bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of cytologic and histopathologic findings with perinodal echogenicity of abdominal lymph nodes in dogs and cats
Authors: Davé Aditya C. , Zekas Lisa J. , Auld Danelle M.
Published: April 2017

Abdominal lymphadenopathy in dogs and cats is routinely investigated with ultrasound. As the determination between benign and neoplastic etiologies of lymphadenopathy affects patient management, specific sonographic characteristics associated with both benign and neoplastic lymph nodes have been suggested. However, a significant overlap between these characteristics exists, necessitating a cytologic or histopathologic diagnosis in most instances. The objectives of this retrospective, cross‐sectional study were to evaluate whether echogenicity of perinodal fat could be a discriminator between benign and neoplastic abdominal lymphadenopathy and to assess if additional sonographic features associated with malignancy could be identified in lymph nodes with hyperechoic perinodal fat. Small animal patients (257 dogs and 117 cats) with sonographic evidence of abdominal lymphadenopathy and a cytological or histopathological diagnosis were evaluated for differences in the proportions of sonographic features between benign and neoplastic groups. Greater maximum long axis diameter (in dogs and cats) and a greater number of abnormal lymph nodes (in cats) were associated with malignancy in lymph nodes with hyperechoic perinodal fat. Canine lymph nodes with round cell neoplasia were significantly more likely to have hyperechoic perinodal fat. Lymph nodes affected with other neoplasia or with lymphadenitis were equally likely to have normal or hyperechoic perinodal fat. Reactive lymph nodes were significantly less likely to have hyperechoic perinodal fat in both species. These results suggest that though echogenicity of perinodal fat is a nonspecific finding, abdominal lymph nodes with hyperechoic perinodal fat are less likely to be reactive and sampling of these lymph nodes may be indicated.
Comorbidity assessment in localized prostate cancer: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Moretti Kim , Coombe Robyn
Published: April 2017

Review objective/questions:

The objective of this study is to review and summarize the methods and tools used to measure comorbidity in localized prostate cancer (PCa) and in particular to assess whether these tools are adequately validated and reliable for determining the impact of comorbidity on survival and treatment decisions for this disease.

Specifically, the review questions are:

What are the methods and tools used to measure comorbidity in localized PCa? (A detailed description and overview of psychometric properties will be provided for those methods and tools identified).

Is there an optimal index(ices)/method(s) for use in localized PCa to assess overall survival and non-cancer survival?

What is the effect of comorbidity assessment on treatment choice and curative therapy?
Effectiveness of the Manchester Triage System on time to treatment in the emergency department: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Cicolo Emilia A. , Ayache Nishi Fernanda , Ciqueto Peres Heloísa H. , Cruz Diná de Almeida Lopes Monteiro da
Published: April 2017

Review question/objective:

The review aims to find the best available evidence on the effectiveness of the Manchester Triage System on time to treatment in the emergency department.
Effect of the Crystallinity on the Electromigration Resistance of Electroplated Copper Thin-Film Interconnections
Authors: Kato Takeru , Suzuki Ken , Miura Hideo
Published: April 2017

Dominant factors of electromigration (EM) resistance of electroplated copper thin-film interconnections were investigated from the viewpoint of temperature and crystallinity of the interconnection. The EM test under the constant current density of 7 mA/cm2 was performed to observe the degradation such as accumulation of copper atoms and voids. Formation of voids and the accumulation occurred along grain boundaries during the EM test, and finally the interconnection was fractured at the not cathode side but at the center part of the interconnection. From the monitoring of temperature of the interconnection by using thermography during the EM test, this abnormal fracture was caused by large Joule heating of itself under high current density. In order to investigate the effect of grain boundaries on the degradation by EM, the crystallinity of grain boundaries in the interconnection was evaluated by using image quality (IQ) value obtained from electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis. The crystallinity of grain boundaries before the EM test had wide distribution, and the grain boundaries damaged under the EM loading mainly were random grain boundaries with low crystallinity. Thus, high density of Joule heating and high-speed diffusion of copper atoms along low crystallinity grain boundaries accelerated the EM degradation of the interconnection. The change of Joule heating density and activation energy for the EM damage were evaluated by using the interconnection annealed at 400 °C for 3 h. The annealing of the interconnection increased not only average grain size but also crystallinity of grains and grain boundaries drastically. The average IQ value of the interconnection was increased from 4100 to 6200 by the annealing. The improvement of the crystallinity decreased the maximum temperature of the interconnection during the EM test and increased the activation energy from 0.72 eV to 1.07 eV. The estimated lifetime of interconnections is increased about 100 times by these changes. Since the atomic diffusion is accelerated by not only the current density but also temperature and low crystallinity grain boundaries, the lifetime of the interconnections under EM loading is a strong function of their crystallinity. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate and control the crystallinity of interconnections quantitatively using IQ value to assure their long-term reliability.
Tribological Properties of Electrodeposited Ni–Co3O4 Nanocomposite Coating on Steel Substrate
Authors: Akhtar Khalida , Khalid Hina , Ul Haq Ikram , Zubair Naila , Ullah Khan Zia , Hussain Abid
Published: April 2017

