst and K2CO3 as base in neat water. The synthesis of the heterocycle‐containing biaryls required the addition of 2 mol‐% of a phosphine ligand (PPh3 or X‐Phos). A combination of more than 115 substrates were screened and it was found that I is a versatile catalyst that can produce heterocycle‐containing biaryls, diarylmethanes, and benzophenones in moderate‐to‐excellent yields.
The von Braun Reaction Applied to Azetidines
Authors: Wright Karen , Drouillat Bruno , Menguy Laurence , Marrot Jérôme , Couty François
Published: October 2017

The von Braun reaction (the reaction of cyanogen bromide with tertiary amines) was applied to a series of functionalized N‐alkyl‐substituted azetidines. This reaction mainly led to the cleavage of the strained four‐membered ring to produce 3‐bromo N‐alkyl cyanamides in good yields with variable regioselectivity. The resulting cyanamide products were then employed as original building blocks for the synthesis of nitrogen heterocycles.
The effect of changes in pain expectations on persistent pain following a road traffic crash
Authors: Edmed S.L. , Moss K.M. , Warren J. , Kenardy J.
Published: October 2017

Background

Recovery expectations can influence outcomes after injury, but little is known about the course of expectations over time or factors predicting changes in expectations. This study aimed to describe how expectations of persistent pain change over time following a non‐catastrophic injury sustained in a road traffic crash (RTC); identify the early predictors of change in expectations over time; and examine whether change in expectations predicted pain at 24 months post‐RTC.

Methods

One hundred and seventy‐seven participants (Mage = 49.25; SD = 14.15; 66.1% female) reported their expectations of persistent pain (1 = no risk that pain will become persistent, 10 = highest risk) at approximately 6, 12 and 24 months post‐injury via survey. Measures of pain, emotional distress, post‐traumatic stress, fear avoidance beliefs, social support and quality of life were also measured via survey at each time point.

Results

Cluster analysis revealed four clusters: 42% of participants showed a pattern of stable expectations (stable high‐risk, n = 74), whereas 58% of participants showed changes in expectations over time (decreasing risk, n = 31; increasing risk, n = 44; risk peaking at 12 months, n = 28). Hierarchical linear regression models demonstrated that the clusters were a better statistical predictor of pain at 24 months than a single measure of expectation taken at 6 months post‐injury. Pain, anxiety, depression and physical health‐related quality of life at 6 months were associated with cluster affiliation.

Conclusions

Assessment of patterns of pain expectancy change is a superior means of determining long‐term pain levels. Understanding expectancy change patterns will help provide more nuanced targets for pain intervention.

Significance

This study extends previous work by investigating persistent pain expectancies over time in a compensation‐seeking cohort with non‐catastrophic injuries. It identifies factors that are associated with changing expectations, providing targets for clinical intervention. The study shows that expectations can change over time. Conversations with patients about their expectations should be ongoing.
Evaluation of phenolic composition and antioxidant activity changes in olive flowers during development using HPLC/DAD and LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Rekik Ons , Ben Mansour Amir , Bouaziz Mohamed
Published: October 2017

Olive fruit and leaves have been extensively studied for their chemical compositions and biological activities. However, less attention has been given to its flowers. The present research was achieved on Tunisian olive flowers. It aimed at studying the effects of flower development on phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. The extracts were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection (HPLC/DAD) and coupled to mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The HPLC/DAD analysis indicated that oleuropein aglycon (from 1.158 to 3.746 g/kg), followed by hydroxytyrosol (from 0.168 to 1.581 g/kg) and oleoside (from 0.143 to 1.325 g/kg) were the predominant phenolics in olive flowers extracts during development stages. Twenty compounds have been identified, revealing the complex profile of olive flowers, composed, in order of abundance, by secoiridoids, phenolic alcohols, lignans, flavonoids and phenolic acids. Total phenolic contents increased from 2.455 to 8.541 g/kg Gallic acid equivalent per kg of fresh flowers during all steps of the flower development. A correlation between antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents was determined.
Effect of vehicle bridge interaction on seismic response and fragility of bridges
Authors: Kameshwar Sabarethinam , Padgett Jamie E.
Published: October 2017

