bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional attributes of ungulate migration: landscape features facilitate movement and access to forage
Authors: Monteith Kevin L. , Hayes Matthew M. , Kauffman Matthew J. , Copeland Holly E. , Sawyer Hall
Published: October 2018

Long‐distance migration by terrestrial mammals is a phenomenon critical to the persistence of populations, but such migrations are declining globally because of over‐harvest, habitat loss, and movement barriers. Increasingly, there is a need to improve existing routes, mitigate route segments affected by anthropogenic disturbance, and in some instances, determine whether alternative routes are available. Using a hypothesis‐driven approach, we identified landscape features associated with the primary functional attributes, stopovers and movement corridors, of spring migratory routes for mule deer in two study areas using resource selection functions. Patterns of selection for landscape attributes of movement corridors and stopovers mostly were similar; however, landscape features associated with movement corridors aligned better with areas that facilitated movement, whereas selection of stopovers was consistent with sites offering early access to spring forage. For movement corridors, deer selected for dry sites, low elevation, and low anthropogenic disturbance. For stopovers, deer selected for dry sites, with consistently early green‐up across years, south‐southwesterly aspects, low elevation, and low anthropogenic disturbance. Stopovers and movement corridors of a migratory route presumably promote different functions, but for a terrestrial migrant, patterns of habitat selection indicate that the same general habitat attributes may facilitate both movement and foraging in spring. Our findings emphasize the roles of topographical wetness, vegetation phenology, and anthropogenic disturbance in shaping use of the landscape during migration for this large herbivore. Avoiding human disturbance and tracking ephemeral forage resources appear to be a consistent pattern during migration, which reinforces the notion that movement during migration has a nutritional underpinning and disturbance potentially alters the net benefits of migration.
Human paths have positive impacts on plant richness and diversity: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Root‐Bernstein Meredith , Svenning Jens‐Christian
Published: October 2018

We assess the impacts of human paths, trails, and roads on plant species richness and Shannon diversity. Most reviews of this topic have not considered community‐level measures and have focused on excessive tourism impacts. We found significant positive effects of paths on plant richness and diversity. The effect size for richness was highest when studies included roads (paved) or trails (unpaved). The effect size found for diversity was highest when studies were in grasslands. We also found experimental designs comparing high levels of path use to low levels of path use, near‐to‐path versus far‐from‐path and path‐presence versus path‐absence comparisons obtained the largest effect sizes. There was no evidence that non‐native species explained most increases in species richness or diversity. The effect sizes of human paths on plant communities are comparable in magnitude to those reported for other mammals’ disturbance and ecosystem engineering activities.
Age‐related water uptake patterns of alpine plantation shrubs in reforestation region of Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau based on stable isotopes
Authors: Wu Huawu , Li Xiao‐Yan , Li Jing , Zhang Cicheng , He Bin , Zhang Siyi , Sun Wei
Published: October 2018

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) plantations play crucial roles in the prevention of soil erosion and control of desertification on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau; however, the limited information on the age‐related water uptake patterns of H. rhamnoides and their relationships with associated grasses species weakens our understanding of how these factors influence the management of H. rhamnoides plantations. Therefore, this study investigated the seasonal variations in water uptake patterns of different‐aged H. rhamnoides and their associated species via stable isotopes and leaf water potential analyses. The model results showed that seedling (Hs) and juvenile (Hj) H. rhamnoides extracted water mainly from shallow and middle soil layers throughout the growing seasons, whereas mature H. rhamnoides (Hm) exhibited high plasticity, shifting water source between shallow soil water and groundwater when the former become less available. By contrast, the associated grasses (Taraxacum mongolicum, Thermopsis lanceolata, and Polygonum sibiricum) mainly absorbed shallow soil water across the whole growing seasons, suggesting that direct competition for shallow soil water occurred between grasses and H. rhamnoides. In addition, the obviously higher δ13C values of Hj with more negative predawn (mean Ψpd, −1.37 MPa) and midday (mean Ψmd, −2.23 MPa) leaf water potential indicated the Hj experienced greater water stress relative to Hs and Hm. These results provide new understanding of the seasonal water use strategies of different‐aged H. rhamnoides, which will be important for the successful management of plantations in this region.
A PdII Carbene Complex with Anthracene Side‐Arms for π‐Stacking on Reduced Graphene Oxide (rGO): Activity towards Undirected C–H Oxygenation of Arenes
Authors: Majeed Maitham H. , Shayesteh Payam , Persson Axel R. , Wallenberg L. Reine , Schnadt Joachim , Wendt Ola F.
Published: October 2018

An N‐heterocyclic carbene palladium(II) complex containing two anthracene side arms was immobilized on the surface of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) by π‐stacking. The activity of the homogeneous analogue and the supported complex in undirected C–H acetoxylation reaction of arenes was studied. The results show that the catalytic efficiency in acetoxylation of benzene is improved in the immobilized materials compared to the homogeneous analogue. According to XPS analysis, the immobilized catalyst maintains the original oxidation state of PdII after the catalytic reaction.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed C–H Selenylations of Benzamides
Authors: Ma Wenbo , Weng Zhengyun , Fang Xinyue , Gu Linghui , Song Yupin , Ackermann Lutz
Published: October 2018