Uniform nanoparticles of cobalt oxide precursors were prepared by the chemical precipitation in which the headspace vapors of ammonium hydroxide solution of known concentration were allowed to bubble through the aqueous solutions of cobalt sulfate, containing appropriate amount of the nonionic surfactant, octylphenoxy poly ethoxy ethanol. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed that uniformity in particle size was dependent upon the applied precipitation conditions. Extensive optimization was therefore performed for the attainment of uniformity in particle size and shape. The amorphous precursor was transformed into crystalline Co3O4 as confirmed by X-ray diffractometry. These particles, with isoelectric point (IEP) at pH ∼ 8.4, were then employed as reinforcement additive for strengthening the electrodeposited nickel matrix. Effect of various parameters, i.e., stirring rate, applied current density, and temperature, was studied on the amount of the codeposited Co3O4 particles in the nanocomposite coatings (Ni–Co3O4) during the electrodeposition process. pH of the coating mixtures was kept below IEP value of Co3O4 so that the latter particles carried net positive surface charge. The coated surfaces were subjected to various tests, i.e., microhardness, wear/friction, and corrosion. Results revealed that irrespective of the amount of the embedded Co3O4 particles, nanocomposite coatings demonstrated superior performance as compared to pure nickel coatings.
Fluid–Structure Interaction Simulation of Vortex-Induced Vibration of a Flexible Hydrofoil
Authors: Lee Abe H. , Campbell Robert L. , Craven Brent A. , Hambric Stephen A.
Published: April 2017

Fluid–structure interaction (FSI) is investigated in this study for vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of a flexible, backward skewed hydrofoil. An in-house finite element structural solver finite element analysis nonlinear (FEANL) is tightly coupled with the open-source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) library openfoam to simulate the interaction of a flexible hydrofoil with vortical flow structures shed from a large upstream rigid cylinder. To simulate the turbulent flow at a moderate computational cost, hybrid Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes–large eddy simulation (RANS–LES) is used. Simulations are first performed to investigate key modeling aspects that include the influence of CFD mesh resolution and topology (structured versus unstructured mesh), time-step size, and turbulence model (delayed-detached-eddy-simulation and k−ω shear stress transport-scale adaptive simulation). Final FSI simulations are then performed and compared against experimental data acquired from the Penn State-ARL 12 in water tunnel at two flow conditions, 2.5 m/s and 3.0 m/s, corresponding to Reynolds numbers of 153,000 and 184,000 (based on the cylinder diameter), respectively. Comparisons of the hydrofoil tip-deflections, reaction forces, and velocity fields (contours and profiles) show reasonable agreement between the tightly coupled FSI simulations and experiments. The primary motivation of this study is to assess the capability of a tightly coupled FSI approach to model such a problem and to provide modeling guidance for future FSI simulations of rotating propellers in crashback (reverse propeller operation).
Benchmark Experiments for Steady-State Natural Convection in Fuel Rod Bundles
Authors: Jones Kyle L. , Smith Barton L.
Published: April 2017

Natural convection is a phenomenon in which fluid flow surrounding a body is induced by a change in density due to the temperature difference between the body and fluid. After removal from the pressurized water reactor (PWR), decay heat is removed from nuclear fuel bundles by natural convection in spent fuel pools for up to several years. Once the fuel bundles have cooled sufficiently, they are removed from fuel pools and placed in dry storage casks for long-term disposal. Little is known about the convective effects that occur inside the rod bundles under dry-storage conditions. Simulations may provide further insight into spent-fuel dry storage, but the models used must be evaluated to determine their accuracy using validation methods. The present study investigates natural convection in a 2 × 2 fuel rod model in order to provide validation data. The four heated aluminum rods are suspended in an open-circuit wind tunnel. Boundary conditions (BCs) have been measured and uncertainties calculated to provide necessary quantities to successfully conduct a validation exercise. System response quantities (SRQs) have been measured for comparing the simulation output to the experiment. Stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (SPIV) was used to nonintrusively measure three-component velocity fields. Two constant-heat-flux rod surface conditions are presented, 400 W/m2 and 700 W/m2, resulting in Rayleigh numbers of 4.5 × 109 and 5.5 × 109 and Reynolds numbers of 3450 and 4600, respectively. Uncertainty for all the measured variables is reported.
Maximum likelihood estimators and Cramér–Rao bound for estimating azimuth and elevation angles using compact arrays
Authors: Urazghildiiev Ildar R. , Hannay David
Published: April 2017

The problem of estimating the azimuth and elevation angle of a sound source using a compact array of hydrophones is addressed. The closed-form representations for several time-difference of arrival (TDOA) based estimators are given, and their accuracies are evaluated using both statistical simulations and in situ tests. Simulations demonstrated that the accuracy provided by the estimators is close to the Cramér–Rao bounds. In real conditions, the main cause of azimuth and elevation errors can be refraction, surface and bottom reflections and other unpredictable sound propagation effects resulting in large and slowly changing errors.
Shifts in Adaptation: The Effects of Self-Efficacy and Task Difficulty Perception
Authors: Sides Ryan , Chow Graig , Tenenbaum Gershon
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this study was to explore adaptation through the manipulation of perceived task difficulty and self-efficacy to challenge the concepts postulated by the two-perception probabilistic concept of the adaptation phenomenon (TPPCA) conceptual framework. Twenty-four randomized performers completed a handgrip and putting task, at three difficulty levels, to assess their self-efficacy and perceived task difficulty interactions on motivations, affect, and performances. The TPPCA was partially confirmed in both tasks. Specifically, as the task difficulty level increased, arousal increased, pleasantness decreased, and the performance declined. There was no solid support that motivational adaptations were congruent with the TPPCA. The findings pertaining to the human adaptation state represent a first step in encouraging future inquiries in this domain. The findings clarify the notion of perceived task difficulty and self-efficacy discrepancy, which then provokes cognitive appraisals and emotional resources to produce an adaptation response.
Selective control of electron and hole tunneling in 2D assembly
Authors: Chu Dongil , Lee Young Hee , Kim Eun Kyu
Published: April 2017

