bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why the short face? Developmental disintegration of the neurocranium drives convergent evolution in neotropical electric fishes
Authors: Evans Kory M. , Waltz Brandon , Tagliacollo Victor , Chakrabarty Prosanta , Albert James S.
Published: February 2017

Convergent evolution is widely viewed as strong evidence for the influence of natural selection on the origin of phenotypic design. However, the emerging evo‐devo synthesis has highlighted other processes that may bias and direct phenotypic evolution in the presence of environmental and genetic variation. Developmental biases on the production of phenotypic variation may channel the evolution of convergent forms by limiting the range of phenotypes produced during ontogeny. Here, we study the evolution and convergence of brachycephalic and dolichocephalic skull shapes among 133 species of Neotropical electric fishes (Gymnotiformes: Teleostei) and identify potential developmental biases on phenotypic evolution. We plot the ontogenetic trajectories of neurocranial phenotypes in 17 species and document developmental modularity between the face and braincase regions of the skull. We recover a significant relationship between developmental covariation and relative skull length and a significant relationship between developmental covariation and ontogenetic disparity. We demonstrate that modularity and integration bias the production of phenotypes along the brachycephalic and dolichocephalic skull axis and contribute to multiple, independent evolutionary transformations to highly brachycephalic and dolichocephalic skull morphologies.
Nurse plants transfer more nitrogen to distantly related species
Authors: Montesinos‐Navarro Alicia , Verdú Miguel , Querejeta José Ignacio , Valiente‐Banuet Alfonso
Published: February 2017

Plant facilitative interactions enhance co‐occurrence between distant relatives, partly due to limited overlap in resource requirements. We propose a different mechanism for the coexistence of distant relatives based on positive interactions of nutrient sharing. Nutrients move between plants following source–sink gradients driven by plant traits that allow these gradients to establish. Specifically, nitrogen (N) concentration gradients can arise from variation in leaf N content across plants species. As many ecologically relevant traits, we hypothesize that leaf N content is phylogenetically conserved and can result in N gradients promoting N transfer among distant relatives. In a Mexican desert community governed by facilitation, we labelled nurse plants (Mimosa luisana) with 15N and measured its transfer to 14 other species in the community, spanning the range of phylogenetic distances to the nurse plant. Nurses established steeper N source–sink gradients with distant relatives, increasing 15N transfer toward these species. Nutrient sharing may provide long‐term benefits to facilitated plants and may be an overlooked mechanism maintaining coexistence and increasing the phylogenetic diversity of plant communities.
Left ventricular assist device therapy in advanced heart failure: patient selection and outcomes
Authors: Gustafsson Finn , Rogers Joseph G.
Published: February 2017

Despite improvements in pharmacological therapy and pacing, prognosis in advanced heart failure (HF) remains poor, with a 1‐year mortality of 25–50%. While heart transplantation provides excellent survival and quality of life for eligible patients, only a few can be offered this treatment due to shortage of donor organs. Implantable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) technology has improved considerably, and the currently used continuous flow devices may last >10 years in a patient. LVADs are being used increasingly both as bridge‐to‐transplantation and as destination therapy. Current studies report 1‐ and 2‐year survival after LVAD implantation of 80% and 70%, respectively. Outcome after LVAD implantation in stable patients is superior to that of ‘crash and burn’ patients or patients sliding on inotropes, favouring early referral and implantation. This review summarizes factors to consider when deciding on LVAD implantation such as age, co‐morbidity, and cardiac pathophysiology. Complications to LVAD therapy are reviewed. It is concluded that while complications with LVAD therapy are not uncommon, most are manageable, and current outcomes clearly justify use of LVADs in advanced HF.
Management of post‐traumatic epilepsy: An evidence review over the last 5 years and future directions
Authors: Piccenna Loretta , Shears Graeme , O'Brien Terence J.
Published: February 2017

Post‐traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is a relatively underappreciated condition that can develop as a secondary consequence following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The aim of this rapid evidence review is to provide a synthesis of existing evidence on the effectiveness of treatment interventions for the prevention of PTE in people who have suffered a moderate/severe TBI to increase awareness and understanding among consumers. Electronic medical databases (n = 5) and gray literature published between January 2010 and April 2015 were searched for studies on the management of PTE. Twenty‐two eligible studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria. No evidence was found for the effectiveness of any pharmacological treatments in the prevention or treatment of symptomatic seizures in adults with PTE. However, limited high‐level evidence for the effectiveness of the antiepileptic drug levetiracetam was identified for PTE in children. Low‐level evidence was identified for nonpharmacological interventions in significantly reducing seizures in patients with PTE, but only in a minority of cases, requiring further high‐level studies to confirm the results. This review provides an opportunity for researchers and health service professionals to better understand the underlying pathophysiology of PTE to develop novel, more effective therapeutic targets and to improve the quality of life of people with this condition.
Predictive framework for estimating exposure of birds to pharmaceuticals
Authors: Bean Thomas G. , Arnold Kathryn E. , Lane Julie M. , Bergström Ed , Thomas-Oates Jane , Rattner Barnett A. , Boxall Alistair B.A.
Published: February 2017

