bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total Synthesis of Putative Chagosensine
Authors: Heinrich Marc , Murphy John J. , Ilg Marina K. , Letort Aurélien , Flasz Jakub , Philipps Petra , Fürstner Alois
Published: August 2018

The marine macrolide chagosensine is the only natural product known to date that embodies a Z,Z‐configured chloro‐1,3‐diene unit. This distinguishing substructure was prepared by a sequence of palladium‐catalyzed 1,2‐distannation of an alkyne precursor, regioselective Stille cross‐coupling at the terminus of the resulting bisstannyl alkene with an elaborated alkenyl iodide, followed by chloro‐destannation of the remaining internal site. The preparation of the required substrates centered on cobalt‐catalyzed oxidative cyclization reactions of hydroxylated olefin precursors, which allowed the 2,5‐trans‐disubstituted tetrahydrofuran rings, embedded into each building block, to be formed with excellent selectivity. The highly strained macrolactone could ultimately be closed under forcing Yamaguchi conditions. Comparison of the spectral data of the synthetic sample with those of authentic chagosensine methyl ester confirmed that the structure of this intriguing compound has been mis‐assigned by the isolation team.
Techno‐economic comparison of three scenarios for upgrading a hemicellulose‐rich pre‐pulping extract to mixed‐alcohols
Authors: Engelberth Abigail S. , Clayton Wheeler M. , Peter van Walsum G.
Published: August 2018

Conversion of a hemicellulose‐rich pre‐pulping extract into long‐chain alcohols could alleviate problems facing the liquid fuel supply and could boost the revenues of pulp mills. Kraft pulping requires only the cellulose fraction of wood, leaving much of the hemicellulose available for extraction and subsequent conversion into gasoline‐blendable alcohols. Three possible pathways for upgrading the hemicelluloses are: CKA: carboxylates → ketones → alcohols; CEA: carboxylates → esters → alcohols, and CHEA: carboxylates → acids → esters → alcohols. The scenarios were modeled using AspenPlus® to determine material and energy balances. Economic parameters were determined using the Aspen Process Economic Analyzer. The minimum ethanol selling price (MESP) for a 1000 tpd facility, which takes into account the operating and capital costs, was found to be: $3.31 for CKA, $4.56 for CEA, and $4.26 for the CHEA. The cost of hydrogen necessary for hydrogenolysis proved to be a notable expense. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Metrics for comparing stand structure and dynamics between Ecological Reserves and managed forest of Maine, USA
Authors: Kuehne Christian , Puhlick Joshua , Weiskittel Aaron , Cutko Andrew , Cameron Donald , Sferra Nancy , Schlawin Justin
Published: August 2018

A data set of common forest metrics was prepared using inventory data from Ecological Reserves in Maine, northeastern USA. An Ecological Reserve is generally defined as an area where timber harvesting does not occur and natural disturbance events are allowed to proceed without significant human influence. Beginning in the early 2000s, permanent, long term monitoring plots were established in Reserves across Maine. To date, 50 Reserves occupying approximately 70,820 ha with a total of 1,103 monitoring plots comprise Maine's Ecological Reserve System. A goal of the Ecological Reserve Monitoring program is to remeasure plots every 10 years and about half of the plots have been remeasured since the initial inventory. Stand metrics were calculated for both monitoring rounds and include: live tree basal area, live tree density, large (diameter at breast height, dbh ≥40 cm) and very large (dbh ≥51 cm) live tree density, standing dead tree density, large (dbh ≥40 cm) and very large (dbh ≥51 cm) standing dead tree density, total and large (diameter at transect intersect ≥40 cm) downed coarse woody debris volume, as well as various stand dynamic metrics. For comparison, the same metrics were computed for managed forests in Maine using permanent plot data from the US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program. Information on Ecological Reserve monitoring plots includes Ecological Reserve name, forest‐type group, geographic location, elevation, slope, aspect, and harvest history. This data should prove invaluable for assessing and evaluating long‐term changes in Ecological Reserves across the broad ecological/climate zones that are present in Maine. No copyright or proprietary restrictions are associated with the use of this data set other than citation of this Data Paper. These data are freely available for non‐commercial scientific use.
Confirming the pathogenicity of NECAP1 in early onset epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Alsahli Saud , Al‐Twaijri Waleed , Al Mutairi Fuad
Published: August 2018

Early onset epileptic encephalopathy (EOEE) has been used to encompass Ohtahara syndrome (early infantile epileptic encephalopathy [EIEE]), early myoclonic epilepsy, and many others. Multiple genes have been established to cause epileptic encephalopathy in the immature brain, and next‐generation sequencing has accelerated the process of novel gene discovery. Many of the previously published candidate genes are still pending confirmatory reports or functional studies. Although most of the genes involved are ion channels (channelopathies), multiple other pathways have been implicated as well. NECAP1 is a key element in clathrin‐mediated endocytosis and has been reported previously to cause EOEE in a Saudi family. We report another family with the same variant confirming the pathogenicity of this variant as a Saudi founder mutation, further delineate its phenotype, and propose that it causes EOEE instead of EIEE.
Astrocytes and neurons produce distinct types of polyglucosan bodies in Lafora disease
Authors: Augé Elisabet , Pelegrí Carme , Manich Gemma , Cabezón Itsaso , Guinovart Joan J. , Duran Jordi , Vilaplana Jordi
Published: August 2018

