bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial Peptide Dendrimer Chimera
Authors: Siriwardena Thissa N. , Lüscher Alexandre , Köhler Thilo , van Delden Christian , Javor Sacha , Reymond Jean‐Louis
Published: February 2019

We recently reported the discovery of antimicrobial peptide dendrimers (AMPDs) acting by a membrane‐disruptive mechanism against multidrug resistant pathogenic bacteria. Here, we combined amino acid sequence elements from different AMPDs with different activity profiles to form AMPD chimeras. By joining the outer branches of TNS18, an AMPD active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, with the core of T7, another AMPD active against P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae, we obtained AMPD chimera DC5 displaying all previously observed activities while retaining a similar mechanism of action. These experiments show that chimera design represents a useful strategy to improve the properties of AMPDs.
Revisiting hydrological drought propagation and recovery considering water quantity and quality
Authors: Ahmadi Behzad , Moradkhani Hamid
Published: February 2019

Climate extremes, in particular droughts, are significant driving forces towards riverine ecosystem disturbance. Drought impacts on stream ecosystems include losses that can be either direct (e.g., destruction of habitat for aquatic species) or indirect (e.g., deterioration of water quality, soil quality, and increased chance of wildfires). This paper combines hydrologic drought and water quality changes during droughts and represents a multistage framework to detect and characterize hydrological droughts while considering water quality parameters. This method is applied to 52 streamflow stations in the state of California, USA, over the study period of 1950–2010. The framework is assessed and validated based on two drought events declared by the state in 2002 and 2008. Results show that there are two opposite drought propagation patterns in northern and southern California. In general, northern California indicates more frequent droughts with shorter time to recover. Chronology of drought shows that stations located in southern California have not followed a specific pattern but they experienced longer drought episodes with prolonged drought recovery. When considering water quality, results show that droughts either deteriorate or enhance water systems, depending on the parameter of interest. Undesirable changes (e.g., increased temperature and decreased dissolved oxygen) are observed during droughts. In contrast, decreased turbidity is detected in rivers during drought episodes, which is desirable in water systems. Nevertheless, water quality deteriorates during drought recovery, even after drought termination. Depending on climatic and streamflow characteristics of the watersheds, it was found that it would take nearly 2 months on average for water quality to recover after drought termination.
Bridging genomics and phenomics of gastric carcinoma
Authors: Cho Junhun , Ahn Soomin , Son Dae‐Soon , Kim Nayoung KD , Lee Ki‐Wook , Kim Seungtae , Lee Jeeyun , Park Se Hoon , Park Joon Oh , Kang Won Ki , An Ji Yeong , Choi Min Gew , Lee Jun‐Ho , Sohn Tae Sung , Bae Jae Moon , Kim Sung , Kim Kyoung‐Mee
Published: February 2019

Genetic alterations are the starting point leading to numerous changes in clinical and pathologic features (phenotypes) of individual cancers; however, their inter‐relationships in gastric cancers (GC) are unclear. We performed massive parallel sequencing of 381 cancer‐related genes and compared the results with clinical and pathologic findings in 330 GC. High tumor mutation burden (TMB) accounted for 11% of GC (n = 37) and all 19 MSI‐H GCs were high TMB. High TMB was significantly more frequent in intestinal‐type by Lauren, tumor with higher host cellular immune response, earlier AJCC stage and favorable prognosis. The most significantly mutated genes were TP53 (54%), ARID1A (23%), CDH1 (22%), PIK3CA (12%), RNF43 (10%) and KRAS (9%). For receptor tyrosine kinases, amplifications detected by immunohistochemistry were higher than sequencing (HER2, 9.1% vs. 5.8%; EGFR, 11.2% vs. 6.1%; FGFR2, 4.6% vs. 3.9%, c‐MET, 3.4% vs. 0.9%). PTEN protein loss (22%) correlated well with underlying PTEN alterations while ATM loss (27%) was not significantly correlated with genetic alterations of ATM. p53 protein expression predicted alterations of TP53 with high sensitivity (97.8%) and low (15.9%) specificity. The poorly cohesive histology/CDH1‐mutant GC subgroup showed the worst survival (p < 0.001). PD‐L1 expression was significantly associated with MSI‐H, MLH1 loss, ATM loss, MET positivity, higher host immune response, and genetic alterations of ARID1A, BRD3, PIK3CA, KRAS, MAP3K13, CDH2, PTEN and ESR1. The merged clinical, pathology and genomics of GC provide a better understanding of GC and new insights into the treatment of GC.
Intake of individual fatty acids and risk of prostate cancer in the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition
Authors: Perez‐Cornago Aurora , Huybrechts Inge , Appleby Paul N. , Schmidt Julie A. , Crowe Francesca L. , Overvad Kim , Tjønneland Anne , Kühn Tilman , Katzke Verena , Trichopoulou Antonia , Karakatsani Anna , Peppa Eleni , Grioni Sara , Palli Domenico , Sacerdote Carlotta , Tumino Rosario , Bueno‐de‐Mesquita H. Bas , Larrañaga Nerea , Sánchez Maria‐Jose , Quirós J. Ramón , Ardanaz Eva , Chirlaque María‐Dolores , Agudo Antonio , Bjartell Anders , Wallström Peter , Chajes Veronique , Tsilidis Konstantinos K. , Aune Dagfinn , Riboli Elio , Travis Ruth C. , Key Timothy J.
Published: February 2019