A novel triode device controlled by a carrier type (namely, “carristor”) with ultrahigh on/off and rectification ratios is introduced.
Biodiversity losses and conservation responses in the Anthropocene
Authors: Johnson Christopher N. , Balmford Andrew , Brook Barry W. , Buettel Jessie C. , Galetti Mauro , Guangchun Lei , Wilmshurst Janet M.
Published: April 2017

Biodiversity is essential to human well-being, but people have been reducing biodiversity throughout human history. Loss of species and degradation of ecosystems are likely to further accelerate in the coming years. Our understanding of this crisis is now clear, and world leaders have pledged to avert it. Nonetheless, global goals to reduce the rate of biodiversity loss have mostly not been achieved. However, many examples of conservation success show that losses can be halted and even reversed. Building on these lessons to turn the tide of biodiversity loss will require bold and innovative action to transform historical relationships between human populations and nature.
Click Chemistry-Facilitated Structural Diversification of Nitrothiazoles, Nitrofurans, and Nitropyrroles Enhances Antimicrobial Activity against Giardia lamblia
Authors: Kim Wan Jung , Korthals Keith A. , Li Suhua , Le Christine , Kalisiak Jarosław , Sharpless K. Barry , Fokin Valery V. , Miyamoto Yukiko , Eckmann Lars
Published: April 2017

Giardia lamblia
is an important and ubiquitous cause of diarrheal disease. The primary agents in the treatment of giardiasis are nitroheterocyclic drugs, particularly the imidazoles metronidazole and tinidazole and the thiazole nitazoxanide. Although these drugs are generally effective, treatment failures occur in up to 20% of cases, and resistance has been demonstrated
in vivo
and
in vitro
. Prior work had suggested that side chain modifications of the imidazole core can lead to new effective 5-nitroimidazole drugs that can combat nitro drug resistance, but the full potential of nitroheterocycles other than imidazole to yield effective new antigiardial agents has not been explored. Here, we generated derivatives of two clinically utilized nitroheterocycles, nitrothiazole and nitrofuran, as well as a third heterocycle, nitropyrrole, which is related to nitroimidazole but has not been systematically investigated as an antimicrobial drug scaffold. Click chemistry was employed to synthesize 442 novel nitroheterocyclic compounds with extensive side chain modifications. Screening of this library against representative
G. lamblia
strains showed a wide spectrum of
in vitro
activities, with many of the compounds exhibiting superior activity relative to reference drugs and several showing >100-fold increase in potency and the ability to overcome existing forms of metronidazole resistance. The majority of new compounds displayed no cytotoxicity against human cells, and several compounds were orally active against murine giardiasis
in vivo
. These findings provide additional impetus for the systematic development of nitroheterocyclic compounds with nonimidazole cores as alternative and improved agents for the treatment of giardiasis and potentially other infectious agents.
Metabolic Genetic Screens Reveal Multidimensional Regulation of Virulence Gene Expression in Listeria monocytogenes and an Aminopeptidase That Is Critical for PrfA Protein Activation
Authors: Friedman Sivan , Linsky Marika , Lobel Lior , Rabinovich Lev , Sigal Nadejda , Herskovits Anat A.
Published: April 2017

Listeria monocytogenes
is an environmental saprophyte and intracellular bacterial pathogen. Upon invading mammalian cells, the bacterium senses abrupt changes in its metabolic environment, which are rapidly transduced to regulation of virulence gene expression. To explore the relationship between
L. monocytogenes
metabolism and virulence, we monitored virulence gene expression dynamics across a library of genetic mutants grown under two metabolic conditions known to activate the virulent state: charcoal-treated rich medium containing glucose-1-phosphate and minimal defined medium containing limiting concentrations of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). We identified over 100 distinct mutants that exhibit aberrant virulence gene expression profiles, the majority of which mapped to nonessential metabolic genes. Mutants displayed enhanced, decreased, and early and late virulence gene expression profiles, as well as persistent levels, demonstrating a high plasticity in virulence gene regulation. Among the mutants, one was noteworthy for its particularly low virulence gene expression level and mapped to an X-prolyl aminopeptidase (PepP). We show that this peptidase plays a role in posttranslational activation of the major virulence regulator, PrfA. Specifically, PepP mediates recruitment of PrfA to the cytoplasmic membrane, a step identified as critical for PrfA protein activation. This study establishes a novel step in the complex mechanism of PrfA activation and further highlights the cross regulation of metabolism and virulence.
Identification of Acute HIV-1 Infection by Hologic Aptima HIV-1 RNA Qualitative Assay
Authors: Manak Mark M. , Eller Leigh Anne , Malia Jennifer , Jagodzinski Linda L. , Trichavaroj Rapee , Oundo Joseph , Lueer Cornelia , Cham Fatim , de Souza Mark , Michael Nelson L. , Robb Merlin L. , Peel Sheila A.
Published: April 2017

