bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Native Species: a biodiversity increase
Authors: Pezy Jean-Philippe , Raoux Aurore , Baffreau Alexandrine , Dauvin Jean-Claude
Published: February 2018

The European seas are known to be the recipient of several hundreds of Non-Native Species (NNS) due two main origins: shipping and aquaculture. More than 160 NNS had been recorded along the Normandy coast, which remains low in comparison with the number of marine invertebrate species known in the English Channel (> 3,000). The main sites of introduction are the harbours, especially Le Havre and the oyster cultivation zones. Among these NNS, 56 are present in Normandy and considered invasive along the European coasts, but only ten (one macro-algae and nine invertebrates) are invasive in Normandy. Six examples are illustrate, the molluscs Magallana gigas, Crepidula fornicata, Ensis leei, and Ruditapes philippinarum, the polychaete Ficopomatus enigmaticus and the crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus. The two first species have changed the dynamics and functioning of the coastal ecosystems, while the others have lower impact. In fact, the oyster and the manila clam are now key species for the French economy, while the rapid expansion of the other species change biodiversity in the more colonised sites. The ALEX (ALien Biotic IndEX) proposed by Cinar and Bakir in 2014 for the Mediterranean Sea is used for the first time in Atlantic waters.
Ecological network analysis with benthic indices to assess ecological and functional status of soft-bottom subtidal habitat in the English Channel
Authors: Raoux Aurore , PEZY Jean-Philippe , Dauvin Jean-Claude , NIQUIL Nathalie
Published: February 2018

The eastern part of the English Channel (north-eastern Atlantic) in a megatidal environment is one of the most impacted area in the world wide ocean. To the traditional fish activities and maritime transports with dredging and deposit spoil sediment which impact the ecosystem, aggregate extractions and implementation of offshore wind farms increase the pressures in this shallow epicontinental sea. The soft-bottom sea bed was mainly covered by sandy gravels and gravelly sand located offshore under high tidal currents while medium sand and muddy fine sand were deposit along the coast in area with weak currents. A large number of benthic indices had been recently developed mainly to the implementation of the European Water Framework Directive, but to structural assessment, development of more integrate method such as Ecological Network Analysis with the Ecopath model permit to furnish a functional assessment of the benthic habitats. Several studies in diverse sediment type under human pressures or future activities with reef and protected scenarios within an offshore windfarm permit to evaluate the suitability of structural and functional indices to reveal spatio-temporal statutes and changes of the Ecological Status of the benthic ecosystems
The interplay between movement, dispersal and morphology in Tetrahymena ciliates
Authors: Pennekamp Frank , Clobert Jean , Schtickzelle Nicolas
Published: February 2018

Understanding how and why individual movement translates into dispersal between populations is a long-term goal in ecology. Movement is broadly defined as “any change in the spatial location of an individual”, whereas dispersal is more narrowly defined as a movement that may lead to gene flow. Because the former may create the condition for the latter, behavioural decisions that lead to dispersal may be detectable in underlying movement behaviour. In addition, dispersing individuals also have specific sets of morphological and behavioural traits that help them coping with the costs of movement and dispersal, and traits that mitigate costs should be under selection and evolve if they have a genetic basis. Here we experimentally study the relationships between movement behaviour, morphology and dispersal across 44 genotypes of the actively dispersing unicellular, aquatic model organism Tetrahymena thermophila. We used two-patch populations to quantify individual movement trajectories, as well as activity, morphology and dispersal rate. First, we studied variation in movement behaviour among and within genotypes (i.e. between dispersers and residents) and tested whether this variation can be explained by morphology. Then, we address how much the dispersal rate is driven by differences in the underlying movement behaviour. Genotypes expressed different movements in terms of speed and path tortuosity. We also detected marked movement differences between resident and dispersing individuals, mediated by the genotype. Movement variation was partly explained by morphological properties such as cell size and shape, with larger cells consistently showing higher movement speed and lower tortuosity. Genetic differences in activity and diffusion rates were positively related to the observed dispersal and jointly explained 45% of the variation in dispersal rate. Our study shows that a detailed understanding of the interplay between morphology, movement and dispersal may have potential to improve dispersal predictions over broader spatio-temporal scales.
Analysis of the grounding of the MV Rena in New Zealand, 5 October, 2011
Authors: McLean Ian
Published: February 2018

The grounding of the general cargo vessel MV Rena near Tauranga Harbor in October 2011 was New Zealand’s worst environmental disaster. The ship hit an offshore reef, creating hazardous salvage conditions,and the consequent spill of 350 tonnes of fuel oil affected 50 km of coastline and many islands. Many containers fell overboard, creating hazards for other shipping, requiring additional salvage resources, and introducing toxins to the marine environment that are still washing up six years later. The community responded to the disaster by flocking to the beaches and cleaning up the oil by hand, giving well over 20,000 hours of volunteer time. Short- and long-term environmental consequences for wildlife and the inshore marine environment are reviewed, along with the effects on the local economy, the political context and the management response. There were significant economic effects during the summer immediately following the event, but the clean-up appears to have been remarkably successful. While the above-water superstructure of the ship was removed, much of the (broken-up) hull remains on or close to the reef today. The final (legal) decision on the removal of the wreck has enabled abandonment of the wreck. There appear to be few, if any, long-term wider environmental effects although elevated levels of some contaminants are still measurable close to the wreck in 2017.
Designing and Implementing Emergency Department Pain Management Curriculum: A Delphi Approach
Authors: Paziana Karolina , Timpano Edmund , Stolbach Andrew
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Our primary objective was to use the Delphi method (DM) to choose learning objectives for an Internet‐based pain management teaching module for emergency care providers. The DM is a structured communication technique that uses systematic, interactive data gathering to reach a consensus among a panel of experts.