Lafora disease (LD), the most devastating adolescence‐onset epilepsy, is caused by mutations in the EPM2A or EPM2B genes, which encode the proteins laforin and malin, respectively. Loss of function of one of these proteins, which are involved in the regulation of glycogen synthesis, induces the accumulation of polyglucosan bodies (PGBs)—known as Lafora bodies (LBs) and associated with neurons—in the brain. Ageing and some neurodegenerative conditions lead to the appearance of another type of PGB called corpora amylacea, which are associated with astrocytes and contain neo‐epitopes that can be recognized by natural antibodies. Here we studied the PGBs in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of malin knockout mice, a mouse model of LD. These animals presented not only LBs associated with neurons but also a significant number of PGBs associated with astrocytes. These astrocytic PGBs were also increased in mice from senescence‐accelerated mouse‐prone 8 (SAMP8) strain and mice with overexpression of Protein Targeting to Glycogen (PTGOE), indicating that they are not exclusive of LD. The astrocytic PGBs, but not neuronal LBs, contained neo‐epitopes that are recognized by natural antibodies. The astrocytic PGBs appeared predominantly in the hippocampus but were also present in some cortical brain regions, while neuronal LBs were found mainly in the brain cortex and the pyramidal layer of hippocampal regions CA2 and CA3. Our results indicate that astrocytes, contrary to current belief, are involved in the etiopathogenesis of LD.
Enhanced oligodendrocyte maturation and myelination in a mouse model of Timothy syndrome
Authors: Cheli Veronica T. , Santiago González Diara A. , Zamora Norma N. , Lama Tenzing N. , Spreuer Vilma , Rasmusson Randall L. , Bett Glenna C. , Panagiotakos Georgia , Paez Pablo M.
Published: August 2018

To study the role of L‐type voltage‐gated Ca++ channels in oligodendrocyte development, we used a mouse model of Timothy syndrome (TS) in which a gain‐of‐function mutation in the α1 subunit of the L‐type Ca++ channel Cav1.2 gives rise to an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) isolated from the cortex of TS mice showed greater L‐type Ca++ influx and displayed characteristics suggestive of advanced maturation compared to control OPCs, including a more complex morphology and higher levels of myelin protein expression. Consistent with this, expression of Cav1.2 channels bearing the TS mutation in wild‐type OPCs triggered process formation and promoted oligodendrocyte–neuron interaction via the activation of Ca++/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II. To ascertain whether accelerated OPC maturation correlated with functional enhancements, we examined myelination in the TS brain at different postnatal time points. The expression of myelin proteins was significantly higher in the corpus callosum, cortex and striatum of TS animals, and immunohistochemical analysis for oligodendrocyte stage‐specific markers revealed an increase in the density of myelinating oligodendrocytes in several areas of the TS brain. Along the same line, electron microscopy studies in the corpus callosum of TS animals showed significant increases both in the percentage of myelinated axons and in the thickness of myelin sheaths. In summary, these data indicate that OPC development and oligodendrocyte myelination is enhanced in the brain of TS mice, and suggest that this mouse model of a syndromic ASD is a useful tool to explore the role of L‐type Ca++ channels in myelination.
Composite tendon implant based on nanofibrillar polyhydroxybutyrate and polyamide filaments
Authors: Olkhov Anatoly , Gur'ev Vladimir , Akatov Vladimir , Mastalygina Elena , Iordanskii Alexey , Sevastyanov Victor I.
Published: August 2018

The composite material based on reinforcement of polyamide filaments enclosed by a nonwoven matrix of nanoscaled bioresorbable poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) fibers was developed for application as an artificial ligament implant. The aim of this study was to investigate biodegradability and biocompatibility of the developed implant, as well as its stress–strain properties. The study results show the polyamide core of the implant has stress–strain properties comparable with a natural ligament. Simultaneously, the polyhydroxybutyrate external layer provides high biocompatibility and bioresorbability of the developed implant. The material has proven to be effective under in vivo tests with experimental rats as a ligament replacement for damaged Achilles tendons. Due to cell attachment and growth on the fibrous matrix during 5 weeks postsurgery, regenerated connective tissue was formed substituting for the polymeric implant, which confirmed its efficiency in contrast to the polyamide filament implant with a much longer resorption time. The results obtained indicate application prospects of polyamide‐polyhydroxybutyrate implants for reconstructive surgery. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2708–2713, 2018.
Micropillar‐based culture platform induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition in the alveolar epithelial cell line
Authors: Xu Xiaoli , Ma Lunkun , Wu Yanjiao , Tang Liling
Published: August 2018

Topography and rigidity are two typical biophysical cues in extracellular matrix mechanical microenvironment. Extracellular matrix can regulate cells biological behaviors, including epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). A growing body of evidence suggests that EMT plays an important role in the development of tumor and fibrosis. Moreover, EMT also contributes to drug resistance in cancer cells. Currently, the majority of studies about EMT are based on the induction of growth factors or cytokines in vitro. Here, we adopt polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)‐micropillars‐based matrix platform to culture human alveolar epithelial cells for studying the influence of topography and rigidity on EMT. This study reports a previously undefined role of mechanical microenvironment in EMT induction. Different topography and rigidity can induce EMT directly without the use of exogenous cytokines. Notably, rigidity‐induced EMT activation is associated with the topography. Furthermore, we investigate preliminarily the role of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in mechanical microenvironment regulation of EMT. These findings provide a fresh perspective to the researches of tumor and pulmonary fibrosis, and the potential platform for cell‐based drug screening. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 3165–3174, 2018.
Potential control of cyanobacterial blooms by using a floating‐mobile electrochemical system
Authors: Bakheet Belal , Beardall John , Zhang Xiwang , McCarthy David
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Cyanobacterial blooms have raised significant public health concerns due to the ability of some strains to produce harmful compounds in the water. Electrolysis has shown great potential to eradicate cyanobacterial pollution. However, all proposed electrochemical systems employ some type of mixing (e.g. pump circulation), which might not be suitable for application in a large ecosystem. In this study instead, a floating and mobile electrochemical system was configured and tested to treat cyanobacteria without mixing. The electrodes and a portable rechargeable DC power supply were incorporated in a floating vessel which was then mobilized in the water.