The associations of individual dietary fatty acids with prostate cancer risk have not been examined comprehensively. We examined the prospective association of individual dietary fatty acids with prostate cancer risk overall, by tumor subtypes, and prostate cancer death. 142,239 men from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition who were free from cancer at recruitment were included. Dietary intakes of individual fatty acids were estimated using center‐specific validated dietary questionnaires at baseline and calibrated with 24‐h recalls. Multivariable Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). After an average follow‐up of 13.9 years, 7,036 prostate cancer cases and 936 prostate cancer deaths were ascertained. Intakes of individual fatty acids were not related to overall prostate cancer risk. There was evidence of heterogeneity in the association of some short chain saturated fatty acids with prostate cancer risk by tumor stage (pheterogeneity < 0.015), with a positive association with risk of advanced stage disease for butyric acid (4:0; HR1SD = 1.08; 95%CI = 1.01–1.15; p‐trend = 0.026). There were no associations with fatal prostate cancer, with the exception of a slightly higher risk for those who consumed more eicosenoic acid (22:1n‐9c; HR1SD = 1.05; 1.00–1.11; p‐trend = 0.048) and eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n‐3c; HR1SD = 1.07; 1.00–1.14; p‐trend = 0.045). There was no evidence that dietary intakes of individual fatty acids were associated with overall prostate cancer risk. However, a higher intake of butyric acid might be associated with a higher risk of advanced, whereas intakes of eicosenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids might be positively associated with fatal prostate cancer risk.
The influence of treatment sequence in the prognostic value of TMPRSS2‐ERG as biomarker of taxane resistance in castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Marín‐Aguilera Mercedes , Reig Òscar , Milà‐Guasch Maria , Font Albert , Domènech Montserrat , Rodríguez‐Vida Alejo , Carles Joan , Suárez Cristina , del Alba Aránzazu González , Jiménez Natalia , Victoria Iván , Sala‐González Núria , Ribal Maria José , López Sandra , Etxaniz Olatz , Anguera Geòrgia , Maroto Pablo , Fernández Pedro Luis , Prat Aleix , Mellado Begoña
Published: February 2019

TMPRSS2‐ERG expression in blood has been correlated with low docetaxel benefit in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). This multicenter study aimed to prospectively asses its role as a taxane‐resistance biomarker in blood and retrospectively in tumors, exploring also the impact of prior abiraterone/enzalutamide (A/E) in patients and in vitro. TMPRSS2‐ERG was tested by quantitative reverse‐transcription PCR. We included 204 patients (137 blood and 124 tumor samples) treated with taxanes. TMPRSS2‐ERG expression was correlated with prostate‐specific antigen (PSA)‐progression‐free survival (PFS), radiological‐PFS (RX‐PFS), and overall survival (OS). Independent association with survival was evaluated by multivariate Cox modeling. In vitro ERG knockdown and combinatorial and sequential experiments with enzalutamide and docetaxel were performed in VCaP cells. Prior A/E (HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2–2.8) and blood TMPRSS2‐ERG detection (HR 2, 95% CI 1.1–3.7) were independently associated to lower PSA‐PFS. In patients without prior A/E, blood and tumor TMPRSS2‐ERG independently predicted lower PSA‐PFS (HR 3.3, 95% CI 1.4–7.9 and HR 1.8, 95% CI 1.02–3.3, respectively) to taxanes. When prior A/E was administered, TMPRSS2‐ERG was not associated with outcome. There was a significant interaction between blood TMPRSS2‐ERG and prior A/E related to PSA‐PFS (p = 0.032) and RX‐PFS (p = 0.009). In vitro stable ERG inhibition did not sensitize VCaP cells to docetaxel. Concomitant enzalutamide and taxanes were synergistic, but prior enzalutamide reduced docetaxel cytotoxicity in VCaP cells. Enzalutamide induced the expression of neuroendocrine markers and reduced that of E‐cadherin. We conclude that prior hormone‐therapy may influence taxanes response and TMPRSS2‐ERG prognostic value. Thus, multiple and sequential biomarkers are needed in CRPC follow‐up evaluation.
Conceptualizing the Field: Higher Education Research on the STEM Gender Gap
Authors: Perez‐Felkner Lara
Published: February 2019

This chapter synthesizes research on women in STEM undergraduate fields and aims to sharpen our empirical and theoretical frameworks for future higher education research. Institutional research implications are discussed here and throughout the volume.
Disciplinary Field Specificity and Variation in the STEM Gender Gap
Authors: Sax Linda J. , Newhouse Kaitlin N. S.
Published: February 2019

What can we learn by considering differences in women across STEM fields? Following a discussion of theoretical perspectives on disciplinary classification and a review of literature on women across STEM, this chapter uses nationwide survey data to highlight the unique nature of women intending to major in biological science, computer science, engineering, math/statistics, and physical science.
Authentic Choice: A Plan for Independent Reading in a Restrictive Instructional Setting
Authors: Brooks Maneka Deanna
Published: February 2019

