bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palladium‐Catalyzed Formylation of Alkenylzinc Reagents with S‐(4‐Nitrophenyl) Thioformate
Authors: Haraguchi Ryosuke , Tanazawa Sho‐go , Tokunaga Naoya , Fukuzawa Shin‐ichi
Published: February 2018

We report the synthesis of enal compounds by palladium‐catalyzed formylation of alkenylzinc reagents with S‐(4‐nitrophenyl) thioformate. Various functional groups were tolerated in the present reaction. 1H NMR experiments revealed that the products had a non‐protected formyl group, which can be utilized for further C–C bond formation reactions. We successfully achieved the one‐pot synthesis of a 1,5‐diene‐3‐ol compound via sequential formylation and allylation.
Effect of the template on the hydrothermal synthesis of mixed molecular sieves for methanol dehydration
Authors: Xu Hang , Zhang Dandan , Wu Fengmin
Published: February 2018

In this work, microporous–mesoporous H‐ZSM‐5/MCM‐41 mixed molecular sieves catalyst was successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal synthesis technology. Mesoporous MCM‐41 sieves were obtained by partial alkali treatment of microporous H‐ZSM‐5. The effect of the amount of template (i.e., cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, CTAB) on the preparation process of catalyst was investigated. The catalyst was characterized using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption–desorption. Methanol dehydration to dimethyl ether was selected to evaluate the catalytic performance of H‐ZSM‐5/MCM‐41. The content of mesoporous MCM‐41 in the mixed molecular sieve catalyst as well as its particle and pore sizes increased with the amount of CTAB, thereby enhancing the catalytic activity of the final material while keeping constant the microporous ZSM‐5 loadings. Thus, the amount of mesoporous MCM‐41 in the mixed molecular sieve catalyst reached a maximum at a CTAB loading of 10%, with the resultant material showing a maximum specific surface area of 335 m2/g and a mean pore size of 3.8 nm. Additionally, this material showed optimum catalytic activity (84% methanol conversion at 220°C). © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1901–1907, 2018
Deep recurrent neural network reveals a hierarchy of process memory during dynamic natural vision
Authors: Shi Junxing , Wen Haiguang , Zhang Yizhen , Han Kuan , Liu Zhongming
Published: February 2018

The human visual cortex extracts both spatial and temporal visual features to support perception and guide behavior. Deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) provide a computational framework to model cortical representation and organization for spatial visual processing, but unable to explain how the brain processes temporal information. To overcome this limitation, we extended a CNN by adding recurrent connections to different layers of the CNN to allow spatial representations to be remembered and accumulated over time. The extended model, or the recurrent neural network (RNN), embodied a hierarchical and distributed model of process memory as an integral part of visual processing. Unlike the CNN, the RNN learned spatiotemporal features from videos to enable action recognition. The RNN better predicted cortical responses to natural movie stimuli than the CNN, at all visual areas, especially those along the dorsal stream. As a fully observable model of visual processing, the RNN also revealed a cortical hierarchy of temporal receptive window, dynamics of process memory, and spatiotemporal representations. These results support the hypothesis of process memory, and demonstrate the potential of using the RNN for in‐depth computational understanding of dynamic natural vision.
Liver stiffness measurement predicted liver‐related events and all‐cause mortality: A systematic review and nonlinear dose–response meta‐analysis [RETRACTED]
Authors: Wang Junna , Li Jiajun , Zhou Quan , Zhang Dandan , Bi Qiu , Wu Yulin , Huang Wenxiang
Published: February 2018

Numerous studies have investigated the prognosis value of the liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography in assessing the risk of liver‐related events (LREs) and all‐cause mortality in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). However, the shape of the dose–response relationship between them remains unclear. We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and reference lists of articles for studies published up to July 1, 2017, that assessed the LSM in predicting LREs and all‐cause mortality among subjects with CLD. Fifty‐four observational cohort studies with 35,249 participants were included. Summary relative risks (RRs) were calculated using a random‐effects model, and a restricted cubic spline function was used to model the dose–response association. LREs and all‐cause mortality were increased in subjects with a high LSM (LRE: RR, 7.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.65, 11.05; I
2 = 71.6%; all‐cause mortality: RR, 4.15; 95% CI, 2.56, 6.72; I
2 = 68.5%). For each unit increment of liver stiffness, the summary RR was 1.06 (95% CI, 1.06, 1.07; I
2 = 74.6%) for LREs and 1.06 (95% CI, 1.04, 1.07; I
2 = 55.7%) for all‐cause mortality. A positive relationship with a nonlinear trend for LSM with LREs and all‐cause mortality was examined by a dose–response meta‐analysis (P < 0.001). When stratified by etiology, a nonlinear association was also found in patients infected with hepatitis C virus and those coinfected with hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus. In contrast, there was no evidence of departure from linearity among patients with hepatitis B virus infection (P
nonlinearity = 0.072). Conclusion: LSM is useful in screening LREs and all‐cause mortality in patients with CLD. Further studies are warranted in assessing the application of LSM in monitoring the risk of LREs and all‐cause mortality in clinical practice. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:467‐476)
Modification of the SWAT model to simulate regional groundwater flow using a multicell aquifer
Authors: Nguyen Van Tam , Dietrich Jörg
Published: February 2018

The soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) has been widely used and thoroughly tested in many places in the world. The application of the SWAT model has pointed out that 2 of the major weaknesses of SWAT are related to the nonspatial reference of the hydrologic response unit concept and to the simplified groundwater concept, which contribute to its low performance in baseflow simulation and its inability to simulate regional groundwater flow. This study modified the groundwater module of SWAT to overcome the above limitations. The modified groundwater module has 2 aquifers. The local aquifer, which is the shallow aquifer in the original SWAT, represents a local groundwater flow system. The regional aquifer, which replaces the deep aquifer of the original SWAT, represents intermediate and regional groundwater flow systems. Groundwater recharge is partitioned into local and regional aquifer recharges. The regional aquifer is represented by a multicell aquifer (MCA) model. The regional aquifer is discretized into cells using the Thiessen polygon method, where centres of the cells are locations of groundwater observation wells. Groundwater flow between cells is modelled using Darcy's law. Return flow from cell to stream is conceptualized using a non‐linear storage–discharge relationship. The SWAT model with the modified aquifer module, the so‐called SWAT‐MCA, was tested in 2 basins (Wipperau and Neetze) with porous aquifers in a lowland area in Lower Saxony, Germany. Results from the Wipperau basin show that the SWAT‐MCA model is able (a) to simulate baseflow in a lowland area (where baseflow is a dominant source of streamflow) better than the original model and (b) to simulate regional groundwater flow, shown by the simulated groundwater levels in cells, quite well.
Formation of osteon‐like structures in unidirectional porous hydroxyapatite substitute
Authors: Makihara Takeshi , Sakane Masataka , Noguchi Hiroshi , Tsukanishi Toshinori , Suetsugu Yasushi , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: February 2018

Unidirectional porous hydroxyapatite (UDPHAp) bone substitute comprises a microstructure of cross‐sectionally oval pores with diameters ranging from 30 to 300 µm. Bone remodeling within the UDPHAp is expected upon implantation into bone; however, the mechanism and factors influencing this bone growth remain unclear. The objectives of the present study were to assess the vasculature and microstructure of newly formed bone and to determine how bone formation is affected by load transfer and UDPHAp pore size. Formation of osteon‐like structures, defined by the presence of lacunae, canaliculi and a central lumen containing capillaries, was observed within the implanted UDPHAp material in all animals after six weeks. The number of osteocytes and osteon‐like structures in areas adjacent to the cortex of recipient bone was significantly higher than in areas next to the medullary cavity throughout the recovery period. Notably, osteon‐like structures tended to form in smaller diameter pores. Continuous bone remodeling might be promoted by the rapid formation of unidirectional capillaries and the osteocyte lacunae‐canalicular system. Load transfer and smaller pore size could positively affect cortical bone regeneration. © 2018 The Authors Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2665–2672, 2018.
Microbial decontamination of stainless steel and polyethylene surfaces using GlidArc plasma activated water without chemical additives
Authors: Kamgang‐Youbi Georges , Herry Jean‐Marie , Meylheuc Thierry , Laminsi Samuel , Naïtali Murielle
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Gliding electric discharge (GlidArc) in humid air produces a nonthermal plasma that is efficient for cleaning up contaminated media. However, beyond decontamination, plasma can have significant impacts on the surface of the contaminated material. It has been shown that even distilled water exposed to plasma GlidArc (plasma‐activated water) has antimicrobial properties. This study reports on the performance of GlidArc plasma‐activated water for the decontamination of solid surfaces.

RESULTS

Water activated for 5 min with plasma GlidArc contains reactive nitrogen and oxygenated species (nitrites, hydrogen peroxide, peroxynitrite). Scanning electron microscopy images showed strong cell damage on four types of microorganisms adhering to stainless steel and polyethylene surfaces, two materials widely used in food industry and hospital environments. The level of cell damage correlated with the quantitative lethal study. Atomic force microscopy images showed that the materials did not exhibit a considerable change (< 2%) to their surface topography after treatment in contrast to effect of bleach (41%), a conventional disinfecting solution.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed the potential of plasma‐activated water as a means of microbial decontamination without affecting the surface of previously contaminated materials. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Cleaning capacity of octenidine as root canal irrigant: A scanning electron microscopy study
Authors: Coaguila‐Llerena Hernán , Stefanini da Silva Virgínia , Tanomaru‐Filho Mario , Guerreiro Tanomaru Juliane Maria , Faria Gisele
Published: February 2018

The aim of this study was to assess the cleaning capacity of the octenidine hydrochloride (OCT) used as root canal irrigant by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Sixty human unirradicular extracted teeth were randomly distributed in 6 groups (n = 10) according to irrigant solutions which were used during root canal preparation: G1, 0.1% OCT; G2, 2% chlorhexidine (CHX); G3, 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); G4, OCT + 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); G5, 2.5% NaOCl + 17% EDTA and G6, distilled water. All specimens were instrumented with ProTaper system up to F4. Teeth were sectioned and prepared for SEM. The smear layer was evaluated using a 5‐score system and the data were analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn (α = 0.05). In all root canal thirds there was no significant difference between OCT, CHX, NaOCl, and water groups (p > .05), and these groups showed higher smear layer values than NaOCl + EDTA and OCT + EDTA groups (p < .05). There was no significant difference between NaOCl + EDTA and OCT + EDTA groups (p > .05). It was concluded that OCT used as a single root canal irrigant presented poor cleaning capacity and could be used in association with a final irrigation with EDTA to obtain smear layer removal.
Silica‐supported Solvent Approaches More Facile than the Conventional for Erlenmeyer Synthesis with Our Pyridinium Salts
Authors: Manikandan Chitrarasu , Ganesan Kilivelu
Published: February 2018