RESULTS

Floating and mobilizing the vessel without mixing resulted in significant cyanobacterial inactivation depending on initial Cl− in the medium. Cells treated in a medium with 60 mg L−1 Cl− did not re‐grow when they were harvested and then re‐incubated in optimum growth conditions for 30 days, whereas those treated in ∼ 0.25 mg L−1 Cl− took 22 days before they re‐grew, which is twice the time needed for growth compared with an untreated control sample.

CONCLUSION

This novel system may thus offer a simple and feasible method to tackle cyanobacterial blooms in large‐scale aquatic ecosystems without the need for installing mixing equipments. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
vB_EcoS_IME347 a novel T1‐like Escherichia coli bacteriophage
Authors: Li Ping , Lin Hong , Mi Zhiqiang , Tong Yigang , Wang Jingxue
Published: August 2018

Advances in phage therapy and its application require more information on phage genome characteristics and host–phage interaction mechanisms. In this study, a so far unknown T1‐like Escherichia coli phage was identified and named vB_EcoS_IME347 (IME347). The genome length of phage IME347 is 50,048 bp with a G + C content of 49.7%. BLASTn alignment showed that the phage has its highest homology (identity 78%, query cover 72%) with phage SRT8 (GenBank: MF996376). Electron microscopy showed that phage IME347 has an icosahedral head and a long non‐contractiled tail, features of the family Siphoviridae. Phylogenetic analysis of the large subunit of the terminal enzyme and tail fiber protein revealed that phage IME347 is a novel member of the T1 virus. Furthermore, through comparative genomics, silencing mutation, phage spotting assay, and phage adsorption assay, an E. coli BL21 TonB‐dependent receptor YncD was identified to be responsible for phage IME347 adsorption and entry. The identification of the phage receptor YncD enriches the phage receptor database and provides a theoretical basis for bacteriophage therapy.
Preservation of red pepper flakes using microwave‐combined cold plasma treatment
Authors: Kim Jung Eun , Oh Yeong Ji , Song Ah Young , Min Sea C
Published: August 2018

BACKGROUND

Red pepper flakes are often contaminated with various microorganisms; however, any technologies aiming to decontaminate the flakes should also maintain their quality properties. This study investigated the effect of microwave‐combined cold plasma treatment (MCPT) at different microwave power densities on microbial inactivation and preservation of red pepper flakes. Red pepper flake samples inoculated with spores of Bacillus cereus or Aspergillus flavus and without inoculation were subjected to MCPT at 900 W for 20 min at either low microwave power density (LMCPT, 0.17 W m−2) or high microwave power density (HMCPT, 0.25 W m−2).

RESULTS

The numbers of B. cereus and A. flavus spores on red pepper flakes after LMCPT and HMCPT were initially reduced by 0.7 ± 0.1 and 1.4 ± 0.3 log spores cm−2 and by 1.5 ± 0.3 and 1.5 ± 0.2 log spores cm−2 respectively and remained constant for 150 days at 25 °C. Immediately after HMCPT, the concentrations of capsaicin and ascorbic acid in the flakes were significantly lower than in untreated samples; however, no difference in concentration was detected during storage. Neither LMCPT nor HMCPT affected the antioxidant activity or color of the flakes during storage. LMCPT also did not affect the sensory properties and the concentrations of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin of the flakes, indicating its suitability in preserving their quality properties.

CONCLUSION

MCPT may provide an effective non‐thermal treatment for food preservation which can improve the microbial safety and stability of red pepper flakes while maintaining intact their qualitative properties. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Focused Cardiac Ultrasonography: Current Applications and Future Directions
Authors: Luong Christina L. , Ong Kevin , Kaila Kendeep , Pellikka Patricia A. , Gin Kenneth , Tsang Teresa S. M.
Published: August 2018

Focused cardiac ultrasonography is performed by clinicians at the bedside and is used in time‐sensitive scenarios to evaluate a patient's cardiovascular status when comprehensive echocardiography is not immediately available. This simplified cardiac ultrasonography is often performed by noncardiologists using small, portable devices to augment the physical examination, triage patients, and direct management in both critical care and outpatient settings. However, as the use of focused cardiac ultrasonography continues to expand, careful consideration is required regarding training, scope of practice, impact on patient outcomes, and medicolegal implications. In this review, we examine some of the challenges with rapid uptake of this technique and explore the benefits and potential risk of focused cardiac ultrasonography. We propose possible mechanisms for cross‐specialty collaboration, quality improvement, and oversight.
Gastrin‐Releasing Peptide Is Involved in the Establishment of Allergic Rhinitis in Mice
Authors: Matsumoto Yuma , Yokoi Hidenori , Kimura Toru , Matsumoto Yoshifumi , Kawada Michitsugu , Arae Ken , Nakae Susumu , Ikeda Tetsuya , Matsumoto Kenji , Sakurai Hiroyuki , Saito Koichiro
Published: August 2018

Objective

Gastrin‐releasing peptide (GRP) is a neuropeptide that targets transmembrane‐type receptors. Its role in allergic rhinitis (AR) has yet to be investigated. The present study utilized the nasal mucosa of AR model mice to examine GRP and GRP receptor (GRPR) expression levels, localization, and other factors to evaluate their role in AR pathology.