This study focuses on understanding and evaluating the effect of vehicle bridge interaction (VBI) on the response and fragility of bridges subjected to earthquakes. A comprehensive study on the effect of VBI on bridge seismic performance is conducted, providing metamodels for seismic response and fragility estimates for bridges in the presence of various types of vehicles. For this purpose, the performance of multispan simply supported concrete girder bridges with varying design and geometric parameters is assessed with 3 different types of stationary trucks placed atop them. To delineate the effects of VBI and additional truck mass, the trucks are modeled in 2 different ways—with additional masses and suspension springs (ie, with VBI) and using additional masses only (without VBI). The results provide insight on VBI effects, such as the fact that when bridge and vehicle mode shapes are in‐phase, the component responses increase and vice versa; additionally, the presence of a heavy axle near a bent increases component responses. Sensitivity analyses are also performed to determine the bridge parameters that significantly alter the component responses in the presence of vehicles. Furthermore, differences in component responses and fragilities highlight that modeling vehicles with additional masses alone is not sufficient to model the effect of truck presence on the seismic response of bridges. Finally, this study concludes that depending on the characteristics of the bridge and the vehicle, presence of a vehicle atop the bridge during an earthquake may be either beneficial or detrimental to bridge performance.
Routine quantification of 54 allergens in fragrances using comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography‐quadrupole mass spectrometry with dual parallel secondary columns. Part I: Method development
Authors: Belhassen Emilie , Bressanello Davide , Merle Philippe , Raynaud Elsa , Bicchi Carlo , Chaintreau Alain , Cordero Chiara
Published: October 2017

The forthcoming extension of the regulated fragrance allergen number is raising a challenge: the previously developed quantification methods need to be drastically improved in terms of rapidity, without altering their reliability. This work describes a procedure based on comprehensive bidimensional gas chromatography, hyphenated with a low‐cost quadrupole mass spectrometer (GCxGC‐QMS). The second chromatographic dimension was operated in a dual configuration, consisting of two parallel secondary columns, one being connected to the QMS, the other to a flame ionization detector (FID). This not only allowed optimization of the chromatographic gas flows when compared to the usual single second dimension, but it also enabled the use of the FID signal to extend the quantification range from 2 to 10,000 mg/kg. The QMS was used at a low level (2‐100 mg/kg), where coelutions are frequent, and the FID was used for the most abundant analytes (100‐10,000 mg/kg) with a low risk of significant interferences. To assess the identity and purity of the analyte peak at low level, we propose a strategy and summarize it in a decisional tree. To our knowledge, this represents the first fully developed quantification method based on a GCx2GC‐QMS/FID system. In contrast to other methods, it enables the quantification of a wide variety of analytes in fragrances in a single run, without requiring a series of sample dilutions to match the calibration range.
Testing for the indirect effect under the null for genome‐wide mediation analyses
Authors: Barfield Richard , Shen Jincheng , Just Allan C. , Vokonas Pantel S. , Schwartz Joel , Baccarelli Andrea A. , VanderWeele Tyler J. , Lin Xihong
Published: October 2017

Mediation analysis helps researchers assess whether part or all of an exposure's effect on an outcome is due to an intermediate variable. The indirect effect can help in designing interventions on the mediator as opposed to the exposure and better understanding the outcome's mechanisms. Mediation analysis has seen increased use in genome‐wide epidemiological studies to test for an exposure of interest being mediated through a genomic measure such as gene expression or DNA methylation (DNAm). Testing for the indirect effect is challenged by the fact that the null hypothesis is composite. We examined the performance of commonly used mediation testing methods for the indirect effect in genome‐wide mediation studies. When there is no association between the exposure and the mediator and no association between the mediator and the outcome, we show that these common tests are overly conservative. This is a case that will arise frequently in genome‐wide mediation studies. Caution is hence needed when applying the commonly used mediation tests in genome‐wide mediation studies. We evaluated the performance of these methods using simulation studies, and performed an epigenome‐wide mediation association study in the Normative Aging Study, analyzing DNAm as a mediator of the effect of pack‐years on FEV1.
Carbonation kinetics of fly‐ash‐modified calcium‐based sorbents for CO2 capture
Authors: Chen Huichao , Wang Fang , Zhao Changsui , Duan Lunbo
Published: October 2017