Methods

We extracted preliminary educational objectives from nationwide pain fellowship training programs. After redundant objectives and those relating to procedures outside the scope of emergency medicine (EM) were removed, 23 preliminary objectives remained. We enlisted experts in EM, medical toxicology, anesthesia, pain, psychiatry, and medical education to evaluate the objectives in repeated rounds. Based on the time we had designated for teaching (3 hours) and our estimate of 15 to 20 minutes for each learning objective, we aimed for nine to 12 final learning objectives. The expert panel rated the 23 preliminary objectives with a 5‐point Likert scale. Experts were blinded to each other's answers. When 80% of experts agreed with proposed objectives, objectives were considered “accepted” and retained. When 80% of experts disagreed with proposed objectives, the objectives were considered “rejected” and discarded. The remaining objectives were considered in subsequent rounds. In the first round, one objective was rejected and four were accepted. In the second round, four objectives were rejected and five were accepted. Having reached nine objectives the panel unanimously agreed that the nine objectives were sufficient to be used as a foundation for teaching modules.

Results

Using the DM, our expert panel identified nine educational objectives that were used as the foundation for an educational module. Of the nine objectives, three were categorized as “medical knowledge,” two as “pharmacologic knowledge,” two as “patient communication,” and two as “systems‐based practice.” The learning objectives are as follows: recognize common barriers to treating pain; understand alternative interventional therapies used to treat different kinds of pain their implications, benefits, and risks; identify common component symptoms that may exacerbate chronic pain (i.e., depression, anxiety, delirium, cachexia, dyspnea); study the major drug groups used to treat different kinds of pain; recognize the risks of polypharmacy; set realistic expectations with patients early in their presentation to the emergency department (ED); educate patients as the risks of different classes of pain medications, including risk of addiction; understand the legal and regulatory issues that govern pain management in the ED; and understand in‐hospital resources available for patient follow up and referral to pain clinics.

Conclusions

We successfully used the DM to develop educational objectives for an e‐learning module. Further work should evaluate educational outcomes of the teaching module.
Electrochemical Exfoliation of Pillared‐Layer Metal–Organic Framework to Boost the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Huang Jin , Li Yun , Huang Rui‐Kang , He Chun‐Ting , Gong Li , Hu Qiong , Wang Lishi , Xu Yan‐Tong , Tian Xiao‐Yun , Liu Si‐Yang , Ye Zi‐Ming , Wang Fuxin , Zhou Dong‐Dong , Zhang Wei‐Xiong , Zhang Jie‐Peng
Published: February 2018

Two‐dimensional (2D) materials and ultrathin nanosheets are advantageous for elevating the catalysis performance and elucidating the catalysis mechanism of heterogeneous catalysts, but they are mostly restricted to inorganic or organic materials based on covalent bonds. We report an electrochemical/chemical exfoliation strategy for synthesizing metal–organic 2D materials based on coordination bonds. A catechol functionalized ligand is used as the redox active pillar to construct a pillared‐layer framework. When the 3D pillared‐layer MOF serves as an electrocatalyst for water oxidation (pH 13), the pillar ligands can be oxidized in situ and removed. The remaining ultrathin (2 nm) nanosheets of the metal–organic layers are an efficient catalyst with overpotentials as low as 211 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a turnover frequency as high as 30 s−1 at an overpotential of 300 mV.
High‐performance polymeric materials with greatly improved mechanical and thermal properties from cyanate ester/benzoxazine resin reinforced by silane‐treated basalt fibers
Authors: Zegaoui Abdeldjalil , Derradji Mehdi , Ma Ruikun , Cai Wan‐An , Liu Wen‐Bin , Wang Jun , Dayo Abdul Qadeer , Song Sha , Zhang Li‐Li
Published: February 2018

This present article investigates the effect of silane‐treated basalt fibers (TBFs) on the morphological, mechanical and thermal properties of cyanate ester/benzoxazine (CE/BOZ) resin composites. The characterization was made using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), flexural test, impact strength (IS) test, microhardness test, dynamic scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The mechanical test results inferred the distinctive improvements in the values of the flexural strength and modulus, IS, and microhardness of the CE/BOZ composites. The thermal stabilities in terms of the Tg, T5%, T10%, and THRI were appreciably improved and were higher than those of the pure CE/BOZ resin. Data from the SEM and FTIR tests ascertained the good dispersion and adhesion between the TBFs and the resin matrix, which might be behind the significant enhancement in the ultimate performances of the composites, with respect to the distinguished properties of BFs. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46283.
Fabrication and characterization of food‐grade fibers from mixtures of maltodextrin and whey protein isolate using needleless electrospinning
Authors: Kutzli Ines , Gibis Monika , Baier Stefan K. , Weiss Jochen
Published: February 2018