The authors featured in this department column share instructional practices that support transformative literacy teaching and disrupt “struggling reader” and “struggling writer” labels.
Deep‐brain three‐photon microscopy excited at 1600 nm with silicone oil immersion
Authors: Tong Shen , Liu Hongji , Cheng Hui , He Chen , Du Yu , Zhuang Ziwei , Qiu Ping , Wang Ke
Published: February 2019

Three‐photon microscopy excited at the 1700‐nm window (roughly covering 1600‐1840 nm) is especially suitable for deep‐brain imaging in living animals. To match the brain refractive index, D2O has been exclusively used as the immersion medium. However, the hygroscopic property of D2O leads to a decrease of transmittance of the excitation light and as a result a decrease in three‐photon signals over time. Solutions such as replacing D2O from time to time, wrapping both the objective lens and the immersion D2O, and sealing D2O with paraffin liquid have all been demonstrated, which add to the system complexity. Based on our recent characterization of immersion oils, we propose using silicone oil as a potential alternative to D2O for deep‐brain imaging. Excited at 1600 nm, our comparative deep‐brain imaging using both D2O and silicone oil immersion show that silicone oil immersion yields 17% higher three‐photon signal in third‐harmonic generation imaging within the white matter. Besides, silicone oil immersion also enables three‐photon fluorescence imaging of vasculature up to 1460 μm (mechanical depth) into the mouse brain in vivo acquired at 2 seconds/frame. Together with the nonhygroscopic physical property, silicone oil is promising for long‐span three‐photon brain imaging excited at the 1700‐nm window.
Long noncoding RNA MORT overexpression inhibits cancer cell proliferation in oral squamous cell carcinoma by downregulating ROCK1
Authors: Jin Zhongzhi , Jiang Shengjun , Jian Shujuan , Shang Zhengjun
Published: February 2019

Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) mortal obligate RNA transcript (MORT) was downregulated many types of cancer tissues, while its functionality in cancer biology is unclear. In the present study, we systemically investigated the involvement of lncRNA MORT in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). In the present study, we found that lncRNA MORT was downregulated, while rho‐associated coiled‐coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) messenger RNA was upregulated in cancer tissues than in adjacent healthy tissues of OSCC patients. In addition, expression levels of lncRNA MORT and ROCK1 were inversely correlated in both tumor tissues and healthy tissues. Follow‐up study showed that low MORT level was significantly correlated with poor survival. Overexpression of lncRNA MORT inhibited the proliferation of OSCC cells and downregulated ROCK1. ROCK1 overexpression led to significantly promoted cell proliferation but showed no significant effect on MORT expression. In addition, ROCK1 overexpression attenuated the inhibitory effects of lncRNA MORT overexpression on the proliferation of OSCC cells. Therefore, lncRNA MORT overexpression may inhibit cancer cell proliferation in OSCC cells by downregulating ROCK1.
Personal networks, social media, and community cohesion in the strategies of peace‐building agents in Colombia to counteract the segregation of displaced populations
Authors: Maya‐Jariego Isidro , Peña‐Leiva Adriana De La , Arenas‐Rivera Claudia , Alieva Deniza
Published: February 2019

As part of the “Colombian Peace Process,” victim assistance programs, actions for the reincorporation into civilian life of ex‐combatants, and demobilized persons of the armed conflict have been developed as well as innovative instances of intervention in cases of posttraumatic stress. In this study, we surveyed 143 community leaders from the Department of Atlántico (Colombia), participants in a program for capacity building in rehabilitation and mediation strategies. With a mixed design in which we combine the analysis of personal networks, psychometric scales, and qualitative interviews, we describe the use that community mediators make of their personal skills, their personal network, and social media in their actions to confront social trauma and promote coexistence in the local community. The results show a significant relationship between the density of personal networks and the psychological sense of community. Paradoxically, the high social cohesion of the communities of people displaced by political violence seems to pose objective difficulties in reducing trauma. In the discussion, we indicate that the sociogeographic segregation derived from housing policies becomes an obstacle to the effective functioning of the coexistence and reintegration programs of victims and demobilized persons of the armed conflict. In this context, social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp are little used by community mediators in the development of their activities, which they perceive as reinforcing largely the dynamics of segregation of the displaced population.
Hypoxia enhances buffalo adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells proliferation, stemness, and reprogramming into induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Deng Yanfei , Huang Guiting , Chen Feng , Testroet Eric David , Li Hui , Li Haiyang , Nong Tianying , Yang Xiaoling , Cui Jiayu , Shi Deshun , Yang Sufang
Published: February 2019

Adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) from livestock are valuable resources for animal reproduction and veterinary therapeutics. Previous studies have shown that hypoxic conditions were beneficial in maintaining the physiological activities of ASCs. However, the effects of hypoxia on buffalo ASCs (bASCs) remain unclear. In this study, the effects of hypoxia on proliferation, stemness, and reprogramming into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of bASCs were examined. The results showed that the hypoxic culture conditions (5% oxygen) enhanced the proliferation and colony formation of bASCs. The expression levels of proliferation‐related genes, and secretion of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were significantly enhanced in hypoxia. Hypoxic culture conditions activated hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), thereby contributing to the secretion of bFGF and VEGF, which in turn enhanced the expression of HIF‐1α and promoted the proliferation of bASCs. Furthermore, in hypoxic culture conditions, bASCs exhibited the main characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells, and the expression levels of the pluripotent markers OCT4, NANOG, C‐MYC, and the differentiation capacity of bASCs were significantly enhanced. Finally, bASCs were more efficiently and easily reprogrammed into iPSCs in hypoxic culture conditions and these iPSCs exhibited some characteristics of naïve pluripotent stem cells. These findings provide the theoretical guidance for elucidating the detailed mechanism of hypoxia on physiological activities of bASCs including proliferation, stemness maintenance, and reprogramming.
Beyond pipeline and pathways: Ecosystem metrics
Authors: Lord Susan M. , Ohland Matthew W. , Layton Richard A. , Camacho Michelle M.
Published: February 2019