Calcium looping technology is one of the most promising technologies for CO2 capture. Nevertheless, one of the major problems for this technology is the rapid decay in CO2 capture performance of calcium‐based sorbents during the calcination/carbonation cycles. It is essential to improve the sorbents’ CO2 capture capacity and maintain their long‐term performance during the cycles, especially in a cost‐effective and environmentally benign method for further development of the technology. Calcium‐based sorbents modified with fly ash present great potential for enhancing CO2 capture capacity. Carbonation kinetics of the modified sorbents, an important factor for CO2 capture system design, is critical for exploring its application. The carbonation rate of the modified sorbents has been investigated and the main parameters such as activation energy and pre‐exponential factor have been calculated. Logistic and Avrami fractional kinetics models show better fitting regression, as indicated with a high regression coefficient R2 of 0.987–0.999. The models well describe the CO2 carbonation kinetics behavior of the modified sorbents, since they have considered the multi‐step reaction mechanisms including film diffusion, intra‐particle diffusion, and the interaction with active sites, and have an acceptable average relative error between calculated and experimental data, for example 0.618–6.39% and 4.24–5.39% for the modified sorbents at chemical‐controlled reaction and diffusion‐controlled reaction, respectively. Activation energy and pre‐exponential factor at chemical‐controlled reaction are E1 = 15.019 kJ/mol, k01 = 5.940 mol/(m2s) and E2 = 12.252 kJ/mol, k02 = 3.195 mol/(m2s) for modified sorbents CaO/FA Hyd (50%AC) and CaO/PFA(cal)Hyd, respectively. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bench‐Stable Electrophilic Indole and Pyrrole Reagents: Serendipitous Discovery and Use in C–H Functionalization
Authors: Caramenti Paola , Waser Jerome
Published: October 2017

The development of reagents allowing the reversal of the standard reactivity (Umpolung) of small building blocks is an important field of research in chemistry, as it allows increasing the flexibility of organic synthesis. Indoles and pyrroles are ubiquitous heterocycles in natural products and drugs. They are usually functionalized making use of their high nucleophilicity. In contrast, only few methods are based on the use of electrophilic indole and pyrrole synthons, as the needed reagents are highly unstable or can be used only with a very narrow scope. Herein, we report the serendipitous discovery and first use in the C–H functionalization of arenes of IndoleBX and PyrroleBX, new thermally highly stable benziodoxol(on)e hypervalent iodine reagents. IndoleBX and PyrroleBX could be obtained in one step from the corresponding heterocycles and acetoxy benziodoxolone using a Lewis acid catalyst. The mild reactions conditions allowed the introduction of a broad range of functional groups, including ethers, halogens and boronic esters. The new reagents could then be used in the rhodium‐ and ruthenium‐catalyzed C–H heteroarylation of arene rings bearing heterocyclic or benzamide directing groups. Such transformations could not be realized using previously reported C–H functionalization procedures.
Relapse in stage I(E) diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Nijland Marcel , Boslooper Karin , van Imhoff Gustaaf , Kibbelaar Robbie , Joosten Peter , Storm Huib , van Roon Eric N. , Diepstra Arjan , Kluin‐Nelemans Hanneke C. , Hoogendoorn Mels
Published: October 2017

Despite a general favourable outcome in limited stage diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), relapses occur in about 10 to 20% of patients. Prognostic models only partially identify patients at risk for relapse. Moreover, it is not known whether the outcome after such a relapse is similar to the outcome after relapse in advanced stages. From January 2004 through December 2012, all newly diagnosed patients with stage I(E) DLBCL were retrospectively analysed from 2 clinical databases to investigate the relapse pattern and outcome in relation to initial treatment and clinical characteristics. In 126 patients (median age 64 years), histologically confirmed stage I(E) DLBCL was diagnosed. With a median follow‐up of 53 months (range 5‐132 months), 1 progressive disease and 18 relapses occurred. The 5‐year time to tumour progression and disease‐specific survival were 85% (95% CI 79‐91%) and 92% (95% CI 87%‐97%), respectively. We observed no significant difference in relapse localization, time to tumour progression, and disease‐specific survival between patients treated with abbreviated R‐CHOP plus involved field radiotherapy or with 6 to 8 cycles of R‐CHOP. Analysis of relapses showed relapse >5 years after initial treatment (late relapse) in 5 of 19 patients (26%). Six of 19 patients (32%) had central nervous system relapse. Three of 11 relapsed cases available for analysis (28%) showed an MYC translocation, suggesting an overrepresentation in the relapse group. Outcome of patients with a relapse was poor with a median survival after relapse of 8 months. Only 1 patient (5%) underwent successful autologous stem cell transplantation. To improve outcome in these patients, early identification of new biological factors such as a MYC translocation or a high risk for CNS dissemination might be helpful. Moreover, treatment of any relapse after stage I disease should be taken seriously. Salvage treatment should be similar to relapses after advanced DLBCL.
Innate immunity protein Tag7 (PGRP‐S) activates lymphocytes capable of Fasl–Fas‐dependent contact killing of virus‐infected cells
Authors: Sharapova Tatiana N. , Ivanova Olga K. , Prasolov Vladimir S. , Romanova Elena A. , Sashchenko Lidia P. , Yashin Denis V.
Published: October 2017