The synthesis of pyridinium salts by both conventional/silica‐supported muffle furnace and microwave approaches is described. We have optimized the Erlenmeyer synthesis of azalactone with various concentrations of our synthesized pyridinium salts. Among these, bromide‐containing pyridinium salts showed excellent catalytic activity than the others.
CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of USP18 enhances type I IFN responsiveness and restricts HIV-1 infection in macrophages
Authors: Taylor Jared P , Cash Melanie N , Santostefano Katherine E , Nakanishi Mahito , Terada Naohiro , Wallet Mark A
Published: February 2018

The IFN-stimulated gene ubiquitin-specific proteinase 18 (USP18) encodes a protein that negatively regulates T1 IFN signaling via stearic inhibition of JAK1 recruitment to the IFN-α receptor 2 subunit (IFNAR2). Here, we demonstrate that USP18 expression is induced by HIV-1 in a T1 IFN-dependent manner. Experimental depletion of USP18 by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) gene editing results in a significant restriction of HIV-1 replication in an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived macrophage model. In the absence of USP18, macrophages have increased responsiveness to stimulation with T1 IFNs with prolonged phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT2 and increased expression of IFN-stimulated genes that are key for antiviral responses. Interestingly, HIV-1 requires some signaling through the T1 IFN receptor to replicate efficiently because a neutralizing antibody that inhibits T1 IFN activity reduces HIV-1 replication rate in monocyte-derived macrophages. USP18 induction by HIV-1 tunes the IFN response to optimal levels allowing for efficient transcription from the HIV-1 LTR promoter while minimizing the T1 IFN-induced antiviral response that would otherwise restrict viral replication and spread. Finally, iPSC and CRISPR/Cas9 gene targeting offer a powerful tool to study host factors that regulate innate immune responses.
Endogenous purines modulate K+‐evoked ACh secretion at the mouse neuromuscular junction
Authors: Guarracino Juan F. , Cinalli Alejandro R. , Veggetti Mariela I. , Losavio Adriana S.
Published: February 2018

At the mouse neuromuscular junction, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is co‐released with the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), and once in the synaptic cleft, it is hydrolyzed to adenosine. Both ATP/adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine modulate ACh secretion by activating presynaptic P2Y13 and A1, A2A, and A3 receptors, respectively. To elucidate the action of endogenous purines on K+‐dependent ACh release, we studied the effect of purinergic receptor antagonists on miniature end‐plate potential (MEPP) frequency in phrenic diaphragm preparations. At 10 mM K+, the P2Y13 antagonist N‐[2‐(methylthio)ethyl]‐2‐[3,3,3‐trifluoropropyl]thio‐5′‐adenylic acid, monoanhydride with (dichloromethylene)bis[phosphonic acid], tetrasodium salt (AR‐C69931MX) increased asynchronous ACh secretion while the A1, A3, and A2A antagonists 8‐cyclopentyl‐1,3‐dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), (3‐Ethyl‐5‐benzyl‐2‐methyl‐4‐phenylethynyl‐6‐phenyl‐1, 4‐(±)‐dihydropyridine‐3,5‐, dicarboxylate (MRS‐1191), and 2‐(2‐Furanyl)‐7‐(2‐phenylethyl)‐7H‐pyrazolo[4,3‐e][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐c]pyrimidin‐5‐amine (SCH‐58261) did not modify neurosecretion. The inhibition of equilibrative adenosine transporters by S‐(p‐nitrobenzyl)‐6‐thioinosine provoked a reduction of 10 mM K+‐evoked ACh release, suggesting that the adenosine generated from ATP is being removed from the synaptic space by the transporters. At 15 and 20 mM K+, endogenous ATP/ADP and adenosine bind to inhibitory P2Y13 and A1 and A3 receptors since AR‐C69931MX, DPCPX, and MRS‐1191 increased MEPP frequency. Similar results were obtained when the generation of adenosine was prevented by using the ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase inhibitor α,β‐methyleneadenosine 5′‐diphosphate sodium salt. SCH‐58261 only reduced neurosecretion at 20 mM K+, suggesting that more adenosine is needed to activate excitatory A2A receptors. At high K+ concentration, the equilibrative transporters appear to be saturated allowing the accumulation of adenosine in the synaptic cleft. In conclusion, when motor nerve terminals are depolarized by increasing K+ concentrations, the ATP/ADP and adenosine endogenously generated are able to modulate ACh secretion by sequential activation of different purinergic receptors.
Diagnostic accuracy of clinical parameters to monitor peri‐implant conditions: A matched case‐control study
Authors: Monje Alberto , Caballé‐Serrano Jordi , Nart Jose , Peñarrocha David , Wang Hom‐Lay , Rakic Mia
Published: February 2018

Background

The aim of this case‐control study was to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of the standard clinical parameters in diagnosing healthy peri‐implant tissues, peri‐implant mucositis, and peri‐implantitis.