The Hologic Aptima HIV-1 Qualitative RNA assay was used in a rigorous screening approach designed to identify individuals at the earliest stage of HIV-1 infection for enrollment into subsequent studies of cellular and viral events in early infection (RV 217/Early Capture HIV Cohort [ECHO] study). Volunteers at high risk for HIV-1 infection were recruited from study sites in Thailand, Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya with high HIV-1 prevalence rates among the populations examined. Small-volume blood samples were collected by finger stick at twice-weekly intervals and tested with the Aptima assay. Participants with reactive Aptima test results were contacted immediately for entry into a more comprehensive follow-up schedule with frequent blood draws. Evaluation of the Aptima test prior to use in this study showed a detection sensitivity of 5.5 copies/ml (50%), with all major HIV-1 subtypes detected. A total of 54,306 specimens from 1,112 volunteers were examined during the initial study period (August 2009 to November 2010); 27 individuals were identified as converting from uninfected to infected status. A sporadic reactive Aptima signal was observed in HIV-1-infected individuals under antiretroviral therapy. Occasional false-reactive Aptima results in uninfected individuals, or nonreactive results in HIV-1-infected individuals not on therapy, were observed and used to calculate assay sensitivity and specificity. The sensitivity and specificity of the Aptima assay were 99.03% and 99.23%, respectively; positive and negative predictive values were 92.01% and 99.91%, respectively. Conversion from HIV-1-uninfected to -infected status was rapid, with no evidence of a prolonged period of intermittent low-level viremia.
Quality of life and psychological and gastrointestinal symptoms after cholecystectomy: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Talseth Arne , Edna Tom-Harald , Hveem Kristian , Lydersen Stian , Ness-Jensen Eivind
Published: April 2017

Objective

The study aims to examine gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life and the risk of psychological symptoms after cholecystectomy.

Design

This is a prospective population-based cohort study based on the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) Norway. HUNT is a repeated health survey of the county population and includes a wide range of health-related items. In the present study, all 3 HUNT surveys were included, performed between 1984 and 2008. Selected items were scores on quality of life, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and selected gastrointestinal symptoms. Participants who underwent cholecystectomy for gallstone disease between 1 January 1990 and until 1 year before attending HUNT3 were compared with the remaining non-operated cohort. Associations between cholecystectomy and the postoperative scores and symptoms were assessed by multivariable regression models.

Results

Participants in HUNT1, HUNT2 and HUNT3 were 77 212 (89.4% of those invited), 65 237 (69.5%) and 50 807 (54.1%), respectively. In the study period, 931 participants were operated with cholecystectomy. Cholecystectomy was associated with an increased risk of diarrhoea and stomach pain postoperatively. In addition, cholecystectomy was associated with an increased risk of nausea postoperatively in men. We found no associations between cholecystectomy and quality of life, symptoms of anxiety and depression, constipation, heartburn, or acid regurgitation following surgery.

Conclusions

In this large population-based cohort study, cholecystectomy was associated with postoperative diarrhoea and stomach pain. Cholecystectomy for gallstone colic was associated with nausea in men. There were no associations between quality of life, symptoms of anxiety and depression, constipation, heartburn, or acid regurgitation.
BET 1: A glass half full? Thrombolysis for the treatment of submassive pulmonary embolism
Authors: Barrett Liam , Horner Dan
Published: April 2017

A short-cut review was carried out to establish whether thrombolysis in addition to therapeutic anticoagulation could be of benefit in submassive (intermediate risk) pulmonary embolism (PE). 64 directly relevant papers were found using the reported search strategy. Of these, three presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. It is concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support the routine use of adjuvant thrombolytic therapy at any dose for patients with submassive PE. Carefully selected patients with a low bleeding risk who attribute high importance to functional outcome may stand to benefit.
Conifer demography in forest–grassland mosaics: a landscape-scale study over a 24-year period
Authors: Souza Alexandre F.
Published: April 2017

Our understanding regarding the demography of adult conifers in forest–grassland mosaics is still limited. I studied the landscape-scale demography and spatial distribution of the conifer Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze in a subtropical forest–grassland mosaic over a 24-year period. Araucaria angustifolia is a long-lived pioneer that is expected to thrive in grasslands and forest edges better than in forest patches. I used the position of trees in aerial photographs taken in 1984 to analyze spatial patterns and a 2008 satellite image to estimate individual survivorship. Spatial distribution of trees in the grassland was aggregated and was not related to the distribution of trees in forest patches. Survivorship was higher in forest patches than in grasslands, where it showed density dependence. In forest patches, survivorship was positively related to both patch area and distance from forest edge. Crown breakage was more common in the grassland than in forest patches. In forest patches, it was positively related to crown size, number of conspecific neighbours, and patch area. Adult Araucaria angustifolia seem to benefit from angiosperm-dominated neighbourhoods relative to isolation in grasslands. Density-dependent effects, known to be widespread among seeds and seedlings, were shown to be important to adult trees as well.
Lithogeochemical characterization of the Middle–Upper Devonian Road River Group and Canol and Imperial formations on Trail River, east Richardson Mountains, Yukon: age constraints and a depositional model for fine-grained strata in the Lower Paleozoic Richardson trough
Authors: Fraser Tiffani A. , Hutchison Matt P.
Published: April 2017