We present and evaluate a framework for estimating concentrations of pharmaceuticals over time in wildlife feeding at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The framework is composed of a series of predictive steps involving the estimation of pharmaceutical concentration in wastewater, accumulation into wildlife food items, and uptake by wildlife with subsequent distribution into, and elimination from, tissues. Because many pharmacokinetic parameters for wildlife are unavailable for the majority of drugs in use, a read-across approach was employed using either rodent or human data on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Comparison of the different steps in the framework against experimental data for the scenario where birds are feeding on a WWTP contaminated with fluoxetine showed that estimated concentrations in wastewater treatment works were lower than measured concentrations; concentrations in food could be reasonably estimated if experimental bioaccumulation data are available; and read-across from rodent data worked better than human to bird read-across. The framework provides adequate predictions of plasma concentrations and of elimination behavior in birds but yields poor predictions of distribution in tissues. The approach holds promise, but it is important that we improve our understanding of the physiological similarities and differences between wild birds and domesticated laboratory mammals used in pharmaceutical efficacy/safety trials, so that the wealth of data available can be applied more effectively in ecological risk assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2335–2344. © 2017 SETAC
A finite volume scheme for solving anisotropic diffusion on ALE‐AMR grids
Authors: Breil Jérôme , Jacq Pascal , Maire Pierre‐Henri
Published: February 2017

In the context of High Energy Density Physics and more precisely in the field of laser plasma interaction, Lagrangian schemes are commonly used. The lack of robustness due to strong grid deformations requires the regularization of the mesh through the use of Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian methods. Theses methods usually add some diffusion and a loss of precision is observed. We propose to use Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR) techniques to reduce this loss of accuracy. This work focuses on the resolution of the anisotropic diffusion operator on Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian‐AMR grids.

In this paper, we describe a second‐order accurate cell‐centered finite volume method for solving anisotropic diffusion on AMR type grids. The scheme described here is based on local flux approximation which can be derived through the use of a finite difference approximation, leading to the CCLADNS scheme. We present here the 2D and 3D extension of the CCLADNS scheme to AMR meshes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Economic and Rate‐Design Considerations for Distributed Energy Resources
Authors: Gilliam Rick
Published: February 2017

For the first time, a manufacturing sector—electric utilities—is attempting to differentiate customers based upon the reason that they are purchasing less of their product. Customers that use less because of their own generation are being asked (to put it kindly) to pay for the same utility equipment they would use if they weren't generating any energy themselves.
Lower Uncollectibles by Changing Focus on Debt Recovery
Authors: Lesher Mandi
Published: February 2017

For many years, utilities have relied on third‐party collection agencies to recover as much of their debt as possible.
What Really Upsets Customers During Power Outages?
Authors:   KUBRA
Published: February 2017

As consumers and businesses become more reliant on electricity, utilities are faced with greater pressure to improve not only their restoration efforts, but also how they communicate about the restoration process. When severe storms seem to frequently lead to multiday outages and customers have instant access to information sharing through social media, an individual customer's perception can play a key role in how utilities are perceived by customers and regulatory agencies. In this article, we'll review how customers are sharing their frustrations through social media and dive into the real reason customers are upset, so you can respond accordingly.
Bricks and Mortar in a Borderless World: Globalization, the Backlash, and the Multinational Enterprise
Authors: Kobrin Stephen J.
Published: February 2017

Research summary

Globalization, increased interconnectedness, and deep integration resulted in significant increases in trade and FDI from 1989 through 2008. The recession marked the end of that trend and the rise of a broad‐based opposition that has economic, social, and political components. This article explores the backlash, arguing that is driven by sociotropic perceptions. While globalization can be explained as a cyclical or structural phenomenon, I argue that technological change results in a networked global economy, the transition from a space of places to a space of flows, and increases the potential cost of devolution to the point where economic independence is no longer feasible. Nonetheless, I conclude that MNCs face a period of prolonged uncertainty and develop implications for firm strategy.

Managerial summary

Globalization entailed explosive growth in trade and FDI from 1989 through 2008. The decline in both since the recession and the strident backlash may indicate the end of this wave. The economic, political, and social components of the backlash are explored, and I argue that while the economic and political factors that gave rise to globalization longer exist, structural factors—networked MNCs, dispersion of technology, and complex global supply chains—increase the cost of devolution to the point where a return to independent national markets is not feasible. We are likely to be stuck with an international economy from which we can neither withdraw nor manage effectively, a prolonged period of angst and uncertainty. I conclude with scenarios and implications for multinational firms. Copyright © 2017 Strategic Management Society
Modulating tumor hypoxia by nanomedicine for effective cancer therapy
Authors: Jahanban‐Esfahlan Rana , de la Guardia Miguel , Ahmadi Delshad , Yousefi Bahman
Published: February 2017