Food‐grade fibers were fabricated from dispersions of maltodextrin and whey protein isolate (WPI) using needleless electrospinning. Two maltodextrins (DE 2) from different starch sources were used and the maltodextrin/WPI ratio was varied. Molecular weight, intrinsic viscosity, entanglement concentration, shear stability, and electrical conductivity were studied as function of maltodextrin type and mixing ratio and correlated to fiber production rate and morphology. The results show that a high molecular weight of the maltodextrin was beneficial to its spinnability. Waxy potato starch maltodextrin (P‐MD) (Mw = 129.6 kDa) and WPI produced fibers with diameters between 1.40 and 1.67 µm at production rates up to 1.65 g/h; while the dispersions with waxy maize starch maltodextrin (M‐MD) (Mw = 85.9 kDa) showed poor spinnability and ruptured fibers. P‐MD/WPI dispersions had a higher viscosity and stronger shear thinning behavior attributed to a stronger entangled polymer network which is beneficial to electrospinning. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46328.
Insulin‐like growth factor 2: a poor prognostic biomarker linked to racial disparity in women with uterine carcinosarcoma
Authors: Van Arsdale Anne R. , Arend Rebecca C. , Cossio Maria J. , Erickson Britt K. , Wang Yanhua , Doo David W. , Leath Charles A. , Goldberg Gary L. , Huang Gloria S.
Published: February 2018

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship of insulin‐like growth factor 2 (IGF2) expression and survival in women with uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS). Insulin‐like growth factor 2 protein expression was determined by immunohistochemical staining of tumor tissues from 103 patients with UCS. The H‐score (product of staining intensity and percentage positive cells) was quantified for the epithelial cytoplasmic (EC), epithelial nuclear (EN), and malignant stromal compartments. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to examine the relationship of IGF2 levels with progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Adjusting for stage, race, and adjuvant therapy, PFS and OS were reduced in patients with high IGF2 (H‐score ≥ median) in the EC and EN compartments. Black race was independently associated with reduced PFS and OS in patients with early‐stage disease, and IGF2 levels in the EC were higher in black than in white patients (P = 0.02, Wilcoxon test). In a race‐stratified multivariable analysis, high IGF2 in the epithelial compartments more than doubled the risk of death in black women; HR = 2.43 (95% CI: 1.18–5.01, P = 0.02) for high IGF2 in the EC; and HR = 2.34 (95% CI: 1.25–4.39, P = 0.008) for high IGF2 in the EN. In conclusion, high tumor IGF2 expression is an independent risk factor for reduced PFS and OS in UCS. Black women have elevated tumor IGF2 compared with white women, and decreased survival associated with high IGF2. These findings identify IGF2 as a candidate biomarker for survival linked to racial disparity in women with UCS.
Separation of positional isomers of nine 2‐phenethylamine‐derived designer drugs by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Grumann Christina , Auwärter Volker
Published: February 2018

The synthesis of positional isomers of designer drugs is a common way of bypassing legal restrictions. For forensic case work, and especially for the legal assessment of cases, there is a need for screening methods capable of the unequivocal identification of positional isomers. The presented liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS/MS) method facilitates separation of positional isomers of 9 2‐phenethylamine‐derived designer drugs in different matrices including seized materials, hair, serum, and urine specimens. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a biphenyl phase using gradient elution with a total runtime of 26 minutes. The limit of detection was 25 pg/mg for hair samples and ranged from 0.1 ng/mL to 0.5 ng/mL for serum and from 0.2 ng/mL to 1.2 ng/mL for urine samples. The method proved to be selective and sensitive and showed good chromatographic resolution (R ≥ 1.2). The method was successfully applied to routine case samples.
Fresh is best: Accurate SNP genotyping from koala scats
Authors: Schultz Anthony J. , Cristescu Romane H. , Littleford‐Colquhoun Bethan L. , Jaccoud Damian , Frère Céline H.
Published: February 2018

Maintaining genetic diversity is a crucial component in conserving threatened species. For the iconic Australian koala, there is little genetic information on wild populations that is not either skewed by biased sampling methods (e.g., sampling effort skewed toward urban areas) or of limited usefulness due to low numbers of microsatellites used. The ability to genotype DNA extracted from koala scats using next‐generation sequencing technology will not only help resolve location sample bias but also improve the accuracy and scope of genetic analyses (e.g., neutral vs. adaptive genetic diversity, inbreeding, and effective population size). Here, we present the successful SNP genotyping (1272 SNP loci) of koala DNA extracted from scat, using a proprietary DArTseq™ protocol. We compare genotype results from two‐day‐old scat DNA and 14‐day‐old scat DNA to a blood DNA template, to test accuracy of scat genotyping. We find that DNA from fresher scat results in fewer loci with missing information than DNA from older scat; however, 14‐day‐old scat can still provide useful genetic information, depending on the research question. We also find that a subset of 209 conserved loci can accurately identify individual koalas, even from older scat samples. In addition, we find that DNA sequences identified from scat samples through the DArTseq™ process can provide genetic identification of koala diet species, bacterial and viral pathogens, and parasitic organisms.
Timing and technique impact the effectiveness of road‐based, mobile acoustic surveys of bats
Authors: D'Acunto Laura E. , Pauli Benjamin P. , Moy Mikko , Johnson Kiara , Abu‐Omar Jasmine , Zollner Patrick A.
Published: February 2018