Study Design

In vivo study in an animal model.

Methods

GRP and GRPR expression levels were examined in three different AR models established in BALB/c mice. In addition, a GRPR antagonist (RC‐3095) was administered to AR mice to investigate its effect. The distribution of GRPR expression on mast cells in the nasal mucosa with AR was examined. Finally, we investigated the inhibitory effect of RC‐3095 on allergy symptoms induced by histamine.

Results

GRP and GRPR were highly expressed in the nasal mucosal epithelium and interstitial tissues surrounding the nasal glands in AR groups according to immunostaining. GRP and GRPR expression as determined by western blotting increased in the nasal mucosa as the degree of nasal sensitization increased. In addition, the average counts of sneezing and nasal rubbing after treatment in the AR + RC‐3095 group were significantly lower than those in the AR + nasal saline group. Mast cells often colocalized with GRPR around nasal glands. Moreover, RC‐3095 was effective in reducing sneezing induced by histamine.

Conclusion

The GRP‐GRPR system is likely to be involved in allergic inflammation. This system may represent a novel therapeutic target for refractory AR.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, E377–E384, 2018
One‐Year symptom outcomes after sialolithiasis treatment with sialendoscopy‐assisted salivary duct surgery
Authors: Ryan William R. , Plonowska Karolina A. , Gurman Zev R. , Aubin‐Pouliot Annick , Chang Jolie L.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

For chronic obstructive sialadenitis, there is a paucity of long‐term prospective evidence of disease‐specific symptom outcomes after sialendoscopy‐assisted salivary duct surgery (SASDS). We prospectively assessed patients with sialolithiasis before and at 3 months and 1 year after SASDS using the Chronic Obstructive Sialadenitis Symptoms (COSS) questionnaire.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of adult patients with sialolithiasis who underwent SASDS and completed the COSS questionnaire over a 1‐year follow‐up period. The COSS questionnaire consists of 20 disease‐specific symptom questions. COSS score outcomes were classified by complete, partial, and nonresolution, as well as by clinically significant improvement.

Results

Ninety‐six patients underwent SASDS in 110 glands, of which 69 glands (63%) had findings of sialolithiasis. The following median COSS scores were reported for sialolithiasis glands: preoperative, 27.5 (interquartile range [IQR]: 12.5–44); 3 months, 1 (IQR: 0–5); and 1 year, 1 (IQR: 0–5.5). Patients with sialolithiasis reported statistically significant improvements in COSS scores from preoperative to 3 months post‐SASDS (P > 0.05). A vast majority of patients maintained this improvement from 3 months to 1 year, indicating durability. Complete resolution of symptoms was attained in 95% and 85% of glands at 3 months and 1 year, respectively. Open/hybrid compared to endoscopic‐only sialolithiasis extraction achieved similar 3‐month and 1‐year COSS outcomes. Potential risk factors for symptom persistence after SASDS included nonreachable parenchymal sialoliths and concurrent inflammatory disease and/or stenosis.

Conclusion

SASDS for sialolithiasis extraction is associated with durable, long‐term benefit regardless of endoscopic or open technique or sialolith location, suggesting that subsequent ductal stenosis from iatrogenic or sialolithiasis‐related inflammation fibrosis is unlikely.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 129:396–402, 2019
One‐year outcomes of sialendoscopic‐assisted salivary duct surgery for sialadenitis without sialolithiasis
Authors: Plonowska Karolina A. , Gurman Zev R. , Humphrey Amanda , Chang Jolie L. , Ryan William R.
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To prospectively examine durability of long‐term outcomes in sialendoscopy‐assisted salivary duct surgery (SASDS) in chronic obstructive sialadenitis without sialolithiasis (COSWS).

Methods

A prospective cohort study of adult patients with COSWS who completed Chronic Obstructive Sialadenitis Symptoms (COSS) Questionnaire prior to and at 3 months and 1 year following SASDS. COSS scores scaled to 0 to 100 were analyzed by statistically significant improvements and previously published ranges corresponding to complete, partial, and nonresolution of symptoms.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients with COSWS affecting 41 glands had statistically significant improvements in COSS scores at 3 months following SASDS. These improvements usually were sustained at 1 year, supporting durability of treatment effect over time. A majority of cases (30 of 41, 73%) achieved at least a partial resolution of sialadenitis symptoms (COSS score ≤ 25) at 1‐year follow‐up. Symptom improvement after SASDS was noted in 14 of 18 (78%) glands with radioiodine‐induced sialadenitis (RAI‐IS). The highest proportion of persistent or recurrent disease at 1‐year post‐SASDS was found in autoimmune sialadenitis (2 of 4, 50%) and glands with proximal or multifocal stenoses (6 of 12, 50%). At 1 year, distal duct stenoses achieved a significantly higher proportion of partial or complete symptom resolution (18 of 21, 86%) than cases with proximal or multifocal stenoses (6 of 12, 50%; P = 0.044).