Hypoxia, a characteristic feature of tumors, is indispensable to tumor angiogenesis, metastasis, and multi drug resistance. Hypoxic avascular regions, deeply embedded inside the tumors significantly hinder delivery of therapeutic agents. The low oxygen tension results in resistance to the current applied anti‐cancer therapeutics including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and photodynamic therapy, the efficacy of which is firmly tied to the level of tumor oxygen supply. However, emerging data indicate that nanocarriers/nanodrugs can offer substantial benefits to improve the efficacy of current therapeutics, through modulation of tumor hypoxia. This review aims to introduce the most recent advances made in nanocarrier mediated targeting of tumor hypoxia. The first part is dedicated to the approaches by which nanocarriers could be designed to target/leverage hypoxia. These approaches include i) inhibiting Hypoxia Inducer Factor (HIF‐1α); ii) hypoxia activated prodrugs/linkers; and iii) obligate anaerobe mediated targeting of tumor hypoxia. The second part, details novel nanosystems proposed to modulate tumor hypoxia through tumor oxygenation. These methods seek to lessen tumor hypoxia through vascular normalization, or reoxygenation therapy. The reoxygenation of tumor could be accomplished by: i) generation of oxygen filled nanocarriers; ii) natural/artificial oxygen nanocarriers; and iii) oxygen generators. The efficacy of each approach and their potential in cancer therapy is further discussed.
Early body composition, but not body mass, is associated with future accelerated decline in muscle quality
Authors: Fabbri Elisa , Chiles Shaffer Nancy , Gonzalez‐Freire Marta , Shardell Michelle D. , Zoli Marco , Studenski Stephanie A. , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: February 2017

Background

Muscle quality (MQ) or strength‐to‐mass ratio declines with aging, but the rate of MQ change with aging is highly heterogeneous across individuals. The identification of risk factors for accelerated MQ decline may offer clues to identity the underpinning physiological mechanisms and indicate targets for prevention and treatment. Using data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, we tested whether measures of body mass and body composition are associated with differential rates of changes in MQ with aging.

Methods

Participants included 511 men and women, aged 50 years or older, followed for an average of 4 years (range: 1–8). MQ was operationalized as ratio between knee‐extension isokinetic strength and CT‐thigh muscle cross‐sectional area. Predictors included body mass and body composition measures: weight (kg), body mass index (BMI, kg/m2), dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry‐measured total body fat mass (TFM, kg) and lean mass (TLM, kg), and body fatness (TFM/weight). Covariates were baseline age, sex, race, and body height.

Results

Muscle quality showed a significant linear decline over the time of the follow up (average rate of decline 0.02 Nm/cm2 per year, P < .001). Independent of covariates, neither baseline body weight (P = .756) nor BMI (P = .777) was predictive of longitudinal rate of decline in MQ. Instead, higher TFM and lower TLM at baseline predicted steeper longitudinal decline in MQ (P = .036 and P < .001, respectively). In particular, participants with both high TFM and low TLM at baseline experienced the most dramatic decline compared with those with low TFM and high TLM (about 3% per year vs. 0.5% per year, respectively). Participants in the higher tertile of baseline body fatness presented a significantly faster decline of MQ than the rest of the population (P = .021). Similar results were observed when body mass, TFM, and TLM were modeled as time‐dependent predictors.

Conclusions

Body composition, but not weight nor BMI, is associated with future MQ decline, suggesting that preventive strategies aimed at maintaining good MQ with aging should specifically target body composition features.
Diagnostic performance of T1 and T2 mapping to detect intramyocardial hemorrhage in reperfused ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients
Authors: Bulluck Heerajnarain , Rosmini Stefania , Abdel‐Gadir Amna , Bhuva Anish N. , Treibel Thomas A. , Fontana Marianna , Gonzalez‐Lopez Esther , Ramlall Manish , Hamarneh Ashraf , Sirker Alex , Herrey Anna S. , Manisty Charlotte , Yellon Derek M. , Moon James C. , Hausenloy Derek J.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To investigate the performance of T1 and T2 mapping to detect intramyocardial hemorrhage (IMH) in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).

Materials and Methods

Fifty STEMI patients were prospectively recruited between August 2013 and July 2014 following informed consent. Forty‐eight patients completed a 1.5T cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with native T1, T2, and
maps at 4 ± 2 days. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to assess the performance of T1 and T2 to detect IMH.

Results

The mean age was 59 ± 13 years old and 88% (24/48) were male. In all, 39 patients had interpretable
maps and 26/39 (67%) of the patients had IMH (
<20 msec on
maps). Both T1 and T2 values of the hypointense core within the area‐at‐risk (AAR) performed equally well to detect IMH (T1 maps AUC 0.86 [95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72–0.99] versus T2 maps AUC 0.86 [95% CI 0.74–0.99]; P = 0.94). Using the binary assessment of presence or absence of a hypointense core on the maps, the diagnostic performance of T1 and T2 remained equally good (T1 AUC 0.87 [95% CI 0.73–1.00] versus T2 AUC 0.85 [95% CI 0.71–0.99]; P = 0.90) with good sensitivity and specificity (T1: 88% and 85% and T2: 85% and 85%, respectively).