Methods

A case‐control study was designed to compare the clinical parameters used in the diagnosis of peri‐implant diseases such as: probingdepth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), mucosal redness (MR), suppuration (SUP), and plaque index (PI). Furthermore, the influence of patient‐ (sex, age) and implant‐related variables (implant neck configuration, time in function after loading) were evaluated to investigate the association with the clinical findings. The inferential analysis consisted of estimation by generalized estimating equations (GEE) of multilevel logistic regression models.

Results

In total, 1,572 sites were evaluated around 262 implants from 141 patients. Sites with implant mucositis showed significant levels of BOP (OR = 3.56), MR (OR = 7.66) and PD (OR = 1.48) compared to healthy sites. The specificity was 90.3% while the sensitivity was only 43.6%. Likewise, sites exhibiting peri‐implantitis showed significant levels of BOP (OR = 2.32), MR (OR = 7.21), PD (OR = 2.43) and SUP (OR = 6.81) compared to healthy sites. Again, the multiple logistic regressions showed high specificity (92.1%) but modest sensitivity (52.5%). PD was the only diagnostic marker displaying significance comparing peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis sites (OR = 1.76). Moreover, tissue‐level compared to bone‐level implants were less associated with SUP+ (OR = 0.20), and PI (OR = 0.36) and demonstrated statistical significance. In addition, age, sex, and function time significantly influenced the tested clinical parameters.

Conclusions

The diagnosis of peri‐implant diseases cannot rely solely upon individual clinical parameters but rather require a combination of criteria. The clinical parameters, particularly probing depth, might accurately discern between diagnoses among peri‐implant conditions. Nevertheless, the specificity of the clinical parameters surpasses the sensitivity in the detection of peri‐implant diseases, validating its potential use as a diagnostic tool.
Long‐term testosterone depletion attenuates inflammatory bone resorption in the ligature‐induced periodontal disease model
Authors: de Paiva Gonçalves Vinícius , Ortega Adriana Alicia C. , Steffens João Paulo , Spolidorio Denise Madalena Palomari , Rossa Carlos , Spolidorio Luis C.
Published: February 2018

Background

Testosterone is known to affect bone in physiological and pathological conditions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of testosterone in experimental periodontal disease in rats.

Methods

In this study we used a ligature model of periodontal disease in rats submitted to orchiectomy (OCX, testosterone depletion) with and without testosterone replacement therapy (TR). Control animals were sham‐operated and retained physiological testosterone levels. Sixty‐two days after orchiectomy and sham operations, ligatures were placed around the lower first molars for 2 weeks to induce experimental periodontal disease. Negative control animals received no ligatures. The outcomes assessed in the periodontal tissues were: inflammatory cytokine expression by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), stereometric analysis of the inflammatory process and quantitation of inflammatory bone resorption by microcomputed tomography (μ‐CT).

Results

The OCX+TR group showed the greatest increase in fibroblastic cells and blood vessels with reduced inflammatory cell numbers in the gingival tissue with induction of periodontal disease. There were no significant differences between OCX and Sham‐operated groups in all the stereometric parameters assessed. Ligature placement induced inflammatory bone resorption, which was significantly attenuated in OCX animals. Experimental periodontitis induced a significant increase in interleukin (IL)‐1β, but the lowest levels were observed in the periodontitis/OCX group. IL‐6 levels were not affected by OCX, but were significantly reduced in OCX+TR animals.

Conclusion

The findings of the present study suggest that testosterone depletion attenuates inflammatory bone resorption in ligature‐induced periodontitis, which may be partly mediated via decreased production of IL‐1β.
Improved potassium nutrition retrieves phosphorus‐induced decrease in zinc uptake and grain zinc concentration of wheat
Authors: Naeem Asif , Aslam Muhammad , Lodhi Asma
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

The negative effect of soil‐applied phosphorus (P) on zinc (Zn) uptake by plants and its concentration in food grains could be a possible reason for low dietary intake of Zn. Likewise, owing to its critical role in plant tolerance to other abiotic stresses, potassium (K) was thought to retrieve P‐induced decrease in grain Zn concentration of wheat. To test the above hypothesis, the effect of K application (50 mg kg−1 soil) on Zn concentration in shoot/grains and its shoot‐to‐grain translocation was studied in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Galaxy‐2013) under low and optimal supply of both P (10 and 50 mg kg−1) and Zn (0 and 5 mg kg−1).

RESULTS

The response of growth parameters and grain yield to optimal Zn, P and K applications indicated that all nutrients were limiting plant growth at low levels. Irrespective of P level, Zn application at optimal rate increased Zn concentration and uptake by straw and grains of wheat. Contrarily, optimal P application decreased Zn concentration but increased Zn uptake by wheat straw. More specifically, combined application of Zn and P at optimal levels decreased Zn concentration in grains from 43 to 32 mg kg−1 compared with optimal Zn application alone. Potassium application to optimal P‐ and Zn‐supplied plants increased remobilization of pre‐anthesis straw Zn store to grains by 50% and decreased Zn concentration in straw. Consequently, K application along with optimal Zn and P supply to plants completely retrieved P‐induced loss in grain Zn concentration and also increased grain Zn uptake from 891 to 1249 µg per pot without significantly affecting grain yield.