Lithogeochemical characterization of the Road River Group and Canol and Imperial formations as exposed at an outcrop on Trail River, eastern Richardson Mountains, documents the evolution of a Laurentian-margin basin during the latest Eifelian through middle Frasnian stages. δ13Corg stable isotope data correlated to conodont-constrained global isotopic curves indicates deposition of the section from ≥387.7 to ≤376.7 Ma. The uppermost Road River Group is latest Eifelian and older in age (≥387.7 Ma) and is primarily calcareous and dolomitic shale and mudstone, representing a slope environment below a carbonate platform that experienced cyclical turbidity current deposition. A 2.3 m, metalliferous and concretionary unit lies transitionally between the Road River Group and Canol Formation and is herein designated as an informal, conformable, lithologic unit called the Road River – Canol transition zone (RCTZ), which records 4.5 Ma of condensed sediment deposition during the Givetian stage (387.7–383.2 Ma). The Canol Formation is confined to the latest Givetian to middle Frasnian stages (383.2–376.7 Ma) and consists of rhythmically bedded, biogenically sourced, siliceous shale and chert that was deposited in an anoxic (and likely euxinic) to oxic basin that evolved from moderately to strongly hydrographically restricted over time. The lowermost Imperial Formation is a siliciclastic mudstone, which documents turbidity current deposition in oxic bottom water conditions in the late Frasnian (≤376.7 Ma). Interpretation of lithofacies, whole-rock geochemistry, mineralogy, and total organic content enable the section to be grouped into eight lithochemozones that record a first-order late-stage sea-level transgression (Road River Group and RCTZ), highstand (lower Canol Formation), and early-stage regression (upper Canol Formation) followed by continued falling stage sea-level conditions with strong detrital influence from a continental collision in the high Arctic (Imperial Formation).
Isotopic insights into migration patterns of Pacific bluefin tuna in the eastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Madigan Daniel J. , Baumann Zofia , Carlisle Aaron B. , Snodgrass Owyn , Dewar Heidi , Fisher Nicholas S.
Published: April 2017

Understanding regional migration, residency dynamics, and associated trophic ecology can inform recovery strategies for pelagic species such as Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) (PBFT). PBFT residency duration in the eastern Pacific is uncertain, particularly for larger individuals (here, >100 cm or ∼3+ years of age). We applied a previously tested “chemical tracer toolbox” (Fukushima-derived radiocesium and 13C and 15N stable isotope signatures) to examine migratory and residency patterns and dietary inputs of 428 age 1–6+ PBFT collected from 2012 to 2015 in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Age 1–3 individuals were a mix of residents and recent (≤500 day) migrants, while 98% of age 3–4 and 100% of age 4–6.3 year old PBFT were resident for >500 days in the eastern Pacific. Zooplanktivorous forage (e.g., sardine, anchovy, pelagic red crab, and trophically similar species) of the California Current Ecosystem constituted 57%–82% of diet across PBFT sizes. Migration timing estimates show that PBFT may spend 2–5 years in the eastern Pacific Ocean before returning to the western Pacific.
Fuel-related fire-behaviour relationships for mixed live and dead fuels burned in the laboratory
Authors: Rossa Carlos G. , Fernandes Paulo M.
Published: April 2017

A laboratory experimental program addressing fire spread in fuel beds composed of dead foliage litter and vertically placed quasi-live branches, representative of many natural fuel complexes, was carried out for either still-air or wind conditions. Fuel-bed characteristics, fire spread rate, flame geometry, and fuel consumption were assessed and empirical models for estimating several parameters were developed. Weighted fuel moisture content (18%–163%) provided good estimates of fire-behaviour characteristics and accounted for most of the variation in still-air and wind-driven spread rate (0.1–1.3 m·min−1). When predicting still-air fire spread rate, fuel height was the most relevant fuel-bed structural parameter and fuel type had significant influence, whereas for wind-driven spread, the effect of foliar fuel-bed density was dominant and fuel type became irrelevant. Flame length (0.4–2.2 m) increased from still-air to wind-assisted (8 km·h−1) fire spread, but its height remained constant. The fraction of total fuel load and mean woody fuel diameter consumed by fire were reasonably predicted from weighted fuel moisture content alone, but predictions for the latter variable improved substantially by adding foliar fuel load.
Historical avenues of research in Russian forest typology: ecological, phytocoenotic, genetic, and dynamic classifications
Authors: Fomin V.V. , Zalesov S.V. , Popov A.S. , Mikhailovich A.P.
Published: April 2017