Background

Pipeline and pathways models influence persistence metrics used to study how students navigate engineering education.

Purpose

This study presents pipeline, pathways, and ecosystem models and their associated metrics, compares and contrasts these models using an intersectional approach to explore persistence, and advocates for use of an ecosystem model.

Design/Method

This study presents a quantitative perspective of engineering student outcomes disaggregated by discipline, race/ethnicity, and sex. It includes 111,925 engineering students from 11 U.S. universities, including first‐time‐in‐college and transfer students who ever majored in the most common engineering disciplines: chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, and mechanical engineering. Contemporary data visualization methods are used to display quantitative data and clarify their complexity.

Results

This work captures the intersectionality of race/ethnicity, sex, and discipline with metrics that are new or little used, such as stickiness (retention by a discipline), migrator graduation rate, and migration yield (attraction of a discipline). Using these metrics, we uncover information about the success of students who migrate between and among the top five engineering disciplines.

Conclusions

Stickiness, migrator graduation rates, and migration yield metrics coupled with contemporary data visualization methods provide insights into the student experience not afforded by the conventional pipeline and pathways models. Considering engineering education as an ecosystem tells stories of complexity and nuance, opening possibilities for new research.
Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding with negative abdominal computed tomography study: The importance of enteroscopy for early diagnosis of small bowel malignancy
Authors: Ko Meng‐Yu , Yen Chi‐En , Yen Hsu‐Heng
Published: February 2019

Small bowel tumors are rare among all gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. The most common histological subtype is adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma of the small bowel is difficult to diagnose, often presents at a late stage, and has a poor prognosis. We describe a case of a patient with adenocarcinoma of the small intestine who presented to the hospital with nonspecific GI symptoms and obscure GI bleeding. An initial examination using abdominal computed tomography revealed negative findings. The patient underwent subsequent enteroscopy with capsule endoscopy and double‐balloon endoscopy, and an early‐stage jejunal adenocarcinoma was finally diagnosed.
Evolving Leadership: New Clues and Cues Toward Environment and Context
Authors: Kramer Michele , Page Lesley , Klemic George
Published: February 2019

The current article presents a vision of leadership that looks toward a new and different future, rather than seeking a return to the familiar past. We draw from an integrative literature review, covering the last decade, which addresses leadership concepts researched most frequently. Topics include the leader–follower bond (engagement and empowerment), relationship building (functional vs. dysfunctional), emotional intelligence, and leadership development. As the study of leadership progresses, existing disciplinary silos and reward structures may hinder innovation in leadership, as there have been significant changes to the environment and context in which leadership is practiced. Leaders are challenged to break from the mold, be innovative beyond limits and focus on the complex demands of 21st century situations, ranging from the short‐term gig economy to more traditional organizational settings. Implications for future research related to leadership operating within complex adaptive systems are discussed.
Investigation of activation energies for dissociation of host‐guest complexes in the gas phase using low‐energy collision induced dissociation
Authors: Bayat Parisa , Gatineau David , Lesage Denis , Marhabaie Sina , Martinez Alexandre , Cole Richard B.
Published: February 2019

A low‐energy collision induced dissociation (CID) (low‐energy CID) approach that can determine both activation energy and activation entropy has been used to evaluate gas‐phase binding energies of host‐guest (H‐G) complexes of a heteroditopic hemicryptophane cage host (Zn (II)@1) with a series of biologically relevant guests. In order to use this approach, preliminary calibration of the effective temperature of ions undergoing resonance excitation is required. This was accomplished by employing blackbody infrared radiative dissociation (BIRD) which allows direct measurement of activation parameters. Activation energies and pre‐exponential factors were evaluated for more than 10 H‐G complexes via the use of low‐energy CID. The relatively long residence time of the ions inside the linear ion trap (maximum of 60 s) allowed the study of dissociations with rates below 1 s−1. This possibility, along with the large size of the investigated ions, ensures the fulfilment of rapid energy exchange (REX) conditions and, as a consequence, accurate application of the Arrhenius equation. Compared with the BIRD technique, low‐energy CID allows access to higher effective temperatures, thereby permitting one to probe more endothermic decomposition pathways. Based on the measured activation parameters, guests bearing a phosphate (―OPO32−) functional group were found to bind more strongly with the encapsulating cage than those having a sulfonate (―SO3−) group; however, the latter ones make stronger bonds than those with a carboxylate (―CO2−) group. In addition, it was observed that the presence of trimethylammonium (―N(CH3)3+) or phenyl groups in the guest's structure improves the strength of H‐G interactions. The use of this technique is very straightforward, and it does not require any instrumental modifications. Thus, it can be applied to other H‐G chemistry studies where comparison of bond dissociation energies is of paramount importance.
Viral pathogens associated with acute respiratory illness in hospitalized adults and elderly from Zagreb, Croatia, 2016 to 2018
Authors: Civljak Rok , Tot Tatjana , Falsey Ann R. , Huljev Eva , Vranes Jasmina , Ljubin‐Sternak Suncanica
Published: February 2019

Aims

To investigate the viral etiology of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in hospitalized adults and elderly patients in Croatia, compare the prevalence of detected viruses, and to determine clinical characteristics and seasonal occurrence of investigated infections.