CONCLUSION

The K‐induced increase in grain Zn concentration is attributed to K‐driven higher post‐anthesis Zn uptake and remobilization of pre‐anthesis straw Zn store to grains. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
A novel, simple, economic and effective method for retarding maize tortilla staling
Authors: Alvarez‐Ramirez Jose , Garcia‐Diaz Samuel , Vernon‐Carter Eduardo Jaime , Bello‐Perez Luis Arturo
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Staling of maize tortillas is a major drawback affecting their manufacture, commercialization and consumption. The development of methods that may help retard staling of maize tortillas is an ongoing research topic. In this work, a novel, simple, economic and effective method is proposed, based on adding completely gelatinized nixtamalized maize flour (GMF) dispersion to the basic masa formulation recipe (water, 600 g kg−1; nixtamalized maize flour, 400 g kg−1) in substitution of 50, 100 and 150 g kg−1 of water.

RESULTS

Masa added with GMF showed increased water retention capacity, reduced freezable water content and improved flow and dynamic rheological properties and produced tortillas with decreased firmness. The infrared 1047/1022 cm−1 spectral ratio indicated that a more disordered starch granule arrangement was formed, while enthalpy peaks associated with starch retrogradation decreased. All the above indicators were more pronounced the higher was the GMF content.

CONCLUSION

This work showed that GMF can play the role of a self‐hydrocolloid anti‐staling agent by retarding the retrogradation of maize starch and deterring the loss of water and rheological properties of masa and the increase in undesirable sensory characteristics of tortilla such as increased firmness. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Dynamic effects of biochar concentration and particle size on hydraulic properties of sand
Authors: Trifunovic Branimir , Gonzales Howell B. , Ravi Sujith , Sharratt Brenton S. , Mohanty Sanjay K.
Published: February 2018

Large‐scale application of biochar has been promoted as a strategy for improving soil quality in agricultural and contaminated lands, as biochar has the potential to alter soil physical and biogeochemical properties. Biochar at different concentrations has been shown to have inconsistent effects on soil hydrological properties, yet the cause of the inconsistency is not well understood. To investigate the relative roles of biochar size and concentration, we mixed pure sand with a commercially available biochar varying its concentrations and particle sizes and measured saturated (Ksat) and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity and water‐retention characteristics. An increase in the concentration of fine biochar (<2 mm) consistently decreased Ksat and increased saturated moisture content. In contrast, an increase in the concentration of unsieved (mixture of coarse and fine) biochar up to 5% (by volume) increased Ksat, whereas any further increases in unsieved biochar concentration decreased Ksat. Increase in biochar concentration, irrespective of particle size, consistently decreased the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. Measuring the changes in the characteristics of water‐retention curves of biochar–sand mixtures with biochar particle size, we showed that added biochar can either decrease (clog) or increase pore spaces in the mixture on the basis of the quantity of fine biochar fraction, which in turn could decrease or increase the hydraulic conductivity of the mixture. Thus, biochar concentration and particle size must be taken into consideration to maximize the intended hydrological benefits of biochar amendment.
Tree‐DOM: Dissolved organic matter in throughfall and stemflow
Authors: Van Stan John T. , Stubbins Aron
Published: February 2018

Rainfall onto trees entrains dissolved organic matter (tree‐DOM). Tree‐DOM is then exported down stems in stemflow and through leaves, branches, and gaps as throughfall. We synthesize tree‐DOM literature, presenting trends in and controls of tree‐DOM concentrations, fluxes, and chemistry. Tree‐DOM concentrations are higher in stemflow (7–482 mg‐C L−1) than throughfall (1–61 mg‐C L−1) with both being enriched in DOM compared to rainwater. Per unit area of landscape, trees yield similar amounts of DOM as the streams draining those landscapes, indicating tree‐DOM may provide a quantitatively significant carbon subsidy to stream and soil ecosystems. Tree‐DOM chemistry is indicative of mixed sources likely dominated by organic molecules produced by the trees and supplemented by inputs from epiphytes and atmospheric deposition. Increased research is required to understand the sources of tree‐DOM, the controls on tree‐DOM concentrations and fluxes, and the significance of tree‐DOM to aquatic C cycling.
An expanded study of long‐pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser treatment of basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Ortiz Arisa E. , Anderson R. Rox , DiGiorgio Catherine , Jiang Shang I. Brian , Shafiq Faiza , Avram Mathew M.
Published: February 2018

Background and Objective

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is an indolent form of skin cancer that is rarely life threatening, but can cause significant cosmetic and functional morbidity. Surgical treatments often result in disfiguring scars, while topical therapies frequently result in recurrence. The need for a more effective nonsurgical alternative has led to the investigation of laser treatment of BCC. We have previously conducted a pilot study which showed 100% histologic clearance at high fluences. Treatments were well tolerated with no significant adverse events. The objective of this larger study was to confirm preliminary results that the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser is a safe and effective method for treating non‐facial BCC.

Design

This is an IRB‐approved, prospective, multi‐center study evaluating the safety and efficacy of the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of BCC on the trunk and extremities. Thirty‐three subjects seeking treatment for biopsy‐proven BCC that did not meet the criteria for Mohs surgery were recruited. Subjects on current anticoagulation therapy, or with a history of immunosuppression were excluded. Subjects received one treatment with the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser as follows: 5–6 mm spot, fluence of 125–140 J/cm2 and a pulse duration of 7–10 ms. Standard excision with 5 mm clinical margins was performed at 30 days after laser treatment to evaluate clinical and histologic clearance of BCC. Standardized photographs and adverse assessments were taken at the baseline visit, immediately after laser treatment and on the day of excision.