Conclusions

SASDS is effective in reducing symptoms in duct stenosis and RAI‐IS, usually with durable treatment benefits at long‐term follow‐up. Distal stenoses appear to be more amenable to sialendoscopic treatment, achieving greater symptom reduction than proximal/multifocal stenoses. Additional larger multi‐center studies are needed to further characterize risk factors for COSWS refractory to SASDS.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 129:890–896, 2019
Laryngeal Cryptococcoma Resulting in Airway Compromise in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Morse Justin C. , Gelbard Alexander
Published: August 2018

Cryptococcus neoformans is a yeast than can result in isolated or disseminated infections. This case report describes an immunocompetent patient presenting with airway obstruction secondary to laryngeal crypotococcoma, mimicking a laryngeal malignancy, and describes associated management. A 68‐year‐old immunocompetent female with a new positron emission tomography–avid laryngeal lesion was intubated after acute respiratory decompensation. Airway evaluation revealed diffuse mucosal changes throughout the endolarynx with significant loss of normal native tissue architecture. Operative biopsy confirmed infection of C neoformans. The patient was treated with extended‐course fluconazole. This case reinforces characteristic physical and histologic findings described for laryngeal cryptococcal infection. Laryngoscope, 129:926–929, 2019
Image acquisition for intravoxel incoherent motion imaging of kidneys should be triggered at the instant of maximum blood velocity: evidence obtained with simulations and in vivo experiments
Authors: Milani Bastien , Ledoux Jean‐Baptiste , Rotzinger David C. , Kanemitsu Michiko , Vallée Jean‐Paul , Burnier Michel , Pruijm Menno
Published: August 2018

Purpose

To demonstrate that diffusion‐weighted images should be acquired at the instant of maximum blood velocity in kidneys to extract the perfusion fraction (PF) by the bi‐exponential intravoxel incoherent motion model.

Methods

The PF values were measured in Monte‐Carlo simulations corresponding to different blood velocities with a constant known PF. The distribution of the measured PF values (PF‐distribution) was characterized quantitatively by 3 markers highlighting the deviation of the measurement from the true PF. Diffusion‐weighted images of kidneys were acquired in 10 healthy volunteers at the instant of maximal respectively minimal blood velocity in the renal artery (Vmax versus Vmin acquisition). The PF‐distributions measured from the Vmax and Vmin acquisitions were compared mutually and with simulated PF‐distributions using the 3 markers. A radiologist evaluated the quality of the PF maps.

Results

The PF‐distributions measured in the simulations were spread around the true PF value, and spreading was reduced as blood velocity increased. A comparison between simulated and in vivo PF‐distributions suggests that a similar phenomenon is plausible in vivo. The quality of the PF maps of the Vmax‐acquisition was scored higher by the radiologist than those of the Vmin‐acquisition in 95% of cases (19 of 20).

Conclusions

The PF maps are of better quality when the Vmax‐acquisition is used. We show evidence supporting the hypothesis that the variation of PF along the cardiac cycle is due to oscillations between a poor estimation when the blood velocity is low, and a better estimation when blood velocity is higher.
A study on a second order finite difference scheme for fractional advection–diffusion equations
Authors: Vong Seakweng , Shi Chenyang , Lyu Pin
Published: August 2018

Second order finite difference schemes for fractional advection–diffusion equations are considered in this paper. We note that, when studying these schemes, advection terms with coefficients having the same sign as those of diffusion terms need additional estimates. In this paper, by comparing generating functions of the corresponding discretization matrices, we find that sufficiently strong diffusion can dominate the effects of advection. As a result, convergence and stability of schemes are obtained in this situation.
Inherited pathogenic mitochondrial DNA mutations and gastrointestinal stem cell populations
Authors: Su Tianhong , Grady John P , Afshar Sorena , McDonald Stuart AC , Taylor Robert W , Turnbull Doug M , Greaves Laura C
Published: August 2018

Inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations cause mitochondrial disease, but mtDNA mutations also occur somatically and accumulate during ageing. Studies have shown that the mutation load of some inherited mtDNA mutations decreases over time in blood, suggesting selection against the mutation. However, it is unknown whether such selection occurs in other mitotic tissues, and where it occurs within the tissue. Gastrointestinal epithelium is a canonical mitotic tissue rapidly renewed by stem cells. Intestinal crypts (epithelium) undergo monoclonal conversion with a single stem cell taking over the niche and producing progeny. We show: (1) that there is a significantly lower mtDNA mutation load in the mitotic epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract when compared to the smooth muscle in the same tissue in patients with the pathogenic m.3243A>G and m.8344A>G mutations; (2) that there is considerable variation seen in individual crypts, suggesting changes in the stem cell population; (3) that this lower mutation load is reflected in the absence of a defect in oxidative phosphorylation in the epithelium. This suggests that there is selection against inherited mtDNA mutations in the gastrointestinal stem cells that is in marked contrast to the somatic mtDNA mutations that accumulate with age in epithelial stem cells leading to a biochemical defect. © 2018 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Magneto‐Structural Properties of Multielement Ni–Cu–Co–Mn–Sn Heusler Bulk Alloys
Authors: Wojcik Anna , Maziarz Wojciech , Szczerba Maciej , Sikora Marcin , Zywczak Antoni , Hawelek Lukasz , Cesari Eduard
Published: August 2018