Methods

From January 2016 to June 2018, a total of 182 adult patients presented with symptoms of ARI and admitted to the hospital were tested for 15 respiratory viruses by multiplex reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. Clinical data were collected by retrospective analysis of the patient's chart.

Results

A virus was identified in 106 (58.5%) of the patients. The most commonly detected virus was influenza virus (41.5%), followed by respiratory syncytial virus (13.8%), human metapneumovirus (13.0%), parainfluenza viruses (12.2%), rhinoviruses (11.4%), adenovirus and coronaviruses with equal frequencies (3.3%), and enterovirus (1.6%). The serum level of C‐reactive protein and white blood cell count were significantly lower in patients with respiratory viruses identified when compared with those in whom no virus was detected (P < 0.001 and
P = 0.007, respectively). There were no differences in clinical symptoms according to the type of the detected virus, except for more frequent illness exposure recall for influenza infection (
P = 0.010). Influenza, parainfluenza, and pneumoviruses were detected mostly in winter months, while rhinoviruses in autumn and spring.

Conclusions

In addition to influenza, pneumoviruses, rhinoviruses, and parainfluenza viruses play an important role in etiology of ARIs in adults. Fast and accurate laboratory diagnosis for respiratory viruses in routine practice is needed for clinicians optimally manage patients with ARI and potentially avoid the unnecessary use of antimicrobial drugs.
Integrating precipitation zoning with random forest regression for the spatial downscaling of satellite‐based precipitation: A case study of the Lancang–Mekong River basin
Authors: Zhang Jing , Fan Hui , He Daming , Chen Jiwei
Published: February 2019

Downscaling satellite‐based precipitation to fine scales is crucial for deepening our understanding of global hydrologic cycles and water‐related issues. In this study, a novel approach that integrates precipitation zoning with random forest regression is proposed for the spatial downscaling of satellite‐based precipitation. Precipitation zoning is delineated through iterative rotated empirical orthogonal function (REOF) analyses of ground‐ and satellite‐based precipitation observations. Random forest regression is applied to link the satellite‐based precipitation to 1‐km‐resolution predictors such as latitude (Lat), longitude (Lon), elevation, aspect, slope, and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The accuracy of the resultant downscaled precipitation is evaluated based on five statistical evaluation indices. The performance of the proposed approach is exemplified in the Lancang–Mekong River basin, taking Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3B43 and Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks–Climate Data Record (PERSIANN–CDR) products acquired in 2001 (wet year), 2005 (normal year), and 2009 (dry year) as the databases. The results show that seven precipitation subregions can be roughly distinguished in the study basin. Zoning‐based downscaling outperforms non‐zoning‐based downscaling in terms of accuracy, resulting in statistically significant reductions in root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) of 1–17% across the entire basin. Among the selected predictors, the variables Lat and Lon are the most important for precipitation estimation, whereas the remaining variables have lesser and subregion‐dependent importance. The proposed approach is promising for generating high‐spatial‐resolution precipitation data in regions with sparse ground‐based observations and differentiated climatic regimes.
Development of a hybrid model to interpolate monthly precipitation maps incorporating the orographic influence
Authors: Álvarez‐Rodríguez Javier , Llasat María‐Carmen , Estrela Teodoro
Published: February 2019

This paper proposes an interpolation model for monthly rainfall in large areas of complex orography. It has been implemented in the Iberian Peninsula (continental territories of Spain and Portugal), Balearic and Canary Islands covering a territory of almost 600.000 km2. To do this a data set that comprises a total number of 11,822 monthly precipitation series has been created (11,042 provided by the Spanish Meteorological Agency and 780 provided by the National Water Resources Information System of the Portuguese Water Institute). The data set covers the period from October 1940 until September 2005. The interpolation model has been based on the assumption of two different components on monthly precipitation. The first component reflects local and seasonal characteristics and 24 different mean monthly precipitation maps (12) and SDs maps (12) compose it. It considers the varying influence of physiographic variables such as altitude and orientation. The second precipitation component reflects the synoptic pattern that dominated each month of the series and it is composed by series of anomalies of monthly precipitation (780). Anomalies have been interpolated by means of ordinary kriging once local spatial continuity was assumed. Gridded maps of each variable have been developed at 200 m resolution following a hybrid methodology that implements two different interpolation techniques. The first technique applies a regression analysis to derive maps depending on altitude and orientation; the second one is a weighting technique to consider the non‐linearity of the precipitation/altitude dependence. Cross validation has been applied to estimate the goodness of both techniques. Results show an average annual precipitation of 655 mm/year. Although this figure is only 4% less than the estimate of MAGRAMA (2004), regional and local differences are highlighted when the spatial distribution is considered. The model constitutes a comprehensive implementation considering the availability of historical records and the need of avoiding slow calculations in large territories.
Spatio‐temporal changes of atmospheric rivers in the Middle East and North Africa region
Authors: Akbary Mehry , Salimi Saadoun , Hosseini Seyed Assad , Hosseini Mahmoud
Published: February 2019