Results

Thirty‐one subjects completed the study. BCC tumors had a 90% (28 of 31 BCC tumors) histologic clearance rate after one treatment with the long‐pulsed 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser. Treatments were generally well tolerated without any anesthesia. Immediate side effects included edema and erythema. At 1‐month follow‐up, some patients had residual crusting. No significant adverse events occurred.

Conclusion

The 1064 nm long‐pulsed Nd:YAG laser is an alternative for treating non‐facial BCC for those that are poor surgical candidates. Lasers Surg. Med. 50:727–731, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fusing Benzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazole Unit with Thiophene for Constructing Wide‐bandgap High‐performance IDT‐based Polymer Solar Cell Donor Material
Authors: Song Xin , Fan Meijie , Zhang Kaili , Ding Dakang , Chen Weiye , Li Yonghai , Yu Liangmin , Sun Mingliang , Yang Renqiang
Published: February 2018

Benzo[c][1,2,5]oxadiazole (BO) moiety is a strong electron‐withdrawing unit compared to benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole (BT). It is usually introduced as an acceptor to construct narrow band‐gap donor‐acceptor (D‐A) materials. Herein, the π‐extended conjugated moiety dithieno[3′,2′:3,4″;2,3″:5,6]benzo[1,2‐c][1,2,5]oxadiazole (BOT) was adopted as the acceptor moiety to design D‐A polymers. Considering the more extended π‐conjugated molecular system of BOT compared to the BO unit, a narrower optical band‐gap is expected for BOT‐based IDT polymer (PIDT‐BOT). Unexpectedly, the UV‐vis absorption spectra of PIDT‐BOT films display a great hypochromatic shift of about 60 nm compared to a BO‐based analog (PIDT‐BO). The optical band‐gaps of the materials are broadened from 1.63 eV (PIDT‐BO) to 2.00 eV (PIDT‐BOT) accordingly. Although the range of external quantum efficiency (EQE) of PIDT‐BOT‐based polymer solar cell (PSC) devices is not as wide as for PIDT‐BO‐based devices, the EQE response intensities of the PIDT‐BOT based device are evidently high. As a result, PSC devices based on PIDT‐BOT reveal the best power conversion efficiency at 6.08%.
Targeting epithelial to mesenchymal transition in prostate cancer by a novel compound, plectranthoic acid, isolated from Ficus microcarpa
Authors: Akhtar Nosheen , Syed Deeba N. , Lall Rahul K. , Mirza Bushra , Mukhtar Hasan
Published: February 2018

Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a crucial role in prostate cancer (PCa) metastasis. This has led to a surge in the efforts for identification of safer and more effective compounds which can modulate EMT and consequently inhibiting migration and invasion of PCa cells. We reported previously that Plectranthoic acid (PA), a natural compound isolated from the extracts of Ficus microcarpa, has the capability to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in PCa cells. Here, we determined the effects of PA on EMT, migration, and invasion of PCa cells. Inhibition of EMT induced by different mitogens was effectively inhibited by PA treatment with subsequent decrease in migration of PCa cells. Employing a PCa cell culture model of TGF‐β‐induced EMT, we showed that PA has the ability to reverse EMT. PA treatment was associated with induction of epithelial markers and decrease in the expression of mesenchymal markers in PCa cells. Proteomic analysis identified Rac1 as the major cadherin signaling protein modulated with PA treatment. In silico studies indicated that PA docked to the CH domain of NEDD9 protein with an estimated free binding energy of −7.34 Kcal/moL. Our studies revealed significant inhibition of Rac1/NEDD9 pathway in PA treated cells thereby providing a molecular basis of the inhibitory effect of PA on PCa cell migration and invasion. In conclusion, our data suggest that PA should be investigated further as an adjuvant treatment in human PCa cells, given its potential as an anti‐invasive agent.
Relationship between cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and structural brain network properties in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Abbasi Nooshin , Mohajer Bahram , Abbasi Sima , Hasanabadi Payam , Abdolalizadeh Amirhussein , Rajimehr Reza
Published: February 2018

Background: Pathological accumulation of α‐synuclein, amyloid‐β42, and tau proteins in the brain is considered critical for development of various neurodegenerative diseases.

Objectives: We investigated the association between CSF levels of these biomarkers, brain structural connectivity, and the UPDRS in PD.

Methods: Diffusion tensor images and CSF biomarkers (α‐synuclein, amyloid‐β42, total tau, and phosphorylated tau181) from 132 drug‐naïve, nondemented PD patients and 61 healthy controls were obtained from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative database. After network reconstruction of structural connectivity patterns, global interconnectivity measures (including global efficiency, clustering coefficient, and characteristic path length) and local efficiency were calculated. Network properties and CSF biomarkers were compared between PD patients and healthy controls. The association of CSF biomarkers with network properties and UPDRS‐III score was investigated.

Results: Global measures (but not local efficiency) and CSF α‐synuclein were significantly lower in PD patients. Global efficiency and clustering coefficient correlated positively with α‐synuclein, Aβ42, and total tau CSF levels. Furthermore, these CSF biomarkers showed no significant association with the UPDRS‐III score.