The effect of Cu substitution for Ni on the structural and magnetocaloric properties in Ni44−xCuxCo6Mn39Sn11 (x = 0–4 at.%) bulk Heusler alloys is studied. It is reported that Cu addition stabilizes austenite phase. Generally, martensitic transformation temperature decreases with an increase of Cu concentration up to 4 at.%. The addition of 1 and 2 at.% of Cu allows to shift the temperature of martensitic transformation close to room temperature, while the strong inverse magnetocaloric effect is observed in alloys containing 0–3 at.% of Cu. The value of magnetic entropy at low magnetic field of 15 kOe evolves from 6.3 J kg−1 K−1 for Cu0 to 9.7 J kg−1 K−1 for Cu1, 7.1 J kg−1 K−1 for Cu2, 8.6 J kg−1 K−1 for Cu3, and 4.1 J kg−1 K−1 for Cu4 alloys. The estimated value of the effective refrigerant capacity, including hysteresis loss, is equal to 74.1, 80.4, 106.5, 42.6, and 77.6 J kg−1 for Cu0, Cu1, Cu2, Cu3, and Cu4, respectively.
Temperature‐Dependent Bulk Modulus Model for Solid Single Crystals
Authors: Shao Jiaxing , Li Weiguo , Tao Yong , Ma Jianzuo , Cao Ziwei , Kou Haibo , Deng Yong , Chen Liming , Qu Zhaoliang
Published: August 2018

In this study, a temperature‐dependent bulk modulus model without any adjustable parameters for solids single crystals is developed based on an equivalent relation between deformation energy and heat energy. This model uncovers the quantitative relation between the temperature‐dependent bulk modulus, heat capacity, boiling point, enthalpy of solid‐state phase transition, enthalpy of fusion, enthalpy of vaporization, and volume coefficient of thermal expansion. As examples, the temperature‐dependent adiabatic bulk moduli of α‐Al2O3, MgO, Si, Ti, SrF2, CaF2, and MgF2 are predicted, and are in good agreement with the available experimental results. This study provides a new and practical method to quantitatively characterize the temperature‐dependent bulk modulus of solid single crystals.
Generalized dynamic observers for quasi‐LPV systems with unmeasurable scheduling functions
Authors: Pérez‐Estrada A.‐J. , Osorio‐Gordillo G.‐L. , Darouach M. , Alma M. , Olivares‐Peregrino V.‐H.
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a generalized dynamic observer design for polytopic quasi–linear parameter‐varying systems where the parameters are depending on unmeasured state variables. It generalizes the existing results on the proportional observers and proportional‐integral observers. Conditions of existence and stability are given through the Lyapunov approach. Its design is obtained in terms of a set of linear matrix inequalities. A semiactive suspension example illustrates the performance and effectiveness of the proposed approach.
High‐Performance SERS Substrate Based on Hierarchical 3D Cu Nanocrystals with Efficient Morphology Control
Authors: Zhao Xiaohui , Deng Min , Rao Gaofeng , Yan Yichao , Wu Chunyang , Jiao Yu , Deng Anqing , Yan Chaoyi , Huang Jianwen , Wu Songhao , Chen Wei , Lei Tianyu , Xu Ping , He Weidong , Xiong Jie
Published: August 2018

Cu nanocrystals of various shapes are synthesized via a universal, eco‐friendly, and facile colloidal method on Al substrates using hexadecylamine (HDA) as a capping agent and glucose as a reductant. By tuning the concentration of the capping agent, hierarchical 3D Cu nanocrystals show pronounced surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) through the concentrated hot spots at the sharp tips and gaps due to the unique 3D structure and the resulting plasmonic couplings. Intriguingly, 3D sword‐shaped Cu crystals have the highest enhancement factor (EF) because of their relatively uniform size distribution and alignment. This work opens new pathways for efficiently realizing morphology control for Cu nanocrystals as highly efficient SERS platforms.
Demystifying the science report: How to help nonnative‐English‐speaking students write better laboratory reports
Authors: Roo Anna Karin , Ardasheva Yuliya
Published: August 2018

The science laboratory report, a staple of science instruction across all educational levels, can be syntactically and lexically challenging for both native and nonnative speakers of English. Because mastery of the science report genre in Western societies relies on internalized knowledge of the structure of the science report as well as on the mastery of writing techniques, nonnative speakers of English can be at a disadvantage if they have not mastered these skills. To succeed, students need explicit instructional guidance in writing science reports. The purpose of this article is to describe general linguistic features of the science report genre and the individual sections of the science report, along with the corresponding convention requirements and general recommendations for writing each section effectively. Discussion focuses on strategies to meet the needs of all students to attain the standards of the science report genre, emphasizing English learners’ needs.
Large c Virasoro blocks from monodromy method beyond known limits
Authors: Kusuki Yuya
Published: August 2018

Abstract

In this paper, we study large c Virasoro blocks by using the Zamolodchikov monodromy method beyond its known limits. We give an analytic proof of our recent conjecture [1, 2], which implied that the asymptotics of the large c conformal blocks can be expressed in very simple forms, even if outside its known limits, namely the semiclassical limit or the heavy-light limit. In particular, we analytically discuss the fact that the asymptotic behavior of large c conformal blocks drastically changes when the dimensions of external primary states reach the value

$$ \frac{c}{32} $$

c
32

, which is conjectured by our numerical studies. The results presented in this work imply that the general solutions to the Zamolodchikov recursion relation are given by Cardy-like formula, which is an important conclusion that can be numerically drawn from our recent work [1, 2]. Mathematical derivations and analytical results imply that, in the bulk, the collision behavior between two heavy particles may undergo a remarkable transition associated with their masses.
Combining QED and QCD transverse-momentum resummation for Z boson production at hadron colliders
Authors: Cieri Leandro , Ferrera Giancarlo , Sborlini Germán F. R.
Published: August 2018

Abstract

We consider the transverse-momentum (q

T
) distribution of Z bosons produced in hadronic collisions. At small values of q