A convenient and effective protocol for the ruthenium‐catalyzed C–H selenylations of benzamide was achieved under mild reaction conditions. The robust ruthenium catalyst tolerated a wide range of functional groups and set the stage for the preparation for diversely decorated benzamides. The amide directing group could be transferred to carboxylic acid, aldehyde and tetrazoles. Preliminary mechanistic study indicated a base‐assisted electrophilic‐type substitution C–H activation event.
Fermentation and germination improve nutritional value of cereals and legumes through activation of endogenous enzymes
Authors: Nkhata Smith G. , Ayua Emmanuel , Kamau Elijah H. , Shingiro Jean‐Bosco
Published: October 2018

Cereals and legumes are outstanding sources of macronutrients, micronutrients, phytochemicals, as well as antinutritional factors. These components present a complex system enabling interactions with different components within food matrices. The interactions result in insoluble complexes with reduced bioaccessibility of nutrients through binding and entrapment thereby limiting their release from food matrices. The interactions of nutrients with antinutritional factors are the main factor hindering nutrients release. Trypsin inhibitors and phytates inherent in cereals and legumes reduce protein digestibility and mineral release, respectively. Interaction of phytates and phenolic compounds with minerals is significant in cereals and legumes. Fermentation and germination are commonly used to disrupt these interactions and make nutrients and phytochemicals free and accessible to digestive enzymes. This paper presents a review on traditional fermentation and germination processes as a means to address myriad interactions through activation of endogenous enzymes such as α‐amylase, pullulanase, phytase, and other glucosidases. These enzymes degrade antinutritional factors and break down complex macronutrients to their simple and more digestible forms.
Finance and the multinational company: Building bridges between finance and global strategy research
Authors: Puck Jonas , Filatotchev Igor
Published: October 2018

Research Summary

This paper argues for, and contributes to, a stronger integration of research on finance and international business/global strategy. We perform bibliometric analysis of journal publications between 2010 and 2016 and show that papers published in the two domains relate to very different underlying literatures which, so far, have had a limited overlap. We further argue based on a qualitative review of the literature that both fields offer substantial novel perspectives, models, and theories to each other that have the potential to enrich our theoretical understanding of relevant research questions in both domains. We map various pathways for further integration of international business/global strategy and finance fields and discuss different ways how to better connect the two fields and their different research perspectives and research methodologies.

Managerial Summary

In this paper we, first, find that publications from the field of finance and from the area of international business/global strategy relate to very different literatures. Second, we show that both fields would indeed offer substantial and relevant novel perspectives to each other. Third, we develop various pathways for a more intense integration of both literatures. Given the relevance of both international business/global strategy and finance perspectives for business practice, we strongly believe that a more intense integration also bears substantial implications for managers. This is as much of the knowledge developed in international business/global strategy and finance did not fully transfer into the respective other field.
Natural Killer Cell–Derived Interferon‐Gamma Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through the Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule–Epithelial‐to‐Mesenchymal Transition Axis in Hepatitis B Virus Transgenic Mice
Authors: Chen Yongyan , Hao Xiaolei , Sun Rui , Wei Haiming , Tian Zhigang
Published: October 2018

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major risk factor for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), at least partially due to dysfunctional anti‐HBV adaptive immunity; however, the role of innate immune response to HBV in this process is not well understood. In this study, low‐dose polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly [I:C]), a natural killer (NK) cell activator (3 μg/g body weight, twice/week for 8 weeks), induced HCC in HBV transgenic (HBs‐Tg) mice, with an incidence of 100% after 6 months, while HBs‐Tg mice without treatment only had HCC with an incidence of 16.7%. In HBs‐Tg mice, poly (I:C) induced liver inflammation with markedly increased infiltrating lymphocytes, along with the concurrently increased apoptosis and proliferation of hepatocytes, leading to the accelerated epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of hepatocytes shown by increased expression of the typical transcriptional factors (Slug, Twist, and mothers against decapentaplegic–interacting protein 1) and phenotypic proteins (vimentin and chemokine [C‐X‐C motif] receptor 4). The EMT and tumorigenesis in this model depended on the presence of NK cells because depletion of these cells significantly reduced the HCC rate to 28.6%. Further, intrahepatic NK cells highly expressed interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ), anti‐IFN‐γ neutralizing monoclonal antibody might obviously alleviate the hepatitis, and hepatocyte‐specific IFN‐γ overexpression promoted HCC. Moreover, IFN‐γ deficiency in HBs‐Tg mice prevented HCC occurring, though hepatic NK cells existed and could be activated, suggesting the critical role of IFN‐γ in NK cell–mediated tumorigenesis. In an in vitro experiment, IFN‐γ up‐regulated epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) expression through phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription (p‐STAT1) pathway, which was followed by EMT, and p‐STAT1 inhibitor might absolutely abolish the expression of EpCAM and EMT in HBV surface antigen–positive hepatocytes. Conclusion: This work demonstrates that NK cell–derived IFN‐γ promotes HCC through the EpCAM–EMT axis in HBs‐Tg mice, revealing the importance of innate immunity in pathogenesis of HBV‐associated HCC.
Designing for human use: Examples of kitchen interiors for persons with disability and elderly people
Authors: Bonenberg Agata , Branowski Bogdan , Kurczewski Przemysław , Lewandowska Anna , Sydor Maciej , Torzyński Dariusz , Zabłocki Marek
Published: October 2018