The innate immunity protein Tag7 (PGRP‐S, PGLYRP1) is involved in antimicrobial and antitumor defense. As shown in our previous studies, Tag7 specifically interacts with the major heat shock protein Hsp70 to form a stable Tag7–Hsp70 complex with cytotoxic activity against tumor cells. A stable complex of Tag7 with the calcium‐binding protein Mts1 (S100A4) stimulates migration of lymphocytes. Moreover, Tag7 can activate cytotoxic lymphocytes that recognize and kill HLA‐negative tumor cells. Here, we have shown that Tag 7 treatment of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) results in activation of different cytotoxic lymphocyte populations—natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+NKG2D+ T lymphocytes—that kill Moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV) infected SC‐1 cells using different mechanisms of cell death induction. This mechanism in NK cells is based on the release of granzymes, which activate apoptosis in target cells, while CD8+NKG2D+ T lymphocytes recognize the noncanonical MicA antigen on the surface of virus‐containing cells and kill them via the FasL–Fas interaction, triggering the apoptotic or necroptotic cell death pathway. Preliminary incubation of PBMCs with virus‐infected cells and following incubation with Tag7 results in activation of lymphocytes with a different phenotype. These lymphocytes change the spectrum of target cells and the mechanism of cell death induction, and their interaction with target cells is not species‐specific. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(12):971–977, 2017
Those Who Know and Are Known: Students Using Ethnography to Interrogate Language and Literacy Ideologies
Authors: LeBlanc Robert Jean
Published: October 2017

Framing ethnography as a form of democratic inquiry, this study examines how the author worked with a group of Mexican and Vietnamese American adolescents to learn and apply ethnographic tools to interrogate language and literacy ideologies in their school and community. Examination of the students’ findings reveals circulating ideologies and narratives of English monolingualism in schools, as well as their own complex literacy repertoires that worked against Standard English deficit models. This study demonstrates the democratic potential of welcoming diverse students into their own ethnographic research for literacy learning. The study equally provides insights for teachers and researchers into the mundane ways that literacy and language ideologies are produced schools and how students work to resist these through their own practices.
Intake of Milk or Fermented Milk Combined With Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Relation to Hip Fracture Rates: A Cohort Study of Swedish Women
Authors: Michaëlsson Karl , Wolk Alicja , Lemming Eva Warensjö , Melhus Håkan , Byberg Liisa
Published: October 2017