Mobile acoustic surveys are a common method of surveying bat communities. However, there is a paucity of empirical studies exploring different methods for conducting mobile road surveys of bats. During 2013, we conducted acoustic mobile surveys on three routes in north‐central Indiana, U.S.A., using (1) a standard road survey, (2) a road survey where the vehicle stopped for 1 min at every half mile of the survey route (called a “start‐stop method”), and (3) a road survey with an individual using a bicycle. Linear mixed models with multiple comparison procedures revealed that when all bat passes were analyzed, using a bike to conduct mobile surveys detected significantly more bat passes per unit time compared to other methods. However, incorporating genus‐level comparisons revealed no advantage to using a bike over vehicle‐based methods. We also found that survey method had a significant effect when analyses were limited to those bat passes that could be identified to genus, with the start–stop method generally detecting more identifiable passes than the standard protocol or bike survey. Additionally, we found that significantly more identifiable bat passes (particularly those of the Eptesicus and Lasiurus genera) were detected in surveys conducted immediately following sunset. As governing agencies, particularly in North America, implement vehicle‐based bat monitoring programs, it is important for researchers to understand how variations on protocols influence the inference that can be gained from different monitoring schemes.
Insectivorous bats respond to vegetation complexity in urban green spaces
Authors: Suarez‐Rubio Marcela , Ille Christina , Bruckner Alexander
Published: February 2018

Structural complexity is known to determine habitat quality for insectivorous bats, but how bats respond to habitat complexity in highly modified areas such as urban green spaces has been little explored. Furthermore, it is uncertain whether a recently developed measure of structural complexity is as effective as field‐based surveys when applied to urban environments. We assessed whether image‐derived structural complexity (MIG) was as/more effective than field‐based descriptors in this environment and evaluated the response of insectivorous bats to structural complexity in urban green spaces. Bat activity and species richness were assessed with ultrasonic devices at 180 locations within green spaces in Vienna, Austria. Vegetation complexity was assessed using 17 field‐based descriptors and by calculating the mean information gain (MIG) using digital images. Total bat activity and species richness decreased with increasing structural complexity of canopy cover, suggesting maneuverability and echolocation (sensorial) challenges for bat species using the canopy for flight and foraging. The negative response of functional groups to increased complexity was stronger for open‐space foragers than for edge‐space foragers. Nyctalus noctula, a species foraging in open space, showed a negative response to structural complexity, whereas Pipistrellus pygmaeus, an edge‐space forager, was positively influenced by the number of trees. Our results show that MIG is a useful, time‐ and cost‐effective tool to measure habitat complexity that complemented field‐based descriptors. Response of insectivorous bats to structural complexity was group‐ and species‐specific, which highlights the need for manifold management strategies (e.g., increasing or reinstating the extent of ground vegetation cover) to fulfill different species’ requirements and to conserve insectivorous bats in urban green spaces.
Base‐Mediated Cyclization of 3‐[2‐(2‐Oxo‐2‐phenylethyl)‐1‐pyrrolidinyl]propanenitrile to 7‐Phenyl‐1,2,3,7,8,8a‐hexahydroindolizine‐6‐carbonitrile: What Lies Between?
Authors: Morgans Garreth L. , Fernandes Manuel A. , van Otterlo Willem A. L. , Michael Joseph P.
Published: February 2018

Three intermediates along the reaction path by which 3‐[2‐(2‐oxo‐2‐phenylethyl)‐1‐pyrrolidinyl]propanenitrile is converted into the rel‐(7R,8aR)‐ and (7R,8aS)‐diastereoisomers of 7‐phenyl‐1,2,3,7,8,8a‐hexahydroindolizine‐6‐carbonitrile upon treatment with potassium tert‐butoxide were isolated and characterized. They include the rel‐(6R,7R,8aR)‐ and (6R,7S,8aS)‐diastereoisomers of 7‐hydroxy‐7‐phenyloctahydroindolizine‐6‐carbonitrile (the former obtained as a monohydrate), and 7‐phenyl‐1,2,3,5,8,8a‐hexahydroindolizine‐6‐carbonitrile. The alcohol intermediates and the final products were also characterized by X‐ray crystallography.
Usefulness of ultrasonography in diagnosis, percutaneous management and follow up of post‐traumatic scalp pseudoaneurysms
Authors: Srinivasan Sivasubramanian , Lohan Rahul , Tan Hsien Khai , Chung Raymond , Babu Suresh B.
Published: February 2018

Pseudoaneurysms of the scalp are rare. Most common etiology is trauma. The patients usually present clinically with persistent painful swelling in the scalp few days after the trauma. The lesion may or may not be pulsatile clinically. Ultrasonography (US) is the best modality to assess these pseudoaneurysms. It not only helps in the diagnosis, but also to trace the offending arterial branch and helps in treatment. We present two cases of post‐traumatic scalp pseudoaneurysms which were diagnosed with US and were managed by US‐guided thrombin injection. Follow up US showed complete resolution. We highlight the importance of US scan in diagnosis, management, and follow up of scalp pseudoaneurysms.
T1ρ mapping of articular cartilage grafts after autologous osteochondral transplantation for osteochondral lesions of the talus: A longitudinal evaluation
Authors: Haraguchi Naoki , Ota Koki , Nishida Naoki , Ozeki Takuma , Yoshida Takashige , Tsutaya Atsushi
Published: February 2018

Background

Clinical results of autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) for treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus have been mixed. T1ρ imaging can be used to noninvasively detect early cartilage degeneration.