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) are narrow pathways of atmospheric humidity which have a critical role in the global water cycle and can affect natural phenomena such as severe storms and floods. In this article, their temporal and spatial changes in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region have been investigated during a period of 30 years (1984–2013). After extracting the days with ARs, their frequency and sources were identified. In order to study the formation and moisture feeding mechanism of the ARs, the jet stream and atmospheric stream maps were produced, and their sources and movement paths were identified. The results showed that each year, about 13 ARs were observed and most of them occurred in the fall and winter seasons. The major reason for the formation of ARs is jet streams which, in all selected cases, were located about 100–150 hPa above the ARs. Most ARs originated over the North Atlantic Ocean and entered Africa from Mauritania and Senegal and after passing Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Iran entered Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Red Sea is a major moisture source which feeds ARs on their path. The results showed that the ARs in the MENA region experience convergence over this region which causes these events to narrow. A large number of the countries that studied is desert, the findings can be utilized in understanding the ways ARs can be useful and shortage of water resources in the region can be compensated.
Cover Image, Volume 99, Issue 5
Authors: Wu Qixian , Zhang Zhengke , Zhu Hong , Li Taotao , Zhu Xiangrong , Gao Huijun , Yun Ze , Jiang Yueming
Published: February 2019

The cover image is based on the Research Comparative volatile compounds and primary metabolites profiling of pitaya fruit peel after ozone treatment by Qixian Wu et al., DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.9479.

image
Robotic surgery for gallbladder cancer: Operative technique and early outcomes
Authors: Goel Mahesh , Khobragade Krunal , Patkar Shraddha , Kanetkar Amol , Kurunkar Sagar
Published: February 2019

Background

The objective was to elucidate the operative technique of robotic radical cholecystectomy (RRC) and to compare the early outcomes of RRC with open radical cholecystectomy (ORC) for gallbladder cancer (GBC).

Methods

Patients who underwent RRC for suspected or incidental GBC between July 2015 and August 2018 were analyzed. Patients who underwent ORC during the same period and fulfilled the study criteria formed the control group.

Results

During the study period, 27 patients who underwent RRC formed the study group (group A) and 70 matched patients who underwent ORC formed the control group (group B). Median surgical time was higher in group A (295 vs 200 minutes, P < 0.001). However, median blood loss (200 vs 600 mL, P < 0.001), postoperative hospital stay (4 vs 5 days, P = 0.046) and postoperative morbidity (1 vs 15 patients, P = 0.035) were lower in group A. Median lymph node yield was 10 (range = 2‐21) for group A and 9 (range = 2‐25) for group B, and was comparable (P = 0.408). During a median follow up of 9 (1‐46) months, two patients in group A developed recurrence (no port site recurrence).

Conclusion

RRC is safe and feasible and the short‐term results are compared with ORC.
Development and application of SBA‐15 assisted electromembrane extraction followed by corona discharge ion mobility spectrometry for the determination of Thiabendazole in fruit juice samples
Authors: Mohammadi Nilash Mohammadreza , Mirzaei Fahimeh , Fakhari Ali Reza
Published: February 2019

A new sample preparation method based on SBA‐15 assisted electromembrane extraction coupled with corona discharge ion mobility spectrometer was developed for the determination of Thiabendazole as a model basic pesticide in fruit juice samples. The addition of SBA‐15 in the supported liquid membrane in electromembrane extraction system not only can lead to enhancement of the effective surface area, but also introducing the negatively charged silanol groups into supported liquid membrane might improve migration of positively charged analytes toward the supported liquid membrane and finally into the acceptor solution. To investigate the effect of the presence of SBA‐15 in the supported liquid membrane on the extraction efficiency, a comparative study was carried out between the conventional electromembrane extraction and SBA‐15/electromembrane extraction methods. Under the optimized conditions, SBA‐15/electromembrane extraction method showed higher extraction efficiencies in comparison with conventional electromembrane extraction method. SBA‐15/electromembrane extraction method exhibited a low limit of detection (0.9 ng/mL), high preconcentration factor (167) and high recovery (83%). Finally, the applicability of SBA‐15/electromembrane extraction method was studied by the extraction and determination of Thiabendazole as a model basic pesticide in fruit juice samples.
Prognostic indicators of survival in sinonasal extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Varelas Antonios N. , Ganti Ashwin , Eggerstedt Michael , Tajudeen Bobby A.
Published: February 2019

Objectives

Extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is a highly aggressive tumor of the sinonasal tract associated with poor overall survival (OS). This study expands upon epidemiologic, prognostic, and treatment factors for OS and disease‐specific survival (DSS), incorporating newly accessible chemotherapy data.

Methods

Retrospective population‐based cohort study performed on cases of sinonasal ENKTL identified through the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Univariate Kaplan‐Meier analysis and subsequent multivariate Cox‐regression analysis were performed to evaluate prognostic and treatment variables for OS and DSS.