Milk products may differ in pro-oxidant properties and their effects on fracture risk could potentially be modified by the intake of foods with antioxidant activity. In the population-based Swedish Mammography Cohort study, we aimed to determine how milk and fermented milk combined with fruit and vegetable consumption are associated with hip fracture. Women born in 1914–1948 (n = 61,240) answered food frequency and lifestyle questionnaires in 1987–1990 and 38,071 women contributed with updated information in 1997. During a mean follow-up of 22 years, 5827 women had a hip fracture (ascertained via official register data). Compared with a low intake of milk (<1 glass/day) and a high intake of fruits and vegetables (≥5 servings/day), a high intake of milk (≥3 glasses/day) with a concomitant low intake of fruits and vegetables (<2 servings/day) resulted in a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.49 (95% CI, 2.03 to 3.05). This higher hip fracture rate among high consumers of milk was only modestly attenuated with a concomitant high consumption of fruit and vegetables (HR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.69 to 2.71). The combination of fruits and vegetables with fermented milk (yogurt or soured milk) yielded a different pattern with lowest rates of hip fracture in high consumers: HR, 0.81 (95% CI, 0.68 to 0.97) for ≥2 servings/day of fermented milk and ≥5 servings/day of fruits and vegetables compared with low consumption of both fruit and vegetables and fermented milk. We conclude that the amount and type of dairy products as well as fruit and vegetable intake are differentially associated with hip fracture rates in women. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
MRI of plaque characteristics and relationship with downstream perfusion and cerebral infarction in patients with symptomatic middle cerebral artery stenosis
Authors: Lu Shan‐Shan , Ge Song , Su Chun‐Qiu , Xie Jun , Mao Jian , Shi Hai‐Bin , Hong Xun‐Ning
Published: October 2017

Background

Intracranial plaque characteristics are associated with stroke events. Differences in plaque features may explain the disconnect between stenosis severity and the presence of ischemic stroke.

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between plaque characteristics and downstream perfusion changes, and their contribution to the occurrence of cerebral infarction beyond luminal stenosis.

Study Type

Case control.

Subjects

Forty‐six patients with symptomatic middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis (with acute cerebral infarction, n = 30; without acute cerebral infarction, n = 16).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T with 3D turbo spin echo sequence (3D‐SPACE).

Assessment

Luminal stenosis grade, plaque features including lesion T2 and T1 hyperintense components, plaque enhancement grade, and plaque distribution were assessed. Brain perfusion was evaluated on mean transient time maps based on the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (MTT‐ASPECTS).

Statistical Tests

Plaque features, grade of luminal stenosis, and MTT‐ASPECTS were compared between two groups. The association between plaque features and MTT‐ASPECTS were assessed using Spearman's correlation analysis. Multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess the effect of significant variables alone and their combination in determining the occurrence of cerebral infarction.

Results

Stronger enhanced plaques were associated with downstream lower MTT‐ASPECTS (P = 0.010). Plaque enhancement grade (P = 0.039, odds ratio [OR] 5.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–32) and MTT‐ASPECTS (P = 0.003, OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.4–4.7) were associated with a recent cerebral infarction, whereas luminal stenosis grade was not (P = 0.128). The combination of MTT‐ASPECTS and plaque enhancement grade provided incremental information beyond luminal stenosis grade alone. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) improved from 0.535 to 0.921 (P < 0.05).

Data Concusion

Strongly enhanced plaques are associated with a higher likelihood of downstream perfusion impairment. Plaque enhancement and perfusion evaluation may play a complementary role to luminal stenosis in determining the occurrence of acute cerebral infarction.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017.
Electric Charge Gaussian Gradation Method (ECGGM): A technique for improving material interface representations for the radial point interpolation method
Authors: de Oliveira Rodrigo M. S. , Brandão Marcelo B. S. , Sousa Washington C. B.
Published: October 2017

An improved meshless discretization methodology, based on the Coulomb's law discretization method, is introduced. With the presented improvement, it is possible to naturally and controllably increase the density of nodes around edges and corners of scatterers immersed in analysis space. This is achieved by gradually modifying node's charges across space according to Gaussian functions. It is observed that higher concentration of nodes in the neighborhood of media interfaces substantially improves the precision of numerical solutions of Maxwell's equations obtained with the radial point interpolation method. This improvement is justified by refined calculation of intense spatial field variations near the boundaries. Several other relevant benefits resulting from the new technique are observed and highlighted.
Spatial‐temporal characteristics of aerosol loading over the Yangtze River Basin during 2001–2015
Authors: Zhang Ming , Ma Yingying , Wang Lunche , Gong Wei , Hu Bo , Shi Yifan
Published: October 2017