Around 15% of the global population has a moderate or severe disability. For this reason, a design where the needs of elderly and disabled population are included, should become more common practise and should not be limited only to medical and rehabilitation products. In this study, the inclusive design practices related to the kitchens were applied. All the important stages in a design process, such as market research, planning, concept designing, detailed designing, research (ergonomic assessment), and production preparation were completed. In market research we market research examined the preferences of 216 respondents. Sixty percent of them were either elderly and/or disabled persons (direct users), 40% were caretakers, physiotherapists, and managers of care centres (indirect users). Implementation of obtained results is three kitchen lines with assistive technology solutions, which are the response to the requirements identified as appropriate in meeting the needs of the elderly and disabled kitchen users. The main conclusion of the article is the statement that the needs of seniors can and should be efficiently included in a design process of home interiors. It can be recognised as an important “social” designing criterion which can constitute a good basis for going beyond the traditional design and going toward the sustainable design.
Activation of O2 by Organosilicon Reagents Yields Quantitative Amounts of H2O2 or (Me3Si)2O2 for Efficient O‐Transfer Reactions
Authors: Yamamoto Keishi , Tanaka Shinji , Hosoya Hiromu , Tsurugi Hayato , Mashima Kazushi , Copéret Christophe
Published: October 2018

Molecular oxygen is kinetically inert and rarely used as a primary oxidant for low temperature selective oxygenation reactions. Here, we show that O2 is converted into H2O2 in almost quantitative yields (98 %) at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure in the presence of bis(trimethylsilyl)‐1,4‐cyclohexadiene 1. Similarly, the reaction of O2 with dihydro‐bis(trimethylsilyl) viologen 2 and pyrazine 3 yields bis(trimethylsilyl) peroxide (BTSP) in excellent yields (up to 99 %) at low temperature. Both processes demonstrate that readily available organosilicon reagents enable chemistry typically observed with mono‐oxygenase co‐enzymes, such as FADH2 and FMNH2, in biological systems, or at higher pressure via the industrial anthraquinone process. This efficient synthesis of H2O2 and BTSP directly from O2 is particularly attractive for the preparation of the corresponding O‐17 and O‐18 labeled reagents without the need of large excess amounts of O2. These are showcased in O‐atom transfer reactions to various organic or inorganic substrates, in a two‐step one‐pot process, making the rapid and on‐demand synthesis of large libraries of O‐labeled compounds readily possible.
Emission analysis on compression ignition engine fueled with lower concentrations of Pithecellobium dulce biodiesel‐diesel blends
Authors: Sekhar Sriharikota Chandra , Karuppasamy Karuppasamy , Sathyamurthy Ravishankar , Elkelawy Medhat , Bastawissi Hagar Alm El Din , Paramasivan Paulraj , Sathiyamoorthy Karuppiah , Edison Pandian
Published: October 2018

The present study investigates the effect of Pithecellobium dulce biodiesel (PDBD) blends with diesel fuel on compression ignition (CI) engine emissions. Initially, PDBD was prepared by using a base transesteriﬁcation process. The GC‐MS,
1H NMR, and Fourier transform infrared characterization of PDBD was carried out, and fuel properties were determined. The experiments were conducted on a single cylinder, CI engine using three blended fuels: PDBD5 (5% biodiesel and 95% diesel), PDBD10 (10% biodiesel and 90% diesel), and PDBD20 (20% biodiesel and 80% diesel). The experimental outcomes revealed that 20% of PDBD reduces 19.64% carbon monoxide, 17.64% hydrocarbon, and 6.73% oxides of nitrogen emissions. Furthermore, from this study, it was inferred that the PDBD20 blend could be used as an alternative fuel for CI engines with no modiﬁcations in engine design.
Reciprocating liquid‐assisted system for electronic cooling applications
Authors: Soleimanikutanaei Soheil , Almas Majid , Popoola Olubunmi T. , Cao Yiding
Published: October 2018

Increasing the power density and heat dissipation in electronic equipment and their need for an efficient thermal management system have made the liquid cooling techniques inevitable in recent years. In most applications, liquid cooling systems work in conjunction with more traditional cooling methods, such as conduction and convection heat transfer, using air cooling systems. In this study, the performance of Reciprocating Mechanism‐Driven Heat Loop (RMDHL) for electronic and power electronic cooling applications has been studied and compared with that of a conventional Dynamic Pump‐Driven Heat Loop (DPDHL). A numerical model using moving boundaries in Ansys Fluent commercial code has been developed to generate the reciprocating motion of working fluid with desired frequency and amplitude. The temperature distribution contours and Nusselt numbers show the superior performance of the RMDHL system in terms of heat transfer and temperature uniformity of the heated surface. The results show that, for the same average mass flow rate in the cooling loops the average surface temperature in the RMDHL loop is considerably lower than that of DPDHL especially at higher reciprocating frequency. The results also indicate that similar to the effect of the oscillatory frequency, increasing the amplitude also increases the heat transfer rate in the RMDHL loop. In addition, the Nusselt number shows a linear increment with the increase of both oscillatory amplitude and frequency. Uniform temperature distribution and efficiency of thermal management systems based on RMDHL loop could decrease the resultant thermal stress in electronic devices and increase the reliability of them.
Role of reciprocal interaction between autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress in apoptosis of human bronchial epithelial cells induced by cigarette smoke extract
Authors: He Baimei , Chen Qiong , Zhou Dongbo , Wang Lijing , Liu Zhaoqian
Published: October 2018

Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)‐induced apoptosis of airway epithelial cells plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Furthermore, autophagy is closely related to ERS under apoptosis. Here, this study aimed to investigate the role of the reciprocal interaction between autophagy and ERS in the cigarette smoke extract (CSE)‐induced apoptosis of human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry analysis. Protein expression was examined by Western blot. The mRNA expression was detected using real‐time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR). The results showed that CSE treatment induced apoptosis, autophagy, and expression of ERS‐related proteins in HBE cells. Furthermore, autophagy inhibition by 3‐MA significantly decreased protein expression of GRP78, p‐PERK, and p‐eIF2α and increased CHOP, ATF4, and caspase‐4, whereas ERS inhibition by 4‐PBA led to autophagy suppression. Moreover, the CSE‐induced autophagy was diminished by knockdown of GRP78, PERK, or eIF2α but enhanced by knockdown of ATF4 or CHOP; however, the CSE‐induced HBE apoptosis was enhanced by knockdown of GRP78, PERK, or eIF2α but was attenuated by knockdown of ATF4 or CHOP. Additionally, both sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) and melatonin attenuated the CSE‐induced apoptosis, enhanced the CSE‐induced autophagy, increased GRP78, p‐PERK, and p‐eIF2α, and decreased CHOP, ATF4, and caspase‐4, via SIRT1/ORP150 pathway. Collectively, this study provided evidence about the role of the reciprocal interaction between autophagy and ERS in CSE‐induced apoptosis of HBE cells. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(1):66–80, 2019
Retinal imaging with optical coherence tomography and low‐loss adaptive optics using a 2.8‐mm beam size
Authors: Maddipatla Reddikumar , Cervantes Joel , Otani Yukitoshi , Cense Barry
Published: October 2018

As data acquisition for retinal imaging with optical coherence tomography (OCT) becomes faster, efficient collection of photons becomes more important to maintain image quality. One approach is to use a larger aperture at the eye's pupil to collect more photons that have been reflected from the retina. A 2.8‐mm beam diameter system with only seven reflecting surfaces was developed for low‐loss retinal imaging. The larger beam size requires defocus and astigmatism correction, which was done in a closed loop adaptive optics method using a Shack‐Hartmann wavefront sensor and a deformable mirror (DM) with 140 actuators and a ±2.75 μm stroke. This DM facilitates defocus correction ranging from approximately −3 D to +3 D. Comparing the new system with a standard 1.2‐mm system on a model eye, a signal‐to‐noise gain of 4.5 dB and a 2.3 times smaller speckle size were measured. Measurements on the retinas of five subjects showed even better results, with increases in dynamic range up to 13 dB. Note that the new sample arm only occupies 30 cm × 60 cm, which makes it highly suitable for imaging in a clinical environment.

Figure: B‐scan images obtained over a width of 8 deg from the right eye of a 31‐year‐old Caucasian male. While the left side was imaged with a standard 1.2‐mm OCT system, the right side was imaged with the 2.8‐mm system. Both images were collected with the same integration time and incident power, after correction of aberrations. Using the dynamic range within the images, which is determined by comparing the highest pixel value to the noise floor, a difference in dynamic range of 10.8 dB was measured between the two systems.
Strong Skolem starters
Authors: Ogandzhanyants Oleg , Kondratieva Margarita , Shalaby Nabil
Published: October 2018

This paper concerns a class of combinatorial objects called Skolem starters, and more specifically, strong Skolem starters, which are generated by Skolem sequences. In 1991, Shalaby conjectured that any additive group , where or , admits a strong Skolem starter and constructed these starters of all admissible orders . Only finitely many strong Skolem starters have been known to date. In this paper, we offer a geometrical interpretation of strong Skolem starters and explicitly construct infinite families of them.
Negative Association of Proton Pump Inhibitors With Subsequent Development of Breast Cancer: A Nationwide Population‐Based Study
Authors: Chen Chao‐Hung , Lee Cha‐Ze , Lin Yi‐Chun , Kao Li‐Ting , Lin Herng‐Ching
Published: October 2018