Results

Four hundred and sixty cases of sinonasal ENKTL were identified. Five‐year OS and DSS were 46% and 56%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, higher Ann Arbor stage was associated with worse OS (P< 0.001) and DSS (P< 0.001), whereas administration of radiotherapy was associated with improved OS (P< 0.001) and DSS (P= 0.001). Additionally, a higher age at diagnosis was associated with reduced OS (P= 0.024). Chemotherapy was associated with improved OS (P< .01) and DSS (P= .04) for Ann Arbor stage I disease. Surgery was not associated with improved survival.

Conclusion

This represents the first study to investigate the use of chemotherapy for the treatment of sinonasal ENKTL using population‐based analysis. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy significantly improve survival in all Ann Arbor stage patients and early‐stage patients, respectively. Early‐stage disease is significantly associated with improved survival. With no established treatment regimen for sinonasal ENKTL, these findings suggest combination chemoradiation is an effective therapy for prolonged survival, especially in early stages of disease.

Level of Evidence

3Laryngoscope, 129:2675–2680, 2019
Facile Access to Completely Deuterated Single‐Chain Nanoparticles Enabled by Intramolecular Azide Photodecomposition
Authors: Rubio‐Cervilla Jon , Malo de Molina Paula , Robles‐Hernández Beatriz , Arbe Arantxa , Moreno Angel J. , Alegría Angel , Colmenero Juan , Pomposo José A.
Published: February 2019

Access to completely deuterated single‐chain nanoparticles (dSCNPs) has remained an unresolved issue. Herein, the first facile and efficient procedure to produce dSCNPs is reported, which comprises: i) the use of commercially available perdeuterated cyclic ether monomers as starting reagents, ii) a ring‐opening copolymerization process performed in bulk to produce a neat dSCNP precursor, iii) a standard azidation reaction to decorate this precursor with azide moieties, and iv) a facile intramolecular azide photodecomposition step carried out under UV irradiation at high dilution providing with highly valuable, completely deuterated soft nano‐objects from the precursor. dSCNPs are used to investigate by means of neutron‐scattering measurements the form factor (radius of gyration, scaling exponent) of polyethylene oxide (PEO) chains in nanocomposites with different amounts of dSCNPs. Moreover, to illustrate the possibilities offered by the synthetic route disclosed in this communication for potential applications, the significant reduction in viscosity observed in a pure melt of polyether‐based single‐chain nanoparticles when compared to a melt of the corresponding linear polymer chains is shown.
Glycolipid composition of the heterocyst envelope of Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 is crucial for diazotrophic growth and relies on the UDP‐galactose 4‐epimerase HgdA
Authors: Shvarev Dmitry , Nishi Carolina N. , Maldener Iris
Published: February 2019

The nitrogenase complex in the heterocysts of the filamentous freshwater cyanobacterium Anabaenasp. PCC 7120 fixes atmospheric nitrogen to allow diazotrophic growth. The heterocyst cell envelope protects the nitrogenase from oxygen and consists of a polysaccharide and a glycolipid layer that are formed by a complex process involving the recruitment of different proteins. Here, we studied the function of the putative nucleoside‐diphosphate‐sugar epimerase HgdA, which along with HgdB and HgdC is essential for deposition of the glycolipid layer and growth without a combined nitrogen source. Using site‐directed mutagenesis and single homologous recombination approach, we performed a thoroughly functional characterization of HgdA and confirmed that the glycolipid layer of the hgdAmutant heterocyst is aberrant as shown by transmission electron microscopy and chemical analysis. The hgdA gene was expressed during late stages of the heterocyst differentiation. GFP‐tagged HgdA protein localized inside the heterocysts. The purified HgdA protein had UDP‐galactose 4‐epimerase activity in vitro. This enzyme could be responsible for synthesis of heterocyst‐specific glycolipid precursors, which could be transported over the cell wall by the ABC transporter components HgdB/HgdC.
Objective verification of global in‐flight icing forecasts using satellite observations: Verification of WAFS icing forecasts using satellite observations
Authors: Bowyer Rebecca L. , Gill Philip G.
Published: February 2019

The two World Area Forecast Centres (WAFC) are responsible for issuing global gridded forecasts of in‐flight icing to the aviation community. These forecasts are vital for flight planning and safety; therefore, the performance of these forecasts needs to be assessed and improvements made where necessary. New satellite instruments can detect additional information about cloud properties to then identify areas conducive to icing. At the Met Office, data from multiple geostationary satellites are combined to produce a gridded satellite icing potential product with coverage over Europe, Asia and Australasia. Recent satellite launches will give near‐global coverage of these observations. The present paper details an objective verification framework to routinely verify icing potential forecasts using the satellite‐inferred icing product as a source of truth data. To allow a fair comparison, the best method to appropriately match the forecast and truth data is investigated. This methodology includes processing the multilevel forecasts into a single field to best replicate the satellite observations and producing a time window of maximum icing potential observations to allow temporal flexing in the verification. Verification results of the mean icing forecasts issued by WAFC London are presented for the 12‐month period March 2016–February 2017 in order to illustrate how this methodology has been used.
FDA panel endorses ketamine nasal spray for depression
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2019