Conclusion

The presence of a hypointense core on the T1 and T2 maps can detect IMH equally well and with good sensitivity and specificity in reperfused STEMI patients and could be used as an alternative when
images are not acquired or are not interpretable.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:877–886
A molecular epidemiology study investigating familial clustering of hepatitis B virus infection in families with unfavorable prognoses in Northwest China
Authors: Yanag Yuan , Du Dan , Jin Li , Tian Zhen , Li Qian , Yi Ruitian , Qiu Ting , Yang Daokun , He Yingli , Liu Jinfeng , Chen Tianyan , Zhao Yingren
Published: February 2017

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections and adverse outcome have been demonstrated to show characteristics of familial clustering. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of different HBV genotypes, HBV sub‐genotypes, and Pre‐S mutations associated with familial HBV infection clusters with unfavorable prognoses. Families presenting with clustered HBV infections and unfavorable prognoses were enrolled in this study. Non‐clustered HBV‐infected individuals were used as the control group. DNA extracted from patient serum samples was used to facilitate characterization of the HBV genotypes, HBV sub‐genotypes, and Pre‐S mutations by phylogenetic analysis. The Pre‐S/S gene was successfully amplified in 83 patients from the clustering group and 105 patients from the sporadic group. The prevalence of genotype C in the clustering group (71/83, 85.54%) was significantly higher than in the sporadic group (77/105, 73.33%) (P = 0.042). The prevalence of sub‐genotype C2 in the clustering group (33/83, 39.76%) was also higher than in the sporadic group (21/105, 20%) (P = 0.003). Analyses of functional mapping of pre‐S sequences showed that the prevalence of the mutation in the S promoter site (nt 3045‐3189 of pre‐S1 domain) was significantly increased in the clustering group compared with the sporadic group (15.7% vs. 3.8%) (P = 0.009). This study suggests that genotype C, especially sub‐genotype C2, may be associated with the progression of HBV infection in familial clustering infection cohorts with unfavorable prognoses. We also observed that the natural occurrence of S promoter mutations in the clustering group was significantly prevalent.
Prevalence and clinical profile of human bocavirus in children with acute gastroenteritis in Chengdu, West China, 2012‐2013
Authors: Zhou Tao , Chen Yuhang , Chen Jiayi , Hu Pengwei , Zheng Tianli , Xu Xin , Pei Xiaofang
Published: February 2017

Viral acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a major cause of mortality in childhood and leads to hospitalization in developing countries. Human bocavirus (HBoV) is a newly described virus associated with gastroenteritis. However, little is known about the clinical and epidemiological profile of human bocavirus (HBoV) in pediatric population in Chengdu, China. Between January 2012 and December 2013, 346 fecal samples from children admitted to hospital with acute gastroenteritis were tested for the presence of HBoV as well as other gastroenteritis viruses. Additionally, laboratory test results, clinical features and epidemiological characters were also collected to assess the correlation between HBoV and acute gastroenteritis in pediatric patients in Chengdu, China. Of the 346 tested fecal samples, 60 (17.34%) were positive for HBoV. The rate of co‐detection of HBoV with other gastroenteritis viruses was 43.33% (26/60). HBoV was most detected in the summer/early fall months. Sequence analysis of the VP1/VP2 gene showed that both HBoV1 and HBoV2 circulated in Chengdu, China. No obvious difference was found between the clinical features of the HBoV1 mono‐detected patients and HBoV2 mono‐detected patients. Besides, in diarrheic children, positive correlation was found between detection of HBoV and diagnose of respiratory disease. Furthermore, blood cells were detected more frequently in fecal samples of patients with HBoV mono‐detected. Though HBoV was detected frequently in Children with diarrhea in Chengdu, no statistical association was found between HBoV and disease severity.
HIV‐1 coreceptor usage in perinatally infected Thai children
Authors: Samleerat Tanawan , Hongjaisee Sayamon , Phiayura Pattareeya , Sirirungsi Wasna
Published: February 2017

HIV‐1 coreceptor usage in children who were born to HIV‐1 infected mothers in Thailand is not well characterized. Here, the prevalence of coreceptor usage and genotype among HIV‐1 infected children in Thailand were observed. Proviral DNA from 284 HIV‐1 infected children who received HIV‐1 early infant diagnosis between 2007 and 2013 under the National AIDS Program were studied. Genotypic tropism testing was performed based on amplification of the V3 region in a triplicate nested‐PCR following by DNA sequencing. HIV‐1 coreceptor usage was determined using Geno2pheno[coreceptor] with a false positive rate of 10%. Samples from 267 children were successfully amplified and coreceptor usage could be determined. Two hundred and thirty‐seven (89%) children were infected with CRF01_AE, 29 (11%) were subtype B and 1 was subtype C. CCR5‐using variants were found in 148 (55%) children and CXCR4‐using variants were observed in 119 (45%) children. No significant differences in coreceptor usage and age, gender, signs of HIV infection, children's or maternal ARV receiving were observed. The only significant difference was found in N‐linked glycosylation characteristic. This evidence showed that X4 viruses can be highly observed at an early age of children which has important clinical implications and may limit usage of CCR5 antagonist family.
Comparison of genetic characteristics in the evolution of Norovirus GII.4 and GII.17
Authors: Mori Kohji , Motomura Kazushi , Somura Yoshiko , Kimoto Kana , Akiba Tetsuya , Sadamasu Kenji
Published: February 2017