Purpose or Hypothesis

To quantitatively assess, by means of T1ρ imaging, changes over time in the biochemical health of grafted cartilage after AOT for osteochondral lesions of the talus.

Study Type

Retrosepctive case series.

Population

The study group comprised nine patients who underwent AOT for an osteochondral lesion of the talus and in whom T1ρ mapping was performed 1 and 2 years postoperatively.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 Tesla. T1ρ‐weighted turbo field echo.

Assessment

The mean T1ρ value of full‐thickness cartilage at the repair site and that of full‐thickness cartilage elsewhere in the same image (far‐field cartilage) were determined. Clinical assessment was based on the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale. Correlation between the T1ρ ratios (grafted‐to‐far‐field cartilage T1ρ values) and clinical outcomes was examined.

Statistical Tests

Mixed effects model. Pearson correlation analysis.

Results

At 1 year, a significant difference existed between the mean T1ρ value of the grafted cartilage (57.0 ± 7.7 ms) and that of the far‐field cartilage (41.8 ± 4.6 ms) (P < 0.001). At 2 years, the mean T1ρ value of the grafted cartilage (49.1 ± 6.4 ms) was significantly lower than that at 1 year (P = 0.011). Moderate negative correlation was found between the 1‐year T1ρ ratio and 1‐year AOFAS score (r = −0.60) and between the 2‐year T1ρ ratio and 2‐year AOFAS score (r = −0.50).

Data Conclusion

Our observation of substantial restoration of the proteoglycan content of the grafted cartilage approximately 2 years after AOT for osteochondral lesions of the talus indicates that the content changes gradually and that the cartilage reparation process is slower than previously believed.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2018;48:398–403.
Assessment of pulmonary structure–function relationships in young children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis by multivolume proton‐MRI and CT
Authors: Pennati Francesca , Roach David J. , Clancy John P. , Brody Alan S. , Fleck Robert J. , Aliverti Andrea , Woods Jason C.
Published: February 2018

Background

Lung disease is the most frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), and there is a shortage of sensitive biomarkers able to regionally monitor disease progression and to assess early responses to therapy.

Purpose

To determine the feasibility of noncontrast‐enhanced multivolume MRI, which assesses intensity changes between expiratory and inspiratory breath‐hold images, to detect and quantify regional ventilation abnormalities in CF lung disease, with a focus on the structure–function relationship.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Twenty‐nine subjects, including healthy young children (n = 9, 7–37 months), healthy adolescents (n = 4, 14–22 years), young children with CF lung disease (n = 10, 7–47 months), and adolescents with CF lung disease (n = 6, 8–18 years) were studied.

Field Strength/Sequence

3D spoiled gradient‐recalled sequence at 1.5T.

Assessment

Subjects were scanned during breath‐hold at functional residual capacity (FRC) and total lung capacity (TLC) through noncontrast‐enhanced MRI and CT. Expiratory‐inspiratory differences in MR signal‐intensity (Δ1H‐MRI) and CT‐density (ΔHU) were computed to estimate regional ventilation. MR and CT images were also evaluated using a CF‐specific scoring system.

Statistical Tests

Quadratic regression, Spearman's correlation, one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

Δ1H‐MRI maps were sensitive to ventilation heterogeneity related to gravity dependence in healthy lung and to ventilation impairment in CF lung disease. A high correlation was found between MRI and CT ventilation maps (R2 = 0.79, P < 0.001). Globally, Δ1H‐MRI and ΔHU decrease with increasing morphological score (respectively, R2 = 0.56, P < 0.001 and R2 = 0.31, P < 0.001). Locally, Δ1H‐MRI was higher in healthy regions (median 15%) compared to regions with bronchiectasis, air trapping, consolidation, and to segments fed by airways with bronchial wall thickening (P < 0.001).

Data Conclusion

Multivolume noncontrast‐enhanced MRI, as a nonionizing imaging modality that can be used on nearly any MRI scanner without specialized equipment or gaseous tracers, may be particularly valuable in CF care, providing a new imaging biomarker to detect early alterations in regional lung structure–function.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2018;48:531–542.
Global stability of a periodic Holling‐Tanner predator‐prey model
Authors: Lisena Benedetta
Published: February 2018

This paper is concerned with the global dynamics of a Holling‐Tanner predator‐prey model with periodic coefficients. We establish sufficient conditions for the existence of a positive solution and its global asymptotic stability. The stability conditions are first given in average form and afterward as pointwise estimates. In the autonomous case, the previous criteria lead to a known result.
Domain decomposition approaches for accelerating contour integration eigenvalue solvers for symmetric eigenvalue problems
Authors: Kalantzis Vassilis , Kestyn James , Polizzi Eric , Saad Yousef
Published: February 2018