Conclusions: This study examined the association of CSF biomarkers that reflect the brain pathology, with structural brain connectivity and UPDRS‐III in PD. Our results revealed an association between the abnormal aggregation of α‐synuclein, Aβ42, and tau proteins and structural connectivity disruption in PD patients. In summary, a combination of structural imaging and measurement of CSF biomarkers provide a better understanding of the pathogenesis of PD. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Yellow Perch Sperm Motility, Cryopreservation, and Viability of Resulting Larvae and Juveniles
Authors: Miller Mackenzie E , Kemski Megan , Grayson John D , Towne Kristen , Dabrowski Konrad
Published: February 2018

The sperm of Yellow Perch Perca flavescens of two different age-classes, age 0 and 3, were cryopreserved using two different cryoprotectants (dimethylsulfoxide [DMSO] and methanol [MetOH]) with two freezing methods (pellet and vial). The viability and quality of the progenies obtained from fertilization with cryopreserved sperm were then examined. The motility of Walleye Sander vitreus sperm was examined following cryopreservation and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, with the aim of using heterologous cryopreserved sperm to inseminate Yellow Perch eggs to ensure gynogenesis. The first experiment compared the motility of fresh sperm and pellet method cryopreserved sperm devoid of salmon seminal plasma. Despite the high motility of fresh sperm—75% and 100%—of males age 0 and 3, respectively, the postthaw motility of seminal plasma devoid cryopreserved sperm was 0%. The second experiment addressed the efficiency of pellet and vial freezing methods with DMSO and MetOH supplemented with salmon seminal plasma. Cryopreserved sperm was thawed and motility measured. Sperm motility was not significantly different between pellet (13.3 ± 10.4%) and vial (10.3 ± 12.9%) methods in the absence of sperm extender; however, sperm motility of the pellet method was further improved (20 ± 8.7%) with the addition of sperm extender after thawing, while motility of the vial method sperm (10 ± 7.1%) was not. Cryopreserved sperm was further evaluated based on fertilization rate and ultimate survival and growth of larvae and juveniles through 14 d posthatch. Effects of UV exposure on fresh and pellet method cryopreserved sperm following UV irradiation were also examined. The motility of control sperm cryopreserved with DMSO and MetOH, and UV-exposed sperm cryopreserved with DMSO decreased from 100% motility before cryopreservation (fresh sperm) to 75% following cryopreservation, while UV-exposed sperm cryopreserved with MetOH decreased from 100% to 50%. This experiment provides significant new data to improve the effectiveness of straightforward cryopreservation techniques for Yellow Perch.
Earthy and Musty Off-Flavor Episodes in Catfish Split-Pond Aquaculture Systems
Authors: Schrader Kevin K , Tucker Craig S , Brown Travis W , Whitis Gregory N
Published: February 2018

The interest and use of variations of partitioned aquaculture systems (PAS) by the catfish farming industry in the southeastern USA continues to grow. Split-pond systems, one type of PAS, are designed to improve the management of dissolved oxygen levels and fish waste products (e.g., ammonia) compared with conventional earthen ponds that have been used for many decades. While recent studies of split-pond systems have focused on design, water flow rates, and management practices, there has not been any assessment of the occurrences and intensities of common “off-flavor” episodes in these split-ponds. For the current study, pond water samples were collected from split-ponds at a commercial fish farm in western Alabama and at a research facility in western Mississippi approximately every 3–4 weeks during the fish grow-out period (May to November) during 2014 and 2015. In addition, fillet samples from hybrid catfish (Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus × Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus) were obtained in late summer and autumn from these same split-ponds. Concentrations of the “earthy” and “musty” off-flavor compounds geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), respectively, in water and fillet samples were determined. Sensory analysis was also performed on catfish fillets collected during 2014. The highest geosmin and MIB concentrations detected in split-pond water during the study were 898 and 22,651 ng/L, respectively. Geosmin and MIB concentrations in split-pond water were often higher in summer and autumn, and concentrations were similar to those reported previously for conventional ponds. The highest geosmin and MIB concentrations detected in fillets during the study were 1,712 and 29,851 ng/kg, respectively. Concentrations of these compounds in fillets and the description and intensities determined via sensory analysis were similar to those reported previously for off-flavor catfish from conventional ponds. Accordingly, catfish farmers using split-ponds can use similar management approaches as those used to mitigate earthy and musty off-flavor problems in catfish raised in conventional ponds (e.g., applications of algicides).
Evaluation of Poultry By-Product Meal as an Alternative to Fish Meal in the Diet of Juvenile Black Sea Bass Reared in a Recirculating Aquaculture System
Authors: Dawson Matthew R , Alam Md Shah , Watanabe Wade O , Carroll Patrick M , Seaton Pamela J
Published: February 2018