The genetic characteristics of Norovirus GII.17 were evaluated. Phylogenetic analysis and comparisons of amino acid (Aa) substitutions and nonsynonymous (NS) substitutions/site/year were performed. The complete VP1 sequence of Tokyo/27‐3/1976 clustered independently with GII.P17_GII.17 strains. Aa substitutions were mainly accumulated in the P2 domain. NS substitutions/site/year for Tokyo/27‐3/1976 compared to Kawasaki323/2014 and Kawasaki308/2015 were 0.57 × 10−3 and 0.78 × 10−3, respectively; for GII.4 Sydney/NSW0514/2012 compared to CHDC2094/1974 and CHDC5191/1974 were 0.93 × 10−3 and 1.06 × 10−3, respectively. These findings imply that evolutionary diversity in the VP1 of GII.17 might be strictly constrained in contrast to that of GII.4.
High‐dimensional uncertainty quantification for an electrothermal field problem using stochastic collocation on sparse grids and tensor train decompositions
Authors: Loukrezis Dimitrios , Römer Ulrich , Casper Thorben , Schöps Sebastian , De Gersem Herbert
Published: February 2017

The temperature developed in bondwires of integrated circuits (ICs) is a possible source of malfunction and has to be taken into account during the design phase of an IC. Because of manufacturing tolerances, a bondwire's geometrical characteristics are uncertain parameters, and as such, their impact has to be examined with the use of uncertainty quantification methods. Considering a stochastic electrothermal problem featuring 12 bondwire‐related uncertainties, we want to quantify the impact of the uncertain inputs onto the temperature developed during the duty cycle of an IC. For this reason, we apply the stochastic collocation method on sparse grids, which is considered the current state‐of‐the‐art. We also implement an approach based on the recently introduced low‐rank tensor decompositions, in particular the tensor train decomposition, which in theory promises to break the curse of dimensionality. A comparison of both methods is presented, with respect to accuracy and computational effort.
Cortical spreading depolarizations in the postresuscitation period in a cardiac arrest male rat model
Authors: Hansen Frederik Boe , Secher Niels , Jensen Morten Skovgaard , Østergaard Leif , Tønnesen Else , Granfeldt Asger
Published: February 2017

Neurological injury develops over days following cardiac arrest (CA); however, the exact mechanisms remain unknown. After stroke or trauma, the progression of neurological injury is associated with cortical‐spreading depolarizations (CSDs). The objective was to investigate whether CA and subsequent resuscitation in rats are associated with 1) the development of spontaneous negative direct current (DC) shifts indicative of CSDs, and 2) changes in artificially induced CSDs in the postresuscitation period. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized into four groups: 1) CA 90, 2) Control 90, 3) CA 360, and 4) Control 360. Following 8 min of asphyxial CA, animals were resuscitated using adrenaline, ventilation, and chest compressions. Animals were observed for 90 or 360 min, respectively, before a 210‐min data collection period. Cortical potentials were recorded through burr holes over the right hemisphere. Animals were intubated and monitored with invasive blood pressure, ECG, and arterial blood gas samples throughout the study. Spontaneous DC shifts occurred in only 1 of the 14 CA animals. In control animals, DC shifts were easy to induce, and their shape was highly uniform, consistent with that of classical CSDs. In CA animals, significantly fewer DC shifts could be induced, and their shape was profoundly altered compared with controls. We observed frequent epileptiform discharges and temporal clusters of activity. Spontaneous CSDs were not a consistent finding in CA animals. Instead, spontaneous epileptiform discharges and temporal cluster of activity were observed, while the shapes of induced DC shifts were profoundly altered compared with controls. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mesoscale convective systems and other precipitation features over the tropical Americas and surrounding seas as seen byTRMM
Authors: Jaramillo Liliana , Poveda Germán , Mejía John F.
Published: February 2017

We classified and characterized precipitation features (PFs) at annual and diurnal timescales during 1998–2011 over the tropical Americas and adjoining oceans using data from two instruments on board the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM). Our scope included geographic distribution, frequency, area, rainfall rate, and polarization‐corrected temperatures (PCTs) ofPFsin an effort to contrast different regions over Colombia, the Amazon River Basin, and the adjoining oceanic regions (Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea). Our results showed that mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) over the Caribbean Sea exhibited colder minimumPCTsthan Pacific OceanMCSs. Pacific OceanMCSshad higher rainfall rates, however, than Caribbean SeaMCSs. Despite the fact thatMCSsrepresented <1% of the total precipitation systems found, theMCSscontributed more rainfall over the study regions. Over the Pacific Ocean, for example,MCSscontributed approximately 57% of the total rainfall contributed by all precipitation systems identified over that region. Additionally,MCSsover the Pacific coast have their maximum frequency during the morning hours (0000–0600 Local Time) offshore and centred over the Pacific Ocean at 77.5°W. The annual cycle ofPFsshowed a marked bimodal annual cycle over Colombia, whereas over the Amazon Basin, Pacific Ocean, and Caribbean Sea,PFswere characterized by a unimodal annual cycle.
Formation of heterocyclic amines in Chinese marinated meat: effects of animal species and ingredients (rock candy, soy sauce and rice wine)
Authors: Wang Pan , Hong Yanting , Ke Weixin , Hu Xiaosong , Chen Fang
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are one type of neo‐formed contaminants in protein‐rich foods during heat processing. Recently, accumulative studies have focused on the formation of HAs in Western foods. However, there is little knowledge about the occurrence of HAAs in traditional Chinese foods. The objective of this study was to determinate the contents of main HAs in traditional marinated meat products by UPLC‐MS/MS, and to investigate the effects of animal species and the ingredients (soy sauce, rock candy, and rice wine) on the formation of HAAs in marinated meats.