The Russian Federation is one of many countries that have signed the Montreal Protocol and Pan-European Forest Process. These initiatives are aimed at harmonizing national forest inventory systems with criteria and indicators for sustainable forest management. In Russia, the classification of forest type is at the heart of national forest inventory systems. For various historical reasons, Russian scientific advancements in the field of forest typology remain little known in the rest of the world. This paper is aimed at addressing this deficiency. Here, we provide an overview of the main trends in the field of forest typology studies in the previous political states of the Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and the Russian Federation from the end of the nineteenth century to the beginning of the twenty-first century. We detail the principles that formed the basis of the most significant forest type classifications. We also perform similarity and differences analyses comparing approaches used by members of different scientific schools in the field of forest typology. The historical relationship between ecological, phytocoenotic, genetic, and dynamic forest type classifications are discussed as well as the reasons for the prevalence of certain forest type classifications in different regions of Russia.
Nickel-decorated B12P12 nanoclusters as a strong adsorbent for SO2 adsorption: Quantum chemical calculations
Authors: Rad Ali Shokuhi , Mirabi Ali , Peyravi Majid , Mirzaei Mahmoud
Published: April 2017

In this study, we have researched the interaction of SO2 molecule onto boron phosphide (B12P12) and Ni-decorated B12P12 nanoclusters using density functional theory (DFT). While SO2 has weak physisorption on the surface of pristine B12P12 (–7.4 kJ/mol), high chemisorption is found in the case of Ni-decorated B12P12 depending on the location of the Ni-decorated atom (–140.9, –167.7, and –166.5 kJ/mol). We found three major sites for appropriate decoration of Ni on the surface of a nanocluster, so we tried to find the maximum SO2 adsorption of this modified surface by taking into account the calculations of adsorption energy, bond distance, dipole moment study, charge analysis, frontier orbital analysis, and density of states of all relaxed systems. Our observations reveal that Ni-decorated B12P12 are highly sensitive for SO2 molecules, which is beneficial for design of sensitive sensor.
First North American occurrences ofQiupalong(Theropoda: Ornithomimidae) and the palaeobiogeography of derived ornithomimids
Authors: McFeeters Bradley , Ryan Michael J. , Schröder-Adams Claudia , Currie Philip J.
Published: April 2017

Ornithomimid material from the Belly River Group (Campanian) of Alberta, Canada is described as sharing characters with Qiupalong henanensis from the Qiupa Formation of Henan Province, China. Derived characters and character combinations of the pubis and astragalocalcaneum were previously used to diagnose Q. henanensis and support the referral of this material to Qiupalong sp., representing the first known occurrences of Qiupalong outside of China. Qiupalong is the sixth ornithomimid taxon to be reported from the Dinosaur Park Formation and the first ornithomimid genus with a transcontinental distribution. The Alberta material represents the oldest known occurrences of Qiupalong, and a reconsideration of character evidence suggests that this genus is phylogenetically nested within other North American ornithomimids. A North American origin for Qiupalong and subsequent dispersal to Asia is proposed.
Interacting dark matter and dark radiation
Authors: Tang Yong
Published: April 2017

We give a brief review on the interacting Dark Matter (iDM) scenario and its effects on cosmology and particle physics. If DM candidates can have strong self-interactions or interactions with other relativistic particles, we can refer them generally as iDM. IDM is an interesting possibility that is motivated both theoretically and observationally. The relativistic particles could belong to Standard Model (SM), such as photons and neutrinos, or be dark radiation (DR) in new physics. The resulting perturbed Boltzmann equations are concisely discussed and illustrations on matter power spectrum are given.
Electrostatic separation for recycling silver, silicon and polyethylene terephthalate from waste photovoltaic cells
Authors: Zhang Zisheng , Sun Bo , Yang Jie , Wei Yusheng , He Shoujie
Published: April 2017

Electrostatic separation technology has been proven to be an effective and environmentally friendly way of recycling electronic waste. In this study, this technology was applied to recycle waste solar panels. Mixed particles of silver and polyethylene terephthalate, silicon and polyethylene terephthalate, and silver and silicon were separated with a single-roll-type electrostatic separator. The influence of high voltage level, roll speed, radial position corona electrode and angular position of the corona electrode on the separation efficiency was studied. The experimental data showed that separation of silver/polyethylene terephthalate and silicon/polyethylene terephthalate needed a higher voltage level, while separation of silver and silicon needed a smaller angular position for the corona electrode and a higher roll speed. The change of the high voltage level, roll speed, radial position of the corona electrode, and angular position of the corona electrode has more influence on silicon separation efficiency than silver separation efficiency. An integrated process is proposed using a two-roll-type corona separator for multistage separation of a mixture of these three materials. The separation efficiency for silver and silicon were found to reach 96% and 98%, respectively.
EFFECT OF HEAT TREATMENT ON (Cr, Fe)7C3/γ-Fe COATINGS IN SITU SYNTHESIZED BY VACUUM ELECTRON BEAM IRRADIATION
Authors: LU BINFENG , CHEN YUNXIA , XU MENGJIA
Published: April 2017