The spatial‐temporal characteristics of aerosol loading over the Yangtze River Basin, China during 2001–2015 were investigated using moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS), multi‐angle imaging spectroradiometer (MISR), and ground‐level particulate matter (PM) data. Aerosol optical depth (AOD) >0.8 occurs in the Yangtze River Delta, central China, and the Sichuan Basin, while AOD <0.3 occurs over higher‐elevation areas in the western Sichuan Plateau and the source regions of the Yangtze River. The western Sichuan Plateau is characterized by fine‐mode natural aerosols, while the source region of the Yangtze River is more influenced by dust aerosols. The Sichuan Basin, central China, and the Yangtze River Delta are dominated by anthropogenic aerosols. The spatial distribution of ground‐level PM2.5 and its ratio to PM10 confirm the high aerosol loading and dominance of small particles over the middle and lower Yangtze Basin. Over the Yangtze River Delta, central China, and the Sichuan Basin, AOD varies seasonally from low in the cold months to high in the warm months, being suppressed by rainfall and wind during the Asian summer monsoon. Precipitation increases aerosol loading in the western Sichuan Plateau but reduces dust particles in the source region of the Yangtze River. There is no significant AOD trend over most areas of the Yangtze River Basin during 2001–2015, while strong decreasing trends are found over most of the middle and lower Yangtze Basin during 2011–2015. These decreasing trends may relate to changes in annual precipitation, wind speed, and air‐pollution control policies. The NO2 and SO2 emissions decreased by 16.51 and 23.40% over major provinces and cities of the Yangtze River Basin from 2011 to 2015. An increase in rainfall over the middle and lower Yangtze Basin and a better pollutant diffusion condition in the Sichuan Basin also favour the decreasing AOD during this period.
Spatio‐temporal variations of nonlinear trends of precipitation over an arid region of northwest China according to the extreme‐point symmetric mode decomposition method
Authors: Qin Yanhua , Li Baofu , Chen Zhongsheng , Chen Yaning , Lian Lishu
Published: October 2017

Climate systems have both nonlinear and non‐stationary characteristics, and it is important to develop methods to reveal the nonlinear trends in these systems. Based on synthetic data with known signals and a precipitation anomaly time series from 74 meteorological stations in an arid region of northwest China (ARNC) from 1960 to 2015, the latest extreme‐point symmetric mode decomposition (ESMD) and ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) methods were employed to conduct multi‐scale mode decomposition. The results showed that both the ESMD and EEMD methods can separate synthetic signals and extract the nonlinear trends of precipitation in ARNC and can thus provide reliable decomposition results. This article employed the ESMD method to analyse the spatial and temporal variation features of nonlinear precipitation trends in ARNC from 1960 to 2015. The results indicated that over the past 50+ years, the overall precipitation in ARNC has exhibited an apparent nonlinear upwards trend. In addition, its changes have exhibited oscillation periods of 3, 6, and 11 years. The periods of the three components are significant (p < 0.05), and the variance contribution rate of the first intrinsic mode function (IMF1) is the largest, reaching 58%. Furthermore, there are obvious spatial differences in the nonlinear trends of average annual precipitation: northern Xinjiang has had a mainly rising trend; southern Xinjiang has had mainly rising and decreasing–rising trends; and the precipitation changes in the Hexi Corridor have been quite complicated. The ESMD method can reflect integrated changes in the nonlinear trends of precipitation over different time scales and has important practical significance and scientific value for revealing the complicated structural features of climate systems.
The determination of the botanical origin in honeys with over‐represented pollen: combination of melissopalynological, sensory and physicochemical analysis
Authors: Rodopoulou Maria‐Anna , Tananaki Chrysoula , Dimou Maria , Liolios Vasilios , Kanelis Dimitrios , Goras Georgios , Thrasyvoulou Andreas
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Pollen analysis of honey is the basic method for the determination of its botanical origin. However, the presence of over‐represented pollen in honeys may lead the analysis to false results. This can be more severe if this pollen is present in unifloral under‐represented honeys of commercial importance (e.g. thyme honey). In the present study, we investigated the abundance of over‐represented pollen grains on several quality characteristics in honey samples. In particular, we mixed honeys characterised as over‐represented, specifically chestnut and eucalyptus, with thyme honeys in different analogies, and we also analysed the melissopalynological, organoleptic, physicochemical (water content, electrical conductivity, colour) and volatile characteristics of the blends.

RESULTS

The most sensitive parameters were the microscopic characteristics, followed by the organoleptic ones. Blends of thyme honey with an originally low percentage of thyme pollen were the most influenced and could not be characterised as unifloral regarding their melissopalynological characteristics, even when they were mixed with small quantities of honeys with over‐represented pollen (i.e. 5%).