This paper discusses techniques for computing a few selected eigenvalue–eigenvector pairs of large and sparse symmetric matrices. A recently developed class of techniques to solve this type of problems is based on integrating the matrix resolvent operator along a complex contour that encloses the interval containing the eigenvalues of interest. This paper considers such contour integration techniques from a domain decomposition viewpoint and proposes two schemes. The first scheme can be seen as an extension of domain decomposition linear system solvers in the framework of contour integration methods for eigenvalue problems, such as FEAST. The second scheme focuses on integrating the resolvent operator primarily along the interface region defined by adjacent subdomains. A parallel implementation of the proposed schemes is described, and results on distributed computing environments are reported. These results show that domain decomposition approaches can lead to reduced run times and improved scalability.
Respectively scaled HSS iteration methods for solving discretized spatial fractional diffusion equations
Authors: Bai Zhong‐Zhi
Published: February 2018

For the discrete linear systems resulted from the discretization of the one‐dimensional anisotropic spatial fractional diffusion equations of variable coefficients with the shifted finite‐difference formulas of the Grünwald–Letnikov type, we propose a class of respectively scaled Hermitian and skew‐Hermitian splitting iteration method and establish its asymptotic convergence theory. The corresponding induced matrix splitting preconditioner, through further replacements of the involved Toeplitz matrices with certain circulant matrices, leads to an economic variant that can be executed by fast Fourier transforms. Both theoretical analysis and numerical implementations show that this fast respectively scaled Hermitian and skew‐Hermitian splitting preconditioner can significantly improve the computational efficiency of the Krylov subspace iteration methods employed as effective linear solvers for the target discrete linear systems.
Partitioning of aryl radicals in micellar systems
Authors: Sienkiewicz Andrzej , Losada‐Barreiro Sonia , Bravo‐Díaz Carlos
Published: February 2018

Determining the association constants of radicals to biomimetic systems is not a simple task because of the inherent experimental difficulties associated to their “in‐situ” generation together with their high chemical instability, requiring the use of radical trapping agents in combination with, for example, magnetic (eg, EPR) and/or time‐resolved techniques (eg, frequency comb spectroscopy) to indentify and quantify them. Here, we have exploited the unique electrochemical properties of arenediazonium ions, ArN2+, to estimate the association constant of the electrochemically generated aryl radicals derived from benzenediazonium ions, BD, with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles. When ArN2+ are reduced on an Hg electrode, they acquire an electron yielding the corresponding arenediazenyl radical, ArN2•, which undergoes further decomposition to produce the aryl radical, Ar•. BD partitions between the aqueous and micellar pseudophases, and, upon increasing [SDS], peak currents decrease and the peak potentials are shifted. Results indicate that the association constant of the aryl radical to SDS micelles is 3 times higher than that of the parent substrate as a consequence of its higher hydrophobicity compared with that of the parent molecule. The method is feasible because of the large number of arenediazonium ions that can be prepared and because it does not depend on the reactivity of the electrochemically generated radical.
A theoretical study on the ESPT mechanism for a novel Bis‐HPBT fluorophore
Authors: Lu Xuemei , Zhai Yuchuan , Zhang Meixia , Song Yuzhi
Published: February 2018

In this work, based on the density functional theory and time‐dependent density functional theory methods, the properties of the 2 intramolecular hydrogen bonds (O1‐H2···N3 and O4‐H5···N6) of a new photochemical sensor 4‐(3‐(benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐tert‐butyl‐4‐hydroxybenzyl)‐2‐(benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐yl)‐6‐tert‐butyl phenol (Bis‐HPBT) have been investigated in detail. The calculated dominating bond lengths and bond angles about these 2 hydrogen bonds (O1‐H2···N3 and O4‐H5···N6) demonstrate that the intramolecular hydrogen bonds should be strengthened in the S1state. In addition, the variations of hydrogen bonds of Bis‐HPBT have been also testified based on infrared vibrational spectra. Our theoretical results reproduced absorption and emission spectra of the experiment, which verifies that the theoretical level we used is reasonable and effective in this work. Further, hydrogen bonding strengthening manifests the tendency of excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) process. Frontier molecular orbitals depict the nature of electronically excited state and support the ESIPT reaction. According to the calculated results of potential energy curves along stepwise and synergetic O1‐H2 and O4‐H5 coordinates, the potential energy barrier of approximately 1.399 kcal/mol is discovered in the S1state, which supports the single ESIPT process along with 1 hydrogen bond of Bis‐HPBT. In other words, the proton transfer reaction can be facilitated based on the electronic excitation effectively. In turn, through the process of radiative transition, the proton‐transfer Bis‐HPBT‐SPT form regresses to the ground state with the fluorescence of 539 nm.
Fresh and shrinkage properties of self‐compacted concrete when using recycled glass as aggregate
Authors: Al‐Kerttani Osamah Mohammed Ghazi
Published: February 2018

In this experimental study, the shrinkage characteristics of self‐compacting concrete were investigated when using green colored recycled glass (RG) as a replacement of natural aggregates (NAs). For this purpose, fine and/or coarse grade NAs were replaced by RG at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100%, by weight. Three SCCs series were designed with a constant slump flow of 700 ± 30 mm, total binder content of 570 kg/m3and at water‐to‐binder (w/b) ratio of 0.35. Moreover, fly ash (FA) was used in concrete mixtures at 20% of total binder content.