RESULTS

Five HAs – 2‐amino‐3‐methylimidazo[4,5‐f]‐quinolone (IQ), 2‐amino‐3,8‐dimethylimidazo[4,5‐f]quinoxaline (MeIQx), 2‐amino‐3,4‐dimethylimidazo[4,5‐f]quinoxaline (MeIQ), 9H‐pyrido[3,4‐b]indole (Norharman) and l‐methyl‐9H‐pyrido[3,4‐b]indole (Harman) – were detected in 12 marinated meats, but 2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine (PhIP) was only found in three chicken marinates. The animal species and ingredients (soy sauce, rock candy and rice wine) have significant influence on the formation of HAAs in meat marinates. Beef had the highest content of total HAAs compared with pork, mutton and chicken. Meanwhile, soy sauce contributed to the formation of HAAs more greatly than rock candy, soy sauce, and rice wine.

CONCLUSION

Choice of raw materials and optimisation of ingredients recipe should be become a critical point to control the HAAs formation in marinated meats. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of different yeast/lactic acid bacteria combinations on the aromatic profile of red Bordeaux wine
Authors: Gammacurta Marine , Marchand Stéphanie , Moine Virginie , de Revel Gilles
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

The typical fruity aroma of red Bordeaux wines depends on the grape variety but also on microbiological processes, such as alcoholic and malolactic fermentations. These transformations involve respectively the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the lactic acid bacterium Oenococcus oeni. Both species play a central role in red winemaking but their quantitative and qualitative contribution to the revelation of the organoleptic qualities of wine has not yet been fully described. The aim of this study was to elucidate the influence of sequential inoculation of different yeast and bacteria strains on the aromatic profile of red Bordeaux wine.

RESULTS

All microorganisms completed fermentations and no significant difference was observed between tanks regarding the main oenological parameters until 3 months' aging. Regardless of the yeast strain, B28 bacteria required the shortest period to completely degrade the malic acid, compared to the other strain. Quantification of 73 major components highlighted a specific volatile profile corresponding to each microorganism combination. However, the yeast strain appeared to have a predominant effect on aromatic compound levels, as well as on fruity aroma perception.

CONCLUSION

Yeasts had a greater impact on wine quality and have more influence on the aromatic style of red wine than bacteria. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Human immunodeficiency virus–infected liver transplant recipients with incidental hepatocellular carcinoma: A prospective multicenter nationwide cohort study
Authors: Agüero Fernando , Forner Alejandro , Valdivieso Andrés , Blanes Marino , Barcena Rafael , Manzardo Christian , Rafecas Antoni , Castells Lluis , Abradelo Manuel , Barrera‐Baena Pilar , González‐Diéguez Luisa , Salcedo Magdalena , Serrano Trinidad , Jiménez‐Pérez Miguel , Herrero José Ignacio , Gastaca Mikel , Aguilera Victoria , Fabregat Juan , del Campo Santos , Bilbao Itxarone , Romero Carlos Jiménez , Moreno Asunción , Rimola Antoni , Miro José M. ,   the FIPSE Investigators
Published: February 2017

There is a lack of data on incidental hepatocellular carcinoma (iHCC) in the setting of liver transplantation (LT) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected patients. This study aims to describe the frequency, histopathological characteristics, and outcomes of HIV+ LT recipients with iHCC from a Spanish multicenter cohort in comparison with a matched cohort of LT patients without HIV infection. A total of 15 (6%) out of 271 patients with HIV infection who received LT in Spain from 2002 to 2012 and 38 (5%) out of the 811 HIV– counterparts presented iHCC in liver explants (P = 0.58). Patients with iHCC constitute the present study population. All patients also had hepatitis C virus (HCV)–related cirrhosis. There were no significant differences in histopathological features of iHCC between the 2 groups. Most patients showed a small number and size of tumoral nodules, and few patients had satellite nodules, microvascular invasion, or poorly differentiated tumors. After a median follow‐up of 49 months, no patient developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after LT. HIV+ LT recipients tended to have lower survival than their HIV– counterparts at 1 (73% versus 92%), 3 (67% versus 84%), and 5 years (50% versus 80%; P = 0.06). There was also a trend to a higher frequency of HCV recurrence as a cause of death in the former (33% versus 10%; P = 0.097). In conclusion, among LT recipients for HCV‐related cirrhosis, the incidence and histopathological features of iHCC in HIV+ and HIV– patients were similar. However, post‐LT survival was lower in HIV+ patients probably because of a more aggressive HCV recurrence. Liver Transplantation 23 645–651 2017 AASLD.
Synthesis and Characterization of Stimuli‐Responsive Star‐Like Polypept(o)ides: Introducing Biodegradable PeptoStars
Authors: Holm Regina , Weber Benjamin , Heller Philipp , Klinker Kristina , Westmeier Dana , Docter Dominic , Stauber Roland H. , Barz Matthias
Published: February 2017