Although current evidence suggests potential antitumor activity of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), there is no population‐based evidence of an association between PPI use and subsequent breast cancer risks. We used an observational case‐control study to examine the association between prior PPI use and breast cancer occurrence. Additional analysis examined dose‐response and age‐stratified associations of PPIs with breast cancer. This study used data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Dataset. A total of 64,234 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2004 and in 2013 were selected as cases. Controls were 64,234 women without cancer who were selected by matching them with cases on the basis of sociodemographic characteristics and widely prevalent comorbidities. Each study subject's claims data were tracked back for 5 years to determine precancer prescriptions of PPIs. Logistic regression modeling was used for the analysis. A total of 11,871 (9.24%) women had used PPIs within the prior 5 years, 8.06% and 10.42% among cases and controls, respectively. Breast cancer patients were 25% less likely to have had prior PPI exposure after adjustment for comorbidities that predispose to PPI exposure (95%CI 0.72‐0.78) in the risk of breast cancer occurrence. A dose‐response effect was also detected, with the highest effect, 35% lower PPI odds (95%CI 0.61‐0.70) among patients in the highest exposure category. Our findings may suggest that women at a higher‐than‐average risk of breast cancer may benefit from PPI prescriptions if they have medical conditions that could benefit from PPIs.
Characteristics, management, and outcomes of congenital biliary dilatation in neonates and early infants: a 20‐year, single‐institution study
Authors: Urushihara Naoto , Fukumoto Koji , Yamoto Masaya , Miyake Hiromu , Takahashi Toshiaki , Nomura Akiyoshi , Sekioka Akinori , Yamada Yutaka , Nakaya Kengo
Published: October 2018

Background

The aim of the present study was to investigate the characteristics, management, and outcomes of congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) in neonates and infants (<1 year old) in a single institution over the past 20 years.

Methods

From 1997 to 2016, 21 patients <1 year old underwent definitive surgery for CBD. Open surgery (OS) was performed between 1997 and 2008, and laparoscopic surgery (LS) has been performed since 2009.

Results

The bile duct showed cystic dilatation in all patients. Sixteen (76.2%) of the 21 patients were diagnosed prenatally, and the incidence increased with time (OS 63.6%, LS 90%). Fourteen patients (66.7%) were symptomatic before surgery, with jaundice in 11 (52.4%), acholic stool in seven (33.3%), and vomiting in three (14.3%). There were no significant differences in operation time and blood loss, but the postoperative fasting period and hospital stay were significantly shorter in the LS group (P < 0.05). There were no intraoperative complications, but there was one postoperative early complication in one LS group patient, who had bile leakage and was treated with redo hepaticojejunostomy.

Conclusion

The incidences of prenatally diagnosed and asymptomatic patients increased with time. Although longer follow‐up is needed, LS for CBD could be safely performed even in neonates and early infants.
Abbreviated MRI Protocols in Breast Cancer Diagnostics
Authors: Deike‐Hofmann Katerina , Koenig Franziska , Paech Daniel , Dreher Constantin , Delorme Stefan , Schlemmer Heinz‐Peter , Bickelhaupt Sebastian
Published: October 2018

Oncologic imaging focused on the detection of breast cancer is of increasing importance, with over 1.7 million new cases detected each year worldwide. MRI of the breast has been described to be one of the most sensitive imaging modalities in breast cancer detection; however, clinical use is limited due to high costs. In the past, the objective and clinical routine of oncologic imaging was to provide one extended imaging protocol covering all potential needs and clinical implications regardless of the specific clinical indication or question. Future protocols might be more focused according to a "keep it short and simple" approach, with a reduction of patient magnet time and a limited number of images to review. Rather than replacing conventional full‐diagnostic breast MRI protocols, these approaches aim at introducing a new thinking in oncologic imaging using a diversification of available imaging approaches targeted to the dedicated clinical needs of the individual patient. Here we review current approaches on using abbreviated protocols that aim to increase the clinical availability and use of breast MRI for improved early detection of breast cancer.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:647–658.
Modified hook‐wire placement technique for localizing multiple pulmonary nodules
Authors: Kadeer Xiermaimaiti , Wang Long , Zhang Lei , Shi Weirong , Chen Chang
Published: October 2018

Background

The localization of multiple pulmonary nodules is challenging due to a high incidence of pneumothorax after each needle insertion into lung parenchyma. The aim of the current study is to verify the safety and effectiveness of a modified technique utilizing simultaneous Hookwire placement to localize multiple lesions.

Methods

The proposed method comprises a row of metal wires, perpendicular insertion, simultaneous release of Hookwire, and a lateral position to modify a conventional localizing technique. From January 2015 to August 2016, 23 patients were subjected to the modified technique group (Group A), while 53 patients in the conventional group (Group B). Success rates, procedural parameters, and complications were recorded and analyzed.

Results

Compared with Group B, Group A had higher success rate of lesion (96.7% vs 83.5%, P = 0.009), lower numbers of CT scans (2.91 vs 5.59,
P < 0.001), shorter procedure duration (13.83 minutes vs 22.68 minutes,
P < 0.001), and shorter distance between localizers and lesions (4.88 vs 6.29,
P = 0.006). The incidence of pneumothorax in Group A was lower (21.8% vs 54.7%,
P = 0.008), while lung hemorrhage was not significantly different (
P = 0.735). Lesion number and pneumothorax were risk factors for failure in multiple localizations.