Fresh properties of mixtures were experimentally investigated in terms of slump flow diameter,T500slump flow time, V‐funnel flow time, and L‐box height ratio.

The findings indicated that the flowability is increased by increase of slump flow, but viscosity is increased as well as what decreases workability. While, the results of physical properties of self‐compacting glass concrete concluded that the RG reduces the free shrinkage, weight loss and restrained shrinkage until the age of 50 days.
Fetal Cardiac Anomalies
Authors: Balci Burcin Karamustafaoglu , Goynumer Gokhan , Biliciler-Denktas Gurur , Babaoglu Kadir , Lewis Michael , Uzun Orhan
Published: February 2018

This review is intended to give a practical guide to ultrasound recognition of the commonly observed fetal cardiac abnormalities and their key features on standard imaging planes during antenatal anomaly screening examinations. All information provided here, on the diagnosis and management of fetal cardiac anomalies, is based on the personal experiences of the authors and their expert reviews of the selected previously published studies.
The first case of Raoultella planticola infective endocarditis in a 4 year old child
Authors: AlSweed Abdulrahman , Alghamdi Abdulrahman , Tufenkeji Haysam , Al-Hajjar Sami
Published: February 2018

Infective endocarditis is a complication of bacteremia that can lead to serious morbidity and even mortality if not appropriately treated, well known organisms commonly lead to this condition in many repeated scenarios so they are usually recognized and treated, but if it was caused by other organisms its detection and treatment can be harder. Raoultella planticola, a low virulent organism used to be part of the Klebsiella species, has been found in many reports to cause multiple human conditions. In this article, a novel case of R. planticola is reported, and the organism was reviewed in many aspects for clinician to be able to recognize this infection and manage it in a more effective way.
Evaluation of outcomes in fissurectomy and V–Y advancement flap for the treatment of chronic anal fissure
Authors: Anaraki Fakhrosadat , Foroughifar Tahereh , Laleh Seyed Hossein , Etemad Omid
Published: February 2018

Chronic anal fissure is difficult to treat. Surgery is usually recommended in the case of drug therapeutic failure. Fecal incontinence in patients with weaker sphincters (multipara older patients with a history of pelvic surgery etc.) is a major reason for rejecting surgery. Such these patients should be underwent fissurectomy and V–Y advancement flap in which sphincterotomy is not required. In this prospective study, we determined the outcomes and complications of fissurectomy and V–Y advancement flap in both groups of patients with low and high anal sphincter tones.
Troubled belonging: Lived experience and the responsibility of citizenship
Authors: Kenyon Elizabeth
Published: February 2018

Using data from course artifacts and interviews with three pre-service social studies teachers, I first look at how experiences from their past both reveal and shape their sense of citizenship, and then I explore how the participants hoped to use their social studies teaching to foster a particular type of citizenship.
Anatomia da escápula aplicada à abordagem cirúrgica posterior: Parâmetros de segurança durante acesso ao ângulo lateral
Authors: da Costa Miguel Pereira , Braga André Canal , Geremias Rogério Augusto , Tenor Junior Antonio Carlos , Ribeiro Fabiano Rebouças , Brasil Filho Rômulo
Published: February 2018

Objetivo O presente trabalho teve como objetivo identiﬁcar parâmetros de segurança para a realização da via de acesso cirúrgico posterior da escápula por meio de um estudo transversal em cadáveres.

Métodos Foram dissecados 13 ombros de cadáveres sem história de cirurgia ou disfunção musculoesquelética prévia e em bom estado de conservação, com médias de idade, peso e altura de 70,1 anos, 61,5 kg, 1,64m, respectivamente. Identiﬁcou-se marco anatômico da via estudada (tubérculo infraglenoidal) e sua distância para os nervos axilar e supraescapular foi medida.

Resultados A distância média encontrada entre o tubérculo infraglenoidal (TI) e o nervo axilar (NA) foi de 23,8 mm e distância média do TI ao nervo supraescapular (NSE) foi de 33,2 mm.

Conclusão A via posterior pelo intervalo entre os músculos infraespinal e redondo menor é considerada segura; porém, é preciso atenção e cautela durante o afastamento muscular, devido à curta distância média entre o sítio de fratura e a localização do NSE e do NA. Tais precauções podem evitar maiores complicações pós-operatórias.
Formation of the chemical composition of brackish and brine groundwater in the Tuva depression and surrounding areas
Authors: Guseva N.V. , Kopylova Yu.G. , Oidup Ch.K. , Arakchaa K.D. , Rychkova K.M. , Khvashchevskaya A.A. , Ayunova O.D.
Published: February 2018

Groundwater with high salinity is widespread in different climatic and geologic environments of the world. The formation of its chemical composition, however, is still debatable. The chemical composition of groundwater has been studied in 19 springs of the Tuva depression. In this area, hydrocarbonate, sulfate, and chloride waters with different cation compositions discharge. Their TDS value varies mainly from 1 to 6 g/L, reaching 315 g/L at only one locality. The chemical composition of the studied waters is reflective of the geostructural, hydrogeologic, landscape, and geochemical conditions. The main processes determining the chemical composition of the waters are their interaction with aluminosilicate minerals, dissolution of gypsum and halite, evaporation, and oxidation of sulfide minerals.
The threat on the end of the phone: the danger of contact centre agents
Authors: Critchley Tim
Published: February 2018

The rise of the ‘insider’ data security threat has been well-documented. Cases such as Snapchat, where its CEO fell victim to a whaling attack, exposing sensitive employee information, and Sage, where a staff member actively stole banking and salary details for personal gain, have flagged up the variety of dangers. 1, 2 No matter what the source, the result is a costly and reputation-damaging data breach that may well have a negative impact on the business for years to come.