Star‐like polymers are one of the smallest systems in the class of core crosslinked polymeric nanoparticles. This article reports on a versatile, straightforward synthesis of three‐arm star‐like polypept(o)ide (polysarcosine‐block‐polylysine) polymers, which are designed to be either stable or degradable at elevated levels of glutathione. Polypept(o)ides are a recently introduced class of polymers combining the stealth‐like properties of the polypeptoid polysarcosine with the functionality of polypeptides, thus enabling the synthesis of materials completely based on endogenous amino acids. The star‐like homo and block copolymers are synthesized by living nucleophilic ring opening polymerization of the corresponding N‐carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) yielding polymeric stars with precise control over the degree of polymerization (Xn = 25, 50, 100), Poisson‐like molecular weight distributions, and low dispersities (Đ = 1.06–1.15). Star‐like polypept(o)ides display a hydrodynamic radius of 5 nm (μ2 < 0.05) as determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). While star‐like polysarcosines and polypept(o)ides based on disulfide containing initiators are stable in solution, degradation occurs at 100 × 10–3m glutathione concentration. The disulfide cleavage yields the respective polymeric arms, which possess Poisson‐like molecular weight distributions and low dispersities (Đ = 1.05–1.12). Initial cellular uptake and toxicity studies reveal that PeptoStars are well tolerated by HeLa, HEK 293, and DC 2.4 cells.

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Psychometric Properties and Characteristics of the North‐East Visual Hallucinations Interview in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Holiday Kelsey A. , Pirogovsky‐Turk Eva , Malcarne Vanessa L. , Filoteo J. Vincent , Litvan Irene , Lessig Stephanie L. , Song David , Schiehser Dawn M.
Published: February 2017

Background

Visual hallucinations (VH) are a common symptom experienced by individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD); however, a validated measure of VH has yet to be established for this population. The North‐East Visual Hallucinations Interview (NEVHI), a promising VH measure, has not been well validated in patients with PD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the convergent and discriminant validity of the NEVHI as well as the proportional identification and characteristics of VH in PD.

Methods

One hundred seventeen individuals with PD completed the NEVHI along with evaluations of psychological, cognitive, motor, and visual functioning as measures of convergent and divergent validity. The hallucination items from the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and the Movement Disorder Society‐sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Scale (MDS‐UPDRS) were used to assess convergent validity.

Results

The NEVHI identified 20.5% of patients who had PD with VH, which included all individuals identified by the MDS‐UPDRS and NPI and 9 additional individuals who were not identified using the other measures. The NEVHI was strongly correlated with the MDS‐UPDRS hallucinations item and weakly correlated with the NPI VH item. Weak to nonsignificant correlations were observed between the NEVHI and measures of psychological, cognitive, motor, visual, and demographic characteristics.

Conclusion

The NEVHI identified a greater number of individuals with VH than either the MDS‐UPDRS or the NPI. The current results demonstrated good convergent validity between the NEVHI and a clinician‐administered, patient‐report measure of VH and excellent divergent validity, supporting the NEVHI as a valid and preferable measure for assessing the presence of VH in PD
Numerical approximation of the conservative Allen–Cahn equation by operator splitting method
Authors: Weng Zhifeng , Zhuang Qingqu
Published: February 2017

In this paper, a second‐order fast explicit operator splitting method is proposed to solve the mass‐conserving Allen–Cahn equation with a space–time‐dependent Lagrange multiplier. The space–time‐dependent Lagrange multiplier can preserve the volume of the system and keep small features. Moreover, we analyze the discrete maximum principle and the convergence rate of the fast explicit operator splitting method. The proposed numerical scheme is of spectral accuracy in space and of second‐order accuracy in time, which greatly improves the computational efficiency. Numerical experiments are presented to confirm the accuracy, efficiency, mass conservation, and stability of the proposed method. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A constrained slice‐dependent background suppression scheme for simultaneous multislice pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling
Authors: Shao Xingfeng , Wang Yi , Moeller Steen , Wang Danny J.J.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To present a constrained slice‐dependent (CSD) background‐suppression (BS) scheme in 2D arterial spin labeling (ASL) using simultaneous multislice acquisition with blipped‐CAIPIRINHA (controlled aliasing in parallel imaging results in higher acceleration).

Methods

Background suppression for 2D acquisition is challenging because of the multiple nulling points required for sequential slice readout. Constrained slice‐dependent BS exploits the simultaneous multislice technique to reduce the readout duration, and uses slice‐dependent premodulation pulses to achieve BS across slice groups. The proposed scheme was evaluated by in vivo brain experiments at 3 Tesla with multiband acceleration factors up to four. The utility of CSD BS was demonstrated through comparison against standard 2D acquisitions as well as 3D‐BS pseudo‐continuous ASL (pCASL).

Results

An average of 95% background signal reduction was achieved with CSD BS. As a result, the temporal signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) increased 48.2/39.9/36.9/36.0% and spatial SNR increased 132.5/80.0/63.5/54.2 in CSD‐BS MB‐1/2/3/4 scans, respectively. Whole‐brain coverage was achievable with CSD‐BS pCASL with MB‐4, which yielded comparable spatial SNR as 3D BS pCASL.