Conclusions

The modified Hookwire placement technique was feasible and successful, which was associated with fewer computed tomography scans, shorter procedure duration, and a lower incidence of pneumothorax.
Development of three‐dimensional laryngostroboscopy for office‐based laryngeal diagnostics and phonosurgical therapy
Authors: Caffier Philipp P. , Nawka Tadeus , Ibrahim‐Nasr Ahmed , Thomas Björn , Müller Holger , Ko Seo‐Rin , Song Wen , Gross Manfred , Weikert Sebastian
Published: October 2018

Objective

To develop a three‐dimensional (3D) laryngostroboscopic examination unit, compare the optic playback quality in relation to established 2D procedures, and report the first case series using 3D rigid laryngostroboscopy for diagnosis and management of laryngotracheal diseases.

Study Design

Laboratory study, prospective case series.

Methods

The optical efficacy of newly developed rigid 3D endoscopes was examined in a laboratory setting. Diagnostic suitability was investigated in 100 subjects (50 male, 50 female) receiving 2D high‐definition (HD) and 3D laryngostroboscopy. Two of the subjects subsequently underwent 3D‐assisted office‐based transoral phonosurgery under local anesthesia. Main outcome measures were comparative visualization of laryngotracheal pathologies, influence on preoperative planning, and evaluation of prognostic factors for the outcome of phonosurgical interventions.

Results

Three‐dimensional endostroboscopic procedures were effectively optimized to establish an examination protocol for all‐day clinical use. Office‐based 3D laryngostroboscopy was successfully applied in subjects with normal anatomy (n = 10) and various laryngotracheal findings (n = 90). In comparison to 2D HD videolaryngostroboscopy, the 3D view offered enhanced visualization of laryngotracheal anatomy, with qualitatively improved depth perception and spatial representation. In organic pathologies, this resulted in a more precise indication of phonosurgical procedures, increased accuracy in surgical planning, facilitated office‐based endoscopic surgery, and better evaluation of prognostic factors for the outcome of phonosurgical interventions.

Conclusion

Three‐dimensional laryngostroboscopy proved to increase the understanding of functional and surgical anatomy. Its application has enormous potential for improving the diagnostic value of laryngoscopy, surgical precision in laryngotracheal interventions, tissue preservation, and methods of teaching.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 128:2823–2831, 2018
Frailty in geriatric head and neck cancer: A contemporary review
Authors: Noor Anthony , Gibb Catherine , Boase Sam , Hodge John‐Charles , Krishnan Suren , Foreman Andrew
Published: October 2018

Objective

To provide a summary of the current frailty literature relating to head and neck cancer.

Data Sources

Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar.

Methods

A comprehensive review of the literature was performed from 2000 to 2017 using key words frailty, elderly, geriatric, surgery, otolaryngology, head and neck cancer.

Results

The aging population has led to an increased diagnosis of head and neck cancer in elderly patients. The prevalence of comorbidities, disabilities, geriatric syndromes and social issues can make treatment planning and management in this population challenging. Chronological age alone may not be the optimal approach to guiding treatment decisions, as there is marked heterogeneity amongst this age group. Individualization of treatment can be achieved by assessing for the presence of frailty, which has growing evidence as an important marker of health status in geriatric oncology. Frailty is a complex geriatric syndrome characterized by a state of increased vulnerability to stressors and is associated with morbidity, mortality, and treatment toxicity. Screening for frailty may provide an efficient method to identify those who would benefit from further assessment or pretreatment optimization, and to provide prognostic information to assist clinicians and patients in formulating the most ideal treatment plan for the elderly individual with head and neck cancer.

Conclusions

Frailty has emerged as an important concept in geriatric oncology, with wide significance in head and neck cancer. Incorporating frailty assessments into clinical practice may provide otolaryngologists pertinent information regarding health status and outcomes leading to optimal care of the elderly cancer patient. Laryngoscope, 128:E416–E424, 2018
Age‐related differences in olfactory cleft volume in adults: A computational volumetric study
Authors: Worley Mitchell L. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Soler Zachary M. , Dubno Judy R. , Eckert Mark A.
Published: October 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

There is a growing need to understand the underlying mechanisms of age‐related olfactory dysfunction with the increasing proportion of older adults over the next 20 years. Despite the importance of olfactory cleft (OC) volumes on odorant deposition and olfactory function, little is known about age‐related changes to OC volume. The goal of this study was to use automated techniques in a cross‐sectional design to investigate the extent to which OC volumes vary with age and determine the spatial specificity of any age‐related effects.

Study Design

Retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Deformation‐based morphometry was utilized to measure OC and sinus volumes in two independent samples of 101 (Medical University of South Carolina [MUSC] sample) and 95 (Hammersmith sample) healthy adults who underwent T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging, with the Hammersmith sample serving as a replication sample.

Results

The mean age of the MUSC and Hammersmith samples were 54.9 ± 17.0 years and 52.1 years ± 15.7 years, respectively. In both samples, there was a significant positive association between age and OC volume that occurred at a constant rate across the lifespan (Cohen's f2 of 0.065 in the MUSC sample and 0.110 in the Hammersmith sample). Age‐associated OC volume increases occurred in conjunction with decreases in sinus volumes as well as increases in non‐OC nasal cavity volumes.