The rise of the ‘insider’ data security threat has been well-documented. But one, often overlooked, insider threat is that of the contact centre.

The employees on the end of the line to customers can be one of the company's biggest assets. However, many have access to sensitive customer details, which means they can also represent a significant security vulnerability. Tim Critchley of Semafone explains how information security teams must ensure that their policies and technical solutions are up to the job of fending off internal threats.
The Substance of Secret Agreements and the Role of Government Lawyers
Authors: Deeks Ashley S.
Published: February 2018

Megan Donaldson's The Survival of the Secret Treaty: Publicity, Secrecy, and Legality in the International Order recounts the ways in which lawyers played an important but complicated role in governmental decisions about whether and when to register secret agreements. On the one hand, these lawyers urged their governments to comply with the League of Nations and UN Charter registration processes. On the other hand, these same lawyers used their drafting and interpretive skills to enable their governments to employ secrecy where necessary, while helping their clients minimize the fact and size of any legal violations that occurred. They thus urged legal compliance on the front end and reduced the extent of noncompliance on the back end.
Understanding the Impact of Paediatric Asthma on Families: Development of a Theoretical Model
Authors: Dudeney Joanne , Sharpe Louise , Hunt Caroline
Published: February 2018

The experience of paediatric asthma is associated with increased stress and emotional difficulties for both the child and family. The current study aimed to qualitatively explore parents’ views of their child's asthma experience, from initial diagnosis onwards, to enhance our understanding of how families emotionally adjust and adapt to the diagnosis and management of asthma. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 parents of children (<18 years) with physician-diagnosed asthma. Questionnaires were used to capture demographic information and anxiety symptom status of parents (State Trait Anxiety Inventory — Form Y [STAI-Y1/Y2]) and children (Spence Children's Anxiety Scale — Parent reported [SCAS-P]). Grounded theory was used to analyse the results. Analysis saw three themes emerge as important in understanding the impact of asthma on the family: (1) the experience of obtaining an asthma diagnosis, (2) parents’ belief in their competence to manage asthma, and (3) parents’ behaviour in response to the asthma. A model was developed that posits adaptive parental adjustment to asthma is determined in part by the circumstances around the time of diagnosis, the level of knowledge and skills, and the controllability of the asthma. This model can guide medical and allied health professionals to specific areas where intervention may reduce stress and emotional difficulties associated with asthma and its management for affected families.
Predicting Contamination Aversion Using Implicit and Explicit Measures of Disgust and Threat Overestimation
Authors: Rouel Melissa , Stevenson Richard J. , Smith Evelyn
Published: February 2018

Explicit measures of disgust and threat overestimation have consistently been found to be involved in contamination aversion. However, evidence of the involvement of these factors at the implicit level is mixed, and the role of both responses has not been looked at concurrently. This study aimed to compare the ability of implicit and explicit measures of disgust and threat overestimation to predict contamination aversion and whether this depends on the type of contaminant. Sixty-five participants completed explicit and implicit measures of disgust and threat overestimation, as well as several measures of contamination aversion, including obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and contamination fear and avoidance of contaminants directly associated with disease (direct contaminants) and harmful substances (harm contaminants). It was found that both explicit disgust and explicit threat overestimation predicted contamination-fear obsessive-compulsive tendencies. Explicit disgust predicted contamination fear and avoidance of direct contaminants, whereas explicit threat overestimation predicted contamination fear and avoidance of harm contaminants. The involvement of implicit processes was weak, with some suggestion of difficulty disengaging predicting avoidance of contaminants. Implications for understanding dysfunctional contamination aversion are discussed.
Dynamic relationships between social norms and pro-environmental behavior: evidence from household recycling
Authors: HUBER JOEL , VISCUSI W. KIP , BELL JASON
Published: February 2018

Social norms are strongly associated with pro-environmental behaviors, but the evolution and dynamic effects of norms are less well understood. This article builds on the distinction of norms being descriptive, characterizing what people actually do, or injunctive, characterizing what people should do. It identifies four categories of norms with the further distinction of whether the norms arise from the personal beliefs and actions or from the behaviors and judgments of others. The analysis uses five years of longitudinal US data that track household recycling and controls for household characteristics as well as differences in state recycling laws. The results extend previous research by showing that personal norms exhibit cascading dynamics in which norms encourage later changes in recycling, while recycling encourages later changes in personal norms. This mutual reinforcement implies that societal actions encouraging change in either personal norms or recycling will support growth in the other. Recognizing this interdependence can assist in the effective utilization of social norms as a behavioral policy instrument.