(Cr, Fe)7C3/[Formula: see text]-Fe composite layer has been in situ synthesized on a low carbon steel surface by vacuum electron beam VEB irradiation. The synthesized samples were then subdued to different heat treatments to improve their impaired impact toughness. The microstructure, impact toughness and wear resistance of the heat-treated samples were studied by means of optical microscope (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), microhardness tester, impact test machine and tribological tester. After heat treatment, the primary and eutectic carbides remained in their original shape and size, and a large number of secondary carbides precipitated in the iron matrix. Since the Widmanstatten ferrite in the heat affected zone (HAZ) transformed to fine ferrite completely, the impact toughness of the heat-treated samples increased significantly. The microhardness of the heat-treated samples decreased slightly due to the decreased chromium content in the iron matrix. The wear resistance of 1000[Formula: see text]C and 900[Formula: see text]C heat-treated samples was almost same with the as-synthesized sample. While the wear resistance of the 800[Formula: see text]C heat-treated one decreased slightly because part of the austenite matrix had transformed to ferrite matrix, which reduced the bonding of carbides particulates.
Derivation Hom-Lie 2-algebras and non-abelian extensions of regular Hom-Lie algebras
Authors: Song Lina , Tang Rong
Published: April 2017

In this paper, we introduce the notion of a derivation of a regular Hom-Lie algebra and construct the corresponding strict Hom-Lie 2-algebra, which is called the derivation Hom-Lie 2-algebra. As applications, we study non-abelian extensions of regular Hom-Lie algebras. We show that isomorphism classes of diagonal non-abelian extensions of a regular Hom-Lie algebra [Formula: see text] by a regular Hom-Lie algebra [Formula: see text] are in one-to-one correspondence with homotopy classes of morphisms from [Formula: see text] to the derivation Hom-Lie 2-algebra [Formula: see text].
Diagnostic and Research Aspects of Small Intestinal Disaccharidases in Coeliac Disease
Authors: Šuligoj Tanja , Ciclitira Paul J. , Božič Borut
Published: April 2017

Disaccharidases (DS) are brush border enzymes embedded in the microvillous membrane of small intestinal enterocytes. In untreated coeliac disease (CD), a general decrease of DS activities is seen. This manuscript reviews different aspects of DS activities in CD: their utility in the diagnosis and their application to in vitro toxicity testing. The latter has never been established in CD research. However, with the recent advances in small intestinal organoid techniques, DS might be employed as a biomarker for in vitro studies. This includes establishment of self-renewing epithelial cells raised from tissue, which express differentiation markers, including the brush border enzymes. Determining duodenal DS activities may provide additional information during the diagnostic workup of CD: (i) quantify the severity of the observed histological lesions, (ii) provide predictive values for the grade of mucosal villous atrophy, and (iii) aid diagnosing CD where minor histological changes are seen. DS can also provide additional information to assess the response to a gluten-free diet as marked increase of their activities occurs four weeks after commencing it. Various endogenous and exogenous factors affecting DS might also be relevant when considering investigating the role of DS in other conditions including noncoeliac gluten sensitivity and DS deficiencies.
Sporadic Insulinoma as a Rare Cause of Recurrent Hypoglycemia in Children
Authors: Saneifard Hedyeh , Khaleghnejad Tabari Ahmad , Kazemi Aghdam Maryam , Musavi Khorshidi Mohadese , Sheikhy Ali
Published: April 2017

Insulinoma is a rare pancreatic tumor in children and adolescents. As a result of insulin hypersecretion, signs and symptoms are more commonly consequences of the pathophysiologic responses to hypoglycemia. According to rarity of this tumor in children and nonspecificity of clinical presentations, diagnosis of insulinoma in this group of patients is usually delayed. Early diagnosis is very important for preventing neurologic damage. In this case report, we present the case of a 10-year-old boy with signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and final diagnosis of insulinoma.
Ultrafast Hydro-Micromechanical Synthesis of Calcium Zincate: Structural and Morphological Characterizations
Authors: Caldeira Vincent , Jouffret Laurent , Thiel Julien , Lacoste François R. , Obbade Saïd , Dubau Laetitia , Chatenet Marian
Published: April 2017

Calcium zincate is a compound with a large panel of application: mainly known as an advantageous replacement of zinc oxide in negative electrodes for air-zinc or nickel-zinc batteries, it is also used as precursor catalyst in biodiesel synthesis and as antifungal compound for the protection of limestone monuments. However, its synthesis is not optimized yet. In this study, it was elaborated using an ultrafast synthesis protocol: Hydro-Micromechanical Synthesis. Two other synthesis methods, Hydrochemical Synthesis and Hydrothermal Synthesis, were used for comparison. In all cases, the as-synthesized samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and LASER diffraction particle size analysis. Rietveld method was used to refine various structural parameters and obtain an average crystallite size, on a Hydro-Micromechanical submicronic sample. X-ray single crystal structure determination was performed on a crystal obtained by Hydrochemical Synthesis. It has been shown that regardless of the synthesis protocol, the prepared samples always crystallize in the same crystal lattice, withP21/cspace group and only differ from their macroscopic textural parameters. Nevertheless, only the Hydro-Micromechanical method is industrially scalable and enables a precise control of the textural parameters of the obtained calcium zincate.
Refractive Lens Exchange Combined with Primary Posterior Vitrectorhexis in Highly Myopic Patients
Authors: Mohamed Tarek A. , Soliman Wael , EL Sebaity Dalia M. , Fathalla Ahmed M.
Published: April 2017