Conclusions

The proposed CSD‐BS scheme for 2D‐SMS pCASL offers a promising approach for effective suppression of background signals across a wide range of T1 to achieve whole‐brain perfusion imaging. Magn Reson Med 79:394–400, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Information Source Reliance and Charitable Giving Decisions
Authors: Li Huafang , McDougle Lindsey
Published: February 2017

This study examines the relationship between donor reliance on information and donors’ subsequent charitable giving decisions of both time and money. To examine this relationship, we utilize data from an original survey of residents in San Diego County, California (n = 1,002), asking donors about their charitable activities and the information sources that they use to facilitate their charitable decisions. Our findings reveal that relying on information from both nonprofit accrediting agencies and personal experiences positively influences donors’ decision to give time to nonprofit organizations (that is, volunteer), but has no significant impact on decisions to give money. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Generation of conditional oncogenic chromosomal translocations using CRISPR–Cas9 genomic editing and homology‐directed repair
Authors: Spraggon Lee , Martelotto Luciano G , Hmeljak Julija , Hitchman Tyler D , Wang Jiang , Wang Lu , Slotkin Emily K , Fan Pang‐Dian , Reis‐Filho Jorge S , Ladanyi Marc
Published: February 2017

Chromosomal rearrangements encoding oncogenic fusion proteins are found in a wide variety of malignancies. The use of programmable nucleases to generate specific double‐strand breaks in endogenous loci, followed by non‐homologous end joining DNA repair, has allowed several of these translocations to be generated as constitutively expressed fusion genes within a cell population. Here, we describe a novel approach that combines CRISPR–Cas9 technology with homology‐directed repair to engineer, capture, and modulate the expression of chromosomal translocation products in a human cell line. We have applied this approach to the genetic modelling of t(11;22)(q24;q12) and t(11;22)(p13;q12), translocation products of the EWSR1 gene and its 3' fusion partners FLI1 and WT1, present in Ewing's sarcoma and desmoplastic small round cell tumour, respectively. Our innovative approach allows for temporal control of the expression of engineered endogenous chromosomal rearrangements, and provides a means to generate models to study tumours driven by fusion genes. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical performance of Nano‐Al2O3‐modified composites at cryogenic and room temperatures
Authors: Liang Wenyan , Duan Zhiwei , Sun Kuo , Liang He , Wang Zhenqing , Guo Chunhuan
Published: February 2017

Mechanical properties of fiber‐reinforced plastic composites at room temperature can be enhanced by adding nanoparticles. However, the damage mechanisms of nanocomposites at low temperatures are still not understood. In this article, different contents of nano‐Al2O3 particles were added on fiber surface by solid–liquid separation method, and vacuum‐assisted resin injection was adopted to manufacture composites laminates. A comparative study on the mechanical behavior of nano‐Al2O3‐filled composite at room and low temperatures was presented. Effect of nano‐Al2O3 particle contents (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 wt%) on the mechanical properties of glass fiber‐reinforced vinyl ester resin (GF/vinyl ester) composite laminates at different temperatures was investigated. The damage mechanism of these composite laminates in various environments was studied. The results showed that to a certain extent, nanoparticles could improve the mechanical properties of composites at 25 and −60°C. With assistance of scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation, the damage mechanisms of the composite laminates in various temperature conditions were further analyzed. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3006–3012, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
New route to functional polyolefins: sulfonation of poly[ethylene‐co‐(5,7‐dimethylocta‐1,6‐diene)] and evaluation of properties
Authors: Vicente Ana I , Ferreira Ana E , Ribeiro M Rosário
Published: February 2017

An ethylene/5,7‐dimethylocta‐1,6‐diene copolymer was sulfonated using two different approaches, solution and surface modification, varying parameters such as reaction time, temperature and concentration of the sulfonation reagent. Techniques such as attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and elemental analysis confirmed the successful sulfonation of the copolymer by both methods. Water uptake studies showed that the polarity of the initial copolymer was markedly changed upon functionalization and that the sulfonation by the in‐solution method produced more hydrophilic polymers compared to the surface procedure. Moreover, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis pointed out additional changes to the thermal properties of the sulfonated polymers relative to the copolymer precursor. This study showed that the sulfonation process of the non‐polar ethylene–diene copolymer led to a new hydrophilic material with a potential wide range of applications. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
THE CATERPILLAR GAME: A CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Authors: Floress Margaret T. , Rock Angela L. , Hailemariam Assegedech
Published: February 2017

A single‐case experimental design was used to evaluate the effects of the Caterpillar Game, a classroom management system, on disruptive behavior in a general education first grade classroom. A multiple baseline design across settings was used to evaluate changes in student disruptive behavior and teacher praise. When the Caterpillar Game was introduced, increased teacher praise and reduction in student disruptive behavior were observed across all three settings and was sustained 8 weeks later. Teacher satisfaction for the Caterpillar Game was also positive. This study extends the literature on classroom management systems by providing initial support for the effectiveness of the Caterpillar Game, an easy and simple to implement classroom management tool.