A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee earlier this month recommended the approval of a ketamine nasal spray treatment for adults with treatment‐resistant depression. Recent research has shown that ketamine treatment is gaining traction as an effective treatment for people struggling with depression.
A comparison study of deep muscle sparing transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap for breast reconstruction
Authors: Tokumoto Hideki , Akita Shinsuke , Arai Minami , Kubota Yoshitaka , Kuriyama Motone , Mitsukawa Nobuyuki
Published: February 2019

Background

Breast reconstruction by deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) involves only little rectus abdominis muscle sacrifice. However, the operative procedure may get complicated. We propose here a novel method involving two adjacent perforators and requiring the addition of only the superficial muscle to the flap. This novel technique, termed “deep muscle sparing transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap (DMS‐TRAM),” was compared to DIEP and MS‐TRAM groups.

Methods

The subjects were 70 patients. The indication of DMS‐TRAM was the distance between two perforators penetrating the deep fascia was <3 cm, and the two perforators ran through the superficial layer of the muscle until they became confluent. All patients were evaluated by contrasting computed tomography. The data of age, body mass index, flap volume, operative time, blood loss, laterality, immediate reconstruction, prior radiation, smoking, re‐exploration, total flap necrosis, partial fat necrosis, and abdominal bulging were compared. Ultimately, DMS‐TRAM was applied in 20 subjects (28.6%), DIEP in 31 (44.3%), and MS‐TRAM in 19 (27.1%).

Results

The volume of blood loss in the DIEP group was significantly higher than that in the DMS‐TRAM group (328 ± 182 vs 454 ± 217 mL, p = 0.02), the other factors did not significantly influence. The rate of fat necrosis in DIEP tended to be high (10.0% vs 22.6%, p = 0.22).

Conclusions

Because DMS‐TRAM could preserve the deep muscle and penetrating side of intercostal nerve, it could be performed less sacrifice and there were few bleeding and partial necrosis at the same level as MS‐TRAM. DMS‐TRAM was effective in the applied cases.
Modified duobinary modulation of optical signals generated by silicon‐based microring resonator
Authors: Sadegh Amiri Iraj , Addanki Satish , Sampathkumar Arumugam , Dhasarathan Vigneswaran , Yupapin Preecha
Published: February 2019

Multi‐wavelength can be generated using microring resonator systems. To transmit these optical signals over a long distance optical communication link, a modulation technique is required. In this research, the modified duobinary modulation technique has been utilized to modulate the generated multi‐wavelength from the microring resonator system. We have de‐multiplexed the multi‐wavelength to single frequencies which undergo a modulation and transmission over a fiber link with a length of 50 km. The performance of the proposed pulse code modulation technique has been analyzed by presenting the quality factor versus the optical input power, eye diagram, and received power for different optical fiber length. The results show the high‐quality signals received with a high‐quality factor and to the best of our knowledge, no analysis has been reported on the microring resonator system using the modified duobinary modulation technique. The results show a maximum quality factor of 12.556 which can be obtained for the input power of −10.11 dBm with the optical fiber length of 50 km, where the bit error rate (BER) was 1.29 × 10−27. The quality factor drops to lower values for the longer optical fiber length linearly as it has the lowest value of 5.023 for optical fiber length of 70 km. The analysis has been performed over system parameter optimizations.
Microstrip Gasper‐Peano fractal antenna for circular polarization applications
Authors: Rajabloo Hossein , Mandali Javad
Published: February 2019

In this article, a slot array antenna with circular polarization is presented. The structure is designed based on GasperPeano fractal as a feed line. By use of the Minimum mean square error method, the array has been optimized for the best radiation power. First, the theory of a single feed line with a radiation element is presented, then extend this theory to the double and N radiation elements. At each step, the coupling factor and radiation power are calculated. And three error function is defined as goal functions for reaching uniform distribution, maximum efficiency and the combination of them. Due to the goal functions, a genetic algorithm is represented to reach the best results by altering and tuning the parameters. The circular polarization bandwidth of the final structure is 5%, and the radiation efficiency is 85%. This theory and structure can be useful for making circular polarization in applications.
Compact design of trapezoid shape monopole antenna for SWB application
Authors: Rahman Saeed Ur , Cao Qunsheng , Ullah Habib , Khalil Hisham
Published: February 2019

In this article, a compact design of the monopole antenna is proposed for the super‐wideband application (SWB). The extremely wide frequency bandwidth is achieved by deploying a topology based on trapezoid shape radiator, triangular tapered feed line, and semicircular ground. The antenna shows resonance from 1.42 GHz to more than 90 GHz with a bandwidth ratio of 63.30:1, VSWR ≤2 and with S11 ≤ −10 dB. The electrical dimension of the monopole antenna is 0.16λc × 0.27λc where the wavelength λc is with respect to the lowest cut‐off frequency. The designed monopole antenna is fabricated on the F4B substrate. The prototype is experimentally validated for ultrawideband and SWB application. The experimental and simulated results are in good agreement and the designed antenna shows better performance of a wideband operation, compact electrical dimension, and high bandwidth dimension ratio over existing reported structures. The proposed antenna can be used for multiple bands such are ISM, Wi‐Fi, WLAN, WiMAX, C, S, X, K, and Ku bands.