CONCLUSION

The present study confirms that, in the case of presence of over‐represented pollen in honeys, pollen analysis alone cannot give trustworthy results for the determination of the botanical origin, even though their exclusion during pollen analysis, when they are present in percentages of up to 30%, could provide more accurate results. Consequently, pollen analysis should also be combined with the other analyses, especially in honeys with under‐represented and over‐represented pollens, to give safer results for the botanical characterisation of honeys. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
A robust projector–camera interactive display system based on finger touch control by fusing finger and its shadow
Authors: Song Chengqun , Cheng Jun
Published: October 2017

A robust projector–camera interactive display system consisting of one camera and one projector is proposed, which enables users to interact with computer by touching on arbitrary surfaces with bare hand. The system utilizes the camera to recover 3D information of fingertip for touch detection. Firstly, predicted image generated from geometric and photometric calibration matrix is used to segment hand and its shadow. Secondly, fusion degree of the hand and its shadow is detected using linear‐scanning method. Finally, a square tracking mask is used to determine the touch action on the projection surface. Experimental results show that the proposed system is robust to different lighting conditions. The touch detection accuracy is 93.0% and the average processing time of each frame is 36 ms.
Immediate chest wall reconstruction using an external oblique myocutaneous flap for large skin defects after mastectomy in advanced or recurrent breast cancer patients: A single center experience
Authors: Lee Seokwon , Jung Younglae , Bae Youngtae
Published: October 2017

Background and Objectives

We report 75 single‐stage chest‐wall reconstructions using ipsilateral external oblique myocutaneous flap (EOMCF) to cover the extensive skin defects following resection of advanced or recurrent breast tumours at the Pusan National University Hospital.

Methods

Between January 2007 and October 2015, 75 women with advanced or recurred breast cancer who underwent extensive mastectomy with immediate chest wall reconstruction using EOMCF were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Mean age was 50.5 ± 9.8 years and mean follow‐up period was 36.7 ± 25.1 months. A total of 59 patients (78.7%) had stage III disease and the remaining 16 patients (21.3%) had stage IV. Mean excised breast tissue weight was 687.6 ± 416.5 g (range, 120.3‐2797.1 g). The mean chest wall skin defect covered with an EOMCF was 228.3 ± 168.1 cm2 and corresponded to an approximately 15 × 15 cm defect. Average operative time for reconstruction was <2 h. There were no major complications such as flap loss, full thickness skin necrosis, or surgical site infections. With respect to loco‐regional recurrence, nine patients (12%) experienced recurrence. Among the 59 non‐stage IV patients, loco‐regional relapse occurred in five patients (8.5%).

Conclusions

EOMCF can effectively cover large chest wall defects with a few minor complications and reliable local disease control.
Ion‐pair‐based hollow‐fiber liquid‐phase microextraction combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography for the simultaneous determination of urinary benzene, toluene, and styrene metabolites
Authors: Bahrami Abdulrahman , Ghamari Farhad , Yamini Yadollah , Ghorbani Shahna Farshid , Koolivand Ali
Published: October 2017

In the current study, a novel technique for extraction and determination of trans,trans‐muconic acid, hippuric acid, and mandelic acid was developed by means of ion‐pair‐based hollow fiber liquid‐phase microextraction in the three‐phase mode. Important factors affecting the extraction efficiency of the method were investigated and optimized. These metabolites were extracted from 10 mL of the source phase into a supported liquid membrane containing 1‐octanol and 10% w/v of Aliquat 336 as the ionic carrier followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis. The organic phase immobilized in the pores of a hollow fiber was back‐extracted into 24 μL of a solution containing 3.0 mol/L sodium chloride placed inside the lumen of the fiber. A very high preconcentration of 212‐ to 440‐fold, limit of detection of 0.1–7 μg/L, and relative recovery of 87–95% were obtained under the optimized conditions of this method. The relative standard deviation values for within‐day and between‐day precisions were calculated at 2.9–8.5 and 4.3–11.2%, respectively. The method was successfully applied to urine samples from volunteers at different work environments. The results demonstrated that the method can be used as a sensitive and effective technique for the determination of the metabolites in urine.