Conclusions

In this cross‐sectional study, there is an increase in OC volume with increasing age that occurs in the context of broad age‐associated differences in sinonasal anatomy. Future studies should investigate the impact of age‐associated differences in intranasal anatomy on nasal airflow, odorant deposition, and olfactory function.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 129:E55–E60, 2019
Long‐range forecast of Indian summer monsoon rainfall using an artificial neural network model
Authors: Acharya Rajashree , Pal Jayanti , Das Debanjana , Chaudhuri Sutapa
Published: October 2018

This study develops an artificial neural network (ANN) model with a nonlinear perceptron rule for use in the long‐range forecasting (LRF) of Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR). In developing the model, two predictor sets are adopted from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), SET‐I and SET‐II, to prepare the input matrix of the model, while the output is ISMR. The data used were collected over the period 1980–2017. The model is trained with input data from 1980 to 2012, and the skill of the model is estimated by validating the model output with observation during the period 2013–2017. The result reveals that that second‐stage forecast is better than first‐stage forecast due to the incorporation of a North Atlantic sea surface pressure anomaly and a North Central Pacific zonal wind anomaly at 850 hPa in the input matrix. The study further reveals that the multilayer perceptron (MLP) model with a back‐propagation algorithm is best among the ANN models used in the study. The prediction capability of the ANN model is also checked by comparing it with a multiple nonlinear regression (MNLR) model developed with the two predictor sets. The robustness of the prediction accuracy is estimated by computing Willmott's index for each of the ANN and MNLR models.
A numerical algorithm for the solution of nonlinear fractional differential equations via beta‐derivatives
Authors: Hatipoğlu Veysel Fuat
Published: October 2018

In this paper, the sinc‐collocation method (SCM) is investigated to obtain the solution of the nonlinear fractional order differential equations based on the relatively new defined fractional derivative, beta‐derivative. For this purpose, a theorem is proved for the approximate solution obtained from the SCM. Moreover, convergence analysis of the SCM is presented. To show the efficiency and the simplicity of the proposed method, some examples are solved, and the results are compared with the exact solutions of the considered equations.
Existence and global exponential stability of anti‐periodic solutions for delayed quaternion‐valued cellular neural networks with impulsive effects
Authors: Li Yongkun , Qin Jiali , Li Bing
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we consider a class of delayed quaternion‐valued cellular neural networks (DQVCNNs) with impulsive effects. By using a novel continuation theorem of coincidence degree theory, the existence of anti‐periodic solutions for DQVCNNs is obtained with or without assuming that the activation functions are bounded. Furthermore, by constructing a suitable Lyapunov function, some sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the global exponential stability of anti‐periodic solutions for DQVCNNs. Our results are new and complementary to the known results even when DQVCNNs degenerate into real‐valued or complex‐valued neural networks. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the obtained results.
Effects of Quercetin Intervention on Cognition Function in APP/PS1 Mice was Affected by Vitamin D Status
Authors: Lv Menglian , Yang Shengyi , Cai Lingkai , Qin Li‐qiang , Li Bing‐yan , Wan Zhongxiao
Published: October 2018

Scope

To explore how quercetin will affect memory impairments in APP/PS1 mice under different vitamin D status.

Methods and results

APP/PS1 mice are divided into four groups, i.e., control (CON), low (LVD), medium, and high vitamin D supplemented with quercetin. During Morris Water Maze test, mice of the LVD group function best for improving cognitive function demonstrated by reduced latency to platform, and increased number of crossing and swimming distance in the target quadrant. Compared to the CON group, in both hippocampus and cortex, the LVD group has significant reduction in Aβ plaques, p‐Tau at Ser396&Ser404, and neuroinflammation. In the hippocampus, BDNF is elevated, miR‐26a and miR‐125b is decreased, while miR‐132 is increased in the LVD group. The LVD group demonstrates increased gut microbial diversity and elevated relative abundance of Glutamicibacter, Facklamia and Aerocorrus. In the hippocampus, p‐Tau at ser396&404, GFAP, Ibα1, miR‐26a, and miR‐132 are negatively correlated with Aerococcus; and p‐Tau at ser404 and Ibα1 are negatively correlated with Facklamia.

Conclusion

Quercetin is more efficacious for improving cognitive function under low vitamin D status. This might be owing to that interventions reduce Aβ plaques, tau phosphorylation, and neuroinflammation, upregulate BDNF, reduce miR‐26a and miR‐125b, increase miR‐132, and elevate gut microbial diversity including Facklamia and Aerococcus.
Comparative Structural and Mechanical Studies on Polyamide 6 Knitted‐Reinforced Single Polymer Composites Prepared by Different Reactive Processing Techniques
Authors: Tohidi Shafagh. D. , Rocha Ana Maria , Dencheva Nadya V. , Pouzada António Sérgio , Denchev Zlatan
Published: October 2018