T
, we perform the analytic resummation of the logarithmically enhanced QED contributions up to next-to-leading logarithmic accuracy, including the mixed QCD-QED contributions at leading logarithmic accuracy. Resummed results are consistently matched with the next-to-leading fixed-order results (i.e.

$$ \mathcal{O} $$

O

(α
2)) at small, intermediate and large values of q

T
. We combine the QED corrections with the known QCD results at next-to-next-to-leading order

$$ \left(\mathcal{O}\left({\alpha}_S^2\right)\right) $$

O

α
S
2

and next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic accuracy. We show numerical results at LHC and Tevatron energies, studying the impact of the QED corrections and providing an estimate of the corresponding perturbative uncertainty. Our analytic results for the combined QED and QCD resummation, obtained through an extension of the q

T
resummation formalism in QCD, are valid for the production of generic neutral and colourless high-mass systems in hadronic collision.
Is there any correlation between venipuncture sites and complications of central venous port placement in the chest wall?
Authors: Yamamoto Yuta , Orii Takashi , Yoshimura Masaki , Kitahara Hiroe , Karasawa Yukihiko
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACT

Background:

Central venous (CV) port is an integral part of chemotherapy and parenteral treatment, for long-term venous access. It is still unclear whether there is a correlation between venipuncture sites, and complications and patency of the CV port placed in the chest wall.

Methods:

Two-hundred and sixty-nine patients, who underwent CV port placement in their chest wall, were reviewed retrospectively in this study. They were divided into two groups, the S (subclavian vein) group and I (internal jugular vein) group, according to the venipuncture site. We analyzed the data from the medical records and examined the differences in complications between the two groups.

Results:

The median event free period among all patients was 228 days (range: 5–1877), the cumulative follow-up period was 97,176 catheter days. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of sex, age, body mass index (BMI), primary disease, reason for implant, past history of diabetes mellitus and occurrence of procedural complications. The median event free days were 200.0 (6–1846) in the S group and 246.0 (5–1877) days in the I group. The rate of event-free port availability after one, two and three years was 84.6, 74.0 and 66.5% in the S group, and 84.4, 80.3 and 80.3% in the I group respectively, which were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions:

Complications of CV port placement have no correlation with the subclavian or jugular vein puncture sites.

Highlights:
Well-Oiled Protest: Adding Fuel to Political Conflicts in Niger
Authors: Schritt Jannik
Published: August 2018

The article focuses on disputes and protests around the inauguration of Niger’s first oil refinery in late 2011. Drawing on theory of the resource curse and the literature on African politics and the state, it analyzes the transformative potential of oil in Nigerien politics and society, showing how oil was received in an already well-structured political arena, sparking political conflicts rather than conflicts about oil. With the start of oil production adding fuel to these conflicts, it argues that in oil’s immediate presence, historically sedimented politics were played out through the idiom of oil, through which not only is oil-age Niger made a social and political reality, but political difference is also reconstructed, and patterns of domination are reinforced.
Some Pitfalls of Practical Benefit-Cost Analysis
Authors: Nardinelli Clark
Published: August 2018

Practitioners of benefit-cost analysis face many difficulties. Despite the best training, guidance, and intentions, practitioners can stumble: actual benefit-cost analysis is hard and mistakes get made. Over the years, I have collected the mistakes I have seen in actual benefit-cost analyses. Many of the same mistakes occur over and over: the pitfalls of practical benefit-cost analysis. In this paper, I describe common pitfalls and suggest ways to avoid them.
Analysis of emergency department length of stay for mental health visits: A case study of a Canadian academic hospital
Authors: Baia Medeiros Deyvison T. , Hahn-Goldberg Shoshana , O’Connor Erin , Aleman Dionne M.
Published: August 2018

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine temporal trends in mental health visits to the emergency department (ED) and to determine differences in length of stay (LOS) between mental health visits and visits for non-mental health conditions.

Methods

A population-based retrospective study was conducted for patients who visited the ED of an academic hospital located in Toronto, ON, between fiscal years 2012 and 2016. Trends in the number of visits and descriptive statistics were calculated for both mental health and non-mental health groups. Quantile regression was used to compare the median and 90th percentile LOS.

Results

In five years, the absolute increase in the number of mental health visits to the ED was 55.7%. The 90th percentile LOS was similar for mental and non-mental health visits that were internally transferred (10.7 hours v. 8.3 hours) but significantly higher for those who were discharged (11.4 hours v. 7.3 hours), admitted (52.6 hours v. 29.3 hours), and externally transferred (21.9 hours v. 10.0 hours). After adjusting for other variables, the 90th percentile LOS was 3.3 hours longer for mental health visits resulting in discharge (p<0.001), 24.5 hours longer for those admitted (p<0.001), and 12.7 hours longer for those externally transferred (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The number of mental health visits to the ED is linearly increasing over time, and the LOS in the ED is significantly longer for mental health visits for almost all discharge dispositions. Thus, systematic changes are needed to address the ED capacity to provide care for the growing mental health population.
Improvement of Centrifugal Pump Performance by Using Different Impeller Diffuser Angles with and Without Vanes
Authors: Khoeini D. , Shirani E. , Joghataei M.
Published: August 2018