Purpose. To evaluate efficacy and safety of primary vitrectorhexis for posterior capsulotomy in highly myopic patients undergoing refractive lens exchange.Methods. The study is a prospective nonrandomized interventional study. The study comprised 60 eyes of 60 myopic patients. All patients underwent refractive lens exchange (RLE) and foldable IOL implantation combined with primary posterior capsulotomy. We used a 23-gauge vitrectomy probe for the creation of the posterior capsule opening. We followed the patients for one year.Results. During surgery, the IOLs remained well centered in the capsular bag after creation of the capsulotomy. Postoperatively, we did not report any complications related to lens centration or changes in the posterior capsulotomy size. No eye required YAG laser posterior capsulotomy and no cases of retinal detachment (RD) occurred during the follow-up period.Conclusion. Primary posterior vitrectorhexis during RLE is an efficient method in preventing the occurrence of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) and the need for YAG laser posterior capsulotomy with its possible complications.
Can the Agent with Limited Information Solve Travelling Salesman Problem?
Authors: Sakiyama Tomoko , Arizono Ikuo
Published: April 2017

Here, we develop new heuristic algorithm for solving TSP (Travelling Salesman Problem). In our proposed algorithm, the agent cannot estimate tour lengths but detect only a few neighbor sites. Under the circumstances, the agent occasionally ignores the NN method (choosing the nearest site from current site) and chooses the other site far from current site. It is dependent on relative distances between the nearest site and the other site. Our algorithm performs well in symmetric TSP and asymmetric TSP (time-dependent TSP) conditions compared with the NN algorithm using some TSP benchmark datasets from the TSPLIB. Here, symmetric TSP means common TSP, where costs between sites are symmetric and time-homogeneous. On the other hand, asymmetric TSP means TSP where costs between sites are time-inhomogeneous. Furthermore, the agent exhibits critical properties in some benchmark data. These results suggest that the agent performs adaptive travel using limited information. Our results might be applicable to nonclairvoyant optimization problems.
ONC201 Demonstrates Antitumor Effects in Both Triple-Negative and Non–Triple-Negative Breast Cancers through TRAIL-Dependent and TRAIL-Independent Mechanisms
Authors: Ralff Marie D. , Kline Christina L.B. , Küçükkase Ozan C. , Wagner Jessica , Lim Bora , Dicker David T. , Prabhu Varun V. , Oster Wolfgang , El-Deiry Wafik S.
Published: April 2017

Breast cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death. TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has been of interest as a cancer therapeutic, but only a subset of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) is sensitive to TRAIL. The small-molecule ONC201 induces expression of TRAIL and its receptor DR5. ONC201 has entered clinical trials in advanced cancers. Here, we show that ONC201 is efficacious against both TNBC and non-TNBC cells (n = 13). A subset of TNBC and non-TNBC cells succumbs to ONC201-induced cell death. In 2 of 8 TNBC cell lines, ONC201 treatment induces caspase-8 cleavage and cell death that is blocked by TRAIL-neutralizing antibody RIK2. The proapoptotic effect of ONC201 translates to in vivo efficacy in the MDA-MB-468 xenograft model. In most TNBC lines tested (6/8), ONC201 has an antiproliferative effect but does not induce apoptosis. ONC201 decreases cyclin D1 expression and causes an accumulation of cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. pRb expression is associated with sensitivity to the antiproliferative effects of ONC201, and the compound synergizes with taxanes in less sensitive cells. All non-TNBC cells (n = 5) are growth inhibited following ONC201 treatment, and unlike what has been observed with TRAIL, a subset (n = 2) shows PARP cleavage. In these cells, cell death induced by ONC201 is TRAIL independent. Our data demonstrate that ONC201 has potent antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in a broad range of breast cancer subtypes, through TRAIL-dependent and TRAIL-independent mechanisms. These findings develop a preclinical rationale for developing ONC201 as a single agent and/or in combination with approved therapies in breast cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(7); 1290–8. ©2017 AACR.
Prognosis of Isolated First-Trimester Fetal Megacystis with Spontaneous Resolution
Authors: Girard Noémie , Viaris de Lesegno Benjamin , Bussière Paul , Egoroff Catherine , Cordier Anne-Gaël , Benachi Alexandra
Published: April 2017

Objective: Fetal megacystis has a poor prognosis. During the first trimester, it is frequently associated with chromosomal abnormalities or multiple malformations, but can also be isolated and resolve spontaneously. In this study, our main objective was to determine the fetal and pediatric prognosis in this particular situation. Methods: This was a retrospective multicenter study. We describe the cases referred to our fetal medicine centers and also cases previously reported in the international literature. Results: Five cases were referred to our fetal medicine centers. After spontaneous resolution of megacystis, close ultrasound follow-up revealed urinary tract abnormalities in all cases. These abnormalities were all transient. After birth, 1 of the children developed a mild ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Pediatric follow-up was normal for the other children. Our 5 cases plus 79 in the literature mean that 84 cases of isolated first-trimester fetal megacystis with spontaneous resolution have been reported to date. The risk of chromosomal abnormality was 2.4% (2/84) and pediatric follow-up was normal in 96.4% of cases (81/84). Conclusion: Even when isolated first-trimester fetal megacystis resolves spontaneously, fetal karyotype analysis and close prenatal ultrasound follow-up should be performed. When there is no chromosomal abnormality, the renal pediatric prognosis seems to be good.