Single polymer laminate composites based on anionic polyamide 6 (PA6) matrix‐reinforced by PA6 knitted textile structures (KSPC) were produced by nylon reactive injection molding and powder coating/compression molding (PCCM) processing techniques. The effect of the reinforcement's structure and the fiber volume fraction on the mechanical properties of the knitted‐reinforced PA6 composites resulting from the two methods were investigated and compared. The morphology and the crystalline structure of KSPC materials were studied to identify the main factors determining the tensile properties. The results showed that the PCCM method produced laminate composites with higher Young's modulus and mechanical strength in tension. Microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction experiments were carried out to correlate the morphology and crystalline structure of the composites and their precursors with the different tensile behavior of KSPC prepared using the two techniques. The microscopy and X‐ray scattering studies suggested the formation of a transcrystalline layer at the matrix/reinforcement interface. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E886–E897, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synergistic effects of short glass fiber/short carbon fiber hybrids on the mechanical properties of polyethersulfone composites
Authors: Li Yuan‐Qing , Du Sen‐Sen , Liu Li‐Yuan , Li Fei , Liu De‐Bo , Zhao Ze‐Kun , Xiao Hong‐Mei , Hu Ning , Fu Shao‐Yun
Published: October 2018

Polyethersulfone (PES) is one of important high performance engineering thermoplastics but its mechanical and tribological properties are not comparable to those of metals and have to be enhanced in order to widen its applications. In this work, both short glass fibers (SGFs) and short carbon fibers (SCFs) are employed to reinforce PES and the SCF/SGF/PES composites were prepared using melt blending and injection molding techniques. The simultaneous usage of SCFs and SGFs with various volume ratios is to examine their possible synergistic effects in reinforcing PES. The results reveal that the tensile and flexural properties as well as wear resistance are all enhanced by the addition of both SCFs and SGFs. The tensile/flexural strength and modulus of the hybrid PES composites increase with increasing the SCFs volume fraction in fillers. Meanwhile, the friction coefficient and specific wear rate of the hybrid PES composites decrease with increasing the SCFs volume fraction in fillers. Interestingly, the tensile strength, flexural strength and wear resistance of the hybrid SCF/SGF/PES composites at proper SCF/SGF volume fraction ratios are obviously higher than those predicted by the rule of mixtures, representing the typical positive synergistic effects of SCFs and SGFs. Consequently, it is promising to employ both expensive SCFs and cheap SGFs at proper SCF/SGF volume fraction ratios for reinforcing PES in considering the combination of properties and cost. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1725–E1731, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
The Mechanical, Thermal, Rheological and Morphological Properties of PLA/PBAT Blown Films by Using Bis(tert‐butyl dioxy isopropyl) Benzene as Crosslinking Agent
Authors: Ai Xue , Li Xin , Yu Yinlei , Pan Hongwei , Yang Jia , Wang Dongmei , Yang Huili , Zhang Huiliang , Dong Lisong
Published: October 2018

Blown films of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) blends were prepared, bis(tert‐butyl dioxy isopropyl) benzene (BIBP) as crosslinking agent. From wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction results, PLA/PBAT/BIBP involved all the diffraction peaks were consistent with PLA and PBAT. For the DSC curves of PLA/PBAT/BIBP films, there were two glass transition temperature and two melt temperature, there existed two step decomposition in the thermogravimetric curves. Both Han plots and Cole–Cole plots indicated high homogeneity of the 40/60/0.1 PLA/PBAT/BIBP blend. SEM micrographs of the films revealed more ductile deformation with increasing PBAT content and 40/60/0.1 sample had better miscible compared with others. For the PLA/PBAT/BIBP films, tensile tests indicated that the elongation at break were increased with increasing PBAT content and the values of the tensile strength in the machine direction were higher than those in the transverse direction. The addition of PBAT, enhanced the toughness of the PLA/PBAT/BIBP films. From tear test and heat sealing test, the 40/60/0.1 PLA/PBAT/BIBP film exhibited the highest tear strength and the highest sealing strength among all the samples. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E227–E236, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Duration and decay of Arctic stratospheric vortex events in the ECMWF seasonal forecast model
Authors: Orsolini Yvan J. , Nishii Kazuaki , Nakamura Hisashi
Published: October 2018

Previous studies have documented extreme stratospheric polar vortex events, but the factors governing their duration have received little attention. Here, we investigate weak and strong stratospheric polar vortex events simulated in ensemble reforecasts for the Northern Hemisphere winter with the seasonal forecast model (System 4) of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasting, in comparison with the European Reanalysis Interim dataset. The individual strong and weak vortex events are classified into short and long events. A composite analysis is conducted for each of the four categories of events with respect to their initial or end days. We examine the characteristics of each category in the forecast model and reanalyses, including anomalous zonal‐mean zonal winds, heat and wave‐activity fluxes, lower‐tropospheric temperature and surface pressure, as well as the synoptic evolution of upper‐tropospheric anomalies during the precursory and decaying stages. The main findings are: (a) the forecast System 4 is found to produce both short and long anomalous vortex events in comparable amplitude to the reanalyses, but the polar zonal wind anomalies are more persistent, for each of the four categories considered; (b) short events penetrate as deep as the long events right at their onset, but they rapidly decay under a wave forcing that is less sustained than in the long events; (c) subtle differences in the synoptic evolution of blocking Highs and Lows over both oceanic basins or over Northern Eurasia or America appear to condition the duration of the forcing; and (d) during such short events, characteristic surface or lower‐tropospheric signatures of the annular mode paradigm arising from the downward stratospheric influence are not allowed sufficient time to develop.