This study aims at improving the performance of a centrifugal pump by using different angular diffusers on the downstream side of the centrifugal pump impeller. Numerical and experimental studies have been carried out on different vaned and non-vaned diffuser with three different wall divergence angle (α) of 0°, 5° and 10° to achieve that purpose. The data analyses show good agreement between the numerical and experimental results. They reveal profound effect of the divergence angle (α) of angular vaned diffuser on the head and overall efficiency of centrifugal pumps especially at high flow rates as they broaden operating region of the centrifugal pump. In fact it is found that the head and overall efficiency of impeller with vaned diffuser α = 10° enhance by 15.4 and 9 percent respectively compared to that of centrifugal pump with no vaned diffuser at high flow rates. Furthermore the head and overall efficiency of impeller with vaned diffuser α = 10° increase by 5.7 and 7 percent respectively in comparison with the impeller with vaned diffuser α = 0°.
Paleoecological Significance of Complex Fossil Associations of the Eldonioid Pararotadiscus guizhouensis with other Faunal Members of the Kaili Biota (Stage 5, Cambrian, South China)
Authors: Zhao Yuanlong , Wang Mingkun , LoDuca Steven T. , Yang Xinglian , Yang Yuning , Liu Yujuan , Cheng Xin
Published: August 2018

The planktonic medusiform taxon Pararotadiscus guizhouensis (Zhao and Zhu, 1994) is one of the most abundant components of the Kaili Biota. Many specimens are in direct association with other taxa, including trilobites, brachiopods, hyolithids, echinoderms, and algae, as well as the trace fossil Gordia. Four types of interrelationships between P. guizhouensis and associated fossils are recognized: symbiosis, co-burial, attachment of benthic taxa on P. guizhouensis carcasses, and scavenging of P. guizhouensis carcasses. These associations of P. guizhouensis within the Kaili Biota are unique among occurrences of medusiform fossils in Burgess Shale-type biotas worldwide and provide important insights concerning ecological complexity in the Kaili Biota and in Cambrian marine communities in general.
New well-preserved scleritomes of Chancelloriida from early Cambrian Guanshan Biota, eastern Yunnan, China
Authors: Zhao Jun , Li Guo-Biao , Selden Paul A.
Published: August 2018

A large number of well-preserved chancelloriid scleritomes from the Guanshan biota, early Cambrian of Yunnan, China, are described as a new species,Allonnia tenuisn. sp., and provide solid evidence for the original appearance of these enigmatic animals, based on specimens compacted laterally and top-down. With the assistance of a flexible integument, chancelloriids, especiallyAllonniafrom early and middle Cambrian, may have had the ability to partially or completely expand and contract the body, which might have played an important role in feeding. A new metazoan with single-element spines,Nidelric gaoloufangensisn. sp., is also described. Preservation and affinity are discussed. Detailed comparison of the morphology of the body and spines of this metazoan indicate that it shares many similarities with chancelloriids, of which it may be an unusual form.

UUID:http://zoobank.org/2708d95a-1fae-46fc-afea-9707ae97a4d7
The principle of canonical orientation: a cross-linguistic study
Authors: ALSHEHRI ALI , BOHNEMEYER JUERGEN , MOORE RANDI , PÉREZ BÁEZ GABRIELA
Published: August 2018

abstract

This paper presents a cross-linguistic investigation of a constraint on the use on intrinsic frames of reference proposed by Levelt (1984, 1996). This proposed constraint claims that use of intrinsic frames when the ground object is in non-canonical position is blocked due to conflict with gravitational-based reference frames. Regression models of the data from Arabic, K’iche’, Spanish, Yucatec, and Zapotec suggest that this constraint is valid across languages. However, the strength at which the constraint operates is predicted by the frequency of canonical intrinsic frames in the particular language. The ratio of the incidence of intrinsic usage with canonical vs. non-canonical orientation appears to be remarkably uniform across languages, which suggests the possibility of a strong cognitive universal.
ON THE BILINEAR SQUARE FOURIER MULTIPLIER OPERATORS ASSOCIATED WITH FUNCTION
Authors: LI ZHENGYANG , XUE QINGYING
Published: August 2018

This paper will be devoted to study a class of bilinear square-function Fourier multiplier operator associated with a symbol$m$defined by$$\begin{eqnarray}\displaystyle & & \displaystyle \mathfrak{T}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706},m}(f_{1},f_{2})(x)\nonumber\\ \displaystyle & & \displaystyle \quad =\Big(\iint _{\mathbb{R}_{+}^{n+1}}\Big(\frac{t}{|x-z|+t}\Big)^{n\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}\nonumber\\ \displaystyle & & \displaystyle \qquad \times \,\bigg|\int _{(\mathbb{R}^{n})^{2}}e^{2\unicode[STIX]{x1D70B}ix\cdot (\unicode[STIX]{x1D709}_{1}+\unicode[STIX]{x1D709}_{2})}m(t\unicode[STIX]{x1D709}_{1},t\unicode[STIX]{x1D709}_{2})\hat{f}_{1}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D709}_{1})\hat{f}_{2}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D709}_{2})\,d\unicode[STIX]{x1D709}_{1}\,d\unicode[STIX]{x1D709}_{2}\bigg|^{2}\frac{dz\,dt}{t^{n+1}}\Big)^{1/2}.\nonumber\end{eqnarray}$$A basic fact about$\mathfrak{T}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706},m}$is that it is closely associated with the multilinear Littlewood–Paley$g_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}}^{\ast }$function. In this paper we first investigate the boundedness of$\mathfrak{T}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706},m}$on products of weighted Lebesgue spaces. Then, the weighted endpoint$L\log L$type estimate and strong estimate for the commutators of$\mathfrak{T}_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D706},m}$will be demonstrated.