A feeding trial was conducted to determine the maximum substitution limits of poultry by-product meal (PBM; 66% crude protein) protein for fish meal (FM; 59% crude protein) protein in the diet of juvenile Black Sea Bass Centropristis striata (family Serranidae). Eight isonitrogenous (44% crude protein) and isolipidic (13% crude lipid) diets were formulated to replace FM protein with PBM protein at 0 (control), 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100% in Black Sea Bass diets. Diets were fed twice daily to triplicate groups of juveniles (initial mean weight = 1.2 g) to apparent satiation for 8 weeks in a recirculating aquaculture system. Final survival was excellent (95–100%) in all diet treatments, with no significant differences. No significant differences in body weight gain (BWG) were observed in fish fed the 40–90% PBM protein diets (1,136–1,357%) compared with the control diet (1,307%). However, BWG of fish fed the 100% PBM protein diet (1,045%) was significantly lower than in the control group. Regression analysis with BWG indicated that PBM protein can replace FM protein in Black Sea Bass diets at levels as high as 81.8%, with no reduction in fish growth performance. For fish fed diets with up to 90% PBM protein, feed conversion (1.08–1.17) and protein efficiency ratios (2.01–2.14) were not significantly different from fish fed a control 100% FM-protein-based diet (0.99 and 2.29, respectively). Apparent digestibility coefficients of dietary protein remained high (81.6–87.0%) under all levels of FM replacement with PBM protein. After the feeding trial, whole body and muscle protein content and the concentrations of whole body n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids showed no significant differences among the treatments at FM protein replacement levels up to 90%. Poultry by-product meal is a promising alternative protein source for sustainable diet development in Black Sea Bass.
Environmental Tax, Polluting Plants’ Strategies and Effectiveness: Evidence from China
Authors: He Pan , Zhang Bing
Published: February 2018

Although environmental taxes have become a popular policy tool, their effectiveness for pollution control and impact on the compliance strategies of agents remains questionable. This research uses a quasi‐experimental design to examine the effectiveness of the Pay for Permit policy, an environmental tax that has been imposed on water pollution emissions in Lake Tai Basin, Jiangsu, China, since 2009. A plant‐level panel dataset from 2007 to 2010 is used for both difference‐in‐differences and difference‐in‐difference‐in‐differences analyses to compare the pollution discharge, pollution abatement, and pollution generation of policy participants and control groups. The results indicate that treated plants reduce their emissions by about 40 percent after two years of the policy implementation. Thus, the policy generated approximately a 7 percent decrease in the industrial chemical oxygen demand emission in the entire Lake Tai Basin based on the emission level of 2007. Pollution is primarily reduced via end‐of‐pipe abatement instead of cleaner production. Our results show the effectiveness of environmental taxes in controlling industrial pollution, and indicate that the tax may not motivate the adoption of innovative techniques in the short term.
The molecular pathology of cancer: from pan‐genomics to post‐genomics
Authors: Huntsman David G , Ladanyi Marc
Published: February 2018

As the cancer genomics of most major cancer types have been comprehensively catalogued over the past decade through a variety of national and international efforts, the delineation of cancer subtypes has been refined, and our understanding of critical cancer drivers and of the potentially targetable vulnerabilities that they create has grown tremendously. The 2018 Annual Review Issue of the Journal of Pathology provides in‐depth assessments of how these pan‐genomic approaches have enabled advances in cancer classification, targeted therapy selection, and assessment of cancer progression, all of which are now genomically informed, using several cancer types as examples. Beyond these areas of by now conventional pan‐genomic tumour analysis, there are also reviews of diverse ‘post‐genomic’ areas, such as the analysis of circulating free tumour DNA in plasma, concurrent germline cancer predisposition profiling in the setting of apparently sporadic cancer, genetic alterations in epigenetic control and DNA repair, proteomics of tumour heterogeneity, computational pathology, and the roles of the cellular stress response and the microbiome in human cancers. As we are able to derive more and more biologically useful information from diverse human biospecimens, these many advances are informing and transforming the practice of cancer pathology. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early hemodynamic changes after fetal aortic stenosis valvuloplasty predict biventricular circulation at birth
Authors: Prosnitz Aaron R. , Drogosz Monika , Marshall Audrey C. , Wilkins‐Haug Louise E. , Benson Carol B. , Sleeper Lynn A. , Tworetzky Wayne , Friedman Kevin G.
Published: February 2018

Objective

To describe the early hemodynamic changes after fetal aortic valvuloplasty (FAV) for evolving hypoplastic left heart syndrome due to mid‐gestational aortic stenosis and to assess whether these early changes predict biventricular (BiV) circulation at neonatal discharge.

Method

We retrospectively reviewed all technically successful FAV cases resulting in live birth between 2000 and 2015 (n = 93, 45% BiV circulation at neonatal discharge). Paired testing methods were used to compare pre‐intervention and post‐intervention measures of left ventricular hemodynamics. Logistic regression was used to determine whether these changes were predictive of post‐natal outcome.

Results

Measures of left heart physiology were markedly abnormal pre‐FAV and improved significantly post‐FAV. No subjects had systolic antegrade transverse aortic arch flow pre‐FAV and 65% of subjects had antegrade flow post‐FAV. The number of subjects with abnormal left‐to‐right patent foramen ovale flow decreased, and the number with biphasic mitral valve inflow increased. The median left ventricular ejection fraction improved after intervention. Amongst the pre‐post changes, gaining partially or exclusively antegrade systolic arch flow was the most significant independent predictor of BiV circulation (OR 9.80 and 19.83, respectively, both P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Technically successful FAV is associated with immediate improvements in left heart physiology that are predictive of BiV circulation at neonatal discharge.